Fashion Avenue Style - Bocca Di Bacco's New Chelsea Location

Bocca di Bacco 7th Ave. Grand Opening party.

Chelsea, NYC I'd have to say that Chelsea is one of my favorite NYC neighborhoods as we've been attending the Ice Theatre of NY's Benefit Gala at Chelsea Piers for a number of years. This upscale part of Manhattan has its own vibe and style so I was excited to attend the grand opening of Bocca di Bacco's (Mouth of Baccus - the Roman god of wine) new 7th Ave. location. Formerly known as IL Bastardo, this central location has now become the fourth Bocca Di Bacco restaurant in NYC.

Front bar and flowering trees of Bocca di Bacco

BDB Chelsea
I really like the cozy decor and rustic exposed brick of this spacious bar and Italian restaurant. We got the chance to sample some delicious hot hor dourves & appetizers being passed around at the party: Pizza Bites, fried rice balls will mozzarella & marinara sauce and savory stuffed mushrooms were some that we especially enjoyed. BDB is known for their feast-like weekend brunches now called IL Bastardo Brunch at Bocca di Bacco. Hailed also for their delicious selection of Italian wines and specialty cocktails, we enjoyed one of their concoctions called the "Butterfly" made with fig flavored Vodka and Champagne.

BDB's signature "Butterfly" with fig flavored Vodka and champagne.

BDB Wine & Dine
The new 7th Ave. location has a lot of room with three distinct areas for dining, cocktails and private parties. The Grand Opening event was very crowded and held all the way at the back of the restaurant. It has its own bar, DJ area and a middle section for dancing where I saw a few attendees really getting into the music!

Grand Opening party at BDB

There are a lot of comfortable spots to meet and eat at this 7th Ave. location so if you want to find a little corner to be alone, you can. Still it seats well over 400 guests. The decor is rustic and provincial giving it old world charm without being pretentious.

Table for 4 in the main dining area at BDB

Chelsea Style
Chelsea is the apex of downtown urban chic but you can see many fashion styles represented at BDB. After all, it is located on Fashion Avenue! It is informal enough to make you feel at home but you would not feel out of place if you came dressed for cocktails. So what was I wearing to this Grand Opening event?

Moro Designer Jewelry: Fish in Rose Gold Necklace

The evening's outfit and accessories c/o the following designers:

Alyssa Dress by NYC fashion designer Nora Gardner
Crystal Cocktail Watch by NYC fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi

Vintage Gold Leather Clutch with Jeweled Clasp

Alyssa Dress by NYC designer Nora Gardner.

We would love to come back for the IL Bastardo Brunch at Bocca di Bacco or a sumptuous dinner but want to thank the restaurant and their staff for inviting and accommodating us at this amazing Grand Opening event. Visit BDB online for their extensive Italian menus, delivery service and wine lists at Bocca di Bacco
 

Town & Country NEW Fall Trends Naturalizer Boots & Rebecca Minkoff Mab Mini Satchel

NEW for fall 2013! Naturlizer's on trend leather Jersey Riding Boots - Mab Mini Satchel by Rebecca Minkoff. 

Autumn in NY In the great northeast, we definitely know how to celebrate change of seasons! Fall mornings around here are usually a bit cool but by the time the afternoon rolls around, things warm up a bit. My New Jersey estate allows the enjoyment of leafy walks and bicycle rides by bucolic horse farms and open fields but I can still hop on the train in be in Midtown in about 40 minutes. So my fall fashion choices, (especially my footwear), reflect that. So what's new for us who want to be comfortable in the country but still fashionable in town?

The Jersey Boot by Naturalizer
This is a new fall 2013 release from Naturalizer, who in my opinion makes some of the most comfortable career pumps around. The Jersey Riding Boot comes in Oxford Brown (shown), Black and a lighter Banana Bread Leather. The leather has a beautiful, rich finish that you would expect to see on a traditional riding boot. However the comfort is in the details. The Jersey comes in regular and wide shaft so those with larger calves will be quite happy in this boot.

Back cuff of the Jersey Boot has elastic inserts that give as you walk.

Comfort the First Time Out
I have other leather boots and most require some break in time. I actually wore these Jersey boots to NYC for a post Fashion Week event. Starting at 34th St. and 7th Ave. I walked 5 miles downtown to Soho and back even though they were brand new! Here are some details from the Naturalizer website:

Ride into style with the fashionable Jersey riding boots from Naturalizer.

• Leather upper in a riding boot style with a round toe
• Twin buckle straps at the shaft
• Inside zipper ensures an easy slip-on construction
• Elastic stretch panel at the collar
• Smooth lining, cushioning insole features N5 comfort elements
• Non-slip outsole, 1 inch heel

Naturalizer's Jersey Riding boots in Oxford Brown.

On Trend Bags-Rebecca Minkoff Mab Mini Satchel
Madam Editor of GaveThat.com (the ORIGINAL Bag SnobTM) loaned me her Rebecca Minkoff leather hand bag for this shoot. This fall and into spring 2014, the bags have shrunk. Large, over-sized "diaper bags" are pretty much played out. I like the supple leather of her Mab Mini Satchel as it is the perfect size for a day out in the country or in town.

Rebecca Minkoff Mab (Morning After Bag) Mini Satchel - Available at Saks 5th Ave.

Town and Country Living
So if you spend time working in town but want to relax in the country, get a few fall essentials like these that allow a seamless transition between the two. The Naturalizer Jersey Boots are beautiful to look at but also a delight to your feet. A quality leather bag like the Mab Mini Satchel will last for years and is worth the investment.   

This Fall Outfit:
Eyewear - Classic Wayfarers by Ray-Ban
Silk Blouse by Chelsea Cambell for Charter Club
Front Pleated Pencil Skirt by Context 
Leather Satchel - Rebecca Minkoff
Riding Boots - Jersey in Oxford Brown c/o Naturalizer