Love at First (Camp) Site

The rain held off long enough for us to get one night of camping in over the holiday weekend. 

S'mores, magazine reading and beach walks - oh, how relaxing it was.

How was your weekend?

Happy Memorial Day!

dress  /  fedora  /  earrings  /  shoes  /  cuff  / grill 

Wishing you a summer kickoff weekend full of blue skies, beers and BBQ!

It's officially sun-dress weather bébé's!

National Vegetarian Week & A Favorite Recipe

So, in 21 years of being a vegetarian this is the first I've heard of National Vegetarian Week. (I'm either really unobservant or the universe has been holding out on me!) Regardless, I love a good reason to celebrate and what kind of vegetarian would I be if I didn't share one of my favorite dishes. It's a relatively new fave, adapted from the Vegetarian Bible that hubby gifted me last summer. (He's a meat lover but has enjoyed all of the dishes I've attempted thus far.)  This recipe involves quite a bit of prep (chopping/dicing) however, that opinion comes from a person who appreciates a great meal but doesn't like going through a ton of steps to make it happen.  (Time is an issue people. But this one is sooo worth it.) It also involves tofu, which, to me, is a hilarious vegetarian sterotype. Most vegetarians I know don't even like tofu, including myself, until I prepared it with this recipe. Consider me a stereotype! This serves 8 - also known as plenty for dinner, plenty for lunch leftovers. Enjoy!

Chili Tofu Tortillas
Makes 8

Ingredients:
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
8 oz. tofu, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 large red bell pepper, seeded & chopped
1 large ripe avocado
1 Tbsp lime juice
4 tomatoes - peeled, seeded & chopped
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
8 soft flour tortillas
2/3 cup sour cream
8 oz salsa
salt & pepper
cilantro sprigs
jalapeño pepper, sliced

Girl Goes Glamping

We've been discussing the possibility of camping for a portion of the holiday weekend. We do it the old fashioned way, with a pop-up tent and air mattress, and while I enjoy connecting with nature in a simple way, it sure would be lovely to experience fresh air and night noises from the comfort of a queen size bed :)


Photos via the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. Canadian Readers, it's in British Colombia, ever heard of it? It looks gorgeous!

Party of Five (+1): Scenes From the Weekend

// Playing tourist in the city...\\ 

// with a few of my favorite people! \\

// From creepy fog...\\

// to sunshine. \\

// Photobooth fun at Craft Beer Week \\

// And our first festival of the summer! \\

Prep Talk - Menswear Inspired Ensembles

Cardigan & Jeans - Forever 21  /  Top - H&M  /  Tie - Urban Outfitters  /   Belt - Borrowed from Hubby    Shoes - Guess  /  Watch - Diesel  /  Earrings - K.Amato  /  Bag - Banana Republic

One thing that never goes out of style is raiding your man's closet. (I've done it before and I'll do it again.) Having worked in menswear for much of my professional career, its a segment of the industry that's dear to my heart. A job selling suits led to visual merchandising and buying positions where I spent years subscribing to GQ rather than Lucky, discussing lapels and collar stances instead of skirts and stiletto's. Surprisingly though, throughout my exposure to the men's world, I've never actually worn a necktie so I jumped at the chance to do so as part of the latest Bloggers Do It Better challenge from Pretty Shiny Sparkly. We're focusing on the 'Prep' portion of mens inspired but here are a few tips for making menswear work in general.

• If you're intimated, start small. Borrow a watch, belt or small accessory to ease into the look. The first 'oversize' watch I purchased several years ago felt HUGE at the time but now it seems minuscule compared to other's I've upgraded with lately. You'll feel more comfortable in no time.
• Use feminine elements to offset the masculine. Wearing the look head to toe can be difficult to pull off and besides, it's fun to incorporate heels, skirts or girly jewels into the ensemble. 
• In regards to neckties, skinny/slim versions make an excellent choice for the ladies and won't appear oversize on our smaller torso's. Additionally, fabrics other than flat satin work well with our existing wardrobes - try knitted or textured versions to spice it up.
• Elements like oxfords, shrunken blazers and boyfriend cardigans make fresh, unexpected additions to sun-dresses and skirts.

Finally, since there are tons of great self tie video's (check out Kristina's!) I thought I'd demonstrate how to tie one on someone other than yourself since it's quite a different feeling (backwards and upside-down). Impress your male friends, have some fun helping hubby get dressed... if all else fails it makes a great party trick. I also included a few tie styling tips for my male readers. (I know there are a few of you, thanks guys!)

Oh, and that noise that sounds like a toilet flushing, don't be alarmed - it's only the El train passing by. It's sooo city and I love it :)




Questions? I'm here for ya!

"Bridesmaids" Copycat

Last weekend we saw Bridesmaids. (Hilarious! Sweet! Relatable! Loved it!) Other than laughing my head off {seriously, this was me after the movie}

I fell majorly more in love with Kristen Wiig (did you see Paul??) Can we just say her wardrobe in the film is super adorable, wear-ably fun and I want it like yesterday. My absolute fave was the black and white striped top from the airplane scene - you know what I'm talking about...

"I'm reeeadaaay to paaaartaaay."

Ah, love! I searched high and low for the exact and might even be stalking someone from wardrobe (thanks IMDb!) but have yet to uncover the source. (I'll keep you posted.) However, even if I do track it down, fat chance it's still available since movies are filmed the equivalent of fashion industry eons before we actually see them. Ah well, here a few similars to fulfill the craving. Loose and cool are key elements to replicating this look.

Clockwise from top left: Sweater Tee  (actually it's Navy), Tunic, Mesh Slouch Tee, Embellished

Holla if you come across the original!

Design Your Own Fabric

Sometimes I have an idea in my head and can't find it in product form anywhere. Next time that happens in the fabric category I'm heading to Spoonflower to create my own. Or you can browse the bazillion already fabulous styles uploaded by others. How fun for making pillows, aprons or apparel in cottons, linen, even silk crepe! Wouldn't a specially designed item from custom fabric make a thoughtful gift? Hmmm, whose birthday is up next....

Who Gives a Ship?

If your ship hasn't come in yet, swim out to it.

Can we talk about feelings for a bit? My Mom sent this quote recently and it really resonated with me. I read your blogs so I know we all struggle with many of the same things - work/life balance, the passing of time (is there ever enough?), family/work/health/commutes/social media - how does a person juggle it all...  While this quote isn't directly related to any of that, it did make me think about the metaphor of ships and the various points of our being that contribute our overall feelings of happiness, satisfaction or, miserable-ness.

So...which ship scenario are you?
-Are you eagerly awaiting the arrival of yours with a bunch of balloons?
-Or are you feeling more like the an ambitious ship captain trapped in a tiny pond?
-Maybe you're just happily drifting?
Do share.

P.S. Depending on the day, I can feel a little of all the above. However, lately it's been more like mine is full speed ahead! Hopefully cruising resumes at a regular pace next week :)

photos via: 1, 2

My New Fave Shade

pictured l to r: Essie, MAC, Sally Hansen

Lately, I can't get enough nail color. It started with the polish strips and ever since I've been stalking nail polish groups on Flickr and perusing blogs for inspiration. Currently, mint is my shade of the moment. It pairs well with the current wardrobe: gray, white and navy (my 'tween colors of spring since brights feel out of place just yet.) Plus, when it catches my eyes I instantly think of Andes mints. Mmmmm .....

What shades are you loving for Spring/Summer?

Tried any fun nail trends lately? Color blocking is next on my list!

 

Fascinators are Fascinating!

pictured l to r: via, via, via, via

From the Royal Wedding and Kentucky Derby, to trend reports and media, fascinators are on everyone's lips. (Even CNN Money is talking about them.) More than a headband, not quite a hat, these gorgeous headpieces make the best of feathers, flowers & frill.

Sites like Etsy, Big Cartel, and Asos are stocked with options or try your hand at a DIY version courtesy of Eugenia Kim. Just review the tips for how to wear and you'll be channeling your inner fabulous in no time!

Cinco Inspired Style

 dress / shoes / clutch / bracelet / ring / lipstick / polish / picture

I certainly adore the bright colors of typical Cinco de Mayo celebrations but how could one resist this aztec inspired gown that would easily transform from fiesta to formal...

Happy Cinco de Mayo lovelies!

Now...Corona's or Magaritas? That is the question.... :)

Shine Your White

Top - Banana Republic  /  Jeans - Express  /   Earrings, Ring, Sunnies - H&M  

 Shoes - BCBG  /  Belt - Borrowed from Husband 

The sun came out this weekend and it was absolutely thrilling. (Just in time to participate in the PSS Bloggers Do It Better linkup featuring one of spring's hottest looks - head to toe white.)  Besides the fact that my toes were itching to peek out of my new sandals, (DSW clearance rocks!) the weather was still a bit chilly at times and I didn't feel quite ready to full on white out just yet. Opting for peanut butter brown accessories grounded the bright white.  And you know how bad I wanted feathers...so far I'm content with these pop of peach earrings that, combined with platforms, feel very hippie glam.

White is chicer than ever. Worn crisp and cool in the form of a white suit or crinkly and comfy in a linen pant version, this trend is truly timeless.

Do White Right:

• When considering undergarments, nude is a better choice than white or cream. And did you know light gray can work just as well? It creates a shadow effect, nearly disappearing below the surface. A good rule of thumb about visibility - if you think we can see it, we can probably see it ;)
• The fewer seams underneath, the better. This goes for VPL, bra straps and/or cami's. White reflects light and any bump, groove or lump is only intensified. That being said, some white's are purposely thin or sheer (like my top above) so a visible tank is expected. However, more substantial fabrics (like my denim) calls for coverage...a polka dot thong would be unsightly. 
• To avoid the Michelin man look, find ways to add depth or dimension with accessories like long necklaces, a belt or additional layers to break up the monotony. 
• White (and it's many versions) is extremely versatile. It's accented well with warm or cool tones, looks fabulous head to toe or in pieces. 

Here are a few of my favorite white combos.

Finding the Right White:

Skins tones are like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. Hair color (natural or otherwise), eye color, even the brightness of your teeth affect the overall way color can enhance or diminish your appearance. Finding the right white can be as simple as asking yourself a few questions:

             What's my skin tone? Are my undertones blue-ish, pinkish, or am I more olive or yellow? 

           What colors am I wearing when I receive compliments? Are they in the warm or cool family? 

There's the scoop. Go forth and rock the whites! Still want more? Check out my Winter White Out.

How do you wear your whites?? Comment, Tweet me or join the chat on Facebook!

Party of Five: Scenes from the Weekend

// Closet swap...welcome back spring apparel! \\ 

  // Sunday morning beach walk \\

 // Lazy kitty \\

// After 19 days of April showers, finally... May flowers!! \\

// Discovering street art in our 'hood \\

So...how was yours?