The LDJ

// Ecote jacket / Helmut Lang tee / Zara jeans / Isabel Marant boots / Surface to Air bag // 

Hmm... I'm really a sucker for texture, so whilst visiting the sale rack of Urban Outfitters, I found this funky little denim jacket (eh hem, LDJ for short) with puff sleeves and immediately called it my own. Many have mistaken it as vintage, which I have no problem with. I guess I've been on a little jacket kick because recently I picked up a great spring blazer in a salmon color from Apiece Apart. So glad I've rediscovered the brand, which has some beautiful basics in more grown up silhouettes. I also tried on this dress and really loved how it looked on.  Not sure what  kind of occasion I'd wear it to but tempted to stop into Leap for their trunk show in May to see if they have my size.

Has anyone recently discovered a brand(s) that they love?  If so, do share!

The 5' 11" Syndrome

// Zara linen dot tee / Flying Monkey tuxedo skinny pants / Dimoni fur bag / Ash x Asos suede Bea sneakers // 

These Ash sneakers are seriously the best!  They are so comfortable, and I have somehow found them in a pretty forest green color that brings a subtle pop to my outfits.  I know.  I'm still digging the wedge sneaker because I've realized once I go wedge, it's very hard to go back.  You will rarely find me in high heels, but give me a good wedge and I can wear it all day long.  It's even better when it's hidden in a sneaker because then you have people wondering how you grew in just a matter of weeks.  Sure, being 5'8" has its perks, but being 5'11"... 

DOLCE VITE FOREVER YOUNG // Italian Hot Sipping Chocolate

One of my good friends recently launched her start-up, Dolce Vite, bringing that oh so yummy thick Italian hot chocolate over to the States in addition to other drinks down the line.  The first time I tried it was sampling her products, but apparently this stuff is pretty popular in Italy. I have to preface by saying it tastes nothing like your boxed Nestle hot cocoa. It's thick so you sip or eat it with a demitasse spoon and uses bittersweet chocolate so it's not uber sweet (for those with refined palates!). Besides being tasty, the sippable chocolate has no GMOs, no artificial colors or flavors, no preservatives, and is low in sugar and caffeine.  As you can guess, it makes a great alternative to coffee and a healthier dessert option. Chocolatto is just getting its feet off the ground in New York and is currently available at 11 locations around the city.  Here are some photos of happy drinkers...

To celebrate the launch, artist Jason Castro collaborated with Plutonium paint and graffiti exhibit space, 5 Pointz, to create a custom Dolce Vite car. 

Cute, huh?

Dolce Vite is not just about drinks but also about creating entrepreneurial opportunities for students and recent grads. If you're a go-getter and interested in being a part of this endeavor, you can find more information here. 

I can't wait to drop into one of the New York locations the next time I'm there!  If anyone has tried Chocolatto, let me know what you think!

Textile-Lovin' and Veggie Tales

// Ace & Jig top / Zara jeans and tote / Woman by Common Projects boots / A Merry Mishap necklace //

My Ace & Jig pieces are some of my favorite items in my closet right now.  They're super easy to wear and the gauzy cotton is just gosh darn comfy.  Plus, the designers work one-on-one with weavers in India to create custom textiles for that artisan touch.  I couldn't resist picking up this spring number from Myth + Symbol.  Love the combo of the bright pink dots with the contrasting stripes!  The billowy shape also works well with shorts, which is how I'll be wearing this in the summer.

I haven't been documenting my foray into gardening, but here is a section of my potted plants, which includes herbs, broccoli, lima beans, and cherry tomato.  I'm sad to report the tomato plants have remained the same stumpy size for the past few months.  The other section of my garden has done surprisingly well.  I planted a variety of greens and have made several salads out of them.  I think I've impressed myself by finally growing out of that black thumb stage.  I'm doubly crossing my fingers that the broccoli will start budding.  Fresh broccoli is sooo good!