Topshop at Nordstrom

Topshop is now available through Nordstrom. Breaking news, I know!

I found this information, which was released in early July, to be relatively unexciting. Topshop has shipped to the U.S. for sometime now, so having it available through nordstrom.com seems hardly revolutionary. Nonetheless, having access to Topshop through Nordstrom has had a more enticing affect than I previously would have thought. I'm not sure what it is, but I have fallen for a few pieces, so I thought I would share. 

Embellished Collar Sweater- $90

Velvet Shorts- $64

Baroque Dress- $72

Peplum Tank- $36

Snake Print Crop Cigarette Pants- $84

Rose Beaded Clutch- $56

(all pictures from shop.nordstrom.com)

Trends I am enjoying now, which are exemplified in these items, are cigarette pants, fall/winter florals, structured separates, unusual patters, embellished basics, and cozy textures. My goal is to find pieces that fit into these descriptions on the cheap.

Topshop always does a good job of translating the high fashion trends we love, and for that, we thank you, Topshop + Nordstrom.

Til next time. 

Simple Apple Tart

Fall makes me think more fondly of apples than any other time of year. So, I decided to find a recipe for an (easy) apple tart that would utilize the amazing Gravenstein Apples that are locally available to me. 

To give credit where it is due, I found this recipe here. I did, however, make a few additions that I think added a little bit to the recipe. 

You'll Need:

1 sheet of puff pasty cut in half

4 cored apples - skin on

1 cup of dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

A dash of nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon of salt

lemon juice

powdered sugar

1. let the puff pasty sit for 20-25 minutes so it is slightly flexible
2. preheat your oven for 400º
3. thinly slice all of the apples- this is a long process without a mandolin...
4. mix the apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and let it sit for a bit

5. cut puff pasty in half and place on a non-stick baking sheet, or a silpat—which is, in fact, the best baking tool around
6. arrange apple slices along the puff pastry. Overlap them as you go.
7. place in the oven for 25-ish minutes or until golden brown
8. remove pan and dust with powdered sugar. I served it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, and I used the juice left over from the apple mixture to top the whole thing off!

This apple tart is light and the apples maintain a crispness that makes this recipe even better than apple pie. 

Apple Tart with Straus Ice Cream

If you need a quick dessert, this is it!

Til next time. 

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Matrimonial Monday!

Our Engagement Party Invitations

I have to say, I have been dreading this post as there are millions of photos to sort through, tons of details to mention, and so many people to thank for making the day as amazing as it was. I will try my best, but I can guarantee that this post will not do the day justice! On with the post...

The day after Dan and I got engaged, my family was already discussing our engagement party. I had envisioned a semi-casual get together, but what actually took place was much more beautiful and special.

The party was in the late afternoon, so we decided on a menu that would be both appetizers and a dinner stand-in. 

We served: mushrooms stuffed with truffled cheese, salmon mouse on cucumber slices, tri-tip skewers with wasabi and horseradish dipping sauces, pulled pork sliders, smoked chicken quesadillas with blackberry compote, and an assortment of breads, cheeses, and fruit. For dessert we had Sift cupcakes—truly amazing. To drink: wine, beer, and champagne. 

A Glass of Rosé Brut and a Pink Champagne Cupcake

Decoration, and most specifically, flowers are hugely important to me and my grandmother (we had the party at my grandparents house). So we had a friend, and owner of Dragonfly Floral, create rustic and feminine arrangements for the tables. They were so gorgeous...I'm still mad at myself for not drying them to hold on to. 

Most of our friends and family were at the party. To put in pictures of everyone would require many, maaaany blog posts, so instead, here is one of my favorites! I hope to get more family pictures soon, and when I do, I'll post those. 

Long Time Friends

We ended the evening at two downtown dive bars. I love a good dive, don't you?  It was the perfect juxtaposition between an elegant afternoon party and a down and dirty bar. 

The day was a huge success. Everyone's love and support for Dan and me was very moving. We could not ask for a better group of people supporting our journey to becoming man and wife. We are so lucky...

Once again, to those who were there, those who helped plan, and those who are reading this and joining us on our path to marriage, thank you.

Til next time. 

Goals of Mine

From time to time, I have an ambitious combustion within me that makes me want to set goals. I know. It's weird.

I doubt I am alone in always promising myself I will do something, but then forgetting about it or becoming too busy to finish it. But not this time. This time I am going to get stuff done!

So here is my list of goals for, lets say, the next month.

1. Finish the book I am reading and start a new one. 

I am about two-thirds of the way done with this book. It's excellent, by the way. As far as reading goes, this is about the point where I walk away...Trying to break that habit.

After I am done with Wild, I'd like to read The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan, or Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. Both have been recommended to me. But, I think a an epic story is more appropriate for fall (not sure what seasons have to do with it...), so I think McMurtry may win.

      2.  Organize my clothes and my closet.

Have you heard of spring cleaning? Well, I skipped that this year and it shows!

There is absolutely no way I will be adding a photo of the disaster that is our bedroom. But believe me when I say it needs some serious attention. And it needs a dresser. Maybe that will be addressed within the next month, too. 

     3.  Cook and bake seasonal dishes.

I love to bake and I like to cook—cooking is more Dan's thing—but sometimes I just decide to skip it because of the money and the mess. However, around this time of year I love making dishes that utilize the season's best fresh vegetables and fruits. Soups, chili, tarts, and scones are things I love to make when the colder weather blows in. Nothing is cozier than the smell of fresh baked or cooked meals wafting through your home. 

I baked a little something last night. Post to follow.

     4.  Host a get together.

Fall and Halloween are some of my favorite times of the year. I have always wanted to host a Halloween party, but have never made it happen. My plan: make some good spiked punch and finger food, dim lights and Halloween decorations abound, and have a constant stream of scary movies. Sounds like my Halloween-dream.

The Exorcist and Halloween will certainly be in the movie rotation.

    5.  Enjoy all the season has to offer.

I plan on taking walks in the park while the leaves are changing, ordering the over-sugared pumpkin and ginger bread drinks at coffee shops, and staying home with a glass of red wine while watching The Walking Dead. Why wouldn't this be every one's favorite season?

What are your goals or plans for this time of year?

Til next time. 

A Fall D.I.Y.

Silver Glitter Pumpkin from Target

The minute my local grocery starts stocking pumpkins, I can't wait to get my hands on some. I love the use of pumpkins in decorating, so this year I decided to do an easy and obvious DIY involving them.

This is so easy, in fact, it hardly needs a DIY. But here is it anyway!

You'll Need:

Pumpkins

1 can of metallic spray paint 

Paper grocery bags (or anything you can use as a drop cloth)

Step 1: Clean your pumpkins with a damp paper towel and let dry.

Step 2: Set your pumpkins, bottom-side up, on the flat paper bags. I know my bags are a crumpled mess. I'm kind of slapdash—one of my favorite words, by the way.

Step 3: Spray the bottoms. Make sure to consult the paint can instructions.

Step 4: Wait until pumpkins are dry, flip them over, and do the tops. 

Easy!

I chose gold for this DIY, as I love how it warms up a room. But silver is gorgeous, too. Metallic paint in general, no matter the color, would be excellent for this project. 

Give this DIY a try for a beautiful table centerpiece, fireplace-scape, or random bit of glamour in your bookcase. 

Til next time. 

What I Bought

Do you like my cheesy spiderwebs? 

Sorry for the lack of posts...there is no excuse.

I have never been a fan of the term "haul." It sounds greedy and and unpleasant, so instead I will be terming shopping posts "What I Bought." Now that we're clear about that, let me show you some new things!

With Fall being officially here—although you wouldn't know it from the insane heat we've been having in California—I decided to buy some outfit basics. These items can act as the base for any outfit, and can be mixed and matched accordingly. 

The common thread (get it? Ha...) to these clothing items is that they were mostly on the cheap.

Hello Forever21, Target, and Macy's!

I am a jeans/pants girl through and through. Occasionally during the fall I will wear a dress or a skirt with a pair of opaque tights, but the majority of my time is spent in jeans or pants. So I decided to add to my collection by buying two pairs (you may see three...post to follow on those trousers) at Forever21.

Hunter Green Skinny Trouser and Distressed Skinny Jeans

Both of these pairs are by a brand within F21 called "Life in Progress." I tried on several pairs by this brand and really liked all of them. They fit well, are extremely comfortable, and true to F21 style, quite cheap—$27.80 for each. 

Of course, the F21 website does not have either pair up for purchase, but I will do an OOTD with both of these soon. 

Woven Blouse in Cocoa

I can never have too many sheer, relaxed fit blouses. They can be casual or dressed up, and they always look more sophisticated than a simple t-shirt. This blouse was $17.80, and I believe it came in several colors in addition to the taupe. Not much else to say other than it is comfortable and goes with everything. It will definitely be making an appearance in a future blog post.

Woven High-Low Blouse in Black

This blouse is slightly more interesting than the previous one. The buttons are gold, which is great for fall and adds an elegant detail. The high-low style is great for legging style pants. 

One of my favorite details to this blouse is that the back hem is split, almost like the tails on a tux. For $19.80, I consider this blouse a solid investment, as it is a unique interpretation of a staple piece. 

Mossimo Camis

So boring...but these camis are cheap—$8 a piece—and very comfortable. The built in "shelf" bra as it is called is not too supportive; a plus in my eyes as I always wear a bra with camis anyway. They are thin enough to be breathable, thick enough to do the job...I dig 'em. 

Born Arletta Oxfords

I have long coveted the look of oxfords. Taylor Swift and SF hipsters wear them so darn well! I have also longed for comfortable shoes, but that never seems to be a priority when I shoe-shop. 

I came across these several weeks ago when I was passing through Macy's. Trying them on, my feet felt like they had died and gone to heaven. The price, even with my countless coupons and the fact that they were already on sale, was slightly discouraging. I was leaning toward giving them up when this woman approached me and asked where I got my shoes in an excited and frantic tone. I knew then that I had to have them. Flattery gets me every time. 

I believe they came to about $70 after the coupons (yes, they are expensive) but they are oh-so comfortable and perfect for the season. Did I mention the laces are velvet ribbon? I die. 

That about does this blog post. Far too long. I need to curtail the rambling. 

I intend... I will be doing a post using these pieces. I will also be doing a post with more fall-ish things, as I can already think of two items that were left out of this post... oh well!

Til next time.