For the Love of the Cardigan

Have I ever told you how much I adore a classic cardigan? Outside of the perfect white shirt, and quintessential little black dress, a wonderful cardigan may just be the most versatile and timeless item in a woman’s wardrobe. Imagine it thrown over a tee and worn with a fabulous pair of jeans and boots, or paired with a gorgeous pencil skirt and pumps. What about topping that wonderful sleeveless dress on a chilly afternoon, or just tied around your shoulders for an extra pop of color?

Now that we're heading into fall, my cardigan obsession is in full swing. I have been snapping up the discounted colors of J.Crew’s Jackie Cardigan like my life depends on it. ( I realize that a three-quarter sleeve cotton cardigan may not constitute winter attire for many of you, but it’s quite a nice option here in San Antonio. And as a mom of three small children, washable wardrobe solutions are key.)

Here’s is a small sampling of the cardigans I've recently added to my collection. The top four are the Jackie by J.Crew in Bright Seaside, Fresh Melon, Soft Seashell and Hyacinth. The bottom is the Heritage Cardigan from Lands' End Canvas in Cherry.

More lovely choices:

Anthropologie Love Letter Sweater by Laureate Lane

Kate Spade Beeline Billie Cardigan



Anthropologie Pick a Bunch Cardi by Tabitha



Trina Turk Sylvia Cardigan

For more sublime cardigan inspiration, be sure to check out the wardrobe of Glee’s Emma Pillsbury.

The new season of Glee starts tonight on FOX at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. Central). Additional details about her wardrobe can be found at the popular fan site, What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear, which celebrates Emma’s every cardigan-clad move.

Friday Favorites: Lilly Pulitzer Fall Line

When many bloggers stared posting listings of their favorite items from Lilly Pulitzer’s fall line a few weeks ago, I decided to hold my vote until I’d had a chance to see some of the pieces in person.

Viewing the clothing online, my initial impression was that it looked like the line contained a lot of gorgeous party dresses. Now I adore party dresses as much as any other girly-girl, but the reality of my life and my closet is that I only need a few each season. What I need most for fall are beautiful items that translate to my day-to-day life: play dates, preschool pick-up, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) meetings, church, charitable activities, and dinners out. One of the reasons I love Lilly for spring and summer wear is that there are a lot of cotton dresses, skirts, and cardigans that work for my lifestyle (which means they’re cute, but also easy to move in and machine washable), and I really wondered if this year’s fall line would hold the same appeal.

Now that I’ve had a chance to see the initial fall offerings at my local Lilly store, I am happy to report that it does. Here are a few of my favorites:

The Lulu in True Navy Skindalous

If you are a Lilly lover who has not tried this style, get yourself to a Lilly Pulitzer store right now! I find this dress to be an extremely flattering hourglass fit, and this style is polished enough to be appropriate for church, charity meetings or dinners at the club. This fall it’s available in several adorable prints.


The Adalie Wrap Dress in Shorely Blue Serenity

In addition to being a great overall day dress, this would be perfect for our fall trip to the Texas coast. (I'm really in love with this print!)

The Worth Shift in Cameo White Flowey Wowey

"Wow" is right!  This is another great day dress in a to-die-for print. If the straight cut of the Worth Shift is not to your liking, the print also comes in this fabulous Roslyn Skirt, of which I am a fan.

Last, but not least, I wanted to share one find that I have not had the pleasure of seeing in person.

The Conrad Sweater in Multi Lotus

This adorable creation makes my must-have list because it looks like the perfect piece to pair with my jeans and boots when the weather here in San Antonio finally turns cool. I can’t wait to see this one for myself.

And of course, Lilly makes fantastic coordinating cardigans and sweaters which are perfect to layer over any of the sleeveless dresses when the temperature drops.  This makes these dresses a perfect fall investment because you can wear them now and continue to wear them as the season progresses!

What about you? What Lilly items and and prints are you excited about for fall?

Friday Favorites: Nude Heels

These won’t be the flashiest shoes in your closet, but they will be the most versatile. When it comes to creating a long-legged look that goes with everything from a printed wrap dress to a navy pantsuit, nude heels can’t miss.

Here are a few of my current favorites in various price ranges:

Christian Louboutin Elisa Patent Pump, $625.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Stuart Weitzman Platswoon, $298.00

Nine West Bonfire, $89.00

Enzo Agiolini Starlite Platform Pumps, $79.95

Franco Sarto Napoli, On Sale for $73.95 at Zappos.com

Friday Favorites: Elizabeth McKay

Can I tell you how much I adore Elizabeth McKay’s gorgeous clothing? Her designs are the epitome of classic, casual elegance. Any of these items can be easily dressed up or down with a quick change of accessories and you will always look beautiful, no matter where you’re going.

I’m particularly craving:

Scotland Dress

B to B Dress

The Bon Voyage Dress

Notting Hill Pant with The Elizabeth Shirt

Cape Grace Skirt with The Pimm's Top

















If you're looking for stores that carry this line, you may be in luck if you live near the east coast. (I know Elizabeth McKay frocks are a favorite of patrons at one of my old D.C. shopping haunts, Sherman Pickey.) Those of us who currently reside in other parts of the country will have to content ourselves with ordering online. I think these lovely clothes are worth it, though, don’t you?

I am dying to know what her fall line will feature.

Friday Favorites: My Top Five Cookbooks for Summer

Now that my twins are a few months old and we are finally getting into our groove as a family of five (yikes!), it is time for me to step up my game in the kitchen. I love to cook with fresh, local ingredients and create great flavor combinations. So without further adieu, here are my top cookbooks for summer.

1) Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast: Weeknight Meals: Over 280 Incredible Supper Solutions

This is the newest addition to my shelf. The recipes are incredibly simple with great flavor profiles. This will definitely be my go-to-guide for summer meals.






2) The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life

The Food Network’s star nutritionist offers up wonderful ideas for healthy, flavorful meals. We loved the Tuscan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables, the Smashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives and the Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange Essence. I can’t wait to try some of the other recipes, like the Soft Asian Summer Rolls.

3) Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics: Fabulous Flavor from Simple Ingredients

Can you ever go wrong with Ina Garten? I certainly don’t think so! In this guide, she provides recipes for fabulous meals created with fresh, simple ingredients, as well as background information on her techniques. Her cocktail ideas and entertaining tips are not to be missed. I am looking forward to making the Baked Shrimp Scampi and trying the Juice of a Few Flowers cocktail.

4) Southern Living Complete Quick & Easy Cookbook

This fantasic reference showcases a host of fast and delicious recipes, including many for southern favorites like King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Shrimp and Grits and Pineapple Glazed Ham. Chapters on Slow Cooker Favorites, One-Dish Dinners, and Healthy ‘n’ Quick Recipes make this an indispensable addition to my kitchen.

5) How to Cook Everything, Completely Revised 10th Anniversary Edition: 2,000 Simple Recipes for Great Food

This is a classic that has been described as the bible of home cooking. In addition to wonderful recipes and detailed insights into ingredients and techniques, Bittman provides lists of potential variations to help you customize the recipes. Using his suggestions, I customized a recipe for a Black Bean and Corn Salad that is to die for. I can’t wait to try more!

Do you have favorite recipes from any of these cookbooks? Please share!