We Recommend: The Rules of Civility

Now that we are in our Gatsby hangover, the perfect way to move on is by reading The Rules of Civility, Amor Towles' elegant and sweet debut novel.  The book follows a female protagonist, Katy Kontent, who is determined to achieve the good life in Depression-era Manhattan, but never hides her humble roots, and works her hardest to get ahead in her career.  The people around her, however, are not always as genuine.  Towles' sophisticated style, and Katey's witty voice, make this book a fascinating study on human behavior, motivation, and relationships, while remaining light enough to be completely delightful.

Recipe - The Fitzgerald Cocktail

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Named for the heavy drinking author, The Fitzgerald is similar to a Gin Sour, but the bitters give it a less sweet and more complex finish. 

2 oz. Gin
1 oz. Simple Syrup
Juice of half a lemon
2 dashes of Angostura Bitters

Shake the ingredients together over ice in a cocktail shaker.  Serve up, garnished with lemon.

“First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.” 
― F. Scott Fitzgerald

Countdown to Gatsby - Jay Gatsby

Clockwise from top left: striped blazer suit, micro stripe suit, linen suit, 

pearl cufflinks, brogues, hat, oxfords, black enamel cufflinks

Recipe - The Pink Lady Cocktail

Isla Fisher as Myrtle Wilson in The Great Gatsby

While Jay Gatsby had the best bootleg liquor available to him, someone such as Myrtle Wilson might have had to create a cocktail that covered up the taste of bathtub gin.  This drink, which uses grenadine, a mixer that became popular during Prohibition to mask the harsh taste of homemade alcohol, would have been perfect for a night out in 1920s New York City.

2 ounces gin
1 teaspoon grenadine (we recommend a homemade or artisanal one that uses a pomegranate base.)
1 egg white

Place the ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice, and shake vigorously to froth the egg white.  Serve up in a martini glass.  Serves one.

“Here's to alcohol, the rose colored glasses of life.”
- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Beautiful and Damned

Countdown to Gatsby - Daisy Buchanan

Clockwise from top left: three quarter sleeve lace dress, diamond necklace, gold dress, pearl necklace, lace dress, 

leather clutch, white heel, t-strap pump, lace heel, beaded clutch, octagon clutch

Countdown to Gatsby - Modern

Clockwise from top left: red dress, white dress, bronze long dress, beaded dress, black dress, 

cap toe pumps, tricolor sandals, python sandals, bronze short dress, gold dress, clutch

Song of the Week

Jay-Z - $100 Bill

Recipe - A Gatsby Era Feast

Cheers to a fabulous feast!

After World War I, the 1920s brought about an era of prosperity in America, and a contradiction of decadence and austerity - this was a decade of new wealth, social change, and Prohibition.  The menus of the 1920s reflect these changes, and many of the recipes at the time were designed to showcase ingredients or techniques that were previously difficult to obtain or perform.  Gelatin based dishes were incredibly popular due to their need for refrigeration (many people still had old fashioned ice boxes at the time), and many top hotels and clubs introduced signature recipes that were quickly copied by home cooks.  Someone such as Jay Gatsby, who had new money and wanted to attract attention to it, would have had his chef and staff put together a feast that combined some of the most indulgent foods of his time.  They may all be a bit much for us to eat at once now, but this menu is perfect for those who want to pick and choose, or for those who want to go all out.

Appetizers

Deviled Eggs Parisienne

Oysters Rockefeller

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms with Parmesan

Crudité with Caesar Dip

Soup Course

Cream of Asparagus Soup

Entrée

Spiced Baked Ham - Gatsby always served a spiced baked ham at his parties

Potatoes a la Hollandaise

Salad Course

Waldorf Salad

Dessert

Gin & Tonic Gelatin Mold - Although this is a more modern recipe, we can't think of a better way to finish off such a meal

Countdown to Gatsby - Traditional

The Great Gatsby is opening this upcoming weekend, and in honor of the impact this has already made on current fashion trends, we wanted to countdown with some of our favorite looks. Today we are showcasing a traditional late 1920s board, dresses to wear to a 20s costume party.

Clockwise from top left: white dress, red dress, full black dress, green silk dress,  purple dress,  

cap toe shoes, black feathered dress, green lace dress, beaded sandals, clutch

Can't wait for: The Great Gatsby

We are eagerly anticipating the release of Baz Luhrman's The Great Gatsby, and if the soundtrack (created with Jay-Z) is any indication, it's going to be fantastic. Interscope released a preview:

The track listing features an amazing line-up with many of our favorite musicians.
1. Bang Bang - will.i.am
2. A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got) - Fergie, Q Tip & GoonRock
3. Young And Beautiful - Lana Del Rey
4. Love Is The Drug - Bryan Ferry with The Bryan Ferry Orchestra
5. Over The Love - Florence & The Machine
6. Where The Wind Blows - Coco O. of Quadron
7. Crazy in Love - Emeli Sandé and The Bryan Ferry Orchestra
8. Together - The xx
9. Hearts A Mess - Gotye
10. Love Is Blindness - Jack White
11. Into the Past - Nero
12. Kill and Run - Sia

We're still listening to the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack, and this promises to be a new favorite as well. SoundCloud has a full version of Florence & the Machine's Over the Love and the full album will be released May 7th.

Fashionable Film: The Great Gatsby (1974)

While we can't wait for the new film version of The Great Gatsby to come out, we have always been fans of the 1974 version for its stars, fashion, and locations.  Robert Redford and Mia Farrow were picture perfect as Jay Gatsby and his love Daisy Buchanan, and Ralph Lauren designed the stunning costumes, expertly hiding Farrow's pregnancy, and creating a romantic 1920s look that has continued to influence his work in the forty years since.