Suited Separates

September 29, 2011

Here is my interpretation of the following fall fashion trend:

tuxedo / black velvet / floppy bowties / grandfather watch / houndstooth / scarf looped around collar and tied into a bow / slim cut trousers / velvet loafers / brogues /oxfords / pencil skirts / suit jackets / full suits / menswear inspired silk scarf / suede / color blocking / crewneck sweater worn with shirt / envelope clutch /















{Ink Blue Ankle Length Pintuck Trousers ~ Jones New York / Ivory Polka Dot Blouse ~ Style & Co, via Macy's / Dark Khaki Stretch Blazer ~ Thrifted / Bronze Pumps ~ Nine West / Wooden and Navy Lucite Bangles ~ Thrifted / Handbag ~ Fendi Spy}

I realized this week that I don’t own a full suit. I have way too many blazers, and way too many pairs of pants, but they are not complete suits. And I am OK with that. I think there is something fresh about separates that can be pieced together to create a pulled together suited look.

These ink blue trousers were unexpected when choosing a pair to go with this camel blazer, but I love the contrast. And I have always loved a great khaki and navy combination.

I can't believe how much of an Indian Summer we are having.  I was actually HOT in this outfit, walking to and from the train.  It's supposed to be drastically cooler this weekend, so no complaining from me! ;)

How will you be wearing the menswear trend this season?


P.S. Thanks for all of your sweet comments on my party dress post.  I was so excited about the dress and I am glad you loved it as much as I did. :)

xoxo, thanks for reading!


The Perfect Party Dress

September 27, 2011

Here is my interpretation of the following trend for fall:

lace blouses / ruffled collars / cameos / high necklines / pleated tops / full skirts / brocades / velvet / sheer top / ivory lace / smoldering eyes / billowy sleeves / pin-up waves / beaded vintage {style} clutch / Victorian lace-up booties /







 
 {Black and Gold Party Dress ~ Vintage Albert Nipon / Black Snakeskin Sandals ~ Bruno Magli / Gold Clutch ~ Rebecca Minkoff / Crystal Bracelet ~ Kenneth Jay Lane / Gold Dangly Earrings ~ Daisy Boutique / Gold Stretch Belt ~ Vintage}

Have you ever been lucky enough to own a dress that made you feel absolutely amazing? If so, you will know how I felt in this stunning number on Sunday for my cousin's wedding.

I picked this vintage Albert Nipon dress up in May from a random vintage warehouse sale, while with my sister. As we were leaving, I spotted the gold piping on this dress and had to examine it. It had no size on the tag and I wasn't even sure it would fit, but something said "don't leave without it". Seventeen dollars later and it was all mine! I immediately dry-cleaned it and after a few days, couldn't wait to try it on. Imagine my utter excitement when I found out it fit like a glove! Fast forward to last week when I was trying to figure out what I was going to wear for the wedding, already making the decision that I was NOT buying anything. I almost forgot about this dress. So glad I didn't.

I love that the sleeves are uniquely billowy and have the slightest puff on the shoulder. It has that Edwardian / Victorian feel that is right on trend for this season. I also love that the neckline comes up a bit higher with the sweetest little covered buttons on each shoulder. The length is perfect {so glad I didn't shorten it, like I thought I wanted to), it's made of the softest silk and has the perfect amount of shimmer. Sigh.

The shoes were an easy choice, I love the vintage feel that these have and they are SO comfortable; I was able to dance and keep them on all night.

Weddings are always the ultimate date night for us and we enjoyed the beautiful ceremony, amazing food, great cocktails and dancing with family. After coming home and getting the kiddies settled, I was finally able to kick off my shoes. Cory came in and who was lying across the bed still in this dress? I was! :) I did not want to take it off. LOL.

Needless to say, I am currently scouring vintage shops on Etsy for a collection of party dresses. I need every special occasion dress of mine to feel just like this one.

Here are few more of my favorite shots:

 {With my parents who celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on Sunday!}

 {I will be getting this picture of my dad and Cory framed! LOVE it!}

 {With my love.}

 {Million dollar smile, lol}


xoxo, thanks for reading!

Florally Draped

September 25, 2011




 


  {Denim Jeggings ~ ASOS / Ivory T Shirt ~ H&M / Turquoise Cardi ~ H&M / Floral Scarf ~ H&M / Gold Stretch Belt ~ Vintage / Taupe Leather Strappy Sandals ~ MRKT / Nude Leather Clutch ~ Thrifted / Crystal Bracelets ~ KJL and Daisy Boutique {a budding fave!} / Jumbo Gold Hoops ~ Beauty Supply}



Happy Sunday!
 
I am interrupting the Fall Fashion Trends Mini-Series to quickly share an outfit that I wore last night to my cousin's wedding rehearsal dinner.  It was a wonderful family event on a beautiful Fall evening so I thought this colorful and autumnal scarf from H&M was the perfect thing to pop on.
 
I'm always playing around with different ways to tie a scarf {as I am building quite the collection!} and this look may be one of faves. :)
 
I am also loving my fresh hair.  I did it late Friday night and was up in the wee hours of the morning trimming, curling and then rolling.  I then ran errands all day yesterday tightly wrapped and turbaned so that curls had plenty of time to set.  I love how soft and pretty they are. A good hair day indeed.  Why can't they all be like this?
 
Off to finish my Sunday cleaning and to get dolled up for the wedding tonight, can't wait to share my dress with you; a vintage Albert Nipon - it is so stunningly AMAZING. So excited!!!
 
 
 
 xoxo, thanks for reading!
 
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Sweet and Buttery Skillet Cornbread

September 21, 2011

I can't think of one meal that I wouldn't want to have this amazing sweet, moist and buttery cornbread with.  It went so well with the spaghetti that I made and would be even better with a nice big bowl of chili {that I will be making soon!}. This recipe could not be easier, if you can make the boxed cornbread, you can make this. :)



 

Ingredients



1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
{heaping} 1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 egg
1 cup milk
6 tablespoons of melted butter

First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
 

{The stars of the show}

 {You will need a cast iron skillet for this recipe. This batter would also make great muffins.  Though I haven't tried, I suppose a cake or loaf pan would work too.}

{Start dumping your dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. First up, your flour.}

 {Next, the corn meal.  I used regular / finer ground corn meal.  For added texture, you could use a medium ground, which would give more crunch.}

{Dump in your salt.}

 {Add your white sugar.  I make sure that this is a heaping measure, we like our cornbread really sweet. :)}

{And the brown sugar.}

{Take a whisk and combine all  the dry ingredients, working out most of the larger lumps.}

{Over medium heat, melt the butter in your cast iron skillet.}

{Now on to the wet ingredients.  Crack the egg in a bowl with the milk.}

{Pour in the melted butter. Return the skillet to the stove, over a medium-low heat.}

{Whisk to combine the egg, milk and butter.}

{Add the wet ingredients to the dry mix.}

{Blend on medium speed until it's well combined and smooth.  Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl as you go.}

{Pour the cornbread batter into the {already buttered and on the stove} cast iron skillet.  Let it cook for about 2 minutes on the stove top. After 2 minutes, put it in the oven and bake at 400 degrees for 20-23 minutes, or until a toothpick {or fork} inserted into the center, comes out clean.}

 {Gorgeously golden brown. So pretty, and smells amazing!}

 {I like to rub butter around the edges, touching the hot pan as I go, making the butter melt down onto the sides. Mmmmm!}
{This cornbread is so moist and rich, such a hit in our house. Be sure to serve each slice with a bit of softened butter.}




 {Or if you are like Cory, make a butter sandwich with your slice. *faints!*}
 

Enjoy! :)
xoxo, thanks for reading!




 
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