Friday Frock and Fizz

It ain’t over ’til it’s over. It may be Labor Day weekend, but I’m just getting into the swing of the season’s sun and sea. Let’s save the frock for fall and pour ourselves a cocktail. Summer, I love you.

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Put ice, Lillet, gin, orange juice and basil in a cocktail shaker; shake well. Fill a glass with ice; strain mixture into glass. Add tonic water. Garnish with cucumber spear, cinnamon stick and basil sprigs.

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Full recipe with ingredients and directions can be found right here. Cheers!

Cape Cod Photo Diary

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I cruised up to Cape Cod last weekend for sand, surf and time well spent with my best friends. What a city escape. Quiet blue skies, crashing waves, good wine, dinner parties at home and sunset cocktails on a Woods Hole dock overlooking the Elizabeth Islands.

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We walked to Falmouth’s Surf  Drive Beach, kayaked Old Silver Beach, and took an easy ride into town.

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Just when you think the day can’t get any better on Cape Cod, the view keeps happening well into the evening.

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Image Credits: Jenny Graham / Kayak Model: Lizzy Sherman

Friday Frock and Fizz

Sarah Hyland

I’m in deep like with this Toujouri textured bodice and tulle skirt, effortlessly worn by Sarah Hyland. Learning what looks best on you means trying a few frocks for the right fit. Just like a fine wine, it takes time.

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On behalf of my day job’s A-list roster coupled with attending countless engagement parties and weddings, I’ve honed the art of interesting gift giving, like Lot 18. Order a tasting of a variety of wines (six 50 ml bottles for only 10 bucks), sample that vino, then log on to their website for a virtual waiter who will help you navigate and rate your faves. In the end, you’ll have a curated case of 12 bottles for $84. Don’t mind if I do.

JBD Says: Keeping In Touch

How do you keep in touch with your best friends?

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My mom marvels at how I’ve managed to maintain multi-decade-long best friendships from country to country, coast to coast. The funniest part, in thinking about it, is that my actual closest girlfriends do not use social media much, which is the complete opposite of my daily way of NYC communicado. Go figure! I realized, though, the secret to our never ending connection is speaking (at least) every couple of days, only for five minutes. I know, that sounds kooky, right? But it works. I call on my walk to the subway in the morning or they’ll give me a ring on a drive home from dinner out. Anything goes, and hearing favorite voices favors a brighter day, whether you’re in Cambodia, Cape Cod or Canarsie.

Seersucker

I had never seen so much seersucker than when I vacationed in Bermuda. Second place goes to all of the dudes I know from college in New England, and coming in with the bronze medal are the men in my family. Personally, I love me some Seersucker in Brooklyn. Comfortable and easily washed, seersucker was the choice for the summer service uniforms of the first female United States Marines during the Second World War, who knew? Also perfect for tabletops, neck adornment and a swim in the sea.

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Seersucker may be bought here: Cocktail Napkin Set / Bikini / Tie

Logo image credit: Seersucker Brooklyn

Friday Frock and Fizz

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What are you up to this weekend? I’ve packed this rose dress, along with a bikini, yoga-wear and a few good books for a Hamptons getaway. One of my fabulous college roommates and her equally fun husband are having a crew of us out to their new place. There’s nothing like spending time with your favorite people, especially because they share your sense of humor. It’s totally and thoroughly priceless. Oh, and p.s. I’m fixin’ to muddle basil leaves, superfine sugar and lime juice for anyone on the beach.

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BASIL MOJITOS 

Ingredients for 2 servings: 10 large basil leaves divided – 1/4 cup plus 4 tsp. superfine sugar divided – 1/4 cup lime juice – 1/2 cup white rum – 1/2 cup cold club soda – lime wedges

1.Whirl 2 basil leaves and 1/4 cup sugar in a food processor until well blended; transfer to a plate and set aside.

2.Put 6 to 8 remaining basil leaves in a large cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes, the remaining 4 tsp.sugar and lime juice. Muddle the mixture until the basil has broken up.

3.Add rum and a few more ice cubes to shaker, cover and shake to blend. Rub a lime wedge along rim of 2 lowball glasses and dip in basil sugar. Add a few ice cubes to each glass. Remove top from shaker (do not strain) and divide the mixture between glasses.

4.Top off each with club soda and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge. Cheers!

Frock: Mes Demoiselles // Fizz: Sunset Magazine