Arista

Nevada OTK Boots

2010-08-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

I had yet to find a pair of over-the-knee boots that I like, until I came across this pair from Chinese Laundry ($119):

I love the striping effect up the side, which makes them sporty, and how they are otherwise simple. Even though they have no heel, they're still stylish. Seeing as how I have to walk over a half mile to get to class (over sidewalks that become super slippery in the winter time), it might be a good idea to set aside my love of heels for something more practical. Not that these look practical--which might just be the best thing about them.

Yesterday's Outfit

2010-08-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Boyfriend and I met up in Kingston, NY for some apartment-stuff shopping. It was totally boring. But the Boyfriend liked my outfit so much that he took a picture of me. Who would have guessed that my now-outdated LG Dare would have a better camera than his brand new iPhone 4?

Okay, what I'm wearing...the blazer is from the Gap. The button up shirt is from New York & Company. The gray tank top is from American Eagle. The skinny cargos are from Express. The boots are Puma. My earrings (which you can't really see) are from Loft. I think this is the first time I've posted an actual on-me outfit. Oh my!

My Favorite Cape May Purchase

2010-08-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

I'm back in New Paltz after visiting Cape May for five days. The first day of classes felt totally surreal! But I brought a little bit of Cape May with me today by wearing my favorite purchase from that amazing locale.

I am completely in love with this hand knit necklace by Omeria. My mom and I happened to be heading into a CVS when we found an artist's market. My mom purchased a couple gorgeous photographs and a thoroughly cute print, but I fell in love with one of the many jewelry options at the markets. There's something so innately cool about handcrafted jewelry, as well as getting to meet--in person--the artist who created it. You get to learn about the technique and materials used, which creates an unparalleled appreciation for the piece. One also learned about the amount of care and pure love that went into each and every design.

Besides all that, the necklace is just gorgeous. It features a variety of beads, crystals and faux pearls, and has a neat magnetic clasp that makes getting it on and off without help a breeze (my clumsy fingers always take forever to manage more delicate, intricate clasps).

What I love about this necklace is how versatile it is. It can certainly be used with a cocktail dress, but just as easily can be transitioned for wear with jeans and a t-shirt (as I wore it today). I love wearing it with a simpler ensemble, because once it's on, I'm free to don anything else as basic as I please. It makes whatever I'm wearing fabulous!

Cape May: Day Two

2010-08-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

My mom and I slept in this morning, before going to breakfast and sitting where we could people watch the boardwalk. After, we decided to start walking around the town, just to see what we could find. Not far from the beach is a fantastic pedestrian mall, with an assortment of cute stores.

We fell in love with Lace Silhouettes' Cape May store (there are seven, including a main one in Pennsylvania that apparently is 3000 sq. feet of intimate apparel--am I the only one excited by this?). I'd never been in a legitimate lingerie store (Victoria's Secret hardly counts), so this was fun, especially since I have an obsession with pretty bras. My mom and I liked the store so much, we plan on going to the main store later in the year.

I finally decided on this bra, with the matching thong and garter belt, since hell it's vacation and I want it all, hah!

After being completely lazy and lounging on the beach all day, we went out to eat at the Mad Batter, which had an amazing vegetable wellington (I ordered mine minus the cheese and pesto). Then, it was time for more shopping!

While meandering around, we found Victorious Pink, a boutique in a beautiful old Victorian home.

I got this jacket from Ryu. I think it's absolutely gorgeous, and it fits so well! Although in the picture, because of the wacky lighting in the hotel bedroom it looks yellow, it's actually white. I can't wait to wear it--it's a little too warm here.

Meanwhile, my mom fell in love with this orange bag from Hobo International:

One of my favorite things about the bag (besides the superbly soft leather) is the interior, with all it's organizational pockets:

Tomorrow plans to be much the same, and I can honestly say, I'm looking forward to it!

Cape May: Day One

2010-08-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

My mom and I decided to take a vacation at Cape May, New Jersey. So far we've only had time to drive through the town, go out to dinner, and quickly visit the beach, but it's already been amazing. The town is beautiful--lots of Victorian homes, cute shops, and seafood restaurants. Dinner was at the restaurant next to our hotel (which is right on the beach).

I had the seafood tacos, except I took the fish out and ordered it without sour cream and cheese. But the vegetables were fresh and the guacamole was amazing. Apparently a lot of the restaurants in town (including this one) depend on a local farm for much of the veggie offerings.

With dinner I had a Sunset Beach cocktail, which was suitably fruity and fortunately not very strong. Not sure how well it complemented the food, but who cares? I'm on vacation.

After dinner, we went for a walk down the beach--I couldn't wait to get my feet in the water! My mom and I took more pictures on her camera, but we forgot to bring the cable so we're hoping to find one in town, and I'll upload the pictures tomorrow.

Today it was rainy, but tomorrow the weather is supposed to get better. I can't wait to go swimming!

A little shoe shopping...

2010-08-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

Even if you're not going back to school, I feel like this is a time of year everyone associates with revamping and adding to their wardrobe. Naturally, I can't resist a chance to go shopping, especially for my favorite thing--shoes! I recently added a pair of heels (totally impractical, but I'm a sucker for red) and a pair of black ballet flats (totally necessary since I've worn out my old pair).

The heels are from Carlos Santana (I seem to be starting to build a collection of his shoes)...and I think they're totally adorable!

The flats are by CROWN Vintage. Normally, I despise flats because I find them incredibly uncomfortable and they always give me blisters, but these feel like slippers!

Maybelline Silk Eyeshadow

2010-08-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

Some months ago I received a free Maybelline New York Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow set in Copper Chic. For some reason, I never got around to using it, although after giving it a test run today, I can't imagine why not!

The set I have in person has a really pretty shimmer to it, which Maybelline's web site image does not convey. The set is available at drugstores for around $10. I think it's a worthwhile investment, and plan on buying sets in a whole lot more colors.

I love layering eyeshadow, and it's made easy by all the color coordinating sets available out there. I started out by lining my upper and lower lashlines with the darkest color, as shown in the image below. I didn't go overboard because I did this this morning, but for night you can definitely go wild!

The next step was to use the next darkest color on the outer portion of my lids. I love the shimmer! Using this color alone I think would be fantastic.

The third step was to use the third shade on the rest of my lid. After that, I used the lightest shade as a highlighter on the inside corner of the lid and on the browline. Super easy copper-colored smoky eye!

I love the way this eyeshadow catches the light and the smoky effect it has. It's perfect for daytime wear, but could definitely be pumped up for nighttime.

Here's the final result:

I'm wearing my favorite Urban Decay mascara, Clinique Blushwear cream stick in Rosy Blush, and Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Ripe Papaya. Of course, I felt so clever with the way I applied the different colors, but then I just noticed a minute ago that on the packaging there's an image of how to do it. Oh well!

Overall, I'm very pleased with this eyeshadow set. The color quality is gorgeous and it actually lasts. Ten hours later, after a ridiculously hot and humid day, the makeup had stayed put. The only downside I really see to it is the ridiculous applicator it comes with. I didn't even bother trying to use it (I never do) but instead used an angled eyeshadow brush. Application perfection.

As I said before, I plan on buying many more sets in different colors. Can't wait to try them all out!

Soup and Sandwich

2010-08-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I went to our local farmer's market and returned with a bounty of vegetables, including leeks, tomatoes, and a large yellow onion.

Supermarket onions can't compare to fresh-from-the-farmer taste. I should have put something in for scale so that ya'll could see how big it is!

I have never eaten a leek before. Kinda weird lookin' though, right? I'd heard of leek soup before, but never tried it, so I decided I'd make my own simple version of it with what ingredients I had lying around. I sauteed the whites and 1/3 of the green of the leeks with half of the onion and two cloves of garlic. I added a box of vegetable broth, brought to a boil, and then simmered for thirty minutes. To go with my soup, I made a sandwich using fake-turkey slices, half an avocado, and a slice of tomato (also purchased from the farmer's market yesterday). There is nothing like a fresh, ripe tomato.

It was a simple meal, but the ingredients were fresh and of good quality, so I didn't need to do anything fancy with them. Everything was absolutely delicious and incredibly satisfying. It's definitely a meal I will make again!

Also today I gathered a bunch of oregano from my garden to dry. The smell is incredible! I'm also a fan of the tiny, delicate pink, purple and white flowers from the herb--they've attracted countless bees and butterflies to my garden!

I love the sight and smell of fresh herbs drying! It's so simple but so pretty. It's an easy, fragrant way to bring nature indoors. I also can't wait to have it for cooking during the winter while the garden is hibernating.

Books I Am Looking Forward To...

2010-08-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

I love reading books on fashion. They're usually full of beautiful, inspirational photos or illustrations and unlike my science textbooks, they're light and easy to read. In short, they're enjoyable and useful, which is why I've reviewed so many of them here on my blog. I've ransacked my local library of pretty much all of their books on style, but I'm hopeful to soon have another stack of books to read when I return to New Paltz. If nothing else, there are a few books coming out this fall that I am definitely looking forward to.

Harper's Bazaar is one of my favorite magazines, because although I will likely never be able to afford the majority of the pieces they feature, everything is beautiful. Although I feel like I have developed my own personal style, it's pretty malleable (as it should be, since I'm in a major transitional part of my life), and am always interested in other's opinions on creating personal style. Especially when it comes from talented editors! The book is going to be $16.47 and will be available November 2.

I am really looking forward to the Style Checklist! I absolutely love timeless guides to what every woman should own in her wardrobe. I don't know why; it's a total guilty pleasure. I also love how in the book description it promises to "make your everyday commute your runway." How awesome a statement is that? I won't have to wait long, because the book comes out September 7 and will cost $15.51.

Clinton Kelly is one of my favorite people. And What Not to Wear is one of my favorite shows. Kelly's other book (Freakin' Fabulous) lived up to its name, so I can't wait for this one to come out! The book focuses on common fashion faux pas committed by women, and how to avoid them. I feel like if anyone is an authority on this subject, it's Clinton Kelly. The book is available October 12 and will cost $17.56.

And sorry for any typos! It's time to go and watch the Soup!

Jane Shoulder Bag

2010-08-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this handbag. I don't believe I actually need to say the name of the gorgeous high-end bag this inexpensive shoulder bag resembles.

I love the texture, the color, the interior organization (a necessity in a bag for me!). And the price of $48.41? Love that too.

AcneFree Terminator 10

2010-08-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, the name of this product sounds scary--like nothing I'd want to put on my face. After all, who wants to go to bed after applying product to their face with visions of Ah-nold floating through their head? But I don't really care anymore what the name is, because the results are amazing.

AcneFree Terminator 10 ($5.99) is advertised for severe acne. I don't have severe acne all over my face, however, what I did have were persistent breakouts in one area of my face that just kept coming back for months on end. Nothing would work. I tried new face washes, toners, salicylic acid treatments, but nothing, absolutely nothing worked. On a whim, I purchased this, remembering that in high school a dermatologist had my brother using a 10% benzoyl peroxide cleanser to treat his severe acne (using this kind of cleanser does more bad than good for me--it dries out the rest of my face horribly).

I wish I had taken before photos, because although no one really wants to see that ickiness, it would have served as great proof of exactly how great this product is. After the first night, there was an immediate reduction in the size of my breakouts. After three nights, they were all completely gone, and I haven't been bothered by them since. I love that not only does it work quickly, it also only needs to be applied to problem areas (which is difficult to do with a cleanser). Thus, it gets rid of breakouts without drying out the rest of your face. To anyone who is struggling with breakouts and cannot find anything to successfully treat them, I recommend this product.

Express Cargo Skinny Pant

2010-08-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

When I was in sixth grade, we were given manilla folders to keep all of our essays in. These were natural canvases for doodling. But while other kids were covering theirs with funny shapes and patterns, mine were littered with clothing ideas. And I had one particular obsession--cargo pants, but not any cargo pants, skinny cargo pants. Imagine my joy years later now that skinny cargo pants are everywhere. I waited until Sunday to buy my first pair, because I'm particular about buying pants.

I bought a pair ($59.90) from Express. Online it's only available in black, but in the store they also carried it in an olive green (which I bought) and denim-look. I love the knit fabric, the super-skinniness of it, and the higher waist than the JBrand Houlihan (I have these things called "hips"). Can't wait to wear them! Because of their length, they're perfect with heels or flats, and there're about a bazillion tops that would go with them.

A Day at the Races

2010-08-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my family and I spent the day at Saratoga Race Track. Per our family tradition, we sat by the Big Red Spring so that we were close to the paddock and could see the horses before they race. I'm not big on gambling, but I did come ahead $0.40, which is better than losing!

The Big Red Spring! Saratoga is famous for its mineral water, which is supposed to have healing properties--although it isn't always the tastiest! Still, it's a tradition in my family to always have at least a taste since it's so good for you. Somehow, my grandpa actually likes it.

Isn't this horse beautiful? They're all such big, beautiful animals.

Naturally, I love it when the jockeys and horses wear pink! And I'm totally jealous of their authentic riding boots.

Before every race the horses warm up around the track. It's so much fun to watch the race at the rail and see the horses fly by you!

Arcade Fire at Madison Square Garden

2010-08-06T16:29:00.000-07:00

Woo, sorry for not posting yesterday. I'm a little off because of going down to New York City with the Boyfriend to see the Arcade Fire at Madison Square Garden. It was an absolutely incredible show! Almost the entire crowd was on their feet for nearly the entire time. It was completely worth seeing the band in person--no wonder the Boyfriend couldn't wait to go back after seeing them a few years ago.

Here's a video of one of my favorite songs: The Arcade Fire - "Wake Up" MSG 8/4/2010.

Now I'm the one who can't wait to see them again!

Review: The Style Strategy

2010-08-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I read through Nina Garcia's the Style Strategy: a less-is-more approach to staying chic and shopping smart ($10.79), a book meant for women to develop style on a budget. I haven't read the One Hundred, but I did snag the Little Black Book of Style the moment it arrived in bookstores, and loved every page. The Style Strategy didn't disappoint me. Like Black Book, it was a quick read, yet full of practical, easy to follow advice. There are three sections, meant to answer these three questions--What do I have? What do I need? What do I want? I agree with Nina that everyone should ask themselves these three questions.

In What Do I Have? Nina describes the necessity of taking inventory of one's entire wardrobe, which makes total sense. She offers ways of accomplishing this, since apparently most women dread this task (I love doing this--who doesn't like playing dress up?). The requirements for what gets kept and what should be gotten rid of are made clear and there is sound advice for how to part with pieces that have served their purpose, are loved, but simply must go.

The second section, What Do I Need? emphasizes that yes, shopping is fun and it's easy to be convinced that one needs everything in the store, but it's absolutely imperative to put one's foot down. Nina lists exactly what it is that everyone must own, and encourages these items to be what women spend the most on (eg: trench coat, trousers, handbag, etc.).

What Do I Want? has four chapters devoted to it. The most useful I thought was the chapter on caring for your clothes to make them last. I can't stand it when I see someone out and about in clothes that obviously were residing crumpled on the floor before being thrown on. Take care of your clothes!

Overall, I enjoyed reading Style Strategy. It was fun to read, and full of interesting "fashion 101" tidbits detailing how women in the past have made things work when resources and money were strained. The book lacked fluff, which I appreciated, and it's pragmatism can't be faulted. The illustrations by Ruben Toledo were fun and inspiring, and I actually prefer them in Nina's books to photos. I would recommend this book to others, especially those in dire need of rescuing their closets.

Coral Crush

2010-08-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been really into coral (isn't everybody during summer time?) for lip color. I decided to test out Maybelline New York's Color Sensational in Coral Crush ($6.22).

I've been wearing it pretty much all the time for the past two weeks, and I'm not gonna lie, I'm impressed. I'm kind of a snob when it comes to makeup and don't normally venture into drugstores for it, but I decided that seven bucks is an easy price to part with if I'm going to be experimenting with different colors. No serious commitment, right? Surprisingly, I'm becoming committed to this lipstick!

I'm not ordinarily such a big fan of lipsticks. They dry out my lips, they're a chore to reapply, and they come off on everything (glasses, tissues, napkins, my boyfriend's lips, etc.). That's why this drugstore brand, inexpensive lipstick came as such a shocker. It's creamy and moisturizing--no chapstick needed, and the color literally has lasted me more than once through eight hour shifts without needing to be reapplied, even after eating and constantly sipping on water.

me in my bathrobe wearing Coral Crush

My only complaint is not with the formula, but the color. It pretty much perfectly matches what's on the packaging, but I wasn't looking so much for a pinkish-coral. An orangey coral is much more of-the-moment. But that's my fault, not the lipstick's. Unfortunately the line doesn't feature a true "orange poppy" colored shade, so I'm going to have to try another. But that's part of the fun with experimenting with make-up, no?

"Bubble" of Color

2010-08-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

The walls of my new apartment (pictures to come once I get around to it--I'm half living there, half living home as the summer winds down) are white. I am a huge fan of color, yet I have no interest in painting my walls. I kind of like the idea of having a completely neutral wall to use as a canvas for everything else. After all, my decorating tastes tend to veer towards explosive colors, so if I mixed that with color on the walls, it would look like an absolute disaster. Plus, I find white walls to be totally zen and modern at the same time, which suits me at this stage of my life.

But I digress. The point is that since my walls are white, I'm pretty much free to decorate in any color as I please. And since it's me, I'm sticking with bright colors, like the orange in this pillow:

The pillow ($48) is simple, yet funky, and I love love orange. It's a bright, cheery color that'll help me get through this final year of undergrad work. And since I've loaded up on the credits (again) I'll need all the help I can get!

Holding onto summer - Ray of Sunshine Skirt

2010-07-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

It feels like everyone is looking forward to fall. All the fashion magazines are full of spreads featuring furs. But I'm still desperately holding onto summer. While I enjoy the change of clothing that fall brings, I dread the season that follows. I absolutely cannot stand the winters of upstate New York. So that's why I have yet to move onto featuring fall clothing. I'm still hooked on summer clothes, like this skirt.

I love the color, the floral element, the exposed ruffle-y bottom. It's so pretty and perfect for spring and summer. It's also on sale for $24.99.

Review: Tranquilista

2010-07-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play and was pleasantly surprised. I was not a fan of Kimberly Wilson's first book (Hip Tranquil Chick), but I found Tranquilista to be a practical and useful life guide. Although I must admit, I'm a sucker for books that happen to have pink all over their covers.

The book is broken up into three sections. The first is on spirituality, the second is on style, and the third is on building a business/career. My favorite section was on spirituality. I love yoga and I love its spiritual tenets, which Wilson relies heavily on. The book has encouraged me to set ten minutes aside each day for meditation, and to set "artist dates" where I allow myself time to do nothing other than be creative.

The style section was a bit silly, but for the average woman in dire need of a wardrobe makeover, I suppose it's a good start. Obviously there are much better books out there specifically tailored for this subject (some of which I've reviewed in earlier posts, such as How to Have Style). The third section was an excellent description of how to successfully start and run your own business. I found it to be very thorough and not full of Wilson's usual whimsical girliness.

Speaking of which, as with her first book, at times Wilson's writing style nearly had me grating my teeth. Overuse of the phrase "tres chic" does not make so one's book. But the writing is easy to read and conversational. The book is also full of "savvy sources for further exploration"--other books expanding on a particular topic. I plan on making use of these.

Overall, I wouldn't buy the book, though I know many who would (and would get much more out of it than I did), but found it well worth taking out of the library. A vast improvement on Wilson's superficial first book.

Prada Print

2010-07-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

I normally would never feature anything from Prada in my blog, because well, let's face, I'm unlikely to ever spend that much money on clothing. Yet I just had to put the spotlight on this print from Prada's Fall collection because I absolutely love it (especially in blue):

I first saw it in a magazine ad paired with a blue tweed jacket and fell in love. You're all likely to see it here again because I'm probably going to be restless until I can score a look-a-like. Love love love. And the full skirt trend? I'm all aboard that one.

Onesta Hair Care Line

2010-07-27T08:36:00.001-07:00

I'm prone to obsess over my new beauty products before shortly forgetting about them and moving on to something even newer. The relationship I have with my new hair products is different; it's more like true love. The plant-based line of hair products from Onesta is certified organic and cruelty free. Their styling products also offer UV protection. And the packaging is made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials. In other words, I can feel pretty guilt-free about indulging in this line of products.

Right now I'm hooked on the Hydrating shampoo (shown above) and Moisture Balancing conditioner. I've been using both products every day for the past week and my hair feels amazing. I have fine hair, and the conditioner doesn't weigh it down. In fact, my hair is so soft and full of volume that it's practically fluffy. All with no frizz! It's practically miraculous the effect this shampoo and conditioner has had on my hair. And the scent? Incredible.

The other product I can't get enough of is the Play Paste. Need texture? Like the shampoo and conditioner, this stuff works miracles. Only a little is needed to have a big effect. All without weighing hair down.

I can't say enough good things about this line of hair products. It's a must-try.

Sweet Potato Ravioli

2010-07-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Last night I made sweet potato ravioli with a creamy white bean sauce. The first step was to bake two large sweet potatoes for an hour at 400 degrees. I waited for them to cool, then mashed them up with some sage, lemon juice, and a smidgen of brown sugar (they're so sweet after baking that they need very little sugar).

I used won ton wrappers (the ones always located near the vegetarian "meats" in the grocery store), and canola oil to seal two wrappers together after putting a spoonful of the sweet potato in the center. I went through an entire package of won ton wrappers and still had some yummy mashed sweet potato left over.

Cooking the ravioli is easy; simply place them in boiling water for five minutes. The sauce was equally easy to make. I sauteed onion and garlic in olive oil, then mixed it with lemon juice, cannellini beans and veggie broth. I transferred the mixture to a blender, blended it smooth, and then heated it up until it was nice and thick.

In the end, it was a total success! There are no leftover ravioli, and I plan on eating the leftover "sauce" as soup for dinner tonight. A super yummy way to eat sweet potatoes, one of nature's best carbs.

How I would style it...paperbag trouser

2010-07-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

I'm really liking these poplin trousers from Alloy, and since they're only $9.99 right now, I'm definitely snagging a pair. Wearing them might seem tricky at first, especially since one might suppose they're only good for one season (summer). But I think they'll do just fine in September too (though the material may not be heavy enough for the chilliness of October).

Here's how I would style them now:

First off, let's start with the pants. I think they're totally stylish. And they're on sale!

Next I would add a pocket tank, a particularly versatile item for something that is right on trend this summer. I especially like this super-soft version from JCrew, and at $35, it's one of the more affordable options considering the quality. Plus, gray is going to be huge this fall.

The color may be neutral, but the style of these platform pumps ($89) screams "SEXY!" I like how this shoe would keep the outfit pallet neutral, while helping it to avoid the boring category.

A hobo bag ($498) is nice and relaxed for summer, but this one is still chic at the same time. I love the pleats; they make the bag so unique.

A pop of color is so necessary in an outfit composed of neutrals, and these cute beaded bracelets ($2.80) do just the job. Simple summer color at its best.

I truly don't believe in the rule "no white after Labour Day." And just to prove my point, I've come up with this outfit.

We begin with the same pants.

This time we add a v-neck sweater with a cool print ($247.50). I'm not sure I own any sweaters that aren't v-neck, and if I do, they're the exception, because v-necks are just so flattering. Love love the print and style of this sweater.

A heel is essential to pair with these trousers, and for fall I'm a big fan of canvas booties like this pair from Dolce Vita ($179).

Fall means the beginning of school, and therefore I need a bag big enough to carry all the stuff I'll need throughout the day. Which is a lot. This satchel ($117.92) would do it in style, and give the outfit more utilitarian vibe.

I went with only a bracelet again for jewelry, because in this outfit I don't want a necklace competing with the spectacular sweater. And I love the amount of glitz this bracelet ($39.50) would add to the ensemble.

So I think I've convinced myself that it's worth the ten dollars to buy those trousers!

Roasted Veggie Salad

2010-07-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

So somehow we've managed to run out of just about all the vegetables in the house. Maybe because I've been eating them like a fiend? Who knows. Anyway, I decided to roast whatever was left: four beets, some garlic, and red onion, all from my local farmer's market. It was pretty simple. After peeling and slicing everything, I put it in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Here's the result:

I wish you could smell it! Absolutely incredible. It was so good that I actually didn't need to top it with any dressing. Perfect as is. Definitely something I will be making again...since we still have beets, onions and garlic left and nothing else.

bebe Murray Lace Up Wedge Boots

2010-07-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

I'm never on the "let me know when this comes in!" waiting list. I'm never dying so much over one item that I stalk it. I'm too impulsive for that. And waiting for an item to arrive? Puh-lease, I've already spent the cash on something else by the time it comes in. Which is why I know these boots are different, because I've actually asked to be made aware of when they arrive.

I don't know how much they are, but I pretty much have to have them. They're sexy and stylish, with cool details and serious "it-girl" appeal. And with those high socks? Such a good look it's deadly. Now will they PLEASE hurry up and arrive already?

Vix Santorini Bia Tube Bathing Suit

2010-07-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with this bathing suit from Vix (top $78, bottom $78):

It comes in other prints and tons of solid colors (some exclusively sold on the Vix web site) but I love this particular print. It's fun, unique, and colorful, everything I love in a print. The suit is also flattering for girls with some curves thanks to the low-cut bottom and halter top.

Sooo, I ordered it. Here's the bottom in person:

Its looks are true to the web picture, and it's just as flattering on a real person (aka me) as on the swimsuit model. If it wasn't for the price, I'd want it in just about every color. The metallic accents are so luxe and the fit is great.

Can spring for the real deal? Venus has a great look-a-like for the price of half of the real deal (top $34, bottom $33) available in cute colors. I particularly love navy.

Found My New Gym Bag!!

2010-07-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely in love with the Lug Tugboat, a mini duffel bag that serves as the perfect gym bag. It comes in an assortment of colors (I got mine in brown), and I love the quilted fabric--stylish but easy to clean; the latter is an essential trait in a gym bag. It's large enough to carry everything I would need for a workout without being one of those over-sized bags athletes use for carrying their tons of equipment. It has interior and exterior pockets, and a flap with a magnetic closure revealing a mirror, which is ideal for post-workout touch-ups. It also comes with a matching drawstring bag that I plan on using for holding my sneakers. In short: love love love my new gym bag.

Sweet Coconut Brown Rice

2010-07-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

Brown rice is just one of those super foods packed with good-for-you nutrients. Unfortunately, as much as I like it better than white rice, I still find it a bit bland, so I'm always looking for ways to make it more interesting. Today I found one way that totally satisfied my taste buds--and it's super easy! I cooked up a batch of brown rice in my rice cooker, scooped some into a bowl, and added some almonds, shredded coconut and a dash of balsamic vinegar. That's it! And it tastes absolutely amazing! I totally recommend it.

Tennis Dresses

2010-07-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

The boyfriend recently told me, "I can't tell if you actually want to play tennis, or just wear your new tennis outfit." According to him, I'm more interested in dressing up for activities than I actually am in partaking in them. Well, he's partially right. Half the fun in playing tennis is getting to dress up for it. I have one skort and one dress but I'm looking to expand my tennis dress collection. Here's what I'm considering:

Absolutely love this Fred Perry tennis dress ($74). It's cute, flattering, and perfect for moving around in. The white color is totally classic, too.

If it wasn't for the tell-tale Nike swoosh, this dress ($94) would be difficult to pick out as one for running around sweating on the court in! I love the bodice--super-flattering.

Last but not least, I need a pair of tennis shoes. I've settled on this pair, because of the clean appearance, good reviews and even better price ($46):

Violet's of Saratoga Dress Sale

2010-07-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Track season starts early this year at Saratoga, so I hopped up to Saratoga on my day off in hopes of beating the crowd and snagging some pre-track season bargains (FYI, prices of everything in 'toga town go up once the races start). I was pretty disappointed in just about everything. If it was in my price range, it looked cheap. If it looked acceptable, it was miles away from affordability. Then I happened into Violet's of Saratoga, on Broadway (aka, the main stretch of road), which was having a dress sale. The highlights were from French Connection, Maggy London and Max & Cleo. All dresses on the rack up front are currently only $50, which is a minimum of 50% off everything on the rack. I grabbed a few and headed for the changing room. This number from Max & Cleo was my favorite:

Okay, so ignore my wack pose, freaky tan lines, lack of strapless bra and focus in on the dress instead. I really, really need to invest in a decent camera. Anyhow, the dress is this gorgeous pink color and incredibly slimming. If I'd taken a video, maybe you could have seen just how tiny it makes me look. And I love all of the details! I absolutely can't wait to wear it. Um, it's totally an excuse to throw a party, right?

I absolutely loved the rest of the store, but I'm saving up for a Vix bikini right now, so I bought the dress and unfortunately had to leave without anything else. Oh, and I totally recommend their sister store (a few doors down) Stella's of Saratoga for shoes shoes shoes. There were some gorgeous pairs from Cole Haan and Vince Camuto, among many, many other great brands.

Both stores are incredibly classy. What I love is that they each have a great selection without looking as though someone just vomited clothes and shoes all over the place (which, unfortunately, is the case with many other boutiques). Everything is neat, well cared for, and elegantly displayed. Stella's has gorgeous couches for trying on shoes and Violet's has pleasant dressing rooms as well as plenty of mirrors just outside the changing room door. In short, two must-visit stores.

Pucci Coverup

2010-07-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Something about this coverup is timelessly elegant. I don't know why, but I just can't stuff staring at it! It's feminine and a work of art (as far as coverups go) and I want to wear it not only to the beach but to a restaurant afterwards. Unfortunately, at $296 it's waaaay out of my price range (I mean, it's something I can realistically wear only a few times a year), but hey, a girl can dream, can't she?

New Nail Color

2010-07-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

I am super, super lazy when it comes to painting my toe nails. And because of my choice of majors, painting my nails is a total waste of time (they just end up chipping after day one, and I have to keep my nails uber-short). But I keep wearing open-toed shoes and sandals everywhere, and so for the first time I'm feeling self-conscious about my toes. I'd been wearing a very bright coral all summer, and decided I wanted something more subtle. So I went with this:

It's French manicure polish from Orly in bare rose. I didn't bother getting the white polish; I have no idea why. A total French manicure is so high maintenance that it just doesn't appeal to me right now. I absolutely love the effect this polish had though, seen here:

It's subtle, natural looking, and elegant, which is exactly what I was looking for in a color.

5 Reasons to Never Eat Anyone Else's Pizza Ever Again

2010-07-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

I went down to visit my best friend yesterday in her new apartment. As a special treat, I made focaccia dough so that we could make homemade pizza. We bought organic pizza sauce and then topped it with fresh pineapple (my friend also topped hers with freshly shredded mozzarella). It was absolutely amazing! I can't ever go back to delivery or frozen pizza. Here was our delicious result:

So here are my reasons for never eating anyone else's pizza (unless it's some else's homemade) ever again:

No cheese! It's obnoxious to always have to separate toppings from cheese and then cheese from the rest of the pizza. When I make my own pizza I can put on as many toppings as I please without having to worry about the icky gooey stuff.
No after-pizza bloat. You know what I'm talking about. Pizzeria pizza may look and smell appetizing but it's greasy and usually made with cheap ingredients that send your stomach spinning...which leads me to...
Quality ingredients! Making my own pizza means I can choose to add only organic ingredients (including to make the dough). Whether or not to buy organic is no joke. It's a must do.
Complete customization. I can make the crust thick, or thin, depending on my mood and who I'm serving. I can add a lot of sauce, or a little, and pile on as many toppings as suits me. Because I doubt many pizza parlors feature bbq'd tofu as one of their topping options. And I can use whole-wheat flour!
Fresh every time. I'll never have to worry about how long the pizza has been sitting there collecting flies...pizzerias in New Paltz, you know who you are.

My first "Vlog"!

2010-07-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

I hate the term "vlog", but then again, I used to hate the term "blog" too, so maybe it'll grow on me. Nonetheless, I have officially made my first vlog! It chronicles a successful shopping venture to Marshall's (um, yeah, I went shopping there again). Hope you enjoy!

Homemade Almond Milk

2010-07-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

I recently got my hands on Vegan Soul Kitchen, and I love the sound of just about everything. Since re-going vegan, I've been eating brown rice porridge (leftover brown rice, almond milk and agave nectar) pretty much every morning and I love it. However, I'm not so high on the amount of processed junk in store-bought almond milk, so I decided to make my own from the recipe out of Vegan Soul Kitchen.

Basically, you soak almond overnight and then blend them with water, cinnamon, and vanilla (the recipe also calls for dates, but I didn't have any). After that, you strain the mixture through some cheesecloth.

I'm not gonna lie, this is a very messy process, since you need to squeeze all the liquid from the almond "paste". It also seemed a little wasteful, since there's no purpose for the leftover almonds. This didn't occur to me until halfway through the process, so next time I'm going to save the almonds, dry them out in the oven, and use them for baking.

There also isn't a very high yield. The above photo shows all I got out of it. This doesn't really bother me, since it'll encourage me to always keep fresh almond milk in the house. As for the taste? I'm using more almond next time, a little less vanilla, and I think I'll search everywhere for those dates, since it seems to be missing a little something. Still, it tastes way better than store-bought stuff, and I feel better about it being "purer" and fresher.

Review: the Kind Diet

2010-07-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished reading The Kind Diet ($17.97), by Clueless star and animal rights activist Alicia Silverstone, and I have to say, it's one of those books I wish I could get everyone to read. The book is broken up in three sections. The first section is on kind vs. nasty foods; nasty foods are meat, dairy and sugar, while kind foods are whole grains, beans and vegetables. There is a ton of information presented on why certain foods are nasty and others are kind. In short, meat and dairy are bad for humans, animals, and the environment. This is backed up by multiple reputable sources. Part two is about changing your lifestyle, which Silverstone advises to be done in steps, recognizing that it's difficult to jump into a completely vegan diet. She divides change into three steps, flirting, vegan, and superhero, in order of difficulty from least to greatest. The third section contains the recipes, which I have yet to try, which is why I would be hesitant to give the book a perfect rating, since who knows whether or not they're disastrous.

Recipes aside, the book is definitely worth reading. For non-vegans, it will give you an understanding of your vegan friend's lifestyle choice, and will probably have you seriously considering a vegan diet yourself. For vegans, the book will serve as a reminder of why you are a vegan, and give you some ammo for all the obnoxious questions from meat-dairy-eaters. And it's just plain pleasant to read.

Bon Jovi at SPAC

2010-07-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am a HUGE Bon Jovi fan. No kidding, I was madly in love with Jon when I was in high school. So when tickets were about to go on sale for his show at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center), I heard about it from everyone. My dad even got the password for pre-sale tickets just so that he could buy me tickets!

The show was incredible! Every song was great (of course) and the band really worked the crowd. Every one was up on their feet rocking out to the music. It was awesome!

Best Sunscreen Ever!

2010-07-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

bareMinerals Natural Sunscreen ($28) is my new obsession. Its mattifying protection goes on great over make-up, or the slightly shiny tinted moisturizer I use. Plus, its size makes it absolutely ideal for carrying in my purse, where it's ready for hourly touch-ups. I'd been searching for a while for the perfect powder sunscreen, because really, who wants to slather on nasty, greasy sunscreen over make-up? I mean, my make-up has is SPF 15, but the derms all say you need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Hence my nasty-greasy problem. But this brilliant powder has solved all my sunscreen woes. I don't know how I ever got along without it.

Boating on Saratoga Lake

2010-07-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my long-time best friend and I celebrated her getting her first post-college graduation job by taking my dad's boat out on Saratoga Lake. In preparation I made cherry-almond muffins (recipe from Vegan With a Vengeance).

I loaded the batter with way more cherries than the recipe calls for, because I'm absolutely obsessed with this tasty little fruit. More on cherries in another post, likely.

The muffins tasted amazing! It's nice to have a vegan treat that I can grab and eat on the run. Or bring with me to work. Unfortunately, they're so good that my non-vegan brother even loves them and keeps eating them! I figured they'd be perfect for bringing on the boat.

I can't say enough about how lovely the lake was! It was cooler on the water, which was sweet relief, and the water was absolutely perfect for swimming in. For most of the day, we had the lake to ourselves, and spent the afternoon being completely lazy and lounging about in the sun.

I wore my favorite ruffled bikini and signature "bug" sunglasses (as everyone refers to them), but Kay (above) was the definition of hipster cool in her colored sunnies, purchased from a thrift store in true hipster fashion.

We stayed until the sun went down, so we got to see the most beautiful sunset over the water. This picture was taken with my phone, so the quality isn't perfect, but you can still see how gorgeous it was. Ahhh...I can't wait to go back and have another day like that one!

Tofu Yesterday and Today

2010-07-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

I love tofu. I almost always bake it, however, so last night I thought I'd try something different. I marinated in an orange ginger sauce and sauteed it in peanut oil. I ate it atop cold udon noodles. It was the perfect meal for a hot day! Sauteing the tofu ended up being a great idea, and the peanut oil made all the difference.

Since it was just me eating, though, there were plenty of leftovers, which is great because it means less work when preparing a meal the next day. I decided that the tofu would make a great addition to a black bean and salsa taco. Which it was! The orange ginger-flavored tofu added a nice zing to plain black beans and a mild salsa.

I still have some leftover, and I already have plans for making sandwiches with it for work. Yum!

Beat the Heat in style

2010-07-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was in the grocery store and saw way too many young women dressed in cropped tops and shorts that almost didn't cover their bottoms. Tacky. I know it's been at or around 100 degrees this week in New York, but there are better outfits for keeping cool in. Instead of the cropped top, super-short shorts routine, how about a barely there dress? It's classier and cooler. Trust me. I like these three options:

This ultra-light cotton dress ($39.50) from JCrew is perfect for keeping your cool. I love it just the way they've modeled it (I mean, look at those sandals! Gorgeous) but can also imagine it belted just below the bust with a strappy pair of wedge sandals. Chic!

This empire-waist dress ($59.99) is not only totally flattering, it's perfect for enduring the hot weather we've been having. Like the first dress, it's perfect with flats or heels. I would prefer heels (naturally) with a wide-brimmed hat.

This bubble-hemmed tank dress ($12.90) is utterly adorable, meaning that you'll ventilate in style. It also would be completely easy to sex up for night. Don't you just love pieces that multi-task? Add a gold multi-strand necklace, a cocktail ring, and a shiny clutch with some killer heels and you're ready to go.

Favorite Mascara!

2010-07-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

My mom gave me a mascara sampler set from Sephora for Christmas. I wasn't impressed with the first couple I tried, but I am absolutely obsessed with Urban Decay's Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara ($22). It really is a lash miracle worker!

I've never been so psyched about a mascara before. It actually does it all: lengthen, curl, darken, and separate--ALL without clumping or flaking! I am completely hooked on using this mascara. I'm not going to lie, a lot of days I'm usually too lazy to do more than put some sunscreen on my face, but lately the effect this mascara has on my eyes has me walking out the door looking gorgeous. Try out this mascara; you won't be disappointed.

I feel like the last one to know!

2010-07-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

After seeing this site featured everywhere from Lucky to O Magazine, I had to check out shopthelook.net. Wow! I have totally been missing out. Right now I'm obsessing over this bracelet:
I love everything about this bracelet, from the trendy turquoise colors to the gold chains, to the way all the elements wrap around each other. It's stylish and sexy and classy all at once. And all at only $14.

Vegan Cupcakes

2010-07-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

For two and a half years, I was a vegetarian. This past March I started eating meat again. Well, after a few months of eating meat, I can't take it anymore. So now I'm going all the way. I've decided to follow a vegan diet. So I celebrated by making vegan cupcakes! Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero are my go-to gals for vegan cooking. I own all of their cookbooks and refer to them often, always with successful results. Naturally I turned to their book, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World ($10.85) to make vegan cupcakes! I chose to make simple agave cupcakes.

The recipe was indeed simple. I used almond milk instead of soy and replaced the almond extract with more vanilla extract. Neither of these changes were made out of personal preferences...they just happen to reflect what I had lying around in my kitchen.

My favorite part of vegan baking? Since there're no eggs, I can lick the bowl! Agave nectar made a fantastic replacement of sugar. I didn't go with any of the frostings from the book. Instead I pureed fresh raspberries from a local farm stand with Earth Balance, agave nectar and almond milk. It's a little runny, but you can't beat that fresh fruit taste!

Lime Granita

2010-07-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago, I made the Key Lime Roll out of Lilly Pulitzer's book on entertaining, for which you make a lime sauce using limes and simple syrup. Well, this was a good amount of work, considering I had to peel a whole bunch of limes of their pith and rind, so I was not about to let leftovers go to waste. So I froze the syrup and then today ran it through my Magic Bullet. The result? A delicious sweet and citrus-y dessert! Check it out:

Not gonna lie, this was absolutely delicious and well worth the work of preparing the limes. Mmmm! Yum!

Review: What Would Jackie Do?

2010-07-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a complete, albeit materialistic guide to how to live life the Jackie O way, What Would Jackie Do is the guide for you. The book has a chapter each on manners, fashion, beauty, men, home-decorating, hobbies, careers, money, children, and "Jackie here and now."

Okay, so the book is remarkably superficial and the advice given is not always practical (or good, for that matter) but the writing was witty and--when taken with a grain of salt--can produce an elegant and glamorous lifestyle. I found the chapter on hobbies ("Building Your Inner Temple") to be particularly inspiring. I am now itching to pull out my watercolor set and get to painting, find a way to go back to Europe, and enroll in a French class this coming fall semester. All in a day's work for Mrs. O, no?

Sunday Shoe Shopping

2010-06-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

So...um, I went totally overboard yesterday with shoe shopping. What can I say, I love shoes. I've even decided on a pretty way to store them...if I can stop spending all my money on shoes and buy the supplies I need. Anyway, here's what I managed to score:

I love Keds. They're so classic, and they're sneakers, but they're simple, not sporty, which means you can be stylish and comfortable. Not only are these Keds, they're hot pink Keds meant to look like saddle shoes. How cute is that? I plan on wearing these with skirts and tanks.

Another pair of Keds, but this time a pair of preppy wedges. The navy color is completely classic, and I love the print on the wedge that adds an unexpected dose of sophistication. I can't wait to wear these! I'm likely to pair these with my white skinny jeans and a striped tee.

I love, LOVE these Speedo boat shoes. They're comfortable and waterproof, which makes them totally appropriate for when we take the boat out. Unfortunately, a sailboat is kind of an expensive accessory to buy, so our motor-boat will have to do. However, I also plan on wearing these to the pool in lieu of sandals occasionally.

Alright, so constantly buying shoes is my numero uno shopping sin. What's yours?

Fried Oreos at the Getaway

2010-06-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday the Boyfriend and I went into Clifton Park (exit 9 on the Northway/I-87) to buy me a study book for the GREs. Ugh. But to make up for the drudgery we stopped at this little joint called the Getaway, because they advertised fried Oreos, which neither of us has ever had but always heard good things about.

The inside of the eatery is like stepping into a Shenendehowa pep rally (the local school district), but the prices are great and all the food looked good. The servers were friendly, and the fried Oreos were made fresh as ordered.

Oh my goodness. The fried Oreos. Talk about a little piece of Heaven. I've very rarely tasted something so good. As you can see, they're deep fried and dusted with powdered sugar. Uh-mazing. I can't wait to go back for seconds. I'm actually excited to come back during football season, since the Getaway seems like the perfect place for watching a big game.

Review: Style Clinic

2010-06-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

I recently finished Paula Reed's Style Clinic: How to Look Fabulous All the Time, at Any Age, for Any Occassion. Okay, so I'm not bouncing up and down about this book but I do find it worth owning. The book has a whole bunch of chapters filled with rules for dressing per your age, body type, and needs (eg: function). A warning, though. The book is boring. No jokes, no frills.

That said, I'm not sure what else out there (asides from stacks and stacks of fashion magazines) can compete with the amount of information (and its accuracy) contained within this tome. It's incredibly useful. And since the book tells one how to dress one's age, the book is useful for years down the line.

My favorite part of the book was the pictures. I love drawing inspiration from outfits put together by editors, I mean, that's why they're editors, right? And the outfits featured in this book were definitely inspiring. I also liked Reed's advice on closet cleaning and shopping. For example, don't buy something that doesn't yet fit in your wardrobe, or else you're just going to have to spend even more money buying additional pieces to make it work.

Overall, the book is practical, timeless, and worth owning.

Shopping at TJMaxx

2010-06-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

I love TJMaxx. Really and truly. And Marshall's. Yesterday I hit up TJMaxx with the intention of buying some stuff for my apartment...and came away with a couple bags and a dress. Oh, and a small pack of microfiber cleaning towels. So I did get something for the apartment!

First, can I start with how chic the dressing rooms were? Check it out for yourself:

I love the cute little red stools! And the lighting was surprisingly flattering (how often can you say that about a dressing room?).

I fell in love with this bag, even though it's price ($32) was more than I was looking to spend, particularly since I don't actually need a new bag.

The cute little fuzzball is my dog Annie. She had to check out the bag too (doesn't she have good taste?). It's not leather, which is SUCH a plus in the summer time, because I always feel like leather sweats on you in the hot, humid weather we get here in New York. I absolutely adore the pink striping. It's beachy and sophisticated at the same time. The interior of the bag has an adorable print and tons of pockets. And guess what?! It comes with a matching umbrella. Score! Mom and my aunt are renting a house in Point Lookout this summer, so I plan on making this my signature bag for when I go down there. Love!

I also got the above reusable shopping bag for a mere $0.99. As far as reusable bags go, I feel like this one is surprisingly fashionable. I plan on leaving it in my car and bringing it with me next time I go shopping. I'm so tired of bringing home armloads of plastic bags that are doomed to litter the earth for hundreds of years.

Finally, I got this shift:

I absolutely LOVE the colors and the print. Hanging up, it looks kind of shapeless, but it looks great on me. I got this, because I'm in need of some nice summer dresses. It's so Palm Beach, no?

New Dining Set - Purchased

2010-06-24T18:16:00.001-07:00

So I've been searching the entire web (and my local stores) for a dining set for my new apartment. I've had a very specific idea in mind. I want my kitchen/dining/living room to resemble a French bistro. It's a very dark apartment with a lot of wood so I want to bring the outside in. I also would prefer a pub table. I just love the higher table with stools. At long last, I have settled on this table ($115.99):

with these chairs ($84.99 for 2):

I absolutely love this set. It has pretty good ratings so I can only hope that it's as pretty in person as it is online. Hopefully it comes soon and I can show pictures of it all assembled! Love!

A $43 dish rack?

2010-06-23T18:06:00.001-07:00

So, I'm absolutely in love with this Washing & Hoping & Dreaming dish rack:

I think it's absolutely lovely and it gives exactly the kind of vibe I want my apartment kitchen to have. And I do need a dish rack. But there is one thing that has me hesitating. It's $43 price tag. Is an adorable dish rack really worth that much money? Part of me is screaming, "NO WAY!" but upon thinking about it, I think I can actually justify this piece. I'll do dishes every single day, therefore I will use the dish rack every single day. That's a very good cost per use ratio. Plus, it will be something I have to look at every single day. So if I buy an ugly cheap plastic dish rack, I'll be haunted by its unattractive presence every time I step into the kitchen.

It's decided. I'm totally getting the dish rack. Don't you just love it, though?!

Crab-Stuffed Flounder

2010-06-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight my brother's girlfriend came up for a visit, so I wanted to make something special to make her feel super welcomed (she's a sweetheart). I decided to make crab-stuffed flounder. It was surprisingly easy! Basically, you mix together the crab stuffing (I made mine using olive oil, bread crumbs, oregano, and sage...and crab, obviously) and place it on the center of a fillet of flounder. Then roll up the fillet around the stuffing. Repeat for each fillet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes and you get:

Sorry the lighting is so atrocious. I cooked pasta to serve with the fish, but then realized that I hadn't made a vegetable. Upon searching my fridge I found...seven medium sized carrots and some onions. Uh oh. So I sauteed the onion in olive oil, added the carrot and some butter and the heavy cream left over from when I made creme brulee for Father's Day. Surprisingly it turned out delicious! Here's how it looked:

We used the carrot-cream-sauce to top the pasta. Yum!!

Shopping from my Mom's closet

2010-06-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

My mom is not a "two-strap" handbag kind of gal, which is what makes her new handbag from Guess even more awesome. It's also why my mom chose to give me a couple of bags that were taking up space in her closet and going continuously unused. Here's the first, a cute little bag from Tiganello:

It's smaller than what I'd prefer for an everyday bag, but this might actually be good for me, since I'm always noticing shoulder pain after spending an entire day hauling around all the crap that inevitably ends up in my purse pretty much because it can fit in it.

Here's the second:

Yes, it's Louis Vuitton and yes, I usually hate LV bags because I feel like if I'm carrying around a bag that announces the brand to everyone, the brand should be paying me and not the other way around. That said, I actually like this bag. The interior is soft suede but the exterior is zero-fuss denim, against which the white embroidered LV logo is surprisingly subtle.

Thanks Mom!

Fun Modern Lamp

2010-06-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

Like I said in a previous post, I love mixing the old with the new when it comes to style, be it decorating or clothing. So I absolutely love this lamp:

It's cute, modern, and a great color. It's also on sale for $34.95 from $49.95. Thirty-five for a great new table lamp? Awesome!

My Embarrassing Closet...

2010-06-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have an out-of-control problem that I am totally embarrassed to share with the entire internet. Half of my closet is in a state of disaster. The left half, where I store my geology/outdoor stuff, is incredibly neat and organized. The right half is overstuffed with clothes and towers of shoeboxes. The evidence:

Ignore the box of file folders. I haven't quite figured out a place for them. Focus on the stacks of shoes. There are stacks behind the stacks you see in the photo. I'm at a loss of what to do. Quite simply, this method of storage is unattractive and (perhaps more importantly) inefficient since I can't see all my shoes and I'm constantly playing Jenga with the boxes to take out a pair I'd like. So I'm putting it out there. How in the world can I store my shoes in an attractive yet efficient way? I'm hoping that this picture will soon be nothing more than a "before" shot instead of a reality. Of course, it might not be too much of an issue since I have a walk-in closet in my apartment bedroom come August. Still, that's likely a luxury I will not always have in the future.

...and don't say to get rid of some shoes because I already did and these are the ones I consistently wear!

Pitcher Set

2010-06-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

My friend and I are shopping for apartment decor on the cheap. Which means we hit up the Salvation Army and City Mission this morning. I ended up getting this pitcher set of three pieces for $12:

That's it safely wrapped up in newspaper...but I couldn't stand to just let it sit there. For some reason I just love those old pitcher and washbasin sets. I don't know why. It comes from an obsession of mixing old things with new ones, I guess. So I had to clean up the clutter on top of my two dressers so that the set could be displayed properly.

The pitcher and washbasin on their new home:

There's something so old-fashion-edly feminine about the set that I absolutely adore. And here's a close up of the pot it came with so that you can see the butterflies printed onto the set:

I have no idea what I'm going to use it for (with as little space as I have, everything must serve a purpose, and that it's aesthetically pleasing is not a purpose). I image I'll keep make-up and toiletries in the pot because, let's face it, most make-up is not that attractive to look at. I could go completely crazy and keep the whole set in my apartment kitchen. Would food damage the material? Eh, I don't know, so better to err on the side of caution and just let everything stand pretty, right?

Review: Essentially Lilly

2010-06-16T04:42:00.000-07:00

I recently finished reading through Essentially Lilly: A guide to colorful entertaining ($19.80), and I was surprised to have enjoyed it. I picked up the book originally because of it's adorable bright colored floral jacket. I'm a sucker for bright colored florals. The book has three sections (morning, afternoon, evening) and each section is filled with chapters detailing specific "party" ideas.

While at first it might be tempting to roll your eyes--the life Lilly Pulitzer lives is obviously above the means of most people--this would be an unfortunate response since the book is actually quite practical. Each "party" chapter comes with a menu and then recipes for how to make each item. The food is delicious, easy to make, and inexpensive. In fact, much of it can be prepared the night before so that the host/hostess can spend more time with his/her guests. I already made the French toast and it was agreed by all who ate it that it was amazing.

Lilly agrees that you don't need money to throw a great party. You just need a little ingenuity! I don't have a pool, but every year my friend and I throw a "spa party" for our group of closest friends, and I plan on serving the menu intended for a pool party. The book is definitely a keeper.

Purity Made Simple

2010-06-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

So I had a sample of Philosophy's Purity face wash and I figured I'd give it a try. It's like a gel, doesn't foam, and smells like a lot like the various "all-natural" cleansers I've tried. It made my skin feel soooo clean, which normally leads to disaster for me, because I have sensitive, dry skin and anything that really cleans my skin leads to serious irritation and dryness. I have to say, not this face wash. It was surprisingly mild and left my skin feeling soft. I'd have trouble buying it though, because of it's price (the smallest size, 3 oz. is $10). I've also recently read that it's not worth it to buy pricey face wash because the amount of time it's on your skin is too short to really work any miracles. So right now I'll stick with my drugstore brand. But still, it's awful tempting to buy a full-size of Purity!

Homemade French Toast!

2010-06-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning I wanted to make something special in honor of the Boyfriend's visit, so I decided to make the stuffed French toast out of Lilly Pullitzer's book on entertaining. The recipe calls for challah bread, which would likely make Alton Brown proud since challah bread is the best for anything that's going to need to absorb some kind of liquid. I made the challah bread Friday afternoon (day old bread is easier to slice and then stuff, and the French toast recipe can be prepared the night before) using the recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. The bread recipe was super simple and made my house smell amazing. I'm pretty much thinking about baking bread all the time now. Here's the first loaf:

It was tempting to start eating the bread right away--but I resisted! The following night I prepared the French toast and stuck it in the refrigerator. I baked it the next morning, and it came oat perfect. The inside was soft and chewy, stuffed with banana and strawberry, and the crust was crisp. Pure deliciousness! I served it with warm maple syrup, extra strawberries to top it with and sparkling blood orange juice. It was well worth it to make the challah bread instead of buying it from the store, since 1) I'm not sure our grocery store carries it and 2) you can totally taste the freshness of the bread and it makes all the difference.

Shopping in Saratoga

2010-06-14T06:52:00.000-07:00

Saratoga is one of my favorite places on the planet. I love walking up and down Broadway, I love checking out new restaurants, I love barhopping on Caroline St., and I love going to the Track! Yesterday the Boyfriend came up to visit me and the weather was crap so that put a damper on our plans to play some golf and tennis, so instead we hopped up to Saratoga just to walk around and possibly do some shopping. In particular, the Boyfriend wanted some hot sauce from the Saratoga Salsa and Spice Company (which, by the way, has the best potato chips EVER).

We inevitably ended up at the Gap, prolly because each of us fills half our closets with Gap clothing, and found some killer deals. The Boyfriend got some long-sleeved v-neck sweaters, and I got some white v-neck t's, because one can never have enough of those. As a present the Boyfriend bought me the shrunken schoolboy blazer I've been eyeing since April. It's only marked down to $89.99 on the web site, but in the store it was $64!

...I admitted to him afterwards that I have an obsession with blazers that probably should be treated...but it's just too much fun wearing them all the time!

We hopped in and out of some more stores, just for the fun of looking, but ended up being really hungry, so we went looking down some side streets for someplace to munch. Good thing we did, because we found Miss Scarlett, a boutique on Phila St. with insanely discounted clothes (um, not lying, there was a pair of JBrand jeans in there in perfect condition for only $88). When I first stepped in, I was like, "Why am I going in here? All of these clothes are beautiful so they're going to be super-expensive and I'm just going to be torturing myself." Then I started looking at the price tags. Um, I can't wait to go back. Everything was so cute, so unique, and so reasonably priced! I picked up this adorable floral top:

This photo makes me realize that I need to get a tiny digital camera because my phone is just not doing the job...the walls of the dressing room are pink and the top is not at all yellowy. It's gorgeous. And you'll never guess how much it cost. $36!

Right next to it we popped into Ravenous, a restaurant that serves crepes. The prices were completely agreeable, and the food was amazing. They have more varieties of crepes than I ever would have thought of. Soooo good! I ordered the Dulce de Leche while the Boyfriend got the Blueberry Zeppelin. I meant to take a picture, but it was so good that we each practically inhaled the food.

After that we toured the Yaddo Gardens, which I plan on visiting again because they're just incredible beautiful, drove around Saratoga Lake, and went home. It was a wonderful day even if the weather didn't feel like cooperating. Ahhh...I love Saratoga!

White Skinny Jeans

2010-06-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Wooo! FOUND! A pair of white skinny jeans for those of us with long legs! I got mine at Ann Taylor, you can get them via the web site here. They're $88, which is not much to pay for longer jeans. They have a 34 inch inseam, which should hit at or around the ankle of most long-legged-ladies (which is where skinny jeans should).

I can't come up with enough outfit ideas with these pants. They're also lighter than regular denim, making them ideal for summer. I've found that the easiest way to transform an otherwise not-so-summery outfit into one fit for the season is to replace the bottom with white jeans. I totally encourage you to try this, since it increases the wear-to-cost value of your wardrobe. Yay!

Review: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style

2010-06-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ugh. This book bored me. It lacked any of the pictures or artwork that make style books so inspiring to read, and the information itself was not to inspiring. Plus, I felt like I needed to buy myself a foreign language dictionary to understand much of what Mr. Gunn was talking about (he lapsed into other tongues quite frequently).

A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style, by Tim Gunn with Kate Moloney ($12.89)

Not everything was all bad, however. Gunn encourages his readers to shop their own closets before trekking out to the retail jungle. He gives an excellent lesson on how to thoroughly clean out one's closet, and how to reconnect with the pieces one loves in order to develop a unique sense of style.

Mr. Gunn recognizes that stores such as H&M are valuable stores for buying trendy items only meant to last a season, but that for your signature pieces, it's worth spending more. Basically, the entire book, though it fell flat for me, can be summed up by Tim Gunn's signature phrase: Make it work.

My Favorite Sporty Swimsuit

2010-06-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

I'm appreciating the new "sporty" swimwear trend. It's sexy, it's sleek, it's practical. I don't know about you, but I've had one too many incidents where I've been knocked over by a wave and stood up only to find that my bikini top is floating thirty feet away. I'm convinced that I'm not the only person to experience this (even if everyone else won't admit to it). And the idea of playing a game of beach volleyball in said bikini? Forgetaboutit.

This is my favorite sporty suit of the season:

The top is practically a sportsbra, so you know it's secure, but at the same time it's sexy. And the price is surprisingly reasonable (does anyone else find it ridiculous that swim suits are so expensive?), the top is $30 and the bottom is $29. I like black the best, but it comes in too other colors (the yellow is actually adorable and the pink is right on trend).

Watermelon-Gazpacho

2010-06-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

Woo, okay, so I stole the idea out of Tyler's Ultimate, which is probably my new favorite cookbook (the pictures are gorgeous and the ideas are amazing...I can't wait to try everything, and I mean everything), but I didn't have all the ingredients so I had to make up stuff as I went along. In a way then, it's uniquely mine.

Since my mom was stopping by during her lunch break to go for a walk around the neighborhood, I decided to throw something simple and summery together. Conveniently I had a few slices of watermelon lying around and a can of organic, whole peeled tomatoes. I took three or four of the tomatoes, put them in my Magic Bullet with some watermelon, and went nuts. It took about five seconds. I split the soup between bowls, sprinkled on some crushed red pepper, fresh black pepper, and a few sprigs of dill. The result? Something absolutely delicious! My mom loved it!

Fish & "Chips"

2010-06-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight I made my own version of fish and chips! First thing first, I started out by baking "medallions" of sweet potato at 400 degrees for fifteen minutes. The trick is to line the baking dish with olive oil and then drizzle more olive oil on top of the medallions. I poured in a little veggie broth for good measure. You only need a little and it makes all the difference.

While the sweet potatoes were cooking, I chopped up from fresh oregano from the garden. The oregano (a good handful) was then mixed with bread crumbs. When the fifteen minutes for the potatoes were up, I covered them with about one-and-a-half pounds of cod, which I then topped with the bread crumbs. On half of the dish, I also sprinkled on a healthy amount of parmesan cheese (only because I figured it would be nice for my dad and brother, but I'm lactose intolerant, so the cheese-free part was for me...no, I didn't even come close to eating the entire cheese-less half). I put the dish back in the oven, still at 400 degrees, and baked for twenty minutes.

The dinner was so good that there were no leftovers--both my dad and brother went back for seconds! Here's the finished result:

Woodbury Commons...magical place

2010-06-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

I love Woodbury Commons. I love that I can go there, buy a ridiculous amount of pieces, and still have a nice hunk of money left in my personal treasury. It is by far my favorite place to go shopping (for those of you who don't know, Woodbury Commons is a premium outlet "plaza" located just off of exit 16 of the New York State Thruway, I-87). They have absolutely everything. So naturally, when my mom suggested we go shopping there, I admit I probably started drooling.

The day was truly magical. We avoided most of the high-end designer stores (why torture ourselves?), and stuck to the brands we know and love. I did end up getting an exorbitant number of clothes (cough, and three pairs of shoes, cough cough), but it was just so much fun! Oh man. I came home so excited that I played dress up and figured out all the ways to integrate my new purchases into my wardrobe...pictures to come!

Review: How to Have Style

2010-06-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

So most fashion books have me going yawn. I recently read Harper’s Bazaar’s Style at Any Age, and while the monthly column amuses me, the book fell flat. Most books on fashion, though, are like that for me. Thus, I was completely taken aback by Isaac Mizrahi’s How to Have Style ($19.80), which I tore through in a single afternoon. The book takes twelve women who recognize that they are in a style rut and gives them new techniques for developing their own personal style. Isaac asks them to use a corkboard to record what inspires them and gives them a questionnaire (provided in the book). I love the idea of collecting images and fabric swatches for inspiration and the questionnaire was surprisingly insightful.

Some will argue that this book is not very useful because there are no hard and fast rules for having style. But this is the point Isaac is trying to make. There are no hard and fast rules for having your own personal style. When I read Victoria Beckham’s book a while back, I was disappointed because it wasn’t a book on style, it was a book on her style, which is all you’re going to get when someone attempts to give strict style definitions. If that’s what you’re looking for, by all means, go and read that kind of a book, but I have a greater appreciation for what Isaac was trying to accomplish.

As I read the book, over and over I kept saying to myself, “Oh my gosh! He gets it! He actually gets it!” If you are in a style rut and/or are looking for a way to develop your own unique style signature, this is definitely the book for you. I took the book out of the library, but I can’t wait to buy myself a copy because it’s something I want to hold onto and be able to lend to everyone I know.

Net-a-Porter Sale

2010-06-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

Wooo, Net-a-Porter is having a sale and there are two things in particular that I'm desiring.

The first is this maxi dress from Antik Batik ($147 down from $210):

Ethnic prints are very of-the-moment, but most of the time I find global prints sooo not for me. I absolutely love the pattern of this maxi dress. I also think the cut is super flattering.

The second is this Adidas by Stella McCartney romper ($91 down from $130):

Most rompers look so childish to me, but this manages to look edgy. I like the effect that can be attained by unzipping the shoulders. Very cool!

Bag from Cocoon

2010-06-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

Cocoon is this great home store in New Paltz (exit 18 off of the New York State Thruway) on Main Street. Every time I go in there I want to buy just about everything. It's also inspirational. When I move into my apartment, the vibe the store gives off is the kind of vibe I want in my apartment. They also always have great, unique bags. As a present, my amazing boyfriend got me this bowling bag:

It's just the right size for packing for a weekend getaway, but I also plan on using it in lieu of a tote, since it can easily carry everything I need. I've been hunting for a great carry on bag, so I was uber-psyched when he gave this to me!

I adore the pattern, with it's Asian inspired trees. Cocoon carries a laptop bag and tote all in the same pattern (as well as two other equally stylish designs). If you're in the area, I would jump on it soon, since nothing really lasts for long in the store.

Review: from Clueless to Class Act

2010-06-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

Woo, so last night I finished up From Clueless to Class Act ($9.95) by Jodi R. R. Smith. It’s a modern woman’s etiquette guide, covering everything from how to be a good guest to how to write a proper thank you note. Having worked for a couple upscale catering companies, the dining info wasn’t new, but I loved the way Smith covered everything. It felt like I was sitting down with her, receiving personal etiquette lessons. And really, what stylish gal wouldn’t want those? In fact, just reading the book encouraged me to correct my posture!

I would certainly recommend that other young women read the book. Its contents really teach one how to act like a classy woman—dare I say lady? It would be especially helpful in today’s cutthroat job market in that there are puh-lenty of dining instructions, eg: which fork to use when, which water glass is actually yours, etc.

Shopping at Marshall's

2010-06-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago my friend and I went out to Target and Marshall's. I picked up a sweet hat at Target, and then perused through all of Marshall's until my friend was prolly ready to just leave me. But! I came away with a couple cool items. I've been meaning to get my hands on some small, portable speakers for my iPod ever since seeing the iHome ones featured both in People Style Watch and Rachel Zoe's blog. But I wasn't going to spend $50 on them. Marshall's had a $15 Panasonic pair, which works great. Sweet victory!

I also scored this amazing soy candle:

First off, soy candles burn cleaner than other waxes, which is essential for someone with asthma like me. Second, I absolutely adore the cover. It's my muse for decorating my bedroom, I've decided. Third, the scent is incredible. It's fresh and beachy at the same time. Absolutely love it. I kind of wonder if I should have bought more than one. They had a box of guest soaps in the same scent and I'm tempted to go get them because I totally can't stop smelling the candle.

Finally, I picked up this apron:

I think it is SOOO cute! It kinda looks like a dress when I'm wearing it, which has been every day since buying it. It's totally practical too, since when I cook I'm always making some kind of sauce so I'm always having to change out of my nice clothes and into crappy ones in case of spills. Not exactly what I want to do if I have guests over, right? They had a whole bunch of styles, but orange is my fave color (it's actually orange, though it looks yellowy in the picture) and I thought the pattern was adorable.

Review of City Chic

2010-06-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

I just took out the book City Chic by Nina Willdorf from the library (along with about a bazillion other books I'm going to post reviews of) because I'm a sucker for the pink and orange color combination, in case you couldn't tell from my blog colors. I also read the back and figured, "Hey! This book is aimed at me!"

The book is broken up into four sections: home, body, eat & drink, and wear. Home is full of inexpensive decorating tips for changing frequently cruddy and tiny urban apartments into stylish casas. Most of the tips for getting furniture deals are common sense, but the decorating ideas were handy. At the end of each chapter (in all four sections) is a list of web sites, including shopping sites, blogs, and forums. That was probably the most useful part of the home section for me, since the book really only tickled the topic and I'll need to do more research when it comes to decorating my new apartment.

The body section was...interesting for me. I was raised that you spend money on good make up products, but Willdorf assures readers that drugstore brands are just as good as department store brands. That may work for some girls, but I've just had too many disasters with make up from drugstore brands to ever go back. I don't actually mind spending money on make up.

The eat & drink section was by far the most useful for me. As a super-senior in college, I can still appreciate a good kegger but it would be nice to throw some more grown up soirees and City Chic gives ideas on how to do so on a budget. Lastly, I admit I skimmed through most of the wear section. Being so clothed-obsessed, just about everything in there was already known to me. There are better books for covering fashion and finding your own sense of style without breaking the bank.

So overall I found the book to be a quick entertaining read, but I'm glad I didn't pay for it. If I did own it, I imagine myself referring frequently to the section on cooking and throwing parties. It might make a good gift for a clueless young woman just starting college, which isn't to bash it, it's just that it makes a good springboard for doing further research. The book is really meant for young women who aren't yet set in their ways or who haven't yet developed their own sense of style.

Yummy-licious-ness

2010-06-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

Recently, my dad and I were taking Annie (my adorable bichon and absolute best friend) to her groomer's, and discovered the Burnt Hills farmer's market. It's small, but I could not be more excited that it exists. Lately we've been getting meat and lettuce from there, and I have to say, there is a huge difference in taste. The stuff from the store can't even compare to how amazing fresh lettuce tastes. And the ground beef? Most amazing hamburgers ever, which is crazy coming from me, since meat (especially ground beef) isn't really my thing.

In addition to that, the strawberries in my garden have been coming in so every few days I get to pick a handful. They're tiny, but they pack a juicy, flavorful punch! I've decided to combine all this awesomeness in a salad:

Oh my gosh. Most amazing tasting salad ever! I'm thinking of picking up walnuts at the grocery store to add to it. It's so simple, but so so tasty.

The Water's Edge Lighthouse

2010-05-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

Capping off an amazing day of shopping with my mom (um, yeah, I'm one of those girls--and proud of it!), we went to the Water's Edge Lighthouse in Schenectady:

It's located on the fringe of Schenectady in upstate New York, along the Mohawk River, and it's my absolute favorite restaurant in the area. I can't eat there enough. It's my mom's favorite place for a black and blue salad, too. I always get the special! It's so good! The food is reasonably priced and the presentation is lovely. If you can, go on a good weather day and get outdoor seating, since sitting on the river is quite pleasant (even though it's so close to home, it gives me the illusion of being on vacation). If the weather (or season) isn't right for it, though, the indoor seating area is gorgeous as well.

Oh, and save room for dessert. Trust me.

New Shoes, New Obsession

2010-05-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

I've been really hesitant to buy new flat sandals because most of them are so ridiculously uncomfortable. Being a triathlete, I beat the heck out of my feet, so I've been hunting for comfy sandals. But, also being fashion obsessed they can't just be comfortable, they have to be cute. My mom and I went shopping today (which I'll prolly be talking about all week) and headed into DSW, where I found these:

In person, they are aaa-mazing. The leather is super soft and the footbed is impossibly cushioned for flats. I look forward to walking around all day in them. Oh, and in case I needed another reason, they're also on sale ($39.94).

I noticed that all the b.o.c. shoes (Born Concept) have incredible cushioned footbeds, so they're my new obsession. Which is why I got this pair ($59.95) too:

I'm convinced that they're the perfect summer wedge, which I've also been meaning to buy since heels are impractical for wearing to all the outdoor events of the season. They look a little too adorable in this picture of them, but in person they're suitably grown up. I got them in champagne, which looks a little gray online, but is legitimately champagne in person with just the right amount of metallic sheen.

20's Hat - Better in Person

2010-05-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love hats. Unfortunately, good hats are not only difficult to find, they're often incredibly expensive. So I was totally psyched when I found out about Eugenia Kim for Target. This 20's style straw hat is sold out online, but there was (literally) one left at my local Target. I tried it on and fell in love!

The hat ($16.99) looks a little silly in the picture, not gonna lie, which is why I'm so glad I got to see it in person because--trust me--it's seriously one of the cutest hats ever.

Back!!

2010-05-29T06:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after an extremely loooong hiatus, I'm back to blogging and I hope to keep it that way. Unfortunately, I was taking 18 credits this past semester and without internet in my apartment, it was just too much to try to post consistently. But now I'm home for the summer, and I fully expect to have internet in my new apartment once school starts up again!

Grown-Up Lady Bag

2009-12-22T13:58:00.001-08:00

Right now I'm in love with this bag ($129.90):

It seems like the perfect winter bag, the right size for hauling around all my stuff, and it goes with just about everything. Not thrilled with the price, but a sturdy, good looking bag would be worth it, because it would definitely be my everyday bag.

First List for Winter: what every woman should own

2009-11-16T10:35:00.000-08:00

Ask anyone who knows me well and they can attest to just how much I love lists. Like, seriously, love lists. So I've come up with two lists of what is necessary for once it gets cold outside. The first is a practical assemblage of what every woman ought to own from year to year. The second is a compilation of this year's trends.

V-Neck sweaters
I cannot emphasize enough how flattering v-neck necklines are for everyone. Everyone! I stocked up on mine in cashmere, cable knit, solids and argyle.

This cashmere and silk blend v-neck sweater ($99) comes in a rich variety of colors

Cardigans
There are a multitude of reasons why I have a stack of cardigans in my room. They're warm, they add personality to an outfit, they're more casual than a blazer, they can be layered over and under just about anything. You should certainly own more than one cardigan, in fact, you should own several, including but not limited to: v-neck, crewneck, boyfriend, solids, patterns, and (this year's oh-so-trendy) drapey. The material of cardigans can vary from cotton to wool, but I prefer a blend of fabrics resulting in something warm yet thin.

This classic cardigan ($49.50) is aptly named and incredibly versatile

Wool Peacoat

This classic shape is timeless and will never, ever be "out" of style. Once purchased, this coat will last you year after year. It should be tailored and not too heavy (eg: you should look like a woman in it). Hardly a statement coat, the peacoat allows for the rest of your outfit to speak for itself, without lacking style or being completely bland and boring.

This peacoat's ($94.99) familiar silhouette is shapely, stylish, and timeless.

Riding Boots

...like most of the items on this list, are not about to vanish anytime soon. The trick is to select a stylish pair that compliments your current wardrobe, but lacks too many "bells and whistles" that might date it. If your wardrobe is already preppy, then it might be alright to select the most equestrian pair, however, if your wardrobe is not very New England, then you might benefit from a pair with simple, sleek lines. The best part about riding boots is that they are all almost flat, making them easy to walk in and wear everywhere. So pick a pair you will want to wear nearly every day!

With cleans lines and horsebit accessories, this pair of riding boots ($89) definitely wins

Scarves

Scarves are one of my favorite winter accessories, and since they can be found at inexpensive prices (think Target, Forever 21 and Old Navy), they're something you can own in every color! Select scarves that a lightweight instead of chunky to prevent adding too much weight to your outfit, while still keeping you warm. You'd be surprised at how warm a tissue-thin jersey scarf can be. Scarves are an excellent way to add color/pattern/texture to an outfit, so don't be afraid to go a little more "out there" on a scarf. Plus, they're an inexpensive way to wear a trend, such as plaid.

This scarf ($12.50) comes in gorgeous colors with just a hint of metallic sheen, making it ideal for day or night.

Booties

Like any pair of boots, a pair of booties should be considered a versatile investment piece that could be worn potentially all the time. They should comfortable as well as stylish and something you absolutely love. Booties are fun and flirty, perfect with leggings and a sweaterdress or peeking out from under trouser jeans with a nice top.

These booties are sexy and stately ($279.95)

Look forward to my second list: trends to try!

Rose Gold Eyeshadow

2009-11-16T10:10:00.000-08:00

This eyeshadow trio from Stila in Bronze Glow ($28) is my new obsession. I've been searching high and low for the perfect "rose gold" color to brighten eyes up and create a sexy and soft natural glow. Found!

Added to Skincare Regimen

2009-11-15T09:39:00.000-08:00

Americans typically follow their cleansers with toners, but in Japan they use "softeners". Whereas toners tend to focus on tightening the skin to prevent aging, softeners are meant to prevent wrinkles and other signs of age by maintaining a high level of moisture. Since I have dry, sensitive skin, I decided to forgo a toner in favor of a softener. So recently I purchased one from Shiseido for $34.:

I know that's a lot to spend, but the bottle I got at my nearest Macy's is huuuge, and I'm convinced it will last me for a long time. Additionally, I cannot believe how amazing this stuff makes my skin feel! It is incredibly soft and smooth afterwards, an effect that lasts the entire day. I highly recommend this for anyone with dry and/or sensitive skin. It's works like magic.

Wanted: Large Tote

2009-11-12T11:56:00.000-08:00

I'm looking for a tote that will fit everything I need from the time I leave my apartment, to the time I come back. This means fitting my laptop, lunch (and sometimes dinner), notebooks (and sometimes textbooks), phone, pens and pencils, etc. Having pockets to keep all this organized is a plus.

I'm hooked on this Katie Shopper bag from Nine West ($70.90). It looks classy and is--amazingly enough--large enough to schlep around all my stuff.

Second place: Rampage Krista large tote ($108). Reason it came in second? I'd prefer to have a bag in a brown shade, and I like the Krista tote best in black.

Captivating Fragrance

2009-11-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely obsessed with YSL's Parisienne ($38-85). I don't even know how to describe it; it's fresh and lovely at the same time and I just want to smell it all day. Finally, a scent I'm obsessed with. This is the one!

More Short Boots Love

2009-11-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

Posting on someone else's find, tacky, I know, but I just love these Mia boots that She Finds...found. My only problem with the post is that the Outlaw boots featured are $124.99 (on sale). Dillards has the exact same pair for a much more affordable $99. I personally am adding them to my wish list...for the next lab I finish, hah!

(Sorry for no picture, school computer is acting up...)

HOT Faux Leather Jacket

2009-11-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

Last day to catch the sale on Express outerwear! My favorite pick is this faux leather jacket ($73.50, on sale):

The fit is positively sexy and the belt is a really nice touch. Love it.

Western Boots

2009-11-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

I finished a structural geology lab (murder) and as a treat for myself, I decided to buy myself a pair of boots. I'm not into cowboy boots, but I fell in love with these and had to get them:

I feel like these boots are a sophisticated twist on the western boot trend, plus they look comfortable, and with a mile walk to campus, comfort can no longer be underestimated! The price, $69, can't be beat. I plan on pairing them with dresses and distressed jeans. Pictures to come!

Sorry for the Delay!

2009-11-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

Ugh, I haven't written in months and trust me it's not because I didn't want to. To the contrary, I have no internet in my apartment yet (even though it's November and I moved in in August...) and I've been swamped with school work. But I'm determined to write more often, though it might only be a few times a week since that's when I'm on campus.

A Flat I Want in Every Color

2009-08-19T06:09:00.000-07:00

The Toria flat ($24.90) sold on Alloy.com is absolutely perfect. So much so that I want three pairs, in different colors. Check them out:

The black is demure and ladylike. It could be worn with just about anything.

In New Paltz, everyone walks to go out at night, which makes heels a little impractical. These sequin flats, though, are totally appropriate.

These multicolored snakeskin flats are a double dose of wild for day or night.

Transformative Power of the Hair Cut

2009-08-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

I recently had the majority of my hair cut off. I think it's quite a change! I was inspired my a recent article in Elle Magazine. I wanted to see if I would evoke similar reactions.

Before:

After:

Gorgeous Petal Clutches

2009-07-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

I've fallen in love with this amazing Christian Louboutin clutch:

I love the flower petal effect (which matches a shoe by the designer, which looked amazing in pink), and absolutely adore the stiletto heel clasp. Unfortunately, it carries a $1,495.00 price tag! So I've searched for look-a-likes that are drastically less expensive.

The color of this silk ruffle clutch ($196) exudes a wealthy sophistication and the texture is fantastic.

This silk ruffle clutch ($78) comes in the teal color shown, but also in black or champagne.

This silk ruffle clutch ($88) comes in a wonderfully girly pink and has the cutest clasp.

Saratoga Opening Day

2009-07-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

It was opening day at the Saratoga Racetrack yesterday and there were lots of big, beautiful hats to be seen! I wore my vintage DvF dress with Old Navy flats (since there was quite a bit of walking). Unfortunately, I forgot to bring an umbrella and it poured! Luckily, the dress was not ruined, but it wasn't a smart thing to wear anyways. Clingy silk is miserable on a hot and incredibly humid day. Here are some smart, gorgeous outfits for attending the track:

Track Outfit #1

Hat, $195

Dress, $138

Clutch, $16.99

Shoes, $50.91

Track Outfit #2

Parasol, $58

Dress, $9.99

Clutch, $68

Shoes, $36.80

Sexy Shoes

2009-07-22T08:07:00.001-07:00

I absolutely adore everything about these shoes:

I love the height (4.5 inches), the platform, the gorgeous color, the cutout style. Everything about this shoe screams YES! And for $94.50, so do I.

Save on Ruffled Jackets via Nordstrom

2009-07-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

With this blog as evidence, my obsession with ruffles is obvious. Yet ruffle accents seem to be going nowhere, so buy up! And now catch savings from Nordstrom on ruffled jackets.

The color of this ruffle-detailed jacket goes ($49) with almost everything. It's a modern version of ladylike chic.

This ruffle blazer ($249.90) has a preppy edge thanks to its color and stripes. Pair with jeans, or with black slacks for a statement look.

This lovely ruffled satin coat ($59.90) is reminiscent of the Victorian era. And the waist is incredibly flattering.

Burt's Bees Binging

2009-07-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

I've been on a roll buying up products from Burt's Bees. There's a couple of reasons for this.

I like that when I look at the ingredient list, it's mostly plant extracts/parts/seeds, and almost entirely pronounceable AND recognizable.
The products all smell amazing.
They're inexpensive and available everywhere (I get mine from the grocery store!).
They work just as well--if not better--than products that are the same price or more expensive.

Here are my current obsessions from Burt's Bees:

Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey and Bilberry Foot Creme ($10)

My feet have been a little rough ever since hiking the Grand Canyon, but this cream actually manages to impart a silky softness, and an amazing honey smell.

Beeswax Lip Balm ($3)

A close friend of mine got me totally addicted to this stuff. It softens my lips no matter what the conditions, and imparts a minty tingle. An absolute necessity.

Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub ($8)

This gently exfoliates my face without drying out my sensitive skin. The peach scent is totally amazing and a great to wake up to.

White Jeans Dilemma

2009-07-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

I'm having trouble committing to a pair of white jeans. It has nothing to do with price or how they'll fit into my current wardrobe, but that I've never owned a pair before and I'm terrified that I'll ruin them. Plus, I have no idea how they'll look on me; I've never even tried a pair on! Yet I think I'm going to have to be brave and just go for it. I'm thinking of getting a pair of Levi's, but I might just end up ordering a pair from Alloy, since they have inseams long enough even for me. Thoughts?

Cool, Cool July

2009-07-10T07:14:00.001-07:00

Who would have guessed that I'd be reaching for a sweater instead of a bikini in July? If you already put away your spring sweaters, you might be on the lookout for a cute cardigan to wear in the morning and early evening, since it's been so unseasonably cold.

This cute cropped cardigan ($22.78) with crochet accents will do just the job. The color could not be any sweeter.

Petal Power Sale

2009-07-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

JCrew is giving us an extra 20% off of sale items when using the code EXTRA20 at checkout. I've fallen in love with flower petals:

The perfect-fit corsage tee ($19.99) is a flattering t-shirt with extra appeal from the petals cascading down the left shoulder.

The seersucker petal bikini (top $30.80, bottom $29.99) is a preppy naval classic with a very ladylike twist.

How To: Harem Pants

2009-07-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

So I broke down and bought into a trend that I honestly don't believe has staying power: harem pants. Try not to laugh too hard, but I've wanted a pair ever since I saw the movie Aladdin. I'm pretty much determined to make it work. Oh, and I went all the way too, getting a silk pair in chocolate from DvF ($138.60):

How to wear now...

Add a fringe detailed tank ($146.90):

And heeled sandals ($89):

How to wear later...

Pair with plaid shirt ($19.99):

And penny loafers ($24.00):

...for an unexpected preppy twist!

Tunics!

2009-07-06T07:44:00.001-07:00

Wearing a tunic is my favorite beach coverup, especially since they make great transition pieces. Just throw on some pants and you've an outfit that takes you from the beach to wherever else you plan on going after. Here are three favorites:

This jersey tunic ($79) comes in a lovely red color with boho-print details. It'll make a sharp standout at the beach, but looks equally awesome with jeans, as shown.

This is a slightly atypical silk tunic ($64), with an absolutely gorgeous floral print and flattering empire waist. I adore the button details.

The brown color of this cotton tunic ($237) looks good on just about everyone. And the embroidery around the neckline negates the need for any jewelry.