(Photo : Design & Trend - Meg Busacca)

1. Tipsy Parson

New York Fashion Week has officially begun this week and to take a break in the midst of all the fashion chaos, I stopped into one of Chelsea's most darling restaurants — Tipsy Parson. I sat at my favorite seat in the house, a booth in the front window that allows for perfect people watching. It is a great spot to grab a light lunch and a glass of wine, I took my first stab at trying their Avocado Toast and it was a quite the treat paired with my go-to wine — a simple house sauvignon blanc.

I love the interior of this space, the colors, the wood and decorative elements of throw pillows and greenery, but I was especially drawn to this large framed mirror! I could imagine this piece or a few of the same style laid vertically against a large interior wall. The vintage detailing and rustic white painted wood looks charming and has led me to search for one of my own! 

2. Homemade Pasta Fagioli 

Have you ever had someone ask you what food you would want on your death bed? Well, this would be my choice. My mother's homemade pasta fagioli — it is the most delicious, heart warming, belly filling meal that is so utterly simple and satisfying. 

The recipe for the pasta soup is as follows and feel free to add new things and play around with it, I tend to not follow it exactly. 

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 cup diced celery
• 2-3 garlic cloves; crushed (I use 5 or more, I am a garlic lover)
• 1-2 cans garbanzo beans
• 1-2 cans Great Northern White beans
• 1 can baked beans
• 2 cans whole italian plum tomatoes; diced 
• 1-2 cans vegetable broth
• 1/2 lb. small pasta (choose any, just not spaghetti)
• 1/2 chopped escarole 

Simply saute celebry, garlic and olive oil. Add tomatoes, all of the can juice, vegetable broth and escarole and heat for 10-15 minutes. Later, add pasta and simmer! 

This time I whipped up my own feta dip that I decided to put on top. If interested in adding it as well, it is also super easy. 

• 1 package of feta chunks 
• 1 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 
• 3 garlic cloves; crushed
• red pepper flakes 
• 1 bunch of basil
• 1/2 bunch of parsley 

Put in a food processor or blender until smooth and add as much salt and pepper as you see fit! 

3. Ohne Titel 

Last night at Milk Studios, Alexa Adams and Flora Gill of Ohne Titel displayed their fall 2015 collection to the public. The clothes evoked a retro, 70's vibe full of vibrant colored knits, macrame detailing and layers of Lurex. The designer duo is known for their luxe sportswear and their mastery of technology and technique behind their knitwear and body hugging silhouettes. The array of colors were inspiring and full of saturated blue and pink hues to brown and sand tones — shimmer and fur popped up throughout the assortment as well!

4. Dan Walsh 

It is one of my favorite hobbies to wander the streets of Chelsea and into the doors of the neighborhood galleries that house some of the most interesting and aesthetically pleasing exhibitions. My current favorite is the Dan Walsh exhibition at Paula Cooper Gallery — I am drawn to repetitive line and shape and have recently found a new love for yellow hues, specifically mustard tones. 

This exhibition will be open for viewing until Feb. 21, check it out next time you are in Chelsea!

5. Michele Varian Shop 

It can be a delight to shop in SoHo, especially when you find a way to escape the tourists and stumble upon true gems that offer authentic, handmade, one-of-a-kind products. This recently happened for me when I stumbeled upon the Michele Varian shop, a three-level space that provides a wide range of home decor, lifestyle goods and unique gifts from a variety of featured artists and designers. 

From tapestries, to carnival wooden dolls, ornate jewelry and tableware — you are bound to find a treasure for yourself or someone you love!