Treasure Found : Bee & Clover

www.beeandclovercollection.com

In fashion, there is nothing better than wearing something that you know no one else in the world has. Jackie Morgner is a genius! She has created a jewelry line made up of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces collected over a lifetime. Every necklace I have from her collection I feel like I can't live without! Throw one on with your favorite tee and a blazer and voila..instant cool!

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Stephanie Trotta.

Bargain Couture

www.theoutnet.com

Ever wonder where all of Net-A-Porter's fabulous clothes go after their sale is over? Check out their über chic spawn The Outnet. Set up in the same easy-to-shop way as their parent site, consider The Outnet to be the best outlet you'll ever go to...minus the messy racks!

Check out The Girl Guide's top picks:

1. Phillip Lim silk tank dress - Was: $450 Now: $157.50
2. Alexander McQueenT-shirt - Was: $750 Now: $262
3. Alberta Ferretti silk-chiffon dress - Was: $1,920 Now: $576
4. Missoni gown - Was: $13,215 Now: $3,303
5. Pedro Garcia Jaimie sandals - Was: $440 Now: $176
6. Tapeet denim sandals - Were: $415 Now: $145
7. Chloe lame tweed bow belt - Was: $500 Now: $200
8. Marni sunglasses - Were: $370 Now: $111

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Stephanie Trotta.

Deco Italiano: Missoni Home

Check out the new Missoni Home Collection at net-a-porter! Anyone need a hostess gift?

1. 4 wick candle ($520)
2. Gomitolo candle set ($575)
3. Jamelia towel ($215)
4. Lipki canvas tote ($315)
5. Lobos cushion ($190)
6. Wool throw ($415)

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Stephanie Trotta.

Shop: Tenet

Tenet, Southampton, NY • www.tenetshop.com

While walking around Southampton last week I was lured into a new boutique by a beautiful pair of Isabel Marant pumps they had in the window. Inside, I was so pleasantly surprised to see some of my other favorite brands...Rag & Bone, IRO, and Apolis (if you don't know Apolis (www.apolisglobal.com) click here, they make amazing menswear). What a genius idea...having something other than beach-wear in a beach town! Don't get me wrong, I love a guilty purchase at Calypso, but it was so refreshing to buy something I could bring back to the city and wear this fall. The store was so easy to shop and the "tent" dressing rooms were a pleasant surprise. If you get the chance to stop in, please let them know the girl guide says hi!

Good to know: They first launched Tenet in Aspen, CO

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Stephanie Trotta.

Dessert - Guilt = Zoku Quick Pop Maker

t's weird but I have to say...I'm getting so sick of ice cream this summer! Sometimes you just need something a little more refreshing (especially during a NY heat wave). I love this ice pop maker by Zoku. It's about as easy as making ice cubes. Just pour in your favorite juice, pop it in the freezer, and presto! Refreshing, low calorie dessert. Have kids? Get creative! I love adding a few kiwi slices to mine.

Get it for $49.95

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Stephanie Trotta.

Bar Taco

Port Chester, NY • www.bartaco.com

Less than an hour away from the city and minutes from Greenwich, Port Chester is becoming more and more known for their fabulous restaurants. With lower rents than the rest of Westchester, famous foodies are moving in and opening NYC-esque hotspots like Mario Batali's Tarry Lodge. Recently we went to Port Chester's newest addition, Bar Taco. If you like mexican and are a fan of outdoor seating, you will love this place. Located on a small inlet of the Long Island Sound, it felt like we were at the beach! The service was a bit slow, but the great food and extensive drink menu made up for it. My favorites were the red snapper tacos and the homemade guacamole with tortillas. Yum! If you haven't tried it already Bar Taco should be at the top of your summer to-do list!

Girl Guide Tip: MAKE RESERVATIONS!!!

Photo: Tom McGovern

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Stephanie Trotta.

WISHLIST: JULY

1. G1 Army Jacket ($225)
2. Vanessa Bruno wrap tunic ($204)
3. Rag and Bone Dessert skirt ($495)
4. Antique one of a kind scallop mirror ($9,100)
5. Isabel Marant Dicker boots in taupe (YES I am already thinking Fall but these have been so hard to get my hands on!! - $545ish)
6. Hermes Collier de Chien in etoupe ($1,050)
7. Restoration Hardware preserved boxwood globes ($19-$179)
8. Eugenia Kim Carly rabbit felt hat ($335)
9. Alexander Wang Robyn hobo ($985)
10. Clarkia Scarf ($225)

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Stephanie Trotta.

Tata Harper

www.tataharper.com

I never thought I could be one of those women who wake up with fresh looking skin. There was always something... dark circles, a patch of dry skin, redness, blotches... you name it! Well I think I have truly found the answer. About a month ago I walked into a boutique in Westchester and a girl asked me if I wanted a free facial. I normally decline such requests, but It was raining and I happened to be having a bad day so I thought, "What the hell, maybe this will make me feel better"! After about a week the results were incredible. Tata Harper is a 100% natural and non-toxic premium skin care line, which is produced by Tata herself on her 1,200 acre farm in Vermont. It is proven to improve vitality, foster radiance, and inspire overall well-being. I love the way her products smell... it's like when you eat organic food... you just feel better. Try it and tell us what you think!

Starter Kit ($45)

Includes:
1. Regenerating Cleanser: 7.5ml
2. Hydrating Floral Essence: 10 ml
3. Rejuvenating Serum: 7.5ml
4. Rebuilding Moisturizer: 7.5ml
5. Restorative Eye Crème: 3.5ml
6. Resurfacing Mask: 7.5ml

Photos: David A. Land, figandsage.blogspot.com

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Stephanie Trotta.

From the girlguide recipe book to yours... Grilled Pork Lettuce Wrap

Courtesy of Food Network Magazine

For the Pork:

4 cloves garlic, minced
2 TBL finely chopped fresh lemongrass
2 shallots, finely chopped
1/4 CUP packed light brown sugar
3 TBL tablespoons fish sauce
2 TBL soy sauce
2 TBL vegetable oil, plus more for brushing
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds thin boneless pork chops

For the Sauce and Fixings:

1/2 CUP fresh lime juice
2 TBL fish sauce
3 TBL granulated sugar
Kosher salt
1 TBL grated carrot
1 TSP Asian chile sauce, such as sambal oelek
1 clove garlic, minced
1 head Boston lettuce, leaves separated
1/2 bunch mint
1/2 bunch basil
1/2 bunch cilantro
1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
1 red jalapeno pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 CUP prepared fried shallots, scallions or onions
1 bag Asian shrimp chips


Prepare the pork: 
Mash the garlic into a paste with the flat side of a knife. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the lemongrass,shallots, brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add thepork and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

Make the sauce:
Whisk the lime juice, fish sauce, granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Stir in thecarrot, chile sauce and garlic.

Preheat a grill to high. Brush the grill with vegetable oil. Remove the pork from the marinade and grill until well marked, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then cut into strips. Arrange thepork and lettuce on a platter; set out the herbs, cucumber, jalapeno and fried shallots for fixings. Assemble the lettuce wraps and serve with the carrot sauce and shrimp chips.

Photograph by Con Poulos

Posted on July 3, 2011 by Stephanie Trotta.

Greige Design

www.greigedesign.blogspot.com

Christina Fluegge, interior decorator and founder of the uber popular site Greige Design, says she founded her blog as a way to communicate with other designers around the country during what she calls a period of slow down. I have to admit, I've used Christina's site for inspiration on a number of occasions, including picking out the perfect grey color for our bedroom (see photo below). Whether it's a bookcase in a library, or the gardens at Versailles, her blog is inspiring and reminds us daily of the beauties hidden all around us. Love the blog? Check out Christina's online store at www.shopgreige.com!


Posted on June 30, 2011 by Stephanie Trotta.

In your Bag - 4th of July in Martha's Vineyard

1. Undrest Liberty-print mini dress ($245)
2. Rosamosario Lara's Flower swimsuit ($380)
3. Top Shop natural cut-out floppy hat ($44)
4. Notify Coquelicot stetch-denim jacket ($280)
5. Seven for All Mankind shorts ($86)
6. Skeppschult Ladies Nature Bicycle
7. Adam lace camisole ($94)
8. Muse Group Espadrille ($19)
9. Alex Monroe Charm Bracelet ($535)
10. Coach Classics small leather bag ($300)
11. Swedish Hasbeens Super High leather clog sandal ($230)

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Stephanie Trotta.