1. Where did you grow up?

Dayton, Ohio

2. How did you discover your interest in fashion and how did you get your start?

My parents were rabid shoppers, and through that I discovered my interest in clothing as objects, and started playing with personal style mostly to entertain myself while they shopped.  My interest in “fashion” as an industry or cultural movement didn’t come until much later, when I was working in film, and I realized how much more immediate and tactile fashion could be as an industry and a career.  I got my start by just starting – I quit my job at a talent agency and started making shirts and ties for guys.

3. If you could do anything else as an occupation, what would it be?

I’m not sure, but there wouldn’t be so many deadlines involved.

4. What time period do you identify with most?

Late ’70s, early ’80s.

5. What is your greatest achievement?

I don’t think I can get hyperbolic with achievements just yet, I’m only 38!  Lots to do still.

6. If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

Tulum, or a similarly far off beach.

7. What is your most favorite meal in the world?

A plate of shortbread cookies.

8. Dogs or cats?

Both!  I’d own a dog, but ever since reading Bulgakov’s cult classic The Master and Margarita I also have an affinity towards cats.

9. Favorite live music experience?

R.E.M. Green Tour, 1989.

10. Who is your favorite artist in any field, living or dead?

Gosh, so many.  I’ll say Ed Ruscha, painter, very alive here in Culver City, CA.

This is really simple and super delicious—the quality of your ingredients really becomes highlighted with these types of salads. I like to use young beets… available for a pretty long growing season. Also, try to find a local fresh ricotta maker. In NYC, it’s pretty easy to find, but even in smaller cities and towns, you can find wonderful fresh cheeses such as ricotta and mozzarella. I like to use Maldon sea salt on this type of salad… you want the crystals to remain in tact (as opposed to when you want the salt to dissolve or become part of a mix in a homogenous way).

Ingredients:

8 small beets

1/4 lb. fresh ricotta

1 bunch chives

Maldon sea salt

Fresh black pepper

Extra virgin olive oil

Red wine vinegar

Clean your beets under running cold water with a brush… if they have a lot of soil let them soak for a while in a bowl of cold water. If you have nice lively beet greens, save them for a green salad or sauté them.

Boil the beets – cover them with a least 2 inches of cold water, add a teaspoon of salt, cover and bring to a boil (you might need to remove cover once they begin boiling so you don’t get red liquid all over your stove). The amount of time it will take to boil the beets really has to do with the size and AGE of the beets.

They are ready when you can put the tines of a fork through one… check them s you do not over boil them… especially with a salad, you do not want the beets overly soft.

Peel the beets under cold running water – the skin should come off easily.  Some people like to cover their hands with plastic bags or dishwashing gloves as your hands can color.

Slice your beets across the grain so you see the lovely rings.

Lay the beets down on serving plate.

Spoon ricotta on top of beets, leave in little piles.

Chop the chives finely (should not be more than 3 or 4 mm long), and sprinkle on top.  I am obsessed with fresh herbs and have been accused of putting too many on all at once.  I have really started trying to partner the perfect fresh herb to various dishes.  While basil, dill or mint would all be tasty here, I definitely think just chives end up giving the most subtly complex, full and satisfying flavor here.

Sprinkle sea salt and ground pepper to taste.

Make a very simple vinaigrette with your favorite EVOO and red wine vinegar.  I would not use a balsamic here, as you really want the fresh tartness of a wine or sherry vinegar.

I use 1/4 oil to 1 teaspoon vinegar.

Mix vigorously with a fork to emulsify and pour over the salad.

Serve immediately.

Wonderful on it’s own for lunch or along side a roasted chicken or fish (last night we ate it with grilled Red Snapper) for dinner.

“I have always seen dressing as a way to be creative and to do something fun for myself in the morning”.

Sofia Hedström is hard to miss. She is a striking beauty with white-blonde hair and a flashing, white smile, usually trimmed with bright red lips. If that weren’t enough to make her stand out in a crowd, she always is the coolest dressed girl in the room. Hedström is a native of Skara, Sweden and now splits her time between Stockholm and New York. She is the fashion editor for Svenska Dagbladet (basically the New York Times of Sweden), has a radio show about running and just published her first book, Fashion Manifesto. “Sports and fashion have always been a part of my career but it hasn’t really been conscious,” notes Sofia when trying to explain how she ended up covering such seemingly incongruous fields. But it makes perfect sense for a fashion and running enthusiast like her.

Hedström has always made a lasting impression. One time, I spotted her running the marathon in a miniskirt and feathers in her hair. Another time, Jen and I spied her on her bright yellow bike wearing a Native American-inspired suede halter top, looking like a stone cold fox. Her statement dressing is a reflection of her fun and entertaining personality, but she really strives for femininity. “This goes back to when I was a child. Up until I was six years old, my parents used to shave my head so my hair would grow back thicker. I looked like a boy and I hated it! So for me, it has always been important to dress feminine. I always wear skirts or dresses . . . it’s who I am.”

The pieces that Sofia showed me are decidedly personal and unique, each one truly a special item that she has found as opposed to a designer purchase. “I buy things that I have really strong emotions for and always wear them. I really want to dedicate myself to something; I would never want to buy something that I would only wear a couple of times.” The favorites she shared with me included some spectacular vintage pieces with stories to match as well as some Marc Jacobs from this season’s spring 2013 collection. Sofia’s often cheeky sensibility extends to her home, naturally. She has rock-n-roll legend-themed hangers, animal motifs everywhere you turn, art by her friends and family heirlooms—she is bright and unexpected through and through. I love seeing someone go for gold each and every day, it’s an inspiration!

by Starrett Ringbom

It seems like everyone I know has gone to or is going to LA this month, so I have collected my thoughts about my favorite city on the best coast, uh I mean the west coast. Flying into LAX is the modern day equivalent of manifest destiny. I always feel a rush of possibility and adventure as soon as I step off the plane and into the blazing sunshine. “Authenticity” is not the buzz-word of choice around these parts. That being said, I can’t help but recommend catching a glimmer of old Hollywood charm by checking yourself in to cottage #89 at the Chateau Marmont. It is a heavenly respite from the glitz and grime of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard and despite being constantly packed with celebrities and hangers-on, it still always feels like you have the whole place to yourself.

In my opinion every LA morning should start with a hike. The accessibility to nature right in the middle of the city is incredible and should not be missed. Start day 1 with a loop in dog-friendly Runyun Canyon. The city views and the sneak-peek into all the surrounding houses and backyards of the Hollywood Hills just cannot be beat. Afterwards I recommend heading to West 3rd Street for breakfast at Joan’s on 3rd or even better, lunch at Son of a Gun. The nautical decor is trying just a little too hard, but the food is absolutely amazing. Small plates of uni-pasta, burrata, himachi and the best fried chicken sandwich I have ever eaten are all easily washed down with a homemade shandy. This will give you plenty of energy for shopping in the neighborhood. OK down the block and across the street is one of my favorite shops for finding anything small and cool and home related including beautiful ceramics and books. Or pick up a new pair of sunglasses at Dan Deutsch, former stylist to the stars that now has a very affordable and chic eponymous line of eyewear. There is also a new flagship store for Heath Ceramics up on Beverley Boulevard where you can check out their latest plates, bowls and vases or browse the beautiful colorful furniture they showcase by Garza from Marfa, TX.  I also absolutely love the charm of Melrose Place with gorgeous boutiques for Zero + Maria Cornejo and the newly opened west coast outpost of Isabel Marant. Indie, girly, accessories-heaven Tenoversix is also located just around the corner.

Day 2 should start with a hike in Griffith Park up to the observatory for unmatched city views and snaps of the Hollywood sign. You can cheat a bit and drive up if you aren’t feeling quite so sporty spice. This will also take you to the east side of town and many of my favorite places. Start with lunch at Sqirl on North Virgil Avenue. I honestly can’t recommend just one thing, because I couldn’t choose and ordered something from every part of the menu. Brioche toast with homemade jam, Kukuho Rose brown rice bowl, and maybe a savory bread-pudding fried up in a tiny cast iron skillet all served with their own home-brewed and bottled iced coffee. The whole operation is only about the size of a postage stamp though, so be prepared to find a small seat out on the sidewalk to enjoy the food. After this make your way up to Sunset Junction and check out Mohawk General Store for a great mix of independent and up-and-coming designer collections for men and women. Then go a little further north still to the assorted collection of Art Deco storefronts that make up Lost and Found. From kid’s clothes to home goods and the best selection of men’s clothing I have found in ages, I was totally inspired by this quirky, bohemian minimalist meets ethnic mix of goods.

If you are feeling slightly more adventurous, then start Day 3 by driving out to Malibu for a hike through Solstice Canyon. Begin with the flat Solstice Canyon Trail past the remains of The Robert’s Family Ranch up to the waterfall then make your way back along the Rising Sun Trail high above the canyon floor on the eastern edge with stunning views of the Pacific. Just keep your eyes peeled for little lizards and rattlesnakes! After this you will be famished, so head down to Venice to  Abbott Kinney Boulevard to Gjelina for the most delicious salads, vegetables, small plates and pizza. The food and the service is perfect. After lunch, take a stroll down to Tortoise General Store for the best selection of Japanese-ish housewares and then pop into the gorgeous Heist for a great selection of feminine dresses and casual California basics.

Back in Hollywood I recommend spending some quality time poolside or take in the city views at the Sunset Tower Hotel terrace bar. After max-relax head down Sunset to Night + Market  for a seriously spicy Northern Thai street food feast from genius chef Kris Yenbamroong. Happy and full, stroll back to the Chateau, squeeze past the paparazzi, play a game of ping pong and fall into bed for some well deserved ZZZs.

We all agree at bird there’s a perfect PS1 for everyone, you just have to find the right match. The most recent delivery of large and medium handbags from New York’s Proenza Schouler aims to be everything you ever wanted. We took them for a stroll in the neighborhood to see how their rich colors pair with the walls around us. Call or write with any questions, or to hear about the other colors and styles we received which aren’t featured.

Yip yip!  It is time to grill! Grilling is one of those wonderful seasonal flavors… just as ramps and asparagus come into season it’s time to start grilling!

This salad is delicious as a meal at lunchtime or as a wonderful beginning to a spring dinner.  It combines 2 lettuces with asparagus and is complex in flavor while feeling fresh.

It can be served warm, room temperature or cold… you can keep it in the fridge for a day. And it is so easy! 30 minutes total prep time.

Serves 4

 Ingredients:

3 whole Endive

1 head Radicchio

1 block Feta (I used President)

1 bunch of fresh mint

1 bunch of chives

Extra virgin olive oil

Balsamic vinegar

Red wine vinegar

Sea salt

Fresh black pepper

To make:

• Preheat/turn on/get coals going the grill… high heat!

• Rinse all veggies and herbs well and remove exterior leaves of lettuces.

• Cut the endive in 1/2 and remove and any discolor in the stem (make sure to keep the stem in tact enough to hold leaves!)

• Cut the radicchio into 1/8 pieces… (Make sure to keep stem on each piece)

• Trim the ends of asparagus.

• Place all in bowl and coat lightly with EVOO, fresh pepper and sea salt.

• Cook in groups on grill:

Asparagus 2-3 minutes per side… should see some nice browning.

Endive 3-4 minutes per side… want some grill marks.

Radicchio 2 minutes per side… some nice color.

• You can put all the veggies back in the same dish you brought to grill… no need to dirty up another!

• Remove each veggie from the bowl and cut up… the asparagus about 1 1/2″ pieces, the endive about 1″ – remove end piece with stem, remove stem from radicchio so you only have the leaves.

• Gently mix them all together in your bowl… you do not want them to get mushed, so I use my hands here so the leaves are treated with care.

• Cut up slices of feta and break into chunks – add to salad.

• Top with plenty of chopped mint and chives.

• Dressing:  you only need a bit EVOO here as you already have a bunch on the veggies.

1 tbs EVOO

1 tbs red wine vinegar (this lends so nice contrast and tang to the grilled flavors)

2 tbs balsamic vinegar

Open a bottle of rosé and enjoy!!

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in beautiful Istanbul.

2. How did you discover your interest in fashion and how did you get your start?

As a little girl I was very particular about the way I was dressed. I gave my mother a hard time about it growing up, I was  very picky. My favorite pastime was to make paper dolls and dresses from scratch instead of playing with printed ones. It continued like this throughout my teenage years. I used to buy pieces and reconstruct them according to my taste. Even though I found myself studying business later in life, I ended up in fashion after graduation as I further continued my education in fashion and started a career in it. My first job was a buyer position in Ralph Lauren.

3. If you could do anything else as an occupation, what would it be?

I am not interested in trends but I love clothing. I could still do buying, I enjoyed it. The production side of my business is not fun, but I guess every occupation is difficult if you care for quality and aim for perfection pushing the boundaries.

4. What time period do you identify with most?

Right now

5. What is your greatest achievement?

Yet to be realized

6. If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

Tulum

7. What is your most favorite meal in the world?

Anything my mother makes

8. Dogs or cats?

Dogs

9. Favorite live music experience?

Depeche Mode concert in 1990’s, I cannot remember the exact year.

10. Who is your favorite artist in any field, living or dead?

Haluk Akakce: his animated video projections are amazing.

Shop Sibel Saral’s collection here.

Last Sunday we had a Cinco de Mayo fiesta at our Williamsburg store featuring two of our favorite jewelry designers, Melissa Joy Manning and Miansai. There was music, margaritas and good company! It was the perfect end to a beautiful weekend.

Let us know if you’d like to stay in the loop on parties to come!

Shop the new Miansai watches here.