Throwback Thursday & Friday Fun: Little Italy at Home

I grew up with lovers of international food.  My dad, whose family was one of the wealthiest 1% in Korea prior to moving to the states in the 1970s, indulged in delicacies very few could imagine eating at that time.  My grandpa exposed my mom to American snacks and sweet from an early age, and since then, she has cultivated an immense appreciation for different cuisines.  In fact, our family's comfort food is not rice but mozzarella, basil, homemade pesto, and pasta.  Al dente farfalle smothered in fresh tomato bruschetta takes me back to my childhood and teen years when I'd immediately brighten up after eating a spoonful during lunch at school.  Cooped up in the newspaper room, fixing up layouts and editing articles and finishing homework after pulling all-nighters for my other classes, I'd scoop the cold pasta my mom packed for lunch into my mouth.  I was stressed and maybe even frustrated with my staff, but the warmth and love encapsulated in the seemingly small bite cheered me up.  

An Italian at heart, as I always say, I can rarely decline the perfect combination of warmly toasted slice of wheat bread, homemade pesto, fresh buffalo mozzarella, roman tomato, and basil either.  That is unfortunately my guilty pleasure.  It was never the cakes, pies, or chocolate that swayed me.  It was the magical herb, cheese, and olive oil; they elevated the rather banal bread and red fruit/tomato to a whole new level.  

I love living in Little Italy at home, albeit not an exact replicate of the real Italy.  But it doesn't hurt to use our imagination, so ladies, lovers, gentlemen... treat yourself to a night out in Italy on this grand Friday evening.

INGREDIENTS
Buffalo mozzarella, farfalle, fresh tomato bruschetta, sea salt (boil farfalle in sea salt), pesto, tomato, basil, sourdough/bagel/baguette

Buonanotte! 
pristine christine 

Friday Fashion: Fall-in' Back with Graphics

Top (left to right): 'Horsing Around' J.Crew Sweater; TIBI Lady Liberty Sweater; Burberry Brit Dog-Intarsia Sweater Bottom (left to right): Max&Co. Sambuco Wool Sweater; Autumn Cashmere Pow-Intarsia Sweater; Milly Kiss-Intarsia Sweater

Don't be afraid to reveal the inner-child in you this Fall.  Trends for patterns and prints vary every season, but we inevitably still see them on the runway to a certain degree.  Graphic sweaters and tees?  Not so much.  While designers display them from time to time, it's rare for a wave of highly revered ones to be so forthright about them.  However, I've noticed that from the collections of Stella McCartney to Max and Co. to Burberry, graphics are 'fall'-ing in style.  The sweaters above are some of my favorites, and if you know me, when I shop, versatility ranks at the top of my priorities.  You can easily throw on a cardigan vest or blazer with these sweaters in mild weather or grab a warm, puffy vest on colder days.  From slipping on a pair of classic denim jeans to flaunting a bit of skin with cute skirts, you won't have to stress about searching for the "right" bottom.

Obviously, we can't always splurge on luxurious items, so if you're more of a trend-follower who discards an item after the trend dies or prefer cute vintage looks, then you might to check out one of the following: 1. Wildfox (wildfoxcouture.com) 2. Topshop (us.topshop.com) 3. Junkfood Clothing (junkfoodclothing.com) 4. Kensie (http://kensie.com/sportswear)

TGIF, everyone!  I still can't believe that it's Friday.  Labor Day Weekend has already arrived.  Last Labor Day, our family went to The Taste (food festival) thanks to the free tickets I received from PBS during my internship there.  Since we hosted a BBQ about 3 weeks ago, our family's planning on taking it easy and going out for brunch by the beach.  If you have any exciting plans, do share!

Love, Pristine Christine

Throwback Thursdays + Friday Fashion: Bringing Back Time

1. Chocolate covered frozen bananas; 2. The Bicycle Thief; 3. The Twilight Zone; 4. Sandro hooded tweet coat

Whoever coined the phrase "Throwback Thursday" deserves a pat on the pack, or maybe even a sweet little reward.  It's quite fun, reflecting on the "yesteryears" or processing the past cultures.  We haven't deviated much from the theme of black and white despite temperamental trends.  Who can forget the classic film The Bicycle Thief?  Or the television series The Twilight Zone? My dad grew up watching it in the states, and I, too, recollect memories of watching episodes at school on rainy days or during holiday parties in middle school.

Sometimes, after a long week, my pajamas and blanket beckon me before 10 o'clock.  In all honesty, I just want to stay home and unwind, and a quality film never fails to help relax those nerves.  Popcorn to go along sounds good, right?  Unsalted, no-butter popcorn has health benefits, but the problem lies in the unfortunate fact that we more often than not overindulge.  Instead, I curb cravings with a sweet, healthy treat: homemade chocolate covered frozen bananas.

1. Peel banana 2. Cut banana in half if longer than 7" 3. Push popsicle sticks down the center of banana(s) 4. In a separate bowl, mix a cocoa almond spread (visit Trader Joe's) and almond butter together. 5.  Coat banana with the mixture or dip it into the bowl. 6. Sprinkle crushed nuts on top if desired. 7. Place bananas on tin foil and freeze them.

Take the frozen bananas out, and say hello to a delicious snack/dessert without worrying about the calories!  This fall, not only will you be on your way towards a healthier lifestyle with modifications such as switching from eating fat-filled ice cream to frozen bananas.  You can also breathe a sight of relief now that slimmin' black has hit runways for the season.

Black, always a classic color, is an essential part of our wardrobes.  As mentioned in previous posts, black is back!  I am always amazed by the endless number of ways in which artists and designers use black and white.  Phillip Lim did an excellent job of doing so for his 2011 Fall collection, so I thought why not spread the inspiration with others?  Check out the video below if curious!

Like I always say, there is no need to splurge on all the latest trends.  Instead, play with the pieces you already have in your closet, and while doing so, don't forget to have fun.  After all, fashion isn't meant to flaunt what you physically possess but to show the world who you are.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtaeSOKcB1s&w=400&h=225]

TGIF, everyone!

Love, Pristine Christine

Throwback Thursday + TGIF (Friday Fashion)

From now on, I'll be writing a writing a Throwback Thursday and Friday Fashion post every Thursday and Friday. Since I'm a little late on the #TBT post this week, I'll be combining #TBT and #FF today.  Let's start off with Throwback Thursday!  Whether you're a mother in her mid-40s/early 50s or a young adult in her early 20s, you will most likely recall threading bracelets with beads.  And hey, remember those beaded animal keychain kits that every kid wanted in elementary school?

Ladies, although beads made a comeback a few years ago, they now bombastically hang against the walls of every department store.  While it is true that beads are "in," let us not purchase every "cute" or "trendy" bracelet in sight.  Rather, adhere to the ABCs: All-matching, Basic, Classic.  My tip is, whenever you gravitate towards a product, ask yourself, "Does this match with something that I have?  Is this something disposable with changing trends?"  Unless it's absolutely beautiful or chic, then take a step back.  Using the ABCs, the type of bead bracelets that I would invest in comes from Marni.  Can you tell I'm a Marni loyalist?  I love the fact that Marni pieces speak.  They make a statement and bring life to your outfit––even to a simple round-neck shirt and a pair of vintage-washed jeans.  Thus, the handcrafted bracelets, completed by a ribbon end, add edge and character.  Marni's twist on color blocking, two-tones, and double-wraps is quite brilliant.  From an aerial glance, no one would have guessed that the bracelet is actually two layers! Moreover, the contrast between the translucent yellow and solid black aggrandizes the piece's appeal to a new level.

Another favorite wrist piece from Marni is a cocktail party approach to beads.  The wood-carved flowers and decorated stones are essentially the "beads" and scream, "Chic! Pop! Stare at me!"  The signature slik ribbon appears here, too.  Marni accessories normally average around $400 when they're not on sale.  You can either hold your breaths until sale season rolls around or close your eyes and lay out the money for one of them. OR if you're a talented shopper, visit some vintage/antique boutiques and browse for something similar.

Now, granted that today is Friday (TGIF, anyone?), you may or may not be going out with your loved one(s) or friends tonight.  Regardless, when Friday come around, again, you can think of Friday Fashion's post about neon.  Have some fun with neon colors and faux crystals! Just because fashionistas don some funky neon pants or shirts does not mean you have to comply with such ostentatiousness. Be different and focus on your wrists with the hipness below.  *Note: I am not associated with the Etsy seller in any way.*

Speaking of neon and throwbacks, Korean pop group Koyote recently returned to the music scene with the song "Hollywood."  Disco balls, fanny packs, side ponytails... their music video has everything.  Enjoy your Friday, everyone!  As for me, I'll be relaxing until tomorrow's baseball game outing with the fambam.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tjAuB9NDy0&w=560&h=315]