NECESSARY LAYERS

Anthropologie Sweater // J.Crew Coat // Old Navy Jeans // Anthropologie Scarf // Madewell Bag // J.Crew Booties // Selima Sunnies

While I was back on the East Coast it was finally necessary to layer (at least a few of the days).  Something that doesn't happen very often out here.  I love these Old Navy coated jeans because they bring a bit of edge to an otherwise cozy outfit.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their friends and family and ate to their hearts desire!  

THE BEST PIE

I love pie.  Just ask anyone in my family they know all too well.  Apple, Boysenberry, Cherry, you name it and I like it.  However this pie is in a league of its own.  It's apple but not too sweet and cinnamoney like a traditional apple can be.  It's tart and sweet and the flavors create something amazing in your mouth.  With that being said I'll give you the recipe so you can experience this magic during the holidays!

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup brandy

1/4 cup dried currants

1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, rinsed and drained

1 cup granulated sugar

6 Tbsp plus 1 cup of all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp finely grated orange zest

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 cups sliced peeled Granny Smith apples (I did 8 cups!)

10-inch pie crust

2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into chunks

RECIPE

1. Combine the brandy and the currants in a small bowl. Let sit for at least an hour, until currants are plump.

2.Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl mix 1 cup white sugar with 6 Tbsp flour, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use a slotted spoon to transfer currants from brandy to the sugar mixture. Add cranberries and apples and mix well. Pour filling into unbaked pie pastry and drizzle with the reserved brandy.

3. In another bowl mix 1 cup flour with 2/3 cup of brown sugar. Add the butter and cut in with a pastry blender or rub with your fingers until the mixture forms small lumps. Sprinkle topping over the filling. Set pie in a foil-lined 10x15 inch baking pan (to catch the juices).

4. Bake on bottom rack 55 to 65 minutes. If pie browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

5. Set pie on rack, uncovered, to cool for 2 to 3 hours.

BRAIDED X LEATHER

Anthom Sweatshirt // J.Crew Necklace, Similar // F21 Skirt // J.Crew Heels, Similar, Selima Sunnies // Old Navy Clutch // Target Watch

I swear, you can search high and low for something and never find what you're looking for.  However, when you finally give up on the search, there it is, right in front of you.  That's how it went down with this (faux) leather skirt.  I looked everywhere for a skirt like this and when a sequin dress finally lured me into forever 21 I found this beauty.  I thought it looked especially cool with this braided sleeved sweatshirt and the comfort level was pretty great too.  That's what I love about a sweatshirt like this, it looks more dressed up but it's still just as comfy as that one you stole from your dad.

ENGULFED

J.Crew Scarf // J.Crew Coat // J.Crew Tee // Crewcuts Button Down // Madewell Booties // Madewell Bag // Urban Outfitters Jeans

If you can't tell already, I have a thing for big scarves.  There's just something about a scarf that is able to completely engulf the top half of my body that I love so much.  And this one is obviously no exception.  When we were on the East my uniform consisted of a giant scarf, booties and jeans and I just don't think you just can't go wrong with that!

Hope you are all had a wonderful weekend!

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DREAMY

 Varsity Jacket Via T.J. Maxx // J.Crew Tee // Madewell Scarf, Similar // Urban Outfitters Jeans // J.Crew Booties // Madewell Bag, Small Version

 If I wasn't already convinced I wanted to move to the East Coast then this trip pretty much solidified it for me.  First it's the trees, so many trees with so many different colors.  I mean come on now, that can't be happening.  And then the cool temperatures, what I have been asking for all Fall!  And lastly what the dry climate does for my hair!  Seriously though my worst hair day was far better than anything I get here.  So light and fluffy without any of that flat business I get at home.  It was all pretty dreamy if you ask me and I wouldn't mind going back soon!

HOLIDAY MEATBALLS

I've never really considered myself a "meat" person.  I think a lot of meals can do without, however, since my husband definitely won't let that happen I have grown to like it more and these meatballs are no exception.  Don't make these unless you are going to throw the healthy eating rules out the window because there is nothing redeeming in these except for their taste.  They are the perfect appetizer to bring for the upcoming holidays!

RECIPE:

2 LBS Jimmy Dean Sausage, uncooked

1 1/2 cups all purpose baking/biscuit mix

16 oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. Form into 1 inch balls

3. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet until golden brown

* 1/2 recipe make about 40 meatballs

* I used reduced fat cheese

* Could use less cheese if desired

EAST COAST BRINGINGS

J.Crew Jeans // Madewell Scarf // Hive & Honey Varsity Jacket // J.Crew Hat // Gap Tee // J.Crew Booties

This is what the inside of my suitcase looks like right about now.  Lots of neutrals, leather details, booties, and some scarves.  My plan is to mix and match.  I'm only gone for an extended weekend (4 full days) but I'm an over packer so you better believe there is more than I can wear inside.  

MAKING THE ROUNDS

 Madewell Trench, Similar // Asos Crop Top // Madewell // Target Watch // Michael Kors Bag // J.Crew Link Bracelet // Zara Heels // Selima Sunnies

 I've been really loving the crop top lately and lucky for me it's still warm enough to wear one. I was quite modest in high school and I had you told me I would be wearing a crop top years later I would have shuddered in fear and never believed you.  It's so funny how different styles continue to make the rounds and never leave us completely.  I like how it's come around this time and prefer it paired with a high wasted skirt, jean or trouser to keep it from looking too 90's.  Did you jump on the crop top bandwagon or are you stearing clear this round? 

MENSPIRED

J.Crew Mens Button Down // J.Crew Tee // Madewell Skirt, Similar // Madewell Wedges // J.Crew Bag // Target Watch // J.Crew Link Bracelet // Selima Sunnies

I remember when my husband and I were dating and I would want to borrow his shirts or cardigans and he wouldn't let me.  In his defense he knows I don't like to borrow but like to own things so he would rarely get them back.  Now that we are married, borrowing and owning things feels the same since we share a closet.  Although we do actually own a few of the same things considering I went through a slight mens clothing phase.

Regardless, a mens (or womens) shirt is a great way to layer here where it's still on the warm side.  Try it sometimes, it's super comfy.

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THE GRASS IS GREENER

 Madewell Sweater // Madewell Skirt, Similar // J.Crew Boots, Similar // J.Crew Bag // Target Watch // Selima Sunnies

This week is one of those that I've been looking forward to for some time.  We are headed to the east coast this week and I couldn't be more excited.  I know I complain about the weather out here lots on here, but I'll finally get the weather I think I want this time of year.  You'll probably hear me complain about how cold it is because as we all know the grass is always greener!  Especially in Southern California where it actually is green all year :)  Anyway, it will be the first week that bare legs won't be happening and it's something these legs want!  

BLACK AND BLUE

J.Crew Cardigan // J.Crew Tank // Zara Scarf, Similar // Urban Outfitters Jeans // J.Crew Wedges // Selima Sunnies

Just like everyone else I've been totally into black and white this fall.  There's a sophistication that comes with it.  Even when you're three drinks in, you've gotta find a way to keep it together.  I liked the pop of navy, if you will, it keeps the simple cardigan-jean combo of being to boring.  

Any trends you've been wearing lots of this season?  Anything you want to try?

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MY WISH

Definitely feeling this...

CLOWN-ISH

J.Crew Sweater // Zara Pants // J.Crew Wedges // J.Crew Bag // Ray-Ban Wayfarer // Target Watch

These pants have been hanging out in my closet for quite some time now.  I got them at the very end of the Zara summer sale and just couldn't quite find a way to wear them.  They definitely make a statement and remind me of clowns, which freaks me out just a bit.  I have really been into loser fitting pants lately, they are just so darn comfortable!  I have had this cashmere sweater for almost 3 years now and I must say it is one of my all time favorite purchases.  J.Crew still makes this same style so if f you are looking for a sweater to invest in I totally recommend this one.  It's cute and oh so comfortable!

FEELING SO BLUE

J.Crew Chambray, similar // UO Jeans // J.Crew Bag // J.Crew Belt, similar // Target Watch // J.Crew Link Bracelet // Madewell Wedges

Sorry for the silence around here last week.  I unfortunately caught a bit of a bug and was in bed the majority of the week.  Luckily for me I was better by the Friday when my husband and I started celebrating our one year anniversary.  It's amazing how fast time flies!  I wore this outfit up to LA on friday for some walking around.  It's too bad these shoes weren't made for walking.  It's a sad story really, I stalked these shoes for over a month hoping my size would be re-stocked and when they finally were I jumped on them because I was not going to let them go a second time.  I thought they would be the perfect alternative to my worn-too-often booties and that they would be easy to walk in.  Turns out they're not, at least not for me.  I almost fell roughly 15 times.  It was humiliating.  I had a death grip on my husbands arm the entire time.  I won't lose hope though, these shoes are my baby and we will make it work!