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.
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!
Preheat oven to 450°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and oil. Add onions and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and jammy, about 40 minutes.
Increase heat to medium-high, stir in garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in sherry and simmer until almost completely reduced, 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Place mushrooms stem side up on the prepared baking sheet. Roast mushrooms on top rack until softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven. (If any moisture gathers in mushroom caps, blot moisture with a paper towel.)
Top mushrooms with onion mixture and Gruyère. Switch oven to broil and broil stuffed mushrooms until cheese is bubbly and melty, about 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Category:Appetizer
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.
Fill a cocktail shaker with 2 cups ice. Add Aperol. gin, lemon juice, Simple Syrup and Angostura bitters ; cover and shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass; garnish with a flamed orange peel, or lemon peel
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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!
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.
hello thursday! here on the blog, thursdays are all about looking back through the archives to find topical posts from the past that are just as relevant and full of great ideas for recipes, fashion and home decor. in case you’ve missed any of my fall decor tours this week, check out my front porch or my living room, refreshed for fall. since we are fully into fall, i thought it would be a perfect time to revisit some of our fall tablescapes from last year. i love to set a beautiful table even if it’s only for two. especially this year as we are eating at home more often than ever, setting a pretty table is a gentle reminder that a dinner at home can be just as special as going out to a restaurant. enjoy today’s fall tablescape collection, i hope it gives you some inspiration for setting your fall table!
what? it’s friday? already? on one hand i’m soooo happy the week has come to an end. but on the other hand where the heck is this year disappearing to? let alone this week? it’s funny but the blog keeps my inner clock running and i’m hyper aware when monday and friday roll around. thankfully, oscar is blissfully unaware of the week zipping by and is in his groove ready for his weekly gig. in fact, he’s helping, errr, watching me, prep for a dinner party this weekend. well, he did escort me to the herb garden to snip a few basil leaves for the bruschetta. a yummy appetizer which i’ll happily share at the end of the post.
it’s friday gang! time to take a deep breath and relax. finally. per usual, i’ve got a wonderful recipe and cocktail for you. a perfect manhattan paired with a skirt steak with chimichurri sauce. one of my daughter in-law’s, kelly’s, favorites. you’re going to love it.
it’s friday gang! it’s been a solid week over here on the blog. in case you missed it, we did a deep dive into fall fashion aimed for the career woman (but also here). we also officially introduced a new YouTube series fashioned squared over here on the blog. definitely check it out, especially if you’re looking for outfit ideas. i show you three ways to wear a white shirt. video above. but today is friday. and i have a crowd over tonight—all of my sons are in town. and of course we could go out to eat, but there’s nothing quite like a home cooked meal. in the spirit of keeping it simple ya’ll—more time for laughs—i’ve got an instant pot turkey chili recipe for you. time to kick back, relax, and pour a drink.
i hope today’s fall tablescape collection has given you some inspiration on how to set your fall table. it’s time to enjoy the season, the holidays are right around the corner! happy thursday, ladies.
before we launch into brand new fridays with oscar fall content, i thought it would be fun to stroll down memory lane through fall 2019. this week fridays with oscar revisits favorite fall posts from the september, october and november of last year. so kick up your feet, make a cocktail and enjoy the best of fall fridays with oscar!
it’s friday, gang! summer is over, and fall is here. out with the old and in with the new. as an (adopted) southern woman, that means a mandatory refresh of my porches: front and back. i love the gold undertones of fall leaves that give the oranges, the reds, and the yellows their subtle but unmistakable shimmer. out go any remaining semblances of lazy summer days, and in come any and all combinations of this color palette: whether it be the fall harvest—pumpkins and cornucopias—or spooky, but always fun, Halloween skeletons.
it’s friday gang! another busy week here over on the blog: we rolled out definitive denim guide for fall in case you missed it. i’ve got a new episode of my friday fives on YouTube. this week i’m showcasing my top 5 mascara picks. be sure to check out the video below. and of course, oscar and i have a great recipe for you this week. in honor of the low country, we’ve put together a sheet pan, low country boil for you. super easy to make. and unbelievably delicious. you’re not going to want to miss it!
we’ve got a really fun fridays with oscar for you this week. to kick things off, there’s a new installment of friday fives on our YouTube channel. this week, we talk about breaking women’s fashion rules, namely five rules every women over 50 should break. you’re not going to want to miss it, as it’s sure to bring a little fun, sass, and (a little) controversy to your friday.
well gang, this closes our walk through of best of fall fridays with oscar posts from 2019. get ready because next we are getting into a fall groove with new fall outfits, recipes, seasonal decor and so much more! have a wonderful weekend from oscar, ollie and me!
all week we have been looking at classic wardrobe items that pull double duty. the items perfect for spring and fall. these are the transitional pieces that will work year after year. well worth the investment; items like denim dresses, patterned pants or utility jumpsuits will be on trend for the foreseeable future. as you can expect on thursdays, i have rounded up posts from the archives. today’s collection illustrates the power of classic wardrobe staples.
a tweed jacket is an absolute classic. perfect for spring and fall. tweed jackets are perfect when paired with a matching skirt or pants. but it will also turn up the sophistication on a pair of dark rinse jeans.
we all know florals for spring isn’t groundbreaking news. florals for fall? yes, please. especially since florals for fall are on-trend. that’s right, florals big and small are here to stay for the duration of fall.
if the new arrivals at my favorite retailers are any indication, this trend is still going strong.
today, i’m showcasing my go-to style: modern preppy. it’s a fashion sense i’ve developed over 50 years. nothing says “bold” and “confident” more than a blazer and a clean pair of denim. i trust in the style i’ve worked my entire life to develop, whether i’m headed to a meeting or just grabbing drinks with my daughter-in-law after work.
a blazer will always be a classic wardrobe staple. the cuts and styles may change through the years, but the template is classic. not only that but, herringbone, houndstooth, glen plaid and tweed will always be on trend, year after year.
here is a round up of updated links to complete your transition wardrobe. remember, the power of classic wardrobe staples will make choosing your outfit as easy as 1.2.3. have a great thursday ladies!
we’re continuing on with our new series now & then. in case you’ve missed where all we’ve been this week, make sure to check out the first two installments of this new series: how i wore a jumpsuit andhow i wore a denim sheath dress. i have to admit, though, i’m most excited about today’s post, because we’re featuring my favorite pant of the summer. as my regulars know, sometimes i just like to go big and bold: color pops and pattern drops. i first wore these pants a little over a month ago during my vacation to Tybee Island. they’re making their second appearance on the blog today to show you how easy it is to transition summer clothing into fall. so without any further ado, here’s how i wore my favorite my favorite pant of the year in both the summer and fall.
first up is an ootd (outfit of the day) that’s as comfy as it is chic. and what’s better than a drawstring waist? especially when you’re on vacation. and y’all know i love a bold patterned pant. this pair is from J.Crew who always delivers one or two silk pants each season. since this pant has a multitude of colors splashed across it pick a color any color to add to the mix. but if you want to play it safe a white tee is the way to go.
i love, love, love this pant—my favorite pant of the year actually. it’s just so darn fun. and who doesn’t need a little fun in 2020? it’s not animal print per se but rather printed animals . and we all know you can’t get any more comfortable than a pair of silk pants. and to prove to you just how easy it is to transition them into fall: just swap the tee for a fall sweater. and. there. you. have it. obviously this look won’t work in deep fall when the temps really drop, but if you live in a climate like Athens, GA where we still have a few high 70s/low 80s days ahead of us, you’re good to go.
this week, we’re launching a new series now & then. the idea is simple: every day we’re going to feature an outfit i wore this spring and restyle it for fall. if you’re like me, fashion reusability is a must, and given that spring and fall are both transition seasons, outfits that work in the spring often work perfectly in autumn. my hope today is to provide you a little inspiration to go back to your wardrobe and put a fresh take on an old outfit. so, here’s how i wore the same outfit this spring & fall: the mighty jumpsuit.
it’s an open secret that i love jumpsuits. i first wore this utility jumpsuit from Everlane earlier this spring after my knee surgery. i paired it with a striped tee and sandals. i think there’s a feeling that there’s not much we can add to a jumpsuit to spice it up a bit. not so. both the tee and sandals give an otherwise spartan outfit some visual interest. (i always love a pop of color.)
now here’s the same jumpsuit styled for fall. notice that i removed the tee, but added a similar belt and a (similar) pair of wedge sandals. i also cuffed the pants, which creates such a different feel, right? a little more sassy. a little more classy. a little more fun. you can imagine wearing this outfit out to happy hour or dinner, but as we saw above, it can be styled a bit more conservatively when necessary. it’s amazing the different looks you can create with the same outfit and transition seamlessly into fall.
happy sunday, gang! can you believe it’s Labor Day weekend? i know i’ve said it before but where has summer 2020 disappear so quickly? it’s been the longest of summers and the shortest. but before long my favorite fashion season will be knocking on our door. so it’s time to think about transitioning our outfits from summer to fall. today, i’m sharing 5 easy pieces to transition from summer to fall. but i will also share three style tips that keep us looking stylish on the shoulder season.
5 easy pieces to transition from summer to fall
here are five pieces that transition with ease from summer to fall.
go back to the basics. what are the basics? well, the basics aren’t glamorous. they don’t grab your attention when you step into your favorite store. there are no ruffles, bows, or sequins attached. but i promise, if you want to be well dressed or look effortlessly chic you have to build your wardrobe with the basics. and you can never have too many wardrobe staples. these are the pieces that easily transition from outfit to outfit and span the seasons. the more basics you have on hand, the more outfit options available. so think white tees, black sweaters, white denim, black pants, or chinos.
when you take the time to invest in the basics, you are laying a foundation for a functional wardrobe that will prepare you for anything. and who doesn’t want that?
style tip #2
a neutral color palette will help ease your outfits from one season to the next. nude, black, grey, white, olive, navy or burgundy are all good choices. don’t get me wrong, i love pops of color all year long. but when it’s time to transition from summer to fall or fall to winter neutrals are your best friend.
style tip #3
add a third layer. while i love summer and lightweight clothes that are necessary to beat the heat when it comes to fickle temperatures a third layer will come in handy. whether you choose a lightweight jacket, blazer, or cotton cardigan a third layer will keep you looking chic and keep the chill at bay.
