Read: The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger, then watch the movie. I like that the movie differs slightly from the book, but for a good base understanding of the story, read the juicy novel first. I really enjoyed reading The Devil Wears Prada years ago, and I loved the movie just as much. Whether you are interested in the fashion industry or not, this book may be one of the best beach reads I have yet to find. And then, of course, for a fun movie night with girlfriends, you really can’t go wrong with the film version of the book. Also, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. You can’t go wrong with that cast. The sequel, Revenge Wears Prada, was recently released (after 10 years!), and I can’t wait to read it. Weisberger really captures interesting details of the fashion world which is always an indulgent pleasure.

Read: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, then watch the movie. From the second I started The Da Vinci Code, I could already envision what the movie would look like. The book itself reads like a movie (and the movie unfortunately plays out too much like the book), and Brown vividly captures every detail that it feels like you are actually solving the murder mystery with the main character, Robert Langdon, instead of just witnessing it. The movie, on the other hand, was just not as captivating as the book. I would say that it is worth seeing because Tom Hanks is in it, but if you have to choose between the book and the movie, find a nice big comfy chair and start flipping those pages. As I said before, the book is filled with clear imagery that you can pretty much see the movie in your imagination.

Read: Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert, and then watch the movie. Before you get too excited that Julia Robert is the star of this film, slow down and pick up the book, which is far more inspiring and emotional than the movie conveys. The book, which reads like a diary, really connects the soul in a beautiful and magnetic way. While Gilbert’s book carries the spiritual weight, the movie wins for its stunning visuals. From the food in Italy to the prayer in India to the love in Bali, the movie shows off such gorgeous scenery that you’ll want to rewind certain scenes over and over again. That said, for the emotion and depth of the story, read the book, but for the visual journey, watch the movie.

Have you read/watched any of these books/movies? What do you think: read or watch first?

P.S. My first Read Then Watch.

{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

If there is one shoe designer that comes to mind when I think flawless, it is Charlotte Olympia. Not only are her shoes insanely creative and unique, but they are also very comfortable, which I find rare in shoes that aren’t designed for running or lounging around the house. Charlotte Olympia’s 2013 Pre Fall line consists of amazing shoes and clutches that were inspired by Hollywood. Called ‘Hollywoodland,’ I am obviously craving this gorgeous collection and loving how the different aspects of Hollywood appear throughout her designs.

Whether you are gazing at the iconic Hollywood sign, working behind the scenes, indulging in Old Hollywood black-and-white films, or enjoying a night out to the theater, this British shoe designer has you covered. While her shoes and accessories are insanely expensive, they are the best kind of eye candy. These are some of my favorites…

1. Box Office Pandora Clutch
2. Girls on Film Heels
3. Hollywood Wedges
4. Movie Night Bag
5. Take Pandora Clutch
6. Liz Pump

{All photos via Charlotte Olympia}

I am officially back from my brief hiatus, and it feels great! I have missed blogging. This has been a busy week with work and errands, but the weekend promises a little bit of relaxation and fun. There are some great movies coming out that I will need to make time to see, including The Bling Ring, The Internship, and Now You See Me, just to name a few. I’m also looking forward to a nice Sunday celebrating Father’s Day! How will you be celebrating? For now, though, let’s wrap up the week with a recap…

* Japanese candy and Vogue for a jet lagged afternoon [photo above]. More photos from Japan coming next week!

* Helena Bonham Carter looking fabulous as Elizabeth Taylor.

* Last Thursday (June 6) was the 15th anniversary of the premiere of Sex and the City.

* Adorable mini-meals for cocktail hour.

* 42 of the greatest quotes from Arrested Development.

* Fun conversation starters for friends, provided by Mindy Kaling.

* This Kickstarter for a documentary about New Yorker cartoonists looks awesome.

Have a fantastic weekend and Happy Father’s Day!

{Photo by Lauren}

During a recent trip to Japan, I stumbled across Hirata Bokujo, a small restaurant that served the most delicious tonkatsu I’ve ever had in my life. Tonkatsu is a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet, often served with shredded cabbage and a sauce to dip the cutlet in. You can’t go wrong with anything you order on the menu because it all tastes so fresh and is guaranteed to be filling. With only 19 seats total (2 tables and bar seating), Hirata Bokujo is quiet and relaxing, with jazz music softly playing in the background to create an ambiance that easily beats out many American restaurants with the Top 50 hits blasting.

With hot tea to start, customers make their own tonkatsu dipping sauce by grinding sesame seeds against a textured bowl and adding a sauce of their choice. I’ve always loved tonkatsu with sauce, so making my own exactly to my liking only further enhanced the meal. Complete with miso soup and a steaming bowl of white rice, this lunch ranks high on my list. Blending in with the other restaurants lining the street, keep an eye out for the big red sign in the front.

{Photos by Lauren}

“After a while, you just want to be with the one that makes you laugh.”

                                          – Mr. Big in Sex and the City, Episode ”Models and Mortals”

{via}

1. Watermelon Salsa | 2. Watermelon Lamburger | 3. Watermelon Fruit Bowl 
4. Watermelon Salad with Feta and Avocado | 5. Watermelon Breeze

I’ve already cut into my first watermelon of the season, which in my book means it is officially summer. While I am quick to just grab a few slices to enjoy, I have to remind myself that there are so many great things to do with watermelon. Whether it is squeezing fresh watermelon juice, making it into a salad, including it in a juicy burger, or even using the watermelon shell as a bowl, watermelon is a diverse fruit with a sweet taste. To usher in the summer, include June’s flavor of the month into as many recipes as you can for a healthy and fruity twist.

{pic}

It is that time of year when things get pretty hectic and major changes start taking place. I’d like to concentrate on the upcoming events and adventures and truly focus my energy on enjoying the moment. That said, I will be taking a brief hiatus from posting regularly, but when I return, there will be lots of exciting content and photographs. Looking forward to sharing and updating soon! In the meantime, let’s all follow these words of inspiration.

{photo via}

A few weeks ago, I did not like pie. At Thanksgiving and other holidays and celebrations where pie was involved, I would opt out of dessert or find an alternative, like chocolate cake or ice cream. However, after passing by I Like Pie, an adorable pie shop in Claremont, I decided to give pie another chance. After my first bite of the Caramel Apple Crunch, I may have found my new favorite dessert (five pies in seven days confirmed this). The Triple Berry and Strawberry Rhubarb pies are also delicious. Served with a huge scoop of Dr. Bob’s vanilla ice cream and you’ve got yourself a dessert that is impossible to pass up.

{Photos by Lauren}

Along with many other series that I loved (including Happy Endings), television networks renewed and cancelled shows for next season. One of these shows was Smash, which NBC decided to cancel after only two seasons. I watched Smash when it first aired, and I have actually really enjoyed the season. Not only does the show highlight New York City, but I thought the drama and music was well-balanced. The original and cover music in the second season have also been incredible. The following videos are my favorite moments and songs from the show. I’m super bummed this show was cancelled, but at least there are two great seasons to re-watch.

It is going to be a big movie weekend, and I am appreciative for the time off to visit the theater. I finally saw a movie last week and it really made me realize how much I miss the theater-going experience. In addition to movies, I intend to re-watch the entire 3 seasons of Arrested Development, probably with dim sum leftovers within reach. Have a wonderful weekend!

* This really is how I get sucked into an SVU marathon.

* I am officially obsessed with Arrested Development, and May 26 (the start of Season 4) cannot get here soon enough.

* Lavender lemonade: a perfect summer drink.

* Met Gala 2013 - I wasn’t very impressed with the theme and most of the dresses. My favorites: Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Alba, and Anne Hathaway.

* Indulged in one of the best chocolate lava cakes [photo above].

* Stoked to see The Great Gatsby and Iron Man 3 this weekend!

* A great place for Mother’s Day brunch. Here are some other ideas!

* Saw Mud last weekend, and it was visually stunning and a great slice-of-life film.

{Photo by Lauren}