Happy Friday, ladies! June is moving, and moving fast. Almost at the halfway point, which is incredibly hard for me to believe. I'm headed to Charleston this weekend with an old, dear friend. And I'm really looking forward to it.
As for today, we're up to our usual Friday business over here on the blog: an appearance from Oscar, a cocktail & salad, and a comfy casual outfit for the weekend. Plus, I thought I'd throw in the pair of sandals Jackie Kennedy loved, because, well I love Jackie Kennedy.
Oscar, Ollie, and I wish you a very wonderful weekend. Cheers!
The Summary
Today's featured items are a button-down from J.Crew and slide sandals from Jack's
Both items are modeled, and I pulled together 2 alternates
I've also got a super-simple cocktail and BLT salad on the menu
Finally, I pulled together 5 of my favorite sandals for Summer at the end of the post
One of my favorite style uniforms for summer is a button-up popped over a pair of shorts. It’s simple, it’s easy and it’s polished. Honestly, I could live in oversized button-ups like this blue striped one from J.Crew.
I’ve also purchased several from Everlane and Banana Republic that I love just as much. Wear it with shorts come summer then transition to jeans and chinos in the fall. Who doesn’t love a hard-working wardrobe staple like the mighty button-up?
If there is one quintessential pair of preppy summer sandals it has to be Jack Rogers. Years ago, this iconic shoe was made famous by Jackie Kennedy.
Legend has it that while vacationing in Italy in 1960, she fell in love with a whipstitched sandal with a rondelle detail. Upon her return to the states, she gave a pair to her cobbler in Palm Beach.
When her friends spied the sandal they wanted a pair too. and so the perennial preppy classic was born.
Combine the peach, honey, water, vanilla and sea salt in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil and then remove from heat. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Run the syrup through a fine mesh seive placed over a large measuring cup or bowl. Use the back of a spoon to push all liquid through the seive. Store simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
For the Tea
Combine 4 tablespoons of loose leaf tea and 4 cups of water in a large pitcher or container Leave in the sun for 6-8 hours. Strain and chill until ready to serve.
For Each Cocktail
Place 2-3 large ice cubes in each glass. Add 2-3 thin slices of peach to each glass.
In a cocktail shaker or glass measuring cup, combine the peach simple syrup, vodka and elderflower liquer. Shake or mix until well combined. Pour mixture over ice. Fill each glass with iced tea and garnish with fresh mint.
First, make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, chives, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
Place the bacon strips in a skillet and heat over medium heat. Turn the strips as needed until they reach the desired crispness, 8 to 12 minutes. Drain well on a paper-towel-lined plate. Or bake in the over at 425 for 15 minutes.
Place the chopped lettuce in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, avocado, green beans, corn, and onion. Chop the cooked bacon strips and add them to the salad. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.
Happy Tuesday, ladies! A lot of you have noticed that I recently painted the exterior of my house. So... I thought I'd use today as an opportunity to show you---as well as my Southern porch and patios.
This is somewhat of a mega-post today---a lot of pictures to show you: 1 porch, 2 patios, and 2 outfits perfect for Spring & Summer. So, I'm going to keep it short and let the pictures do the talking.
Let's get to the tour.
The Summary (TL;DR)
Today's featured items are black shorts from Ann Taylor and jean shorts from Talbots
Each item is modeled, and I pulled together 2 alternates each, for a total of 4
The shorts are shoppable via a text or image widget
Each alternate is shoppable via a text widget
I've pulled together tons of gardening tools I use, all from Amazon, and all presented in a text widget
I added some gardening tips I've picked up along the way
Once your containers have been planted add Plant tone organic fertilizer
Deadhead flowers once the bloom is spent
Yellow leaves? Too much water or not enough
If your pots are located where rain doesn’t fall then place them in the rain when a storm blows through. Plants perk up and look healthier after being watered by rain.
Yesterday, I featured one of your favorite items this month---a shift dress from Talbots. Make sure to check it out by clicking the link or image below.
Happy Tuesday, ladies. The week is underway, and it’s already turning out to be a busy one. We’ve been focused a lot on Spring dresses and skirts lately, so I wanted to shift gears a bit. Variety is the spice of life, as they say. I picked up a pair of Ralph Lauren linen pants a few weeks ago. And if you’re like me and gravitate towards classic style, I think you’re going to like them too. I couldn’t wait to style them. Here’s what I came up with.
Ralph Lauren linen pants
Today’s outfit is clean, classy, and classic: a pairing between cream button-up and linen twill pleated pants. Both the top and bottom are from Ralph Lauren and are available at Macy’s. We’ve been all about color lately, so I wanted to mix things up a bit with a monochromatic, neutral outfit.
Given the simplicity of the outfit, accessories are what push it over the age. Leather highlights from this canvas embossed belt are subtle and effective. And a canvas shoulder bag like this one from Coach (old similar here and here) add visual interest.
Yesterday, we featured a beautiful olive-colored tiered midi dress from Neiman’s. I showed you three different ways to wear it, including how to create beautiful, Spring color combinations.
Welcome Kelly
In case you missed it, yesterday, we announced Kelly Djalali coming on as a regular contributor. Here’s what that means.
TUESDAY: DAILY LOOKS
On Tuesdays, Kelly will be posting an entry to our Daily Looks feed. She’ll post an OOTD and you can shop those outfits easily through the shop widget below the photo. Being of a smaller stature, at 5 feet tall and 105 pounds, Kelly will create fresh looks with a focus on classic style for petites.
THURSDAY: FEATURED POST
On Thursdays, Kelly will be contributing a full-length fashion-related post. Whether she’s modeling outfits or giving you tips on how to build her capsule wardrobes, you can expect the same great content you’ve come to expect from SAACA.
SATURDAYS: KELLY’S KITCHEN
Kelly will be reviving her Kelly’s Kitchen column on Saturdays. Each week, you can expect a delicious, easy-to-follow recipe.
What a week! It’s been a big week over here on the blog to say the least. Yesterday, we introduced our newest regular contributor: my daughter-in-law, Kelly Djalali. I cannot thank you enough for the warm reception you gave her. It meant the world. We’re both extremely excited for what’s to come, and we hope you are too. In celebration, we thought we’d do something fun today: a joint Fridays with Oscar. Super simple: I’m responsible for the drinks, and Kelly’s making the appetizer. Plus, we’ve both got super fun outfits for you. I’m sporting Oprah’s favorite AYR shirt, and Kelly’s featuring a pair of woven loafers I think you’re going to love.
Oprah’s favorite AYR shirt
My outfit could not be simpler. I’ve paired this button-down, striped shirt (AYR, Oprah’s Favorite Things) with a pair of raw hem jeans (Nordstrom). The shirt is a bit large—looking for that oversized, comfy, casual look perfect for Fridays. But it you want a more tailored look size down one size. Throw on a pair of sandals (Talbots), and you’re headed straight into the weekend.
Kelly and I both share a love of Aperol. And anyone who follows Fridays with Oscar regularly knows it’s one of my go-tos. Today, I’m sharing my recipe for an Intro to Aperol. Cheers to the weekend, ladies!
This is Kelly’s first “official” fashion post on the blog. Her outfit, too, could not be simpler. She went with a pair of high-rise vintage slim jeans (Gap) and a relaxed short sleeve cotton popover (J.Crew). Remember ladies, high-rise denim is in for 2022, and the price point on this pair is right.
To be honest: I’m really loving her woven loafers the most–such a perfect shoe for Spring. Kelly’s pair is old, but she rounded up some similars: here, here, here, and here.
One of the big advantages of bringing Kelly on to SAACA is that she will get to share wonderful recipes with us. For those that don’t know, Kelly runs a food blog: Djalali Cooks. Thankfully, she’s agreed to revive her Kelly’s Kitchen column over here on the blog, so stay tuned for some yummy, easy-to-follow dishes. Today, she’s cooking up mushroom and goat cheese crostini.
Preheat broiler with a rack placed in the middle position.
In a large pan, over medium-high heat, sauté mushrooms with 1/4 cup water. Stir occasionally and cook until water is completely evaporated.
Drizzle olive oil over mushrooms in the pan and add the shallot slices to the pan.
Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
Continue sautéing, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms begin to develop a little browning and the shallots are softened and lightly translucent.
Stir all but about 2 teaspoons of the chopped parsley into the cooked mushrooms and remove from heat.
Arrange baguette slices on a large sheet pan. Drizzle olive oil over the bread slices and place on the center rack in the oven. Lightly toast the bread slices under the broiler, then flip the slices to lightly toast the other side.
When the bread slices are lightly toasted pull them from the oven.
Use a knife to spread goat cheese on each slice of toasted bread.
Top each slice of bread with about 1.5 tablespoons of the mushroom mixture, adding more or less to each slice, using up all of the mushroom mixture.
Place the cheese and mushroom-topped crostini on a serving plate and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
Sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley over the tops as garnish.
Shop Kelly’s outfit (click below)
Just the two of us
March is over, and April is just beginning. From Kelly, Oscar, and myself, we’re wishing you an absolutely wonderful weekend!
On Tuesdays, Kelly will be posting an entry to our Daily Looks feed. She’ll post an OOTD and you can shop those outfits easily through the shop widget below the photo. Being of a smaller stature, at 5 feet tall and 105 pounds, Kelly will create fresh looks with a focus on classic style for petites.
Thursday: Featured post
On Thursdays, Kelly will be contributing a full-length fashion-related post. Whether she’s modeling outfits or giving you tips on how to build her capsule wardrobes, you can expect the same great content you’ve come to expect from SAACA.
Saturdays: Kelly’s Kitchen
Kelly will be reviving her Kelly’s Kitchencolumn on Saturdays. Each week, you can expect a delicious, easy-to-follow recipe.
Happy Monday, ladies! I hope you and a wonderful and restful weekend. I was lucky to have my middle kiddo come up to Athens for the weekend. We had a wonderful time and even went bowling—first time since before the pandemic. March is completely underway—really hard to believe—and we’re heading into the week in style. I’ve got a leather moto jacket for women from Scoop available at Walmart. It checks all the boxes:
Over the past few months, many of you have written in, asking us to feature more budget-friendly outfits. Since you asked, we’re working hard to deliver. Moving forward, we’ll be integrating some great outfit ideas from retailers like Walmart, LOFT, and J.Crew Factory amongst others.
Coral red is an in-color this spring, and I’m loving it. For those of us that generally prefer neutrals, jackets are a really easy way to incorporate color into your wardrobe, if only because you can take them off.
Also, one final bit of housekeeping: we get a lot of questions about our native advertising over here on the blog. We’re currently in the process of building out a monthly/yearly ad-free subscription model. We’re still working out the details, but soon you’ll be able to become a SAACA member and view our content ad-free. Stay tuned.
In case you missed it
We started our budget-friendly series last week with
Make sure to catch up on our DAILY LOOK. We post a dedicated photo to our daily outfit every Wednesday-Sunday. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
Happy Friday, ladies! We made it through the week, finally. The weather in Athens has been wonderful—we hit 80 degrees yesterday! I spent the afternoon cleaning my patio and hosted happy hour with my son and daughter-in-law Kelly. Had to take advantage of the weather, because it looks like we’re in for a week of rain next week! My son was in such a good mood, he decided to order tickets to The Black Crowes in June. I’ve never really listened to them, but I haven’t seen live music since 2019. I’m looking forward to it. To get you into a good mood, I’ve got a colorful Spring sweater from LOFT that I know you’re going to love.
I’ve got a really easy recipe for you today that’s perfect if you’re inviting a small group over for appetizers and cocktails: grilled bread with ricotta & tomatoes.
A recipe from Bon Appétit that’s perfect for a light spring dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
1 garlic clove
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3/4 pound assorted small tomatoes (such as cherry, Sun Gold, or green), halved, quartered if large
Freshly ground black pepper
8 slices 3/4”-thick country-style bread
1 cup (loosely packed) coarsely chopped mixed tender herbs (such as basil, parsley, small dill sprigs, and/or chives)
10 oz whole-milk ricotta
Instructions
Step 1
Finely chop garlic, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then mash with the side of knife to a fine paste. Transfer to a medium bowl and whisk in vinegar and 2 Tbsp. oil. Add tomatoes; season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Let sit, tossing occasionally, at least 15 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, prepare grill for medium-high heat. Brush both sides of bread with remaining 4 Tbsp. oil and grill until lightly charred, about 2 minutes per side.
Step 3
Just before serving, toss herbs with tomato mixture. Spread ricotta on toast and top with tomato mixture; cut toast in half.
Step 4
DO AHEAD: Tomato mixture (without herbs) can be made 12 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Nutrition
Serving Size:8 servings
Calories:240
Sugar:2 g
Sodium:210 mg
Fat:16 g
Saturated Fat:4.5 g
Carbohydrates:17 g
Fiber:1 g
Protein:7 g
Cholesterol:20 mg
Shop the Post (click below)
Shop Sweaters (click below)
Bichon Frise
A vodka-based cocktail is on the menu this week: a Bichon Frise. I love St. Elder liqueur, so it was hard to not pass along this recipe. Here’s to Friday, ladies! As my mother used to say, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere in the world.
1ounce red grapefruit juice, plus strip of grapefruit peel for garnishing
1/2ounce elderflower liqueur
1/4ounce lemon juice
Instructions
Spread sugar on small plate. Moisten rim of glass by running grapefruit wedge around outer edge. Roll moistened rim in sugar to coat.
Add vodka, grapefruit juice, liqueur, and lemon juice to cocktail shaker, then fill with ice. Shake until well chilled about 30 seconds. Double strain cocktail into prepared glass. Garnish with grapefruit peel.
Shop the Post (click below)
Shop Sweaters (click below)
Fridays with Oscar
Well, that’s a wrap for us over here at SAACA. From Oscar, Ollie, and myself, enjoy your weekend. And try to spend it with someone you love!
One of our readers’ favorite retailers is Talbots. You probably noticed we snuck in a white button-down from them in addition to the Spring sweater from LOFT. In case you missed it, yesterday, we focused on the Talbots Spring Collection and featured a striped sweater that I just love. Make sure to check it out.
Daily Looks
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
Hey, gang! Today we’re continuing with our Spring Preview series with a focus on Spring colors 2022. Simply stated, Spring colors this year are bright and arguably bolder than recent years. “Very Peri”—the new shade of periwinkle—took Pantone’s 2022 color of the year. But bright yellows, orangey-reds, and blues are on-trend. Stylecaster has colors like
tangy lime;
hot orange;
cerulean; and
radiant yellow
as in-for-Spring. If you poke around other fashion magazines and websites you’ll see similar palettes.
Spring colors 2022
Today’s post is super simple: I’ve rounded up 5 bright colors I’m loving this year and dug into the archives to show you different ways to style each color. Those (general) colors are:
purple;
yellow;
pink;
orangey-red; and
blue.
Anyone who follows me regularly knows I love neutrals. But I have and will continue to embrace color any chance I get. No doubt “bright and bold” can sometimes be difficult to incorporate into our wardrobe. But remember, there are a lot of ways to introduce color pops into your classic wardrobe. If you’re not a fan of colorful tops or bottoms, try a handbag or scarf. If you’re on the fence about “yellow”, try pairing yellow shoes with a pair of black or white pants.
Have fun this Spring looking for new and interesting ways to introduce color into your closet. And as silly as it sounds, remember: a little color goes a lot further than we might think in a world that often seems dark.
2022 new arrivals
For each featured color, I’ve rounded up 12 new arrivals I’m loving from 3 retailers:
I’m really enjoying each’s Spring collection. You can shop my picks by clicking on the widgets at the end of each section. You’ll see many of my picks in the upcoming weeks.
Purple
Shop purple (click below)
Yellow
Shop yellow (click below)
Pink
Shop pink (click below)
Orangey-Red
Shop orangey-red (click below)
Blue
Shop blue (click below)
In case you missed it
Our Spring preview series is in full swing. In case you’ve missed any of our posts, make sure to check out
We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture.
I’ve featured faux leather pants probably more than any other time this year on the blog. In fact, they’re the most talked about and most purchased item so far. Today on Instagram alone, I’ve been asked multiple times for new and fresh ways to style these pants. You asked, and I’m gonna deliver. Today, I’m bringing you 5 (other) outfits with leather pants you can add to your repertoire.
Outfits with leather pants
For my regulars, you’ve seen these next three outfits. They’re the ones we’ve featured over the past few weeks. I’m not going to spend too much time on them: I just wanted to give you a quick recap before we dive into the 5 other ways you should be wearing this style pant.
We’re excited to announce the first of many new additions to the blog this year: DAILY LOOKS. Daily Looks is a really simple feature: a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. Stay tuned: we’ve got a lot more exciting things coming your way this year.
I’m in a bit of a mood today: “light”, “youthful”, “vivacious”. Can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s somewhere in that zip code. All I know is that I wanted my outfit to reflect a sense of “fun”, because sometimes—oftentimes—we’ve gotta create our own levity despite the circumstances around us. And that’s what I love so much about fashion: it’s totally possible to reflect outward what we’re feeling on the inside. And it doesn’t take much: I want to show you how a simple pair of Adidas shoes add levity to your outfits and give you that feeling of “youthfulness” I’m feeling.
The neutrals of the turtleneck and button-down serve as the perfect backdrop for my Adidas Superstars—a pair I’ve featured on the blog many times. The Superstars launched in 1969. They’ve gone through many iterations but have remained the same at their core. Some true staying power, making them an iconic classic.
Given the state of, well, everything, I wanted to inject a little levity into my outfit today. So, I rolled up my sleeves, tied off my shirt, and threw on a pair of sneakers. It’s amazing how a single pair of shoes can change the entire dynamics of your outfit. Just goes to show you how easy it is to dress an outfit down or back up again.
Imagine the different feelings you could create with this outfit alone by swapping out the Adidas for a pair of boots or a pair of flats? Goes to show you how little it takes to get that extra mile out of your existing wardrobe.
A quick daily style tip: try rolling up your sleeves today to draw attention upward. Stand up straight to get that little bit of extra length in your spine. Take a moment to concentrate on your breathing, and imagine those breaths filling the spaces between your spine. Take that added strength and confidence and use it to face your day.
Every Sunday this month, we’re getting Back to Basics. In case you missed it, make sure to check out our first post reset and refresh with a closet cleanse and its companion YouTube video:
