KRUPP CAKE

GIMME FIVE!

2010-08-06T06:54:00.000-07:00

We thought if New York-based designer, Jason Cauchi, the man behind the breezy cool line, Dallin Chase, could answer Fashionista's seven questions... then he could give us five!

If you weren't a designer, what would be doing?
Farming. I'd either have a farm upstate raising rabbits and maybe I'd have bee's to jar and sell my own honey. Or figs and lemons in Malta.

What would you spend $10 on right now?
Flowers - Peonies for my wife.

What's your favorite place to visit?
Gozo, Malta for sun. Paris for everything else!

What's your favorite song of all time?
Pump up the volume by M|A|R|R|S

If someone had to play you in a movie, who would it be?
Freddie from iCarly for my early years - my kids like that show. Adam Sandler for my 20's - my wife likes him. Eddie Murphy for my 30's - I'm planning to do a lot the next ten years. Johnny Depp for the rest of the way - Everybody likes him!

SEXY GNOME

2010-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

When we saw yesterday's ELLE post, "Three Things You Don't Know About... Geren Ford" we wondered, what other delightful pictures is Geren Ford designer, Geren Lockhart, hiding from us?

Further digging in the designer's photo files and we discovered... him. The sexy gnome.

We may or may not have a crush on Lockhart's self-described, sexy gnome. Check him out, the come hither, hand on hip, side lean of a playboy pro! Plus, that happy green garb.

Let's be honest, he had us at the thumbs up.

PS - The bi-coastal designer's New York sample sale starts today. It's going to be major so get a move on and head over now for all your summer essentials.

Geren Ford
NY Sample Sale
54 Thompson Street
STE 202
Friday, July 9
10am-6pm
up to 80% off
sample steals starting at $20

WHO SAYS FASHION FOLKS DON'T EAT...

2010-07-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Last night Bedat & Co. - the luxury watches all of Krupp-dom is freaking out about- treated guests which included editors from Elle, W, Marie Claire, WWD, and Town & Country to name a few, to enjoy a private cooking lesson with Top Chef, Antonia Lofaso, an event co-hosted by CEO & President, Johnny Wizman, and Lofaso at the French Culinary Institute in New York City.

Guests sipped exclusive cocktail pairings, received a private cooking lesson instructed by Top Chef, Lofaso, and dinned on a three course meal of fresh salad, papadelle pasta hand cut "by guests" and specially prepared seared chilean sea bass. Guests received a Bedat & Co. candle, a copy of "Top Chef: The Quickfire Cookbook" signed by Top Chef, Lofaso and a French Culinary Institute apron.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE LETTERS F, I and A

2010-06-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Today's summer Friday is brought to you by the letters F, I and A! We may or may not be streaming this morning's United States vs. Slovenia game on one of our intern's computers. We'll never tell.

If you're looking forward to spending your summer Friday in front of a giant flat screen with a drink and friends cheering on your favorite team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup games, we can't help but recommend taking your show of support one step further.

At Aloha Rag's NY boutique you can pick up a Luis Morais Bracelet in honor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Morais created 10 limited edition bracelets, one for host country South Africa and nine others for the nine top ranked teams competing. They're each designed with African glass beads in each country's signature colors and adorned with a skull symbolizing how we all are fundamentally the same at the core, regardless of nationality.

We think this might be the best souvenir you can get from the games... with out trekking it all the way to South Africa!

GIMME FIVE!

2010-05-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

We love knowing silly facts about designers so much that we created a quick little questionnaire we're calling "Gimme Five" and bugged our favorite designers to spill!

First up, Geren Lockhart, Founder and Creative Director of Geren Ford. Raised by artist parents amidst the spirited Bohemian art scene of the 1970's and '80's, Lockhart embraced a childhood split between New York's famous SoHo district and California's Bay Area. We knew her answers would be good!

If you weren't a designer what would you be doing?

10 years ago if you had asked me that I would have 100 percent said travel, but now that I've got the bug I would say entrepreneur of some sort.

What would you spend $10 on right now?

A passion fruit cocktail from Casa Cruz in Buenos Aires (a friend is down there right now so it doesn't seem as far flung as it sounds).

What's your favorite place to visit?

Paris, Paris, Paris, Paris - It's my all time favorite and I am constantly inspired buy everything about it, how the Parisians live and what every detail of the city looks like.

What's your favorite song - of all time?

The White Stripes, Elephant, the whole album - I can't pick just one... it's like choosing between children.

If someone had to play you in a movie, who would it be?
Drew Barrymore.

To celebrate the re-launch of the designer's ecommerce site, GerenFord.com, Lockhart is offering 25 percent off with discount code MAY25 at checkout. We're freaking over this Ruffle One Shoulder Top and Crinkled Leather Shorts.

THE KRUPP CAKES LOVE US SOME ARM CANDY

2010-05-07T08:28:00.001-07:00

The Krupp Cakes love us some nOir stackable pyramid rings, Giles & Brother by Philip Crangi skinny railroad spike cuff and some Jenny Kang bracelets by DAD (sold at Albertine). What arm gems are you obsessing over right now?

EVEN CELEBRITIES LABEL ENVELOPES

2010-05-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

Like all of you, when the Krupp Cakes heard the news of Britt Aboutaleb's departure from Fashionista, we kind of had a moment there. And then when we heard she'll be heading over to Elle.com, we decided to smile another day and take a trip down some Fashionista-style memory lane.

We came across this 2007 post inspired by a 1992 Sassy spread on then intern, Chloë Sevigny. Besides reporting on her super 90's iconic style, the glossy reports Chloë is like any other beloved intern- girl can get down and dirty when it comes time to label some mailers.

None of our interns have ended up on the red carpet at The Met Costume Institute Gala, that we know of any way. But we have referred to some of them as rock stars and super-stellar-to-the-max! We're currently seeking the kind of intern that spent her milk money on the debut issue of The Gentlewomen, dreams in photoshoots styled by Grace Coddington and isn't afraid to mess up a manicure to break down a box.

Of course, the regular nitty gritty details include... maintaining the showroom, scanning and organizing press, trafficking samples, administrative duties and generally assisting the team. Knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook a must and a knowledge of Photoshop is a gold star plus.

Hey if Chloë Sevigny can do it, so can you! Contact Amy at akeller@kruppgroup.com to apply.

WHO SAYS FASHION FOLKS DON'T EAT...

2010-04-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

We don't know if it's her Southern upbringing or if it was lesson's in her mother's kitchen but either way, designer Lela Rose is one heck of a great cook! We are crazy obsessed with anything that comes out of this lady's kitchen. Last night we were introduced to her homemade biscotti. Let's just say we wasted no time asking how we could make this in our own home.

In a large bowl...
- Put 2 Cups of Sugar
- Zest 3 Lemons over the sugar and knead with hands to combine
- Add 2 3/4 Cup White Flour and 1/4 Cup Whole Wheat Flour plus 1 heaping tablespoon Baking Powder

Mix with a fork to combine all

Make a well in the center of the flour/sugar mix
-Crack 4 Eggs into the center
- Fold Flour onto Eggs with hands and combine all
You must knead by hand until the mix is all combined

Preheat the oven to 325
-Put wax paper onto 2 cookie sheets and split the dough into 2 parts (one on each)
- Press dough out evenly to almost edge of cookie sheet
- Press lots (no, we mean LOTS) of raw almonds into every little space of dough

Bake for 12 minutes
Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes
Put back on cookie sheet (without wax paper) on side (so cut side faces up)
Rebake for 10-12 minutes

*Biscotti are best when NOT overcooked and have time to harden, which is about 2 hours after baking and will last for days.. well, assuming you don't eat them all... which we always do.

Rumor has it Lela sells her homemade ice cream from her living room window each summer. You know as the temps keep creeping up we're going to be asking for that recipe too!

-AK

A-LIST CELEBS PARTNER WITH BOCHIC TO BENEFIT CHARITY: WATER

2010-03-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

We love to watch a good red carpet- the glitz, the glam and sometimes even the occasional fashion faux-pas. But this year's flash bulb processions have been especially impressive with Bochic's unique charity initiative.

With the help of Bochic baubles some serious Hollywood favorites are turning their red carpet appearances into water. Bochic will be auctioning pieces worn by celebrities at all red carpet events during 2010 for the benefit of charity: water. Actors Sandra Bullock, Rachel McAdams, Jennifer Carpenter and Ashley Greene each chose to partner with Bochic to support this philanthropic endeavor.

The auction will take place at the acclaimed auctioneers and appraisers Doyle New York on Wednesday, April 21. The celeb-donned Bochic pieces will be auctioned alongside Antique, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Retro and Modern era pieces by Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, David Webb and Tiffany & Co. Proceeds raised from the auction of Bochic will be donated to charity: water specifically to fund their efforts to provide clean water solutions on the ground in Haiti.

A GIANT CUPCAKE FIT FOR THE KRUPP CAKES

2010-03-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

We just adore our interns... especially when they bake us up a tasty treat like this.

SKETCHING IN THE SUN

2010-03-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

We've come back to the office yesterday and today kicking and screaming. Who can blame us? With this amazing weather outside and the sun, sun, sun... we're definitely wanting another Sunday. Around the Krupp-dom, the start of spring is celebrated only after the official opening day at our favorite homemade Italian ice and ice cream stand, Uncle Louie G. Alas, Sunday was an absolute dream.

With our Bubbly Bubble Gum Italian ice in hand, we headed out for some serious spring shoe shopping. We're ready to bare some pale skin, well on our feet of course, and these brushed gold metallic Vince Camuto Rito gladiator sandals are definitely going to hit the spot.

We love that Mr. Vince Camuto is asking all aspiring designers to submit a sketch of their dream shoe for a chance to get it produced and sold in the fall 2010 collection! Posted on the Vince Camuto Web site, visitors will vote on which designs they like best with the top 10 voted designs judged by designer Vince Camuto and President Louise Camuto along with an editor from Lucky. The best shoe design will then be highlighted in the September issue of Lucky and the designer wins a trip to New York City to meet Vince himself!

So grab your sketch pads cupcakes, and let's head to the park to sketch in the sun!

SNOWY DAY ACTIVITY #ONE

2010-02-26T10:24:00.001-08:00

It's a serious blizzard today in the Krupp-dom and half our Krupp Cakes got caught in the snow.

It's the kind of day you order from your favorite Chinese restaurant, like Suzie's and curl up in your favorite Inhabit sweater.

Catch their semi-annual cashmere sale today for up to 70% off your favorite cashmere styles, like the cropped cardigan for only $88.

BOOKMARK & READ TWICE... DR.'S ORDERS

2010-01-28T07:03:00.000-08:00

Well let's just be honest, Krupp Cakes. We've been ~~majorly~~ kind of crazed with New York Fashion Week about one minute away and are currently suffering from a bit of an RSVP-induced fever. You know the signs... an online bookmark to the Mooncakes order form, complete email conversations at 1 a.m. and living in a constant rotation of your favorite five Inhabit sweaters. Don't say you aren't going through the same thing, right?

The only cure, well besides the Mooncakes' Miso-Glazed Salmon plate, are these amazing photos and completely snowy day necessary story shared by Aloha Rag New York's Vicen Akina of a recent trip he took back home to Hawai'i.

Bookmark and read twice as soon as the fever sets in - Doctor's orders.

Getting out of the city is always great, especially when it's going home to Hawai'i; nothing but white sand, clear water and great food awaits. It's funny to be in a blizzard one day and on the beach the next; Christmas in Hawai'i always seems so contradictory.

My top priority is to be in the sun as much as possible, enjoying the 80-degree weather and trying to tan my pale winter skin. My favorite beach is Lanikai, only five minutes from my house, it's absolutely gorgeous and peaceful.

One of my goals this vacation was to catch up on my reading, with such books as "The End of Fashion" by Teri Agins and "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost It's Luster" by Dana Thomas. The best thing after a day at the beach is an Açai bowl from Lanikai Juice. This über-healthy treat was once featured on Oprah and is topped with fresh mixed berries, banana, coconut, granola and honey.

The nicest most convenient way to get around my town, Kailua, is often by bike. Especially when President Obama is in town also on vacation, causing the worst traffic Kailua has ever seen. With the combination of locals and tourists trying to catch a glimpse of the President and the Secret Service blocking off major roads.

A favorite destination- and road trip by Hawai'i standards- is a day spent on the North Shore, notorious for its large waves and surf competitions during the winter. One necessary stop along the way is Leonard's Malasada truck to pick up some of the delicious Portuguese fried pastries. The North Shore is very rural and laid back, lined with many hidden surf spots as well as touristy villages.

One of the best lunches I had was at Neiman Marcus Honolulu Mariposa restaurant. My entrée was the Seared Scallops dish, which included potato gnocchi, smoked prosciutto, kahuku corn, fava bean purée and roasted lobster jus. My dessert was a beautifully presented Lilikoi (Passion Fruit) Pudding Cake with Starfruit and other fresh fruit.

Not far from Neiman Marcus is the original Aloha Rag. I always make a point to visit the Hawai'i store when I'm there to say hi to the staff and check out their inventory since it's quite different than Aloha Rag New York. It's nice to see other Aloha Rag members such as Makoto and Ken, whom I usually only communicate with via email. ARHI has the same clean, organized and luxurious aesthetic that AHNY has, yet it has quite a different feel due to its largely European and American merchandise. Versus ARNY's Japanese-heavy stock.

By the end of my two-and-a-half-week vacation I was a bit restless. Sometimes the only thing better than leaving New York is coming back. - Vicen Akina, Aloha Rag New York

OUR HAPPY PLACE

2010-01-08T16:40:00.000-08:00

With all the burrr and lazy snow falling outside here in NYC, we're already dreaming of the days when we can skip away again and enjoy a magical beach-side adventure filled with tons of sun, cocktails and late night swims.

Sounds like we're not the only ones...

A Krupp Cake fav, Fashionista's Abby Gardner, has picked out our perfect big surf wardrobe spread to play beach vacation dress-up in the St. Barth's backdrop from Geren Lockhart of Geren Ford's new year's eve bliss.

Naturally, we asked the designer if she would share some snapshots from her holiday jaunt to get us through it. Enjoy!

WHO SAY'S FASHION FOLKS DON'T EAT?

2010-01-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

Remember those giant gougère puffs Lela Rose made for her family's New Year's eve dinner? Yeah, we were kind of drooling over them too. So we asked the designer to share the love and she so graciously dished out the recipe.

I know we promised we were on serious holiday detox from treats... but, these are bananas!

Preheat the oven to 400°

6 eggs - beat and add
1 cup whole milk
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 cup (6 oz.) grated gruyère cheese

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter, pour in batter and bake 30 minutes till golden. Sprinkle with sea salt, et voila!

PEOPLE'S CHOICE: ALL ABOUT THE SHINE

2010-01-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

Last night's People's Choice Awards, held in LA at the Nokia Theatre, proved yet again, we're not quite over our love for the vamps. It was "The Twilight Saga," "True Blood" and "The Vampire Diaries" who took home the bulk of the night's trophies.

But let's be honest, the red carpet's where the shows at!

It was all about the shine with Kerry Rutherford, Katie Cassidy, Jessica Alba and Kate Walsh rockin' the dazzle at the step-and-repeat.

Katie Cassidy's champagne frock beamed with her matching CASADEI satin pumps and Kate Walsh chose CASADEI's signature platform pump to show off her gams.

Check out the entire fashion recap with Timm Gunn and scope out a complete list of the night's winners.

WERE WE THE ONLY ONES NOT IN ST. BARTH'S FOR NYE?

2010-01-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

Maybe watching the annual Prospect Park fireworks from our chilly Park Slope rooftop wasn't the chicest way to spend New Year's eve.... but, it was a night filled with great friends and even better cocktails.

Fashion Week Daily gave us a little glimpse into the fétes had by some of our favorite designers....

Lela Rose: "I only do quiet new years. My family and I had dinner with friends over at my parent's house in Willow Wood. I made a roasted lamb with rosemary, currants and orange, giant gougere puffs, and coffee souffle with homemade coffee ice cream. They went well with our pomegranate margaritas!"

Irene Neuwirth: "After three months of traveling for trunk shows, I ended up spending my new years eve in Telluride, Colorado, where my family has a home. Myself and seven of my friends went skiing, snow shoeing, but for the actual night we drank wine, cooked an unbelieveable dinner and played 'running charades.' I must say... it was the best new year's so far!"

Philip Crangi: "I spent it in the best way possible: with my closest friends over a fantastic dinner."

Jeffrey Monteiro: "My partner and I were at our house in Delaware County with friends. We managed to get a bonfire going that night and ended it with a snow ball fight."

Rachel Comey: "I drank a bottle of Cava with my patternmaker and we painted our nails. Then I put on an insanely flowered outfit and party hopped a bit in NYC."

Geren Lockhart, Geren Ford: "St. Barth's, 2nd shortest runway in the world supposedly, Sun, Rain, Convertible Smart, Eden Rock Cocktails, Marc Jacobs at dinner with Rachel Zoe and their spouses, Pink Champagne, Good French Food, Pharmacy Visits, Beach Days, Saline & Gouvenour. NYE late night swim at Shell Beach yachts twinkling in the distance surrounding the bay, Private view of the only fireworks that ended up going off!, Yacht filled harbor then empty harbor because of the swell. La Plage, Russell Simmons (we saw him so often that either he's stalking me or I'm stalking him)... Blythe's black eye, Dr. visits, Maya's to go--YUM! Crepes, Pina Coladas. Swimming in our pool, and hanging out in the pool smoking what seems to be my last cigarettes while reading the marathon training book. Sweet Villa with amazing views, a neighbor that provided daily DJ services free of charge. Buzz on the island about Abramovitch's party, U2? Prince? Ended up being Beyonce from what we hear...but thank god we didn't try to crash since there are rumored snipers protecting the property. St. Barth's is paradise..." For other designer's new year's eve celebrations, check out the full story at Fashion Week Daily.

RESOLUTIONS ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN, RIGHT?

2010-01-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

If you're anything like us, you have probably already set and broke your New Year's resolution. But, who can say no to just one cupcake from Billy's Bakery?

Hearing of our very sad state, a few of our favorite designers came to the rescue. Hopefully their resolutions will help inspire you too.

Happy New Year!

Jason Cauchi | Dallin Chase
"Take more time to travel with my wife and kids and make the time to take a weekend getaway."

Jeffrey Monteiro
"Take up a new hobby - twittering!!!"

Melissa Joy Manning
"This year mine is to see my brother more often and talk to my parents at least every three days. Basically, taking time to find more balance."

Lela Rose
"Why Do them... Just a way to set failure!"

QUEEN OF "ALL THE REAL GIRLS"

2010-01-06T12:06:00.001-08:00

Check out the recent issue of City magazine for Angela Craven's conversation with Rachel Comey to find out where this Queen of "All the Real Girls" gets her inspiration from and how she keeps it fresh - season after season.

Our favorite...

"You know her girls when you see them: natural beauties, noses often tucked in a book, hair a bit mussed. The kind of girl who can pull off something like a crop top with elegance (see Spring '09), or lend an understated sexiness to a pair of cloges (Comey re-imagines them season after season, in supple leathers and hefty wooden platforms)."

BET-TUR-BIN BELIEVE WE ADORE JEFFREY MONTEIRO

2010-01-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

We adore Jeffrey Monteiro... it's no secret.

The Thread's Laurel Pinson's recent conversation with the designer has us starry-eyed and giggly.

Ps.. This scarf-hat is amazing, right? We're crazed by it too. Bet-tur-bin believe we're going to spend the better part of our night search the YouTube kingdom for a crafty little how-to video.

SPRING SHOPPING IN YOUR SNOW BOOTS

2010-01-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love getting magazines in the mail? It's kind of our favorite thing on Earth. The recent issues of Nylon and Lucky have us dreaming of military inspired gear.

I'm sure you, like us, are always confused when spring is already in stores when it's still snowing outside.

We're obsessed with this fall faux fur-lined United Bamboo jacket. So rustic and ready for a hike... in Central Park... or Prospect Park. (Little fun fact: Prospect Park was built by the same landscape architects as Central Park, but just a few years later. Rumor has it, the designers worked out all the kinks the second time around. Ask any Brooklynite and they'll tell you, the city's most popular borough has the better urban oasis.) Any way... what were we saying...

Ahh, yes. With this detachable lining, we can't think of a better way to transition into spring. Maybe they'll have one at the sample sale. This Rachel Comey Passenger Coat is the perfect layering jacket to wear with your Hunter Wellies while you splash fearlessly around the city's jungles.

Some military love for the fellas? Check out Aloha Rag's own 1965 Jacket in-store next month.

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD INTERNS...

2010-01-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

We thought it was the four shots of espresso in this morning's coffee that shocked away our holiday-break-haze, but no. It was the realization that Fashion Week is only FIVE WEEKS away!

In preparation for Fashion Week the Krupp Cake darlings are seeking some real go-getters with some serious gumption and personality to boot for 3-5 days a week starting ASAP and committing through May. Our interns are valuable to us and work closely alongside our roster of talented designers such as, Philip Crangi, Lela Rose, Rachel Comey and Jeffrey Monteiro... to name a few.

If interested, please send your resume and a brief description of yourself to Chattie at cdionisio@kruppgroup.com.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JEFFREY MONTEIRO!

2009-12-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

Jeffrey Monteiro has been selected as the new design director at Bill Blass with the high-end ready-to-wear collection set to hit stores next winter.

Check out the full story in the New York Times Style Section online.

THE MISSES AND MISTER SMITH

2009-12-18T14:38:00.000-08:00

We're definitely feeling that warm and fuzzy holiday cheer after this weekend's winter wonderland and celebrating the start of the Winter Solstice reminiscing on last week's Krupp Cake holiday fête.

Our holiday soirée found us in the East Village at The Smith with a table full of amazing food, like the Vegetable "Bibimbap," a giant tower of Vidalia Onion Rings and glasses of Muddlers.

With a whole year's worth of silly stories to go around, we smiled and giggled our stomachs sore! But, it was the photo booth down stairs that had us really sharing the love. Determined to take total advantage, we crammed ourselves in there - a Target with Rodarte stock-style. Not even the photo booth's desire to have only crispiest of dollar bills could discourage us.

Here's wishing you the most wonderful holiday season, filled with joy as immense as... well as immense as being crammed in a photo booth with all your favorite people!

Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year!

THE JOY OF SHOPPING

2009-12-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Who wouldn't want to raid New York-based stylist Susan Joy's closet? Digging through the style leftovers of this New York Times Style section regular sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday to us!

WHO SAYS FASHION FOLKS DON'T EAT??

2009-11-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already checked out Abby Gardner's post on Fashionista for Lisa Mayock's "Pumpkin Graveyard Flan," Rachel Comey's "The Gobbler" and John Patrick's Mulled Cider, do so immediately. We asked one of our favorite designers and fellow foodies, Lela Rose, what she'll be making this Thanksgiving. I'm not going to lie, but I doubt I could whip out one of these numbers. I'll be too stuffed, pun intended. If you do end up making one of these designer's delights or a special dish of your own, do let me know.

LELA ROSE's "Lady Baltimore Cake"
"This is an old southern cake that you hardly see anymore. My aunt makes a delicious cake (along with many other sweets). We literally have a huge dessert table and the Lady Baltimore is one of the shining stars."

For the Cake Layers...
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking poweder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
7 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

For the Icing...
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup water
6 large egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely chopped dried figs (optional)
1/2 cup candied ginger plus slices for garnish
1 cup pecans, toasted lightly and chopped fine, plus pecan halves for garnish
1/2 cup golden raisins, chopped

To Make the Cake...
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
Line 3 buttered 9-inch round cake pans with rounds of wax paper, butter the paper, and dust the pans with flour. In a large bowl with an electric mixer cream the butter with the sugar until the mixer is light and fluffy and beat in the vanilla and the almond extract. In a bowl, stir together the flour, the baking powder, and the salt, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in batches alternately with the milk, and stir the batter until it is just combined. In another large bowl beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar and a pinch of salt until they hold stiff peaks, stir one third of them into the batter and fold in the remaining whites gently but thoroughly. Divide the batter among the prepared pans, smoothing the tops and bake the cake layers in a 325 degree oven for 25 to 35 minutes. Let the cake cool completely.

For Icing...
In a small saucepan combine the sugar and the water, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved, and boil the syrup until it registers 248 degrees F on a candy thermometer. When the syrup is close to soft ball stage (248 degrees F), beat the egg whites in an electric mixer with a pinch of salt until they hold soft peaks. With the mixer running, carefully add the hot syrup in a slow stream. Beat in the vanilla and beat the icing until it is cool. Transfer 2 cups of the icing to a bowl, reserving the remaining icing, and fold in the figs, pecans, ginger, and raisins.

Arrange 1 of the cake layers, flat side up, on a serving plate, spread it with half the dried-fruit icing, and top the filling with another cake layer, flat side down. Spread the top layer with the remaining dried-fruit icing and top the filling with the remaining cake layer. Spread the top and side of the cake with the reserved plain icing and garnish the cake with candied rounds and the pecan halves.

DAUL KIM

2009-11-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

We end the day on a sad note. One of our beloved models has passed away. We love you, Daul Kim. You will be missed.

Visit Style.com for an appreciation of her beauty in pictures.

2009-11-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

Coming Soon! Vince Camuto's e-commerce site is just a few feet away (pun intended). Look out for it early December.

www.vincecamuto.com

2009-11-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Monique Péan on her CFDA win!

Read all about it in Mark Holgate's story on Vogue.com

IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR

2009-10-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

Philip and Courtney Crangi have given us an early holiday gift this year - the Crangi Family Project, their first store located on 9 Ninth Avenue in New York City's Meatpacking district. In addition to the beloved Philip Crangi fine jewelry and the Giles & Brothers collection, the Crangi Project will stock incense, sculptures and home objects of his own design.

Read Darrell Hartman's post on Style.com

RACHEL COMEY'S SPRING 2010 VIDEOVITE

2009-08-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

2009-08-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

United Bamboo's Spring Summer Online Sale.

www.unitedbamboo.com

ABOUT FACE

2009-08-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Acai Damage-Correctiong Moisturizer from Kiehl's is by far the best moisturizer I've used in years. It minimizes the appearance of fine lines and discoloration. It also smoothes skin texture and imparts a more even skin tone. Perfect for all the sun damage I've accumulated over my 33 years and from those two tanning sessions I had earlier this summer (before cancer experts moved them into the top cancer risk category). I swear I wouldn't have done it had I known! Well, I can't do anything about that now but at least I can improve the appearance of my skin.

My good friend Sara over at Kiehl's gave me this but it won't be in stores or online until 9/14. I say better late than never. You'll thank me for this one, folks. Oh, you'll also thank me for this - its pronounced ah•sah•ee.

Go to www.kiehls.com to pre-order now!

-Sidney Prawatyotin

SWEATER WEATHER

2009-08-28T15:08:00.001-07:00

What annoys me most about retail are the delivery dates of spring and fall merchandise. I just don't feel comfortable trying on a coat in the summer and swim in the winter but today I found myself on Cardigan by Lynne Hiriak's site looking for, well, cardigans and sweaters. Its a freakishly chilly day in NYC!!

Lynne, when will those chic French stripe cardigans that Rachel Bilson wore be available on your site? I'll take one. Make that two if it comes with Hayden.

In the meantime, I'll go into my Space Bags and pull out my fall 08 wardrobe. Might as well use the vacuum to repack the clothes and clean the house. Looks like rain the entire weekend.

www.cardigannewyork.com

- Johanna Stout

ORGANIC'S JOHN PATRICK IS KEEN ON KEENS

2009-08-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Check out Katharine Zarrella's post on www.fashionweekdaily.com.

ST. VINCENT SCHEDULED TO PERFORM AT RACHEL COMEY'S SPRING 2010 SHOW

2009-08-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

Check out Maya Singer's post on Style.com.

GILES & BROTHER'S JOSEPHINE NECKLACE

2009-08-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Josephine necklace is made out of vintage African silver beads and is approximately 18" long. You can pre-order your the Josephine necklace from www.gilesandbrother.com.