Moss Wears Galliano

Style Goddess, Kate Moss, married rocker Jamie Hince over the July 4th weekend.  In what appears, from all of the pictures I have seen, to be a very down to earth - English country - wedding...Kate wore a beautiful, vintage-inspired wedding dress and floor length veil designed by her friend, John Galliano.  The dress was cut on the bias with a lovely cream colored bodice and slightly sheer skirt with exquisite gold embroidery in a natural, earthy pattern of leaves.  The groom wore a custom made suit designed by Stefano Pilati for YSL.  Kate's daughter, Lila Grace, (along with the other bridesmaids) wore very sweet, age appropriate dresses by Christine Innamorato for Bonpoint (a favorite for beautiful, luxurious children's clothing!) Enjoy the photos below!  The sophisticated, elegant and always provocative Moss doesn't disappoint, in my opinion.  She looks beautiful, sexy, comfortable and happy!!!  Can you say OBSESSED?  Ha!

rehearsal dinner - kate in vintage...so cool, chic!

mum and daughter

sophisticated, elegant and, of course, a bit provocative...love, love, love the sheer mid-thigh silhouette!

vintage-inspired veil...perfection!

amazing hem detail

bridesmaids wore ivory chiffon dresses embroidered with rosebuds by bonpoint

so sweet!

love this pic!

Summer's Bounty

Last weekend my husband and I took our daughter to Foster's Market in Durham for lunch - Sara Foster has created the ultimate oasis for food lovers like ourselves.  The place was packed both inside and out with friends and family enjoying each others company and conversation.  You can find it all here.  I saw delicious sampler plates from the cold case, casseroles, homemade soups, cookies, homemade, fresh fruit Popsicles, etc.  I, myself, had the Cobb Sandwich which was simply amazing, my husband enjoyed the Cuban sandwich and Kate quite liked the squash bisque.  Our visit reminded me of a favorite, Sara Foster, cookbook, FRESH EVERY DAY, a wonderful resource for the summer months (all year long, really!)  Our visit to Foster's Market has inspired me to make weekly trips to our state farmers market to take advantage of all of the wonderful, local, fresh fruits & vegetables (as well as fresh pastries & fresh bouquets of flowers) that the summer months produce.  I have also included a few additional cookbooks that are on my shelf and one by Gwyneth Paltrow that I will soon be adding to my collection.  While My Father's Daughter is Gwyneth's first cookbook she certainly is not a newbie in the kitchen.  One of my favorite picture cookbooks, Spain, by Mario Batali features Gwyneth Paltrow - the two take you on a culinary road trip, meeting old and new acquaintances along the way.  The book is a true feast for the eyes.  And last but, certainly, not least...what screams summer more than fresh blueberry pie & lobster rolls - YUM!  Lobster Rolls, Blueberry Pie is a gem of a cookbook offering three generations of recipes + stories from summers on the coast of Maine.  I cannot wait to plan my menu for July 4th.  The coast is calling my name!  Happy Wednesday!
Best,
Helen

entertaining

peek inside: my father's daughter

peek inside: my father's daughter, gwyneth cooking with moses and apple

peek inside: my father's daughter cookbook: sweet potato ravioli

from gwyneth's, my father's daughter cookbook: duck ragu

Mortography

Jack Morton has the gift of photography in his genes.  Jack has shot thousands of pictures for WRAL of UNC (his alma mater), Duke & NC State athletics as well as other major sporting events including the US Women's soccer team vs. Japan.  He will also be photographing the upcoming Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow concert at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek in Raleigh - his wide subject range is a testament to his photographic skills.  Jack has expanded his portfolio to include portraits and weddings.  For most weddings and larger events he and his wife Adrienne (also a photographer) get to work side by side capturing a bride and groom's special day and all of the moments and details that make their day unique.  When I decided that I wanted a professional to photograph Kate's baptism I knew I could trust Jack.  I didn't have to worry about capturing that special February morning in photographs because Jack was behind the lens.  His talent is apparent as you can see in the photographs below.  Enjoy and I hope you all have a wonderful week!  If you have a special event and you want beautiful photographs that capture moments in time be sure to contact Jack Morton.

 www.mortography.com

photographs courtesy of jack morton

J.Style Therapy

I first met Jennifer Resnick (personal stylist) at the S/S 2011 Vermillion fashion show in Raleigh.  I was there shooting pictures for the magazine.  Funny enough, I couldn't get my camera to cooperate that morning and I didn't get a single usable image.  I did manage to get Jennifer's card.  When I contacted her several months later and she agreed to sit down with me for my first Q&A I was thrilled.  Jennifer's confidence, natural sense of style and smarts were immediately apparent.  A mental and substance abuse counselor for 15 years - one can only imagine how that part of her career past compliments what she does today.  If you find yourself in need of a little style therapy (or a lot) or perhaps your closet needs some attention contact Jennifer and schedule your consultation today - www.jstyletherapy.com.  I promise you will leave with a smile on your face and feeling inspired!  Here are a few Q&A's from our get together.

HW: Who is your greatest fashion influence?

JR: My mom and my husband.  (Jennifer's mom was a talented seamstress and always encouraged her to follow her own sense of style and her husband who has a very genuine interest in supporting her love and appreciation of the world of fashion).

HW: Do you have any fashion muses?

JR: Yes, my six year old son who designs his own t-shirts.

HW: What are your must haves for Fall?

JR: Maxi dresses & anything pleated for Summer.  For Fall, I am loving all of the polka dots; a retro dress; a silky polka dot blouse and python.

HW: What's your top tried-and-true beauty product?

JR: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in a 4 or 4.5

HW: Describe your style in 5 words or less?

JR: Modern, bohemian with a little bit a classic mixed in.  I love color and I also like to experiment with different looks.

HW: Are you currently reading any good books?

JR: I recently finished Candace Bushnell's One Fifth Avenue,  Light & Funny!

HW:  Where are your favorite places to shop...Local and Out-of-Town?

JR:  I definitely like to support local businesses; like Scott & Molly's for their girly tried-and-true selections www.scoutandmollys.com.  Uniquities for denim www.uniquities.com; Vermillion www.vermillionstyle.com and Nordstrom for their rockin' customer service www.nordstrom.com.

Out-of-Town: Oak Street in Chicago and Kirna Zabete in SOHO for Lanvin, Stella McCartney and Alexander Wang www.kirnazabete.com. 

HW: Sweet or Savory?

JR: Oh, Sweet!  I'm talking hard core sugar.  Gummy bears, gum drops, all that stuff...

HW:  If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why?

JR:  Italy.  My family is from there and it makes me happy to be there.  The people are fantastic!  Also, Playa del Carmen in Mexico - the people there are amazing!

HW: Favorite era?

JR:  late 60's, 70's

HW:  What's your favorite part of your job?

JR:  The moment that a women looks at me and knows that she looks beautiful and that she can be stylish and sexy.

HW:  What is your greatest extravagance?

JR:  It would be a tie between acupuncture & yoga.  Oh, and power naps in a little nook we have recently created in our house.

HW:  Do you have a favorite motto?

JR:  It seems a little cliche to quote Coco Chanel but this quote really does sum it up for me.  It really is so much about the person and little about the clothes.

"Look for the woman in the dress.  If there is no woman, there is no dress." -Coco Chanel 

jennifer resnick of j.style therapy

shopping with a client

Prescription for Comfort

I am clicking my heels together this minute & wishing to be transported to the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Dr. Pitt sofa.  Oceanside locale, of course!  OK, back to reality...at least the weekend is only a few hours away.  Enjoy yours!

Seven pieces.  Twenty three fabric options.  Endless configurations, from massive to mini, to remedy all of your seating ailments.  Pull the pieces together for a slumber party of epic proportions or pull them apart to form a cozy space conducive to cocktails & conversation.  Available locally at Beyond Blue Interiors in Raleigh's North Hills http://www.beyondblueinteriors.com/ or http://www.mgbwhome.com/

mitchell gold + bob williams - dr. pitt sectional sofa - LOVE!!!

dr. pitt - photo courtesy of beyond blue interiors, raleigh, nc

photo courtesy of jeri koegel

Earth Mama

Hi!  I hope all the moms out there had a Happy Mother's Day!  I have missed writing.  We have been on deadline at the magazine and I have also been busy trying to convince my husband to let us get a few chickens.  I have a friend that has 7 chicks that she is willing to give us.  I have been talking about raising some backyard chickens for a year or more and this seemed like a good opportunity to get started.  I think I have convinced my husband...now, I have to find the perfect coop...or rather someone to build the perfect coop.  I came across Catawba Convertible Coops in Wake Forest, NC.  David Bissette has done all of the research for you in his DIY Chicken Coop plans.  You can purchase the plans for $20.  His booklet tells you all you need to know...down to every piece of material (measurements given) that you will need to build your own urban coop.  His plans are very similar to the British elevated backyard coops, which the Brits call an ark.  If you think you might be interested in raising some of your own chickens be sure to check out his fantastic design.  This coop will comfortably hold 4-5 large breed chickens or 6-8 medium size chickens.  Check out the design below and click on the coop to be directed to Catawba Coops website:

catawbacoops.com

chasing chickens

barred rock hen

 

hey, those aren't chickens!

I couldn't resist sharing...In my research, I came across an interesting article and this beautiful chicken "coop", although, I would definitely classify it just as the Crinklaw family has.  Their chickens' home...impressive! 

Jeffrey Crinklaw and Kathryn Tailey-Crinklaw raised their hens from chicks, making sure they held them and stroked them as babies to ensure a brood of tame, people-loving adults.

 

the crinklaw's dressed up their chickens' home with a bright red door and matching mailbox
photo courtesy of kathryn tailey-crinklaw.

"They run and greet you and want to be petted," says Kathryn. "They're very social."
She says no two of their chickens are alike, adding that the eggs from her fluffy-headed Polish chickens are her favorites, while Jeffrey prefers those of their red, buff and black Ameraucanas. "When you start learning chicken stuff, you start collecting."
So far, they've only gotten two roosters by mistake, and they made sure each went to live in "non-eating" homes. (A rooster's sex can be difficult to determine; the most common way is to wait until they're 4 months old, when they start to crow. And if you don't notice, your neighbors certainly will.)
Even without the rooster, there is still a strict pecking order. The Crinklaws' brood goes by seniority, granting the oldest bird -- a tiny Silver Sebright the size of a pigeon -- the honor of "alpha" hen.
"She's totally in charge," says Kathryn. "No one ever messes with her."  

Source: Ruth Mullen, The Oregonian  
Full article:  http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2009/07/chickens_in_portland.html

beautifully, cool!

Anndra Neen's designs strongly stand alone and require no additional introduction here other than just an interesting bit to know about the sisters (actually half sisters) late grandmother, Annette Nancarrow, a sculptor and jewelry designer whose designs were loved by the likes of Peggy Guggenheim, Helena Rubinstein and Frida Kahlo.  The jewelry is simply stunning and includes beautifully, cool necklaces, bracelets, rings and clutches.  I have my eye on a particular piece at VERMILLION - http://www.vermillionstyle.com/.
Mother's Day is Sunday...HINT, HINT!

annette and phoebe stephens wearing anndra neen

anndra neen necklace

anndra neen cuff

michelle obama carrying anndra neen clutch

fresh, local, delicious

In celebration of Cinco De Mayo - one of my favorite holidays (it's up there with Christmas) I thought it very fitting to share with you the story behind Senora Dixie Salsa.  The yummiest salsa you'll ever put in your mouth!  This locally made salsa is home-made using fresh, local, all-natural ingredients, absolutely no preservatives and with the same love and tradition that Dioxana's "Dixie" mother used when she was growing up in Honduras.  The family had a jar on the table at every meal.  You can meet the lovely Dixie personally every Saturday at the North Hills Farmers Market from 8AM-12PM.  She is wonderful ~ always smiling ~ and always has plenty of samples.  Tempt your taste buds with mild, medium and hot varieties and decide for yourself which one you and your family will enjoy the most.  I would highly encourage the purchase of at least 2 or 3 jars - it's addicting and it goes fast...really fast!  If you can't make it to the North Hills Farmer's Market on Saturday you can find Senora Dixie Salsa at NOFO and Harmony Farms in Raleigh as well as A Southern Season in Chapel Hill.  Dixie is also working on product placement at Whole Foods & Harris Teeter so be on the lookout in your grocer's refrigerated section - or better yet put in a request at their customer service desk.
You can also order online - simply click the rooster below:
 

 

senora dixie - fresh, all natural salsa

Tortilla a la Diabla (Devil's Tortilla) is one of Dixie's favorite family recipes:

Senora Dixie Salsa
3 eggs
12 tortillas cut into strips

Tortilla a la Diabla (Devil's Tortilla)

2 tsp. olive oil
8 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
3 scallions, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. chili pepper
Salt + Pepper to taste

Place tortilla strips in a frying pan
Toss with olive oil
Stir until golden brown
Add scallions, tomatoes & fresh cilantro
Stir occasionally for 3 minutes
Add eggs, garlic powder, chili pepper, salt + pepper
Stir until everything is bended and eggs are cooked

This recipe is perfect for breakfast or breakfast for dinner with sour cream - YUM!