the art of dressing up.

I recently saw this quote from Kate Spade, and I have to say, that I could not agree more. I remember being a little girl, so fascinated by my mom's wardrobe: her shoes, her lipstick, her (now) vintage jewelry and her great outfits. I spent hours in front of the mirror traipsing around in her high heels, bright lipstick smeared all over my mouth and the train of her wedding dress dragging behind me. For a little girl, the act of playing dress up allows for creativity to flow and inspiration to build. As an adult, it's not so much about playing dress up anymore, as it is about the art of dressing up. There is something so fulfilling about finally putting together the perfect outfit. Immaculately accessorizing. Taking a look around your bedroom, clothes scattered everywhere, but knowing you're leaving the apartment looking chic and amazingly pulled together. To me, a great outfit makes for an even greater night, and the confidence you feel is something that can't be bought in any department store.

My parents always encouraged my creativity, and let me dress myself however I wanted. Even in those times when I truly looked ridiculous. I thank them for that now, because although looking back I'm embarrassed at the train wreck that was my fashion sense, I know that by doing that I was able to develop my own personal style at an early age, which has given me the sureness to take risks and push limits today.

I still like playing dress-up. There are few things I look forward to more than walking through the vintage stores in Kensington Market, trying on hats and gloves, and cocktail dresses from days gone by. Not with the intention of purchasing, but with the hope of clinging to that same joy I got from dressing up in my mom's wedding dress when I was a little girl. To me, fashion is one of the most sincere forms of nostalgia, and it never ceases to make me smile.

looking back.

The last few mornings I've woken up in utter disbelief that it's January. 2011 was a great year, but between the whirlwind that is big city living, and the constant stress brought on school I felt that I barely had time to breathe. Now that a new year is upon us, I finally have time to look back on the past year, and reminisce about all the things that made me happy.

- cottage visits, and wine on the dock with my lovely friend.

- a trip to Niagara Falls with my wonderful brother.

-meeting my "niece" for the first time last month.

-not one, but TWO trips to NYC.

-ringing in 2012 with some of my best friends in the world.

If 2012 is even nearly as much fun as 2011, I say bring it on! I have promised myself to slow down a bit this year, to really take things in, to appreciate each day and the people that I spend it with, and mostly, I have promised myself to breathe. This is going to be a very exciting year and I want to make sure I don't miss a beat.

Happy New Year!

the freedom of happy.

Sometimes in the middle of tuition payments, bill payments, and rent cheques, it can feel almost impossible to get ahead and make ends meet. It's times like these, when I turn to the small, intricate things in my life that although often taken for granted, are the things that make me happiest, and in turn cost nothing.

- the sound of hugo purring as he's curled up beside me in the morning.
- laughing until it hurts
- secret crushes
- walking in the rain (added plus, if you have rain boots for puddles).
- dancing all night, and not caring what anyone thinks.
- the way i feel after a yoga class. more collected, open-minded, and able to face the challenges of the day.
- drinking a whole pot of coffee, while lost in a good book.
- talking for hours
- trust
- finishing something you started
- being good to the environment
- recipes that turn out perfectly the first time

baked tofu.

Today I had my first day off in what seems like an eternity, and I used it to finally try out a recipe that I found a few months ago. The combination of peanuts and pineapple offered a wonderful balance of sweet and savoury, and the steamed kale really complimented the nutty astringency. At first, the recipe seemed daunting, and a bit time consuming, but I was pleasantly surprised at the ease in which it all came together. Although the recipe called for both kale and bokchoy, I used only what I had on hand: broccoli and green kale, and was definitely happy with the results. I'm always happy with the discovery of recipes for vegan entrees, so that I can make things a little bit more exciting when my friends come for dinner.

Baked Tofu with Pineapple and Steamed Greens:

2 large bunches of steamed kale and bokchoy
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp old bay seasoning
1 can pineapple rings
1/4 c crushed peanuts or cashews
Extra firm tofu, cut in rectangles
3/4 c pineapple juice
1/4 c tamari (i used gluten-free)
3 Tbsp peanut oil

Mix pineapple juice, vinegar, tamari and peanut oil with the seasoning in a baking dish. Add tofu and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Flip after 10. Sear pineapple rings, and then sautee the greens. Mix together and serve.

freshly baked.

The winter has been a busy one for me trying to balance school work, real work, exercise,and some form of social life (so as not to become a stressed out hermit) and it's been hard to fit in any time for blogging. Or for baking. Now that spring has finally sprung, and the weather is beautiful, I have made a few trips over to Kensington Market to stock up on fresh produce and health food store staples. I'm in the midst of studying for my final exams, but as always, a much needed study (and baking) break was first on my agenda tonight.

I've had the babycakesNYC cookbook for over a year now, but tonight I tried a recipe for the first time. I'm always conscious of baking with the most healthy ingredients; gluten free flours and as little sugar as possible so the recipes in this book never disappoint. Always a huge fan of both cornmeal and ginger, I thought that the addition of fresh peaches to these ginger-corn muffins would be a great way to step up my game.

The muffins turned out so well, and while they baked, the amalgamation of the three distinct flavours flooded my entire condo. I feared they would be time consuming, but in fact they were simple and relatively quick to whip up.



Here's the recipe. I hope you too, can enjoy these muffins which will now be a staple in my recipe box.

Ginger-Peach Corn Muffins:

Roasted Peaches:
4 c sliced peaches, with skin remaining
1/3 c agave nectar
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Muffins:

3/4 c almond milk
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 c quinoa flour
1 c cornmeal
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp xanthan gum
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp ground ginger
1/2 c coconut oil
3/4 agave nectar
1/3 unsweetened applesauce
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a medium bowl, toss together the peaches, agave nectar and lemon juice. Spread peaches evenly and bake on center rack for 20 minutes, or until they are sizzling with carmelized edges.
Let the peaches stand for 30 minutes, or until cool.
Keep the oven temperature the same. Pour the rice milk and apple cider vinegar into a small bowl. Do not stir; set aside to develop "buttermilk". In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients. Then add the agave, coconut oil, vanilla, and applesauce to the dry ingredients. Follow up with the buttermilk mixture and mix gently until the batter is smooth and the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Pour batter into muffin trays and top each with 2-4 slices of carmelized peaches. Bake the muffins for 22 minutes.

I hope that you will enjoy these healthy muffins as much as I do.

sparkle and shine.

I cannot believe how fast 2010 has flown by. Every morning I wake up, one day closer to 2011 and am in awe of the people I have met this year, and the personal growth I have achieved academically, socially and emotionally. Although I have always been a firm believer that New Year’s Eve is overrated, I still always love the notion of dressing up and making some type of party plans. Champagne is a must, as are sexy stilettos, good friends and just enough sparkle to make sure you’re not forgotten as the clock strikes midnight.

Here are a few of my top fashion picks for starting the year off right:

happy new year. by nycbritt featuring crystal jewelry

1. Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in “Dark Side of the Moon”-$18
2. Janis Savitt “Snake Chain and Crystal Necklace”-$2165
3. Vince Sequined Crepe T-Shirt- $295
4. YSL Platform High Heeled Pump- $795
5. Alice + Olivia Sequined Embellished Silk Blend Top- $160
6. Gucci Skinny Leather Pant- $1990
7. Winter Kate “Adalia Bustier Top”- $155
8. Nars Sheer Lipstick in Metallic Raspberry- $22
9. Bobbi Brown “Sparkle Glamour” Eye Quad- $40

it's a nice day, for a white wedding.

I'm not going to lie. Ever since I was a little girl of probably five or six, I have been obsessed with weddings. Some of my favorite movies are Wedding Date, Wedding Planner, Bride Wars and My Best Friend's Wedding. I never miss an episode of TLC's show, "Say Yes to the Dress" and I waste far too much valuable study time searching through page after page of online wedding blogs.
Last week the girls and I had brunch in Yorkville, and while walking by Vera Wang's flagship store, my friend Charmaine and I almost seizured on the street.
Her bridal collection is truly a work of art. With the multiple layers of lace, chiffon and tulle, the dresses truly possess the ability to outshine an entire room. They make a statement without even trying, and the sheer beauty of them could make a bride out of even the harshest wedding critic. Every gown has the possibility to make even the least girliest of women feel like an absolute princess. The downside? The designer pricetag. These masterpieces do not come cheap, and usually not for less than $8-10,000.
You can imagine my delight this week, when I found out that the bridal goddess herself has paired with David's Bridal to create a more affordable line of her famous wedding gowns. The line, titled White by Vera Wang, will also include accessories and bridesmaids dresses, to help make the whole Wang wedding look more accessible to brides with a more modest budget. Each dress in the collection will range in price from $600 to $1400, and will be available in David's Bridal stores in February 2011.

the best things in the world are free.

Now that school is back in full swing, life can get pretty hectic somedays. It's so hard to balance homework, real work and social events while still trying to maintain my sanity. On days when things get really out of control, I need to reflect on the simple, ordinary things that always put me at ease and make me smile. I'm a true believer, that it is often the littlest things that go the longest way.

Here are some of my favourite, simple things:

* turning the radio on just as my favorite song starts playing.
* eating an entire bag of movie theatre popcorn, before the movie even starts.
* finding the perfect pair of shoes, on sale.
* watching a thunderstorm from a covered patio.
* holding hands with someone I love.
* long telephone calls with friends that know you better than anyone.
* road trips with girlfriends, singing at the top of our lungs to songs that we know every word to.
* not coming home until 4 in the morning, and not caring that you have to get up early because you never wanted the night to end.
* dance parties in kitchen with my roommates.

classic kitchens.

Lately, I have been obsessed with houses. Maybe it is because of lack of any real living space in downtown Toronto, or because I am soon moving out of my beautiful townhouse and into a smaller condo, but whatever the reason, I simply cannot get enough of interior design and architecture blogs. I am particularly fond of desiretoinspire.net, which posts gorgeous photographs of different colorschemes, elegant rooms and beautiful homes that I could only dream of owning. I love the way this blog sets up storyboards to create inspiration for designing your own living quarters. I have to say though, that the one room I love most is the kitchen. I think it has something to do with the commaraderie of breaking bread with the ones you love, or the simple art of preparing delcious meals from scratch, but the kitchen is always the first place I look at when walking into a house for the very first time. I can't wait until the day that I own my own home, and can design a kitchen that functions exactly the way I would like it to. With lots of cupboard space, huge windows, convection ovens, and an island countertop for preparing family dinners. I want it to be a place where the whole family can gather and talk about their day. Where I can enjoy an after work glass of wine and unwind, while starting dinner. Where Christmas baking can be done, and dance parties can be had. A place where you can achieve the satisfaction of creating something from nothing. My mom always made home cooking a priority and I hope to someday have the space to do the same for my own family.

Here are a few of the kitchens that inspire me, with photos taken from desiretoinspire.net.

concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

(the Prada flagship store in SoHo. 3 stories of retail heaven).

("If I could find a real-life place that made me feel like Tiffany's, well than I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name").

(The Plaza. I can't afford to stay there, but it reminds me of so many of my favorite movies).

(in front of Babycakes NYC bakery, my new favorite place in the whole world).

(cobblestone streets lined with pubs, perfect for mid-afternoon pick me ups).

I was lucky enough to spend a week in New York City at the end of August, and even after being back in Toronto for a couple of weeks I still cannot stop gushing about how truly alive and wonderful that city is. Every area, whether it be SoHo, Meatpacking District, Greenwich Village, or the Lower East Side, has it's own little sense of community, it's own hidden gems, it own 'locals' that know all the great drinking haunts, the best shops, the most popular restaurants, and where to buy the best cupcake.
This having been my second visit, I was able to forego a lot of the typical tourist attractions, and focus more on experiencing the exciting nightlife the city has to offer. I loved spending days and nights, walking down cobblestone streets, buying jewelry from street vendors, exploring Central Park, and dining al fresco with only the sounds of the city as your soundtrack. It's also so amazing to walk around and see sights from your favorite movies and television shows in person. It really makes New York feel like the most magical place in the world.
The highlight for me was definitely Babycakes NYC bakery in the Lower East Side, where I ate vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free cupcakes, cornbread and cookies without feeling the guilt, or inevitable stomach ache that would accompany baked goods from anywhere else. And of course, seeing the real life Tiffany's that made Audrey Hepburn a star was enough to keep me smiling for days. It's true what they say about New York, dreams can really come true there. It's hard not to love that city, and it's even harder to leave.

savour the flavour.

Now that I'm back to school full-time, I have very little time to prepare healthy meals for myself, and it's safe to say that York offers very little in terms of vegan or gluten-free options. Thursdays are particularly busy days with commuting back and forth between home and school, and attending four different classes, at 2 different campuses so to make it easier on myself, I spent this afternoon baking savoury vegan scones that I can throw in my bag for an easily accessible snack. The cheddar is a gluten-free rice based cheese, which by itself isn't great, but when melted, tastes so similar to regular cheese that you would never know the difference unless I told you. Mixed with the fresh dill, the cheddar gives these scones a sharp, savoury flavour, perfect for complimenting the fall season. I love being able to save myself time and money, without having to sacrifice my health concerns, or ethical beliefs.

Vegan/Gluten-Free Cheddar Dill Scones:

2 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Gluten-Free Baking Flour
8 ounces (1 cup) vegan Rice cheddar flavoured cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup chopped fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold Earth Balance, vegan butter flavoured spread
1/2 cup Almond or Rice milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.

Heat oven to 400°F. Combine all ingredients except Earth Balance, almond milk and applesauce in medium bowl; cut in Earth Balance with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in almond milk and applesauce just until moistened.

Spoon batter into lightly greased muffin tins, or onto a lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

*I adapted this recipe from grouprecipes.com, to make it vegan. Substitute 3/4 cup butter for Earth Balance, 1/2 Half & Half for almond/rice milk, and 2 eggs for applesauce, if you would prefer them not to be vegan.

uncover those ears.

Today I braved the heat, and headed down to Kensington Market to grab some groceries and a new pair of sunglasses. Along the way, I stopped in at this little vintage jewellery store and picked up 5 pairs of vintage earrings for $10. I had the hardest time narrowing it down to only 5 pairs, as there were so many possibilities to choose from, but carrying them home I was very happy about my final choices. I have already worn three out of the five pairs with various outfits and received many compliments on them. I love how something so inexpensive, and so simple can really play up an outfit and add that extra bit of style to an otherwise ordinary ensemble. I have always loved accessorizing, and for as long as I can remember, have loved experimenting with jewellery, especially earrings. I love how big, bright earrings really stand out against my hair, and help off-set my look in a fun way.

Here are the treasures I picked up the other day:

what would audrey do?

Audrey Hepburn once said, "For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone". Beautiful, kind, and fashionable, she always knew the key to looking, feeling and behaving her best. Whether on the big screen as Holly Go-Lightly, or playing herself, a mother, philanthropist, and friend, she used simple pieces and her natural beauty to ensure that she always looked her best. Years after her time, Audrey Hepburn is still remembered, not only as being one of the biggest movie stars, but also as one of the greatest fashion icons the world has seen. Her signature style, is classically elegant, and remains "in fashion" even years after her time. Known mostly for her love of cinched waistlines, ballerina flats, pleated cigarette pants, crisp white linens, and the evolution of the little black dress, Audrey Hepburn has remained a household name for all fashion lovers. Her signature classics prove year after year to be staples in every fashionista's wardrobe, and her simple elegance, and kind nature are truly the greatest trends of all.

Here are simple pieces to add to your own wardrobe to make you look just a little bit more, 'Audrey':

audzie by nycbritt featuring Jimmy Choo shoes

1. BDG Twill Grazer Cigarette Pant, Urban Outfitters- $51.
2. Women's Classic White Button Front Shirt, Old Navy- $19.99
3. Pearl Bib Necklace, Lanvin- $825.
4. 'Whirl' Ballerina Flats, Jimmy Choo-$375.
5. Puff Hem Dress, D&G- $1,160.

one hundred little reasons to smile.

*image courtesy of weddingplanner.co.uk.

I just realized that my last post, "autumn daze", was actually the 100th post I've made on this little blog. It started off as something that I never intended on having anyone read, mostly because of my own fears and insecurities, but now that I've gotten more confident as a writer, if someone asks, I am happy to give them the link, and let them in on my own little world. To be honest, I don't care if anyone ever reads it. I simply love having a place to channel my thoughts, a place to express my opinions and share my passions of writing and fashion with whomever will listen. With every post, comes a new sense of pride, accomplishment and a feeling that I am one step closer to achieving my goals of becoming a writer. Finding a few minutes, whenever I can to sit and research something and jumble words together to create a post gives me a sense of fulfillment that I don't find from many other things. To me, there are not many feelings greater than seeing your words and your emotions come alive, and having the opportunity to truly speak your mind. It's reassuring to know that you can say whatever you want, however you feel, and no one can ever tell you what to think. It's nice to be able to take the control, even if no one ever sees it but yourself. And if by some lucky chance, someone else does read it, well then, that's just another little reason to smile.

Thanks to all the lovers, dreamers and creators out there for giving me daily inspiration.

autumn daze.

After a few months of intense heat, and far too many hours spent slaving away at a busy restaurant, I become increasingly more ready for fall. The first few weeks of autumn when the leaves change color, and the days are infinitely cooler is without question, my favorite time of year. It's not just the cooler temperatures that make this time of year so enjoyable, but also the addition of such staple pieces like thick, knit sweaters, dark denim, tall leather boots, and long woolen scarves to my wardrobe that make me warm and tingly all over. Year after year, the same styles re-emerge, due to their practicality, simplicity and comfort. Don't get me wrong, I love summer. And i detest the cold, dark months of winter, but autumn is such a lovely transition between the two harsh climates, it's a shame it doesn't stick around longer. I'm saving up for my trip to New York at the end of August and I hope to come back with some over the knee black boots, perfect for stuffing skinny jeans or leggings into, and a thick cable-knit grandpa style sweater that I can wear to and from school as the weather cools. I also love that with the change in temperature, comes a change in colors. Gone are the bright, warm hues of summer and in their place are the cool neutrals such as black, charcoal and beige, a palette that I am always in favour of.

Here are a few pieces that I am dying to add to my wardrobe for fall:

autumn daze. by nycbritt featuring TopShop

1. Unisex Acid Wash Circle Scarf, American Apparel- $35
2. Wide Funnel PU Bomber Jacket, Topshop- $200
3. Long Sleeve Cardigan, Marni- $1,045
4. Cashmere Leggings, Crumpet-$360
5. Mink Angora and Satin Sweater, PREEN LINE- $680
6. Oversized Cotton Blazer, Elizabeth & James- $395
7. Fall 2010 Shoes, Elizabeth & James-$385.
8. Leather A-Line Skirt, Topshop- $125
9. Two Color Leather Satchel, Topshop- $100
10. Eyelet Embellished Flat Leather Boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs- $595
11. Crop With Knotted Tie, Topshop- $32
12. Off the Shoulder Knit Top, Alexander Wang- $350.

to market, to market, we go.

Kensington Market is hands down one of my favorite places in Toronto. Whenever I have a day off from work, that is usually the first place I head to. I love the eclectic mix of people and vendors that the market has to offer, as well as the ability to stock up on the cheapest, freshest produce, spices, holistic remedies and vintage fashion finds all in one place. I buy raw nuts and seeds from a Mexican vendor, fresh vegetables and fruit from a tiny little market on the corner, and $5 knockoff sunglasses from a man that sells hats. I love popping into classic vintage stores such as Courage My Love and Fashion Old & New, and browsing through rack after rack of dresses from througout the decades. I could literally spend hours exploring different coffee shops and stores throughout the bustling market, and I always come home with aching shoulders, due to my overflowing heavy bags of exciting finds.

it's her birthday.

Wishing my beautiful and fabulous friend Courtney, the happiest of birthdays! Wish I could be there to celebrate Carrie and Samantha style but know that, together or apart, I'm always thinking of you! Hope that you ring in your 24th year, surrounded by good friends, loving family, and all the great little things that life has to offer!

Missing you and loving you from the big city! You're the best, birthday girl! Here's to you.

bbq bites.

Last weekend, the roommates and I had people over for a bbq in our backyard to enjoy good company and beautiful summer weather. It was a nice way to spend a Saturday night, and we still managed to party just as hard in the comfort of our own home, without breaking the bank at the bar. One of the things I love the most about summer, is the longing that everyone has to be outside. We spend so much time indoors during the winter months, that come summer everyone is antsy to spend as much time outside as possible.

I had been dying to make homemade veggie burgers after watching Guy's Big Bite on the Food Network almost two years ago, and it was the perfect opportunity to finally try them out.

They were delicious, and nutritious, and everyone ate them up even faster than the beef burgers (which always makes me really happy). They could have used a couple more eggs to hold them together better, but for a first time attempt, I can't complain.

Here is the recipe, taken from Guy Fieri, himself:

VEGGIE BURGERS:

Ingredients
2 ounces olive oil
3 tablespoons diced red onion
2 tablespoons diced black olives
2 tablespoons diced red bell peppers
1 teaspoon diced jalapeno
1 1/2 tablespoons diced garlic
1 tablespoon diced artichoke
4 ounces black beans, drained
4 ounces chickpeas, drained
4 ounces white beans, drained
6 ounces rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
Directions
In a medium saute pan over medium heat, add 1-ounce olive oil and all raw vegetables except beans. Saute until translucent. Remove and cool.

Add veggies to beans and mix thoroughly. Add all dry ingredients along with the egg. Thoroughly mix all ingredients and form into 4 patties, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

In saute pan add 1-ounce olive oil, and cook patties 2 to 3 minutes per side.

ships ahoy.

There is something so classically sophisticated about nautical inspired fashion. From the clean lines to the neutral color palette, it's no wonder that year after year, season after season, designers continue to search for new ways to update this classic trend. Nautical fashion brings something for everyone. Today I purchased a nautical tube dress from Forever 21 for a mere $10.80 and could not be more thrilled with this affordable addition to my wardrobe. I already own a few classic pieces, such as a striped tunic, a Catherine Holstein sailor dress, and a collection of vintage nautical inspired brooches in the shapes of ships and anchors, but with such a timeless elegance I feel like you really can't own too many stripes.

Here are some of my favorite sea-fare inspired pieces:

ahoy mate. by nycbritt featuring white pants

Diane von Furstenberg Striped knitted sweater
$245 - net-a-porter.com
Knit sweaters »

Vince Linen Drawstring Pant in White
$160 - revolveclothing.com
White pants »

Sperry Top-Sider Women's Bahama
$75 - sperrytopsider.com
Sperry »

Pins and Needles High-Waisted Short
$49 - urbanoutfitters.com
Urban shorts »

Shoehorne - Ladies Nautical Black & White Striped Peep-Toe High Heel...
30 GBP - amazon.co.uk
Peep toe shoes »

Knot and Anchor Pendant Necklace
$20 - urbanoutfitters.com
Knot pendant »

Nautical Flat Cosmetic Pouch
$85 - aspinaloflondon.com

butter LONDON '3 Free' Nail Lacquer
$14 - nordstrom.com