well ladies, october 2020 is pretty much in the books. tomorrow we celebrate halloween and then it’s the fast track to the holidays. speaking of  the holidays, in case you missed it, yesterday we launched our holiday gift guides with a helpful tutorial on how to shop right from the guides. it’s super simple and you can think of style at a certain as your one-stop gift shopping guide. we are keeping things light today with a smoked salmon appetizer and a champagne cocktail. my outfit today is a perfect casual outfit, which happens to be in my favorite fall color palette: black and tan.

outfit of the day: black and tan

it’s no secret that i love pairing black and browns. black denim from Everlane anchors this outfit while my printed top (similar) pulls the color palette together. as a second layer i have this safari style jacket from Talbots that has seen a lot of action so far this fall. it’s light-weight and is a perfect fall neutral. 

to fully integrate the color palette, i have brown suede booties. i could certainly go with black ballet flats or an ashen brown smoking slipper, but i love how the darker brown color of these booties (similar) really brings a deeper level of brown to the outfit. 

black denim | similar black denim | similar printed top | similar top 2 | similar brown suede booties | similar bootie 2 | safari jacket  

smoked salmon and boursin on radicchio

this is so simple! it would be a great brunch appetizer and it makes a great snack or light lunch. the delicious flavor of smoked salmon and herbed soft cheese without the bagel! i have seasoned hot smoked salmon from Trader Joe’s. as you can see, it is different from lox. but lox would be good too. 

the cool bitter radicchio is a perfect compliment to the saltiness of the salmon and the creamy herbaceous flavor of the boursin. 

plum bellini

black denim | similar black denim | similar printed top | similar top 2 | similar brown suede booties | similar bootie 2 | safari jacket  

fridays with oscar

oscar is all smiles today! it might be because our holiday gift guide for pets is included below. check it out! and don’t forget you can access all our gift guides on the blog via the holiday shop tab in the menu bar. this closes another fridays with oscar. from oscar, ollie and all of us here at style at a certain age: we wish you all a happy and safe halloween!

pet gift guide

hi gang! this week’s fridays with oscar has us nearing the end of october. my neighborhood is looking the part too. some neighbors have elaborate halloween scenes set up in their yards, complete with skeletons, spider webs and jack-o-lanterns. others have harvest-themed porch decor with fantasy pumpkins, leafy wreaths and pots of mums. all of this festive decor and the crisp evening air make oscar’s after dinner walks just that much more enjoyable! so sit back and enjoy a cocktail and appetizer with us, all together now!

casual fall outfit of the day

it’s easy to put together a casual outfit when the base is a pair of comfortable boyfriend jeans (similar here, here). add a touch of sophistication with a light and airy printed button up top, like this one from Ann Taylor. and then bring it back to casual with a warm and soft cardigan. this sweater is several years old (similar here, here). 

similar sweater 1 | similar sweater 2 | printed top | similar jeans 1 | similar jeans 2 | similar driving moccasins | similar belt  these driving moccasins are old, but there are always similar options (here, here, here). i like the soft leather typical of driving moccasins. they are so comfortable, like wearing slippers! 

similar sweater 1 | similar sweater 2 | printed top | similar jeans 1 | similar jeans 2 | similar driving moccasins | similar belt  

fresh figs with gorgonzola and prosciutto

today’s appetizer is super easy to whip up at a moment’s notice. it’s a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors. it’s gluten free and overall not an unhealthy indulgence. 

all wrapped up and ready for the oven. meanwhile, oscar and pax are hoping for a piece of prosciutto to hit the floor.

similar rectangular trays | tidbit plates | coupe glasses | similar plaid napkins 

hot out of the oven, i topped these delicious bites with toasted chopped walnuts. they added a perfect amount of crunch and flavor to cut through the soft and sweet fig. 

the Mott & Mulberry

this cocktail is a wonderful fall drink, thanks to the apple cider and the slightly bitter Amaro, it’s just the ticket for a crisp fall cocktail. and don’t skimp on the garnish! Gala apples are particularly good in Athens this season. the fanned apple slices are a pretty topper for a delicate fall drink. 

doesn’t that just look so tempting! a perfect fall cocktail. 

 

all together now! fridays with oscar and ollie

it’s days and weeks like this in athens that we make full use of the three-season porch. the air is fresh and crisp. the sun is warm and keeps the chill in the air at bay.  

many of you have been asking after ollie. she is always with us on fridays with oscar. but she often prefers to remain behind the scenes, batting around my fall decor or otherwise being mischievous while our concentrations are elsewhere. 

this week though, her curiosity and interest in watching oscar and pax play in the yard brought her front and center. and junior style was right there with his camera to catch her. 

well ladies, another week in the books. in case you missed monday’s post, the Talbots friends and family sale is in full swing until october 25, so be sure to head over there to take advantage of great sale prices. as always stay tuned to the blog for all our upcoming posts. we are heading into the holiday season; beginning next week, we will kick off the season with our annual gift guides. think of style at a certain age as your one stop shopping guide for the holidays! oscar, ollie and i wish all of you a wonderful weekend!

 

’tis the season for fall decor. whether it’s outdoor or indoor decoration, tablescapes or serveware, pumpkins are featured prominently in fall decor. it’s easy to associate the autumn season with pumpkins. from carving jack-o-lanterns to pumpkin spice-everything, this fruit is synonymous with fall. in fact, in the US we celebrate national pumpkin day on october 26. today, we are taking a look at how we decorate with pumpkins at the djalai households. i have some fun tablescapes and kelly will show you how she has decorated with pumpkins at her house. so get a hot cup of pumpkin spice coffee and enjoy our look at decorating with pumpkins for fall. 

Irish sweater | similar sweater 1 | similar sweater 2 |  Wit & Wisdom jeans | similar black loafers | Adirondack door basket

i like to decorate my front porch with a variety of fantasy pumpkins, colorful mums and an Adirondack door basket. fantasy pumpkins are multi-colored, oddly shaped pumpkins. they add fun visual difference.

pumpkin themed tablescapes and serveware

pumpkin tureen 

a pumpkin tureen is a festive way to serve soups and stews this time of year. it is functional and looks gorgeous as a centerpiece. this tureen would be a wonderful way to serve stuffing on thanksgiving! 

black pillar candlesticks (similar candlesticks) in a variety of heights add a little drama and a nice contrast to the oranges and ochres of autumn. i have topped the candlesticks with mini pumpkins instead of candles. mercury glass pumpkins (similar glass pumpkins) add some shine and a little glam to this tablescape. 

muted harvest pumpkin napkins continue the theme. i love these pumpkin cocottes! i served chili in these cute little pumpkins last year, see the original post for the slow cooker chili recipe. brown rattan placemats and napkin rings are a great neutral canvas, and they add a nice texture. don’t forget the gold flatware! their shine and brushed golden color are perfect for a holiday place setting. 

you can create a modern look by folding a napkin and placing it on the plate with a mini pumpkin, as i have done here. add some fresh rosemary or other herb sprigs for a natural touch. 

this adorable salt and pepper shaker set is no longer available, but there are a few other options: salt and pepper 1 | salt and pepper  2 | salt and pepper 3

 

a rustic, yet elegant tablescape

for my second tablescape, i have my grandmother’s botanical china. for a similar botanical look try these options: Botanical Harvest Turkey Stoneware | Harvest Pumpkin Stoneware | Harvest Bird Stoneware

you don’t have to break the bank by purchasing a whole new dinnerware set. how about a salad plate placed on a plain white plate? try these salad plate options: here, and here. 

a large rustic vase with tall sunflowers gives this tablescape height and a natural elegance. rustic green chargers add a nice color contrast to the yellow sunflowers and the orange pumpkins. these chargers are several years old, but if you like to mix in rustic elements as i have, try these rustic chargers, or these. 

gold metallic napkins add a subtle glam to the overall table setting. dot your table with mercury glass votives for a soft romantic glow. 

mercury glass votives 1 | mercury glass votives 2 | mercury glass votives 3  

over at the other djalali house…

hi everyone, kelly here. alex and i have leaned more toward halloween with our fall decor. but, we have a few key pieces that will work well when halloween is over. 

i have gone for a mix of real pumpkins and faux jack-o-lanterns for our front entry. the fantasy pumpkins add some rustic whimsy with their muted colors and natural shapes. 

the faux pumpkins are etched with LED lit flames. the flickering flame light gives a subtle spooky glow. here is a great option for cute LED jack-o-lanterns. once halloween is over we will replace the spooky wreath with a lovely faux autumn foliage wreath. 

inside, we have gone for faux pumpkins and fall foliage garland. the black metal jack-o-lanterns add a nice ambiance. 

deck the halls

i hope you have enjoyed our tips for decorating with pumpkins for fall. we may have our fall decor front and center, but that doesn’t mean we we don’t have an eye to christmas and holiday decorating. we have curated a list of holiday decor below. you can shop directly by clicking the product image. and you can click the heart accompanying each image to get a sale alert for that item. happy decorating!

hooray for friday! oh wait…it’s thursday. this is a special thursday edition of fridays with oscar. this week we are mixing things up a bit with an early delivery of everyone’s favorite german shepherd, oscar. not to mention, a recipe, a cocktail and a great casual outfit. fall in athens has been beautiful so far with nice mild temps. oscar and pax had a great time chasing and playing today. i know they must appreciate the cooler days. we have a fun and easy appetizer. along with a classic cocktail that is definitely worth revisiting. it’s a fine fall day on this special thursday edition of fridays with oscar!

outfit of the day

today’s outfit is easy and comfortable. this mockneck sweater from Talbots is a cotton blend and has a slight waffle pattern. i love the button detail at the shoulder.  the dark olive color is so perfect for fall. 

these jeans are by Wit & Wisdom. they are a raw hem version of my favorite Ab-solution jeans (last seen here). they are so comfortable and i like how the rinse is right between light and dark. 

mockneck sweater | similar shoes | similar shoes | jeans

these suede flats are old (similar here), but i could see styling this outfit with a leopard print flat. how about a croc or snake embossed smoking slipper? really, the sky’s the limit because with a neutral sweater and jeans, you can have some fun with your footwear. 

mockneck sweater | similar shoes | similar shoes | jeans

sun-dried tomato and goat cheese empanadas

this dish is fun to make! they are baked rather than fried and you can make your own pastry crust, or go for the store bought. i opted for store bought, and that made it all the easier. the filling is tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes and rich thanks to the caramelized onions and goat cheese. 

once you’ve placed a tablespoon of filling, wet the bottom edge with a little water. then gently fold one side over and press the dough to close.

use a fork to make indentations and close up the empanada. 

classic whiskey sour

the classic whiskey sour calls for a little egg white to create the light foam on top. but this is optional. the egg white does nothing to the flavor, but i do recommend shaking a lot to get the froth right.

coupe glasses | similar serving tray | tidbit plates | similar table runner

with our cocktail made and our empanadas out of the oven, we are ready to enjoy our evening!

fridays with oscar (on a thursday!)

these two had so much fun playing chase with the ball, i want to share their adventure with you.

i was finally able to lure oscar in for his close up with the smell of fresh empanadas.

coupe glasses | similar serving tray | tidbit plates | similar table runner

mockneck sweater | similar shoes | similar shoes | jeans

we are full steam ahead on holiday content, so be sure to stay tuned to the blog all season long! coming up we will have home decorating for the holidays, new holiday recipes, fashion and gift guides. so you don’t want to miss it! oscar, ollie, and i wish all of you a wonderful rest of the week! cheers to a fine fall day!

it’s no secret that fall is my favorite time of year for fashion. for today’s trip through the archives, i am highlighting cashmere. cashmere is perfect for fall and winter. it’s works well for layering and it’s just so soft and comfortable, like a warm hug. so, sit back and take a look at how i have styled cashmere through the last year. as always, the links you’ll find in this post have been updated with items available now. ’tis the season for cashmere!

cashmere from head to toe

the leaves are turning, the weather is getting colder, and we’re headed straight into Thanksgiving.  the transition is upon us from fall to winter, and this week i’m bringing you my first real series of warmer outfits.  today:  cashmere from head-to-toe.  after all, what is more luxurious than cashmere? 

[read the original post…]

 

staying warm with cashmere, wool and a pair of patrick boots

it’s finally cold here in Athens. i know,  i know “cold” is a relative notion, but we’ve hit the freezing mark the past few days, and i’m trying to stay warm.  my oldest has it particularly bad:  he’s been in California the past 10 years, and well, he can’t handle anything below 50 degrees. sad, huh? not to worry:  we’ll toughen him up.  is it chilly where you are?  colder than here? then this post is for you.

[read the original post…]

similar coat 1 | similar coat 2 | similar coat 3 | similar boot 1 | similar boot 2 

 

how to stay organized | a look at my fridge

all week, we’ve been continuing on with our series a day in the life.  on Monday, i gave you a glimpse of my porch refresh; and yesterday, i showed you my living room.  we’re sticking with that theme today, but deviating slightly.  earlier this year, we launched the series how to stay organized, where i gave you a few tips on how to keep your kitchen tame and under control.  today, i’m going to offer a few words of advice on how i keep my fridge clean.  i know.  no one likes to clean their fridge.  but when it’s done, it’s done.  and boy does it feel good. i always look to The Container Store to keep my organization up to date. and they offer some amazing refrigerator bins that keep the clutter tamed even inside my fridge.

[read the original post…]

similar cashmere hoodie | cashmere jogger

’tis the season for cashmere

while cashmere always feels luxurious, it can dress up or down with ease. like with a cashmere hoodie. and contrary to what you may be thinking, cashmere can be more affordable than ever. Everlane has beautiful affordable cashmere, for example. with proper care (yes, you can hand wash your cashmere at home!) cashmere will last through the years and it will always be a timeless classic. 

happy friday, gang! i am closing this week with one of my favorite fall color combinations: white and tan, with a little animal print thrown in for fun. for our appetizer this week, who doesn’t love french onion soup in the fall? well, we have french onion stuffed mushrooms on the menu today. and our cocktail this week is my favorite aperol cocktail. 

it’s a white denim kind of day

crisp white denim is perfect for fall. the pop of brightness from white is so refreshing on these cooler, shorter days. for a monochromatic look, i have a plain white tee. pairing white with camel or brown is a classic combination. you have the bright white and it’s softened by my camel cardigan (similar).  

accessories go a long way with this outfit. animal print is probably my favorite way to add a pattern to any outfit. i have my animal print belt and to prep things up, i have an animal print tassel driving moccasin. my bright gold chunky chain link necklace (similar) and bracelet (similar) set glams it up.   

white denim | plain white tee | similar cardigan | animal print tassel driving moccasin | animal print belt

french onion stuffed mushrooms

these little mushrooms are quite addictive – they are perfect for snacking on while watching football this weekend. i could see modifying this recipe to stuff portobellos and making it a main dish. it’s that good! 

to get your onions to the proper caramelized state, you have to cook them low and slow for about 40+ minutes. it takes a while but you really taste the difference.

my favorite aperol cocktail

all summer this cocktail was on happy hour repeat for me. i really enjoy the light bittersweet flavor of this drink. it’s very refreshing. 

similar chunky chain link necklace | similar matching bracelet 

fridays with oscar

oscar and i are coordinating today, with his brown fur and white bandanna. as usual,  pax is here too! the two of them had a fun game of chase in the backyard.

white denim | plain white tee | similar cardigan | animal print tassel driving moccasin | animal print belt

well gang, this wraps another week and another fridays with oscar. stay tuned to the blog as we start to get ready for the holidays in the coming weeks. i imagine a lot of us will be doing a lot more online shopping this year, and i have a great guide for beauty and skincare shopping online at Nordstrom. check it out, if you haven’t already! oscar, ollie and i wish all of you a wonderful weekend! 

can you believe it’s october first?! break out the halloween decor, because it’s time to get ready for the holidays! today is also thursday, and you know that means a romp through the archives. today’s retrospective is all about the main components of a preppy wardrobe. i have collected three posts from recent years that all revolve around my go-to preppy aesthetic – it’s my preppy style uniform. these preppy basics are always in fashion, and so my favorite brands always have new versions each season. while the exact items from the past posts may no longer be available, i have collected current offerings just perfect for this fall. 

 

dot your “t”s and cross your “i”s | polka dotted preppy fun

today’s outfit is great for mild-to-cool weather travel. i have a classic white button-up and a polka dot sweater that can each be worn alone, to create two other outfits on my trip – so, three outfit options with these two items. the blazer can go multiple ways as well: it can go over a dress for an evening out, it can even go as a second layer under a puffer or overcoat if it’s really cold.

[read the original post…]

spotlight on the blazer

blazers are probably at the top of the preppy style list. especially when it’s wool, twill or tweed with a plaid, houndstooth or herringbone pattern. but it doesn’t end there. the shape of a blazer, in general, fits with the preppy aesthetic. remember, we’re talking about a style that evolved from the prep school uniforms of the northeastern US. so, blazers and loafers were/are central to the look. 

stylish self-expression as we age

who are you?  probably one of the most basic questions; and probably one of the most debated ones throughout history.  i’m not a philosopher, so i don’t and won’t have any deep answers here.  but today i’m thinking about the idea of self-expression through style.  as a reader recently pointed out, when a life event like a death happens, you’re gonna reflect on who you are in some form or another—like it or not.  and this week since i’ve talked about career and trailblazing women through the lens of fashion, i thought i’d turn it inward:  how do we express ourselves through fashion, especially as we age?   

[read the original post…]

spotlight on oxfords and loafers

oxfords and loafers are foundational to preppy style. i particularly like a penny loafer. J.Crew, Madewell and Everlane all have loafer and oxford styles that i love. 

monday blues

imagine my delight when i came across this faux wrap skirt that’s a little bit preppy and a whole lot of cute. and the asymmetrical hem? it’s fresh and modern and gives this skirt the zing it needs. there are so many ways to style this little number but the temps are mild enough today to get by with a shirt and sweater. guess what? i may not have blue pointy toe flats like i used to but i do own these adorable kate spade velvet ballet flats that’ll give me that preppy vibe i’m so fond of. but i did want to draw attention to this adorable shirt by madewell. it’s called an ‘ex-boyfriend’ shirt so it’s oversized. take a peek at the back panel. the stripes are different than the front. the yoke is horizontal and the back has a thinner strip than the front. genius!

[read the original post…]

spotlight on a-line, pencil and pleated skirts

the clean lines of an a-line, pleated or pencil skirt is another cornerstone of preppy style. whether the skirt is corduroy, wool,  denim, cotton or leather; it’s the shape of the a-line, or pencil, and the sharpness of the pleats that make these classic preppy staples. while this blue corduroy a-line skirt is a few years old, Talbots has a lovely burgundy one this season. 

 

today’s post is but a few examples of my preppy style uniform. if you scroll through the archives you will see just how much mileage i get out of this classic style. its elements are always in style, no matter the season, so it makes putting together an outfit a snap. what is your style uniform? what’s your favorite preppy style item? let me know in the comments below, have a great thursday!

we began this week by sharing a women’s guide to blazers, and we’re continuing on with that theme today.  that’s right.  we’re keeping with classic style for fall, and today’s OOTD is all about the mighty blazer.   

keeping with classic style for fall

it’s full fall mode here in Athens, and i’m reaching for denim, denim, and more denim.  i’m loving these stovepipe jeans paired with this chambray shirt.  contrary to popular belief, it’s totally possible to pull off an all-denim outfit.  the trick is to break up the monochrome with either a color pop or print.  both can come from layering a blazer or from carefully chosen accessories.  animal print shoes, bags, and/or a belt are what allow us to pair the same color tops and bottoms.  (even denim!). all of my items today are older, so below i’ve linked similar. however, since i get asked by so many of you where i got my glasses, i’ve linked those too! 

stovepipe jeans | italian luxe blazer | chambray shirt | prada eyeglasses | 3 1/3″ heel |  3″ heel | 2 3/5″ heel | 2″ heel | satchel | belt

high heels?  no problem.

i’m loving these leopard calf hair heels from J.Crew.  but i realize that high heels aren’t for everyone.  heel height is a personal preference, and that’s why i’ve linked heels of ranging heights for you.  we’ve got everything from a 3 1/3″ heel to a pair of 2″ sling backs.

stovepipe jeans | italian luxe blazer | chambray shirt | prada eyeglasses | 3 1/3″ heel |  3″ heel | 2 3/5″ heel | 2″ heel | satchel | belt