transition stripes

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sweater: Forever 21 (similar here), pants: Old Navy (similar here), shoes: Report-Signature, bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs, bracelets: Marc by Marc Jacobs and H&M, lipstick: YSL 

This is a comfortable mix of summer and fall pieces. These pants are great summer staple and transition well into the early weeks of fall. Since the weather has been warm, I decided to pair them with a lightweight knit sweater and d’orsay flats. A casual and polished look for your Monday!

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skincare favorites

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I’ve spent many years searching for the right skincare and makeup appropriate for my (very) oily skin. Investing in quality and natural products for your body is very important. Remember, it’s just as important to be mindful of what you put on your body as it is important to what you put in your body. I understand that products are not suitable for all skin types and sometimes using a product with synthetics and parabens just can’t be avoided. Here are a few items that are part of my routine. Have a great weekend!

1. Aveda – Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner

2. Marc Jacobs – Lovemarc Lip Gel in Saboteur 

3. CeraVe – Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM

4. Chanel- Double Perfection Lumiére Long-Wear Powder 

5. Aveda – Green Science Firming Eye Creme 

6. Avalon Organics – Vitamin C Soothing Lip Balm 

7. Chanel – Inimitable Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel  

8. Aveda – Enbrightenment Brightening Treatment Toner 

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the best veggie pot pie!

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Sometimes you just need a great pot pie. It’s such a delicious comfort food for this time of year. My husband and I have been working on perfecting this recipe, and this is it! It’s a balanced blend of veggies, herbs, time and ambrosia. I recommend a glass of sauvignon blanc as a crisp and refreshing pairing.

Makes 2 large pot pies. Takes approximately 2 hours from prep to table.

veggie pot pie: 

1c potatoes (diced)
1c yellow onion (diced)
1c celery (diced)
1c carrots (diced)
1c peas
1c fennel bulb (diced)
1c cremini mushrooms (sliced)
1/4c flat leaf parsley (chopped)
1/4c chives
2 cloves garlic chopped
1 tbs fennel fronds chopped
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1/2 c flour
1/3c irish butter
2c veggie broth (better than bouillon veggie)
1c 2% milk
1/2c low sodium mushroom broth
1/4c of dry white wine
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1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp sage
1/2 tbs thyme
1/2 tbs rosemary
dash of marjoram
pinch of nutmeg
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– sauté celery, onion, carrot, potato & fennel in butter for 10min
– add flour to sautéed mixture, string well, cook 1min while stirring constantly.
– combine mushroom broth, veggie broth and milk
– gradually stir into vegetable mixture
– cook over medium heat stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly
– while mixture cooks, sauté the garlic and mushrooms in a little olive oil. Cook until the mushrooms sweat, but don’t
burn the garlic
– deglaze the pan with some dry sherry or white wine. After the alcohol cooks down, pour the garlic, mushroom and juices into the filling.
– stir in herbs
– stir in the parsley, fennel fronds and add the peas
– pour into crusts*
– cut slits to allow steam to escape
– bake for 40-50 min or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly and cooked through
* for the crusts you can either make your own puff pastry dough, or a store bought pie crust than can be rolled out thin to cover the bottom of the bowl as well as the top.
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a poncho and denim

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poncho: Madewell (similar here), chambray: Old Navyjeans: Zara, boots: Steven (similar here), bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs, earrings: American Apparel 

Mixing up denim pieces can be fun. The key to making it work is pairing different shades together, that way it doesn’t look like a solid piece of denim from head to toe. I feel this past year chambray shirts became a staple in everyone’s wardrobe. They are a great versatile piece that carries well from season to season. Since the weather has been so chilly in the mornings these past couple of weeks, it’s been perfect for layers. This poncho is so comfortable and adds an extra element of fun to my look.

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neutral lines

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top: Zara (similar here), pants: Joe’s Jeans, boots: Zara, bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target, sunglasses: Ray-Ban (similar here), watch: Emporio Armani, lipstick: Marc Jacobs 

This top has all the design elements that I love: clean lines, asymmetry, and a neutral color. The draped pocket is simple, yet I feel is makes this piece so unique. I decided on a super skinny pant and slim pointed ankle boot to keep everything subtle and balanced. A maroon lip adds a little pop of color.

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raw silk

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tee: Zara, leather jacket: ASOS (similar here), scarf: Argaman & Defiance jeans: Armani Exchange, shoes: Biba, bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim,  earrings: Hook & Matter, lipstick: Marc Jacobs

I found this beautiful raw silk infinity scarf this past weekend at Dovetail while enjoying Chicago’s West Town Art Walk. This scarf is handmade here in Chicago by Argaman & Defiance I love the texture of the raw silk and the organic dye line – each scarf is unique because of the hand dye process. I like supporting local designers and boutiques. Be sure to check out both of these great woman-owned small businesses. Happy Monday!

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green juice

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There are many health benefits to drinking fresh juice. Juicing is a great way to get vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and helps to maintain a healthy body. I make fresh juice most mornings and sometimes have another serving in the afternoon for a dose of energy. Here is an easy green juice recipe to try this weekend. Don’t feel limited to these fruits and vegetables. I am always trying new combinations and finding different flavors to enjoy. Other combinations that I like include: 1: grapefruit, spinach, granny smith apples, and kale. 2: pineapple, kale, blueberries, and granny smith apples. 3: peaches, kale, spinach, and green seedless grapes

Fruits & vegetables:

3 granny smith apples
2 d’anjou pears
6+ kale leaves
1 large bunch of black seedless grapes

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fall cardigans

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Let’s take a look at cardigans. As I mentioned the other day here, a cardigan is a great wardrobe staple. They are perfect for layering, wearing in place of a jacket, and serve us well into the cold winter months. I have put together a few of my favorite pieces that are available both online and in-stores. Enjoy!

1. Wraparound Cardigan, Zara, $25.90

2. Kensie – Tissue Knit Cardigan, Nordstrom, $119.00

3. Journal Cardigan, Madewell, $79.50

4. Convertible Cocoon Cardigan, Armani Exchange, $89.60 with 30% off!

investment: Magi Merino Long Khaki Brown Melange, Acne, $570.00

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