Mac and Cheese Please

One of my favorite foods to make is home made mac and cheese. I mean it's basically a food group for me! I got this recipe from a co-worker after having it at her party. It calls for Gruyere and Pecorino Romano cheese along with cheddar... but at the store when I realized the price for those cheeses I opted to make my own experiment with the recipe. And then the "Poor Man's Mac & Cheese was born! I switched out the 'fancy' cheese for just cheddar, mozzarella and pepper jack for a fun kick.

The basic ingredients, freshly grated cheese, bread crumbs and macaroni noodles.

Melt the cheese mix and then pour the melted mix over the noodles.

Add the bread crumbs to the top and some added cheeses then place in the oven for about 30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and all cheese is melted on top.  

The final result is Ah-maze-ing!! Best Mac and Cheese ever, but I might be bias.

Wear to go from here... the dairy section the the grocery store!

*Megs

Feeling Rosey

Rose Gold is the new color popping up everywhere! It’s a fun twist on gold tones and not it’s not just in your grandmother’s jewelry box anymore. It started showing up last fall, but has really made a comeback this spring too. And as we move into fall there is more and more of it showing up. I just got a new Michael Kors rose and silver watch from their fall collection and I can’t wait to rock it with my other rose gold and silver pieces. And I LOVE the rose gold mixed with silver, it creates a two-tone look to your jewelry that brings your plain silver more up to date!
 
Here are just a few favorites I found browsing online this week.

1. Halogen Oversized Metal & Enamel Sunglasses - $78

2. Kate spade new york 'charmer' peep toe slingback - $325

3. Argento Vivo 'Moonrock' Cuff - $298.00

4. Ariella Collection Flower Enamel Ring - $78.00

5. Brian Atwood 'Maniac' Covered Platform Pump - $596

6. Michael Kors 'Bel Aire' Crystal Bezel Chronograph Watch - $295.00

7. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow - $20

8. Tiffany Emblem Lock Pendant - $1,450

9. Ippolita 'Carino Circle' Rosé Bangle - $295

10. Volatile 'Aphrodite' Sandal - $69.95

Wear to go from here… to check out the vintage rose gold your mom or grandma might have!

*Megs

The Dreaded Suit

Summertime means swimsuit time! Well not usually here in Seattle, but in most the rest of the country. I hate shopping for swimsuits more than just about anything in the world. I would rather get my teeth cleaned then go swimsuit shopping! Also being larger on top there strikes a dilemma to find a top that actually fits. And to buy a pre-paired suit, FORGET IT! I am definitely not the same size top and bottom. The next issue is so many of those dang triangle tops… I think the purpose of a swimsuit is to be able to get in and out of water and move without flashing anyone…so tiny triangles of fabric don’t hold in these puppies!

But I have found a few brands that sell separates and sell them in cup sizes which is ideal for the weighted heavy on the chest! Here are just some ones I may need to invest in…since pretty sure my last swimsuit purchase was in 2009! Seriously the only thing in my closet that isn’t up to date.  

1. J Crew - Ink Dot Bikini $60-65 @ J Crew

2. J Crew - Party Chicks Bikini $46-56 @ J Crew

3. Betsey Johnson - Layer Cake Bikini $50.90-63.90 (on sale) @ Nordstrom

4. Lucky Brand - Paisley Park $50-68 @ Lucky Store

Wear to go from here… tanning bed first, then maybe the pool!

If it ever gets warm enough!  

*Megs



Oh Brazil

Oh Brazil! In honor of summer, last week was Fashion Week in Sao Paulo and showcased Summer 2012 styles by some of the most hip and established Brazilian designers. And of course in true South American fashion there was no shortage of crazy bold styles with lots of over the top statement pieces. There were even some bizarre and extreme shows that were too crazy to not mention, like Samuel Cirnansck who had all his models bound with their arms behind and some even had s&m mouth pieces or carried flowers in their mouth. Too weird for me, but quite a sight to see I’m sure!

Here are two of my favorites that I found.

{High waisted Swimsuit - Adriana Degreas - Summer 2012}

{Queen Elizabeth dress - Amapo's - Summer 2012}

To read more about the shows check out this article from the International Business Times or this funny one from Fashionista.com with some shots of the wild clothes that walked down the runway.

Wear to go from here… expedia? Vaca to Sao Paulo anyone?! 

*Megs

Take me to Aruba

I finally got around to re-painting my nails this weekend and giving myself a DIY manicure. I got this essie nail polish as a gift a few weeks back and have been dying to use it. It’s called Aruba Blue and makes me feel like going to the beach! (I realize many things make me feel that way…guess it’s time to act on it and plan a vacation already!) Also it brings a little bit of bright and summer to my daily life!

I was browsing Essie’s website and found some other colors that strike my fancy and I think I will need to buy for my next manicure! A little lighter than Aruba Blue, but equally summer inspired!

Wear to go from here… the nail salon!

*Megs

Before Meet After

This weekend it was time for the dreaded groomers!! I got my dog Claire back in January and she had been nicely groomed before I took her home, so I hadn’t had to worry about it till now. Fast forward six months, she had become quite shaggy and was having trouble keeping herself clean…so it was time! I had done my research, read lots of reviews and consulted with my other dog owner friends and finally decided on Bark In Style over in Wallingford. I was able to make an early Saturday morning appointment to drop her off and then pick her up later this afternoon.

I had wanted just a quick trim so she would remain fluffy. Since I brush her weekly I thought this would be easy. I was quickly informed there were mats and she would need to be trimmed much shorter, slightly disappointed I said ok do what you think is best. I returned at 4pm to pick up Claire, my first reaction when I saw her was “this is not my dog!” but when she ran to me and started barking, clearly it was! She ended up looking pretty cute and was really clean cut with fresh breath and cute little bows. I was pleasantly surprised! They had very friendly groomers and fairly priced… so overall it was money well spent!

Check out her Before & After... looks like a differnt dog? But It has grown on me.

Wear to go from here... Bark in Style! For a day of doggie pampering.

*Megs

Date Night

Date night is always fun weather you are in a serious relationship and just need an excuse to get out of the house or you are the single girl and out on the town with the man-of-the-moment going to a hip new restaurant! I love when the weather warms up in summer and you can actually plan a cute outfit without having to plan accordinly with the weather to decide what shoes won't get runied in rain or what coat to put over everything. Here in Seattle you have to think that way about nine months out of the year.

Here are two of my go-to outfits for planning a night out with that special guy! And a secret from the single girl... the best part is you could even get multiple wears out of the outfit, and the guy will never know you wore it three days earlier on a differnt date! 

Here's to hoping the weather holds up to the predicted 70 degrees this weekend! And possibly a date night so I can put on a cute outfit and head out on the town!

Wear to go from here... ah... match.com? :)

Happy Friday all!

*Megs

Window Inspiration

All the bright summer clothes, shoes and accessories that are popping up in store windows the last few months really make me want to go shopping. I just love to walk up and down the streets of Seattle checking out the windows and getting ideas for new outfits.

Here are some Nordstrom windows that I saw last week!

{ I love shorts, and this outfit has great summer layers that can transition into fall}

Wear to go from here... 5th & Pine!

*Megs

Making a Statement!

A fun trend I have been noticing more and more lately is STATEMENT EARRINGS! They come in all shapes, metals, colors and sizes! I tend to be a plain silver/gold hoops girl so this is a fun way to add some more color and fun to my outfit! I compiled a list of a few of my favorites that I may need to invest in this season. (Although I do already own #1, 5 & 9! And LOVE them)

1. Tasha 'Ornate' Linear Earrings $58.00
2. Kendra Scott 'Nyla' Large Teardrop Floral Earrings $78.00

3. Alexis Bittar 'Miss Havisham' Orbiting Hoop Earrings $225.00 (Nordstrom Exclusive)

4. Tasha Shell Chandelier Earrings $24.00

5. Miriam Salat 'Twig' Earrings $425.00
6. Dogeared Moroccan Hoop Earrings $62.00

7. NuNu Designs Semiprecious Drop Hoop Earrings $98.00

8. Argento Vivo 'Blossom' Graduated Disc Linear Earrings $128.00

9. Kendra Scott 'Danielle' Oval Earrings $58.00
10. Sequin "Cleopatra Statement Earrings $48.00

Wear to go from here... Nordstrom! They have all these styles and more!

*Megs

Longing for a MAXI!

So I have been obsessed with getting a printed Maxi ever since I saw Mila Kunis at the 2011 SAG Awards. Her long red flame printed Alexander McQueen Maxi was a perfect mix of elegance and style! She looked amazing and it was all I wanted to wear!! 

(Photo courtesy of Style.com>Red Carpet Style)

But since this dress is probably in the ball park of several thousand dollars, I have been on the hunt for some summer maxi dresses that are much more for the everyday and will fit perfectly into my summer wardrobe. It was also important to have a good silhouette that was not too fitting but also had a cinched or umpire waist since I am only 5.4” and don’t want to look to short and squat. And high heels will be a must with this trend for me!

There were so many options it was slightly overwhelming. But here are some ones I found my favorite store for bargain shopping... Forever 21! (Because I think I will forever be 21)

Wear to go from here...to F21! Here I come!!

*Megs

Feathers On Parade

In the mood for summer and anything bright and fun I came across the Fall RTW 2011 collections for D&G and fell in love with these bright and cheery feather skirts! They are slightly crazy for the average day to day wardrobe and I would probably pair with a more toneed down top if I were actually going to wear out of the house.
But it would be such a fun party piece that I may have to go on the hunt for! I know my friends would love to see me in something like this and will probably roll their eyes and have a good laugh...maybe even throw in a big bird joke or something.

 I also came across some other fun feather pieces from Oscar de la Renta and Emilio Pucci. Not as quite over the top as the D&G collection, but still very fun and festive!

Wear to go from here... party time!
*Megs

Mojito Mojo

One of my favorite drinks for summertime is a mojito! It just doesn't get any better than this for something cool and refreshing! One of the best in town (in my opinion) is from La Isla in Ballard. They are so fresh and come in an array of flavors.

Although the classic is on Happy Hour special for $4 and it is seriouly a steal!

Wear to go from here...Happy Hour anyone?

*Megs

Wear to go from Here...

As my very first post to my blog, I am SUPER EXCITED to get started and documenting all my favorite things and inspirations from fashion, cooking, photography, travel and all things creative and crafty!
In honor of being Friday and unfortunately such a gloomy and rainy day (never mind it's June!!) I had to think about some pretty places I have been and would L-O-V-E to be right now!

Cannon Beach (4.11)

Santa Barbara (9.09) Wear to go from here... to the beach please!
Happy Friday!!!
*Megs