My Punk Rock Girl

 Happy Halloween!!  Not having any kids to deck out and tote around to pillage candy bowls all over the neighborhood, the Halloween attention usually gets shifted to the dog.  Fortunately, Olivia is usually a fairly willing participant and LOVES all of the attention she gets.  I hope you enjoy Olivia's Halloween 2011 costume video premier below (note that she's not bucking the costume, she's just really excited to go for a walk), and have a safe and happy halloween!

                                                                             

On The Runway with Anna Dello Russo INC Exclusive

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and along with it comes all things shiny and sparkly.  I really love anything I can get a gleam or a glint from, and would probably be dressed like a disco ball year round if I could get away with it.  Sadly, I have to rein things in most of the year, but the holidays usually give me a great excuse to deck myself out in all things shiny, sparkly, and over-the-top festive on at least a few occasions.  

I'm already trying to get some new holiday outfit inspiration from different places, and was tickled when my Vogue hookup came through with a sneak peak of the November INC collection for Macy's that has been edited by the one-and-only fashion editor extraordinaire and fashion icon Anna Dello Russo (editor-at-large & creative director of Vogue Japan).  As things have it, Vogue has offered us an exclusive sneak peek at the unreleased INC line November collection short film, 'Dark Shine'.  Styled by Dello Russo, the film represents a runway show that encapsulates Anna's iconic aesthetic and features shimmering sequins in deep black matte and glamorous evening styles perfect for the upcoming holiday season.  I hope you enjoy this first look at the film below.  Bring on the shine!





Ready to see more?  Here are some key pieces from the upcoming collection, available at macys.com in November.

Selected by Anna Dello Russo, INC Editor at Large, these sequined hem shorts are all-out glamorous for fall.

This jacket selected by Anna Dello Russo, INC Editor at Large, hits all the right notes: festive sequins in matte black with draped construction and a touch of attitude.

Selected by Anna Dello Russo, INC Editor at Large, this LBD takes a playful turn when strewn with paillettes that catch the light fantastic.

If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.

Drink of the Moment: In a Pickle

This week, I had been working on a lovely little spiced pear beverage for the 'Drink of the Moment' to kick off the fall season.  As life would have it though, I couldn't seem to get the pear drink tweaked *just* right, and found myself in a bit of a pickle.  Musing on what direction I should go in next, I ended up hitting that proverbial wall.  Of course, what's the best thing to do when you hit a wall like this?  Hit the liquor store, of course!

Although I'm unfortunately still on a quest to find the whole pear thing I was looking for at the store, I did find something else that certainly caught my eye.  As things would have it, there was a tasting in the good ole Va ABC this evening, and thanks to this good fortune, I am able to share with you the 'Naked Jay Dirty Pickle Martini'.  Yes folks, you heard me.  There is now a dill pickle flavored vodka, and not only is it great for all of your double entendre needs, but it is made right up the road  from me in Reston, VA, and is SHOCKINGLY good.  As in, I can actually drink it straight.  (Hey, don't judge).  On top of that, it's exceptionally well priced at $14.95/750mL bottle compared to the Stoli Gold that is my go-to, and it seems that even those that are less than thrilled to try it (namely Jay, who I think only gave it a go based on the name of the brand) turn out to like it.  So, what are you waiting for?  Go grab yourself some of this most fantastic pickle flavored vodka, and make yourself a drink out of what is sure to the the next 'BIG DILL'!! (I really kill myself sometimes).

'The Dirty Pickle Martini'

2 oz Naked Jay Dill Pickle vodka

1/2 oz dry vermouth (I used my gold standard 'Noilly Pratt')

1/4 oz olive juice

Combine in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously.  Pour into glass and garnish with a dill pickle slice.

Can't find this vodka in your local store?  Check out the website by clicking here to find out where to buy, or let them know that your regular store is sorely lacking!

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Happy 15th Jimmy Choo! Coming Soon to a Store and/or Coffee Table Near You

Did someone say 'shoes'?  Or, more aptly 'Choos'?  I can't think of one more universally thrilling thing to females (and some males) around the globe than shoes - they can take an outfit from uh-oh to he-llo!,  make a fat day melt away, and add that extra pep to your otherwise faltering step.  Of course, there are plenty of shoes out there, but only a handful have been able to take their places in the same stratosphere that Jimmy Choo resides.  The luxury combination of quality, design, and detail is inspiring to and emulated by shoe brands around the world, but in no way matched.

On this, the company's 15th anniversary, Vogue Influencers have been offered an exclusive first look at 'Icons', a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archive.  The shoes will be available at a Jimmy Choo store near you (prices yet unreleased), but if your 'Santa' is on a bit of a holiday budget this year, then you'll also be delighted to know that the collection will also be highlighted in a commemorative coffee table book entitle XV, out this November.  

Have a look at the video below to hear what Jimmy Choo founder and Chief Creative Officer, Tamara Melton, has to say about the commemorative ICONS collection, and then scroll down to feast your eyes on a first look at it's exquisite shoes.


Please press 'PLAY' below to start video.

In violet suede from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In brown suede with patent orange heel from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In black and white zebra print pony from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In gold shimmer suede from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

The famous ‘Feather’ shoe immortalized by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex in the City when she anguished, “I lost my Choo!” An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In zebra printed pony from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

Multi taupe shaded python from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In red and white gingham from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

Sand pixilated leather from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

Fuchsia snake print lace from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.


If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.

PhotoHunt 286: ... Waiting ...

Waiting for the green line train in the DC Metro U Street Station.

This week's PhotoHunt theme, 'Waiting', was a difficult one for me.  Though most of us spend oodles of time waiting on so many things, I couldn't really locate a photo that expressed the seemingly eternal essence of it very well.  The above shot made the cut because I've always liked the way it seems to show the movement of the trains, even though there aren't any there. (Hence, the waiting).  So, until I can manage to come up with a better way to capture it, I suppose you'll just have to ... well, wait. 

Operation Dumpling Drop

The recent chilly snap here in my neck of the woods has left me craving all sorts of fall oriented coziness that, for me, can usually be found in fuzzy blankets and warm comfort food.  Normally inspiring me to scour all sorts of new recipes to find something yummy and warm, this year I am also trying to keep everything low(er) cal as well.  Afterall, nothing grows as quickly in the winter as our backsides.  Since, as some of you know, I loathe beef stew (please click here if you need to be reminded just how much I loathe it), last night it just so happened that I was on a mission for chicken and dumplings.  All of that golden broth filled with chunks of chicken and vegetables floating around puffy spoon-dropped buttermilk dumplings was just too tempting to resist. Believe it or not, I managed to locate a low-cal recipe that seemed to fit the bill, and 'Operation Dumpling Drop' went into full effect.  As a result, a trifecta of amazingness happened in my kitchen that I couldn't help but share.  I found a recipe that was OMG good, low-cal, AND easy to make.  To top it off, it does not take all day to make.  This being the case, I couldn't NOT share the recipe here with you.  I hope you enjoy, now I'm off to grab the leftovers!  Nom nom nom.  :)

Chicken and Rosemary Dumplings

Ingredients

• Soup:
• 4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 pound chicken drumsticks, skinned
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 thyme sprigs
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups diced carrots
• 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (I prefer more garlic, so 4 cloves were used in mine)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Dumplings:
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (regular salt was swapped out here for Borsari seasoned salt)
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup water
• Remaining ingredient:
• Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

• Combine first 5 ingredients in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes or until chicken is done. Remove pan from heat. Remove chicken pieces from broth; cool slightly. Strain broth through a sieve into a large bowl; discard solids. Remove chicken from bones. Discard bones; chop chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set chicken aside.
• Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic; sauté 6 minutes or until onion is tender. Add reserved broth mixture and 1/2 teaspoon salt; simmer 10 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs. Keep warm.
• To prepare dumplings, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 1 1/4 cups flour, rosemary, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Combine buttermilk and egg, stirring with a whisk. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until combined.
• Return chopped chicken to the broth mixture; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Combine 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup water, stirring with a whisk until well blended to form a slurry. Add flour mixture to pan; simmer 3 minutes. Drop the dumpling dough, 1 tablespoon per dumpling, onto chicken mixture to form 12 dumplings. Cover and cook 7 minutes (do not let broth boil). Sprinkle with black pepper.

Lorrie Hulston Corvin, Cooking Light
APRIL 2004

Nutritional Information

Amount per serving

• Calories: 366
• Calories from fat: 24%
• Fat: 9.7g
• Saturated fat: 3.8g
• Monounsaturated fat: 3.5g
• Polyunsaturated fat: 1.3g
• Protein: 32.5g
• Carbohydrate: 35.1g
• Fiber: 2.9g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Iron: 3.3mg
• Sodium: 936mg
• Calcium: 169mg

Nine West Wants You To Get High ... On Their Boots

Fall is here again, and with the crispness in the air it's time to turn our thoughts yet again to one of the cornerstones of the season -- fall boots!!  Every gal needs that amazing pair of boots to show off at the beginning of the season if for no other reason than to drown out the sting of moving those gorgeous strappy sandals to the back of the closet until next spring.  
Lucky for us, Nine West wants us to forget all about our end of summer woes by 'getting high' on their new boot collection.  I'm sure they were all sitting around the idea table slapping their knees over that little pun there.  Obviously, they must really have been sniffing some serious shoe glue to think it was clever enough to be the campaign tagline.  Anyway, I digress.  Moving on ... Nine West and Vogue Influencers have teamed up with stylist and fashion blogger, Lindsay Calla, to show us all how she rocks four of the 'must have' boot styles from Nine West's new fall collection.  They've also put together a little video clip to show you how fab their boots look in motion which I've included for you at the bottom of the page.  (Be sure to check out the 'Cropshop' boot that is showcased there, probably my fave out of all of them.  You can click here for more details on that one). 


Though they probably won't do much in the way of actually getting you high, you might see a pair that could potentially change your entire perspective on autumn, and maybe you'll even find a little joy in putting those sandals away until next spring.  Enjoy!

                                                        

Witt Boot                                                    

Shown below in 'Green Coco Suede' and available here in 3 colors, $189.

“These boots are the perfect blend of slouch and structure. The wedge heel is perfect for walking around the city. I would wear this outfit shopping and it may even be flirty enough for a casual daytime date." Lindsay Calla, Saucy Glossie.

Clara Boot
Shown below in 'Dark Brown Leather', and available here in 3 colors, $199.

“One of my favorite things to do on the weekend in the fall is peruse the markets looking for vintage furniture, jewelry, or clothing. These boots will be perfect for all of the walking involved, especially when paired with cords!" Lindsay Calla, Saucy Glossie.

Mavenue Bootie
Shown below in 'Medium Brown Leather', and available here in 4 colors, $149.

“I love that these brown boots have a hint of burgundy! I would wear these boots to a fun brunch with friends on a Saturday. There’s nothing better than throwing on a cozy sweater and having a great pair of booties to tuck your skinnies into!” Lindsay Calla, Saucy Glossie.

Checkit Bootie
Shown below in 'Taupe Suede' and available here in 2 colors, $139.

“I adore these lace up booties! There’s a subtle sporty vibe to them that makes me want to throw on a cuffed trouser and a flirty zip up jacket. I would wear them around town to run errands because these booties have great ankle support and a sturdy heel that keeps them feeling comfortable.” Lindsay Calla, Saucy Glossie. 

(Push the 'Play' button below to view the clip).

If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.