Blogger Tested, Puppy Approved

Hello Readers!

Many of you know that my family recently got a new puppy, a very lively and mostly sweet Alaskan Malamute who we named Sophie. For those of you who haven't met or heard about her yet, here is a picture:

Figure 1.1 Hello!

Over break I did a lot of Sophie-sitting, which was fun- but so much work! Her favorite activities include: chasing my brothers and parents and I, quietly sneaking up on us, learning new tricks (she learned "down" and "paw" over Thanksgiving break), going for walks, playing fetch and tug-of-war, and snuggling. Like, sit-in-your-lap-even-though-I'll-soon-be-a-big-dog-snuggling. Here's a picture of what I'm talking about:

Figure 2.1. sit-in-your-lap-even-though-I'll-soon-be-a-big-dog-snuggling

Cute right? She doesn't really fit, but somehow she makes it work. A year from now, however, I don't think this cute trick will be quite as cute. Speaking of cute... I really liked the outfit I wore on Sunday! I was always a bit afraid of pairing green and purple. Perhaps as a cautious measure of avoiding a Barney the Dinosaur look? Faded purple and olive green, I've learned, do not evoke a Barney-esque look. I like this combination, in fact! I think I might try it again.

Purple and Green... I've tested it and apparently Sophie approves! Who knew that a color-blind companion could know so much about fashion!

Retail Details:

Faded Purple Cardigan: Martin + Osa (via eBay)

Beneath the Surface Floral Silk Shell: Moulinette Soeurs from Anthropologie

Faded Purple Lace Boyfriend Tank: American Eagle Outfitters (Black Friday find!)

Olive Green AG Stevie Cords: Anthropologie

Gold and Pearl Necklace: gift

Sometimes Sophie has crazy eyes

Thanksgiving Dinner Outfit

Greetings Readers!

If you are reading this, I assume you survived Thanksgiving AND Black Friday- congratulations!

I realized that I forgot to take a picture of myself in my Thanksgiving dinner outfit, so to make up for this I created a polyvore-simulated version posted below. Before dinner I spent most of the day in a warm wool hooded sweater and snowflake pajama pants- sans makeup with crazy-un-blowdried-hair that was later traded for sleek and straight stresses, a made-up face, and the outfit you find in this post.

What are you thankful for this year? This year, in addition to good health (aside from the cold I picked up this week), family and friends who love me, I am especially thankful for successfully graduating with an MA in Communication from a challenging program and for being hired by my undergrad alma mater to teach. I have so much to be thankful for- even more than the things I just wrote about! And that is something to be thankful about too!

Stay warm and drive safely Readers!

Retail Details:

Cream Confection Jacket in Tan- Anthropologie
Color Palette Tights in Purple- Hue via Nordstrom Rack
Lingering Rays Skirt- Anthropologie
Chirp Wedges in Pewter- Seychelles via Nordstrom Rack (under 14 dollars!)
CZ Post Earrings- Macy's
Skinny Snakeskin Belt- J.Crew (10 dollars!)
Renewed Folds Pullover in Brown- Anthropologie

Anthro, why do you torture me?

I've been drooling over the AG Ballads ever since my visit to the Adriano Goldschmied store in St. Louis... waiting for a sale like today's at Anthropologie to get my hands on a pair...

They were not available at 6 AM. I checked Anthropologie's website every 10 minutes. They reappeared around 10:40. In my size. I placed them in my bag. Then proceeded to check out.... and I found this!

I know there are more pressing issues in this world... but oh why!!! They were almost mine.... I vowed not to give in to the Black Friday madness, but even while shopping online, in my pjs... I lost my cool over these silly pants. I'm still a little bit crazy over this whole thing. I even check every minute or so for a change in the status of this item. 

OK. Venting session is over. Time to move on to leftovers.

Equestrian-Inspired Style

Happy Thanksgiving Readers!

Last Friday (that is, seven days before Black Friday) I looked in my closet for clothing I don't wear very often and I came across the jacket of my grey suit from Banana Republic. It, along with the pants, were things I "had to have" for job interviews/conferences/work etc but somehow I've only worn it 4 or 5 times since I purchased it late this spring.

So.. I decided to wear it to work last Friday with my trusty corduroys, vintage belt, ruffled top, and sliver wedge boots. When all of these ingredients came together, I realized that there was something quite equestrian about the whole thing.

What to you think?

I did a bit of research online and found these images of more equestrian and equestrian-inspired looks:

From Jillian Lewis' 2008 Collection at New York Fashion Week

Kate Middleton (The Duchess of Cambridge)

Maggie Grace

 And.. here are a few more of yours truly:

Just horsing around!

Hope everyone's Thanksgiving is going well!

Retail Details:
Grey Suit Jacket: Banana Republic
Off-White Craft & Creation Tee: Deletta for Anthropologie
Burgundy and Gold Belt: Vintage
Olive Green Stevie Corduroys: Adriano Goldschmied
Leather Silver-Wedge Boots: Anne Klein

A Cloudy Monday... A Vibrant Orange Dress!

Hello Readers,

Wow! Today's earlier post has been a hit! I've never had so many people read my blog in a single day- and the day isn't even over yet! Thank you Readers!

Look at that! Those are my statistics so far today!

I realize that I haven't been as faithful in my outfit of the day posts as I have been in the past, but I am back on track!

Last Monday was exceptionally drab. Grey, rainy, and bleh. When I looked at the forecast that morning I thought "oh, what a Monday" but then an idea brightened my day and changed my perspective. I picked out my orange Whirligig Dress and raspberry tights and thought "The weather may be dreary but I'll put some color in this day."

And so I did.

The color combinations in this outfit are not at all my normal palette of colors, in an outfit or in general but lately I've been learning to embrace change. I felt slightly self-conscious in the ensemble, but the wealth of compliments I received throughout the day cleared away those feelings. I rocked in a dress in a color I've feared for so long!

What a fun Monday!

Retail Details:
Fuchsia Climate Control Cardigan: Anthropologie
Orange Whirligig Dress: Velvet from Anthropologie
Raspberry Opaque Tights: Hue
Bright Pink Flats: Jessica Simpson
Gold Necklace: gift
Green Sparkly Nail Polish: Zoya (from my November Birchbox)

Anthro Personal Shopper Appointment (online!)

Hello Readers!

Last week, while browsing Anthropologie's website, I came across a notice for appointments on-line and in-stores with an Anthro Personal Shopper. Intrigued, I filled out the request form and made one of my wish lists public (which allows the personal shopper to preview your style/preferences) and pressed send.

A few days later, I received an email from Jamie, my Anthro Personal Shopper, with 4 outfit suggestions. Unfortunately, I did not successfully make my wish list public, but fortunately Jamie still created a very cute set of outfits! Here are the first round of outfits that she created for me:

Shorts and tights. . . I've always wanted to try that combo...

This was my favorite of round 1. Could I ever be this edgy & cool?

I like the earrings and belt. . .  

Cute... but a bit too slouchy for my taste

In her email, Jamie let me know that my wish list was not available, so I properly made my wish list public and emailed her back with a request for a second round of requests. The first set of outfits were cute, but I could tell that a few of the items didn't quite fit with my narrative of style.

The second set of outfits were fantastic! My favorites are the first and third outfits. What do you think?

Ooh! Very nice!

Navy and browns... I like both of these colors but I've never worn then together. 

Love this outfit!!!

The top is a bit too old for me... but I love the rest!

The result of these consultations? A bigger wish list! I'm saving my money for the all of tights, the dark purple corduroys, and the turquoise blouse. Jamie's combination of prints and textures inspires me to be more bold in my own outfit decision-making.

Have any of you set up an appointment with an Anthro Personal Shopper? If not, you can set up an appointment in-store or online here: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/help/personalshopper.jsp

Enjoy!

Pan Am Style

Hello Readers,

There are shows that, for some reason or another, capture our interests so greatly that they become a part of our lives- to varying extents (hopefully not too much!)

A new show, Pan Am, has recently captured my attention and held captive my 9:00 hour on Sunday nights. Interesting protagonists, romance, espionage, and fabulous fashion!

Here are a few screenshots of my favorite outfits and stylings so far, enjoy!

I love her hair and makeup!

This dress is splendid!

I love this dress too!

This could almost be a page from an anthro catalogue

Out on the town in style!

Hair, makeup, jewelry, check

Such a fresh look!

Birchbox: October

Dear Readers,

Recently I heard/read about a product sample subscription service named Birchbox who sends samples of high-end products to customer for a nominal ($10/mo) fee. As a sample-ing enthusiast, I researched their website and product selection and quickly signed up for a subscription.

My first Birchbox arrived in the mail in mid-October. Here is what I encountered...

What a cute shipping box!

Ooo-and what a cute gift box!

A nice little letter from the team at Birchbox

The contents of my first box

What I received: 

-Oribe Beautiful Color Shampoo & Conditioner

-Orofluido Elixir

-Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer in Bronze

-Befine BeLips: Lip Exfoliator

-Caudalie Vinoperfect Cell Renewal Night Cream

Overall, my favorite products were the night cream and the bronze primer. Since turning 25, I've become   more proactive about my skin care routine- namely my moisture routine. There was nothing extraordinary about this particular moisturizer but it did a good job! I applied it at night, just before going to bed, and it seemed to keep my skin moisturized overnight. Impressive, but it works just as well as my Clinique and Biore moisturizers.

The tinted under make-up primer from Laura Geller was much better than I imagined it would be. I don't wear primer because I don't wear foundation. It always seemed like such a hassle, and I never bothered with it- until now. I still do not wear foundation, but I am now more open to primers. Upon applying this particular primer I saw a subtle-but noticeable- glow in my complexion. My skin is fairly even naturally, but this made my skin glow. This may be a good investment for the upcoming winter months.

My least favorite product was the lip exfoliator. The packaging and description made the product seem like one I would enjoy, but I did not enjoy the product at all. Instead of exfoliating my lips, the product seemed to soak its goop-like self into my lips. Also, it smelled like Play-Doh

Overall, I am pleased with my first Birchbox experience and I look forward to testing the products in my November box! Stay tuned for more details...

If you are interested in signing up... please click the link below! If I refer friends, and they join, I can earn points on the site :)

http://www.birchbox.com?raf=kp0dt

Stack Cake. Yum.

Hello Readers!

How many of you know the joys of stack cake? If you are reading this and you are related to me- I'm sure you know what I'm talking about!

For those of you who are wondering "what is stack cake" or "I wonder how that would taste".... hopefully this blog post will answer your question.

Stack cake is basically a set of giant sugar cookies mortared on top of each other (usually there are 8?) by apple butter. Sugar cookies and apple butter. Yum.

My mom's side of the family has a special recipe for this delicious dessert and on special occasions members of that side of the family (usually my Aunt Shelly) create a cake or two to enjoy.

This recipe is amazing- but it takes a long time. A few weeks ago I "helped" my mom make a stack cake to take to small group and I witnessed all of the hard work and time that goes into this masterpiece. Creating sugar cookie dough from scratch. Letting the dough cool in the fridge. Laying out flour, rolling the dough, and cutting out perfectly round shapes (to later stack), carefully watching the cookies cook (so as not to burn), carefully (with even more care than the last step) removing the large cookies from the cookie tray, and then slathering each layer with just the right amount of apple butter. Oh, and yes, waiting hours/days (depending on your schedule) for the apple butter to seep into the cookie. Hard work!

I devised a lazy man's version of my family's traditional stack cake. It is by no means a replacement for the real thing, but it does suffice as a close alternative.

I purchased store-made Pillsbury sugar cookie dough and Musselman's apple butter for my quick and easy version (which, in my opinion, saved a lot of time!)

I rolled together 3 of the pre-cut cookies into a large cookie (4-5 inches in diameter) and repeated this a few times (7 to be precise- before I lost my patience) and then carefully cooked these cookies.  Two of the cookies were uneven and were not-quite-cooked cookies when I tried to remove them and they crumbled as I tried to remove them from the tray. These cookie casualties did not make it to the final product. I ate one of the them while putting together and saved the other for later.

My end result was not quite as beautiful as my family's version- but it was delicious! I ate it for breakfast (maybe not the healthiest choice?) a few times with juice and strawberries, the week that I made this lazy stack cake and it was so satisfying! I think all of that sugar boosted my energy tremendously on those days!

Here are few pictures of my homely, but scrumptious, lazy stack cake:

Yum