OOTD 9.13.10: Roses & Tweed

I like the idea of putting a soft, feminine tee (like last year's pink rosette tee from J Crew) with a more tailored jacket in tweed. This was my OOTD for Monday... I didn't get any pics but all items are exact and from the stores listed below (except the jeans... I wore my Joe's Jeans from a year or two ago).

Ringspun cotton rosette tee - J.Crew
jcrew.com

Gap Herringbone band blazer
gap.com

DOLCE & GABBANA Womens Slimmy Dark Blue Denim Jeans

Lobelia Bud Earrings - Anthropologie.com
anthropologie.com

Chinese Laundry At Once
piperlime.gap.com

xoxo

OPI Ink

image from amazon.com

"Ink" is from OPI's Bright Nights collection of 2007. Right now I have it as both mani and pedi -- though I am more comfortable with this hue just on my toes for the day-to-day. It is definitely a bold blue/purple/sparkly shimmer (pink glittery flecks). Fun color for sure, but I am going a little more neutral for the next manicure.

with flash

without flash

xoxo

Chinese Laundry "At Once"

Chinese Laundry "At Once" in Taupe

My most recent shoe purchase was this great little wedge bootie by Chinese Laundry. The color is called "taupe" - though that isn't really what I'd call this hue - so I took a picture of it next to some light gray suede Cole Haan booties for comparison. The CL's are a darker grayish-brown, I'd say... maybe a wet-cement-gray-brown? These pics were all taken with a flash.

This is my first time buying Chinese Laundry and I'm really happy with them. Cute, versatile, and nicely priced... and a "Rachel Zoe pick" on piperlime to top it off. They are pretty comfy -- I may add a little cushion insert under the ball of my foot. I took my typical 8.5.

Happy Monday!

xoxo

Fashion Inspiration

It's New York Fashion Week!

I love keeping up with that world... all the fun shows being publicized right now, as well what's being worn to premieres, parties, along the red carpet throughout the year...

But how to translate it all to fit my life... I may not be carrying the latest "it" bag in the latest "it" color, and I may not be sitting front row at a major fashion show... but I definitely gather ideas and get inspiration for my regular, stay-home-mom life (which if you are a mom you know once you get your first out of diapers is actually not at all stay at home)

Even though my days consist mostly of driving to school, lessons and sports, volunteering and taking care of things for the household, I can still put to use a teensy bit of the glamour and sparkle I'm seeing out there. A recent example is an appearance by Bethenny Frankel where she wore a striking pink dress with some amazing turquoise earrings. Now, that look might be a little impractical to recreate for a PTA meeting. But I can definitely take something away from it:

Bethenny, looking fab:

image from Housewife Style

Me, ready for a couple hours at the office, school pick up, and a run to dance lessons:

Loft tank, Paige denim, J Crew cardi, Kendra Scott earrings, Tory Burch Revas in black

Happy Friday and hope everyone enjoys Fashion Week, wherever you may be!

xoxo

Apricot Chicken Divine

I can't believe I haven't posted this recipe yet. It is one of my favorites and a go-to recipe when we are having people over for a casual dinner. It is easy, delicious, and is just different enough that your guests probably haven't had it (unless they've eaten at my house before).

This is just slightly modified from the original which was published in The Junior League of St. Louis' St. Louis Days St. Louis Nights cookbook (one of my fav cookbooks ever).

You need:

2 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp olive oil

chicken (this sauce is plenty for four+ breasts; I used two this time)

1/2 c flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 c apricot jam

1/2 c sour cream (you can also use nonfat yogurt)

1 Tbsp + Dijon mustard

slivered almonds (I use lots)

Preheat your oven to 375. While preheating, melt the butter and olive oil in the pan you are going to use. Watch so it doesn't overcook.

While that's going, mix together the sour cream, jam and mustard to make the sauce.

Put the flour, salt, and chicken in a plastic bag and shake to coat, then place it in the pan with the melted butter and oil. Bake the chicken for 25 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven and cover the chicken with the sauce. Return to oven for another 30 minutes, or until done.

Toast the almonds and then sprinkle over the finished dish.

(see I do use lots of almonds... the original recipe calls for 2 Tbsp)

I like this served with rice and a vegetable or two. Last night I made fresh green beans with dilly carrots and they were great. Another recipe coming soon...

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo

OOTD 9.5.10: Autumn Yellow + Leopard

Loft Exposed Back Zip (Twist Neck Shell) in Autumn Yellow, V Neck Cardigan in Dark Grey Melange, Joe's Jeans (black), Donald J Pliner "Lola" Bootie in Leopard, Loft Large Teardrop Necklace in Gold

exposed zip with black grosgrain tie on the back of the top

My five-year-old complimented my boots this morning... he said he liked them -- they were "like little elf shoes". :)

Happy Sunday!

xoxo

Give & Get Order Part 1 {Gap}

Gap Double-breasted funnel neck cardigan in oatmeal heather

Gap Herringbone band blazer in dark brown

And for my girls, the cute moto jackets and embellished tees... love the American in Paris collection:

xoxo