My New Favorite Purple

I got this skirt on Ebay recently on a whim and love love it, but other than white and black (and more purple - so yes, I still have trouble breaking out of matchy-matchydom), I'm not so sure what else to pair with it. I recall Dea rocking this skirt way back when, but I am not sure I can pull off the bright green pairing as well as she had.

You color-switching gurus have any recommendations?

 

Top: Lands' End pinpoint (similar-ish here or here)

Skirt: Anthropologie Left of Center diagonal divide (similar-ish here or not really but cute here)

Tights: UO scroll (worn here before - similar here)

Belt: J. Crew metallic skinny (similar here)

Necklace: Laila Rowe (similar here or cheap here)

Shoes: Franco Sarto suede gamble (worn here before - similar here) 

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For the next Respect the Outfits reader feature, let's go back to our favorites! The last favorites post was a huge hit and we had a ton of really gorgeous ladies dressed in their feel-good best. So let's do it again!

What has been a favorite outfit of yours? What have you worn recently (or from recent memory) that has made you feel fantastic? Was it a special occassion piece that you'll keep forever, the never-fail dress that helped snag you a boyfriend,  the best skirt in the world that loves your figure back, a dear gift from a loved one, or just a not-so-plain-ole "it's Thursday" ensemble that had you strutting it down the cubicle aisle feeling good?

Send me your outfit pic along with a short descriptor of why your outfit is one of your faves. Include outfit deets and a link back to your original post, if you like. Post will go up on Wednesday, March 16, so please send me your stuff by Tuesday evening! Shoot your stuff over to me at respecttheshoes(at)live.com.

Thanks for keeping this reader feature going, I always love seeing what you gals submit!

Love in a Pocket

Oh skirts and dresses with pockets, what did I ever do with my hands before you? Even though I don't use you that much except for snacks, I feel like I'm not getting my money's worth when I like pieces nowadays without that don't have you!

I love thee in all your forms: the sneaky on-seam pouches, the saggy fistful sacs, the armor-like security of the zippereds, the shady flaps, the butto - actually, I find you buttoned pockets a little haughty, almost a bit of a tease. Do you want me to put stuff in or don't you? We'll need to chat offline.

Please don't ever decide you're too exposed and go into hiding, disappearing from my fluffy frocks and leaving me to put my hands up on my waist awkwardly. Stay always, because where else can I find random change or a few crumpled dollars, a broken bobby pin, a half-opened pack of Bubble Yum? If you go, I'll no longer receive a little baggy with forgotten belongings from my dry cleaner or hear the clang of leftover quarters in the dryer. 

Granted I don't even put my hands in you too often while I wear skirts because I have a tendency to push down with my fists, but I am comforted to know you two little hidden cloth flaps are there, waiting to receiving a handful of Reeses Pieces. So you, my dear pockets, don't go changing.

Top: Anthropologie Deletta je ne sais scarf (worn here before - similar silk here)

Skirt: Anthropologie Edme & Esyllte field (worn here before - similar mini here or here)

Belt: Anthropologie city safari (worn here before - similar-ish here)

Tights: Anne Klein (similar here)

Shoes: Franco Sarto suede gamble (worn here before - similar here or here)

Braised Dots with Penne

You ever have those days when you're 99 percent thrilled with your ensemble but something teeny weeny about it just seems off? That's me today - loving everything from the skirt up, questionable about everything else. The dark tights and shoes don't seem to cut it, but it is still too cold to go sans leg coverings - you gals have any ideas on how I can make this better for next time?

(And I didn't forget about the giveaway - I'll be announcing a winner shortly - thanks so much for all you wonderful ladies who participated!)

Top: H&M dolman polka dot (now in stores - similar style here and here, both in solid)

Skirt: Anthropologie Cartonnier alluring sway (on sale, worn here before - similar here or luxe here)

Belt: J. Crew skinny metallic (similar here)

Necklace: gift from friend

Tights: Anne Klein (similar here)

Shoes: Franco Sarto (similar here)

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BF and I tried out a new recipe from one of my fave Foot Network chefs this weekend, Giada. I'm whole-heartedly recommending this recipe - even though it does take a bit of work - because the BF liked it so much that he said I should blog about it (which is huge for a guy who typically refuses to participate in my blogging in any way!)

Penne with Braised Short Ribs from Giada at Home

Ingredients

4 pounds beef short ribs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
5 Roma tomatoes, cut into eighths
1 cup red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 pound penne pasta
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions
Place an oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Season the ribs with salt and pepper. In a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or ovenproof stock pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. In batches, add the ribs and brown on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the ribs and set aside. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, wine and mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil and scrape up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Return the ribs to the pan. Add the beef broth, cover the pan and place in the oven for 2 1/2 hours until the meat is fork-tender and falls easily from the bone.

Remove the ribs from the cooking liquid. Using a large spoon, remove any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid. Using a ladle, transfer the cooking liquid in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and keep warm over low heat. Remove the meat from the bones. Discard the bones. Using 2 forks, shred the meat into small pieces. Stir the shredded meat into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and place in a large serving bowl. Using a slotted spoon, remove the meat from the sauce and add to the pasta. Pour 1 cup of the sauce over the pasta. Toss well and thin out the pasta with more sauce, if needed. Sprinkle the pasta with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

Lisa's notes: I ended up using a can of whole tomatoes in place of the fresh Roma, nixed the parsley, and in lieu of the wine I didn't have, used half grape juice/half broth as a sub. Also, the recipe aboves makes about 4-6 servings, so I only purchased 2lbs of short ribs and minimized the rest of the ingredients. The sauce (i.e., the blended leftover braising liquid - is killer!)

Holla at Ya Girl

Top: Anthropologie Edme & Esyllte Rose is a Rose (worn here before - similar online here in solid or here)

Sweater: Anthropologie Guinevere Roaming Frills (worn here and here before - similar online here)

Skirt: H&M pleather (now in stores - similar-ish online here)

Tights: Anne Klein mini herringbone (similar online here or here)

Shoes: Franco Sarto Gamble (worn here and here before - similar online here or strappier here)

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The super-sweet Ashley from Ashley on the go! tagged me a while back to reveal seven things about myself. I vaguely remember doing something similar to this a while back and I don't want to accidentally repeat myself, so I thought I'd keep this "reveal" fluffy.

So here are the seven things you don't (and probably didn't want to) know about me:

1.  I have a culinary crush on Anthony Bourdain. I sometimes wish I could travel the world with him as a member of his film crew so he can berate me on-air and throw around words like "mireproix, mis en place, she's a complete idiot, I can't work with her" all in the same sentence.

2.  My favorite game (that hand-eye-uncoordinated-I am capable of playing) is Wii Sports Resort - specifically Swordplay ("chop, chop, chop - hee-yah!"). Second favorite game - and also the first electronic game I ever played - is Myst. That's right, PC gaming, baby!

3.  When I eat Skittles, I sort them by color and eat them in order from least-to-most favorite: lemon, grape, lime, orange, cherry.

4.  I am generally a klutz. Seriously. Not two minutes ago I dropped a fork full of pie on my keyboard. I write "two minutes ago" because it took me that long to get my stuff cleaned back up! And yes, I am eating pie for breakfast.

5. Most people I know don't know that I have a blog. The BF knows (and refuses to participate) as do one or two gal friends, but that's it. People who don't blog just don't understand!

6.  I don't like to try on clothes in a store. I actually prefer ordering things online, so I can try things on in the privacy of my home, and so that I can get a "fresh" un-tried-on piece.

7.  I am still sometimes scared of the dark. In that someone-is-going-to-jump-out-of-a-dark-corner-and-it-may-be-the-Boogie-man kind of way. This is when my penchant for watching thrillers and scary movies come back to bite me in the butt.

Thanks again, Ashley, for the tag!

I'm behind the ball and I think this tag has made it around the blogosphere a few times already so I won't retag anyone specifically - however, if you feel like playing along, please share seven things about yourself that we (blogee community) don't know!

A Je Ne Sais Sway Day

Well today has turned itself into a mighty good Anthro sale day - except nothing I wanted went on sale and I had been itching to get some goodies on discount. Oh well, my wallet is safe for another day!

I did end up breaking out my two last new purchases from Anthro (I know, I know, I just bought some stuff from them and I'm still looking for a sale to buy more?) today though, to battle the dreary overcast skies. I hadn't jumped on the Acting Out skirt bandwagon until this iteration, and I can finally see why all you gals were loving it - I was feeling kind of va-va-voom in this skirt even if I don't look it, ha! And wave hello to my first purple shirt - can we say all sorts of love here?

Top: Anthropologie Deletta Je Ne Sais Scarf

Skirt: Anthropologie Cartonnier Alluring Sway (similar online here)

Belt: UO Deena & Ozzy stretch (worn here and here before - similar online here or here)

Tights: UO graphic scroll (similar online here)

Shoes: Franco Sarto suede Gamble mary janes (similar online here or here)

I'll be amongst the ranks of the still-working-a-full-day-tomorrow folks so for all your lovelies departing for your lovely turkey adventures early, have a wonderful long holiday weekend! Appreciate your families! Get loads of sale goodies - it is a good thing to spoil yourself every now and again! And of course calories don't count on Thanksgiving!

A Rose with Frills and New Reader Feature!

Top: Anthropologie Edme & Esyllte Rose is a Rose (worn here and here before - similar online here)

Sweater: Anthropologie Guinever Roaming Frills (worn here and here before - kind of similar online here)

Skirt: Banana Republic tweed knife pleat (now on sale or similar here)

Shoes: Franco Sarto suede t-strap (similar online here, here on sale or here via Target)

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This is totally inspired by popular features created by Kim, Cat and Aimee: I think we all like to share our outfit choices and take inspiration from each other so Reader Outfits is always something of great interest in fashion blogs (plus that means you don't have to see just me all the time, haha).

I've always wanted to do my own reader outfits feature but with a twist - we'll do something different every week. No challenges and nothing complicated, but a great way for us to hopefully have a few laughs and share some fashion.

So introducing the new Respect the Outfits feature and Week 1's subject: Send me your outtakes!

That's right - we always take a bunch of pics for our outfits and and select the best ones, but what about the tons of unseen outfit pics that never make it? Did the photo get snapped when you weren't prepared? Were you totally out of frame? Were you just over it? Were you trying a new pose that just didn't work?

Send me those photos! The funnier the better! Please give me your outfit creds too and I'll post them this Thursday - send your outtakes to respecttheshoes(at)live.com. Here are some of mine:

Floral Cheesiness

With my first purchase of winter cropped pants ever, I am now a full convert to the wool shorts trend. I am so in love with this pair that I had to wear them again soon and try them with tights (and I am on the scout for more more more). I wanted to do booties and a blazer, but it is nowhere near that kind of cold yet in GA, so I thought this flippy cardigan would be a nice pairing.

The BF didn't say anything this morning but did present me with the raised eyebrow, which usually signifies the silent "I love you, but I question your attire, so I am not going to say anything at all because I don't want you to kick my butt." I don't know, is this look a little too "young?"

Top: J. Crew silk brulee tank (similar online here)
Sweater: Forever 21 peplum country (worn here and here before)
Shorts: Forever 21 wool blend (worn here before)
Tights: Anne Klein
Shoes: Franco Sarto (similar online here)

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Here's a case of "you looked way better online" - take these leather plimsolls from Boden and how those gazelle-leggy models are able to look so sporty-chic in them with only their bottom halves showing:

And here's reality of the leather plimsolls (and these pics do nothing to convey the Chester-the-Cheetah-ness of these big pancake-wide shoes with the weirdly tan color rubber toe caps). And no, I didn't bother tying them - partly because I tried with one and you can't really use the laces to pull the shoe together:

I guess I should stick to my rubber-soled ballet flats for casual footwear for now - or even my Skechers. Do you have any recs for finding good casual / sporty footwear?

Late September

I made it to the UK in one piece! And got near-zero sleep on the plane as I was fighting discomfort and watching The Back-up Plan, Letters to Juliet, and the A-Team. I'm staying at a hotel in the Docklands area which is a newer (?) part of the city that I've never been to before - which is great for exploring. I met with a friend for dinner at Gaucho and wore the following:

Top: Lands' End Canvas gingham poplin (previously worn here and here - similar online here and here)

Jacket: J. Crew herringbone blazer (worn here before - kind of similar online here)

Jeans: Lands' End modern flare (similar online here)

Shoes: Guess Lawri wedge (worn here before - similar online here)

Bag: J. Crew tote

Scarf: kind of overkill for the fall weather

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I am still in partial sleep deprivation mode, but because I am in a fall state of mind and still kind of upset by the SE's lack of progress in joining the rest of the country in chilling weather, here is a fall OOTD I didn't really wear out (but want to and threw on for fun last week). I busted out these tights that I got on $5 super-sale earlier this year with this new cozy sweater dress also scored on sale (which is snuggle warm and not at all itchy).

Dress: Anthropologie Cordial Embrace by Sparrow
Top: Anthropologie Curated tee by Little Yellow Button (worn here before)
Belt: Anthropologie Infinity
Tights: Anthropologie Berry Bush in black (similar online here)
Shoes: Franco Sarto pumps (similar but pricey online here)

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I know the October new arrivals are the buzz of the Anthro-loving community today, and I wanted to share some of my new wishlist toppers. Cozy sweaters are definitely some of my new favorites for this year, which also includes the sweater dress in bright wintery colors.

What's on your Anthro wishlist for fall/winter? Have you noticed your tastes changing as you put together your needs list for each season?

Zafrina Stripes

Top: J. Crew perfect-fit stripe boatneck tee
Skirt: J. Crew embroidered Zafrina (now on sale - last day for additional 30% off)
Shoes: Franco Sarto slingbacks
Necklace: Laila Rowe

I shop online way too much. Or at least I window shop online way too much. After dinner on a lot of nights, when the TV is on drone mode or the BF is playing PS3 (yes he is a grown man), I am snuggled on the couch wasting away brain cells with my laptop. Like a lot of the rest of you probably, I check the Anthro, J. Crew and Forever 21 sites daily for updates. Secondary non-daily searches usually take me to the Gap family of sites, Ann Taylor and Loft, Zappos, Endless, Ebay. My lower level of searches goes to places I have yet to actually place an order at yet, but enjoy perusing their wares - the sample sale sites, Revolve, LuLu's, ModCloth.

Like their sometimes heavily inspired-by Anthro styles or not, but I've got to hand it to ModCloth for becoming a great resource for variations on a theme we love (plus, thanks for carrying a large selection of Miss L Fire shoes). Still on the lookout for the Cherry Juice heels? Find them here. Want the Back Rock Spectators in brown? Like the Arthurium blouse, but want it in dress form? Searching for a less ruffly version of the Aniseed skirt for cheap?

(OK, I kind of really do want that Aniseed skirt wannabe. It's less ruffly and bulbous than the original and me likey the price. But does it seem too much like a "knockoff" of the real thing? But ack, stripes and my pitter patter heart ...)

Where do you virtually window shop?

Games People Play

Here's yesteday's OOTD:

Shirt: Lands' End Canvas gingham poplin (worn here before)

Shorts: Anthropologie Hei Hei Heatwave (worn here before, and here for the plaid version)

Belt: J.Crew embossed

Bracelet: J. Crew studded bangle

Shoes: Franco Sarto

Weird note about me: I'm not big on making returns. Partly because I've lazy and don't want to head back to the store just to return something; partly because I'm cheap and don't want to pay for return shipping (well aware that I spent more money buying the item and will lose money if I keep and don't wear the item); and partly because I usually hem and haw about a purchase for so long that I don't even buy it unless I am pretty sure about it.

So it is unusual for me to need to return a bunch (my idea of a bunch) of stuff - but it is really just more evidence that I am a terrible impulse shopper.

Exhibit 1: I purchased the Left Coast Herb Field cardi from Anthro and tried it on for the first time at home - bad call. It is now completely sold out online and was a wish list item for me, so when I saw it in-store on Sunday, I snatched it up immediately (and thoughtlessly!) bought it.

I got the XS and it fit great in the sleeves, but the collar was a hot mess (to put it lightly). I couldn't make the jersey and silk trim lay in any fashion that looked remotely flattering. And honestly, for $88, I kind of wanted something a bit more substantial than a glorified jersey knit.

(However, you can see those who know how to rock their Herb Field cardis - Tippy and Kim and Rosa).

Exhibit 1.5: I also snagged the Molded & Melded tee on my visit on Sunday after finding it on accident on a shelf under a table. The tee was on my wish list and I got a XS - but when I tried it on at home, it was a little huge on me and kind of hung strangely due to the embellishments. Doomed for the returns pile? I'm still considering.

Exhibit 2: I ended up purchasing the steel blue Indigo by Clarks Finch wedges on a whim. The tan ones I have are awesome, so I considered getting a pair in another color. Well of course the steel blue ones were sold out in my size almost everywhere (and why does that make you want something more?!) ... until Zappos had a popback and I bit the bullet. Well hello, Clunkville!

Exhibit 3: For some reason returning the (already-superfluous) Clarks mentally made me think it was OK to hunt for another pair of wedges. And I am now making my first foray into the world of sky-high heels, and purchased the Kasi wedge from Sam Edelman (dang you, Endless, and your sandal super-sale).

I've seen this shoe on some other bloggers and thought they look super-hot. However I haven't even received them yet and I am already having buyer's remorse. Another pair of wedges? And potential ankle-twisters for a known klutz?! (Another thing I love about you, Endless and Zappos, is your awesome free returns policy).

The end story? Lisa = bad impulse shopper who is completely susceptible to the mental games of supply vs. demand. Don't be like me. :o}

Hello Saturday

Hi ladies, I'm finally home! So I'll be back to our regularly-scheduled programming again shortly.

I did have a bunch of lovely packages waiting for me when I got home, including my much-anticipated Cartonnier Hello Sunday blazer from Anthro.

The jacket is a heavy knit that is lined in the body but not the sleeves. It has light shoulder pads for shape and hook and eye closures down the front. I have the Flipside blazer also from Cartonnier in a XS, but purchased the Hello Sunday in a S, which was a good idea. The sleeves are slim, and though they are comfy for me, the knit doesn't have much stretch so this isn't a blazer where you'll be pushing or rolling up the sleeves on.

Sleeves aside, I am so keeping this jacket. I love LOVE the look and the overall fit. This is definitely something that can be super-casual or dressed up for work.

Unfortunately it was another hot day in the city, so for my OOTD, I opted sans jacket:

Top: J. Crew graphic milliner tee (worn here before)

Skirt: NY & Company abstract print (worn here and here before)

Belt: J. Crew skinny metallic

Sandals: Franco Sarto (worn here and here before)

I also got in my DVF Lush flip flops and think they are keepers. I wanted something as casual and comfy as a reg flip flop, but with a little more pizazz.

The Indigo by Clarks Finch wedges in steel blue leather, however, are going back. The fit and feel are just the same as my tan ones, but the color makes the sandals look clunky. Boo.

BTW, I cut up some fresh jalapenos to go with burgers for dinner. Now everything on my skin that my fingers touch end up on fire. Hope you all are having a better weekend than I am right now.  :o}