A NATTY NUGGET: Friday Refreshment II

Cheers to another refreshingly chic cocktail suggestion, courtesy of my friend and nutritionista  Megan Zimak!  I suggest wearing something fresh yet sultry while sipping on this summertime delight - think breezy fabrics and plunging necklines...

*The “Hydate”: 135 calories

2 oz. organic cucumber vodka
2 1/2 oz. pureed watermelon
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

Place vodka, pureed watermelon, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into martini glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

-NATTY

DEAL OF THE DAY: Final Reductions at Zoe!

STYLE FILE: Casual Cool

STRAW FEDORA: John Varvatos 

BLACK RACERBACK TANK: Ya-Ya

SHREDDED BOYFRIEND JEANS: Banana Republic

LEATHER GLADIATOR SANDALS: Sigerson Morrison

LONG CHAIN STRAP BAG: Vintage Chanel

NECKLACES & RINGS: St. Kilda & Vintage

BRACELETS: Miscellaneous

-NATTY

INSPIRATION STATION: Black, White and Chic All Over

One of the best things about cross continental travel (at least for a fashionphile like myself) is picking up the foreign publications before they hit American newstands.  Last month's Vogue Italia featured a beauty spread so fresh and chic - it immediately caught my eye.  There are several things I adore about this editorial:

1.  How often do you see an editorial spread featuring not just one but TWO stunning black women??  

2.  Love the modern take on old Hollywood glamour 

3.  Fuss-free styling done in a black and white color palette - with crisp shapes and imagery like this, what more do you need?  

Kudos Italian Vogue - for making it seem so simple.

-Natty

DEAL OF THE DAY: Sneaking Up on a SALE...

These crisp and clean Jack Purcell's will look fresh now and take you right into fall...and this classic style will be in your closet for ages.  Regularly $55 - these are a true bargain right now at Need Supply using their extra 30% off sale coupon code, SURPRISE30 !!!  This code works on all sale - so check out some other goodies on the site quick, before it ends.  I mean honestly, that's practically free.

WWW.NEEDSUPPLY.COM

$27

STYLE FILE: Chillin' in Chevron

SILK CHEVRON STRIPED DRESS: Diane Von Furstenberg

LEATHER AND CORK CHUNKY PEEP-TOE SANDALS: Christian Louboutin

CLEAR GLASS RING: Tre

GOLD WATCH: Pierre Cardin

BRIGHT PINK LIPSTICK: Mac, Chatterbox

DEAL OF THE DAY: Stay Current with Current Elliot

Current Elliot is by far and away my fave denim brand of the moment.  Their fabrics are uber soft and their fit is perfection.  These grey, destroyed, skinnies are a must have right now - and at $71 down from $238 - they are a no brainer!  Snatch up a pair from Saks today.

CURRENT ELLIOT - The Skinny jean 

ON SALE AT SAKS $71

-Natty

INSPIRATION STATION: Why I Wuv Wang

ALEXANDER WANG FOR INTERVIEW MAGAZINE
March 2010

video by WILLIAM TOWN
music by SLEIGH BELLS

-NATTY

A NATTY NUGGET: Summer Sale-ing II

THEORY & HELMUT LANG SAMPLE SALE
*Theory samples and slight irregulars only.  Helmut Lang no samples, only slight irregulars.
*Starts 7.19.10
*Blouses  $30, Sweaters  $40, Shorts  $30, Skirts  $30, Pants  $35, Dresses  $45, Blazers  $55,    
 Outerwear  $55
*261 W 36th Street (between 7th & 8th Ave) 2nd Floor

PROENZA SCHOULER SAMPLE SALE
*Spring and resort 2010 shoes and clothing start at $70.
*July 21 & 22. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
*495 Broadway, b/t Broome & Spring Sts., 8th flr. 


VINTAGE SALE AT MAFALDA
*Up to 50 percent off the pristine vintage pieces from Chloé, Ungaro, and more.
*Thru July 31. Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
*360 Atlantic Ave., b/t Hoyt & Bond Sts., Boerum Hill (347-987-3470).


BING BANG SAMPLE SALE
*Anna Sheffield’s rocker-inspired baubles are up to 75 percent off.
*July 27-30. Tues.-Fri., noon-7 p.m.
*153 Lafayette St., b/t Howard & Grand Sts., 4th flr


ZARA
*20% to 50% off the Spanish chain's spring and summer clothing, shoes and accessories

STUART & WRIGHT
*30% to 60% off spring/summer merchandise from designers like Band of Outsiders, Isabel Marant, and Rachel Comey
*Ongoing. Mon—Sat noon—7pm, Sun noon—6pm.
*85 Lafayette Ave between S. Elliot Pl and S. Portland Ave (718-797-0011)

BIRD
*25% to 35% off early spring and summer merchandise from labels like Alexander Wang, Steven Alan, and Rachel Comey
*Ongoing. Mon—Fri noon—8pm, Sat noon—7pm, Sun noon—6pm.
*Cobble Hill: 220 Smith St at corner of Butler Street St (718-797-3774).
*Park Slope: 316 Fifth Ave between 2nd and 3rd Sts (718-768-4940).
*Williamsburg: 203 Grand St between Bedford and Driggs Aves (718-388-1655).

-NATTY

A NATTY NUGGET: Friday Refreshment I

Earlier this week I posted some tips from my friend and nutritionista, Megan Zimak, on watching what you eat during summer's social season.  But sometimes, you just need a cool cocktail to beat the heat.  That's why Megan has passed along some refreshing recipes for guilt-free goodies to wet your whistle.  Look out for a new one every Friday until the heat breaks.  

Today we have a tropical treat - just add a bikini and a big floppy hat -- and enjoy!

Pineapple Vanilla Mojito: 155 calories

1 oz. pineapple chunks
2 lime wedges
1/2 oz. agave nectar
4 mint leaves
1 oz. Papagayo Silver Organic Rum
1/4 oz. Navan vanilla liqueur
2 oz. club soda
1 pineapple wedge 
1 mint sprig 

In a rocks glass, muddle pineapple, limes, agave and mint leaves. Add ice, rum and vanilla liqueur; top with soda. Stir to combine. Garnish with the pineapple wedge and mint sprig.

-NATTY

STYLE FILE: Jump for Joy

Oh how I love a good jumpsuit.  Your basic outfit is done in one piece, just add accessories and VOILA! 

SILK JUMPSUIT: La Rok

LEATHER & STACKED WOOD WEDGES: Chloe

SUEDE & BRASS BELT: Vintage 

LEATHER HORSE-BIT CLUTCH: Gucci

TURQUOISE DROP EARRINGS: Unknown

 -Natty

A NATTY NUGGET: Summer Sale-ing

BARNEYS

Designer sale!

Final markdowns

www.barneys.com

BANANA REPUBLIC

40% off any 2 regular priced items

TODAY ONLY!

Enter code D911KTJ3XVD3 at checkout

www.bananarepublic.com

BLOOMINGDALES
$25 off every $200 you spend
Now through Sunday, ONLINE ONLY
www.bloomingdales.com

NEED SUPPLY
Extra 20% off of sale items
Enter code SURPRISE20 at checkout
www.needsupply.com

SHOP BOP
Extra 20% off sale items for 2 days only
Enter code EXTRA20 at checkout
ENDS TONIGHT!
www.shopbop.com

INTERMIX
Extra 40% off sale items!
IN STORE AND ONLINE
Enter code 40SALE at checkout
www.intermixonline.com

MANOLO BLAHNIK
60% off all spring/summer!
31 W 54TH ST
NEW YORK, NY 10019
212-582-3007


SCOOP
Extra 30% off sale items
IN STORE ONLY
West Village, Soho, Uptown, Hamptons
www.scoopnyc.com

ZOE
60% off spring/summer merchandise
IN STORE AND ONLINE
www.shopzoeonline.com

HAPPY SHOPPING!
-Natty

A NATTY NUGGET: Staying Healthy in the Heat

So it's 103 degrees outside and you can barely bring yourself to lace up your gladiator sandals - let alone put on sneakers and go for a run. In the face of summer's BBQs and burger cook-offs, what can a girl do to avoid a swimsuit spoiling pot belly and thunder thighs??  To find out, I consulted my friend and nutrition expert, Megan Zimak:

Megan's Tips for staying slim yet social this summer:

-Always eat a light but filling snack before heading out to your event—this will help prevent any unnecessary bingeing at BBQ—it’s never cool to be the girl hanging out at the food table all day!

-Chips & salsa are a light and satisfying snack when consumed in moderation—just watch out for the guacamole & “taco dips” as they pack a serious caloric punch!

-If it’s a burger you’re craving, consider choosing it without the bun (& go easy on the ketchup—its loaded with refined sugar), or selecting a veggie burger or grilled chicken when available.  Hot dogs are never a good choice, as they are highly processed & chock-full of dangerous nitrates.

-If salads, crudite, grilled veggies or fresh fruit is available, don’t be afraid to load up!  These foods are rich in antioxidants, low in sugar/fat, high in fiber & especially cooling on hot summer days.  A general rule is to fill up ¾ of your plate with fruits/veggies—most likely you won’t be as hungry for that pasta & potato salad as you thought.

-Try to avoid any “salads” mixed with mayonnaise & always go easy on the dairy (watch out for cheese plates---cheese is highly addictive & contains about 70% saturated fat). 

-If a Mexican fiesta is the theme of evening, some simple suggestions include: choose tacos over fajitas or quesadillas (fajitas are cooked in tons of oil & quesadillas are packed with fatty cheese), opt for your burrito without rice, go easy on the sour cream & guac (choose fresh salsa instead) and always select the “seafood” or vegetarian option if available (ie/ shrimp tacos or veggie burrito). 

-As for cocktails, the obvious choices are light beer, white wine spritzers or a glass of champagne (though that can go down a little too easy in some cases!).  

Megan Zimak

Holistic Health & Lifestyle Consultant 

M: 917.476.3966

E: meganjzimak@gmail.com

W: www.meganzimakwellness.com

Thanks Megan!  Readers - if it’s a mixed drink or “specialty cocktail” that you’re craving, check back later this week for one of Megan's signature summer recipes.

-NATTY

DEAL OF THE DAY: Bloomies Goes for the Gold

While browsing Bloomingdales online sale today, and happened upon some really fantastic accessories at amazing prices.  I felt inspired to share some of my favorites in hopes that someone can benefit from these fun finds!  Hope you enjoy the Deal of the Day ... I would love to know if you end up purchasing anything!

CITRINE BY THE STONES

SET OF 7 BRASS, SQUARE BANGLES

$57.50

BLOOMINGDALES.COM

KARA ROSS 

GOLD AND HEMATITE EARRINGS

$40.50

BLOOMINGDALES.COM

DOLCE VITA

LEATHER AND GOLD ROPE SANDAL

$35

-NATTY

STYLE FILE: Sightseeing in Style

Wandering around Paris 2 weeks ago, I was forced to layer up due to an unexpected cold front.  Luckily I had packed a leather jacket and some leggings to pair with my sundresses, and somehow made the unlikely coupling work.  

(Here's the same dress in warmer weather)

LAMBSKIN LEATHER JACKET: Diane Von Furstenberg

CASHMERE CREWNECK SWEATER: Inhabit

COTTON SUNDRESS: Chelsea Flowers

TIE-DYE SCARF: Zara

ROUND SUNGLASSES: Dolce & Gabanna

LEGGINGS: Zara

BALLET FLATS: Gap

LEATHER, FRINGE CROSS-BODY BAG: Topshop

WHITE GLASS RING: Tre

ROSE GOLD GLADIATOR SANDALS: Zara

-Natty

WORTH THE SPLURGE: Finding Chanel in France

Last week, my boyfriend and I returned from a two week trip to France and Italy.  We started in Paris, went down through the South of France and the Côte d'Azur, then into Florence and finally spent a few days on a farm in Tuscany.  Needless to say - it was divine: the art, the food, the wine...and the shopping.  Since a) I'm on a budget and b) NYC has such excellent fashion - my main goal while in Europe was to look for vintage.  I didn't have much luck in Paris and there was a great selection in Florence - but my pièce de résistance came on a quiet cobblestone street in Antibes, where I uncovered the fashion find of a lifetime: the perfect Chanel bag.  

Upon spotting the bag, I picked up the tiny treasure with disbelief - this was just the size and style I had been lusting after for ages...small and square with an adjustable chain strap that can be made short or worn casually across the body - this particular model is no longer even being made.  Sure, it's a bit worn down and rough around the edges, but that makes it even cooler - and to find it VINTAGE from a boutique in a French seaside town?!  It was too good to be true ... 

Luckily, my boyfriend recognized my bulging eyes as I tightly gripped the quilted lambskin.  While I stuttered to him unintelligibly about my find - N wished me a happy birthday and paid the grinning boutique owner who'd been prattling on about the rareness of finding vintage Chanel anymore (as if I needed any encouragement).  

So, without further ado - here she is, my very first Chanel bag - and one of my all time favorite birthday gifts.

Now I would love to know: What's one of your best vintage finds of all time?  Or one of your favorite birthday gifts?  Post a comment to reply!

-Natty