What I Want For Fall: Ladylike

Boy meets girl - this season I'll balance menswear pieces with feminine details and prints. I absolutely love that sequins and lace are finding their way into everyday pieces and are no longer set aside for elegant parties and holidays!

Sparkle and Shine

1.

2.

3.

Florals

4.

A Rachel Zone pick from Piperlime! Hoping the new Tucker for Target line does not disappoint - maybe I can walk away with something similar for a fraction of the price!

5.

6.

Ruffles and Fringe

7.

Lace

8.

9.

1. J. Crew, Goldenrod Brocade Top, $118
2. J. Crew, Metallic Sequined Bell Skirt, $275
3. J. Crew, Bling Blossom Bracelet, $98
4. Tucker, The Blouse, $276
5. Anthropologie, Watercolor Folds Dress, $348
6. Anlo, Claire Henley, $196
7. J. Crew, Calista Cami, $59.50
8. Anthropologie, Discovered Lace Dress, $158
9. J. Crew, Severn Lace Mini, $138

Jason Fricke's Ballet Dancers

As you can see from my last post, our walls are pretty much bare. Ironically enough, Nate and I went to the Lake Forest Art Fair with my family and walked away with nothing. I'm very non-committal with art and second guess whether I will still love a piece in 5, 10, maybe 20 years. However, since seeing Jason Fricke's pieces on Sunday, I'm ready to purchase one (or two) of his ballet drawings. All of his dancers are drawn live during performances and rehearsals.

Framing is available in the 3" gold frames pictured above. I love the contrast of these thick, bold frames next to the simplicity of his drawings. Perfect match in my book.

Jason also draws musicians. After picking up a ballet dancer, I may opt for one of these as well. I think I like this one (above) the best.

I find his pieces to be very versatile. While they will most likely start out in our living room, they could easily migrate to a bedroom, dining room or bathroom one day. Jason is next in Chicago on December 2nd which happens to be the day after my 27th birthday. I may have to buy myself a little birthday present this year!

Our living/dining room 1.5 months later

Here is our place a month and a half after moving in. Not bad, right? It is slowly but surly filling up. But, I'll take my time. It's my goal to only bring items into the place that we love - let's see how that goes!

The sofa is from Walter E. Smithe. I probably spent too much money on it. I had dreams of a blue velvet couch ever since I tore an ad out of Domino as inspiration - dream come true.

I picked up the Jill Rosenwald rug from CSN for just over $200 and have received tons of compliments on it.

The coffee table made the 2-block move from my last apartment. It was purchased off of Craigslist for $50. When we bought it, the base was painted to look like green marble; it was awful. Nate and I picked up some flat black paint to give it a wrought iron look.

The dresser is hiding CDs, wires, movies, Nate's Playstation and the modem. Another Craiglsist find that only set us back $60.

We clearly need to fill the walls. I'd love to have a gallery wall at some point.

Still loving our dining set. Hope to find some great fabric for the chairs soon.

That's it for now! It's a work-in-progress and hopefully I'll have some updates soon!

Fall Luxury

It's cool outside today and once again Fall is on my mind. In this week's Fashion vs. Furnishings feature, Alaina of Live Creating Yourself posted these amazing faux-fur throws from Pottery Barn and I instantly fell in love. I can picture myself curled up in front of the fireplace on a brisk night wrapped up in this throw.

Practical and glamourous - sign me up for one. Now if I could just pick which color ... I'm debating between the top two. Bring on the cool Fall nights!

In need of a good read.

For several years, I've wanted to start a book club. I love to read and lately have found it difficult to pick up a good book. Peer motivation, cocktails and yummy appetizers might be the remedy.

Just this Sunday, my sister told me that a large group of her girlfriends are going to start a book club on Wednesday nights. I was jealous. They've lived downtown for about a month and already have their act together! I've been invited by my sister to be a part of their club. But instead, I'm more determined to get a group of my own girlfriends together!

While the inaugural book for their club is Super Freakenomics, I think I'll begin with some good old chick lit. Baby steps (eventually, I'd like to add in something with more substance). Any suggestions? The last book I read was One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell and I think I'd be looking for something similar this go around!

What I Want for Fall: ... is Borrowed from Him

While most people don't want Summer to leave, I can't wait for Fall! The weather, the food, the colors, the leaves and the fashion! This year, my wardrobe is ready to evoke some boyish charm as I make sure to add a few menswear pieces to my closet!

Utility Shirts

1.

2.

Tuxedo Inspired

3.

4.

5.

Oxfords

6.

7.

Vests

8.

1. Anthropologie, Hasbrouck Button-Up, $88
2. Gap, Utility Top, $59.50
3. Loeffler Randall, Blazer, $198
4. Gap, Tuxedo Khaki Pants, $49.50
5. J. Crew, Thomas Mason Blue Tuxedo Shirt, $158
6. Steve Madden, Trouser, $70
7. Boutique 9, Ronnie, $69.99
8. Anthropologie, Carys Vest, $148

The tamale verdict is out!

Much to my anticipation, the tamales were a hit! My friends and I scarfed down 12 at Ravinia and they have now asked for my recipe. As you know, I began with Ingrid Hoffman's version of chicken tamales and began making changes.

To get started, you'll need:

• 14 large corn husks
• 5 finely chopped chipotles in adobo sauce
• 4 oz. can of diced green chiles
• 2 cups of bottled salsa verde
• 2 ears of fresh corn off of the cob
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 cup shredded mexican-blend cheese
• 2 cups instant corn maza

Directions:

• Soak the corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes
• While the husks are soaking:
• Combine the chipotles, green chiles, corn, peas, salsa, cheese and cilantro in a bowl
• Add the corn maza and stir until mixed evenly
• Remove 2 husks from the water and cut into thin strips for tying the tamales and put aside
• Unfold a husk, wide-end up and place approximately 2/3 cup of the mixture on the center of the top edge. Mold into a 4-by-2-inch rectangle.
• Fold in both sides of the husk. Then fold up the bottom end and tie with one of the strips. 
• After all 12 tamales are assembled, place in a steamer basket with the closed-end facing down. 
• Pour one inch of water in the bottom of a large pot, place the steamer basket in the pot and close tightly with a lid.
• Steam the tamales over medium-to-high heat for 45 minutes, adding more water as needed.
• Remove the tamales from the pot and allow them to cool and firm up.
• Serve with additional salsa verde.

This recipe is so easy and delicious. For one stop shopping, head to Whole Foods. If you don't own a steamer basket, I purchased this one from Sur La Table for just $8. Hope you enjoy!