Straight Lines

This was my first attempt at making a coat, so I’m pretty thrilled with the result. The angled pockets on this Loeffler Randall Draped Pocket Coat were my inspiration. I used Butterick Pattern B5429 and added the pockets with a freehand template using muslin. The felted wool {from the Britex remnants section} will keep me warm, and the silk lining gives the interior a luxurious feel. A gold belt adds a bit of sparkle.

The Wedge

Wedge boots pull double duty; they look chic and are great for walking all day, especially along the cobblestone streets throughout Europe. These See by Chloé Lace-Up Wedge Boots have a rustic feel and beautiful lace-up detail with hidden zippers. I paired them with a yellow self-made wool coat, Burberry Cismo silk ruffle blouse, H&M navy skinny pants, and Chloé leather Bay tote. I like the burnt orange and muted yellow contrast for fall. Next, I can’t wait to wear these boots with a plaid cape. More on the coat tomorrow.

Boots: See by Chloé

Coat: self-made

Blouse: Burberry

Pants: H&M

Handbag: Chloé

Pearl of the Adriatic

Stara Luka {old harbor outside city walls}, Gradska luka

Tank: Tory Burch

Although I enjoy the storybook winter months that drape Germany’s historic towns in white, sometimes I dream of the mild year-round climate back in California. For a much shorter trek, in September I took a trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia. The weather was still warm, but the summer tourists had left. Carved into the hills, the picturesque Stari Grad {Old City} is filled with stone buildings, tile roofs, and cypress trees. Outside the city walls, my favorite beach was Sveti Jakov, reached by climbing down the steep hillside overlooking the old city.

Franciscan Monastery, Placa 2

Rector’s Palace, Pred Dvorom 3

Seafood platter at Arsenal, Pred Dvorom 1

Other Dubrovnik sights, shops, and eats:

~Assumption Cathedral for ancient relics, Kneza Damjana Jude 1

~City Walls for panoramic views, accessed next to the Pile Gate

~Onofrio’s Fountain for a unique snapshot, Placa

~Daily Farmer’s Market for arancini {candied orange peel}, mijenduli {candied almonds}, and smokva {dried figs}, Gunduliceva Poljana

~Maria for women’s fashion, Sv. Dominika

~Café Festival for espresso and ragtime piano music, Placa 28

~Lokanda Peskarija for buckets of fried calamari, Na Ponti

~Niko for burek {savory puff pastry with spinach and ricotta filling} and krempita {custard cream cake}, Prijeko

Financiers

Financiers are small almond cakes, lovingly named for the appearance of gold bars. The high baking temperature creates a caramelized exterior and moist interior. Financiers are deceptively easy to make and are one of my favorite sweets. The only unusual part of the recipe is the specialty baking mold. Both metal and silicone financier molds are available. In a pinch, you can use a mini muffin pan.

Financiers Recipe

{Adapted from The Food Lover's Guide to Paris by Patricia Wells}

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, for buttering metal financier molds

1 cup finely ground blanched almonds {or almond flour}

1 2/3 cups confectioners sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Pinch of salt

6 egg whites

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Preheat oven to 450°F. Using a pastry brush, brush metal financier molds with butter. Arrange in rows on a baking sheet and place in freezer to resolidify the butter. Do not butter silicone financier molds.

In a bowl, combine ground almonds, sugar, flour, and salt. Add egg whites. Mix until well-blended. Add 1 1/2 sticks of melted butter. Stir to combine.

Spoon batter into molds, filling to top. Place baking sheet on center oven rack. Bake until slightly puffed, about 7 minutes. Reduce heat to 400°F, rotate pan, and bake 7 minutes longer. Financiers should be light brown. Turn off oven, and let financiers rest in the oven until firm, 7 more minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool for 10 minutes, then unmold. Makes 14.

Fusion

Cologne Cathedral

German cities are both picture books of history and modern urban cores. Depending on the location, you can find ancient structures right next to contemporary buildings. The gothic Cologne Cathedral was commenced in 1248. Today, it abuts the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, opened in 1974, and the Museum Ludwig, reopened in 2001. A few blocks away, the ruins of St. Alban’s Church adjoin the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, housed in a neo-cubist structure built in 2001. The interplay is remarkable.

Cologne Cathedral and Museum Ludwig, photo from de.wp, User: Thomas Robbin {{GFDL}}

Cologne Cathedral and Römisch-Germanisches Museum, photo © Raimond Spekking/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-3.0 & GFDL

Wallraf-Richartz Museum and St. Alban’s Church ruins, photo from City of Cologne: ddp

Old World Glamour

Stanley Hagler bracelet, from the 1980s

Vintage jewelry always intrigues me; I imagine a glamorous life of the woman who wore the pieces. Vintage costume jewelry makes a big impact without necessarily breaking the bank. I find vintage costume jewelry anywhere from flea market piles, thrift shops, and specialty antique dealers.

For grand occasions, my favorite vintage costume jewelry designers are Miriam Haskell and Stanley Hagler, known for faux pearls and wire-wrapped glass beads. The pearl and rhinestone bracelet above was given to me by my mother and will be my “something old” at my wedding.

Miriam Haskell earrings, from the 1950s

Miriam Haskell necklace, from the 1950s

Stanley Hagler bracelet, from the 1980s

Call in the Cavalry

These Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti riding boots that I found on eBay have gotten me through some slushy trips. Yet, the butter soft leather remains beautiful. I like to take the edge off their look with a cashmere dress and vintage cameo. The best part of the dress is the open back, which showcases two black ties.

Before heading out the door, an art deco leather clutch adds a bold architectural detail. I paired the dress with black opaque tights for warmth, but it is also great with jeweled t-strap sandals in the summer.

Boots: Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

Dress: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Tights: Falke

Clutch: Hoss Intropia

Cameo: vintage