Fashion is Evolution

What I wore today: 01/31/2012 (Tie one on)

2012-02-01T13:19:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was the first edition of the comedy show, Silly Pants, that we're starting here in our new neighborhood. It was a lot of fun, and we can't wait to do it again! Here's what I wore . . .

Saddle oxfords - vintage (also seen here)

Straight-leg jeans - Gap (last seen here and here)

V-neck sweater - Target

Sleeveless button-up - Ralph Lauren, thrifted

Ribbon - Hobby Lobby

Assorted bangles and watches

Join me on: facebook // twitter // bloglovin // pinterest // instagram

Valentine's Day Pinspiration

2012-02-01T08:40:00.001-05:00

I love sharing my holiday inspiration via Pinterest. Valentine's Day is one of my favorites, and I find that red, pink, and heart-shaped things pop up all year, so I've been collecting some of these for a while.

Source: leblogdesushi.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: stylescrapbook.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: flashesofstyle.blogspot.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: joythebaker.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: woodlandshome.blogspot.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: leblogdesushi.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: polliblog.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: frostmeblog.blogspot.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: lookbook.nu via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: ashappyaskings.tumblr.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: lookbook.nu via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: iloveeasykidsrecipes.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: lookbook.nu via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: whatiwore.tumblr.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: bystephanielynn.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: designspongeonline.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: ohsocrafty.blogspot.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: sweetpaul.typepad.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Join me on: facebook // twitter // bloglovin // pinterest // instagram

My favorite January posts

2012-01-31T12:05:00.003-05:00

Coming down off the high of December with its busy holidays, moving to our new apartment, and visiting family, January has had a lovely calm to it. None-the-less, there have been just as many fun posts this month including outfits with lots of layers and recipes for warming comfort food. Here are my favorites . . .

What I wore for New Year's Day Brunch

Color Theory: black and white

Pumpkin and goat cheese risotto recipe

How to make a clothing-tag specimen board

What I wore: fish scales cardigan

My take on Emma's Instagram calendar

My winter uniform

How to make café curtains

What I wore: layers of bangles

Books read in 2011 and plans for 2012 reading

French onion soup recipe

Peanut butter and jelly cookies recipe

What I wore for my third anniversary with Ryan

What I wore on a foggy day

How to make twig antlers for your wall

Join me on: facebook // twitter // bloglovin // pinterest // instagram

What I wore today: 01/29/2012 ('90s moment)

2012-01-30T08:45:00.003-05:00

We went to Ikea yesterday (like Disney Land for Ryan and me), and now I can officially say that our apartment is the kind of done where I feel comfortable showing it off to people. We have rugs, pictures are hung, nothing looks bare or unfinished. It's so exciting!

As for the outfit, I borrowed Ryan's hat. I was having a '90s moment.

Oversized striped sweater - Old Navy

Cuffed straight-leg jeans - Gap

Studded ankle boots - Forever 21

Knit cap - borrowed from Ryan

Join me on: facebook // twitter // bloglovin // pinterest // instagram

What I'd wear on the red carpet

2012-01-28T16:44:00.002-05:00

Do you ever fantasize about what you'd wear on the red carpet if you got "the invite" this awards season? Of course you do. Me too.

Here's what I came up with. It's a bit Old Hollywood with a modern twist. What do you think?

Red Carpet Dreams by lapetitemortxo featuring evening bags

I have to say, as I was "shopping" through style.com's archives I realized why so many stars choose Marchesa for the red carpet. Almost all my top dresses were Marchesa, including the one I picked. There's just something so wonderfully "red carpet" about their designs.

Join me on: facebook // twitter // bloglovin // pinterest // instagram

DI(fr)Yday: How to make twig antlers for your wall

2012-01-27T12:20:00.004-05:00

Inspired by these lovely pieces, I created a method for making something similar to mount on my wall. You may have noticed my deer obsession. My awesome sister-in-law did and so bought me an incredible floral collage deer print from Urban Outfitters as a house warming gift. I'd already been planning to make these twig antlers, and when Ryan pointed out how great they'd look mounted with the print I knew he was on to something. I really love how the colors play off each other.

Here's how you can make some of your own . . .

You will need:

- Twigs

- Small wooden wall mounts (available in woodworking section of Hobby Lobby)

- Paint in desired colors and paintbrush

- Hot glue gun and glue sticks

- A small amount of leather cord

- Brackets for wall mounting

Step 1. Paint your wooden mounts. You may need to mix paints to get your desired color. Make sure to cover the mounts with color up to the edges, but you need not bother with the back side.

Step 2. Pick out pairs of twigs from what you've collected. You may need to trim them.

Step 3. Cut the ends of the twigs at a angle with the slant on the back of the twig so that it'll be flush with the mount.

Step 4. Glue short strips of leather cord around the base of each twig as shown. The leather will help hide the glue as well as giving the glue something to get ahold of.

Step 5. Once the paint on your mounts has dried, attach the brackets to their backs.

Step 6. Glue each twig to the mount, holding them softly in place until the glue dries enough to hold on its own. Make sure each twig is angled up and out the way you want it.

Step 7. Hang your newly mounted twig antlers on the wall.

What I wore today: 01/26/2012 (Fog)

2012-01-26T15:34:00.006-05:00

This is what I wore at the park today to collect twigs for tomorrow's DI(fr)Yday project.

Can you guess what we're making? My necklace is a hint.

Chevron dress - Missoni for Target (also seen here)

Mock-wrap-sweater - Gap

Red tights - We Love Colors

Classic wellies - Hunter

Red headband - Claire's, had forever

Deer necklace - Forever 21

Caramelized Brussels sprouts and endive recipe

2012-01-25T11:39:00.007-05:00

I love, love, love, eating seasonally. Not only do I get to enjoy produce at it's very best and when I'm most in the mood for it, but I also never get sick of things because I gorge on them when they're in season, and then completely forget about them for a year.

One of my biggest winter produce obsessions is Brussels sprouts. You already saw how I prepared them for Thanksgiving. Here, I've caramelized them in a roasting pan with endive and a red wine vinegar reduction. I kind of made up the recipe as I went along, and I have to say they were incredible. I can't even take credit for how naturally wonderful these things are, but the roasting and the vinegar is definitely a great way to bring out their best attributes.

This recipe is very easy and takes hardly any time at all. It serves two as a meal over rice or four as a side.

Ingredients:

About 2 cups Brussels sprouts

1 Tbs olive oil

1 head endive

1 cup red wine vinegar

salt and pepper

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425 F.

Step 2. Stem and halve the Brussels sprouts and the endive.

Step 3. In a roasting pan or baking dish, toss the Brussels sprouts and endive with olive oil. Arrange them so the endive halves are cut side down and the Brussels sprouts and nestled among them in one layer. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4. Back for 15 to 18 minutes. Meanwhile bring the vinegar to boil in a sauce pan and let it bubble away until it reduces by about half.

Step 5. Drizzle the vinegar reduction over the vegetables, turn the Brussel sprouts around a bit (let the endive be) and return the pan to the oven for an additional 5 minutes of so.

Step 6. Serve and enjoy!

What I wore today: 01/24/2012 (3 years with Ryan)

2012-01-24T17:48:00.007-05:00

Tonight Ryan and I are going out to celebrate our third anniversary. I wanted to wear something special to celebrate the best three years of my life so far, and this is what I arrived at after trying on no fewer than 5 dresses.

Tune in next week for a post with tips on what to wear for anniversaries and special date nights. I'll detail the reasons behind my decisions there and give advice for picking out your own perfect "special date night outfit."

But now Ryan is almost home from hanging flyers for next week's comedy show, so I'm off for a romantic evening! Night, night!

Fringe dress - vintage

Black opaque tights - Nordstrom Rack

Vintage Moschino belt - eBay (last seen here and here)

Ribbon-ruffled-edged cardigan - Target (also seen here)

Quilted flats - Modcloth (last seen here and here)

Caged-pearl necklace - gift from Ryan (also seen here)

Leopard brocade coat - Forever 21

Beaded scarf - thrifted

Peanut butter and jelly cookies recipe

2012-01-24T08:16:00.004-05:00

I saw some thumbprint cookies the other day and remembered how much I loved making them as a kid. I wanted to make some again but put a new spin on it. So, I decided to make them peanut butter and jelly cookies.

I used this recipe for the peanut butter cookie base, but, instead of pressing them with a fork, I marked a well in their centers with my thumb. Dipping your thumb into flour again every cookie or two is the key to making this step easy.

Then, after baking them, I added spoonfuls of grape jelly. You could use any flavor, but I think grape and strawberry would be best for achieving that classic PBJ flavor combination.

If I did it again, I'd add the jelly to the thumbprints before baking instead of after. It works fine this way, but they'd have a smoother surface if I'd let the jelly melt down a bit during the baking process.

My cookbook shelf

2012-01-23T08:16:00.005-05:00

As we're settling into our new place, I'm finding new favorite corners, places, and tableaus. One of my favorite things is this shelf that Ryan hung for me so that I could have all my cookbooks in the kitchen.

He also gave me Mastering the Art of French Cooking for Christmas. Don't you just love him?

What I wore today: 01/21/2012 (Ice ice baby)

2012-01-22T12:01:00.000-05:00

I love icy blues and minty greens, and I especially love them paired with contrasting colors like metallic gold, soft brown, or deepest black.

This lovely selection of tights arrived in the mail from We Love Colors today, and I wasted no time in taking the ice blue pair out for a spin. They are particularly appropriate I think considering the ice storm we had last night. The whole world looks like a set from the Snowflake Waltz right now.

I think (I hope) this outfit proves my thoughts about wearing black and brown together. People always say you shouldn't do it, but I think it looks great as long as it looks intentional. That is, don't wear a completely black outfit with a brown belt, but mix them boldly with no fear. What's your opinion on the rule and how (if) it should be broken?

Suede A-line mini skirt - vintage (last seen here and here)

Ice blue tights - We Love Colors

Studded ankle boots - Forever 21 (last seen here and here)

Sleeveless t-shirt - The Limited (pink version worn here)

Ribbon-ruffled-edged cardigan - Target

Virgin Mary cuff - gift from my mom

Silver and turquoise cuff - gift from my mom, from Mexico (also seen here)

Studded bangle - The Gap

Jelly bracelets - Claire's, had forever

Caged pearl necklace - gift from Ryan, ren fest

Dangling spike ring - online boutique

Rhinestone ring - Target

French onion soup recipe

2012-01-22T09:30:00.003-05:00

I can't let a single winter pass without making soupe a l'oignon au fromage or "French onion soup." It's so warm and comforting and complete. It reminds me of my French canadian grandmother who loved the stuff and ate it nearly everyday when we went to Paris together when I was 14. It also makes me think of this scene in the sixth Harry Potter book where Harry arrives at The Burrow in the middle of the night (The Burrow being the coziest place imaginable) and Molly Weasley pours him some steaming onion soup.

Anyway, here's my recipe. It serves three people as a filling dinner, four if you add a salad or something or have smaller ramekins than I do.

Ingredients:

2 large onions -- I use one yellow and one red to add flavor dimension (and because my red onion obsession knows no bounds), but traditionally it's all yellow. Just don't use white because they're too astringent.

2 Tbsp butter

2 tsp flour

2 1/2 cups broth (traditionally beef, but you can use a dark vegetable broth if you're vegetarian)

1/2 baguette (use the stale leftovers for French toast.)

About 3 oz. grated gruyere cheese

salt and pepper

Step 1. Chop the onions and saute them in the butter in a pan large enough for the broth to be added later. Cook them until slightly tender and transparent.

Step 2. Add flour, stir, continue cooking a few more minutes.

Step 3. Add broth and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer, cover and let cook for about 10 minutes.

Step 4. Ladle equal amounts into ceramic ramekins or oven-safe bowls.

Step 5. Cut two slices of bread for each bowl. The slices will be semicircular, so two should fit well with the bottoms together.

Step 6. Set slices on top of soup and cover with grated cheese.

Step 7. Place dishes under the broiler until cheese is melted and starting to brown in places.

Step 8. Serve by placing the hot ramekins on small room-tempurature plate. Enjoy!

What I wore today: 01/20/2012 (Ver-SACE)

2012-01-21T13:32:00.001-05:00

You saw this Versace for H&M skirt back when I first bought it. Here, I'm wearing it in a more traditional way. I can't see the word "Versace" written without thinking of Showgirls when Nomi mispronounces it, "Ver-SACE." Classic! I thought of Showgirls again yesterday because I got together with some friends and we found ourselves having a dinner of "brown rice and vegetables."

Is it damning that I know Showgirls so well? It's just such a wonderfully trashy movie! :)

Shoulder-padded sweater - Topshop (last seen here and here)

Skirt - Versace for H&M (also seen here)

Wool tights - online tights shop (last seen here and here)

Chain-fastening belt - Asos (also seen here)

Gold leaf necklace - gift from my Memé (also seen here)

Assorted bracelets (some of which also seen here)

Books read in 2011 and what to read in 2012

2012-01-21T10:18:00.001-05:00

I love to read. I am constantly adding books to my to-read list which grows much faster than any dent I can put in it.

Here is what I read in 2011:

Unfortunately I'm kind of a slow reader. This is partly because I like to savor books, mulling over each sentence, and partly because I read way too many books at a given time.

Here is what I'm currently reading:

It's funny how you can get such a sense of my current obsessions from that list, namely history, France, and the lives of early 20th century English nobility. Then, there's Mockingjay standing out like a soar thumb. I'm a bit addicted, though; I must say.

It's so hard to decide what to read next, especially when there are so many books on any given subject I happen to become obsessed with. Right now I'm on a Jane Austen kick (I never got to read her in school if you can believe it.) and a Mitfords kick (more about this particular obsession here).

My to-read list is over 150 books long, and, since I only made in through 30 last year, I doubt I'll be able to read all of the books I want to read anytime soon, but I do have a good idea of where I want to start.

Here are some of the books I want to read in 2012:

Have you read any great books recently? What's on your to-read list for 2012?

What I wore today: 01/19/2012 (Layers)

2012-01-20T15:41:00.000-05:00

I was in the mood for lots of layers yesterday, so I layered on the clothes and layered on the bracelets as well.

Gingham shirt - Eddie Bauer

Jersey top - Victoria's Secret

Fur vest - thrifted

Straight-leg jeans - Gap

Leather riding boots - Journey's

Gold leaf necklace - gift from my Memé

Assorted bracelets and watches

DI(fr)Yday: How to make café curtains

2012-01-20T08:33:00.001-05:00

After moving into our new place, I quickly assessed all the windows, deciding what kinds of curtains they needed and making plans to sew them.

The big windows in the living room and dining room are going to have long floor-to-ceiling curtains in a bold black and white chevron print. The fabric came in the mail this week and I have it all cut and are ready to be made into curtains in time for my brother and his wife to see our place next week. I'm so excited about these chevron curtains, man.

But, for the kitchen and bathroom, which have smaller windows, I decided to make café curtains; black and white gingham in the kitchen and mint green in the bathroom.

One of the great things about cafe curtains is that they still let a lot of light in and look great whether the curtains are open or closed.

If you want to spruce up an area in your home, I highly recommend making curtains. They're practical and decorative, and you can choose from a wide array of fabrics, personalizing your space to your taste and vision.

You will need:

- 2 decorative curtain rods

- Enough clip-on curtail-rod ring for both rods

- Fabric (to calculate how much see step 3)

- Matching thread

- A sewing machine

- Fabric scissors

- A tape measurer

- An iron and ironing board

Step 1. Mount your 2 curtain rods, one at the top of the window and one about halfway down or wherever you want your curtains to fall from.

Step 2. Measure the width of the curtain rods. Hang a ring from the lower rod and measure the distance from the clip on the bottom of the ring to the windowsill or wherever you want your curtains to end.

Step 3. Cut your fabric into two pieces: the valance and the curtain. The valance width should be 1.5 times wider than the width of the rod plus 4" for side hems. The valance length should be 22.5". You can either make two curtains as I did or one long curtain if you don't want to be able to draw the curtains open. For now, cut one big pice of fabric; you'll separate it into two later. The curtain width for two curtains together should be 1.5 times the width of the rod plus 8" for side hems (if you're doing two curtains) or 4" for side hems (if you're doing one wide curtain). The length of the curtains should be the length between the ring and window sill plus 12.5" for hem, seam allowance, and facing.

Step 4. Cut the curtain fabric in half lengthwise.

The following steps should be done the same for both curtains and for the valance. I find it easiest to do each step on all three pieces before moving to the next step, rather than doing all steps on one piece before moving to the next piece.

Step 5. Cut a 4-inch wide strip from the top of your fabric to make a facing.

Step 6. Using your iron, press under 4" from the bottom of your fabric. Fold this under another 4", making one big 4-inch hem. Stitch hem in place.

Step 7. Press under 1/2" on one long edge of your facing.

Step 8. With right sides together, line up the un-folded edge of the facing with the raw edge at the top of your curtain. Stitch them together with a standard 3/8" seam.

Step 9. Press seam allowance toward facing.

Step 10. Press under 1" on each side of your curtain. Press under 1" more. Stitch these side seams in place, folding under the corners at the bottom as seen in the second photo below.

Step 11. Fold over the top of your curtain at the seam between the facing and the curtain. Stitch the facing down to the curtain right along the hem you already pressed for yourself in step 7.

Step 12. Clip rings to the top of your curtains and valance, spacing them evenly about every 5 to 7 inches.

Step 13. Hang the curtains and the valance.

Unfortunately, since my SD card broke this week, I was unable to get step-by-step photos for this project. But, I have captured the following images showing you what all your work should look like after step 10 and before step 11. These photos should help clarify anything confusing. Also, feel free to ask a question in the comments or email me if you need additional clarification.

The top right corner of your curtain:

The bottom right corner of your curtain:

My winter uniform

2012-01-19T08:03:00.001-05:00

Want to know a secret? I wear the same thing everyday.

I mean, not the same same thing, but roughly the same thing. I have a winter uniform of sorts.

I'm not ashamed of it. The truth is that every outfit is unique even though they're all made up of the same basic components.

That's why I want to share my uniform formula with you; because, it's such an easy and fun way to create outfits that are uniquely me. And, once you formulate your own formula, you'll find it's easy to create outfits that are uniquely you.

Are you ready for my secret recipe? Here it is . . .

1 part tights (black, patterned, or colored)

1 part dress (preferably patterned or colored, A-line preferred)

2 parts shoes (boots never fail; oxford and flats also great)

1 part cardigan or blazer

My mixing and matching these basic components (and sometimes adding a belt or something for spice), I create the majority of my winter outfits. I mean, really, just look for yourself at some of my recent outfits . . .

If it's a sunny day, I may forgo the cardigan/blazer, but the other components remain . . .

Other times, I trade out the dress for a skirt, but the recipe is still distinctly recognizable . . .

It's not that I'm boring or lazy. It's just that I've figured out that what I really love more than anything else are dresses and tights. I've given up on trying to be one of those sophisticated trouser women. I'm a dress girl and I've embraced it.

As far as I'm concerned, the sooner you figure out what you love, the sooner you can build your wardrobe around those things. You'll still mix and match for endless possibilities, but every look will be distinctly and genuinely you.

I wear a new outfit everyday, but it's always obviously "something Cél èste would wear," and I like the comfort of that.

Do you have a winter uniform? Tell me about it.

Fictional Fashion Icon: Kate from United States of Tara

2012-01-18T08:48:00.009-05:00

Photo source: seat42f.com

I love it when a character has a clear sense of style. Even when that style is far from my own, I always appreciate the efforts of a crew that makes what a character wears such a fun and telling part of the story. This month's Fictional Fashion Icon is clearly the product of such a crew.

When United States of Tara first begins, Kate is in high school, and her style is a pretty straightforward punk ballerina look, comprised of fishnets and tulle skirts with skulls on them; pretty much the kind of stuff you would find at Hot Topic.

Photo source: everyjoe.com

Photo source: tvfanatic.com

Photo source: community.flixster.com

Photo source: halvardhenry.blogg.no

But, as she grows up, her style evolves into something more complex, though still reflective of her rebellious spirit and creative confidence.

Photo source: tv.com

Photo source: paperlings.tumblr.com

Photo source: knityorkcity.com

Photo source: tumblr.com/tagged/kate+gregson

Just like Belle, she's a girl who loves costumes and knows the erotic power they can possess.

Photo sources: tvworthwatching.com and movieweb.com

Photo source: knityorkcity.com

Photo source: coolspotters.com

In fact, Kate enjoys playing dress up in her everyday life too. For example, when she gets an office job, she is at first reluctant the submit to the strict corporate dress code, but soon realizes the opportunity to make work clothes her own with an over-the-top and supremely cute take on office wear.

Photo source: knityorkcity.com

Photo source: tumblr.com/tagged/kate+gregson

Featured in IFB's Links à la Mode

2012-01-15T22:00:00.002-05:00

I'm super honored that Independent Fashion Bloggers featured my clothing-tag specimen board tutorial in this week's Links à la Mode. Thanks, IFB!

Fresh New Start

Edited by: Collette Osuna of Statements in Fashion

Even though January is one brutal cold month in Michigan, it happens to be one of my favorites. It’s a brand New Year.....it’s the opportunity for each and every one of us to start with a fresh clean slate. What will you be taking on this year? A new hobby? Losing weight? Starting your own business? Bettering your blog? The ideas are only limited by your imagination, and I for one, cannot wait to begin this new adventure. This weeks links are chock full of awesome DIY ideas, product reviews, and ways to make yourself smile!

Have a fabulous month everyone!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: JANUARY 12TH

Ethical Fashion Blog: What do you think about charity shop pricing?

Fashion is Evolution: How to make a clothing-tag specimen board

Fashion Moriarty: If you only buy 12 magazines this year

House of Jeffers: Not fitting in because of the way you dress

Letter Kay Blog: How to wear leather leggings

Life of a Recessionista: Products I can’t live without

Life Style Flash: Things I hate about shopping

Marionberry Style: It isn’t easy being green

Nadalyn Margaret: All about brooches

Over 50 Feeling 40: Journalism 101 for Bloggers

Pandippo: Sometimes a simple dress is all you need

Paper Cloth: Things I learned from January J.Crew

Pretty Quirky Pants: DIY Beaded stretch cuff bracelet

Statements in Fashion: Twitter Tuesday: "Chuffed to Bits" for The Whitelist

Style Delights: Ten tips to be happy!

The Calvin Show: How to take great street style photos

The Dapper Bun: DIY Simple hems

The PVD Journal: How to take gratuitous photos of yourself

The Shop Hopper: Shopping Manifesto

The Window Shopper: DIY Getting your colors done

SPONSOR:

New Dresses at Shopbop: Just Cavalli, BB Dakota, T Bags LA, Nightcap, SoLow, Zac Posen, Malene Birger, Phillip Lim, See by Chloe, Nanette Lepore, Tucker, Cut25 & Parker

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

The holidays in Instagrams

2012-01-15T08:39:00.002-05:00

Around here the holidays only recently came to an end because we had a belated Christmas with Ryan's family since his sister took her family to Vegas to see her husband's family for Christmas and New Year's.

It was a long, wonderful, crazy holiday season. Here's a recap . . .

Preparations and Christmas day:

First perppermint mocha of the year

Ikea gingerbread houses

Wrapping gifts with Starbucks and Christamas Classics on Netflix

My friend Kim gave me a coloring book and crayons to help me celebrate X-mas with my inner child.

A Christmas surprise: my aunt mailed me my grandfather's short stories and poems from college.

Hanukkah:

In Austin with extended family

My sweet cuz, Zoe

My aunt Lisa on her swing

Me on Lisa's swing -- I always loved it as a little girl.

My cousin Becca's baby boy Devin

Frito chili pie pickings

Maria's Taco X-Press: my favorite thing about Austin

Coming home

New Year's Eve:

New Year's Day:

Belated Christmas:

Ryan and I shared a yogurt while shopping for gifts at the mall.

A proper two-year-old, Owen prefers playing with the packaging.

The boys mesmerized by How the Train Your Dragon

The boys play "Tame Your Dragon"

How to wear tights in winter

2012-01-14T08:50:00.001-05:00

Here's a tip for staying warm and stylish this winter: wear two pairs of tights instead of one. This might seem like a no-brainer if you mostly wear black tights and own several pairs of them, but what if you want to wear colored tights?

By layering colored tights over tights that are roughly the same as your skin tone (ballet pink or white work well in my case), you can achieve that needed warmth without compromising the integrity of the tights' color. Pretty cool, huh?

Another tip: invest in a few pairs of wool tights, at least in black or whatever shade you'll wear most often. They definitely have a different look to them than nylons, but they can be even warmer than a pair of jeans. Also, they're more durable than nylons, which means they last longer. Overall, it's a good investment.

DI(fr)Yday: My take on Emma's Instagram calendar

2012-01-13T08:52:00.000-05:00

I'm not feeling 100% this week (I guess all that overextending myself had to catch up at some point), so, instead of a brand new tutorial for you this DI(fr)Yday, I'm going to show you my take on someone else's brilliant DIY idea.

Emma over at A Beautiful Mess (run by her sister Elsie) made a really cool calendar for her mom using Instagram prints of her pet pug. You can find the tutorial here.

As soon as I saw hers, I knew I had to make one of my own. The most fun part is choosing which photos will represent which months. I had so many ideas, that I'm already planing next year's calendar -- even though, by then, I'll have a whole other year of Instagrams to choose from!

Homemade marshmallows

2012-01-12T08:47:00.001-05:00

This is my Owen (Ryan's nephew) . . .

He loves Willy Wonka so much that he wears this top hat around all the time. He also loves candy, which he calls "CAHN-dee" possibly because he's seen Willy Wonka so many times. When he sat on Santa's lap this year, he asked Santa for candy. Then, when Santa wasn't looking, he stole an extra candy cane.

What I'm trying to get across is that this adorable little munchkin loves candy. So, for belated Christmas (they were out of town until last week), I decided to make him some candy. So I made marshmallows for the first time.

You've probably seen homemade marshmallows before as they've been all over the blogosphere lately, but I wanted to share anyway since I had so much fun with it. I used Alton Brown's recipe because I generally trust him to find the best method for everything, and I definitely recommend it.

What I wore today: 01/10/2012 (Fish scales)

2012-01-11T08:20:00.001-05:00

I was in serious need of a haircut. You may have noticed my bangs, once beautifully blunt, swept to the side (or as to-the-side as they would dane to go) in the last couple pictures. I just couldn't take them in my eyes any longer.

Today, I finally got a fresh cut! This was my face all day afterwards --> :D

The front panels of this Anthropologie cardigan (which I scored for sale price) are covered with tiny mother-of-pearl scales. I feel like that rainbow fish in the kids' book, and I love it.

Cardigan - Anthropologie

Floral dress with lace yoke - Ruche (last seen here and here)

Magenta tights - not sure (last seen here and here)

Striped canvass lace-ups - Big Buddha (last seen here and here)

What I wore today: 01/09/2012 (Sour grapes)

2012-01-10T08:34:00.002-05:00

When I wear this '90s mini skirt with a chambray shirt (like I did here), the flowers appear to be a soft blue/gray like the chambray. But, when I wear it with purple, they magically become purple as well. I love that.

So much so that I decided to just go all out and wear this purple grapes necklace as well. Sometimes I do enjoy being a bit matchy-matchy, as I've explained here and clearly demonstrated here.

Cashmere crew-neck sweater - Nordstrom

1990s mini skirt - thrifted (last seen here and here)

Purple tights - Target?

Studded ankle boots - Forever 21 (last seen here and here)

Grape necklace - Girl Props?

Our move (in Instagrams)

2012-01-09T08:34:00.000-05:00

I find that capturing little details with Instagrams and piecing them together is a great way to tell a larger story. Do you remember the Thanksgiving recap I did all in Instagrams?

Well, as you may know, Ryan and I moved into a new apartment in our favorite neighborhood of Cincinnati (Northside) a few weeks ago. While there is still so much to be done (hang pictures, make curtains, etc.) the worst of it is behind us and we are so, so, so happy to be living here.

Here's what the moving process was like . . .

Auggie's not quite sure what moving is, but so far he likes it.

That weird in between time when you have far too many keys

A well deserved drink after a long day of moving furniture

Record player on the floor: Erin McKeown plays the soundtrack as we begin the organize furniture.

Adjusting to the new view out the windows, August is happy his reflection came with us.

Mattress on the floor for now (can't wait for that box spring and bed frame)

Lots of boxes and hampers to be unpacked . . .

. . . but Auggie is a good helper.

Picking up some Billy bookshelves at Ikea

I have shoe cubbies now!

And garment racks!

Which August likes to climb (naughty, naughty)

A few pretty items make the kitchen start to feel homey.

As do the peppermints on the window sill.

Cute Easter-egg-colored houses we can see out our window

A shop a short walk away sells Jeni's! This is either a very good thing or a very bad thing.

(Explanation of my obsession here)

August finds all the high spots in the new place where he can get.

Also a short block away: lots of great places to get brunch. We take a short break from moving to indulge.

Hanukkah candles and our new window-scape

The first snow as seen from the window

Our "pretty things table" full of objects that need to find their new home

Sorting through my teapot collection

Our artist's figures, united at last

August is just glad Ryan's dressing came with us 'cause his sock drawer is August's favorite napping spot.

Ringing in New Year's Eve at a bar within walking distance

Having New Year's Day brunch just down the street as well. We can walk everywhere! We love Northside!

Stay tuned for a holiday recap in Instagrams coming soon!

Hey Cupcake - Austin food trailers

2012-01-07T08:53:00.003-05:00

While I was in Austin, I wanted to make a stop at some of the food trailers they have there. I'm kind of obsessed with food trucks and trailers, and Austin has them in spades. What's more, they are actually open in winter and most of them have regular parking spots, which means you don't have to stalk them like you do in Cincinnati.

My aunt wanted us to try a new one, but, when we saw it was closed for the holidays, we went instead to an old favorite: Hey Cupcake.

Hey Cupcake is the cutest little shiny metal trailer with a pink racing stripe and a rotating pink cupcake on top. There are always lots of flavor choices, but this time I had to submit to the pink and go with "Sweetberry," a strawberry cupcake with strawberry cream cheese frosting.

DI(fr)Yday: How to make a clothing-tag specimen board

2012-01-06T08:41:00.002-05:00

For a few years, I've been saving clothing tags, particularly the ones that are pretty or that document important purchases. I've toyed around with different ideas of how to use them (Should I frame some? Make a mobile?), but when I thought of this, I knew it would be perfect.

Since I collect these tags as a way of documenting a variety of brands and pieces, why not display them on a specimen board. You know, like you see with butterflies all the time. Like this . . .

If you want to display clothing tags as well, just start collecting and soon you'll have enough. I know I said I've been saving for years, but this project barely put a dent in my collection. I have a box of them literally spilling out. Depending on the size of board you want to make, it won't take that many tags.

You will need:

- A framed cork bulletin board in the size of your choice

- Enough tags to fill the bulletin board

- Thumbtacks

- A feline helper (you know, to lie on the board while you're trying to work and paw at tags until they go missing under the stove, etc.)

Step 1. Place any big or oddly shaped tags first. In my case, this meant the large, circular American-Apparel-circle-scarf tag.

Step 2. Place other tags around these ones, starting with the larger ones and filling in gaps with the small. Take your time arranging and rearranging until you find the formation you most like.

Step 3. Push a thumbtack through the hole of each tag.

Step 4. If you have any fabric tags, you may need to add an extra thumbtack to them to keep them flush with the board.

What I wore today: 01/04/2012 (Sunset grunge)

2012-01-05T20:30:00.000-05:00

I was having a '90s moment.

'90s floral skirt - thrifted (also seen here and here)

Bearcat emblem quilted vest - UC bookstore

Tights - Capezio, Discount Dance Supply

Boots - Doc Martens

Ruffled chambray shirt - The Limited (also seen here, here, and here)

Chanel bag - vintage

Holiday recipe: pumpkin and goat cheese risotto

2012-01-05T08:32:00.001-05:00

This fall I spent a lot of time dreaming up new pumpkin recipes. Between making pumpkin whoopie pies, pumpkin lasagna, and pumpkin cream pie, I never found the time to make the pumpkin risotto that I was plotting. Then Christmas came and went, and I was spending too much time traveling, moving, and eating dinner with family to do much cooking at home.

But, on New Year's Eve, I finally found a moment to make my vision a reality. I found that it was just as satisfying in winter as I expected it to be in fall. And, if you're like me, you still have a few cans of pumpkin in your pantry and could probably benefit from a new recipe to use it in.

So, without further ado, I give you pumpkin goat cheese risotto . . .

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 or 5 green onions

2 cups arborio rice

4 cups chicken broth

1 can pumpkin

4 ounces goat cheese

seasonings and garnishes of your choice

Step 1. Bring broth to a simmer in a sauce pan.

Step 2. On a neighboring burner, melt butter with oil over medium heat.

Step 3. Add green onions, arborio rice, and pumpkin to the butter and oil mixture, stirring to combine so the rice is evenly coated.

Step 4. Keeping the broth at a simmer, add a ladle-full at a time to the rice mixture, stirring constantly. As each ladle-full is absorbed, add another, stirring constantly until the rice is al dente. This may use less than the total amount of broth or it may use the four cups exactly. If you need more, add boiling water from a tea kettle after the broth is used up. This whole process takes about 20-30 minutes of stirring. It's what intimidates most people about making risotto from scratch, but I find that it can be quite relaxing if you remember to be patient. After all, it's not complicated; it just takes time.

Step 5. Season as you so desire. I used cinnamon, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, worcestershire sauce, and ground black pepper, but whatever you have on hand that you think will taste nice will do.

Step 6. Take the risotto off the heat. Stir in the goat cheese until it's totally melted and well combined, reserving a bit of cheese for garnish if you like.

Step 7. Dish up the risotto, garnishing it with whatever you desire. I used extra goat cheese and some fresh dill because that's what I had on hand (leftover from these latkes), but I think some toasted pepitas would be just perfect if you can get your hands on some.

Color Theory: Black and White

2012-01-04T08:27:00.004-05:00

January's color theory isn't on a single color but on a classic color combination. I'm very very into wearing black and white together with no color. It's such an easy go-to look and it really shows off the pattern of whatever your wearing.

I think it's perfect for the new year -- the black and white representing the old and the new -- and I used to sometimes make a black and white cake or black and white cookies for new years in addition to the ultimate black and white New Year's tradition: the black eyed peas my dad always made.

The color combination also makes me nostalgic for old movies and photographs. In fact, I was once in a production of To Kill a Mockingbird where the director decided that every set piece, prop, and costume would be in gray scale as a nod to the classic film that she knew would be in the audience's minds as they watched our production.

But black and white without the gray can be even more striking.

My latest black and white obsession is some bold chevron fabric I'm going to make into curtains. But, until I can show you those, here's some of my favorite ways I've worn black and white in outfit posts. As always, you can click any photo you see for a link to that outfit post. Enjoy the soundtrack. :)

Black Or White by Michael Jackson on Grooveshark

Prezzies

2012-01-03T08:38:00.002-05:00

Here are a few of the many wonderful prezzies my lovely family gave me for Christmas. Thank you so much Ryan, Ben, Jenn, Poppa, Mum, and Grandma!

What I wore today: 01/01/2012 (Black and Yellow New Year's Brunch))

2012-01-02T08:19:00.003-05:00

When I woke up this morning and we decided to walk down the street for some New Year's Day Brunch, I wanted to start the day off right with a cute outfit rather than something lazy, and I was glad I did because it set the mood for the whole, wonderful day.

I love this dress. It's Ralph Lauren, but I bought it at Savers In Austin while I was there last week. The jacket is an old favorite. I always thought I wanted a motorcycle jacket, but then I bought this one and a motorcycle one both at the thrift store one day at found myself wearing only this one. It's much more ladylike, which is very much my style and the sleeve length is absolute perfection.

There's just something about wearing yellow white and black together that I love. Remember this outfit? Of course it's also the pallet for this blog, and it's what I want in our living room if I ever persuade Ryan that yellow walls aren't too extreme. His reaction when I suggested it: "Well, Niko will love it!" (Yellow is Ryan's four-year-old nephew Niko's favorite color.) My response: "Well, Niko has great taste!"

The bee color pallet also turned out to be a perfect match for Honey, the restaurant where we ate, no?

Chain-print mock wrap dress - Ralph Lauren, thrifted

Wool tights - online tights shop

Lady Dragon shoes - Vivienne Westwood (last seen here)

Button-up leather jacket with bracelet-length sleeves - thrifted

Cashmere-lined leather gloves - Nordstrom Rack

What I wore today: 12/31/2011 (New Year's Eve)

2012-01-01T15:53:00.001-05:00

Taking inspiration from unusual ways of wearing sequin skirts, I paired this new gold sequin mini skirt with my trusty chambray shirt for New Year's.

Ryan and I kept things low key. We walked down a few blocks to a neighborhood bar for their champagne toast and then visited a couple others before turning in. It was one the the most spontaneous and laid-back New Year's Eves we've ever had and it was the most fun.

I hope you and yours enjoyed ringing in 2012 as much as we did. What did you wear?

Gold sequin mini skirt - Victoria's Secret

Chambray shirt - The Limited (last seen here and here)

Wool tights - online tights shop

Quilted flats - Modcloth (last seen here and here)

Sequin bag - Nordstrom Rack

Leopard brocade coat - Forever 21

My favorite December posts

2011-12-31T16:52:00.001-05:00

December was a very full and excited month both in my personal life and here on the blog. For your enjoyment, I give you my favorite posts of the month!

My yearly Christmas playlists

Pea green and lace

Tattoo ideas

Color Theory: Gold

How to make a mistletoe pomander

How to make a designer-inspired chain belt

My apartment wish list

Peppermint mocha and gingerbread latte cake pops

Guilty pleasures and strange obsessions

Fictional Fashion Icon: Amélie Poulain

What I wore on the first night of Hanukkah

What I wore on Christmas Eve

Latkes with goat cheese, salmon and dill

What I wore on Christmas morning

How to make a mirror bra

DI(fr)Yday: How to make a mirror bra for New Year's Eve or everyday wear

2011-12-30T08:48:00.002-05:00

This DIY project is the perfect thing to make any outfit worthy of New Year's Eve. It probably makes most of you think of Lady Gaga, but bloggers Andy Torres and Chiara Ferragni provide perfect inspiration for how to make the look wearable.

Source: fashionisevolution.blogspot.com via Célèste on Pinterest

Source: lookbook.nu via Célèste on Pinterest

Here's how to make yours . . .

You will need:

- A plain black bra in your size

- A hot glue gun and glue sticks

- Small square mirrors (available at craft stores) How many you need will depend on your cup size. To give you an idea, I'm a D cup and I needed about 200 half-inch square mirrors.

Step 1. Hot glue the mirrors one by one until you've framed one cup all the way around.

Step 2. Begin the next round by glueing a mirror in each of the three corners and then connection them with rows of mirrors.

Step 3. Continue in this way, beginning each row with three mirrors in the three corners until there is a small triangular space in the center of the cup.

Step 4. Glue mirrors in the three corners of the triangle and then in the free spaces left.

Step 5. When the cup is completely covered, glue mirrors to the second cup in the same way.

What I wore today: 12/29/2011 (Trampoline)

2011-12-29T18:06:00.005-05:00

I love wearing two similar colors together in a way most people would say clashes, like this purple dress with these magenta tights.

Dress - DELiA*s

Lace and silk camisole - vintage

Tights - Some online tights shop?

Wool socks - Gap

Here is a large part of my extended family.

Here is my cousin Zoe. We are identical cousins. Can't you tell?

Here is Zoe bouncing around.

What I wore today: 12/28/2011 (Texas out of the girl)

2011-12-29T10:33:00.004-05:00

Visiting family in Austin felt like the perfect time to wear this belt with the longhorn buckle. When I found it, one day at Goodwill, it reminded me of my family's homeland and my father's alma mater UT at Austin.

I was born in San Antonio and haven't lived in Texas since I was one. Although I've never technically lived here in Austin, my aunt and uncle's home here has been my home away from home for longer than I've actually lived in any one place.

Cincinnati will always be my hometown, but Texas is the old country.

Green dress with lace Peter Pan collar - Urban Outfitters (seen recently here)

Dark green tights - some online tights shop? (seen recently here)

Leather riding boots - Journey's (seen recently here, here, and here)

Braided belt with longhorn buckle - thrifted

Fig and goat cheese pizza

2011-12-29T03:30:00.001-05:00

Making pizza is a great way to spend a cozy winter evening at home. Ryan and I make it often using pizza dough mix, which is easy to use and tastes much better than the pre-made crusts you can buy.

It's a lot of fun to make a pizza with someone you love and then sit down to a movie together.

Experimenting with toppings is a lot of fun too. Recently, Ryan and I made this one with dried figs and goat cheese.

Here's the recipe. It serves two.

Ingredients:

2 6.5-oz boxes pizza dough mix (I used Jiffy brand)

1 8-oz can pizza sauce

About half a cup of goat cheese crumbles

About half a cup of dried figs, sliced

1 Tbsp olive oil

3 or 4 cloves of garlic (optional)

A few shakes of red pepper (optional)

Step 1. Preheat over to 425 Fahrenheit (about 220 Celsius)

Step2. Prepare pizza dough according to instructions. You will have to add warm water and let it rise briefly, but it doesn't take long.

Step 3. Brush dough with olive oil and grate garlic (if using) over top. Bake for 4 minutes.

Step 4. Using the convex side of a spoon, spread pizza sauce over crust. Shake red pepper, (if using) over sauce.

Step 5. Place sliced figs evenly on top of sauce.

Step 6. Sprinkle goat cheese crumples over figs.

Step 7. Bake for about 12 minutes or until crust is golden and goat cheese is lightly browned.

Step 8. Let sit for a few minutes before slices and enjoying.

What I wore today: 12/27/2011 (Black and ballet pink)

2011-12-28T08:43:00.005-05:00

I bought this blazer today at Savers in Austin. It was new with tags (originally $60), and I've been looking for a plain black blazer, so this was perfect. The belt is also new. I ordered it from Asos when I ordered the Chelsea boots I got Ryan for Christmas. The dress is an old favorite that I usually like to wear with black tights and my vintage Moschino belt, but I found that it looks quite sweet with a pale pink belt and pale pint tights as well. Can you spot the subtle flower design on my tights?

Open-back jersey dress - Urban Outfitters

Blazer - Savers in Austin

Quilted flats - Modcloth

Tights - I honestly don't know. Topshop?

What I wore today: 12/25/2011 (On Christmas Day in the Morning)

2011-12-26T16:58:00.004-05:00

August and I enjoyed a lovely christmas morning cuddling on the couch and watching A Christmas Carol and Little Women before Ryan came home. Then, we went to my parents' house for prezzies and games, and found out that my brother's coming baby is going to be a boy!

My mind has been a wash of boys names since then. I like Titus, Hugo, and Finn a lot.

I am now in Austin visiting my extended family. I've been awake for over 24 hours, so please excuse any incoherence that many trouble this post.

Red babydoll dress - H&M on clearance for $10 - best buy ever! (last seen here)

Fuzzy hooded sweater - Anthropologie, Christmas gift from my brother years ago

Fair isle tights - Topshop?

Saddle oxfords - vintage (last seen here and here)

Holiday recipe: latkes with goat's cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh dill

2011-12-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

This is my take on a Nigella Lawson recipe (which you can find here). It was my idea to add the goat's cheese. Typically I also change the potato to sweet potato, which plays very nicely with the goat's cheese and smoked salmon, making the whole thing more complex in flavor. But, I couldn't get sweet potato mix this time, so I made them more traditionally.

That's right, I said mix. Nigella's brilliant idea is to make the whole ordeal simpler and faster by using potato flakes. You know, that stuff that people make awful mashed potatoes out of? I was skeptical at first too, but it actually makes for a great textured pancake.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Right about now, I'm probably having a solitary feast of paté and peppermint taffy, watching Christmas specials and waiting for Ryan to get home from work (hospitals can't close, of course, and he has the early Christmas morning shift this year) so that we can go to my parents' for dinner, prezzies, and merriment.

It's been a wonderful holiday season for us so far. I hope you and yours enjoy the rest of the holidays as well!

What I wore today: 12/24/2011 (Baking Cookies on Christmas Eve)

2011-12-24T14:34:00.005-05:00

I've been baking cookies to take to Ryan's parent's house tonight for the extended family party they always have on Christmas Eve. I hope your celebrations are joyous!

Sweater - Anthropologie

Suede mini skirt - vintage (last seen here and here)

Green tights - Target

Leather riding boots - Journey's (last seen here, here, and here)

Apron - vintage