Happy Friday, gang! And a very happy November. Yep, 2023 is winding down, so let’s finish the year strong! I know many of us are planning our Thanksgiving menus, or maybe we’re visiting family instead of basting the turkey. Yours truly is only in charge of a side this year (what should I bring?), which lightens my load, so I’m already thinking about Christmas decorations. This summer, I installed shelves in my garage to make Christmas decorations more accessible. Honestly, there’s nothing worse or more time-consuming than hauling boxes of decorations up and down the stairs… I’m always looking for ways to streamline my life, so it was a no-brainer to shift my Christmas decorations from the downstairs storage room to the garage. But I digress; we still have twenty days before Thanksgiving and fifty-two days before Christmas. Let’s kick off Friday, November 3rd, with an Amaretto Sour and Baked Stuffed Pears (which would be a yummy Thanksgiving side!). Oscar is here for his weekly gig, and Kelly is too!
Today we are sharing two outfits perfect for the arrival of November
The outfits are shoppable via a text and image widgets
We are making Thanksgiving-perfect appetizer or side, and a classic Fall cocktail
But first, let’s talk about one of my favorite turtlenecks, The Arlette from J. McLaughlin. I love the fit so much that I have one in three or four colors and stripes. Sometimes, turtlenecks can be itchy or constricting. Not so with the Arlette, a sleek ribbed turtleneck made with a cotton/modal blend. Wear it alone or with a third layer, like this metallic puffer vest with a zip-in/zip-out faux fur collar from Talbots. I’ve also paired this striped turtleneck with a gorgeous puffer jacket and faux leather pants also from J. McLaughlin that’s trés chic. However, I love these light foil ankle jeans from Talbots that have a hint of shimmer, perfect for the holiday season.
Beth’s Outfit: Arlette Turtleneck | Wax Coated Denim | Patent Leather Loafers | Metallic Puffer Vest
Kelly’s Outfit: Mockneck Crop Sweater | Mari High-Waist Corduroys | Similar Cutout Loafers | Croc-Embossed Leather Belt
Boots are always the perfect choice this time of year, but today I chose a classic loafer from Sam Edelman, The Loraine Bit Loafer that’s a dupe of the classic Gucci horsebit loafer that’s been around since 1953. When in doubt, a nude shoe always comes to the rescue, which is why I have nude heels, nude loafers, and nude sandals; well, you get the drill.
Beth’s Outfit: Arlette Turtleneck | Wax Coated Denim | Patent Leather Loafers | Metallic Puffer Vest
Kelly’s Outfit: Mockneck Crop Sweater | Mari High-Waist Corduroys | Similar Cutout Loafers | Croc-Embossed Leather Belt
(AG Jeans)
Corduroy might be my favorite fall and winter fabric. It's such a great way to have the comfort and look of jeans but in saturated colors for the season. These are the popular Mari High-Waist cut of AG Jeans in corduroy. I love this deep burgundy color, it feels festive and goes with a wide range of tops.
Beth’s Outfit: Arlette Turtleneck | Wax Coated Denim | Patent Leather Loafers | Metallic Puffer Vest
Kelly’s Outfit: Mockneck Crop Sweater | Mari High-Waist Corduroys | Similar Cutout Loafers | Croc-Embossed Leather Belt
This Mockneck Crop Sweater is from Madewell. I love the crop sweater trend because in regular sizing the crop versions hit just at, or slightly below my natural waist which means I don't have to bother with tucking, or otherwise accounting for extra volume.
My cutout loafers are from J.Crew. they are nearly sold out and on final sale. So I rounded up a similar version with more availability.
Traditionally, this cocktail is made with an egg white to give it body and a little foam on top. We have included it in the recipe, but for our version, we omitted the egg white. With or without the egg white, the Amaretto Sour is a classic cocktail with nutty, sour flavors perfect for fall.
Makes 2 Cocktails
1 Egg White
3 oz. Bourbon
1.5 oz. Amaretto
1.5 oz. Lemon Juice
4 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Maraschino Cherries, for garnish
In a cocktail shaker, shake the egg white, lemon, and bourbon for 30-40 seconds. Add ice and shake for another 30 seconds. Strain into coupe glasses and garnish with cherries.
As Beth mentioned above, this is a great idea as a Thanksgiving appetizer (without the salad) or as a side (with the salad). Super simple, these Baked Stuffed pears pack a flavorful punch with gorgonzola, honey, and pecans.
Pears
Gorgonzola Cheese
Chopped Walnuts (or pecans)
Fresh Thyme
Black Pepper
Hot Honey, to finish
Plus, to make it a salad, consider fresh greens with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze, as a drizzled dressing
Preheat the oven to 400º F. Halve each pear and scoop out the core. Place the halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Fill each hollowed core with gorgonzola cheese and top with chopped nuts. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and black pepper.
Bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pears begin to caramelize. Remove from the oven and drizzle with hot honey.
To make it a salad, serve on a bed of greens dressed with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Are you ready to kick off November? Let’s do it! Oscar, Kelly, and I wish you a lovely weekend! Cheers!
Beth’s Outfit: Arlette Turtleneck | Wax Coated Denim | Patent Leather Loafers | Metallic Puffer Vest
Kelly’s Outfit: Mockneck Crop Sweater | Mari High-Waist Corduroys | Similar Cutout Loafers | Croc-Embossed Leather Belt
Beth’s Outfit: Arlette Turtleneck | Wax Coated Denim | Patent Leather Loafers | Metallic Puffer Vest
Kelly’s Outfit: Mockneck Crop Sweater | Mari High-Waist Corduroys | Similar Cutout Loafers | Croc-Embossed Leather Belt
Yesterday, we shared how to personalize your holiday decor, and gift-giving. We also included a gift guide of personalized gift ideas from Mark & Graham. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Always enjoy your posts, Kelly. We’re about the same height, but I’m heavier; about 115lbs. What size are you in the corduroy pants? What about the length? Did you need to shorten them?
Hi Ellen, thanks so much for stopping by! I am wearing the cords in size 25. You could go either way with hemming. I initially did not hem them, which you can see in my daily look from 2 weeks ago. In the end, I did bring them up a bit so they would hit at my ankle. Hope that answers your questions! xo Kelly
Beautiful fall inspiration outfits, Beth, I love how your outfit coordinates with Oscar! Perfect
Beth, you mentioned ways you’ve streamlined your life. I would love to hear more about that in a future post.
Mr. Cat isn’t in the drink cart today. I get a kick out of the cat sneaking in your picture. Beautiful outfit.
Beth, I love everything about your outfit. The neutral tones with shimmer! Fabulous!
Aren’t these jeans the cutest?! Love the shimmer. Happy weekend!
I love the shimmer in the T. jeans too! You’ve really put together a monochromatic look that shines! Missed post till today … Happy Weekend — great recipe and cocktail and OSCAR!!!! 🙂