workwear: et vous

Outfit details: LOFT blouse – $6.99 @ Goodwill in West St. Paul; Necklace – $4.50 @ Steeple People’s Surplus Store in Minneapolis; Et vous pants – $4.99 @ Goodwill in Bloomington; Apt. 9 heels - $28.99 (on clearance) @ KOHL’S.

I recently came across these fabulous cropped pants a few weeks back at one of the many Goodwill locations I periodically pop into. The brand is “et vous” (translation: “and you”) - which I came to find out is a clothing line sold in various boutiques. I wasn’t able to figure out a retail price for the pants, but was intrigued by their French name  nonetheless.

What’s an interesting thrift store find you’ve come across?

blazer braggin’.

Outfit details: Liz Claiborne blazer - $5 @ MRCI Thrift Store in Mankato; Necklace – $4.50 @ Steeple People’s Surplus Store in Minneapolis; LOFT top – $2.50 @  Turnstyle Consignment in Coon Rapids; Gap jeans - $4 @ MRCI Thrift Store in Mankato; ELLE wedges - $18.99 (orig. $65) @ KOHL’S.

And let’s not forget about that delicious faux latte I am holding :)

This blazer is one of my all-time favorite thrift store finds. Flash back to a year ago when I spotted it on a rack from a distance… I took a closer look only to discover it was in mint-condition and just my size! So of course, I had to have it. Lucky for me, the price was just right! – Not exactly an easy thing to come by at your average thrift store. Nonetheless, what I love most about this blazer, and the majority of blazers for that matter, is the versatility they possess – you can wear it to the office by pairing it with a nice pair of slacks or skirt, or just keep it casual like I did here. And no, it doesn’t have to match the pants you are wearing. (Reference my “mix ‘n match” post to learn more.) Also, wearing a blazer as a light jacket makes a for a stylish transition into fall.
All in all, a tailored blazer should be a staple in every woman’s closet – plain and simple. What is something you consider a closet staple?

what’s cookin’: chunky avocado salsa.

I’d been meaning to make pico de gallo and guacamole all summer, but for some reason never did… until today that is! Now that summer is near its end, I finally got around to making this fresh (and easy!) guac and pico de gallo combo. This particular recipe was adapted from Two-Tarts, but with a few added changes on my end - all of which are already included in the ingredients list below.

What you’ll need:

• 1 large avocado, chopped into chunks
• 2-3 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 2 tbs cilantro, chopped
• juice of 1/2 lime
• garlic salt and cumin, to taste

* Optional add-ins: black beans, corn, diced pepper

Directions:

Combined all ingredients in a bowl and serve with tortilla chips (my personal favorite are Archer Farms’ organic blue corn flaxseed!)

So simple, yet so tasty! Enjoy :)

this week’s dose of inspiration.

Rustic barrel mirror… I’m in love. {via Homed It}

Appealing DIY river rock trays for shoes {via Dollar Store Crafts}

J.crew’s fall 2011 purple pants, worn perfectly by Blair {via Atlantic Specific}

Fabulous fall polish colors {via Vogue}

Baked vanilla & salted caramel cheesecake; on my to-make list! {via Greedy Gourmand}

the brooch is back!

I think the majority of us associate brooches as an out-of-date “old lady” type of an accessory, right? Well I’ve got news for you – the brooch is back my friends! Talk about a fun and simple way to spruce up a blazer or blouse, or even a purse! And what’s even better – you can come across them for pretty reasonable prices at antique shops… or for free in your grandma’s jewelry box.

^ a few of my fun favorites (all images found via Google images and Pinterest)

Still not keen on the idea of sporting a brooch? Another great accessory alternative to the brooch is a faux floral pin, like here:

  See how Elaine from ‘Clothed Much’ sports her floral pin perfectly here, or how Julia from ‘Gal Meets Glam’ does here.

Flower pins also happen to be a super simple (and cheap) DIY project which I will make sure to feature within the next week, so stay tuned!

Have a great weekend :)

workwear: a case of the blues.

Outfit details: D&G aviators – $6 (retail value: $162) @ Encore Consignment in Mankato; LOFT blouse – $3.25 @ TurnStyle Consignment in Coon Rapids; COACH purse – $6.99 @ Goodwill in West St. Paul; H&M belt – $1.99 @ Arc’s Value Village in St. Paul; Lux skirt – $3.99 @ Savers in Rochester; Apt. 9 sweater tights - free (thanks to a  ‘$10 off your purchase of $10 or more’ coupon) @ KOHL’S; Xhiliration booties – $7.48 (75% off) @ Target.

I was lucky enough to have been featured this week on Ana’s blog, Sweet Serendipity Design, as her *thriftaholic pick of the week.* Be sure to click the link and check it out if you haven’t already!

autumn anticipation.

Outfit details: Gap short-sleeve knit cardigan -$4.99 @ Arc’s Value Village in St. Paul; Gap striped top – $10 (on clearance) @ Gap; J.Crew capris – $3.99 @ St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in St. Paul; ALDO purse – gift from fiance; ELLE wedges – $18.99 (orig. $65) @ Kohl’s.

workwear: crazy for coral.

Outfit details: Vintage sunnies – $1.60 @ Arc’s Value Village in Brooklyn Center; Kensie over-sized cardigan – $4.99 @ Savers in Rochester; J.crew ruffled tank – $3.99 @ St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in St. Paul; Vintage men’s Timex watch – $3.50 @ WSP Antiques in West St. Paul; Belt – $0.99 @ Arc’s Value Village in Brooklyn Center; Limited skirt - $6 @ TurnStyle Consignment in Minneapolis, MIA wedges – gifted from fiance.

what’s cookin’: [quick and easy] homemade mac ‘n cheese.

Okay, I realize that it’s not quite “comfort food season” yet, but I figured it’s not too early to get started… not to mention I seem to be rather cheese-obsessed these days (grilled cheese, cheese pizza, cheesecake, cream cheese… you get this jist). Needless to say, I was happy to come across this quick and easy macaroni recipe from Feed Our Families Blog. Aside from the fact that, hello - it’s mac’ n cheese!, Gina (the author) provides the price, serving, and ingredient difference of buying boxed (blah) versus making your own. So here you have it - a delicious homemade mac ‘n cheese recipe that’s reminiscent of the not-so-natural but oh-so-good creamy and cheesy Velveeta.

What you’ll need:

• 1 lb. elbow macaroni
• 1 tbs. vegetable oil
• 3 tbs. butter
• 4 tbs. flour
• 1 ½ c. 2% milk
• 2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp. ground nutmeg (I omitted this)
• Salt to taste

Directions:

Cook macaroni according to the package. Make your cheese sauce while the macaroni cooks.

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add oil and butter. When butter melts into the oil, add flour and mix well. Gently whisk flour and butter together, until smooth and flour has had a chance to slightly brown, about 3 minutes.

Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk, making sure to get any lumps that form. Bring milk to a low boil while stirring frequently. Allow the milk to thicken slightly, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time. Season sauce with nutmeg. Add salt to taste.

Add cooked pasta to sauce and coat completely by gently mixing both together. Serve and enjoy!

this week’s dose of inspiration.

I’m loving everything about this space.

Deep-fried pickle recipe {via Paula Deen} And speaking of deep-fried, the MN State Fair is right around the corner! :)

Chic DIY rustic table {via Liz Marie Blog}

Fabulous color/accessory combo.

Some words of wisdom I currently need to take to heart.

*If you missed last week’s dose of inspiration, check it out here.