Tuesday 12.30

Necklace: Kate Spade, Sweatshirt: J. Crew, Bag: Michael Kors, Bracelet: Tiffany and Co., Skirt: Vintage, Shoes: Kate Spade

*Photographs taken by Papa Rick. 

Yours Truly

I, Gabriela Monsanto, have single-handedly found the best dairy free ice cream available - don't worry, you can thank me later. Whenever I venture home to Long Island I am desperate to find good dairy free desserts. In New York City I have my designated vegan dessert locales. Unfortunately, Long Island is not as advanced as New York City when it comes to vegan dessert offerings. To satisfy my palate over the Holidays I decided to try a variety of dairy free ice creams. While perusing the frozen section of Whole Foods I came across a box of ice cream cones called Yours Truly by Tofutti. 

The taste of Yours Truly ice cream is above and beyond any dairy-inclusive, pre-packaged ice cream cone. The top of the cone has a crunch like covering and the cone itself is coated inside with chocolate. The ice cream is incredibly sweet - in no way do you feel as if you are eating a tofu product. 

After browsing the Tofutti website I see that there is also a chocolate version - my fingers are crossed that they sell the chocolate option at the Columbus Circle Whole Foods! 

*Collage created by Gabriela Monsanto. Photographs taken from Tofutti, Popsugar, Chicosandbeans.

The View From Above

Merry Christmas

"Through the years we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now".

-Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

*Collage created by Gabriela Monsanto. 

All I Want for Christmas Is...

Rag and Bone, Wrenn Jewelry, Vince, Kate Spade, Equipment, Lululemon, Lulu Frost, Rag and Bone, Wrenn Jewelry

Christmas is right around the corner and my wish-list this year is quite ambitious. My fingers and toes are crossed that Santa leaves some of these goodies under the tree for me come Christmas morning.

*Collage created by Gabriela Monsanto. 

Monday 12.22

Sweatshirt: Etolie Isabel Marant, Bag: Loeffler Randall, Jeans: Old Navy, Boots: J. Crew

*Photographs taken by Papa Rick. 

Natasha

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Each year I buy myself a year-end gift. In the past I've purchased one large item, such as the Alexander Wang Rockie bag. This year, however, I decided to go for a variety of things. I purchased my first pieces of Isabel Marant clothing - a sweatshirt and a dress. I also bought a new phone - the iPhone 6 (not the plus). However, I couldn't get through the holiday season without buying a new purse. 

The Natasha handbag has been on my Christmas list for two consecutive years. With the right Bloomies sale, I decided to take the plunge and purchase the handbag myself - no need to wait for Santa. I absolutely love that the bag's hardware is the same color as the handbag. I went for a neutral grey color knowing that it will go with almost everything I own. 

I've planned my holiday outfits and Ms. Natasha plays a prominent role in each one. 

*Photographs taken by Gabriela Monsanto.

The View From Above

Thursday 12.18

Sunglasses: Rag and Bone, Scarf: American Eagle, Sweatshirt: J. Crew, Jeans: Gap, Bag: Balenciaga, Boots: Madewell

*Photographs taken by Papa Rick. 

OOTD: Holiday Party 2014

1. Isabel Marant, 2. Kate Spade, 3. Chanel, 4. Stacked With Love, 5. Cole Haan

I wanted to dress casually for this year's holiday party because when I purchase fancy outfits I never wear those items again. This year I'm relying on my accessories to dress up my look. As a year-end treat for myself I purchased a pair of Cole Haan wedges which I plan on wearing to all holiday dinners and upcoming weddings. Lastly, to pack a punch, I'm whipping out my favorite Kate Spade statement necklace. 

I'm looking forward to seeing how I fare against others' holiday attire. My fingers are crossed that I'm not totally off kilter!

 

*Collage created by Gabriela Monsanto.

Tuesday 12.16

Earrings: Kate Spade, Sweatshirt: Kate Spade, Clutch: Old Navy, Skirt: Vintage, Boots: Target

*Photographs taken by Papa Rick.

Bay Kitchen Bar

Nothing says summer like a meal outdoors on the water. As we New Yorkers enter in to the colder months I wanted to remember a warmer time.

This summer my family and I ate at the Bay Kitchen Bar. The food was good but it was the location that really won me over. The restaurant sits alongside a body of water and the windows and doors are left open so you can feel the breeze and look at the view as you eat. 

It is the epitome of indoor outdoor dining. 

I was impressed by the ceviche appetizer but found my seafood pasta entree lacking in taste. This restaurant is definitely worth a visit, if not for the food, then for the stunning vistas. 

*Photographs taken by Gabriela Monsanto.