inching out

Frye boots, Level 99 Feather Basic Skinny jeans, Kenar tunic.

I always try to expand my boundaries while shopping. I keep my closet in check by tracking everything I own. A couple months ago I realized that my collection of pants primarily consisted of dark wash denim. The next time I went shopping I kept my eye out for pants that would expand my comfort zone (case in point: these pinstripe Level 99 jeans).

I typically stay away from any jean lighter than a deep indigo -- however, when I saw these Level 99 pinstripe jeans I knew I had to try them. It's never good to be too strict in any area of your life, right? Even I need a little break from my usual dark wash jean...

The Level 99's are currently $29.95 (down from $118) at Anthropologie. And by the way, they look even cooler up close in person...

Vintage bangles, gifted amber necklace, Pot Pourri amber ring, F21 (?) earrings.

This amber necklace is actually broken. It doesn't bother me much because I actually think it looks better broken and tied (see above images) than intact.

a few of my favorite things....

I primarily depend on two components of my wardrobe to make a daily fashion a statement: my lovely collection of rings and my assortment of bags and purses. Somehow, a couple great rings and a cute bag can make sweats and a tank look chic.

These first couple photos are of the few rings that cycle into every outfit I wear. This selection covers all bases -- it's feminine, down-to-earth, flashy, dark, sweet, classic, vintage, and natural.

The glass flower I use as a ring holder was made by my boyfriend :) Isn't he talented? Contact me for more info on his glass work.

Sissel's pearl ring and turquoise ring, vintage orange ring, Anthropologie large faux blue stone ring, boutique fossil ring.

I first mentioned this bag here-- isn't it wonderful? I love how feminine it is without being girlie (well, maybe it's a little girlie... but in a good way!)

The leather straps are buttery soft and since it's new, they still has that great new-leather smell. I think the buckles add some masculinity to the bag, which is necessary in order to contrast the over-sized bow and pink floral pattern.

Anthropologie bag.

warm and weathered

Somehow, the Christmas holidays can't come soon enough.... I really have a strong desire to lay on a beach and forget about pretty much everything. Although my travel plans won't be accommodating any warm sunny beach days, I am excited beyond words.

Splendid cardigan, Edme and Esyllte tunic, Payless flats, Anthropologie belt.

Edme and Esyllte Loose Leaf tunic (currently $19.95 originally $78)

Anthropologie Cornelian Cherry belt (currently $14.95, originally $28)

Vintage necklace, Sundance freshwater pearl studs, vintage orange glass ring, Sissel's turquoise ring, Payless shoes.

It's 6pm

This is the place to visit if you're looking for inexpensive (nonetheless super chic) shoes! Not only are the prices half of what you'll find anywhere else, 6pm.com is currently having a FRYE SALE (55% off all Frye shoes/boots)!

These below are some of my absolute favorites...

Frye Cameron Skimmer in Fuschia, $66.60 (usually $148.00)

Frye Ada Pleats Peep in Sky, $80.10 (usually $178.00)
The cheapest I found anywhere else online was $96-$116 USED at amazon.com and ebay.com

Frye Emily Ankle Strap in Navy Multi, $102.60 (instead of 228.00)

oh, and all rsvp's are only $9.95...

rsvp Jamie in Black Suede, $9.95 (usually $49.00)

Granola Bars

I love the idea of making snacks that I usually buy at the market right in my own kitchen. That way I can control exactly what goes into them -- no corn syrups, no hydrogenated fats, and in this case, no almonds (they're usually way too hard -- they throw off the lovely chewy texture of a granola bar, but that's just me...)

Although I didn't follow one single recipe, I did take quite a bit of inspiration from Ina Garten's Homemade Granola Bar recipe, as well as the one posted on Joyful Abode's blog (which has really useful step-by-step photos).

These are perfect for guilt-free snacking around the house.

A Blank Canvas

Idra pant, Hale Bob pumps, Kenar tunic, Ann Taylor necklace, Pot-Pourri amber ring.

This outfit is all about my new ring. By pairing a dark navy silk tunic with my eggplant colored linen trousers I created a semi-neutral background for my accessories -- in this case, my amazing amber ring. The ring is really the only bright color in the outfit, which makes it stand out even more than it does normally.

Since my clothes are a little bit monochrome, I went for a wacky shoe. You can check out a close-up of my Hale Bob pumps here.

a thing of beauty

An early Christmas/Hanukkah present from my father. Isn't it magnificent?? It is a giant, complex piece of Amber set in sterling silver from this great little local arts and craft shop named Pot-Pourri.

By the way, if you live anywhere near the East Bay area (California), this store is worth the trip (and they're having a huge 30% off everything sale -- this ring was a little over $70 after the discount, and was the most expensive of its kind). It's always satisfying to support local artisans, right? Check out their Yelp page here.

Golden Allamanda Skirt

I've been dying to find this skirt online. It's no longer available at Anthropologie (in stores or online) so I've been searching for it quite intensely . Isn't it beautiful....?

images from Anthropologie.com

Thanks to a post by Gigi's Gone Shopping, I found out exactly what this skirt is called (which helped me out quite a bit!)

Chocolate and Zucchini Cake

I found this amazing recipe on a blog entitled Chocolate and Zucchini. I baked them off in a rectangular baking dish, so they came out more like cakey brownies. I also used an entire bag of chocolate chips (not just one cup).

Although you can't really taste the grated zucchini, it keeps the cake super moist (and healthy)! This is definitely a crowd pleaser for any kind of holiday get-together.

Seasonal

Summer
Charlotte Russe suede flats, Sparkle and Fade (Urban Outfitters) tunic, J Crew tee, athletic shorts.


Autumn

Sleeping on Snow (Anthropologie) cropped sweater.

Winter

Frye Carmen boots, Anlo jeans.

Tiered

Ric Rac tiered skirt, Banana Republic tee, Minnetonka flats.

This skirt is so unbelievably comfortable!

I had been on the lookout for a high-waisted skirt for several months before I found this beautiful addition to my closet the other day. The best part about it is that I can wear it up at my natural waist or lower on my hips because it's made out of a super soft, stretchy knit (that honestly feels like I'm wearing sweats).

I was playing around with belts and other accessories, but ended up feeling like the skirt had enough character on its own (if you can't see all the tiers, enlarge the photo). The cute (nonetheless romantic) asymmetrical, curved tiers add some architectural quirkiness to the look (which in my opinion is always the most beautiful, impressive kind of quirkiness).

Vintage multi color necklace and white bead necklace, boutique orange gemstone necklace, Sissel's pearl ring.

Look What I Just Got...

classic anthropologie

available at anthropologie.com for only 39.95 here

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have been on a quest to find the best chocolate chip cookies around. Needless to say, I am very particular. They must be thin enough to be crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle; they should not be too doughy or cake-y; they should have that distinctive chocolate chip cookie flavor (not to much vanilla, not too much sugar, etc).

After years of research, I have found a recipe that suits me just right. Why I didn't try this recipe first is beyond my comprehension, as the recipe is on every Nestle Toll House chocolate chips package... (you can find it here)

Kahlua Cream

Kahlua Whipped Cream
(makes about 1 1/2 cups)

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 T Kahlua or coffee liqueur
1 T sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
extra spices to garnish

I like using the Kahlua as flavoring as well as the primary sugar component. It tastes so good! Just whip everything together and serve on top of ice cream, brownies, or just by itself. You won't be sorry...

Color Block

BC Footwear shoes, Anlo jeans, Urban Outfitters belt, Ann Taylor blouse, Moda sweater.

This blouse is as easy to dress up as it is to dress down. The centralized ruffled detail makes it easy to throw a sweater on top without looking bulky and disheveled (which can happen if a blouse has many details to it -- a gathered shoulder, buttons, ruffles, long sleeves, etc.).

These earrings I'm wearing are some of my favorites. They're made out of spiny coral (which kind of upsets me, but I didn't realize it at the time I bought them).I got them at Sissel's Fine Indian Jewelry in Santa Fe for $12! They look great with everything and add a lovely touch of color to any outfit.

Vintage orange glass ring, Sissel's pearl ring and coral earrings, gifted bracelet.

Mixed Metallics

DKNY heels, Heart Moon Star skirt, J Crew tee, vintage gold belt.

My original idea was to combine silver and gold on a black canvas (although the tee is actually navy...) Right before I went outside, I grabbed this neck scarf on impulse, and I think it works beautifully. The little bit of color adds something special to this look, and the juxtaposition of the neck scarf to the embroidery on the skirt is very complementary.

Urban Outfitters linear leaf earrings, vintage scarf.

I bought these heels a few years ago, and although I don't wear them often, they've become a staple in my closet. I really love the fact that these shoes are made out of a burlap-like material. I feel like the burlap prevents these silver shoes from looking cheap (think Chinese Laundry meets Forever 21).

all - american

There's nothing like bringing homemade apple pie to a housewarming party. Food is always the best gift, isn't it? Although some piping hot apple-pie juice did burn my leg on the car ride there (forcing us to turn back home and rinse off my leg with the garden hose), nothing seems to faze my deep affection for baked fruit pies.


Ingredients: 4-5 granny smith apples (sliced), 1/3 cup sugar, 2 T tapioca, 1 1/2 T cinnamon, 3/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp cardamon, 2 bake-ready pie crusts (Pillsbury is good).

Directions: Mix apples, sugar, and spices together in a bowl. Lay one preformed pie dough sheet over a oven safe pie dish. Fill dish with apple mixture. Lay second pie dough sheet over the pie filling. Pinch together the corners of the two dough sheets to ensure an enclosed pie. Make 1/2 inch incisions in the top dough sheet to allow excess steam to escape.

The regulars

Rocketdog boots, Zara dress, Jonano bamboo vest, Lacoste purse.

My regulars are pieces in my wardrobe I (somehow) always incorporate into any outfit I create. A regular is not really a staple -- I have tons of staple tees, cardigans, etc. that don't make it into my regular cycle. Instead, they are pieces that are subtle or neutral enough to match pretty much anything, but interesting enough to add depth to any outfit.

Case in point, the Jonano vest.

I've been pretty obsessed with this awesome bamboo vest since I got it. Surprisingly enough, it goes with everything. I've never had an article of clothing that complements so much of my closet!

The neutral navy goes with any color tee/dress/blouse, the style of the vest is modern and fashionable, and the cut is quite flattering. It definitely adds a warm autumn feel to any look I put together. Believe me, you'll never want to take it off!

Vintage necklace, Sundance leather bracelet and Lapis lazuli bracelet, Gifted multi-stone bracelet, vintage fan earrings, boutique fossil ring, Sissel's Fine Indian Jewelry turquoise ring.

Regular #2, the fossilized Ammonite ring.
info from Wikipedia

My mom actually picked this ring out for me about a year ago. An Ammonite is part of the Cephalopod subclass Ammonoidea. It's actually an ancient, fossilized underwater organism.

Not only do I have a love for rings (well, actually, a slight obsession), but animals in the Cephalopod family are my favorite animals ever (things like octopi, cuddle fish, squid, etc).

So not only is this ring super unusual and chic, but it's related to some of my favorite animals! And, it was alive between the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. I just can't explain how cool that is.

I love the 70s

Pink Studio t-straps, Seven jeans, Ninety ruffle shirt, Jonano bamboo vest.

This is my modern interpretation of 70s fashion. Recently, I've really embraced the fashions of the 60s and 70s, and have grown to really love that vintage fashion look.

I especially love the mod style of the 60s. All the color, the simple, clean lines, the wild patterns, the tall boots.... I have a feeling that my wardrobe will be adopting many of these styles as time progresses.

Ann Taylor necklace, vintage bangle, Sundance Jewelry leather bracelet, vintage earrings.

Back two glass rings locally made, vintage orange glass ring.