Obsession of the Moment: Angus Dei Design

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting Danjebis Rodrigues of Agnus Dei Designs on the corner of 23rd and Madison. He was in need of directions, and somehow pegged me for a local. I'm still not sure if I pointed him toward his destination, but a quick conversation and his black-on-black business card steered me toward his jewelry company's website.

Rodrigues' designs are the perfect edge to roughen up my classic style. I love his cuffs, especially the Doors of Perception wrap bracelets and the simple Signature Evolution Cuff. And his unique rings would be the perfect contrast to a polished party frock.

I definitely recommend checking out his collection. It's a bit pricey, but his looks are so unique and made of high-quality metals. They're totally worth it.

Readers what's your latest accessory obsession?

Inspired by: 23rd Subway Station

The New York subway is not luxurious. While efficient, it's a less-than-glamorous means of transportation. That being said, I love that subway stations have subtle nods of nostalgia in the form of gorgeous, vintage mosaics.

After a quick Google search, I learned the history of these public art pieces. The project was initiated in 1910 by subway art director and engineer Squire Vickers, and has continued into modern day with new designs popping up in recent years. One of the new mosaics happens to be in the station on 23rd near my dorm.

The wind-blown hats pictured above inspired a search for the perfect summer headpiece. I'm normally a fan of the floppy, but these cute cloches and fedoras could easily sway my opinion.

1.) Floppy Bergere Hat (American Apparel, $44)
2.) Floppy Stripe Hat (Gap, $30)
3.) BDG Linen Fedora (Urban Outfitters, $24)
4.) Badgley Mischka Margo Hat (Bloomingdale's, $60)
5.) Lauren by Ralph Lauren Classic Linen Cloche (Bloomingdale's, $30)

Readers, do you have a go-to summer hat? What public art are you admiring these days?

Taste Test Tuesday: Friend of a Farmer

Last week, a new friend from SPI and I set off to explore our new, New York neighborhood in search of a good meal. Well, we walked and walked, and then it started raining, but we finally found what we were looking for in the rustic-chic Friend of a Farmer.

An upscale cozy cafe with vintage-inspired decor, Friend of a Farmer brings down-home comfort food to the big city. It's a bit pricey, with most entrees upwards of $15, but it was absolutely worth it after our hour-long trek. After a quick survey of the menu, my friend and I both ordered the fried chicken.

When my meal arrived I was almost overwhelmed by how much food was on my plate. I'd been expecting one piece of meat and was presented with three golden-brown pieces atop a plateful of fries with ketchup and honey dipping sauces.

The chicken was crispy and juicy if ever-so-slightly under seasoned, and the leftovers made a wonderful lunch the next day. Overall, I definitely recommend Friend of a Farmer for dinner--apparently their brunch is quite well-known as well!

Does anyone have any good (cheap) suggestions for restaurants in the Gramercy area? I'm trying to cram as much as I can in the next few weeks!

New York City Runway Inspirations: Sheer Genius

(Fashion Image Credits: NY Mag)

Is it just me, or was the scaffolding on this New York building inspired by the sheer fashions found all over the Spring and Fall 2011 runways?