{shop} emi-jay

I kept reading about these new hair ties by Emi-Jay in InStyle and Lucky, so I decided to see what all the fuss was about.  I ordered some last week, and I love them!  They are so much cuter than a plain elastic band and they don’t leave a dent in your hair or get tangled!  They come in great colors too!

I got the pearl collection:

and a headband in gold pearl.

Also loving these dressier versions with crystal beads!

Also pretty cool that the company was started by 2 15-year old girls in California and they donate a portion of their proceeds to charity!

Happy Weekend! xoxo

July 30, 2010. shop. 1 comment.

{shop} fall at lands end canvas

Lands End’s Canvas has some great affordable classics for Fall.

My favorites –

A perfect Chambray Workshirt:

Really great Gray Super Slim Jeans:

Classic Wingtip Shoes:

Casual and comfy Open Neck Sweatshirt Sweater:

Easy and elegant Pleated Pocket Skirt:

Happy shopping!

July 29, 2010. shop. Leave a comment.

{recipe} lentil bulgur salad

My mom was always a big fan of Mollie Katzen and the Moosewood Cookbooks and made us all sorts of yummy vegetarian fare at home when I was growing up.  This lentil bulgur salad was/is one of my favorites.  I love lentils, and this recipe is super healthy and makes a great lunch.

The Recipe:

  • 1 cup dry lentils/2 cups water
  • 1 cup dry bulgur wheat/1 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tbs freshly minced mint
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 2 to 3 tbs freshly minced dill
  • 1/4 cup packed freshly minced parsley
  • 1/3 cup minced red onion
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced (I like red)
  • 1/2 stalk celery, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

(The recipe also calls for 1/2 cup nicoise olives, 1 medium tomato, diced, and 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts.  My mom never included those, so I don’t, although I think the tomato would be good.  I hate olives, so I always take them out of every recipe!)

  1. Place the lentils in a medium size saucepan, cover with water, and bring just to the boiling point.  Turn heat way down, partially cover, and allow to simmer without agitation for 20 to 25 minutes.  Drain well.  Transfer to a large bowl.
  2. While the lentils are cooking, place the bulgur in a small bowl.  Add boiling water, cover with a plate, and let stand for 15 minutes.
  3. Prep other ingredients.
  4. Add everything to the lentils, except tomato and walnuts (if using). Mix gently but thorougly.  Cover and refrigerate.
  5. Top with tomato and walnuts just before serving.

YUM!

July 28, 2010. recipe. 1 comment.

{wear} over-the-knee socks

I was all about the over-the-knee socks in middle school.  My favorite outfit involved a pink pair with a black jumper and pink baby tee. *shudder*

Well, the over-the-knee socks are back.  They are thicker, with more texture, this time around and I love them with boots and tweed shorts or skirts.

At Nordstrom:

At Shop Bop:

At Bloomingdales:

J.Crew showed them in their Fall 2010 Collection:

 

Here’s my take – 2 different looks featuring over-the-knee socks.

 

Over-the-knee socks 1Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore

Over-the-knee socks 1 by coutureandcupcakes featuring J Crew

over-the-knee socks 2Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore

over-the-knee socks 2 by coutureandcupcakes featuring J Crew

July 27, 2010. wear. 4 comments.

{inspire} green gardens

Loving these fantastic garden fashion shoots.

{from December 2006 Vogue}

{by Rodney Smith}

{from Vogue Italia}

Happy Weekend! xoxo

July 23, 2010. inspire. 2 comments.

{shop} new @ j.crew

Oooh, lovely new Fall clothes at J.Crew!

I already ordered this silk and sequin scoop neck tee in deep plum.  Isn’t it gorgeous!?  I think I’ll wear it with cropped pants and my new Sam Edelman booties.  Or it’d be great with jeans and a blazer.  LOVE.

Also loving this Herringbone plaid boy shirt.

You know I love sequins.  This peekaboo sequin cardigan has been around before, but I love the new raspberry and mustard colors.

This Bon Bon Dress is so cute.  It’d be great for a party or event this fall.  I love the shiny lamé and the brown bow.

There are also some really pretty new work dresses –

Super 120s Caryn dress:

Super 120s banquette dress:

Wool crepe portfolio dress:

I’ve always liked the double-serge pencil skirt.  There are some great, retro colors for fall.

More fabulous sequins!  The metallic sequined bell skirt –

Fantastic chunky bracelets –

glass pools bracelet:

Crystal chain grosgrain bracelet:

Beaming blossom bracelet:

It’s going to be a good looking Fall!

July 22, 2010. shop. 1 comment.

{inspire} mad men style – betty draper

The new season of Mad Men starts on Sunday and I cannot wait!  I’m a huge fan of the show, and of course, the clothes!  I think that January Jones gets the best fashions.  Here are some of my favorite looks.

Remember when she and Don went to Italy last season??  One of my favorite episodes. Ever.  It was so sexy.  And January looked AMAZING.  The hair and the jewelry are to die for.

Other fantastic looks from last season…

Is anyone else out there hopelessly wishing that Don and Betty will reconcile this season?? *sigh*

images from amctv.com.

July 21, 2010. inspire. Leave a comment.

{eat} lemon meringue tart

My husband works in IT now, but before that, he went to culinary school and cooked in restaurants.  For my birthday, he made me his incredible lemon meringue tart.  I love the sweet, cookie-like crust, the tart, creamy lemon curd, and the light meringue topping.  It is really delicious, and my favorite dessert. YUM!

Thanks, hubby!  I love you.

July 20, 2010. eat. 1 comment.

{shop} nordstrom anniversary sale picks

It’s my favorite time of year!  Summer sun, beach time, my birthday, and, of course, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  Summer may be my favorite season, but Fall clothes are my favorite, and I love getting a deal on brand new merchandise.

I hit the sale at King of Prussia on Friday with my mom and my sister.  First stop was shoes.

I got these Sam Edelman ‘Una’ Peep Toe Booties.  The online picture doesn’t do them justice.  The taupe is a softer shade and the beading has lovely gold and purple tones.  These are also fairly comfortable.  LOVE.

Also purchased these Tory Burch ‘Verbena’ Ballet Flats (I was the lucky recipient of lots of Nordstrom gift cards) in anthracite.  I also like them in black.  The gold was much too bright in person.

And these Cole Haan ‘Air Avalon’ Boots (my sister-in-law was absolutely right when she predicted I’d buy 3 pairs of shoes).  They didn’t have them in stock to try on, so I ordered them online.  I hope they fit!

I was dying over the Badgley Mischka Turnlock Flap Satchel in Charcoal, but it is completely sold out!!  So beautiful.  I love the contrast of the grey with the gold hardware.

These lovely Alexis Bittar ‘Twilight Dusk’ Bangles were also on sale.  They are lovely in person.  Sold out online.

Loved all the sparkle from Nadri at the sale.

Large Pavé Crystal Hoop Earrings:

Micro Pavé Bangle:

Great Michael Kors Watches:

I also really liked these dresses by Eliza J.

Eliza J Lace Trim Ponte Knit Sheath Dress

Eliza J Beaded Ponte Knit Peplum Dress. This one reminds me of Victoria Beckham.

What are your picks from the Sale?

July 19, 2010. shop. 3 comments.

{inspire} vintage swim

Loving these vintage images of bathing beauties.

July 15, 2010. inspire. 1 comment.

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