Up on the roof

We love to frequent rooftop bars when the weather is warm, so there's nothing better than hearing that there's a new enclosed rooftop bar in town to keep us from going through withdrawal while the winter is upon us. Jimmy, The James Hotel Rooftop Bar, which opened about a month ago in Soho, is the perfect new place to sit back & relax with a classically-inspired cocktail while enjoying the plush couches, crackling fireplace and sweeping views of the city. We might have found the perfect solution to cure the winter blues.

xx H&J

Istanbul. Day 3.

Girls' spa day at the Hamam (Turkish baths!)

Courtyard of the Blue Mosque.

Inside the Blue Mosque.


In front of Hagia Sophia.

Inside Hagia Sophia.


Make a wish! H at the weeping pillar.

Turkish delight!
The Grand Bazaar!

Our spread of appetizers and Raki at Sofyali 9

Drinks with a view of all of Istanbul at Leb-i Derya for our last night!

Istanbul. Day 2.

Waiting for the ferry to take us to Asia!

We're in Asia!

Cafes and antique shops in Kadikoy.


Kumpir (loaded baked potato) for lunch in Ortakoy. Followed by shopping in local jewelry stores!

Bosphorus river on a blustery day.

The chic and beautiful streets of Bebek.

Mangerie restaurant for tea time!

Drinks with a view of the Bosphorus at 5 Kat before a delicious kebab dinner.

Istanbul. Day 1.

Istiklal Avenue. Beautiful at sunset.

French Street. Adorable outdoor cafes.

The girls. With our best friends, P & R. (P as been living in Istanbul and teaching English)

Cay tea.

Lokanta for Thanksgiving dinner.

Turkish feast!

Hump Day

Fat Radish. Ginger Thyme cocktails. Surfrider Foundation. Russell Simmons. Ed Westwick. Just another Wednesday night out with the ladies.

xx J

H turns 29, Jersey style...

Our favorite phrase around here is "Go big or go home" and that's exactly how we rang in H's birthday this year. We spent a Jersey-style themed girls' weekend in Atlantic City with big hair, big nails, big attitude and big fun.

We got down there Saturday afternoon and spent time getting AC's famous sub sandwiches, walking along the boardwalk, taking in the beach, eating saltwater taffy and checking out all of the boardwalk shops. After hitting up happy hour along the strip we headed back to the hotel to get decked out for the night. Crimped hair, press-on nails and fabulous outfits were donned as we spent a few hours being girls and helping each other get ready while listening to music and prepping for our big night out in AC.

When we were finally Jersified, we headed out to the Tropicana where we started off at Ri Ra, then hit the casinos for a little slot machine action, and ended up dancing the night away at Providence (with a midnight pig-out at Hooters in between, just because we're classy like that).

Happy birthday, H. Hope this next year is full of all of the fabulous things you deserve!

xx J

The beach!!

Yummy! Saltwater taffy.

Getting ready to go out!

J & H

Having fun at Ri Ra!

The birthday girl was a winna' winna' with the slots!

Big ballerz. Group shot in the casino.

Military Madness!!! carol marie holiday hits Shopbop!

New carol marie holiday styles are up on Shopbop. Our favorite double wrap leather chain bracelet & cool pendant necklaces. Click HERE to check it out!!

carol marie spring 2011 preview.... get excited!!!!!

Misha Nicole

H and friends attended the launch party for a new retailer opening in NYC - Misha Nicole - that placed an order for carol marie and will be carrying the collection when the store officially opens. The event took place at the exclusive members only club, Norwood, with live music, alcohol and models walking around wearing styles from carol marie and other designers who will be sold at the store. The store has yet to release the exact location for where it will open - stay tuned and we'll keep you posted!

xx H&J

Obsession: Peruvian bags for city streets

There's nothing in the world that excites me more than a classic, rugged, well-made leather bag. There's something so old-school and everlasting about the idea that has me completely obsessed with labels like The Madly. The label comes from designers Jake Quellman and Melanie Dizon (who used to have her own eponymous bag label), and has a strong collection of rugged leather bags, backpacks, totes and briefcases inspired by the duo's strong sense of wanderlust.

For spring 2011, the designers traveled through Peru for inspiration & are coming out with a number of pieces made with a limited-edition fabric called The Nomads, made by cooperatives in the Sacred Valley of Peru. The result is a chic collection of pieces that encompass everything a city girl longing to be hiking through the Andes could ever yearn for.

xx J