Outfit and Occasion

Outfit:

Chadwicks dress (Shalom Shuk, Burlington), $4.00, Jewish star necklace and earrings (gifted), Coach shoes (borrowed from mom!)

This dress was once frumpy, and with a minor length adjustment, it became chic!  The brand is not exactly one that is trendy or age appropriate, but I absolutely love the contrast between the boxes on the dress and the crosses on the belt.  The neckline makes it sophisticated and the buttons create a nice form fit.

I love transforming clothing and I hope to do more of it once I finally learn how to use my sewing machine!

Occasion:  PASSOVER in White Plains, NY

Passover is my favorite Jewish holiday.  I try to make it home to White Plains, New York to spend it with the fam every year.  We have TWO traditional seders with extended family and they are filled with the wonderful story of Moses leading the Jews out of bondage in Egypt.  We have songs, readings and blessings.  The best part is the food though!  My mom’s matzah ball soup is THE best.  It seriously soothes the soul.  There is also the “hillel sandwich” with matzah, an amazing chutney, called haroset, which is so simple but signature to this holiday, and a bitter herb called marror.  There is incredible brisket and veggies.  I even find the symbolic sliced hard boiled egg in salt water to be special.  Desserts cannot contain flour but that is not limiting when you have flourless chocolate cake, pavlova and merengue cookies, macaroons, and other amazing delicacies.

Being able to spend time with my immediate and extended family is something I treasure and to come together to celebrate such an important holiday for our people is so valuable.  I look forward to it each year!

 

 

 

 

Outfit and Occasion 

Outfit:

Gap tank (Richmond Thrift Shop, Richmond), $3.00, Gap shorts (Shalom Shuk, Burlington), $1.00, Reiker sandals (Salvation Army, Burlington), $2.00 on sale, Vintage scarf (vintage shop in Atlanta, Georgia), $4.00, Necklace (gifted), Earrings (Zinnia, Burlington), $50.00 SPLURGE ALERT

So maybe shorts and a tank top were not quite appropriate for today’s breezy 60 degree weather, but here in Burlington, when the snow starts to thaw, we immediately bust out summer clothes!  Sayonara down jacket!

This weekend was perfection!  Cheers to sundresses, long walks/bike rides, the beach and day drinking!

This whole outfit amounts to TEN dollars (minus the jewelry)!  I live in these work appropriate shorts during the summer and they fit well with a long shirt like this one that I just scored.  Even though I splurged on these earrings, they are definitely a statement piece and I’m positive I’ll get my money’s worth!

Yes, second hand shoes are questionable, but these sandals are my favorite and I just don’t care that someone else may have walked in them sock-less :/.

Occasion:  The Little Red Kitchen

The Little Red Kitchen is right near where I work on Riverside Ave and the ladies that work there are THE sweetest and cutest and make me smile every time I step foot in their little shop.  The panini’s are grilled to perfection and my favorite is the ham and brie, although this turkey one was hella good.  They also have this parmesan dip that is OUTRAGEOUS and is always sampled with pretzel chips for a little, quick appetizer.

They also have unbelievable cookies and the biggest brownies I’ve ever seen.

The ladies will undoubtedly ask you if you love your sandwich and they will be so thrilled when you say “mmm, so good!”.  Definitely a place to try for lunch, and beats some of the other spots in the neighborhood.

Outfit and Occasion

Outfit:

Abercrombie & Fitch eyelet tube top (hand-me-down), Floral pants (Old Navy, Williston), $8.99 on sale, Forever21 necklace (forever21.com), $8.00, Bangles (gifted)

So happy to bust out these fun, floral pants from Old Navy!  Wearing summer clothes and feeling warmer than a Vermont summer, when I could be freezing my ass off on a cold Vermont winter day, is a wonderful thing!

Occasion:

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum is a gorgeous part of Mexico that is about 1 1/2 hours south of Cancun.  It has pristine beaches along a jungly, hippie-chic strip that is unlike anywhere I have been.  Yoga everywhere, beautiful boutiques, delicious places to eat, and the best margaritas in the world.  My family + Tom spent less than a week, but it is a magical place that I hope to return to!

Cenote

Cenote’s are natural fresh-water swimming holes that exist in caves and are tucked away throughout the area.  We rented snorkels and explored the stalagmites/stalactites, one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen!  We went to Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos (the best!) and saw fish, turtles, and the beauty of the caves.

Our Air BNB

A 10 minute drive to the beach, we resided in this modern and delightful abode during our stay.  It was the perfect place to relax after a full day at the beach.

Octopus from The Kitchen Table

The food in Tulum was SENSATIONAL!  We ate at a delicious steak restaurant called El Asadero, unbelievable vegan fare at Restaurare, innovative dishes at Cezontle, the best beets and kebobs I’ve ever had at Casa Banana, and this insanely good whole octopus at Kitchen Table.  Plus, endless fresh chips and guac and yummy fish tacos on the beach!  So many delicious memories that I will never forget!

Outfit and Occasion

Outfit:

One Clothing dress (Marshalls, White Plains NY), $12.00, Banana Republic cashmere sweater (Richmond Thrift Shop, Richmond VT), $6.00, Forever21 necklace (forever21.com), $5.00

There are different tiers of Marshall’s stores and while I barely have luck at the ones in Vermont, I often have great success at my childhood location in White Plains NY.  This really was my childhood, being my shopaholic mom’s favorite store ever, and I’ve definitely frequented it for many years.  Many great designers and many great finds!  This dress is simple, unlike the majority of my clothes, but works perfectly with a statement piece like this necklace.  I added a comfy and chic, yet cheap, cashmere sweater and I was ready for a night out in Montreal, Canada!

Occasion:

Valentines in Montreal!

Restaurants:

Le Mas de Oliviers is a French bistro with a taste of romance in Paris (where Tom and I are going for two weeks in May!!).  We each had the perfect starter: snails in a flakey puff pastry with mushrooms!  I had the veal scaloppine and Tom had the veal chop.  Both were extremely savory and tender…with scalloped potatoes that were to die for!  We then each had a chocolate mousse that reminded me of solid hot chocolate!

Salumi Vino is an Italian, highly rated restaurant that was phenomenal.  We started with a perfectly charred sausage and then I had a refreshing ahi tuna with avocado and spinach and Tom had a flavorful veal scaloppine.  We shared the creamiest whipped tiramisu to continue our fancy Italian restaurant tradition.  The night was a beautiful way to celebrate Valentines with my honey!

Activities:

While in Montreal, we were determined not to let the -45 degree, frigid weather stop us from having fun!  We did A LOT considering the lethality of our surroundings!  We saw an IMAX of Wild Africa at the Science Center and the footage was unreal, we went to the Biodome and saw various ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them, we went to indoor markets and shopping malls, checked out IKEA (we don’t have one in VT!!), and had some nice lunches of yummy baguettes et lattes!

Needless to say, I love to explore and make the most of each trip while appreciating my travel partner and, on this trip, my valentine.

Outfit and Occasion

My Personal Style, in honor of Aunt Dinah

Outfit:

Free People sweater (Richmond Thrift Shop, Richmond), FREE (from free box), Romeo & Juliet Couture leggings (Loehmans, NY), $10.00, Dolce Vita booties, (gifted)

The world lost a incredible human being today.  My Aunt Dinah lived to 101 and could not have been a more vibrant, joyful, caring, and stylish person.  She loved a good deal, especially from Loehmans (where I got the fun leggings above), and had impeccable style.  She is an example that everyone can have a unique personal style! A beautiful handkerchief around her neck, a classy solid sweater with a cute belt, bold necklaces, hoop earrings, sophisticated slacks, a ribboned fedora, and a huge smile.  I think she would be happy that I have this blog to express my personal style :). She will forever be in my heart and I am so grateful to have known her and have her as a role model.  May we all live such a fulfilling life! On this beautiful and mild winter day, I think about her impact and cry tears of sadness/joy reminiscing about her beautiful character.

Occasion:

Baked goods, in honor of Aunt Dinah

Aunt Dinah may have been tiny, but I will never forget seeing her with a plate full of baked goods and pie/cake slices each year at Thanksgiving.  She is known for her signature brownies whose recipe has been passed down.  Pictured above is a brownie from The Skinny Pancake, that I am posting in her honor.  It was more cakey than fudgy…just like Dinah’s, but of course, Dinah’s will always be her special thing.

Aunt Dinah, Thanksgiving will never be the same, but our tradition will withstand the test of time!  Thinking of you and grateful for you!  xoxoxoxo

Outfit and Occasion

Outfit:

Atmosphere Sweater (Replays Thrift Shop, S. Burlington), $10.00, Mossimo Jeans (Platos Closet, Williston), $8.00, Dolce Vita Shoes (gifted), “Be the Change” necklace (gifted), Lucky Brand Scarf (gifted)

Finally explored Replays Thrift Shop, a perfect weekend activity!  This shop is kinda clued in on their more expensive donations and tailor their price tags accordingly, but you can still find great deals!  It also does not have the overwhelming nature of the Goodwill so you can check each and every item within an hour shopping spree!  This maroon sweater is soo soft and cozy for the winter!  Excited to add Replays to my list of local thrifting options!

These sleek Dolce Vita booties were a gift from my sister because her friend works for @shopdolcevita and sometimes gives my sister their samples!  Lucky me!!  THANKS JESS!

Occasion:

Bleu Seafood

With nothing specific to celebrate, Tom and I decided date night was in order anyways!  Bleu Seafood is a part of the Marriott in downtown Burlington.  It blew me away! Tasteful menu pairings that were matched in flavor.  We started off right with a crusty baguette from Red Hen, assorted and juicy olives, and delicious mussels.  For our entrees, I ordered dry cured ham wrapped monkfish with chickpea polenta fries and Tom had wild mushroom pappardelle with scallops.  My dish had a tinge of spice and everything nice!  Tom’s pasta was homemade and dressed in a creamy, oh-so-spectacular sauce.

This little gem of a restaurant may have entered my top 5 for Burlington eats…and with a town full of delectable delights, that is saying a lot!

 Outfit and Occasion

 

Outfit:

Pink Rose Sweater (Shalom Shuk, Burlington), $4.00, Abercrombie Jeggings (Marshalls, New York), $10.00, Tan Shoes (Stella Mae, Burlington), $?

Cozy sweater dresses are my jam.  This particular alpine patterned one is the perfect thickness and makes an easy, simplistic outfit!  While Shalom Shuk has offered a lot more misses than hits lately, there are still occasional finds…just gotta keep on diggin’!  These VT shaped earrings (with a little stud in the middle) were a gift from Tom for Christmas! Splurged yet again at Stella Mae, but quality shoes are kinda essential and nice to get without pre-worn funk.

Occasion:

My first Christmas celebration!

Down to Concord, Mass for a full-on long weekend of colorful conversation, not-so-wintery walks, wine without end, stockings, presents, Deal or No Deal, and HAM!

 

This year, after spending a couple of days fixated on the presents under our beautiful, fake tree (my very first Christmas tree EVER), Tom and I could not resist opening each others presents, and wound up giving in and opening them on the 20th…oopsy-daisy!  No regrets.

Happy New Year!  Here’s to the sweetest one yet!

Aside from a relaxed NYE with my honey, hibachi at KOTO Japanese Steak House is a New Years Day tradition for Tom’s immediate family!  It’s a special experience from the perfectly sautéed meats and veggies, to the zucchini tossed into each person’s mouth, the BEST sushi I’ve ever had, and, of course,  the fiery tower of onions.

The whole shebang at KOTO!

Loving this holiday season!

OUTFIT AND OCCASION

 

Outfit:

Bailey 44 Dress (Bloomingdales brand), (Goodwill, Burlington), $6.00

Sometimes you go to the Goodwill and are shit out of luck and other times you go the day before Thanksgiving and get the perfect dress FOR Thanksgiving, with just enough time for an illusion-of-new-wash!  This brand, on their website, has dresses like this in the $200’s!  No need to drop that much dough when you can find something equally great for 3% of the price!

Occasion:

THANKSGIVING 2015

 

Another ginormous family reunion, 35 people this year, at my house in White Plains, NY.  This is my dad’s extended family and I feel so blessed to be related to each and every one.  We are a loud and animated family.  There is an age range of 100 years from the under 1 adorable little ones to our 101 year old Aunt Dinah who is seriously sharp as a tack and beautiful and fashionable and amazing.  We get together and eat absurd amounts of food and catch up on where everyone is at in life.  Such an awesome tradition!

OUTFIT AND OCCASION

 

Outfit:

Hand-me-down cashmere dress!

That moment when a friend invites you to snag clothes she is moving on from!  One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!  Love these colors…combined with cashmere = a true gem.  Thank you, Debbie!

Occasion:

Anniversary Dinner Recap (from Oct 19th) at Trattoria Delia

Tom and I were beyond excited to celebrate our two-year anniversary a few weeks ago!  We are truly companions and we treasure each day together.  We decided to try Trattoria Delia, a fancy Italian restaurant in town.  We had tender duck confit with eggplant caponata, arugula, and fig vincotto and Pasta Alla Parmigiana with meatball sausage and eggplant to start.  The duck practically melted off the bone and the pasta was incredibly flavorful.  Then I had the Zuppa Di Pesce with a variety of seafood in a stew and Tom had the Saltimbocca Di Vitello which was a veal scaloppine.   Both were delectable!  We  had a night recounting memories and making delicious new ones!

This tiramisu was ginormous and had an unreal creamy, custard texture.  Everyone in the restaurant was eating it and some coming solely for it!  I may need to make a dessert trip sometime soon…

 

 

OUTFIT AND OCCASION

Outfit:

Francesca’s sweater (Richmond Thrift Store, Richmond VT), $5.00 new with tags, plaid scarf (etsy.com), $23.00

This tartan scarf is totally trending right now, but I couldn’t resist jumping on board that train.  It’s so soft and cozy!  Unfolded, it a big square blanket, yet it’s not too thick to make me overheat.  Goes perfectly with this waffle sweater – my Fall staple!

Occasion:

Magnolia’s

Magnolia’s is yet another brunch/lunch spot in Burlington that has a Vermont country feel and a big and interesting menu.  I got the crab cake Benedict and I absolutely loved it!  The crab cakes were not too fishy and the eggs had just enough ooze.  While Penny Cluse is still my top runner, Magnolia’s and Mirabelle’s are excellent as well, and this particular dish was up there with some of my all-time favorite morning specialities!