New Blog Coming Soon! We're Moving!

Dear Readers,


After a few months of not posting, I am happy to announce the June 1st launch of Katherine Feiner, a luxury women's clothing brand. You can continue to follow the blog on our new website, where we will continue to bring you all things that inspire us as a brand including fashion, food, travel, entertaining and more! Please stay tuned for further info. We can't wait to share this exciting new journey with you!


XOXO Katherine and Team

Lobster-Fest at Home!

I used pieces of red ribbon to tie the paper napkins. You'll through a lot, so paper is the way to go.

Centerpiece flowers

Lobster Bibs as Place Mats

All put together

A few weekends ago I had a craving to have a good old fashioned dinner party. I love cooking and try to have friends over as often as possible to eat, drink and be merry, but for this particular dinner I wanted to try something a little different and turn up the volume a bit. For Valentine's Day my boyfriend and I had a lobster FEST at home. We got 3 huge live lobsters, covered the dining room table in newspaper, whipped up an excessive amount of clarified butter (which is 100% necessary), busted out the crackers, and proceeded to have the best time, and most delicious valentine's day meal EVER. It was so much fun that we wanted to re-create it with our friends, and that's exactly what we did. As I mentioned, I wanted to make it a little special, and what a better way to do it then add a tablescape into the mix. First, I ditched the black and white newspaper... instead, I walked (without shame) into Sur La Table and asked them for a few sheets of their wrapping paper (you know the white paper they use in excess to wrap anything fragile). Usually they'll give it to you without question. For this instance, I had to bat my eyelashes a little, but came a away victorious. For the place mats, I used plastic lobster bibs, and reserved extras for their normal purpose (you can find them at any kitchen store for around $2.00 for 4). For the flowers, I had a completely different idea in mind, but when I visited my corner market, they had a special on these roses, and I couldn't pass it up. The little white flowers are Wax Flowers and they last FOREVER, and of course some daisies. Spring has hit NYC, so the yellow and white came together perfectly!

The menu for this evening was fairly simple and consisted of:

{LOBSTER FEST MENU}

Live Lobsters 

(As many as your guests can handle. We steamed ours in a huge pot, but find your favorite technique and go with it. If you have a problem with the whole "live" part, them my suggestion for you it to have a big glass of wine and exit the kitchen...leave it up to the volunteers. Trust me, it's worth it.)

French Potato Salad 

( I used my own recipe. Similar found here)

Steamed Broccoli 

Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

(I'm addicted to these)

Clarified Garlic Butter

(Recipe here. Just add chopped garlic and flat leaf parsley right before serving)

Looking back on the evening, it more than exceeded our expectations. Even if the lobster theme is not for you, there is nothing better than an amazing meal with great drinks and close friends in your own home. There will be many repeats to come! 

Springtime!

Spring is definitely almost here and with it comes the obligatory spring prints post, and due to my love of textiles and color, I have been very happy to do my research! Above is a collection of some great options I've come across so far...

Bright Idea

Jacket: Ark & Co, Silk Shirt: Amanda Uprichard, Leggings: J.Crew, Necklace: Vintage, Bag: Balenciaga, Shoes: Christian Louboutain

A few weekends ago, a good friend of mine was having a blow-out 50th birthday party at an incredible space in the west village. Not only was it an incredibly fun mix of people, but the night was topped off by an amazing jazz band who slowly developed into one of the most amazing groups I've heard in a long time. I needed something that would go with the fun vibe of the evening (and, although unaware of this at the time, an outfit that I could dance until 3am in). I picked up this necklace at a flea market that very morning and was needing to wear it immediately. From there I was in a very "color/ texture doesn't matter" mood... as I'm sure you can see, and ended up going with the above. 

Layer it up

Denim Collared Shirt, Crochet Sweater, and Belt: J.Crew, Blazer: Zara, Black Linen Shorts: Theory (find similar here and here, Bag: Balenciaga, Blue Suede Pumps: Chloe.

Layering is something I've only recently given a try. Because of the fact that I have a smaller frame, I always thought layering things would have a bulky-looking effect...the end result being not very attractive. I however found this J.Crew crochet sweater at the back of my closet, and have to admit, completely forgot about it! Thought I'd give some fresh air try out this layering thing, as I felt it was a perfect contender. When put against the slightly different shade of pink of the blazer and the sharp black of the shorts, it makes a really beautiful combination. I thought adding the belt would give a little waist definition and a little more color contrast. All in all I think I'd give this layering thing a try more often.

Saturday Brunch

Silk Blouse: L'Agence, Pants: J.CREW Minnie Pants, Sunglasses, Ray Ban,
Flats: Steve Madden I-Dreemy flats, Bag: Chloe, Rings: Vintage.

Saturday brunch in New York is usually something I forgo in favor of a lazy homemade breakfast (preferably pancakes) in my PJ's at my apartment. But on this occasion, the egg sandwich at The National Cafe in the Lower East Side was calling my name. And one has to dress appropriately for the post-brunch drinks that almost always follow...and this case was no exception!

Miami Bound

One of my very dear friends is having her bachelorette party in Miami in a few short weeks. I cannot even begin to express how excited I am to escape the New York weather and head to the sun! And with the sun comes the warm weather clothing. Below are just a few ideas for the packing list....

Mix it up.

Mixing colors that aren't necessarily obvious is something I've always loved. I recently acquired this hot pink clutch and have since been pairing it with pretty much everything. This combo is one of my favorites. The pink and the bright red of the print compliment each other beautifully! Throw in some fringed T-strap heels (which belong with almost everything, in my opinion) and you're good to go!

Dress: Maje, Blazer: Stella McCartney, Clutch: Asos (buy here).

Shoes: Christian Louboutain (find similar here).

Have a great Monday!

Lavender-Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze

I thought I would end this week on a sweet note and share this amazing recipe for Lavender - Lemon Cookies with a Lemon Glaze. I developed a little obsession for lavender when I visited Provence a few summers ago. There, this herb grown everywhere and they use it in everything from Lavender Honey iced tea, to the base for essential oils, to breads and pastries. During the summer months, this entire region of the south of France smells of Lavender and is covered with fields of bright purple. As the weather here in NYC has turned ridiculously warm for february (again), I was in the mood to fill the apartment with this provencal scent...and what better way to do it, then in these fast and easy cookies...

Lavender - Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze

For the base of this recipe, I used Martha Stewart's Lemon Cookie Recipe. To add the essence of Lavender, I used lavender sugar instead of regular sugar. When I was living in London, lavender sugar was something you could pick up at the grocery store. However, here in New York I didn't find it so readily available, so I made my own just by adding 2 TBSP of dried lavender for baking (that I picked up here..you'll be able to get this at a good grocery store) to the 1 cup of sugar needed for the recipe. I quickly blended it in the food processor to fully incorporate it, sifted it to get the big pieces out, and Voila! You have your sugar....

Dried lavender flowers added to my caster sugar.

Bake until golden

For the Lemon Glaze I used this recipe. But as for any glaze, it's just 2 cups Confectioners sugar and 1/3 cup of some type of liquid..and in this case it's lemon juice. Whisk together, and you have your glaze. Easy!

Spoon the glaze over the tops of the cooled cookies. Don't try and contain it, it's going to go everywhere...and that's what you want!

Sprinkle of lavender on top

Perfectly delicious

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Pop of Color

Scarf: J.Crew (find similar here and amazing printed ones here, Watch: Cartier, Ring: David Yurman.

Sweater: 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Leather Skirt: Katherine Feiner,
Bag: Chloe

Sunglasses: Robert Marc.

Heels: Christian Louboutain (find similar here and here).

I have a serious love of bright scarves. They are an effortless way to add a great pop of color to any outfit. By adding this bright orange/red silk linen scarf to the outfit above, it gives a fresh look to what would have been a very neutral ensemble. This particular scarf has served me well, doubling as a cover-up on the beach during the summer months. It pops next to the paler tone my skin takes during the winter (I've tried not to blind you with these photos), but also looks amazing with a tanned complexion. All around, whether it's a solid, or a bright printed scarf (see links above) it's a perfect piece to have in any closet! Happy Thursday!

Summertime in Italy!

So I've just learned that I will be Italy-bound this June! My boyfriend and I will be going to attend the 40th Anniversary bash of luxury menswear label Stefano Ricci in Florence. I'm so excited, not only to be in Italy again, but to have the opportunity to dress up for the black-tie affair - one that will surely be a beautifully over-the-top celebration (as only the italians can achieve). Immediately I started thinking about what to wear to this event (naturally), and also what else I could possibly cram into the suitcase- I have yet to learn the art of traveling light... it might be time to admit that it is a skill I will not acquire in this lifetime. Oh well! Below are some options that are screaming Italian Escape...

Top: Tibi Silk Tank, Short: Current Elliot "The Boyfriend" Denim Shorts, Studs: Kendra Scott Carly Earrings, Flats: Kate Spade Elina Flats, Bracelet: Aurelie Bidermann Braided Gold Wrap Cuff, Hat: Hat Attack.

Dress: Tibi Silk Chiffon Dress, Earrings: Dori Csengeri Terra Couture Earrings, Sandals: Jimmy Choo Fiona Sandal, Nail Color: Essie Ole Caliente.

Gown: Dolce and Gabanna Open Back Lace Gown, Clutch: Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter Clutch, Earrings: Alexis Bittar Leger Dome Earrings, Heels: Giuseppe Zanotti Metal-Back Sandals.

Sophisticated Party Time

Full Skirt Drop-Waist Dress: Maje.

Silk- Tie Necklace: Katherine Feiner

This has to be one of my favorite dresses ever. The full skirt, and drop-waist make an incredibly sophisticated and classic combination. These days with all the body-hugging party dress options out there, I saw this as a breath of fresh air! I wore this to the Robb Report / Xante event at the Surrey Hotel I wrote about a few days ago, and it was absolutely perfect. The same effect can be achieved with a drop-waist full skirt and tank...

Kale Salad!

Last week I had a lovely dinner at Beauty and Essex in New York's Lower East Side. We were a rather large group and ended up ordering about every "little plate" on the menu. Every dish was delicious but one that especially stood out with the Kale Salad (I love raw kale) with Pancetta, Green Apple, Spiced Walnuts, and finished with an Apple Cider Vinaigrette. I liked it so much that I attempted to re-create it the next evening for a dinner party I was having.... and I have to say I was very satisfied with the results! See recipe below..

To start with, I made the dressing. I went with a Honey-Apple Cider Vinaigrette recipe compliments of Martha Stewart (good old Martha). It's really simple and straight forward...

I made my dressing in a glass bottle I picked up at Whole Foods because I wanted extra. But you can just as easily whisk in a bowl and use right away. And even commission some helpers ( like I did in the background)!

Next I decided to make my own spiced walnuts. My sister has a really easy, delicious recipe for spiced nuts that she makes during the holidays, so I used it for the walnuts. It consists of equal parts brown sugar, paprika, and salt (she usually uses Rosemary, but I left it out for this salad). Toast the walnuts in the oven for about 5 minutes at 400 F, or until you can smell them. Then take about 2 TBSP of butter and melt it in a pan. Toss in the walnuts and the spices and saute for about 5 minutes, until all the nuts are warm and coated with the spices (this is going to smell amazing). Set aside.

Saute in the butter and spices.

There is no reason to make this a project, so if you don't have time to make your own spiced walnuts, just buy them! Candied ones are just as good!

Next saute the Pancetta. When done, place on a paper towel to let the fat drain. 

Set aside.

Saute diced pancetta.

Next chop the Kale (after washing well, of course), and chop the apple (I chopped mine into long strips). Throw all the ingredients in a large bowl, shake up the dressing really well and toss the salad. Now, because I'm a huge carnivore I think this salad would be great with some grilled or shredded chicken in it, but that's your call! Enjoy!