Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Overalls

Overalls- they're back. Last week we discussed Birkenstocks and how comfortable and practical they are. I definitely think that just like Birks, overalls can be very chic. For inspiration...
 





Sources: Atlantic Pacific // Bows and Sequins // Sincerely Jules // People  (SJP) // Viva Luxury // People (Alessandra Ambrosia)

Overalls have evolved, so if you kept yours from the 90's they  probably just won't work. The styles are more fitted and flattering now than they were years ago. If you want to jump on this trend or just try some on, check out Nordstrom, Shopbop, Urban Outfitters, or American Eagle. Some options I found:
Overalls

 So what do you think? Will you wear overalls again? How will you wear them, dressed up with heels or casual with sneakers? Let me know your thoughts!

Friday, April 25, 2014

Vogue Patterns

Vogue Patterns

I don't usually sew with Vogue patterns. I'm not sure why, but they don't usually appeal to me. A few weeks ago I looked through the catalog and found a few that I really like. I particularly like the faux wrap skirt. I have been waiting on a sale because Vogue patterns are really just ridiculously priced. This Sunday at JoAnn's they go one sale for $4.99 each, which is a steal! I plan to pick up a few. McCall's patterns are also on sale 5 for $7.00.
 

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites

J.Crew Skirt // Nordstrom Sunglasses
Zara bag // Zara Heels

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Birks are Back

Birks are back


Last week Dan proudly told me that he read that Birkenstocks were back in style. Dan has a pair of birks from college (maybe even high school) that I asked him for years to retire. You know, it's rough for men and the lack of summer footwear choices. He excitedly pulled them back out and has been wearing them. I am actually ALL for this trend coming back. Birkenstocks are seriously the most comfortable shoe! Now, what color do I want? Decisions, decisions.

Butternut Squash Lasagna

butternutsquashlasagna
Photo cred: Health Bent


My friend Chelsey and her husband Steve invited us over for dinner a few weeks ago. When she told me she was making butternut squash, I was skeptical and hoped I would like it because I had never had butternut squash before. There was no need to worry, because it was simply amazing! I couldn't wait to make it myself!.We all had seconds and nearly finished the pan. This is such a great healthy recipe!

I finally had the chance to make the recipe myself and while it's somewhat labor intensive, it was amazing! Cutting the butternut squash is hard, like really hard. To get it into thin planks similar to lasagna noodles is almost impossible. Surely there is a kitchen tool that I just don't have that would make the process easier. Slicer? Mandoline? If you have suggestions, let me know!

Admittedly, my lasagna did not turn out as pretty as the pictures above. While the presentation wasn't there, the taste was!

The original recipe is paleo (I added cheese)

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Ingredients:

-1  lb hot (turkey or chicken) Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 red onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 15 oz can pizza sauce
- 1/2 c roasted red peppers
- 1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
- couple leaves of fresh basil (optional)
- 1 small butternut squash
- ricotta cheese
- couple pieces of torn kale

 

Directions:
**This recipe can be made the day before and refrigerated overnight prior to baking.

 Preheat oven to 400ºF. In a sauté pan crumble the sausage and brown it, along with the onions & garlic. While that’s going, cut the top and ends of the squash off and peel it. I used a vegetable peeler. Cut it in half and then half again to make it easier to cut into planks. Pull out the seeds. Do you best to cut it into thin planks.

Make the sauce by pureeing the pizza sauce, red peppers, olive oil and basil in a food processor or blender.
Using a 9×9 oven safe baking dish, put down enough sauce to lightly cover the bottom of the dish. (This keeps the squash from sticking to the pan.) Next add the squash, trying not to overlap the pieces, then spoon on the sausage mixture, followed by the sauce. Repeat until all your ingredients are used up…trying to reserve enough sauce to cover the top of the lasagna.
I layered in dollops of ricotta cheese and threw in pieces of torn kale. Spinach would be great too. I really think you need the cheese in this, but I'm sure it would be great without. I tried to follow exactly how Chelsey made it because hers was so delicious.

Bake for 45 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly pan with a crispy, browned top. Right out of the oven, the lasagna may by liquidy, let it set for a good half hour before cutting into it, as it will solidify.
The butternut squash should have the same texture effect of lasagna noodles, because I could not cut mine thin enough they were still a little crunchy. Either way it's great!

Enjoy!
 
 
 



Wednesday, April 23, 2014

White Sunburst

My friend Erin so graciously let me choose an item from her new online business, Feel Good Collections. Feel Good Collections is a super cute online boutique selling all handmade and fair trade accessories and goods. 

I had trouble choosing just one, because they are all beautiful! I ending up choosing the white sunburst necklace and I love it! I wear it all the time and it goes with everything. 


With my favorite chambray.

Dressed down. 

Dressed up for work. 


Here are some of my other favorites from the collection. 





Check it out to find your favorites here. 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Fabric Finds

I forgot to post this last week, but I found the perfect black and white stripe fabric! I seriously have been searching for nice striped fabric for years. All I could ever find was upholstery style fabric or quilting fabric. I found this fabric at JoAnn's last week. It must be a part of their spring line and I know it won't last forever. I scooped up 2 yards and am hoping to making a dress.
 
 
I had been eyeing both of these dresses, so I'm using them as inspiration.
 
 
This is a terrible photo, but I bought this blue leather piece in San Francisco. I also bought this citrus colored fabric. It's stretchy and so soft. I am thinking about making my derby dress out of the green. This picture doesn't do it justice.
 
When I go to fabric stores I take pictures of all the fabrics that speak to me, that way I don't buy it without having a plan to make something. I reference the pics in my phone to see if I can come up with any ideas.

 
Floral knits.
 

Perforated fabrics.
 

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Derby Dresses and Hats

You already know I love a good theme party! My bridal shower was Kentucky Derby themed. A friend of mine has a derby party every year and last year was the first time we were able to go. I dropped the ball on my hat and swore I would never do that again. When else can you wear a giant hat with feathers? This year I started searching for hats before the party invite even went out. I haven't made a purchase yet and I'm thinking about making my dress as well. Here are some of my favorites. I am in love with the black and white striped one, but also want to have ribbons and bows on top. I don't know what color my dress will be, but am looking forward to pulling together the entire outfit!
Ladies if you are going to the derby or a party, now is the time to get it together! It's only a few short weeks away! 
Derby dresses and hats
Hats: Amazon // Nordstrom // Zappos // Zappos
Dresses: Nasty Gal // Nasty Gal // Sheinside // Piperlime

I searched Zappos, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Macys, Amazon (huge selection) and this website all have great options at all price points.


Derby hats

Wednesday Wishlist

Wednesday Wishlist
 
Dresses and Swimsuit from J.Crew factory
Green Ray Bans from Nordstrom
Shorts, sandals, jeans, orange Ray Bans from Shopbop
 
Do you shop at J.Crew factory? You totally should! I love J.Crew factory. You can always find the exact same stuff there as in the regular J.Crew for a fraction of the price. Granted some of it is last season, but that's ok too. Subscribe to their email and you will get access to the new items 24 hours before everyone else through a private link. Today, I got the link and OMG, I want so many things! Last year I really wanted the dot dress, but it was sold out in my size in the regular store. I had my hopes up it would come to the factory and today it did!! Yay! Already bought that. If I didn't already have the scallop dress in royal blue, I would love it in this aqua color.
 
If you follow any other fashion blogs you already know that Shopbop is having their friends and family sale. 25% off everything.  I swear everyone blogged their favorites yesterday. Now would be a good time to stock up on anything designer you have been lusting after. Also, shades!! Good deals on your favorite designer brands.
 
If you're in the market for shades, Nordstrom has a sale on the Ray Ban aviators right now.  Check it out. I just got the Clubmasters but am sorta wishing I had the blue flash aviators.
 
Happy Shopping!

Friday, April 11, 2014

White Hot

I am really into all things white right now. White is just so clean, crisp and chic. I've had my H&M blazer for a few years, but always felt like a doctor in my lab coat. This spring I have started wearing it more and it's totally grown on me. Now, I love it!



White Hot

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Coming Soon

YAY!!!! I have been practically begging Dan to design me an new logo for the last year. Dan works as an Art Director for and advertising agency and it's his job to design really cool stuff. He has been working on ideas for me for such a long time and finally on my birthday he presented me with a whole deck of options! Needless to say I am thrilled! Like a typical client I want to use them all. We still have some things to discuss and ideas to throw around, but I wanted to show you some of his work.






So cool, right? These are just screen shots and not actual files, which is why they are blurry. I can't wait to redesign my blog and get clothing labels for the garments I make. So profesh!
 
So what do you think? I'm planning on completely redesigning the blog and even considering switching hosts, which would mean a new URL. I would also like to make a Facebook page that way I am not filling up the news feed of those who aren't interested. Would you follow it?
 
Tell me your thoughts!
 

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Lauren's Baby Shower

Over the weekend I co-hosted a baby shower for my best friend Lauren who is expecting this summer! This was my first time planning and hosting a baby shower and I think we nailed it! It was book themed and we used these super cute invitations from Minted.
 
 
We used paper goods from the Oh Joy collection at Target. I loved the colors!


We had the baby shower at co-host Jen's house. Isn't it the cutest?!?




Book garland I made using this Martha Stewart tutorial.
 
Mom to be, Lauren.





With my Mom.