How To Dress Up A Casual Outfit

Whether you're home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, or anything in between, there are always parties to attend. And often time these occassions come with a last minute invitation. Or worst case scenario, you're traveling and forget something or the airport loses a bag (God forbid!). Whatever the calamity, sometime's we're not always prepared with our finest. Here are a couple of tips on how to dress up a casual outfit:

Accessorize! You'd be amazed what a necklace and a funky ring can do for you. Changing your jewelry can work wonders on glamming up an outfit. A bangle here, a drop earring there, and you may turn bland to bangin. The perfect little bag can also send the message that you're serious about looking fabulous and you want the world to know.

Work that Shoe. Omg. I cannot stress this enough: Shoes can make or break an outfit. And this goes for everyday life, for any occassion. I cannot tell you how many times I've looked a bloke over and he KILLS ME softly with his footwear, Oy. But back to the topic at hand - the attitude you have and the heels you rock can certainly turn a look around. 

Finishing Touches. Don't neglect your face and your hair. It's easy to fall into the same routine but holiday parties are great opportunities to try something new, fresh and fun with your usual styling. Try a new red lip stick or gloss, or that cool faux bob you saw in the magazines. And certainly don't forget a spritz of something yummy. Your scent says a lot about you and can enhance any positively flirty moments at the party. 

• Oversized sweater with leggings: cool chunky belt, hoops, scarf, bag, high boots, pretty sheer gloss


• Sweater dress: cool tights, booties, pretty necklace, studs, bag, pinky gloss


• Jeans: flowy top, cardi/shrug, drop earrings, bag, stilettos, lipstick


• Cropped cargos: cool wedges/chunky shoes, tight T or button up, maybe skinny shiny belt, studs, red lipstick, bag

Pin It

What NOT to do at a Holiday Party

As most of us are eager to climb the corporate ladder, I thought it fitting to share some tips. These tips are for those who are at times socially incapable and naturally uncouth. At this year's holiday party, do not:

DO NOT crash the holiday party of the company you USED to work for

DO NOT battle your CEO or anyone in HR  to a dance-off.
Just let him/her win. Your end of year bonus may be on the  line

DO NOT purchase your holiday exchange gift at the $1 Tree and package in Sak 5th Avenue wrapping

If you become aggressive, a screamer, or any other abnormal behavior when heavily intoxicated, DO NOT drink the punch!!
Stick to fruit juices. One night without a cocktail won't hurt.

DO NOT wear anything resembling Lady GaGa or Nikki Minaj.

DO NOT volunteer to contribute to the menu but mosey on into the event empty handed hours after it begins

DO NOT condescendingly brag and boast about your new position that will being elsewhere right after the new year.
Especially since the job market is still shakey and things can change.

Whatever the outcome of the corporate holiday shindig, what you should DO is have fun...but not TOO much fun. :D You still have to work with these professional once the smoke settles.

Pin It

Let's Toast: Holiday Drink DIY

The year is coming to a close and it's time to raise our glasses to another productive year. The girls and I have loads to celebrate, especially here at Masque. We've come up with our favorite seasonal drinks...that we've been enjoying year round. With these DIY recipes, you'll be full of cheer too. :D Here are my top 5!

It's commonly understood that champagne makes every celebration and holiday very special.  I was recently dining at NYC's China Grill in Midtown, when I savored a cocktail that is now my new #1 fave. The Pink Halo is a divine fusion of champagne, raspberry vodka, and grenadine. The Pink Halo is like an adult "shirley temple". And just like that classic drink, you'll love this one, too.

Pink Halo:
Serves 10
*2 bottles ( 750 mil. ea. ) of champagne (or sparkling wine)
*1 cup raspberry flavored vodka
*Splash of grenadine for the pink hue
*Mix all in large pitcher. Chill
*Serve in champagne glasses

The Christmas Cosmo is a great holiday twist to a bar favorite. Enjoy!

Christmas Cosmo:
*1/2 oz. Cointreau
*1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice
*1 tsp. Lime Juice
*1 oz.  Premium vodka
*Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass
*Float a few frozen cranberries after pouring to garnish

Here's an easy shot that you will love right away. Christmas Cheer is a simple shot with two parts.

Christmas Cheer:
*Fill half the shot glass with eggnog and the other half with peppermint schnapps


Let's shift gears and take a non alcoholic approach to this festive occasion.

Next up is the Cherry Bomb. This involves a little more prep work BUT the end result is delish and can be shared with those friends who do not consume alcohol. A seasonal extra with this recipe is possibly using shaped ice trays to add a little more glee to your event.


Cherry Bomb:
Serves 6
*1 cup of Grenadine
*1 liter clear citrus soda, or seltzer
*Maraschino cherries
*Place 2 cups water in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
*Add grenadine; stir to combine.
*Pour mixture into two ice-cube trays.
*Freeze until solid, 2 hours or overnight.
*Fill six glasses with grenadine ice cubes. Top with soda. Garnish with cherries, and serve.
Hot chocolate is my favorite holiday drink. It's traditional. It's warming (literally and figuratively). And the  best hot chocolate recipes are shared during this time of year: gingerbread, white chocolate, pumpkin spice.... all topped with whipped cream.

I especially love hot chocolate with a hint of mint flavor. Break and smash a couple of candy canes and sprinkle on top of your hot chocolate for the mint effect. Add a candy cane as a stir stick and garnish.

Whatever drink of choice, let's all bring in the new year with cheer and glee. Please drink responsibly friends. Pin It

Holiday Trend Watch: Glitz and Glammy Footwear

The holidays are full of warming family events, corporate parties, and memorable dinners. Why not prepare for all social events with shoes that won't be forgotten and that most women will die for. This season is all about loving and enjoying life...let's do it in glittery style. :)

This beautiful pump from Enzo Angiolini is bellisiomo!! The "Sully" platform pump is a Nordstrom Exclusive and at $89.95, it's a great holiday treat to yourself. If you are a lady that likes to hide her little toesies, there is a closed-toed version called "Smiles", also available at Nordstrom for $94.95.  Both style come in an additional color and are a great add-on to your holiday wardrobe.

Steve Madden brings us the glittery Scandall. At $109.95, you will reap the value of this glamorous Louboutin-esque pump. Currently available in gold glitter and four other solid colors at Steve Madden. Head will definitely turn with envy once you enter a room and you will leave a fashion-forward impression with the Scandall.

If you are daring and love to stand out in the crowd, these high heel, high boots are the answer to your prayers. These over-the-knee sequins boots by Collin Stuart are the cat's meow this holiday season. Available at Victoria's Secret at $149, you'll love how versatile these boots are...where them over denim, a soft sweater dress, leggings, etc. You'll never go wrong!

Now if you want top level glitz, log on to artyce.com, where you can start the process to owning your new, handcrafted favorite shoe. Unique, custom excellence is crafted with this LA based corporation,  Artyce Designs. You pick the color, the heel height, personal detail and the satisfaction of knowing that "who wore it best" will not be played at your holiday shindig, because there will be no doubt!

Pin It

NAIL COLOR OF THE WEEK: Don't Tell Mama

Dark and mysterious, Deborah Lippmann's "Don't Tell Mama" is aptly named.  A sly and moody bluey-green that glistens constantly but pops in the right light, it's a must have for those who love deep colored nails.  It was featured last Holiday season on Live with Regis and Kelly as one of Kelly Ripa's favorite stocking stuffers. It may be a year late but you can still borrow the idea! "Don't Tell Mama" is not a bad idea to gift this coming season, too. Pin It

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Eataly - Manzo Ristorante

If you have not heard the name Mario Batali in the past couple of months, then you have been totally living under a rock and not a food one either. Amongst all his success with restaurants such as Del Posto, BABBO, and Lupa he has added #15 to his list of accomplishments and has recently opened EATALY. Originally housed in Turin, Italy,  Eataly is a 50,000 square feet artisinal Italian food and wine complex that now has a NYC address. This is the mecca of all things Italian. Everything is in this building starting from house ware; cookbooks and imported and domestic Italian products to a central wine bar, a cafe, and retail food counters. Thats not even including 4+ public restaurants(Meat, Fish/Seafood, Pizza/Pasta, Vegetable), a beer garden located on the roof, and the culinary educational center.

I had the chance to dine at one of the 4 restaurants inside EATALY, Manzo Ristorante. The italian steakhouse with seating at the marble topped bar and seating sectioned off for a more intimate dining atmosphere, showcases all things meat....even if its the brains, heart, and tongue.  My dining partner and I sat at the bar, had a glass of wine and dined on the following:

Carpaccio of Tenderlion with Shaved Parmigiano, Lardo and Olio Toscano

Seared Lambs Heart, Sweet Onions, Yogurt, and Mint

Housemade Pasta with Meat Ragu

Fried Quail with Fagiolini and Piemontese Stuffed Peppers

Crispy Polenta

Tiramisu 2 ways

EATALY is truly a must have experience. Even if its just to grab some gelato or just walk around and shop, EATALY is and will be for a long time the hot venture in food.

EATALY
200 5th avenue  (at 23rd street)
New York, N.Y. 10010
www.mariobatali.com Pin It

Cute Cocktail Rings and Bold Brooches

A little piece of jewelry goes a long way. Play coy with a great cocktail ring or a banging brooch. H ere are some examples of great pieces that can help spice up that outfit for your Thankgiving dinner party or to ring in the New Year from some of our favorite places to shop.

Banana Republic

Ginger Bow Ring

This pretty little things is the perfect tie in (pun intended) to the Holiday season! Nothing says presents like a cute bow and if youre wearing it, when then surely youre someone's gift ;) ($25)

Lily Pearl Ring

I thought this was so unique and quietly beautiful - the airiness of and the light gold color is just perfectly pleasant.($29.50)

Cocktail party ring

This ring is for the bolder at heart, with a brazen purpley-red hue, its sure to be noticed. The design is almost like a hand clutching the jewel, so make sure to get your hands on one today! and its on sale... ($49.99) 

Bluefly

Kenneth Jay Lane - lapis resin clustered dome ring

 I love cluster rings and the blue of the lapis resin is to die for. This would jazz up any outfit with a pop of color on the hand. ($70)

Kenneth Jay Lane - amber resin stone cocktail ring

Oversized yet understated, this gorgeous cocktail ring could go with any evening or party outfit. The combination of gold and amber is great for all complexions as well. ($55)  

Soixante Neuf - gold hammered ring ($81) this wide plate ring adds a little toughness to your ensemble; never be afraid to be fierce and gorgeous at the same time. ($81)

Forever21

Rhinestone Embellished Ring 

This cute ring reminds me of a starburst and the clear jewels make it doable with any color scheme and all metal accessories. The expandable band allows for thin and chunky fingers alike to enjoy! ($6.80)

Dangling Rhinestone Ring 

Another great silvery cluster ring but the bonus - its a double ring! A trend that's picking up a lot since last year that I'm obsessed with! Induldge with me. ($3.80)

Rustic Faceted Ring

I love the mix of a large stone and the fine chain detail around it. It comes in two colors (I love the silver but the green really pops too) and its sure to be a crowd pleaser. ($3.80)  

Overstock.com

Sterling Silver Marcasite Purse Pin 

Any gal loves a cute purse and now you can have on more than one! Put these tini little thing on a great blazer or tailored dress for a little extra flair.  ($18.49)

14K Yellow Gold Hand-crafted Shell Cameo Brooch 

A bit of a slurge but one can see why. This gorgeous Victorian brooch is authentically hand carved shell with 14K gold frame. An ideal gift for brooch lovers. ($159.99)

Sterling Silver CZ Calla Lilly Pin 

This sleek pin would go beautifully with a great cocktail dress or evening dress for that special occassion, just to add a little glimmer to the bossom.  ($29.99) 

Etsy.com

Flower Fabric Brooch Pin Black Organza by SerenHandCrafts

For those of you ladies like a more organic looking accessories, this little bud is perfect for you. It will help add just a little something to your bag or blazer. ($14.00) 

Flight of the Travelling Bumblebee Artful Hardware Brooch by COGnitivecreations 

For those of you girls with a some whimsy, this little bug helps your style and your sense of direction! This buggie has a compass in his hind-quarters, for those days you get lost running around the island of Manhattan.  ($45)

The Dancer Brooch by TillyBloom

Cute and silly, any girl you can rock this brooch definitely has a great sense of humor. Wearing this on a night out will ensure you'll always have a companion and it is sure to be a conversation starter. ($22.00)  

Pin It

RESTAURANT REVIEW: The Meatball Shop

I never doubted  the fact that living in New York City you could literally get everything imaginable, even at the earliest in the morning to the latest at night. As I make my way through my daily routine, nothing cesses to amaze me in my hometown of NYC! Even if I have to wait 45 minutes to get into a restaurant that only sells meatballs. Yes, any type of freshly ground homemade meatball you can imagine is housed under one roof at critics highly praised The Meatball Shop located on the Lower East Side of NYC. Yes, the wait was 45 minutes on a friday night, but this is my standing definition of comfort food. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated to pronounce, no fancy atmosphere or snobby wait staff. This is the type of place to come with friends, laugh, drink wine, eat and be merry. Now to the meatballs..there are 7 sections to the menu that you mark off and customize to your liking using the 4 choices of meatballs(Classic Beef, Spicy Pork, Chicken or Vegetable) plus a "special of the day" meatball and then 4 sauces(Classic Tomato, Spicy Meat sauce, Mushroom Gravy and Parmesan Cream) you want your meat balls swimming in!  Along with that, there are side choice options, daily market fresh salads, a wine and beverage menu, and for dessert, homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches!  My dinner option was: Chicken Meatballs in the Parmesan cream sauce; a side of risotto and the daily market salad which was arugula with roasted squash and toasted pumpkin seeds with a sherry vinaigrette. My friend had the meatball BLT with a side of spaghetti in classic tomato sauce. After several rounds of silence between 2 people who always have something to chat about...we had eaten all of our food. And you know food is good when there is complete silence.  On to the ice cream sandwiches! I had the coconut macaroon cookies with chocolate ice cream and the friend had the peanut butter cookies with espresso ice cream. Once again...complete silence... I have nothing but GOOD praise for The Meatball shop and to add to it, this place is a cheap eat too!

The Meatball Shop
84 Stanton Street (btwn Allen and Orchard)
New York, N.Y. 10002
212.982.8895 Pin It

Nail Color of the Week: Day Dreaming

'Don't waaaake me, I'm dreamiinnnnn'....or at least halfway with Milani's DayDreaming.  This foggy grey is the perfect psuedo-neutral for those days when you don't feel like being too bare but don't want a heap of color on your tips. Smooth and creamy, this hue (ordinarily associated with drabness) is pretty and light, despite it's place (or lackthereof)  on the color wheel. Pin It

Laudme or Leave Me Alone

Though Spring/ Summer '11 Fashion Week in NYC is a thing of the past, fashion lives on...and we have your exclusive invite to view a special showcase this week.

Laudme, by Natalie Thompson, will not disappoint your fashion craving you yearn for. "Laudme or Leave Me Alone" by Laudme will be presented this Friday, October 15th at NYC's Club Promenade. "Laudme or Leave Me Alone" will feature rock star glam trends for the current and upcoming season. Hosting a creative collaboration of the old and new, Laudme is a brand to watch and wear. Each piece have a symbolic ode to icons who've made a way for our favorite celebrities today: Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, and more. Don't just take my word for it, see it all for yourself... Come to the FREE fashion show on Friday. Early arrival is suggested.

I'll see you there. :)

Pin It

DevaCurl Set It Free Moisture Lock

Curls, curls, everywhere! And sometimes that is SUPER annoying. Like, super.  For all you curly haired monsters out there, here's a new hairline that caters strictly to US: DevaCurl. One product in particular that I adore is the DevaCurl Set It Free Moisture Lock.  In spray bottle form, this product helps to add moisture, define curls and fight frizz with its lotiony goodness.  Its smells like Skittles (seriously) and actually works wonders; I used this when I was in Miami in August and it really did help to keep my hair from becoming a separate entity. The instructions say to use it wet or dry, which I have, and its great both ways. My personal favorite way to use it is right after washing my hair, as a sort of setting lotion before I braid my hair; once my hair's dry I undo the braids and have nice wavy-curls and use a lil extra to smooth everything out.

DevaCurl has a whole line of products you can check out, as well as their salons which cut and style curly hair, encouraging their clients to embrace their naturally spiraled tresses. With a litter of shampoos, conditioners, styling tools, and tips, you're bound to get something great for the bounce in your locks. Put a little diva in your curls. Pin It

NAIL COLOR OF THE WEEK: Berry Hard

Dark Siren.  That's about all I can say about Essie's Berry Hard. This elegant shade reminds me of a black cherry wine, something deep and sweet.  This is just another example of a truly classic shade and it's done so well.  And there's clearly a naughty undertone here (as made clear by the laquer's name); any girl who rocks this will definitely feel sexy and sultry, confident and strong. Pair with a freakum dress and you're all set.  Rock on, ladies. Pin It

Fall Fashion: Lace It Up!

I'm wearing the latest boots from Tory Burch and noticed a common factor in most footwear this Fall: military inspired laces. Laces are no longer for tennis shoes. With being  a lot more classier to pull off  than velcro straps, laces are making a comeback. :D

The Lace-Up Platform Bootie is definitely versatile without breaking the bank.  Wear them from the Fall thru the Winter - before it gets snowy and slushy out. The fashion forward style by Jessica Simpson is $139 and worth every red cent.

Tory Burch's Halima Suede Bootie is a beaut. The soft suede leather is a great match with skinny jeans, leggings, or a trendy dress. The military inspired boot does not sacrifice "sexy" or "style". At $450, visit Tory Burch to purchase now or to look out for any sales on the way.

If you are not interested in torturing your "dogs" in 4 1/2 inch heels, flat lace up boots are also all the rave. Troopa ($99.95)  by Steve Madden are a great option for you. With being a stylish combat boot, you can't go wrong with the Troopa while wearing jeggings or a frock.

Pin It

WINE 101: Smell, Swirl, Taste!

Is it just me or can a wine list while dining out be a little  intimidating? Even with my daily culinary life, sometimes I just drink what I like whether it pairs with my meal or not or I  just by pass the wine list all together. Wine is delicious and when handled correctly and matched with your meal, can further enhance the dining experience. But where do you start? How do you distinguish one red  from the other red? My MASQUE foodies lets talk wine! I've dug deep in my wine text book to give you a easy wine guide, you can use at your next girls night in, dinner date, and don't forget the holidays are upon us!  Drink up!

WINE GLASSES: The appropriate drinking glasses for specific wines
~Champagne flute-made to keep bubbles, keeping flavor clean with limited oxidation. No swirling needed.
~White wine glass- Glasses, shape, and size varies; allows more oxidation
~Red Wine glass- larger and rounder than all the others, created to swirl  the wine more; made to be able to sip and smell the wine simultaneously

BASIC DEFINITIONS:
Swirling- Moving wine around in the glass using small circular motions. This aerates the wine, bringing out volatile elements.
Smell- Wine should be smelled before and after swiriling, to distinguish characteristics and flavor notes in the wine.
Taste- When tasting wine, move the wine around in your mouth; this warms the wine and causes it to hit more taste buds.
Appearance- Hold wine against a white background at a 45 degree angle to determine the wines true color.

WINE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD; Wine is produced and enjoyed from a various number of locations in the world including:

North America: California; Washington State; New York' Oregon; Canada

Europe: France; Italy; Spain; Portugal; Germany; Australia; Africa; and even Hong Kong

FOOD AND WINE!
~Light-medium bodied dry white wines (i.e.Pouilly-Fume, Sauvignon Blanc)-> Salmon/Tuna; Poultry; Light pasta dishes
~Light-medium bodies off-dry white wines (i.e. Riesling, Gewurztramiener)-> Salmon/Tuna; Poultry; Game birds; Light pasta; Beef/Barbeques; Duck/Goose
~Medium-full bodied dry white wine (i.e. Pinot Gris; Chardonnay)-> Seafood w/ a heavy sauce; salmon/tuna; poultry; game birds;light pasta; hearty pasta; beef/barbeques; duck/goose
~Light-medium bodied dry red wines(i.e. Cotes du Rhone)-> Mild cheeses; light appetizers; pates/dips; hearty pastas; Asian foods; pork; veal; lamb;
~Medium-full bodied dry red wines(i.e Pinot Noir, Merlot)-> Mild cheeses; strong cheeses; hearty pasta; beef/barbeques; game; lamb
~Light-medium bodied Rose wines(i.e White Zinfandel)-> mild cheeses; light appetizers; shrimp; crab/lobster; fruits/desserts
Champagne and Sparkling Wine- Asian foods; mild cheeses; light appetizers

Sources: www.guidetowineglasses.com

Exploring Wine-The Culinary Institute of America's complete Pin It