Miss Sophisticate Luxury Living At Its Simplest.
Pumpkin Carving
Learn how to carve a pretty pumpkin in a few simple steps Easy Halloween Treats
Sweet and spooky Halloween-themed goodies anybody can make
October 2014
Miss Sophisticate OCTOBER 2014
BONJOUR pg. 6 Editor’s Note pg. 8 InstaMoments Lookback pg. 9 Film & Print pg. 14 Blogger Spotlight: Carin Olsson
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Miss Sophisticate fashion pg. 10 Inspired By: Fall in Paris
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pg. 16 Paris Fashion Week: Street Style pg. 18 DIY Halloween Costumes
Food pg. 22 Local Spot: Elliott’s Oyster House pg. 24 Halloween Treats
Miss Sophisticate Design pg. 28 How-To: Pumpkin Carving pg. 34 House Hunting: Brooklyn Townhouse
Travel pg. 36 Weekend Getaway: Cold Spring, NY
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Editor’s Note
Editor’s Note
Oh, how grateful am I for October! Cool winds, fashion-forward attire, and plen-
tiful baked goods make October one of my favorite months of the year. The month starts off with a good week or two of pouring over fashion magazines and blogs, appreciating the latest street style looks from Paris Fashion Week. The French have always been the epitome of effortless style and chicness, in my opinion, so pining over their fashion week outfits only seems natural. In this issue, you’ll find a round-up of some favorite street style looks in a four page spread that doesn’t disappoint. For the rest of the month, I enjoy baking as many pumpkin treats as I can, many of them becoming Halloween-themed as the holiday draws closer and closer. Some of my favorite treats have been the easy, no-brainer ones, that’s why I made sure to feature a collection of those simple recipes here. In this issue, I’m also excited to share a few tips on creating a beautifully carved pumpkin. Carving a pumpkin is always a project that’s fun to do with a group of family or friends, and it’s amazing how many free carving stencils you can find on the in-
ternet. Plus, you don’t have to be a master pumpkin carver to create an impressive pumpkin! If you’re also brainstorming costume ideas, then you’ll be glad to know that there are several DIY costume ideas in this issue that you can draw inspiration from. The best part is that many of these Halloween-centered ideas take place in the home, keeping them inexpensive, easy-to-do, and a terrific way of keeping yourself entertained and cozy indoors during the month. I wish you all a very Happy Halloween! 6
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Guest Contributor
of the month Brenna Lasky Brenna Lasky is our guest contributor of the month for the travel column. She is originally from Michigan and currently resides in New York City. Lasky works in the fashion industry and enjoys traveling and photography during her free time. You can follow her through her Instagram account: @labrenita.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Find out how you can support 225 26th St, Losthe Angeles, CA 90402 cause. - (310) 451-9877
September InstaMoments A lookback at last month’s Instagram snapshots.
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Film & Print
Miss Sophisticate is
reading... “Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life” by Shannon Ables If you follow The Simply Luxurious Life
blog, then you may already be familiar with author Shannon Ables. Her book, which debuts January 2015, offers advice on how to create a fulfilling life that’s aligned with your passions, cultivates your mind and body, and strengthens your social relationships, among many other aspects of modern day living. From her blog posts, it’s apparent Ables has a knack for creating luxury from simplicity, so you’ll definitely want to grab a copy of her book for some fabulous tips that will better your life! Pre-order here now!
Miss Sophisticate is
watching...
Gilmore Girls While we usually share our pick for a
recent film here, this month, an old t.v. show is stealing the spotlight. The beloved hit T.V. series Gilmore Girls is now available to stream on Netflix, meaning countless hours of cozying up in front of the television to watch the smart and witty mother-daughter duo that we know and love. We may have watched every episode once (or twice!), but it’s been long enough for a refresher. It also helps that Lorelai and Rory never grow tiresome!
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Paris Street Style
Paris Fashion Week: STREET STYLE
Paris fashion week took place the last week of September and finished right at the start of this month. While New York Fashion Week may be the most recognized fashion week here in the States, Paris Fashion Week can definitely be considered as notable and influential. Europe, in general, has always been a leading force in the fashion realm, with many designers in New York drawing inspiration and ideas from fashion-minded cities like Paris. Therefore, we weren’t surprised to see some spectacular pieces on and off the Parisian catwalk. In fact, Paris street style is coveted so much that it’s practically become its own fashion show. Here is a round up of some of the chicest and coolest looks spotted on the streets of Paris during fashion week. Photo sources include Elle.com, Style.com, & Vogue.com.
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Paris Street Style
Paris Street Style
Paris Street Style
Blogger Spotlight
Photo by Carin Olsson (www.parisinfourmonths.com).
Blogger You Should Follow paris in four months
a blog by Carin Olsson
If you seek beauty and inspiration on a daily basis, then look no further than Paris-
based photographer Carin Olsson and her blog Paris In Four Months. After temporarily living in Paris for four months, Olsson moved back to her hometown in Sweden. But Paris had already cast its spell on her and Olsson knew she had to move back. Since her more permanent move back to Paris, Olsson has been capturing stunning photos of the city, its fashion, food, people, and everything inbetween. Most recently, her portfolio has included work for the famous fashion house of Dior. If you don’t already follow her, then make sure you do and be prepared to be swept off your feet by her gorgeous photographs.
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For the Love of France French Antiques,Vintage French Decor and Linens www.FortheLoveofFrance.com
Inspired By
Paris in the Fall
While the French are always a source of fashion inspiration, this is especially so in the fall. The people and city truly exemplify sophisticated style for cooler temperatures. 3 1
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(1) Maria La Rosa Socks; (2) Marc Jacobs Sweater; (3) Denis Colomb Cashmere Scarf; (4) Tiffany & Co. “T� Ring; (5) Jessica Simpson Booties
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(6) Hugo Boss Catika Coat; (7) Bobbi Brown Eyshadow Set; (8) Acne Kay Leather Skirt; (9) Tod’s Beige & Lavender Handbag; (10) Essie “Sand Tropez” Polish
DIY Costumes
Do-It-Yourself: Halloween Costumes In the past few years, DIY costumes have increasingly become the trend. While
we used to think of DIY costumes as traditional pieces made by our mothers and grandmothers, unique and easy-to-craft, homemade costumes have become all the rage. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite DIY costumes, and the best part is, you don’t have to have any special sewing skills for any of them!
25¢
GUMBALL MACHINE This is a really fun costume! For your top half, you’ll need a piece of felt to wrap around your upper torso. You’ll use felt glue to apply colorful pom-poms onto the felt so that it’s entirely covered in the little, fluffy balls. For your bottom half, a simple red skirt will do. To create the change slot, you can use a rectangular piece of gray felt or use a piece of duct tape. Use a sharpie to make the knob and “25¢” sign. Visit here for some different ways the costume has been done. 18
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DIY Costumes
DARIA Our favorite 90s rebel can easily be done with a bright green blazer, pleated black skirt, mustard-colored top, black round glasses, and combat boots. Daria made punk rock look easy because, well, it is!
PIĂ‘ATA Colorful streamers are fringed and glued on a simple nude dress to make a sexy piĂąata costume. See the tutorial here. 19
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DIY Costumes
BUBBLE BATH This costume is ready for a party... literally! Blown up balloons are adhered together as a skirt and are paired with a rubber ducky headband to create a splash of fun at any Halloween party. Watch how to make this costume here.
MORTON SALT GIRL A classic icon in America’s food culture, the Morton salt girl is easily recognizable and easily replicated. All you need is a yellow dress, an umbrella, and a blonde wig!
DIY Costumes
MEDUSA Even though beautiful RiRi was perfectly scary as Medusa for a magazine photoshoot, this costume can still be anything but. Wear a grecian maxi and Swedish braids with lots of plastic snakes woven in to create a glam, unscary Medusa look.
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK The Netflix favorite has become increasingly popular, making this costume a total hit at any party you attend.
Local Restaurant
Photo Credit: Mike Urban Elliott’s Oyster House
Elliott’s Oyster House in Seattle, WA If you’re apprehensive about seafood try the pan-fried oysters, served with tartar or think you don’t like it, we ask you to make a stop at Elliott’s Oyster House before you throw in the towel for good. The tastiness of seafood largely depends on the quality and freshness, and this is where Elliott’s has a clear advantage over many other seafood restaurants in the country. Tourists and locals flock to the seaside restaurant because of both its classic and progressive seafood menu, as well as its amazing views. Watch the sun set over the Pacific Northwest as you enjoy a variety of shellfish or the fresh catch of the day. Start out with some clams and mussels in a garlic-butter sauce, then move onto a warm bowl of spicy crab and corn chowder. For your main meal,
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sauce, Bourbon sauce, mashed potatoes, and market vegetables. If you’re in the mood for fish, we recommend the Alaskan True Cod and Chips. The cod is ale battered and panko breaded for that perfectly crisp exterior you expect with fish ‘n’ chips, and is served with a side of deicious coleslaw and fries. Also, don’t forget to order a glass of wine with your meal. Seattle has some fantastic wineries due to its suitable climate. All of the wines, especially the Chateau Ste Michelle, are a lovely match with oysters. P.S. Don’t forget a warm sweater if you’re out on the deck as it can get quite chilly! www.ElliottsOysterHouse.com 1201 Alaskan Way, Pier 56, Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 623-4340
Photo Credit: Mike Urban Elliott’s Oyster House
Photo Credit: Mike Urban Elliott’s Oyster House
Photo Credit: Mike Urban Elliott’s Oyster House
Halloween Treats
Halloween Treats
Creative & fun Recipes for the Spooky Holiday
Halloween is always a time for people to get a little imaginative with their
endeavors. Whether it’s a costume idea, pumpkin carving, or, in this case, decorating their favorite sweet treats! While there’s nothing wrong with frosted sugar cookies, it’s always fun to think a little bit outside the box and do something slightly different. Chocolate cupcakes with orange-colored frosting are great, for example, but chocolate cupcakes with cute owl faces are even better. We’ve round up some of our favorite ideas for festive Halloween treats on the following pages. There are an abundance of recipes and ideas for Halloween foods circulating the web, but what made the cut for us was not just the cute factor, or even just the taste factor, but the recipes also had to be easy enough to make for any beginner in the kitchen. That said, feel free to put your own spin on decorating any of these treats. If you mess up, it won’t matter. You can just pretend that they were purposely made to look a little scary! 24
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Halloween Krispy Pops These Krispy Pops are festive, easy to eat, and most importantly, easy to make! You can either make the rice krispy treats at home, or you can buy a box from the store. The Halloween fun factor comes from the black and orange sprinkles, as well as the themed pop sticks. To see more photos and obtain the exact recipe, head over to Kristina Nunez’s blog at www.hottmamainthecity.com. Photo source: Hott Mama in the City blog
cupcake owls Who doesn’t love cupcakes, especially cupcakes as cute as these? Witches, goblins, and ghosts be scarce because these adorable owl cupcakes are the kind of “spooky” we like and can share with the little ones. These chocolate cupcakes are simple enough to make, utilizing a basic chocolate batter recipe, Oreo cookies, and Reese’s Pieces candy. To view the recipe for these, you can visit www.OneCharmingParty.com.
Photo source: One Charming Party blog
Dirt ‘n’ Worm Grave These dirt graves taste nothing like their name implies. The only thing you’ll find buried in these pudding cups is your spoon as it dips into silky, rich chocolate pudding. The “dirt” for these graves are crushed Oreo cookies and the “worms” are gummy candies buried inside the pudding. To see the full recipe, visit www.craigranchtexas.com. Photo source: Sunset Magazine
Mummy Treats Mummy treats have been done plenty of times with hot dogs and biscuit dough for savory Halloween food, but these mummy treats are both salty and sweet. They’re made using large pretzel sticks, white chocolate, and mini chocolate chips. To see the recipe, visit www.crazylittleprojects.com. Photo source: Crazy Little Projects blog
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Oreo Black Cats Sometimes, there are just some treats out there that are delicious as sold and really don’t need to be altered. This is the case for Oreo cookies. These Oreo black cats recognize this and are, therefore, so easy to make. The Oreos remain unalterned, except for a little bit of decoration with M&Ms and orange sprinkles. To see exactly what you need and how to put these spooky black cats together, visit www.partypinching.com.
Photo source: Party Pinching blog
Ghost Brownies These ghosts are just as airy as the real ones since they’re made of marshmallows! All you need for this recipe is a box of brownie mix, marshmallows, a can of frosting, and black writing gel. Each square is a bite of of chocolate fudginess and fluffy marshmallow heaven. To learn how to make this recipe, visit www.bettycrocker.com.
Photo source: Betty Crocker
Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkin Carving How to Carve a Classic pumpkin for Halloween
Back in the day, carving a pumpkin was as simple as carving out a few triangle
shapes to create a simple smiling face. Nowadays, pumpkin carving is serious business. Competitions are held around the country to see who can design the most artistic and technically challenging pumpkin carvings. While we may not strive to be the best pumpkin carvers out there, we definitely think it’s nice to gain some neighborhood cred by displaying a beautifully carved pumpkin. There are tons of free (and premium) carving stencils to be found and printed off the internet, in addition to all-inclusive carving kits found at craft stores this time of the year. The abundance of resources, plus a few tips we’ve outlined here, will allow you to create a gorgeous pumpkin to place on your stoop. What You’ll Need: • A pumpkin • A carving knife (2-in1 carving knife works well) • A stencil • A pair of scissors • Tape • A sharp pointy object such as a seam ripper or ball point pen
Step 1: Many people carve out a lid for the pumpkin from the top, but carving out from the bottomside is actually a better idea. This way, you don’t see the lid and you don’t risk breaking a pretty stem. You’ll want to carve a circle out from the base of the pumpkin that’s large enough to fit your hand through. If you’re using a 2-in-1 carving knife, use the larger side of the knife when cutting. You will most likely have to go over the carving a few times to really loosen up the lid and remove it. You can either push the lid through or try to grab onto one of the edges and pull it out. 29
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Pumpkin Carving
Step 2: Now you’ll want to clear out the inside of the pumpkin. If your kit came with a scraper, use that to scrape out everything from inside. Otherwise, just use a large spoon or your hands to scrape out the pumpkin seeds. You can rinse and toast the seeds later to enjoy as a yummy snack. Try to scrape as much of the stringy pumpkin pulp as you can. This will not only result in a cleaner-looking pumpkin, but it will also prevent the pulp from reaching your candle flame and putting it out. When you’re scraping, you’ll also want to try and scrape some of the inside wall of whichever area you are going to be carving out from. A thinner wall will make it a little easier to carve out intricate designs.
Step 3: Cut out your printed stencil according to its instructions. For this witch stencil, the part of the section that will be cut out of the pumpkin is the gray section. Tape the stencil onto the area of the pumpkin that is the most perfect and that you’d want to display.
Step 4: Use your seam ripper, or a pointed object, to trace your stencil onto your pumpkin by poking tiny holes all along the edges This witch stencil is a great stencil for beginners since all you have to do is simply follow the outline of the stencil. Poke your holes very closely to each other to ensure you end up with a distinct outline to carve from. When you’re ready to carve along the dotted lines, use the small side of your carving knife. If the end of the knife has a rake, use the rake to smooth out the inside edges when you’re done.
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Brooklyn Townhouse Brooklyn, New York United States (Images courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens)
This home is more than just gorgeous; it’s
famous! Yep, this Brooklyn townhouse belongs to actress Michelle Williams. The townhouse was purchased by her and her former boyfriend, the late Health Ledger, in 2005. The house resides in the heart of Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, and sits on a 22-foot wide corner lot. While the townhouse is large enough to be a match for the suburbs, there’s no mistaking the Brooklyn charm that’s drawn so many of the borough’s residents to it. Wide-plank wood flooring exists in every room, along with pre-war moldings, paneled doors with bespoke brass, porcelain handles and large custom wood windows that can be found throughout the home. However, even with all the historic charm, this townhouse is ready for modern living with its 12-foot ceilings, extensive entertainment system, and high-end finishes, including a delux kitchen and temperature-controlled wine cellar. In addition, the home sits on a tree-lined street that’s close to all the great restaurants, markets, and coffee shops that Brooklyn is known for. This home would make the perfect city abode for anyone looking for a piece of the suburbs without the commute! For more information about this property, please visit: www.bhsusa.com.
All Natural Quest Inc.
www.AllNaturalQuest.com Gourmet products made easy for the everyday cook.
Weekend Getaway:
Cold Spring, NY W
hen it comes to autumn’s cooler temperatures and falling leaves, perhaps some of the most beautiful destination getaways lie on the east coast. Brenna Lasky, our magazine’s guest photographer and contributor, shares her recent trip to Cold Spring, New York, as the perfect example of what autumn looks like on the east coast. Cold Spring is a little over an hour away from New York City with the Metro North. According to Lasky, the train ride there is absolutely beautiful as it glides along the Hudson River the entire time. You won’t have to worry about getting a car once you’re there since everywhere is accessible by foot. Lasky describes the town as the 36
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quintessential small town, with a population that’s hovers just over 5,000. Lasky’s favorite part of the pictuesque town are the various hiking trails that visitors can climb. The trails offer sweeping views of the Hudson, as well as an abundance of lush greenery. Lasky particularly enjoyed her climb up and down Mount Taurus (also known as Bull Hill), which took about 3 hours roundtrip. While the town definitely doesn’t boast as many dining and entertainment options as a large city, it’s a favorite weekend getaway for NYC residents. Lasky says that its proximity to the City is the most wonderful thing about Cold Spring, noting that serenity and natural beauty are just a train ride away!
Au Revoir, mes Amis For any advertising opportunities, or to become a monthly contributor, please email: contact@MissSophisticate.com