Tucker for Target {one blouse}

I've been reading quite a bit about this latest collaboration and the consensus seems to be that it's a hit. The dresses are cute-as-can-be on the bloggers I've seen them on... but knowing I really wouldn't get much wear out of them, I opted for just a blouse. (I also love the look of the orange/cream wrap herringbone jacket, shown on page 116 of October's Real Simple magazine, but it appears to be sold out online). Now, I don't own any regular Tucker, but I've read that these Signature Blouses are pretty much exact replicas of the $276.00 versions... the big difference being fabric. The originals are silk; these are polyester. I like this style tucked in.

Tucker for Target Signature Blouse in Navy

I really like this pattern and thought it looked so familiar but I couldn't figure out why - then I realized my husband has a cotton Burberry polo shirt almost the same color/pattern.

my little photographer was getting creative

I was barefoot in the first three photos because I just couldn't decide on shoes. I finally went with some gold Tory Burch espadrilles. Mixing gold and silver doesn't bother me at all (it used to) so even though I had on silver jewelry, I went for the gold-tone buckle (I have the hardest time figuring out what shoes to wear with which belt, by the way) and shoes since I really like gold with this shiny deep blue.

Hope everyone is starting out a great week!

xoxo

Nordstrom September Catalog Picks

I really like how Nordstrom's September 2010 catalog is divided by color... I've found a few things that look great and plan to take a closer look at soon. Anyone else have any picks?

Here are mine:

INK (my current fav)

Sorial 'Tanya' drawstring convertible hobo in midnight blue suede $188. #307123

Gucci oversized sunglasses, shaded brown/blue $295. #307134

ROSE

Michael Kors stainless steel rose gold watch $250. #318676

HARVEST

Marc by Marc Jacobs aviator sunglasses, brown $85. #253039

OLIVE

Sprout eco friendly watch $30. #310523

(biodegradable case & buckle, bamboo dial, organic cotton strap and mercury free battery for $30 - wow!)

all images are from the pages of the catalog

xoxo

OOTD 9.23.10: Leopard + Ludlow Bay Blue

Banana Republic Ruffle-front cap sleeve top in Ludlow bay blue, Banana Republic Cotton animal print cardi in Light gray heather, Joe's jeans, Cole Haan Air Talia Bootie in Ironstone Suede, David Yurman bracelet

Happy Weekend!

xoxo

New Caldrea at Target {Plum Nutmeg & Saffron Quince}

Caldrea is one of my favorites for counter cleaners, hand soap and kitchen candles. The Olive Oil (with essential oils of coriander and cedarleaf) is probably my favorite, but the Herbes de Provence and Citron are pretty great too.

Today I noticed two new fragrances - most likely seasonal - at Target: Plum Nutmeg and Saffron Quince. The Plum Nutmeg is definitely plummy and nutmeg-y. I will probably buy some closer to Christmas but I'm not quite ready for it yet.

The Saffron Quince is fruity, a little floral, and fresh -- and a nice scent for this transitional season when I'm not into full blown pumpkin-spicy scents -- so I purchased one of the candles. I like that it is made with a natural vegetable wax base, a cotton and paper core wick, and natural essential oils. It is 8 oz with a burn time of 28 hours and under $10. at Target.

(I've also recently purchased a Tucker for Target blouse and a (leopard) dress... so I'll try to get reviews up soon.)

xoxo

Skillet Cajun Vegetarian Pasta

This is adapted from the Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe from Southern Living Magazine.

You need:

12 oz pkg of linguine

Cajun seasoning - 1 Tbsp to 1/4 tsp... 1 Tbsp makes it pretty spicy

butter or olive oil for sauteeing the vegetables

1 pkg of frozen pepper slices (like a stir-fry mix)

8 oz of sliced fresh mushrooms

green onions (2 to a bunch), sliced

1.5 c half-and-half

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp lemon pepper

1/4 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Cook the pasta according to package directions and saute the peppers, mushrooms and green onions until tender.

Stir in the half-and-half; add Cajun seasoning, salt, lemon pepper, dried basil and garlic powder, and cook on medium-low another 3-4 minutes.

Add to the linguine and toss to coat. Garnish with a little more sliced green onion.

Happy Weekend!

xoxo

OOTD 9.16.10 {featuring Loft's promo'd cardi}

{first off - one of my current fav polishes: OPI's "You Don't Know Jacques" - it's a little grayer and darker IRL than it looks on my screen in this pic}

The cardigan I'm wearing is currently promo'd at Loft for $25 (from a regular price of $49.50). This is a great basic cardi -- I also have it in charcoal and a lighter lilac color. The mosaic top has a banded hem with elastic at the back only.

Loft V Neck Cardigan in Wild Berry, Loft Pleated Fan Front Mosaic Top, Paige denim, Tory Burch Revas in black

Happy Thursday!

xoxo

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