Basic principles... there are none

Fun fact: My favorite movie is Hitch. Yes, that fantastic (Oscar-snubbed) film with Will Smith, Kevin James and the gorgeous Eva Mendes. Why am I telling you this? Because you should go watch it. No, kidding (kind of), I want to talk about Eva's new line from NY & Company. It's gorgeous, feminine and perfect for work to play. Here are some of my favorites from the collection.

NY & Co, Gia Lace Bodice Sheath, $75

This beautiful high waisted dress is easy to wear to work with a blazer of add on the bling for a cocktail party.

NY & Co, Vintage Rose Bow Blouse, $42

A soft print that is ladylike and fitted. Oh and most importantly, machine washable.

NY & Co, Serena Textured Coin Bracelet, $24

Wear this with a dress or a suit, it's a statement piece but it doesn't need the main stage to get noticed.

NY & Co, Anna Banded Collar Top, $46

What I like about this top is that you can tuck it, belt it, or let it flow. It fits any style.

Eva did a great job making a woman feel beautiful without skin tight or uncomfortable fabrics. 

Be fabulous today!

You Don't D'Orsay?

The D'Orsay flat has been all the rage lately, and why not? They're chic, comfortable and affordable. But what's in a name? D’Orsay shoes, in which the side or "vamp" of the shoe is cut very close to the sole, were named after Count Alfred d’Orsay; a 19th Century "dandy", artist and friend of Lord Byron. The shoes were worn by men at the time, and the cut-out sides were introduced to accommodate wider feet. [source] 

I'm going to skip the D'Orsay flat discussion, because, let's be honest, it's been done. Let's look at where we originally saw the style: the D'Orsay pump.

Forever 21, City Chic D'Orsay Pumps, $36

Well hello vamp! That is one gorgeous, affordable shoe.

Urban Outfitters, Cooperative D'Orsay Canvas Heel, $49

How hippy-adorbs are these? Paired with a cord mini and some tights. These also come in black, red, and gray.

Zappos, Kamalikulture Zelda, $69

Black and blue are a hot combo this fall and winter. These beauties will look great with some black skinny jeans.

Macy's, Jessica Simpson Seville Pumps, $55

A little vintage looking, no? A little Gatsby. You get it J. Simp.

The D'Orsay style is more than 200 years old and I for one love a little history with my fashion. Try a D'Orsay pump or flat this season!

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday everyone! And a very special Happy Birthday weekend to my Oma who turns 90! Today's Friday Foodday is all of Oma's favorite things.

The Cosmopolitan (Oma's favorite cocktail)
c/o Esquire

Ingredients

2 ounces vodka

1 ounce Cointreau

1 ounce cranberry juice

1 ounce Rose's lime juice

Directions

Shake ingredients well with cracked ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

Weiner Schnitzel (Oma's specialty)

c/o The Food Network

Ingredients

4 veal cutlets (about 4 ounces each), pounded very thin, scallopini style
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons water
2 cups plain, dry bread crumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

Pat the veal cutlets dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper. Set up a standard breading procedure in 3 shallow bowls or pie plates. 

Put flour in 1, eggs and water in another, and bread crumbs in the last. Beat the eggs and water together. Dredge each of the veal cutlets first in flour, then egg wash and then the bread crumbs. Transfer the coated cutlets to a platter.

Heat a large straight sided skillet, filled half way up with vegetable oil, over medium-high heat. Carefully, transfer the coated cutlets into the hot oil to fry. Since they are so thin, the veal will cook very quickly, about 2 minutes per side. Drain the cutlets on a paper towel lined plate.

Schwarzwälderkirschtorte (Oma's best specialty)
c/o Just a Pinch

Ingredients
Cake
1 2/3 cups of flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp slat
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2/3 cup kirsch

Filling
2 sticks butter
3 1/3 cups powdered sugar
pinch of salt
1 tsp coffee, cooled
14 oz dark sweet pitted cherries in heavy syrup, drained

Frosting
2 large marshmallows melted
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbs kirsch

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottoms of the two 8 inch round pans with parchment paper. Stift together flour, cocoa, baking soda and one tsp of salt. Set aside. Cream shortening and sugar until tight and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Beat into flour mixture, alternating with one cup buttermilk until combined. Pour into prepared pans. 

Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Cool completely and remove paper from cakes.

Using a thin string wrap the string around one of the cakes at the halfway mark, horizontally. Tie the string once and pull slowly, cutting through the cake forming two layers. Repeat on other cake. Sprinkle cut side of each layer with kirsch.

In a medium bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar, salt, and coffee, beat adding a little buttermilk as needed for consistency. Place first layer of cake on plate, spread with 1/3 of filling. Top with 1/3 of cherries. Repeat with remaining layers.

In a separate bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks. Beat in 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tbs of cocoa and 1 tbs kirsch.

Frost top and sides of cake.

Bobbing for Baubles

We haven't done a nail polish post in a while and this one seems fall fitting. Navy. This Essie Bobbing for Baubles polish is going to be fabulous for fall.

Urban Outfitters, Coincidence and Chance Bow Blouse, $59

A fabulous bow neckline makes this long sleeve top your throw on and go shirt.

Madewell, FairEnds Flannel Baseball Hat, $48

If you would have told me baseball hats would be all the rage this fall, I would have laughed at you. Well, joke's on me. This flannel version is one of my favorites.

Asos, Midi Dress with Short Sleeves, $42

This very Mad Men dress is perfect for accessorizing. It's pretty much a blank canvas to add a belt, necklace, earring, jacket, and more.

J Crew Factory, Pencil Skirt in Polka Dot, $79

Oh J Crew you've done it again. Navy, dots, pencil perfection.

Navy is and always will be a staple, and this Essie polish is a great way to accessorize your nails. 

Be fabulous today!