Stripes & Dots

Outfit Details: Earrings: Gift; Sweater: H&M; Scarf: The Limited; Bracelets: 
H&M; Watch: American Eagle; Jeans: Gap; Boots: Charlotte Russe 

The golden/camel color of the stripes in this sweater has become one of my favorite colors - I think it looks great with everything - so when I saw this sweater at H&M last fall, I fell in love instantly. Until yesterday, though, I hadn't worn it because I had a difficult time styling it. The scarf and sweater combination came together accidentally when I had clothes and accessories strewn across my bed, and I think they look pretty great together. I threw on black denim instead of blue because black and camel is another one of my favorite color combos. All in all, I like the way this outfit turned out, but if you have any other suggestions for how to style this sweater, I'd love to hear them!

Happy (Chinese) New Year!

On Sunday, B and I headed to Boston's Chinatown to watch the Chinese New Year Parade, which consisted of "lions" dancing from business to business, warding off evil spirits and eating oranges and lettuce (which apparently symbolize wealth and health). It was bright and fun and entertaining - the perfect way to spend our afternoon. My only regret is that we didn't venture into any of the restaurants for lunch!






Lettuce and firecracker debris littered the streets.




I'm not sure what an "exotic cocktail" is, but I think I want one!

Outfit Details: Sunnies: Steve Madden (Macy's); Scarf: Old Navy (gift from BFF); 
Sweater: Gap; Dress: United Colors of Benetton (Thrifted); Purse: Fossil (Macy's); 
Tights: Gap; Shoes: Target; Belt: Old Navy

Veggie Pilaf

I made this recipe for dinner last week. It was excellent, but, as the recipe is, there was barely enough for Ben and me to share. Next time, I think I'll throw some tofu in to make it more substantive.

Here's what you'll need:
1 cup rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup thawed frozen carrots
1/3 cup thawed frozen peas
1/3 cup thawed frozen corn
1/4 cup cashew nuts
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 garlic clove
salt

Here's what you'll do:
1. Prepare rice.
2. Heat oil in frying pan. Add onion and cook for five minutes, until softened and lightly brown.
3. Stir in the carrot and cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add rice, peas, corn, cashews, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes over medium heat.
5. Add two cups of water, cumin, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes over low heat, until the water is absorbed. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy! xo!

Springish

Outfit Details: Sunnies: Steve Madden; Scarf: Gap; Top: Lands' End Canvas; Belt: 
Express Men (Huband's); Pants: New York & Co.; Moccs: Old Navy (Thrifted)

The weather in Boston has been warm and sunny the past few days, so I couldn't resist letting a little bit of spring creep into my outfit as well. I'm sure we have months of snow and cold ahead of us, but for now I am loving the reprieve. I only wish I actually had time to spend outside enjoying the weather!

Sorry for the short post, but I'm off to work on a project before class. Have a lovely day!

Silky Smooth

Outfit Details: Sunnies: Ray-Ban (Husband's); Cardigan: J Crew; Blouse: 
Thrifted; Belt: Gap; Denim: LC Lauren Conrad (Kohl's); Boots: Old Navy

I recently thrifted this sweet leopard print blouse at Goodwill for a few dollars. I almost didn't buy it because it's kind of huge, but then I remembered: Everything looks good with a belt around it. Duh. So I did buy it, and I'm happy I did. Not only is it super cute, it's also 100% silk - easily one of the comfiest pieces of clothing I own. Worn this way, it was perfect for a day of class and homework, but I think I'll be able to dress it up too - maybe with a black skirt and some statement jewelry? Do you have any ideas of other ways to style a flowy, oversized shirt?

Also, check out an interview with me on Kevala's blog today. And if you haven't already, take a look at their amazing selection of dresses here. Enter "CHILLAIR" at checkout for free shipping on your order!

Wearing the Pants

Outfit Details: Sunnies: Jessica Simpson (TJ Maxx); Button-down:
Lands' End Canvas; Belt: Express Men (Husband's); Pants: Urban
Outfitters; Boots: Charlotte Russe; Pearls: Gift

I rarely shop retail, but when I received my exam grades a couple of weeks ago, I treated myself to some shopping. Lands' End Canvas was (and still is) having a crazy sale, so I bought this plaid button-down. In the interest of full disclosure, I actually bought several plaid button-downs, as well as a few other items. Don't judge me. For the first time in months, I also went to Urban Outfitters, where I found these pants way on sale. Guys, I'm obsessed! I've been looking for a pair of red pants for awhile now, and while these are a little less red and a little more pink than what I originally had in mind, I actually love them. They'll go with a lot of other items in my wardrobe, and I think the color will work year round. I hope you all like them too - I have a feeling you'll be seeing them often!

Back in the Game

Outfit Details: Sunnies: Steve Madden; Scarf: Old Navy; Top; Gap;
Cardigan: Gap; Belt: Forever 21; Shorts: Levi's; Tights: Forever 21;
Socks: Hue (Macy's); Boots: Forever 21

Maybe you didn't notice (it's okay if you didn't), but I was relatively absent  from the blogosphere last week. I didn't post on Friday, I was quiet on Twitter, and I wasn't very good about commenting on other people's blogs. Sigh. I'm a bad blog friend. I have good reasons, though: I had a big project due Friday, and I was sick all week. I spent the weekend recovering from my sinus infection, working on homework, and catching up with all things blog-related. I think I'm back in the game!

Also, after months of deliberation, I finally decided to get my bangs cut this weekend. What do you think?

Paisley & Property

Outfit Details: Sunnies: Jessica Simpson (TJ Maxx); Scarf: Thrifted; Cardigan: 
Gap; Dress: Old Navy; Belt: Thrifted; Tights: Hue (Macy's); Boots: Charlotte Russe

Last weekend was a three-day weekend, which was convenient because I had so much I needed to accomplish. I spent most of Monday afternoon at Refuge Cafe doing Property homework, putting the finishing touches on my internship materials, and - okay, you caught me - eating a delicious lunch.

For another long day of being productive I needed another outfit that was both comfy and cute. For me, an easy way to accomplish that look is to wear tights and a cotton dress and to throw on some cute accessories. This scarf is one of my favorites - I can't get over the colorful paisley pattern!


My new obsession: Rooibos latte. 

Caprese sandwich & eggplant fries, which were absolutely incredible.

Productivity

Outfit Details: Sunnies: Old Navy; Scarf: Jack Wills; Cardigan: Old Navy; Tunic: Thrifted; 
Tank: Gap; Belt: Thrifted; Tights: St. John's Bay (JC Penney); Boots: Charlotte Russe

Did you guys notice this is day two of pattern mixing for me? Quite an accomplishment for someone who was once terrified to try the trend. I think I've officially overcome my fear. Hooray!

Last Saturday I spent a long day in a cafe working on my resume, cover letter, and writing sample for an internship for which I'm applying. This is what I wore. I wanted to be comfy, of course, but I also wanted to wear something bright and fun that would put me in a good mood and motivate me to work. Am I the only one who is much more productive when wearing a cute outfit?

Gossip Girl

Outfit Details: Sunnies: Ray-Ban (Husband's); Scarf: INC (Macy's); Sweater:
Gap; Button-down: Gap; Watch: American Eagle; Vest: Old Navy; Denim:
LC Lauren Conrad (Kohls); Flats: Gap; Earrings: Charlotte Russe


I wore this outfit to class last week. During an hour break between classes, I went for a walk (okay, actually I only walked the short distance to H&M). A guy approached me and said, "Hey, gossip girl!" When I politely ignored him, he continued, "Don't I look like Chace Crawford?" He did not.

I'd like to think his initial comment was a compliment. Even if it wasn't, it put a little extra pep in my step for the rest of the day.

"I'll Be Back"

Outfit Details: Earrings: Charlotte Russe; Scarf: Gap (Husband's); Sweater:Vintage, 
Thrifted; Romper (worn under sweater): Charlotte Russe; Tights: Gap; Socks: Buffalo 
Exchange (new with tags); Boots: Charlotte Russe: Ring: Vintage (Gift from B)

This weekend, after a torturous month of waiting, my classmates and I received the grades for our first semester's law exams. I was very pleased (surprised, even) with my results, so B and I celebrated by visiting a new cafe/bar we'd been wanting to try, The Otherside. They have $5 drafts all month, as well as an impressive menu full of vegetarian and vegan options. I opted for the Original Sin Cider and, not surprisingly, nachos, which I enjoyed as The Terminator played on the big screen over the bar. They play a different movie every Sunday night - I think this could become a new weekend tradition.


My drink: Original Sin Cider.

$5 dollar drafts all month. Holler!

Nachos with vegetarian chili and guacamole.


The Terminator on the big screen.

Be Our Guest

Hi, loves. Today I'm thrilled to be guest posting on my friend Jess's blog, The In-Between. Visit her blog to see the rest of my outfit, hear some of my thoughts on thrifting, and get to know Jess!

Crock-Pot Eggplant "Parm"

This recipe is another favorite from the blog A Year of Slow Cooking. It actually uses feta rather than Parmesan cheese, but calling it "eggplant feta" just doesn't have the same ring to it. Besides, it tastes like eggplant parm anyway. Eggplant parm is one of my absolute favorite foods, and this recipe did not disappoint!

Here's what you'll need: 

1 eggplant

1 jar of pasta sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup bread crumbs

2 t Italian seasoning

1/2 brick of feta, crumbled

Here's what you'll do:

1. Wash eggplant and slice in 1/2 inch thick pieces. Don't peel

2. Pour 1 cup of the pasta sauce into the bottom of crock-pot

3. Combine bread crumbs and seasonings in a shallow dish

4. Paint both sides of each eggplant slice with olive oil and cover with bread crumb mixture

5. Stagger eggplant pieces in layers into the crock-pot, on top of the sauce you've already poured in

6. Cover with slices with the rest of the jar of sauce

7. Crumble the feta all over the top of the sauce

8. Cover crock-pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or high for 3-4

9. If you want, serve with past. I actually ate mine without pasta because I love eggplant so much, and, for me, the pasta is just unnecessary.