Sweaters With Skirts...

{Sweater- (old) Forever 21, Skirt- (old) Anthropologie, Shoes- (old) Loft, Bracelet- (old) Asos}

I've been seeing a lot of sweaters and skirts lately.  I thought the silhouette would be hard to pull off without feeling bulky, but when tucked into a skirt that is higher waisted or left out and belted, it's pretty cute!  For a midi length skirt- make sure to wear a heel- these nude peep toe booties give me a boost and help elongate my legs.  I'll take all of the help I can get!  ;)

Wellness Wednesdays - #20 - Olive Oil

Today’s infographic features the almighty olive oil, known to some as oil of the gods.  Olive oil first originated in Ancient Greece, where the olive tree was often referred to as “the tree that feeds the children,” and has been highly sought after ever since. 

Today, most of us have a sleek bottle of this highly praised oil sitting in our kitchens at home, usually next to the stove.  A lot of people will stand on their soapboxes and proclaim the health benefits of this rich and ancient oil, but not everyone knows about the oil’s multitude of uses.  Sophia Loren swears by it as a part of her daily beauty regimen, and Rachel Ray coined the abbreviation EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) because of the frequency of the oil’s appearance on her show.  Generally, we cook with it, even if some argue that adding heat to olive oil decreases its nutritional value.  We can sauté, brown, stir-fry, deep fry, or even add this delicious oil to homemade hummus, pesto, pizza–you name it!  But, did you know it can also act as a make-up remover, sore throat soother, floor and furniture polish, lice remover, moisturizer, fuel, and so much more?!

There’s certainly a reason for olive oil’s cult following.  Check out today’s infographic and look up some homemade recipes to see just what this amazing oil can do for you; health wise, beauty wise, or something in between. 

Leather Sweatpants?

{Top- (old) J. Jill, Pants- eBay, Shoes- (old) Sam Edelman, Necklace- (old) Loft}

Leather seems to be a trend that isn't going away anytime soon.  I love the look of a leather trouser dressed up with a blouse.  Unfortunately- leather pants can be a bit of a budget buster.  I lucked out recently on eBay with this pair.  Definitely an 80's find, but in amazing condition.  They have an elastic waist which I added a drawstring to for a better fit.  Leather sweatpants for under $50?  Don't mind if I do!

Tasty Tuesdays - #20 - Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry-Wrapped Brie

 

{Recipe via}

Tis the season for impromptu get-togethers!  As a born and raised Wisconsinite- we love our cheese!  This was one of the first appetizer recipes I mastered (not much to brag about I know).  Three simple steps and you'll have a tasty treat to serve your guests.  To jazz it up a bit- I sometimes like to add some preserves between the cheese and puff pastry.  Apricot is amazing, but cranberry could be fantastic for Thanksgiving!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet), thawed according to package directions
• 1 (8-ounce) Brie cheese round
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp. water

Directions: 

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.  Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.  Place the cheese in the center.  Fold the pastry up over the cheese to cover.  Trim the excess pastry and press to seal.  Reserve the pastry scraps for decoration.
   
2. Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork or whisk.  Brush the seam of the pastry with the egg mixture.  Place seam-side down onto a baking sheet.  Decorate with the pastry scraps, if desired.  Brush with the egg mixture.
   
3. Bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.  Let stand for 20 minutes before serving.
   

Cuffed Corduroy...

{Sweater- Kohl's, Pants- (old, but same fit here) J. Crew, Shoes- Dolce Vita, Necklace- (old) Loft}

I'm officially busting out the corduroy pants for the first time today!  Even though it's getting chillier out, I still like to rock a cuffed hem to show off an ankle strap shoe.  A swingy sweater keeps things fun and comfy when paired with a skinny pant.

Music Mondays - #20 - St Germain

{Available here}

I'm starting to line up my favorite holiday movies now that the days are getting shorter and every night seems to be perfect for a fire and popcorn.  Technically Serendipity isn't classified as a "holiday" movie, but come on- John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale in Bloomingdales with the black cashmere gloves?  Doesn't get any better than that!  This week's music pick is in the movie, but not on the official soundtrack.  I'll never forget how I discovered the song was by St Germain- I was in college (this was before apps existed like Soundhound where you could just press a button and find out what was playing)- I was enjoying a beer at a bar when this song came on.  I ran to the bar and had the bartender look what cd was in rotation.  Here's "Rose Rouge" by St Germain...enjoy!  And even though I consider it a huge miss that it wasn't on the Serendipity soundtrack, that's pretty good too, so if you don't already have it, you may want to pick that up as well!

{Available here}

Plaid Pizazz...

{Shirt- Eddie Bauer, Jeans- Gap, Shoes- (old) Enzo Angiolini, Necklace- (old) J. Crew}

Adding a little pizazz to my plaid today with a statement necklace and some glitter pumps!  Who's ready for the weekend?  TGIF!

Fashion Fridays - #19 - Making Varsity

{Photos via}

Making varsity has never been easier!  Take a clue from the boys' club this week and add a sporty spin to your outerwear collection!  Bonus points from the fashion elite if you wear it cape style over your shoulders instead of arms thru the sleeves.  Here are a few options all from Forever 21 and all under $50...

 {Available here}

 {Available here}

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21 Men?

{Sweater- Forever 21, Pants- (old) Loft, Shoes- Kohl's, Necklaces- (old) J. Crew & Express}

21 Men?  I wish!...  This sweater was from Forever 21's men's collection.  I love how the camo print is actually woven into the pattern.  With a silky pant and heels it's work appropriate! 

Splurge {vs} Save - #19 - Hair Elastics

Splurge

{Emi-Jay available here}

{vs}

Save

{Forever 21 available here}

When I first saw these elastics made famous by two teenage girls who started their own company Emi-Jay, I thought two things; 1- these girls have already made more $ than I ever will in my lifetime, and 2- the hair elastics are pretty cute.  That being said- a 5 pack of Emi-Jay elastics can set you back up to $15 depending on the style.  At $3.80 for 4, Forever 21 may win this one.  Then again- the design is pretty self explanatory, so if you want an easy DIY project, just head to your local fabric/trimmings store and knot some for yourself!