Hot Looks Of The Week & My Faves

Image via Bauer Griffin

Berenice Marlohe In Julien Macdonald

Berenice Marlohe is the latest gorgeous woman to call herself a Bond Girl. Ms. Marlohe stars with Daniel Craig in Skyfall and previous to this accomplishment I had never heard of her. Oops. Like all stars of blockbuster movies, she's been gifted with her choice of garments for premieres, photo calls, and press events. I have loved everything she's worn, which you can see here, but this Julien Macdonald cocktail dress is my favorite. Sorry, Elie Saab. I love the sheer bodice and sleeves and it was such a smart move by the designer to have a long sleeve to off-set the sexiness of the dress. I love the back view as well and I have hair envy. I know who she is now!

Image via PacificCoastNews.com

Krysten Ritter In Reem Acra

Krysten Ritter has also had a stylish week. She's been out promoting her show, Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23 and attending every event ever. I have a feeling that show might be terrible, but at least she's been looking cute! My favorite of her looks is this Reem Acra dress. I love the lacy flower sleeves and the knot detail with the fabric around the waist. I think I would have preferred her hair up to show off the neckline, which you can see on the model, but it's not a deal breaker. Obviously I love the leopard Jimmy Choo heels. Leopard is such a perfect neutral to all of the jewel tones that are popular for fall! 

My Faves

  

Discount shopping - one of my favorite subjects! See how three editors from Refinery 29 created six looks for under $50 each by shopping at Marshall's, T.J. Maxx, and Strawberry. Lots of good style ideas in there too! 

I featured Leigh Lezark a few weeks ago and as if on cue, Harper's Bazaar did a feature on her closet ;) These photos make me what to buy a lot of shoes! 

Solange Knowles, whom I adore, is lending her talents to jewelry designer Lady Grey and selecting (I REFUSE to use the word that starts with C that the fashion and retail industry has uncreatively bastardized into oblivion.) her favorite pieces from their Fall 2012 collection. Their price points are great so if you're in the market for some new statement jewelry, shop! 

I had some leftover quinoa from my lunches this week that I turned into a quinoa "mac" and cheese for dinner last night. It's SO GOOD. I'll blog it at some point because I think it will appeal to a lot of people!   

I'm making these pumpkin swirl brownies this weekend and my word I am excited. Stay tuned for those!   

Old Navy is having a sale on dresses right now and I ordered a couple of cute ones (left, obv). I think I've said it before - Old Navy comes up with some gems sometimes so always check there when you're shopping for affordable clothes! 

That's it :) I hope everyone has a fun weekend!  

My Favorite Chili

By popular demand, meaning one person asked me for a chili recipe on Twitter, here is my favorite chili recipe :)

Everyone loves chili right? It's hearty and comforting and you can put just about anything in it and it will still be good. My mom made chili and corn muffins (mmm I should have made some of those) all the time when I was a kid so I have a long-standing love for it. I can't remember what cook book her recipe came from, but I know that it was ancient. Which just means that chili has been loved and delicious for a long time. I use ground turkey in my chili instead of beef. Turkey is healthier and I don't really eat beef, but beef would easily work. Here's the rest of the recipe:

1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1 lb. ground turkey
1/2 tsp. salt
1 medium onion, chopped
4 tsp. chili powder
1 Tbs. cumin
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz. can white beans
1/2 cup water
2 medium green peppers, chopped
3 small zucchini (or equivalent), chopped

Makes 4 servings

First things first, chop the veggies. I was crying too much to photograph the onion (damn those things!), but you all know what that looks like anyway. To cut the zucchini I just lop off the ends, split it in half, half it again and then cut about 1/2 in pieces. All pieces should be the same size so they cook evenly.

Next peppers. I think everyone cuts peppers differently. Here's how I do it: first, lay it on its side and cut the top off. Then pull out the seeds and the ribs. If you're like me, then you're cursed by pepper seeds. Those little buggers get everywhere and it's really hard to get them all out. Here is my patented move for getting all the seeds out: Hold the pepper so the open end is over the sink or garbage can. Then knock on it like you're knocking on a door and the rest of the seeds will come out. I'm sure people have been doing this for centuries, but just let me feel special for a while here. The pieces of pepper you cut should be the same size as the zucchini. Even cooking is the name of the game.

Now we're ready to cook some turkey. Heat your olive oil in a big stock pot or Dutch oven over meduim-high heat. Add the turkey and the salt and cook it for 6-8 minutes.

Start breaking up the turkey with a wooden spoon. This will get easier once the turkey starts to brown.

See? Next, add the onions and let them cook for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent.

Next go the spices. Add the cumin and the chili powder, stir, and let it cook for another minute. This will smell delicious.

Next, everything else goes in. Easy! Pour in the tomatoes and the juice they're in, the white beans, the water, and the vegetables.

Turn the heat down to medium and let it simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes while you stir occasionally. It will look the same, but bubblier when it's done.

And that's it! It's super easy and the whole things takes less than half an hour.

I eat this all the time during the fall and winter. It's so good, totally affordable, and there is hardly any clean up. That's such a bonus in my dishwasherless kitchen. You can make so many different versions of this chili as well. Use ground beef or ground chicken, change out the white beans for kidney beans, throw in some quinoa for extra protein, or change up the vegetables and spices. The variations are endless, but I think this one will always be my favorite.

Tell me your thoughts on chili. Like it? Love it? Should I have made corn muffins too? I think we know the answer to that one.

Hot Looks Of The Week & My Faves

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

Kristen Wiig In Calvin Klein

Kristen Wiig often finds herself on the worst dressed list at awards shows because she continually wears things devoid of color and, um, good taste. Her go-to color is beige and for a woman with such a personality it makes no sense. Hopefully this simple yet gorgeous Calvin Klein dress will mark a turning point for her. Wiig wore this to ELLE's 19th Annual Women In Hollywood event on Monday, which was sponsored in part by Calvin Klein. I'm even more delighted that she chose a green dress from Calvin Klein since Francisco Costa's designs are so often colorless. Her new hair color sets it off beautifully as well. Keep it up, Wiig.

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

Emma Stone In Valentino

I honestly can't remember if I've gushed over Emma Stone here before and I'm too lazy to check right now, but I love her. I really, really love her. And her stylist Petra Flannery because she has helped make Emma one of the best dressed women in Hollywood. At least in my humble opinion :) Emma wore this adorable hot pink Valentino Resort 2013 dress to the ELLE event. It's so sweet and lady-like, but the punch of hot pink makes it fresh. And the Salvatore Ferragamo houndstooth pumps are GENIUS. Black and white is always a neutral and they make this look so stylish and young. I think Emma's next big press tour will be for Gangster Squad and I'm already salivating over her wardrobe prospects!

My Faves

Designer collaborations with department stores are nothing new, but Narciso Rodriguez's first collection for Kohl's is. It's good, but I'm not as excited about it as I thought I'd be. I think I'm most disappointed that most of the dresses are so form fitting, which is not really in my favor. I am in love with these pants and this coat though.

I adore Man Repeller's look from the WSJ Magazine's Innovator Of The Year Awards last night. I will always be a fan of a suit with a plain white T, statement necklace and sexy shoes. Her suit is from Zara and her shoes are Proenza Schouler.

Speaking of sexy shoes, J.Crew made these for me I'm sure. Neon and neutral and snakeskin AND a toe cap?! SOLD. Unfortunately I will never be able to afford them and I'm sure they'll sell out before they go on sale. The hunt for a knock-off begins now.

In other designers in department stores news, the Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday collection lookbook has arrived. It's light on clothes, but there are lots of other goodies to be had. Namely this gorgeous Altuzarra bar set, Alice + Olivia luggage, and this Tracy Reese top. Okay so one was clothes :)

Getting to see the homes of wealthy, stylish people is one of my favorite things. So let's take a look at Tibi designer Amy Smilovic's Greenwich, CT home, shall we?

That's all. I lacked creativity and motivation this week so hopefully there will be a turnaround for next!



Hot Looks Of The Week & My Faves

Image via PacificCoastNews.com

Leigh Lezark In Chanel

You may not be familiar with Leigh Lezark. She's a DJ with The Misshapes and a model and sits front row at just about any fashion show you can think of because of these things. She also happens to be really, really ridiculously good looking so I'm sure that helps her cause. Leigh attended Chanel Fine Jewelry's 80th Anniversary celebration of its "Bijoux De Diamants" collection. Don't ask me what that is because I am unaware. Chanel doesn't really need an excuse to have a party though. I think Leigh looks totally gorgeous in this dress from Chanel's 2010 Pre-Fall collection. I love that this dress was shown over two years ago, which makes it ancient in fashion years, but it's still relevant. That Chanel! Always timeless!

Image via PacificCoastNews.com

Rose Byrne In Target

Yes, Target! I picked this look not only because she looks great, but because we can actually buy it and it will look great on anyone. Rose attended the premiere of Target's Falling for You short film in NYC on Wednesday night. This skirt is from the Converse One Star line and you can buy it right here for $24.99. Her belt is from Target's Merona line and is only $16.99. One can never have too many leopard belts. They go with everything and can take any look up a notch. Even if it's from Target! Aside from Rose's Sergio Rossi heels, I'm not sure where the rest of her outfit is from but it wouldn't be hard to replicate at all. In fact, you could probably do it exclusively at Target and it would cost you far less than $100. And you'd be left with a skirt, sweater, and belt that could go with a bunch of other separates. Looking stylish does not have to cost a lot, my friends!

My Faves

I know I've mentioned her before, but I think Annie Ladino is one of the best fashion stylists in the biz right now. I love this profile that the Chicago Tribune did of her!

I have fallen in love with this Dolce & Gabbana dress. Unfortunately since I'm also in love with having a place to live and being able to afford food, I will never own it. Hopefully ASOS will do me a solid and knock it off!

I've made no secret of my love for Bauble Bar and Blair Eadie from Atlantic-Pacific. Those two loves came together and created a jewelry collection that is pretty fantastic and affordable!

A six ingredient apple pie cake? UM okay! Thank you, Martha.

I am desperado for a book shelf in my living room. My books and DVDs have been living in a pile on the floor since my former roommate took her shelf with her. I love the Sapien style book shelves, but I don't love their price. I also love the ones that lean and look like ladders. I will likely never be able to make a decision so have fun on the floor, goods.

Even though this was a short week it felt like a long one. Why does it always gotta go down like that?! I hope everyone has a fun fall weekend. I might be ready to take the plunge and get my hands on some apple cider, which I consume with the voracity of an addict and therefore only limit myself to 1 gallon per fall. That is a first world problem.  

Zara Home Has Arrived

I think it's safe to say that Zara is a go-to for (mostly) affordable trendy clothes and accessories, yes? It was a happy day on Newbury Street when the European mainstay finally made its way there a few years ago. I was totally unaware that Zara made housewares until it was announced a few weeks ago that Zara Home would be available to purchase online in the U.S. for the first time this week. Zara Home! Since I'm ballin' on a budget and will be for the foreseeable future, another option for affordable, stylish housewares is very exciting. It looks like their price point falls somewhere close the West Elm end of the price spectrum. Not quite as affordable as Ikea, but definitely doable. Here are some of my favorite pieces:

Onokuni acryllic nesting tables - $189

Paisley pillow - ~$40

Everton pillow - ~$67

Yeti throw - $189

Marta rug - $189

Blanchard jar - $25.90

Mirium apron - $35.90 (can I just wear this as a skirt?)

Adder dish towels - $9.90

Lennon tray - $59.90

Alhambra pitcher - $16.90

Montse cake stand - $79.90 (I NEED this.)

Venice mirror - $79.90

Harvey vase - $59.90

Belen bookends - $35.90 (Although their trunks should be up since elephants with their trunks up are good luck!)

Consider this is a registry, if you will. Remember the Sex and The City episode when Carrie registers at Manolo Blahnik because she figures she's bought enough wedding/shower/baby gifts over the years that she's entitled to something too? Well, I'm not nearly that audacious and that's one of the reasons why Carrie is so obnoxious (She did have the original Manolos stolen from Tatum O'Neal's house, but still!), but there's nothing wrong with giving your friends and family a little nudge in the gift giving department, right?

My selfishness aside, Zara Home is pretty great and there's a TON more good stuff to check out! To celebrate their introduction to North American online shores, you can get free shipping for the entire month of October. I'm going for the cake stand first. How about you?

Hot Looks Of The Week & My Faves

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America

Jessica Alba In Narciso Rodriguez

Here is the lovely Jessica Alba at the Environmental Media Awards last Sunday wearing a look right off Narciso Rodriguez's Spring 2013 runway and Giuseppe Zanotti heels. It's a bit like a deconstructed modern tuxedo, don't you think? Black and white is the number one color trend for spring, but luckily it's always in and chic because we still have to get through fall! I love that she wore a look with trousers to a formal event. Dresses aren't always the answer. Perhaps I would have preferred a trouser with a slimmer cut, but that's just nitpicky because I don't think there's anything wrong with these. And can you imagine how comfortable she was? Win/win

Image via Just Jared - soz for the watermarked pic! There were no freebies on this one.

 Gwen Stefani In A.L.C.

I hope we can all agree that Gwen is one of the most stylish women on the planet, yes? Good. More on that later. What's even more ridiculous/awe inspiring/confounding is that Gwen turned 43 on Wednesday. 43! She looks 23! She makes me look 90 and she's 13 years older than me. I MEAN. 

Gwen celebrated her birthday with her family in Los Angeles last night and wore a super chic and sexy A.L.C. jumpsuit (which you can buy on sale here). Sure it's just a plain jumpsuit, but she merched it up earrings, a stack of bangles, a killer box clutch, and platform heels. Her ubiquitous red lippy was there too, natch. I'm giving serious consideration to purchasing No Doubt's new album. Anyone listened? 

My Faves

And speaking of Gwen, here is a retrospective slideshow of her style through the years. I adore her :)

I will be baking pumpkin chocolate chip cookies this weekend and I'm pretty excited about it. I don't like pumpkin in any form but cake, bread, cookie, etc. so forgive me for not going batshizz over pumpkin season. This just means more beer and lattes for you! 

After seeing this Maje jacket on Emma Stone I decided that I need a tweed and leather jacket of some sort. Michael Kors to the rescue! I need another jacket like I need a hole in the head, but it's not like that's going to stop me.

I'm also in the market for rain boots, a new bag to schlep my work stuff in, and a pair of nude leather wedges. My wallet is crying. 

Lastly, a PSA for ladies - Refinery 29 has a very informative, yet somewhat flawed, article on birth control that I think everyone should read. Read the comments as well since some of my thoughts are there and other ladies have good things to say as well. My main concern is how the doctor in the article downplays the seriousness of the risk of developing blood clots while using birth control with synthetic hormones. This week marks three years since my very healthy sister survived a blood clot and pulmonary embolism caused by birth control pills and a previously undiagnosed genetic blood clotting disorder. Years ago, I also suffered a blood clot caused by birth control and the same undiagnosed condition. Needless to say I'm pretty happy that we're both still here! If we had known that we had this condition, our doctors never would have allowed us on birth control. My situation was a lot less severe than hers, but it could have been worse. I think it's really important for all women who use birth control to know if they carry additional risk factors, such as Factor V Leiden like me, and it's really dangerous that doctors don't emphasize this when they recommend birth control methods. So do me a favor and ask your doctor about having the Factor V Leiden panel of tests the next time you're there. Because I'd really like you all to still be here too :)   

I hope everyone has a long weekend! I sure do and I will spend it by concert going, shopping, getting my hair cut, baking, and enjoying all things fall!  

Lentil Soup With Spinach and Sausage

Soup is by far and away my favorite thing to cook. And probably eat. And I'm so excited that it's finally cold enough to do both of those things! I love soups that are loaded with vegetables, meats, herbs, grains, etc. The more you can pack in a soup, the better it is. I can't remember where I first got this recipe, but I've made enough changes that I'll just call it my own :)

1 lb. Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
1 medium white onion, diced
1 package (8 oz.) white button mushrooms, sliced
1 package (8 oz.) cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 lb. dried lentils, rinsed
2 8 oz. bags of fresh baby spinach
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2-3 bay leaves
Salt and pepper
Extra virgin olive oil

First things first, things need to be chopped. I hate chopping onions. They make me cry like the end of Titanic and none of the so-called tricks work for me. I have actually thought about getting onion goggles. But that is ridiculous. So I speed through onion chopping and don't do a very pretty job. Oh well. No one cares what shape they're in when they're going in your mouth. Mushrooms next. Make sure you clean your mushrooms with a damp dish towel instead of running them under water. They'll absorb too much water that way. I've always wondered why mushrooms are allowed to be sold covered in dirt. It's kind of gross, right? The onions and the mushrooms go into this soup at the same time so it's easy to put them in the same bowl to free up space on your cutting board.

If I hate chopping onions, then I loathe chopping garlic. The smell lives on your hands FOREVER and it's gross. Luckily, there is a contraption that makes it all better. I call it my garlic car. Mine is the Martha Stewart brand from Macy's but there are lots to choose from out there. You just peel your garlic cloves, pop them in the car, roll it along the counter a few times and your garlic is chopped and your hands don't reek. It's a win/win.

And that's all the prep work! Simple.

Heat a large stock pot (mine is 8 quarts) or Dutch oven over medium heat. Squeeze the sausage meat out of the casings and into the pot. This is easy - just pinch the sausage in the middle and squeeze the meat out the ends.

Cook the meat until it's browned, about 5-7 minutes. While the meat is cooking, start breaking it up with a wooden spoon so it's in smaller pieces.

When the sausage is browned, remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Pat off any excess fat with paper towels and set aside. You can also sneak a piece or two because it's delicious and you should.

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot with the fat that's left. Mmmm pork fat. Add the onion and mushrooms and cook them until they're soft, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic, stir, and cook for about 1 more minute.

Add the thyme and bay leaves and stir to incorporate them. Mushrooms and thyme were meant to be together. If you're ever stuck with an excess of mushrooms and have no clue what to do with them, add some thyme and saute them and then toss them in a salad, an omelet, or put them on a pizza. Automatic deliciousness.

Add the lentils and stir to incorporate.

Slowly add the chicken broth and stir to combine.

Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low so the soup is simmering. Partially cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. This will give you an al dente lentil, which I like. Let it simmer for a little longer if you want a softer lentil.

Once the lentils have puffed up and some of the liquid has been absorbed, start adding the spinach in small batches and stir just enough to wilt the spinach. Add the sausage and let it simmer just a little longer to heat the sausage through. Don't forget to remove the bay leaves! You don't want to eat those. I'm not quite sure why, but you don't. Season to taste with salt and pepper and then enjoy your hearty bowl of yum.

I kind of wish I was eating this for my morning snack right now. It's so filling and tasty and everything goes together perfectly. You could add more vegetables too, if you'd like. Carrots and celery would add color and flavor. You could also make this with just about any kind of sausage or green. Kielbasa and kale perhaps? I just like the alliteration there. But that's the beauty part of soup - any additions or substitutions will likely make it better, not worse. Plus, it makes a ton so you don't have to worry about what to make for dinner for the next few nights. That makes it cost effective too :) I'm already excited for dinner tonight!

Tell me what your favorite soup is!