So Does Estella

Thank you + Happy New Year

2012-01-10T17:23:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year and huge thanks!
We're calling it a night - just for now that is! Thank you for making the Pip & Estella pop-up shop at Brooklyn's Dekalb Market a success. Situated under downtown Brooklyn's skyline, the shop was named one of NYC's best holiday pop-up shops by New York Family Magazine. With a store re-design in the works, and a location announcement coming soon, we look forward to welcoming you back in Spring. Until then, you can find us at Pip & Estella online.

images by so does estella, signage and logo/signage design by jeremy & kathleen

A busy holiday it has been! Fellow bloggers, I've read your blog posts and saw your tweets -- a bit of a juggling act for us all. Getting back in the swing of things with our Photo Series On Enjoying Life, we're headed to the Yucatan Peninsula in search of inspiration, cool wares and SUN!

What's your inspiration for the new year? Family and Friends? A newly discovered blogger? A new venture? Travel?

Stay tuned for the next post on Mexico or catch up visually with Instagram streaming on instagrid. Wishing you a happy and healthy new year!!

xx Sana

Photo Series On Enjoying Life: Part III

2011-10-26T11:44:00.002-04:00

Photography by So Does Estella

A Photo Series On Enjoying Life Part III

First off, thank you so much for all of the love surrounding the Pip & Estella pop-up shop! It has been a true labor of love. Each day I realize just how much I love my job! It gives me the chance to branch out into all of the areas that I truly enjoy.

This Thursday I had the pleasure of teaching a photo styling course at the Textile Arts Center in Manhattan as a part of fellow creative, Karen Young's (Hammocks and High Tea) small business courses. The students were amazingly creative and in turn they inspired me! This is what life is all about.

If you haven't been to the Textile Arts Center in Manhattan, you should definitely add it to your Fall list of things to do. It's a truly amazing space (as evidenced by the installations above) and great place for creative enrichment for disciplines spanning beyond fiber arts.

Will you be taking any classes this season? Or even self- teaching perhaps?

All work, all play

2011-10-03T13:47:00.007-04:00

All Work, All Play

Long time no blog! How is everyone?

As you may have noticed, blog posts have been scarce around these parts as we ramp up to the launch of the Pip & Estella pop-up shop (More to come on that soon, I promise!) and work to meet holiday deadlines with our favorite magazines and new international retail partners.

And because things have been so busy, I had to bring on more hands. Two of those hands belong to Matt which everyone loved from my Station Wagon Conversation post. Not only is he incredibly talented, but we have a lot of fun at play too! Below is a shot of us at the Rue Magazine photo shoot for Old Village Hall in the East Village where we worked on food and floral styling. This actual shoot runs in Rue's Anniversary issue out tomorrow.

photography by jen huang

So, So Does Estella lives on -- just a little quiet as we push through the season's rush. I want to know what you all have been up to! What projects are you working on this Fall?

[Update; Here are more photos from the shoot on Refinery 29.]

Vintage Swim: Pip & Estella and Limegreen Marbled Wood Candles

2011-08-31T09:25:00.005-04:00

I know I've been away for a while but we are working on some exciting things for the Pip & Estella shop! Here's the evidence -- a collaborative line of hand-poured soy wax candles made by Brooklyn artisans, Limegreen with certified organic ingredients and outfitted in Pip & Estella vintage.

I'm super excited to have our candles in Pure Green Magazine, whom I just love -- their mission and their style! Aren't I in great company with these eco picks?! Check out their fall issue! (And find our candle here.) I will be back to post just as soon as I can! See you all soon and thanks so much for all of the lovely comments on prior posts!

xo

Sana

A Photo Series On Enjoying Life Part II: Saugerties Lighthouse

2011-08-16T20:36:00.002-04:00

photography by so does estella

A Photo Series On Enjoying Life Part II: An Evening At Saugerties Lighthouse

I mean really, what's better than fresh preserves and berry bars over a sunset on the Hudson River? Sure there are a few other things in New York, but not many in the dog days of summer. We stopped into our favorite organic bakery, Bread Alone and headed to the lighthouse for a quick dip in the Hudson to escape the heat.

1. Local Strawberry Rhubard from the Hudson Valley

2. Hudson River Bank

3. Saugerties Lighthouse

4. Baked Berry Bar

5. Saugerties Lighthouse Inn

Can you believe it's almost over? I've been busy working on new product for the Pip & Estella online shop as well as details on our upcoming Pop Up Shop in Brooklyn! The last couple of weeks have been a blur, but I'm making sure to slow down time as Saturdays roll around. It's all about balance. :)

How will you spend the last days of summer? In your town? On vacation?

Sana

Dissection Of A Menu: Creperie Beau Monde, Philly Edition

2011-07-20T10:04:00.000-04:00

photography by so does estella

I've fallen off the raw foods wagon and I'm eating cooked foods again, but with good reason -- Creperie Beau Monde! Situated in the Bella Vista neighborhood of South Philadelphia is this gem of gems. For me, it doesn't feel reminiscent of the small crepe stops in Paris, rather my favorite Southern California haunt, Le Creperie. In both places you're eating crepes in a restaurant that is clearly American and not really authentic, but somehow you don't mind it a bit.

Fare: Savory & sweet crepes both do the trick...I can vouch. Wins.

Interior Design: Carefully thought interior and exterior down to every detail. Wins.

Branding: On point. Have a look at their website. Wins.

1. Custom metalwork signage to die for.

2. Chinoiserie style wallpapered panels & crushed velvet drapery.

3. Casual patio perfect for a warm day.

4. Those details that I mentioned!

5. Gorgeous built in's at the bar in a dark finish.

6. Lemon sorbet and nutella dessert crepe.

From top to bottom, Beau Monde wins! It's nice to drive out to Philadelphia from New York on a whim, especially when you know delicious crepes await you.

What creperies do you recommend? And for the entree, sweet or savory?

A Photo Series On Enjoying Life: Part I

2011-07-08T11:29:00.002-04:00

photography by so does estella

A photo series on enjoying life: Part I, The Catskill Mountains

While I'm good at a lot of different random things, I started to realize that I wasn't so good at slowing down to enjoy life. I'd go from design project to design project with virtually no time to reflect and just be. Work essentially made me. I (naively) felt that persevering through huge (stressful) projects and undertaking demanding jobs meant I was successful -- silly, I know.

But recently, I've found a great place...balance. I'm making some exciting moves with the expansion of Pip & Estella and most importantly, I'm having fun doing it -- not forgetting to soak up life's goodness (and life's good vintage) along the way. I have a card in my desk drawer that I pull out every now and then. It says "Love what you do, and it will love you back." Word.

How are you with just "being"? Does it come easy? Has it been tough? I'd love to know!

Acquired Taste: Raphael Saddiq

2011-07-01T09:41:00.004-04:00

photography by so does estella

1. Towards the end of his set.

2. Nice stage design, unexpected for a large outdoor venue like the Williamsburg Waterfront.

3. Drums (wonderful band backing him up.)

4. Raphael Saddiq on the electric Fender Telecaster.

Possibly one of the best feelings ever is getting last minute tickets to a show you would have otherwise purchased months in advance (had you known, that is.) On a dreary Friday evening, Raphael Saddiq had a group of umbrella-toting Brooklynites clapping and swaying by the opening song. And that's saying a lot because ya'll know hipsters don't dance. But this night was an exception as he played tracks from his latest, Stone Rollin'.

What I love about the guy is that he's as talented as a musician as he is a singer and he has soul for days. Pretty rare in modern times, right? While he is of-the-moment, he has years of the good stuff in his arsenal. I'm not saying you should download his new album, I'm saying you should download his whole library if you don't have it. Don't take my word for it...wait...do take my word for it :) , but here's a little something to back me up:

Now who else can do that? If you'll be in Brooklyn this Summer, here's the Williamsburg Waterfront schedule. Also known as the East River State Park, you can now take a ferry from Manhattan. How's that for convenience?

So tell me, have you started out summer with any awesome concerts yet? Have one that you're looking forward to? Keep me in the loop and enjoy holiday weekend!

Dissection Of A Menu: Dough

2011-06-15T12:40:00.001-04:00

If you haven't had lunch yet, you might want to come back later. Fortunately and unfortunately I've discovered a bakery named Dough not too far from my apartment. Judging by my Brooklyn guide to The Best French Toast on Scoop Street and all of the gushing about my Baked book, you'd never know that I am actually pretty careful with my sugar intake but these donuts are godly. Oh, and I'm doing the 6:30 spin class, so I'm not feeling that guilty.

photography by so does estella

On the menu: Donuts, fruit iced tea, coffee & a small selection of dry goods.

Fare: Excellent
Dough is serious. Not just because they're fresh and sweet or any other combination of characteristics donuts should have, but because they've got baking down to a science. The edible amazements come in a slew of unexpected flavors including:

Chocolate & Earl Grey
Hibiscus
Lemon Meringue
Lemon Poppy
Chai Cream
Chocolate Chipotle
Blood Orange

Branding: Wins. Amazing Type & Logo!

Interior Design (as shown above): Wins!! Dough manages to be industrial, yet warm and cozy with a schoolhouse vintage feel.

1. Ivory plaster with contrasting exposed beams and simple signage with brilliant type.
2. A Blood Orange Donut.
3. Fading Sidewalk Chalkboard (illustrates their use of simplicity throughout)
4. The variety.

So the big question--are we eating the brand or whats on the menu? Both! Dough scores in both areas. Have you been? Let me know if you plan to visit.

Vintage Swim: Balconies of Old San Juan

2011-06-06T17:15:00.001-04:00

During the few opportunities I've had to sign in on Twitter, you asked where was I. Summer stay-cation! It was definitely tough to stay away from the blog-o-sphere. Then again, on the island where I spent most of my time, there was only one cafe in town that had wifi, so I guess I wouldn't have had have much of a choice. Let me tell you, I missed you guys and I'm happy to be back.

I would say that it were by accident that I ended up in Old San Juan but nothing happens by accident, right? A big mishap when traveling from Isla de Vieques back home, lead to an extended stay in Old San Juan Puerto Rico...then I fell in love.

photography by so does estella

The colonial architecture of Old San Juan blew me away. And since you can't really call anything that is colonial, vintage, we're going with Antique on this post title. On the trip I met amazing people, I realized that my Spanish verb conjugations need some serious brushing up and I imagined having a cup of coffee with fresh bread on a village balcony every morning during New York's guaranteed-to-be-brutal-again Winter. It might happen.

You know where I'm going with this...if you had to choose just one, which would you go with? As I pose the question, I'm trying to guess which one's I think you all will pick based on what I know of your personalities. :) For me, it's a toss up between #1 and #2. You know the girl has a weakness for the teal! (Oh and for a bonus #1 has a view of Castillo de San Cristóbal, the Spanish Fort.)

Vintage Swin: Reclaimed Materials (& Country Living)

2011-05-09T07:55:00.002-04:00

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about country living, but don't mind me -- this happens every year! I start to daydream about how wonderful it would be like to slow things down a little bit. No, we're not buying a farm, but what's the harm in wanting? For now, let us just admire the simplicity of life in the country and charm of a tin roof, worn wood and beautifully rusted hardware!

photography by so does estella

A couple of years ago, I couldn't help myself so we up and bought a house down south. Huge yard, old barn, and tons of trees. While it was great and we made wonderful new friends, I missed the hustle and bustle of NYC and the beaches of California. Sure, we could have visited those places more, but this was the whole point of having a house away from the city. It was supposed to be our new destination! Today, I'm in Brooklyn -- but with a country state of mind. :)

Photos:
1. Serenbe Georgia, Guest House
2. Serenbe Georgia, Barn
3. Glen Mills Pennsylvania, Cafe
4. Glen Mills Pennsylvania, Potters Shed

Are you a city dweller, who fits right in with apartments, skyscrapers and hurried pedestrians? Or do you prefer the charm of modest country homes built to compliment their landscape and provide a simpler way of life? Both? Somewhere in between?

Vintage Swim: My Baked Book

2011-05-02T08:00:00.002-04:00

Baked Explorations has bumped my other coffee table books to the bottom of the stack. I went to their book signing and I have to say, they were ever so gracious. Nice people always win!

I frequent Baked on the mornings that I'm actually on schedule. While I love their muffins, scones, etc, I also have a weakness for their new book, Baked Explorations. Gorgeous-ness jumps out between text and each desserts haunt you, even after you've turned the page and laid eyes on the next recipe.

photography by so does estella, book photography tina rupp

Now, to seal the deal, photographer, Tina Rupp captures the essence of some of the most delicious, vintage-infused food styling you've ever seen. Some of the shots were styled with decor I have in my home and in the Pip & Estella shop. Isn't it fun when you spot items you have?! Above are a few snapshots documenting my love affair with this book. I hope you enjoyed.

Based on all of your comments on the Wednesday Dissection Of A Menu Series, I know you all love to eat! But do you have a cook book that you swear by? Or, how about one you just drool over?

Par For The Course: Meandering Through The Chelsea Flower Market

2011-04-20T08:00:00.004-04:00

photography by so does estella

I have always been fascinated with flower markets. You forget you are in the city when amongst bushels of tightly packed greenery. Branches dotted with blossoms the color of pink frosting and moss peeking through crates wired shut--I'm just where I want to be.

Unless you have reason to buy wholesale, trips to the flower market usually mark some sort of special occasion. But of course that's no reason to forgo bouquets.

If you're in town and looking for flowers on the go, visit Kat Flower on select weekends at the Brooklyn Flea this Summer. I promise gorgeousness.

When it comes to flower bouquets, do you DIY? Or go for no fuss with pre-arranged bouquets? Ever tackled flowers for a special occasion?

Station Wagon Conversation: Kathleen Shannon

2011-04-18T08:00:00.004-04:00

photography by so does estella

So, as you may know, I didn't blog at all last week. And now, I'm feeling like a guilty parent who missed their child's dance recital. Shucks guys! My apologies. The other part of my life called. The season of the show I work for began last Monday and my schedule is a bit hectic. Thanks for hanging in there with me!) Now on to the good stuff.

The story in pictures
1. Historic Hanson subway sign.

2. The ever-stylish Kathleen in the lobby of the Williamsburgh Savings Building.

3. An outfit too cute to not show you the bottom of.

4. A decorative mailbox from 1875.

Why I love her

She rocks big curly hair like nobody's business.

She's brilliantly creative, confident and going places - my kind of girl.

So the story goes...

Conversing With: Texas born - Oklahoma City resident, Graphic Designer (she designed this blog!) and Blogger, Kathleen Shannon.
Years Acquainted: Less than one but we're still young so we have dozens of years ahead to be friends.
Parked In: Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Her Next Move: Brooklyn Public House around the corner.

Conversation on being a creative with creative siblings

Sana: What was it like growing up with all creative siblings? I'm a little envious... (Her sister Tara is a Creative Director and brother Donny, a Sideshow Performer with his own variety of beer.)

Kathleen: It just turned out that way. We grew up in Norman, OK. As kids we'd watch musicals and movies together like Pink Floyd The Wall...

Sana: Oh, so there was time for your imaginations to run wild.

Kathleen: Yes.

[Brother interjects] Donny: One Summer we watched Dazed & Confused almost everyday.

Sana: [Laughs] Could there be better movie choices?!

For a look at more of Kathleen's work (and style), visit her here.

Acquired Taste: DJ Spooky & Joshua Roman > Radiohead

2011-04-08T08:01:00.003-04:00

Acquired Taste: DJ Spooky & Joshua Roman, "Everything In Its Right Place"
Status: Gave me chills
Discovered via: Alt Summit
What It Tastes Like: Chamomile Tea
Others Agree: Who doesn't?
Can You Get Into It?

DJ Spooky + Joshua Roman » Radiohead from The Voice Project on Vimeo.

A super talented cellist and an iPad controlled by DJ Spooky (Paul Miller) to produce a Radiohead song, it just doesn't get any better than this.

I am embarrassed to say that prior to Alt Summit, I had not heard any of DJ Spooky's music. Pip and I always play the music game, trying to one up each other and this time, Pip won. Not only did he know who DJ Spooky was, he was familiar with his music. Ouch. Oh, but I'm not worried. I will redeem myself!

This week, I want your recommendations. What should add to my weekend playlist? I know you have some good ones...

Par For The Course: Sunshine

2011-04-06T08:00:00.006-04:00

photography by so does estella

This is a shot I snapped inside the Sunshine Cinemas, one of my favorite places to be on a Sunday. Sunshine, I'm still waiting...

I was over at Unstitched yesterday where I said home is where I like to spend my Sundays. When that isn't happening, I opt for a little sunshine indoors. There is rarely a movie at this independent theatre that I don't want to see. Other pluses include yummy vegan cookies at the snack bar and gaze-worthy architecture. (Exposed wood beams that will blow your mind!)

I want to know - what's your favorite way to spend a Sunday? A matinee? The park? Shopping? I know, I know, it's only Wednesday but there is nothing wrong with day dreaming about the weekend ahead. Right?

(Oh! And since today is the first "Par For The Course" post, you may be wondering how I choose my post topics. You can take a look at the schedule here.)

Vintage Swim, Go With The Old: Terrain

2011-04-04T08:00:00.009-04:00

photography by so does estella

For some reason, Vintage just looks good in a garden. It feels as if it belongs, blending into nature with ease. Case and point: Terrain, Urban Outfitters fourth brand which makes the pre-gardening experience even more enjoyable.

1. Vintage crates and wood stakes.
2. Dried Lavender Banner
3. Vintage Ball Jars as Candleholders
4. Vintage Trough At The Outdoor Cafe

After seeing a post about Brooklyn Day on Design Sponge, on a whim, I decided to head out for the day and I'm glad I did. I recommend a day trip to Terrain for anyone in the tri-state area. For others, their website is a great place to shop too. While I only have free reign over the front stoop, there is a ton I can do to gussy up the place. And for the inside, I picked up an old glass terrarium for the current dining room table along with Tillandsia (air plants) for my living room mantle.

So I'm curious... how have you incorporated vintage into your garden/home? Flowers in old bottles? Do you have a green thumb or do you prefer of-the-moment flowers?

Vintage Swim: ABC Carpet & Home

2011-03-28T11:00:00.001-04:00

The Dining Room Dilemma

This past December, we hosted a dinner party for ten at our Brooklyn apartment. It wasn't until then that I began re-thinking my round dining room table purchase. Yes, its white cutout criss-cross legs look great against the unfinished oak bookshelf, but really, I can't say it's the best for parties. On a recent trip to ABC Carpet & Home, I found inspiration and everything but the table...

photography by so does estella

Because we don't entertain here that often, purchasing a permanent large table might not be the best solution either. I must confess that I often steal my favorite tablecloths from Pip & Estella inventory, but still, I envision a well-designed folding table coming to my rescue because there will be occasions where I want the surface to show.

It must be light enough to carry up stairs and narrow enough (when folded) to be stored in the downstairs foyer.

Is your dining area small? Large? How do you accommodate guests for entertaining?

Acquired Taste: Aloe Blacc

2011-03-25T08:00:00.002-04:00

Acquired Taste: Aloe Blacc, "Billie Jean"
Status: Cover of the year
Discovered via: Aloe Blacc first appeared on my radar a few Summers ago through a Sunday afternoon patio party "The Do Over" in Hollywood. We knew him as the emcee and I had no idea until recently that the dude could sing! There were times when he would rhyme on the mic a little but mostly let DJ Haycock do the entertaining.
What It Tastes Like: Top shelf vodka
Others Agree: SF Weekly
Can You Get Into It?

I have never been more thankful for a Friday and this morning I am enjoying Aloe Blacc's soul-drenched album. The glory of covering a song is putting some of your own style into it. I find this to be a perfect example. Parts of the old Billie Jean peek through but by no means is it an imitation.

Hopefully this song will help you ease into the weekend, too. Tell me, what do you think? Are you feeling it as much as me?

Dissection Of A Menu: Berkli Barc

2011-03-22T08:00:00.002-04:00

Dissection Of A Menu

photography by so does estella

On the menu: Butcher Block and Seasonal Sandwiches

Fare: Excellent

Berkli Parc...man oh man. Thank them for the sandwiches made with sprouts and whole grain bread. California cuisine is hard to find on the streets of NYC when you're on the go!

I could live in this cute little eatery. No, really, I could. The interior design melds modern and natural elements you may not expect from a Lower East Side cafe. And really, I am not sure that it can be classified as a cafe because it's so much more.

Branding: Wins. Look at that facade!

Interior Design (as shown above): Wins!! The blend of wood finishes and butcher block style configurations tie into their menu in theme, while glass cake plates with handwritten labels bring on the character. (In case you hadn't made your mind up already.)

1. Delancey Store Front with a minimal lowercase type used for signage.
2. Various pendants adorn the counter while this amazing piece hands above a farm table.
3. Simple stark white branches sit in a tortoise shell vase. (Where can I get one of those?!)
4. Ginger Bread, Apricot Scones, Irish Potato and Brown Sugar Coffee Cake are displayed on the cake plates I went crazy over. I mean, sure, bakeries have them but it's very unexpected in this space which is why I love it.

So the big question. Are we eating the brand or whats on the menu? Both! Berkli Parc scores.

Station Wagon Conversation: Mr. Matt Lucas

2011-03-21T07:00:00.007-04:00

photography by so does estella

The story in pictures
1. Debonair Matt with the classic newsboy cap.

2. Spending a sunny Saturday on West Broadway at a tea bar.

3. A Vintage style Electra bike with stitched leather seat. (Want list!)

4. Matt carries the leather bag I want to steal and sports the pant cuff we speak of (below).

Why I love him
I dig his style: prep gone rugged, occasionally looking back.

He doesn't rub it in when he beats me in kayak races. (This Summer, Matt. You and me in Sunset Beach California for the re-match.)

So the story goes...
Conversing With: Manhattan Born J. Crew Visual Stylist, Matt Lucas
Years Acquainted: 7
Parked In: Soho - NYC
His Next Move: An evening museum wedding

Conversation On The Twentieth Century Pant Cuff

Sana : What trend are you loving this Spring? Tell me. It can be anything fashion related.

Matt : The roll-up pant cuff.

Sana: What makes it the favorite?

Matt: I can show off my man-hoisery. Look (points to his olive green trouser socks.)

Sana: (laughs) Seriously Matt, I knew I could count on you to come through on that question.

Matt: It's true. Women have their fancy stockings and what not. Men need a little bit of something too.

*When Matt's new blog launches in a few weeks, I'll update the link here.

Now, friends, spill it. Will you sport the cuff this season?

Dissection Of A Menu: Red Rooster

2011-03-16T08:00:00.007-04:00

Dissection Of A Menu

photography by so does estella

Fare: Good
Since Red Rooster serves Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch And Dinner, there is little excuse not to visit when in uptown Manhattan.

The first person I saw when I entered was Marcus Samuelsson. It's nice to see a celebrity chef in the mix as opposed to a celebrity chef simply lending out his name...you know that whole branding thing! Which leads me to our next question...

Are we eating the brand or what's on the menu? Both. I have only dined here once so I can't say whether or not the Brunch would hold up on it's own without the amazing interiors, gracious staff and on-point branding but, I will update this post my next time around.

Branding: Wins hands down.

Interior & Design (as shown above): Wins!! Wins!! Wins!! As a vintage fanatic, I felt right at home. The finishes throughout are amazing including striped mosaic floor tile and exquisite lighting.

1. Front Window Signage In A Smooth Retro Feeling Font Above Reclaimed Wood
2. Table For Six Decked Out With Raw Leather Placemats, Industrial Style Seating and A Backdrop Of Vintage Finds
3. Smattering Of Vintage Objects I'd Like To Shop From
4. An Eye-Catching Saturated Red Storefront

How do you feel about the decor? Are there any elements in particular that you are drawn to?

My suggestion for a light brunch before errands: Pumpkin Bread (best ever), Fresh Fruit and a Mimosa.

Vintage Swim: Fans And Florals

2011-03-14T07:00:00.005-04:00

It's official - I have Spring fever. At the start of the season I am always inclined to re-organize my dressing area and bring the color up a notch. I've been inspired by a set of Chinese fans and their beautiful little boxes that once belonged to my mother. Pleats and florals will be recurring themes in my Spring decor at home and in my wardrobe.

photography by so does estella

1. Chinese Fans: Vintage (Try them on a wall or dresser)

2. Hat: Traditional Boater - Topshop, Shopping Bag: Free People

3. Floral Fan Box: Vintage

4. Patterned Fan Boxes: Vintage

Will you add Spring to your wardrobe? Your decor at home? Or both?!

Acquired Taste: Janelle Monae

2011-03-11T11:00:00.001-05:00

Acquired Taste: Janelle Monae, "Tightrope"
Status: My New Anthem
Discovered via: My DJ friend made a mix for Grungecake Crisis Magazine a few years ago. "Sincerely Jane" by Janelle Monae was one of the tracks. I will never forget the day.
What It Tastes Like: Black Coffee, No Sugar
Others Agree: Interview Magazine
Can You Get Into It?

Janelle Monae Feat. Big Boi - Tightrope from Fred Romano on Vimeo.

"You either follow or you lead, yeah
I'm talkin' bout you,
I'll keep on blaming the machine, yeah
I'm talkin' bout it,
T-t-t-talkin' bout it
I can't complain about it
I gotta keep my balance
And just keep dancin on it"

There are times when people will tell you that a dream is impossible. They're wrong. That's when you tell them:

"You can rock or you can leave
Watch me tip without you"

When I started talking about putting time and effort into a re-designed blog (what you see here), I received mixed responses...one of the most common was the idea that there are too many blogs out there.

I just couldn't wrap my head around that school of thought. I see it like this, regardless of what other people are doing, I am going to do what I enjoy and I am going to do it well.

There are two types of people in the world: leaders and followers. We choose what category we fall into. Right?

Now let's tip on 'em!

Dissection Of A Menu: Buttermilk Channel

2011-03-09T08:00:00.026-05:00

Dissection Of A Menu

images by so does estella

Fare: Wins
Aptly named, Buttermilk Channel is and isn't what you'd expect. When I first caught wind of the place through a friend, the name brought to mind huge buckets of waffle mix being poured onto a mega - griddle. Reminiscent of those educational shows we used to watch as children where they gave an inside look at the inner workings of a factory or production mill and we sat there in awe. Yes, kind of like that.

I imagine that what goes on in the kitchen there is pretty similar, considering there is often an hour wait and lots of Brooklynites and their in-town parents waiting to throw down.

Interior & Design (as shown above): Fitting

1. Cornflower Blue Storefront Which Contrasts With Original Red Brick Facade
2. Globe Pendants Flank The Bar
3. Illustrated Menus Resembling The Original Buttermilk Channel Map
4. Window Signage In Classic Font, Backlit by Traditional Sconces

5. Eggs Huntington

6. Full Bar (at noon) (more below...)

photography by so does estella

Branding: Wins

Are we eating the brand or what's on the menu?
Both! If we took away the minimalist New England style decor and cute little menus with cows walking up the channel, this restaurant would still be on my hit list. For starters, the grapefruit wheels with endive are reason enough alone to go and the waffles, they're heaven.

Considering the vision I had about Buttermilk Channel before I actually dined there, I was surprised and delighted when greeted with the menu. A Yellow the tone of buttermilk itself is the ground color with a nice cornflower blue type. Quite comforting.

So, Buttermilk wins!!

Ever dined here? What's the favorite waffle spot in your city?

Station Wagon Conversation: Grace Poon

2011-03-07T06:00:00.135-05:00

photography by so does estella

The story in pictures

1. Historic Hamilton Heights Limestone. Some neighborhoods are grand in architecture and scale. This is one of them.

2. Grace closes up as we walk down the block for a cup of Korean Ginger Tea.

3. Madame Grace Poon herself. (Love the glasses!)

4. Original decorative historical light post.

5. Can't tell you what she just said.

Why I love her

Always on the same page. Always having fun.

So the story goes...

Conversing With: Los Angeles Born Photographer & Stylist, Grace Poon
Years Acquainted: 11
Parked In: Hamilton Heights, Harlem - NYC
Her Next Move: Tokyo, Japan - Spring

Conversation On Leather Shorts & A Yellow Polka Dot Blouse

Sana : I googled you this morning and saw you on a couple of photographers websites. I need to know where you were headed when Facehunter stopped you. Dressed like that!

Grace : It was Fashion Week and I was actually going to my friends house with the intention of going out later. We ended up watching a short film that was so provoking, I was in my head about it and I didn't want to go out anymore so I stayed over and wore the same thing to Telfar's show the next day.

Sana: Well you looked *hot!

Grace: Thank you. I didn't know who he was at the time and I mentioned him to my friend. She said "Girl, you better take the picture." So I did. (laughs)

Grace Poon

@madamegracepoon

Acquired Taste: James Blake

2011-03-04T08:00:00.010-05:00

Acquired Taste: James Blake, "Limit To Your Love"- Feist Cover

Status: Heavy Rotation

Discovered via: YHBHS -You Have Been Here Sometime Blog (Thank you, David!) On Twitter

What It Tastes Like: Sweet British Soul On A Rainy Day

Others Agree: Vogue

Can You Get Into It?

Dissection Of A Menu: Mooncake Foods

2011-03-02T06:00:00.004-05:00

Dissection Of A Menu: Are we eating the brand? Or what's on the menu? Lets find out...

photography by so does estella

These days, many businesses rely on creative marketing and fancy-pants branding for at least some portion of their success. When looking at condos a couple of weeks ago, the developer practically had me hook, line, and sinker just with the marketing materials. The information cards were done by letterpress! A stationery geeks dream. This practice is no different for eateries, so I'm putting my favorite (and new) haunts to the test.

Fare: Wins
Mooncake serves Chinese with a slight Vietnamese influence. Usually I shutter at the word diner but this place is a little different. They avoid fried foods and offer favorites like Wonton Soup with watercress, and Vegetarian Peashoot Dumplings. Need I say more?

Interior & Design (as shown above): Wins

1. Charming Storefront In Rich Rouge Color
2. Vintage Pendant Lamp
3. Framed Vintage Oil Painting
4. Adorable Arrangement Of Color-Grouped Supplies

Branding: Wins

Are we eating the brand or what's on the menu?
Both! Have to say, I dig the red Buddah logo designed to resemble a stamp and their overall illustrated branding.

While Mooncake is casual and quaint, the menu is also pretty extensive for a place of it's size. It's great for lunch near the office or a quick meet up with a friend. Five points for the fresh ginger and brown rice tea!

So, Mooncake wins!!

There are two more NYC locations. Hells Kitchen and Chelsea.

Have you been?

Under Construction

2011-02-20T17:01:00.001-05:00

New blog coming soon...

Archives: House Guest, Kirsten of Simply Grove

2010-03-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Blogger & Interior Decorator, Kirsten of Simply Grove combines high design and function! She gives us a tour of her kitchen for our completed series, Real Small Kitchen.

Kirsten:

Idea: Stations

To keep my kitchen clean and free of clutter, I have created stations throughout. One station is for food prep, the next is for coffee and we also have a toast station because we all love toast.

I also keep everything I need for cooking right next to the stove on top of a cake dish. Things like olive oil, salt and pepper and fresh herbs are always a hands length away.

For Entertaining

I don’t have a large bar area for people to sit and eat, so I purchased small stools from Kartell and I placed them at the end of the island where people always seem to congregate.

Sana:

I spotted the number jar in your kitchen from Anthropologie. I have one too! Unfortunately my kitchens never have had islands or bars because I tend to gravitate to historic homes, so unless I decide to go for a full kitchen renovation (like Mrs. Limestone), I have to prepare meals and carry them into the dining room. Thanks for joining me, Kirsten!

Archives: House Guest, Stefanie Of Brooklyn Limestone

2010-03-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

Guest Blogger Mrs. Limestone of Brooklyn Limestone talks tips for your small-ish kitchen and gives us a look inside hers.

Ready to take notes? I am.

Mrs. Limestone:

I have a confession to make – I don’t really consider my kitchen to be small. Maybe I’ve lived in New York for too long?

While its certainly not huge, its far more space than I’m used to so it feels quite luxurious. That said, I do have some rules to live by when planning your own less than sprawling kitchen:

1. Get rid of unnecessary walls. This room used to be a tiny bedroom – by removing the wall and making this a combo dining room/kitchen, it feels 10x as large. Just having some breathing room makes a world of difference.

2. Build up. In a kitchen you have to maximize every inch and that includes vertical space. A big space between the cabinets and ceiling is a complete waste of storage/display area. It does add to the cabinetry price but if you have a space crunch, you’ll be happy to have the extra room.

3. Zero tolerance for clutter! While my counters get plenty of use while we are cooking or entertaining, its not a place to keep things full time. Aside from the mixer (which is far too heavy to move around), everything else has a place behind closed doors. That includes toasters, coffee makers, whatever. Loading your counter with clutter is a sure way of making it look smaller and less useful.

Sana:

Thank you, Stefanie! Love all five but number three is key! There is one rule (okay, maybe more than one) at our house, de-clutter or else... I will. Old Sc-Fi books from Pip anyone?! (laughs.)