Get It Together: Head In The Sand

1. Ostrich Pull Down Chart, 1stDibs $1,450  2. Raw Silk Pillow, ABC Home $48  3. Vintage Brass Armchairs, Jayson Home $1,595  4. Red Candle, H&M $4.95  5. Everett Sconce, Serena & Lily $395  6. Indochine Rug, Z Gallerie $300-$800

Design Musings

Lucky Fabb: Part 2

I've got a whole detail filled, Lucky Fabb-centric post on the docket for next week but in the meantime let me just say this: yesterday was amazing.  I can't wait to elaborate on what resonated with me and share a few killer brands and blogs I was introduced to...there's some real gems coming your way!  But for now, let's talk day 2 ensemble.  Whereas yesterday's outfit was dark and sleek, today's is light and dainty.  I'll tell you what both outfits had in common, though- they're so comfortable!  I'm really relieved I made that a priority.  The sweater is from H&M, the heels are Steve Madden and the fun ballerina skirt is actually homemade!  

Lucky Fabb: Part 1

I'm off to New York City this morning for day 1 of Lucky Magazine's annual blogger's conference, Lucky Fabb...let me just say I am psyched.  I had what I'm now calling a dress rehearsal yesterday and snapped a few pictures to show you the uber awesome Michael Kors jumpsuit I'm donning for the occasion.  I paired it with this Moroccan Stone necklace from J. Crew and my favorite pair of Aldo wedges (that they no longer produce...shucks).  It's a 2 day conference so maaaaybe, just maybe you'll find another style post up here tomorrow (you will).  You never know (you definitely know).  Looking forward to meeting and connecting with lots of great people today- wish me luck! 

The Foodie Files

We've talked about my Dad's Most Interesting Man In The World-esque hobbies on many occasions (bee keeping, brick oven baking, chicken raising, vineyard operating, wine making and the list goes on) but today's Foodie File incorporates one of his most recent interests: aquaponics.  In case that doesn't mean a thing to you (and really, why would it?), allow me to explain.  Aquaculture is the raising of aquatic animals in tanks, hydroponics is the growing of plants in water (without soil)....put those hands together and you get aquaponics.  We've enjoyed many delicious vegetable offerings since his aquaponic greenhouse was built last summer, but the tilapia he's raising only recently reached the point where they can be eaten.  So!  For the farm to table meal of all farm to table meals, he and my Mom recently prepared the dish below.  While I didn't get to taste it (ah, the perils of living halfway across the country from your parents), they really loved how the flavors came together (and it certainly sounds amazing).  Though chances are you won't be preparing this dish using tilapia you raised in your backyard, I went ahead and wrote the recipe out in a way that accommodates using whole fish.  The thought of cleaning, scaling and deboning a fish may seem scary, but it's kind of a fun challenge- don't you think?  And bonus: whole fish are even much less expensive.  Just an idea to consider...might make a good New Years Resolution.  One last note (just cause I'm so ridiculously proud of him)- everything in this recipe except for the black olives, olive oil, salt and pepper came from my Dad's greenhouse.  Is he amazing or what?

Ingredients:

4 tilapia, whole

1 bunch broccoli rabe

1/3 cup black olives

2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped

1 large shallot, diced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 lime

3 TBS extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Scale and clean tilapia thoroughly, remove the side fins and head, then make 2-3 small slashes in one side.  Salt and pepper tilapia inside and out.  Blanche broccoli rabe for 1-2 minutes, then mix with olives and half of your diced shallot.  

In a separate bowl, combine lime, olive oil, shallots, chopped peppers, parsley and wine.  Place Tilapia on top of broccoli rabe, then pour mix over the entire dish.  Cover with tin foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until flaky.  Debone as you eat (tips on how to do that here).

Mirror, Mirror

Getting ready for Lucky Fabb has me in a jumpsuit kind of mood.  I suppose I can't quite explain what a jumpsuit mood actually feels like, but if you've ever been in one you understand exactly what I'm talking about.  I love this jumpsuit look in particular because it's polished but tough and really, really sharp.  The lines are unusual but flattering and the tailored jacket and top balances out the width of the pants so perfectly...it's just a killer ensemble!

1. Leather Bag, Andrea Incontri $820  2. Pear Necklace, J. Crew $150  3. Bergamot Wax Bustier Jumpsuit, Stella Jean $570  4. Leather Biker Jacket, Balmain $6,705  5. Multi Bar Cuff Bracelet, ASOS $26.70  6. Showbiz Platforms, Charlotte Olympia $995

Get It Together: King of the Wild

1. Fox Archer, Etsy $25  2. Antique Crystal Sconce, Jayson Home $750  3. Chain of Alexander, Etsy $5.50  4. Rope Chair, Currey & Company  5. Velvet Cushion Cover, H&M $9.95  6. Antique Faux Bois Stool, Jayson Home $895

Design Musings

The Foodie Files

Sweet Nina just celebrated a birthday with a low key bonfire (per her request), so I wanted to bring a fun and festive treat to fit in with the evening's vibe.  Since hot chocolate is a fall fave, I went that route and made a batch of hot chocolate cookies.  And the verdict: awesome!  I stayed pretty true to a recipe I found here and was pleasantly surprised by how well the hot chocolate flavor comes through.  If you use the measurements below, be prepared to bake at least 3 dozen cookies...possibly more.  It's certainly not the worst problem you could have (seriously, they're so delicious) but heads up- it's a little too easy to eat several in one sitting.  You've been warned.  

Ingredients:
2 sticks room temperature butter
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/4 cups flour
4 packages hot chocolate mix (not sugar free)
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup white chocolate chips  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Whisk together flour, hot chocolate mix, salt and baking soda.  In another bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar and butter until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla to butter mix then slowly add in the dry ingredients.

Add the chocolate chips to the cookie dough.  Keep in mind, the texture is very thick so it's slightly challenging.  

Using a ice cream scooper, transfer dough to a greased cookie sheet. 

Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

Mirror, Mirror

If there's one thing this outfit screams, its luxe, luxe, luxe...which makes sense cause nearly all the pieces are expen-sive.  My favorite part is that each element is so interesting yet they don't compete with each other.  I'm just loving it!

1. Mauro Grifoni Knee Length Skirt, The Corner $295  2. Opal Earrings, Saks Fifth Avenue  3. Theresa Embellished Top, Tory Burch $595  4. Jenny Woven Leather Pumps, Charlotte Olympia $795  5. Lucite Clutch, LuLus $44  6. Skinny Metal Belt, Stella McCartney $645

Get It Together: Soft and Pretty

1. Edouard Manet White Lilacs Reproduction Oil Painting, Soho Art $255  2. Safavieh Easton Grey Club Chair, LampsPlus $699.91  3. Fatima Stool, Zara Home  4. Beaded Pillow, Zara Home $59.90  5. Wool Throw, Jayson Home $150

Design Musings

Working For The Weekend

I've been hunkered down in the Virginia cold for the last few days (though I'll probably be begging for weather in the 50's in a few months which is pretty depressing).  That being said, I sure am having a blast hanging out with Davey's family and getting ready for his brother's wedding this weekend.  Last weekend's Savannah wedding was more than lovely and Danielle, the bride, was stunning.  I mean...just...crazy beautiful.  I'll have to get my hands on a couple pictures to show you soon.  Have such a great weekend and enjoy the links!

Brown butter everything.  All the time.

Boy oh boy do I wish I thought of this!

A great little gift.

Making these!!

Lovely.

Adorable idea.

Boring?  Yes.  But also super helpful.

Some neat personalized stuff here.

The Foodie Files

I've got a simple recipe to share today, but I've turned to it a few times over the last few months.  When you want something easy that just about everyone is going to enjoy, pan fried chicken is a great go-to.  I typically end up serving it with mashed potatoes and some sort of greens and it's always well received!

Ingredients:

10 chicken breasts 

1 cup flour

1 cup breadcrumbs

3 eggs

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Crack eggs into a medium sized bowl and scramble with a fork.  Pour breadcrumbs and flour onto two separate plates.  Season chicken with salt and pepper then coat with flour.  Dip in egg wash, then cover in breadcrumbs.

Heat oil over a medium high flame for about 2 minutes, then add chicken.  Allow chicken to brown, then flip and cover with a lid.  Lower heat to medium low and cook for about 30 minutes.  

Mirror, Mirror

I'm not prone to rocking an all black ensemble, but this particular look came together in a sharp way.   I especially love how the volume and fun of the skirt is balanced so nicely with the tailored fit of the top.  While the outfit itself is monochromatic, there are quite a few different textures represented...the patent leather accessories, the sheen of the skirt and the resin earrings all add their own element of interest.  

1. Collared Shirt, Costa Blanca $52  2. Knee Length Skirt, Ter Et Bantine $598  3. Patent Leather Pump, Zara $99.90  4. Black Clip Earrings, Marni $350  5. Cassandre Patent Leather Clutch, Saint Laurent $995

Get It Together: Red Velvet Treat

1. Black Chevron Bolster, Jayson Home $595  2. Metal Box, Zara Home $59.90  3. 1950's Art Deco Globe, 1stDibs $5,256   4. Leather and Linen Pillow Cover, Zara Home $79.90  5. Mortez Pillow, Jayson Home $250  6. Plato Bottle, Z Gallerie $39.95  7. Dunbar Sofa, 1stDibs $10,000

Design Musings

The Foodie Files

We're talking flavors not technique today.  Fresh Figs, Blue Cheese and Honey.  Delicious.  That is all.

Brown turkey fresh figs
Gorgonzola dolce blue cheese, room temperature
A good honey

Top the figs and cut into quarters from the top down to, but not completely through, the base of the fig.

Cream or whip the blue cheese and fill a piping bag.  Pipe cheese into the center of each fig.  Drizzle honey over the figs and serve.   

Mirror, Mirror

If only every outfit was this comfortable, flattering and pretty!  I wish I was wearing it right this second.  This navy t-shirt is officially on my radar...the side gather is just too lovely.      

1. Knot Front Tee, Topshop $32  2. Frame Denim, Net-A-Porter $200  3. Skinny Belt, Place Des Tendances  4. Bronze Porselli Ballet Flats, En Soie $230  5. Fruit de Mer gold earrings, Bijoux Heart $620

Get It Together: Surrealist Style

1. Mad Hatter Gray Dining Chair, Lamps Plus $448.91  2. 18" Kilim Pillow, Leif Shop $98  3. Andrea Koeppel Ceramic Lamp, Dering Hall $3,000  4. Vintage Brass Table, Jayson Home $895  5. Vintage Moroccan Rug, Woven Accents