My Fall 2015 Wishlist

It would be foolish to assume that there aren't things I want as the fall weather starts to come around. The cape trend has been floating around for a few years now, and I think I might finally be brave enough to go for it. This one from H&M is so chic looking, not to mention the right price. I think I'm going to go for a minimalist tortoiseshell-inspired look this fall and gold accents black and brown really well. I think both the Topshop Filigree Two-Row Necklace and Topshop Geo Drop Pendant Necklace from Topshop's Nordstrom collection would look really classy over a sweater, or just a slouchy tee. Not to mention they would look great with those tortoiseshell earrings, which are from Topshop stores.

Frankly, I'm just really in need of an umbrella and I like the idea of being able to see where I'm going when Chicago brings freezing rain back into my life. This Totes Bubble Umbrella from Target comes with several different color trim, so if you want to spice it up, you could go for a pop of color. Finally, these Annie Side Zip Ankle Booties are also from Target, and I love them. My best friend brought them to my attention, and I've been actively resisting purchase ever since.

What makes your list for this fall? Let me know in the comments, and feel free to check me out on Polyvore if the spirit moves you!

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What's in My Bag #1

I recently got a new everyday bag and I figured I'd show you guys what I always tote around with me! Frankly, doing this has made me realize that I'm really boring. The bag itself is from a boutique on Southport called M2. It's actually reversible, which is pretty cool because it will match the wide variety of gym clothes I wear on a daily basis :/ My adorable green wallet is from Target, I just keep all the usual sort of things in it. All the way to the right is my Kindle, my beloved Kindle, which entertains me on every form of public transit without having to use my data (bless you, Kindle, bless you).

I have Pepcid because heartburn is no joke #realtalk and I do not have time for that nonsense. My floral-patterned sunglasses are from Francesca's Collection and cost me $14 before tax, which is a good thing because every pair of sunglasses I've ever owned have been left behind on a train. This is why I can't have nice things.

Since I nanny and, thus, spend a great deal of time outdoors in the heat, I don't bother with much makeup in the warm weather. It's a bit of a bummer, considering I'm such a beauty junkie, but it beats sweating it all off as soon as I step outside, that's just a waste of money. The exceptions are Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer in 102 Light Beige and NARS Lip Gloss in Chelsea Girls. That concealer is the closest dupe for Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque that I've found at the drugstore. Although it's not quite as good, I keep it around because it costs around $5 instead of $25. That lip gloss is not cheap, but I don't care, it is everything I've ever wanted in a nude lip gloss. The hype is legit on that one.

And, of course, I gotta have a Blistex for those windy Chicago days.

Lilly Pulitzer for Target

Hey! Did you all enjoy the holidays? I did, but unfortunately got dreadfully sick right after Christmas. Bummer, right? Good thing I was still visiting my parents then, they took real good care of me, and I'm better now.

At any rate, while the weather here in Chicago continues to make me question all my life choices, I found out something very exciting: Lilly Pulitzer is coming to Target stores in the US and Canada and Target.com on April 19th with a 250-piece limited edition collection.

To say I'm excited would be a massive understatement.

Apparently the collection will include 15 exclusive prints featured on items in women and girls apparel, shoes, accessories, home, and entertaining. I know exactly what my summer is going to look like. I'm also hopeful, as someone in the plus size range, that Lilly will stick to Target's more generous sizing range so I can get some good summer dresses. The images from the press event look positively tantalizing and filled with the exuberant colors and patterns the world expects from Lilly Pulitzer, so I'd be extremely disappointed if a small size range limited my purchasing choices to accesories and decor. I remain hopeful.

Anyone else as thrilled as I am?

Picture and info via A Bullseye View.

Welcome to the Summer

It's Time to Wear White by strandedinchi featuring saks fifth avenue jewelry

Hallelujah, the unofficial start to summer has arrived! With Memorial Day comes the annual lifting of the fashion ban on wearing white (although some have always played a little fast and loose with that rule).  I say go bold with a multi-level maxi, as long as you don't forget to check your seat before you wreck yourself.  In honor of the warmer months, go for bright colors that jump out against the white, really drawing attention to the contrast.

Accessories-wise, you could go classic with studs and a bangle, or shake things up with some funkier pieces, like this adorable little camera necklace from Urban Outfitters.  You can click through to my Polyvore to check out the links for all these goodies.  I know I can't wait for the weather to really commit so I can break out a look like this.

What's your favorite way to wear white during the summer?

All Maxed Out: Prabal Gurung for Target

Easy Spring Weekend by strandedinchi featuring thong sandals

Happy Tax Day my U.S. friends!  HAHAHA. Just. Kidding.

I love this racerback tank from the Prabal Gurung for Target collection.  I actually got it in the melon-y color, but proceeded to spill red wine on it the first time I wore it -- I know, sad life.  I think a floaty skirt is a great way to pull off the relaxed look, so I cobbled together some bits and pieces that I think would look just dandy. 

Can't say I have any confidence in wearing a fedora, but that seems to be the look these day, so why don't you all give it a try?  Now that they've marked down the tanks, heck, I might even grab myself one in this color.

What's your idea of a relaxing weekend outfit?

Recipe: Spring Vegetable Risotto with Poached Eggs

Shoes: Old Navy

Skirt as dress: Target online

Belt: Target

Jacket: J. Crew

Bag: Coach 

I had a simply lovely weekend, filled with reasonable weather and delicious food.  I finally had the sense to purchase one of those grocery carts and it made my trip to Trader Joe's about 100x more enjoyable.  And I love Trader Joe's at all times, so just imagine how good it was.  Plus, they had lovely sunflowers!  They now grace my desk with their undeniably cheerful attitude.

I also made a Spring Vegetable Risotto with Poached Eggs on Saturday night as I enjoyed some NCAA basketball, and I thought I would share the recipe.


Spring Vegetable Risotto with Poached Eggs
Adapted from Bon Appétit
Serves 6

 Ingredients
1 1/2 cups thawed frozen peas
Table salt
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
6 large eggs
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/4 fresh mushrooms, quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large leek, whites and pale greens only, chopped
5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cups arborio rice
1 cup dry white wine
1/4 lb. baby spinach
2 tablespoons light sour cream
1 1/2 cups finely grated Parmesan
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, plus more for serving
Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Bring salted water to a light simmer in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add vinegar. Crack 1 egg into a small bowl, then slide into simmering water. Repeat with 2 more eggs. Cook until whites are cooked but yolks are runny, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water. Repeat with remaining 3 eggs.  (If you are like me, this step will probably go medium at best, but don't worry, the eggs taste just as good.)

Bring broth to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and keep warm.  Make sure you do this on an easily accessible burner, as you will be going back and forth between this and the risotto pot the whole time.

In the mean time, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan.  Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer mushrooms to a separate bowl.

Add oil and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to saucepan and heat over medium heat.  Then, add garlic and leeks, stirring frequently, cook until leeks are softened, about 4 minutes.  Add rice and stir, making sure it is coated, for about 2 minutes.  Add wine and cook until fully absorbed, stirring occasionally.

Add 1 cup of broth, stirring often, until broth is mostly absorbed.  Repeat until you are about 3/4 of the way through the broth.  At this point, I like to start checking the rice for texture.  It should be creamy, but with a little body left to it.  Al dente, if you will.  All told, the rice should be done about 20 minutes after the first addition of liquid.

Add spinach, sour cream, 1/4 cup chives, parmesan, peas, and mushrooms to the risotto.  Stir to combine and cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Divide risotto among bowls, top with the eggs (which you can reheat if you want, but like, whatever), and sprinkle with chives, a little more cheese, and some pepper.

EAT.

Essie Resort Collection 2013: In the Cab-ana

Next up in the Essie Resort Collection 2013:

In the Cab-ana is what I selected for my second go. I am in love with this blue. It's a tropical sky blue that applies opaque easily. Another potential one-coater for sure. I think this is going to be making the rounds quite a bit, and I can't wait to try some nail art with it, maybe rocking an 80s vibe as we head into summer. If you hadn't noticed, 80s redux is still in this year (I'm looking at you, Prabal Gurung for Target), and I seriously dig it.

With two more colors to go in this collection, not to mention my April Julep Maven colors, I don't think I can call it on the manicure front. Have any of you hit on your ultimate spring/summer mani yet?

March Cravings

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Some little somethings that I've had my eye on this month (or longer).  Believe it or not, a simple makeup palette has spurred my interest in seeing a movie, Oz the Great and Powerful.  And I would happily attend the movie in everything pictured above.  I had the pleasure of giving the mascara a try a while back, and I quite liked it, in spite of the plasticky brush.  The others are just wonderful cheery things that I would like to be mine.

What have you got your eye on this month?  Always looking to add to the list, you know...