Dolce Honolulu

The weather unexpectedly dropped to the high twenties to low thirties the night I arrived in Manhattan.  So when my friend Derek insisted we go to Momofuku for some hot and tasty ramen, he didn’t have to ask me twice.  Momofuku (which means lucky peach) is currently one of the hottest spots in town.  That means that there’s usually a waiting period before you can sit on a crowded table that you share with strangers who all want one thing…NOODLES!

Visit Momofuku at 171 first ave. nyc 10003 (between 10th & 11th).

Be careful it’s HOT!  I love noodlesMomofuku tries to get all their ingredients locally and made when ordered.

I love noodles as you can…or can’tsee!  Everything about the ramen was delicious…from the noodles to the locally grown vegetables.  The broth was a bit salty for me so I had to add some water.  But it was worth the trip.  Thanks Derek!

Derek and I just finished with our lunch.  Boy were we stuffed.  Now it was time to pay a visit to SOHO and do some shopping…

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I’ve always tried to be environmentally friendly – bringing my own shopping bag, buying recycled products, or politely informing others that they just littered.  What’s most effective for me is to bring my own shopping bag wherever I go – grocery store, the open market, or most importantly..while SHOPPING!  DOLCE wants you to be more environmentally friendly to help Mother Earth by purchasing your very own RuMe bags (just seen in People’s June/July 2009 edition of Style Watch).  RuMe bags are the newest “no-waste” trend to explode this summer!  This eco-friendly bag is the best on the market today..Yup, so TRUE!  The Original RuMe can hold up to 50lbs and the Mini RuMe can hold up to 30lbs!

Regular RuMe $15…this one can hold up to 50 lbs!

These bags are great for traveling too!  These bags roll up and have a velcro strap closure. And you don’t have to fret.  These bags are so STYLISH!  You can find them in many different colors and graphics.  Which one do you want?

Mini RuMe $12.50…this one holds 30 lbs!

Even better…this bag is machine washable.  

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I have a room full of sweaters – you name it I got it.  I’ve got multiples of hoodies, cardigans, over coat style, and sweatshirts.  I love to nestle in a cozy type of hoodie for an evening stroll at the beach or when I’m heading to the movies.  One of my favorite summer hoodie is made by Gypsy 05.  Gypsy has created a collection of sweatshirts made from organic fabrics used with low impact dyes and water based printing as part of their mission in environmental awareness.  It’s light enough to wear throughout the year and ultra soft that you don’t want to take it off.  Slip one on and you’ll know what I mean!

Here’s a style that screams ‘fashion.’  Inspired by the 70′s, the signature off-the-shoulder sweatshirt will surely turn heads.  It has a slightly looser fit yet feminine for every woman.  Pair with your favorite jeans or shorts for the summer.

Available in charcoal gray ($130)

I just LOVE the back and sleeve.  

‘LOVE’ zip hoodie available in navy and vintage red ($140)

The colorful graphic of the bird holding the olive branch expresses Gypsy’s nature inspired theme.   A must-have for your wardrobe!

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A friend of mine gave me my very first bag of Tate’s cookies five years ago.  I couldn’t believe it!  I devoured the entire bag by the end of the day.  These cookies are famous for their signature, crispy texture but soft and chewy on the inside.  Let me warn you that they’re quite addicting.  From that day on, eating a bag of Tate’s Chocolate Chip Cookies became a tradition when I’m in the Hamptons! 

The Victorian style bakery is located in Southampton.   But if you can’t make it there are other locations you can buy them from.

A cookie lovers dream..from white chocolate macadamia nut and oatmeal raisin cookies, but I only have eyes for a bag of the chocolate chip cookies. They’re crispy and buttery, rich but not overwhelming, they simply melt in your mouth… and just one is never enough!  

Now, you can make your very own cookies! Here’s the recipe…

“Tate’s Chocolate Chip Cookies”

(Makes ~40 cookies)

2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

a teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) lightly salted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed

1 teaspoon water

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs, beaten

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (use Nestle…)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk the flour, soda and salt together in a bowl.  In another large bowl, mix the butter with a wooden spoon to lighten it a bit and then mix in the sugars.  Add the vanilla and eggs to the butter mixture.  Stir in the flour mixture until just combined and then fold in the chocolate chips.  Using two soup spoons, drop the cookies 2″ apart onto two nonstick or greased cookie sheets.  Bake for 8 minutes, rotating the sheets after 4 minutes.  Remove the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Bon Appétit!

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Homemade chutney, crispy dosas (pronounced dough-sa), and savory Indian spices are mixed all together to create a memorable lunch at the Hampton Chutney House.  This Indian style restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger with their delicate dosas that are stuffed with traditional or Western combinations—such as spiced potatoes and curried chicken or grilled asparagus with roasted pepper and goat cheese—and paired with freshly made chutney.  And, they have vegetarian dishes too.  You’ll leave feeling satisfied!

If you can’t make it to the original Hampton Chutney House in Amagansett, you can visit their second location in Soho – 68 Prince Street.  You can find homemade jars of chutney to take back with you….yum!

The dosas are extremely large but you’ll want to eat every bite.  It tastes even better with mango chutney..my favorite. 

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My Old Flame..Tiny Dancer and My Romance (one coat of each)..Perky Purple..Angel Eyes..these are a few of my favorite nail polish colors besides black.  I dream of receiving the full spa treatment of a manicure and pedicure, but I don’t have the time.  That’s why I paint my own nails.  This season, the trend that’s buzzing on the fashion scene is bright colored nail polish.  It’s an inexpensive accessory to add on for that finishing touch to complete your outfit.  And yes, black is still a popular color but it’s now the season to flaunt your bright colored hues.  Pinks, purples, and reds are the colors to wear this season!

If you don’t have time or can’t justify the cost of a manicure, simply do it yourself.  Keep in mind that dark shades take almost twice as long to dry as light ones.  If you’re not good at coloring in the lines, keep practicing..as the saying goes, ‘practice makes perfect.’  

Black nail polish had a reputation of a wanna be punk rock star with a gothic theme…but today, black is the ‘it’ color.   The black craze began two years ago when Chanel launched their best selling ‘Black Satin’ nail polish and hasn’t slowed down.  Just remember…when you wear dark colors, your nails should be trimmed and filed neatly.

Purple is one of my favorite colors; especially the one by Yves Saint Laurent.  The color is the same as the picture above.  This color is a deep, rich purple that can be used as a substitute for black.  Have fun painting!

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As I entered Calypso in East Hampton, I became mesmorized with all the beautiful colors of dresses, tops, and skirts.  I felt like a little girl shopping in a candy store.  The styles were accommodating for the resort like weather and the colors were nothing like I’ve seen before.  So what did I do?  The obvious of course..I tried everything on!  But, that was a mistake because I left with shopping bags filled with goodies.  

Why I love Calypso…

There’s a million and one reasons why I love Calypso.  The vibrant tunics and colorful silk dresses are captivating to the naked eye that they’ve become part of my wardrobe staples.  The assortment of dresses, tops, and skirts create an eclectic mix of texture color and print that has a casual elegance with a bohemian twist..oh la la.  All the dresses look fabulous with open-toe sandals, ballet flats, or bejeweled heels.  Plus, they’re so easy to care for. Most of the dresses are machine washable (remember to place it in a mesh bag on delicate cycle) and line dry.  It’s meant to be worn with a little wrinkle, but you can press it for a clean finish on those evening nights out.  And, they’re great to travel with!

The Julia is one of the most popular dresses by many Calypso fans…you get two dresses for the price of one.  ”How?” you ask…this wrap dress can also be worn as a dress seen above.  But don’t wait too long to get your very own.  Julia will no longer be available after the spring collection is gone.  And if you have some doubts, Oprah featured the Julia dress as her must-have summer dress…oh, the power of Oprah.  (available in merlin, meridien, black)

The Verana is the newest edition to the Calypso collection.  Ladies are drawn to the front and back floral detailing…definitely an attention getter!  Also, this simple A-line dress is flattering on every body shape.  And, it’s hand washable.  (available in amalfi and persephone)

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As I am the ultimate shopaholic, I search for clothes that are versatile and up to date with the current fashion trends – that includes searching for the best bargains and engaging in a lot of window shopping at the high-end luxury boutiques.  But as I’ve gotten older, I believe in quality of the product is important, but it does come with a higher price tag…at least it won’t put a big dent in your wallet.  Sometimes it’s better to spend a little more instead of buying eight of the same item for $10.  That’s why I adore Park Vogel; a line created by two women named Julie PARK and Vanessa VOGEL.  

You’ll LOVE the silhouettes and fabrics used in Park Vogel and the prices are affordable. In addition, Park Vogel utilizes Swiss cotton that is environmentally  friendly and is knitted by one of the few textile mills in the world which implement recycling and energy saving programs to reduce emissions and pollutants in compliance with strict European standards.

Park Vogel’s Pre-Fall collection is launching next month…very exciting!  DOLCE will be stocking cute tunics, a bubble cardi to wear with all your outfits, and assorted light weight polka dot scarves to complete your look. The bubble cardi is going to be one of the ‘must-haves’ for the upcoming season. Don’t be left in the dust…get yours before it sells out!    

Besides clothing, Park Vogel has accessories to complement their collection.  Scarves are one of the favorites worn by many women.

The collection has generated a lot of buzz in fashion magazines and reviews.  You’ll be fan of Park Vogel that you’ll want to wear over and over again…as seen here.

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Did you make your shopping list for this summer?  Sunblock..check.  Havaianas flip-flops..check..Did you forget some of Summer’s HOTTEST Trends?  Well if you did, I’ve got a few things on my list to help you look your best. You’ve gotta look GORGEOUS because you never know who you’ll run into!

Tie-dye is back!  And, in so many different styles.  Gypsy 05′s beloved maxi dress goes retro this season with the 60′s tie-dyed prints for the ultimate boho chic.  If your mantra is “less is more”, why not try a subtle tie-dye trim?

Tie-dye garments were often worn by hippies back in the 60′s and 70′s and was still present decades later.  It has once again taken the fashion world by storm.  

Braids are no longer for hippies and little girls..it’s back with a whole new look.  Give yourself a refreshing look for summer by showing off that gorgeous face of yours.  

It’s not about how big your braid is..it’s all about braiding sections of your hair.  Add a French braid hair band effect along the hairline or have the braid loose and pin it back around the head to add texture and ‘spark!’  It’s so simple and quick..even you can do it.

Wanna braid your hair?  Here’s how…divide a section of your hair into 3 even sections.  Cross the right hand section over the middle setion.  Pull all the sections away from each other to tighten the plait.  Cross the left hand section over the middle section and tighten the plait again.  Continue the process alternating right and left sections over the middle section, tightening each plait as you make it.  Secure the end when finished.

Zippers are one of the hottest accessory this season.  You’ll seem them everywhere..hobo bags, leggings, and LnA zipper pocket tee which is selling like hotcakes!  DOLCE is expecting this tee next week…the white version sold extremely well that we’re getting it in black!

Why are fedora hats so popular?  We can thank Frank Sinatra and Indian Jones who wore fedora hats back in the 50′s and gave it the uber-cool sophisticated appearance. But, it wasn’t until the late 70′s when Diane Keaton wore the fedora with her masculine style of fashion that women began to wear it themselves.   Today, these make the perfect accessory for summer.  They’re super cute and provide a little protection for our face.

What’s on your list this summer?

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By now, you should know that my fashion style gravitates towards an everyday wear incorporated with the latest fashion trends.  Because who am I kidding?  I don’t have to dress fancy everyday, just sometimes. Besides, I love being comfortable yet stylish all at the same time.  Not every one of us has a glamourous lifestyle that allows us to dress like the rich and famous.  Simple tops with eye-catching accessories are all we need to get us by during the week. This is why DOLCE will be carrying linQ to fit your everyday needs.  The collection mixes a little bit of fun, flair, and sexy all in one! And the best part is…it has a naturally comfortable style, lightweight fabrics and delicate details that make the pieces truly unique and exclusive.  All the better!

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