Next season...

I know, I know. I can't stop talking about fall.  After you see this post you won't be able to blame me.

As per usual, my mind wanders to shopping with any viable excuse. Current excuse: new season.

So I've been looking around to add a few good pieces to my wardrobe to transition my look to fallen leaves and crisp mornings.

First up: the blazer.

I love blazers. They are flattering and smart. You can dress them up or down and they keep you warm so you just cant lose.

Here is my pick for this look:

Navy double-breasted blazer, Banana Republic, $130

I tried this on at the store and it was instant love. The clean lines, the solid construction, the PERFECT  fit, the substantial buttons and great quality sold me. I had to have it. It is on it's way to my mailbox and expect to see it on heavy rotation this fall. Swoon. 

Soft light-weight sweaters. Easy to throw on with slacks or jeans, under a jacket or stand alone. What's not to love about these cozy little numbers?

Here are some of my picks:

 

Elbow patch zip sweater, Banana Republic, $59.95

I love this sweater because of the details. Cute little zipper on the shoulder. Quirky elbow patches and the color options are fab.  This will surely find its way to my closet soon enough.

Colorblock crewneck sweater, GAP, $39.95

This little guy is sooo cute! I love the color palette and it's very on trend with the color blocking that we're seeing everywhere. It's soft and airy and easy to match with everything.  They're sold out in my size in both color combos, sad, so I will be watching hoping for a re-stock.

Plaited cable hooded sweater, Anthropologie, $88

This little frock is feminine but comfy and  I can't wait to head to my local Anthro to see how it fits. I love it!

THE pants.

I am totally obsessed with getting a good pair of "leather" pants. They are tricky to find but I have high hopes for these:

Coated trousers with zips, Zara, $69.99

Fingers crossed that they are the ones. :)

Then there are the basic pair of jeans. I'm still digging skinnies and I think after my love affair with really dark wash denim I may need to venture back to the land of other washes.  I have my eyes on these:

1969 Always Skinny Jeans, GAP, $69.95

This GAP style fits me very well so why stray from what I know works.  Give 'em a whirl!

So there are some of the staples I have on my list for Fall.  How about you?

xo,

-A

Sweet Potato Inspirations...

I will kick myself later when it's subzero but I'm kind of excited for fall. :)

Today I made some very fall oatmeal. Read: sweet potato. So filling, delicious and easy to make.  Here's my recipe:

Sweet Potato Oatmeal
Serves 4

• 1 large sweet potato
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla bean sugar (optional)
• 1 cup oats (not instant)
• 1 cup Water/Milk 

1. Wash sweet potato and slice into circles.
2. Place them on a pre-greased baking dish.
3. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon to taste (it will melt all over the sweet potatoes #yum). You can stick a fork into the them a few times if you want the sugar to seep into it better.
4. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes or until tender. For the purpose of this recipe the mushier the better.
5. You can remove the peel or leave it on. Transfer the sweet potatoes to a pot and mash them up.
6. Add oats and and milk or water. (I like to add a 1/2 almond milk 1/2 water mixture).
7. Cook on low heat stirring occasionally until it reaches desired consistency.
8. Enjoy!

I pretty much made this up so feel free to make it your own.  I found that I didn't need to add any additional sugar/splenda because the sweet potatoes took care of that but I was generous with the brown sugar.  You can easily make this in the microwave as well if you are on the run by following all the steps but instead use a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 3 minutes for 1 serving.

It took me quite some time to eat it because it was so filling. It tasted decadent and I was still full at 1:30 p.m. Let me know if you try it, like it, modify it or have any other sweet potato inspirations of your own.

xo,
-A