Head to Target

I realized today that I was dressed nearly in head to toe Target. Shirt, scarf, cardigan and skirt all hail from the retail giant. Perhaps I should have added a bullseye accent? Hopefully all the red and white served that function.

* green striped tee--Target * mossy green cardigan-- Target * red pencil skirt-- Target * red tights-- Century 21 * red flats-- gift from former coworker * metallic braided belt-- Gap * floral scarf-- Target * turquoise earrings-- F21 * cream hat-- H&M *

Just a quick post since we're about to curl up on the couch and watch Inception. Today we took a field trip to the Museum of the Moving Image, where we starred in our own little flipbook and played Sega Genesis, had dinner with friends and made delicious mac-and-3-cheeses for lunch (that was me. Hubs just ate it.) Spring break (his) is a beautiful thing.

The Kitchen Sink

Sometimes I'll find myself walking around the city aimlessly, peering into store windows, catch a glimpse of my outfit and think: "Wow. I look slightly costumey." Yep, that happened today. This outfit began minus the tights, boots and with a lighter cardigan, but I hastily threw what you see here on after spending an afternoon absolutely frozen.

* red and white striped tee-- Stephanie B. * purple ruffle cardi-- Cynthia Rowley * dotted pencil skirt-- Zoe D. * purple sweater tights * brown booties-- Target * cream ruffled scarf * paisley patterned headscarf-- ebay'd * beaded hoops-- H&M *

While there are a lot of elements I like here, overall, I'm not loving it. But here it is, because a) I am upfront with you folks about both the good and the bad and b) I have absolutely no pictures to use as filler until tomorrow. How is that for honest blogging? Include the glimpse of the garbage can and plastic bag at the sides of these pics for an even greater testament of my dedication to photorealism. Take that, Jacob Riis. 

Oh wait, those were staged. 

 Don't forget to enter the giveaway. Because free swag is wonderful.

Giveaway: $25 Giftcard to SkinCareRX

I’ll be honest with you—fancy skincare is not my thing. Until a week ago, my skincare routine consisted of semi-nightly washing with Neutrogena grapefruit soap, purchased solely because I love citrus scents, and the occasional swipe of Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer.

The folks at skincarerx.com contacted me a few weeks ago with the offer of choosing a few products. I decided to go basic: a new facewash, moisturizer, and some makeup remover, which I don’t currently own. I’ve been using the PCA Skin facial wash now for a week, and can say that I’ve never been able to purchase such a mild, moisturizing cleanser from the drugstore. It foams nicely, so I feel nice and clean, but it doesn’t strip my face like most soap-like cleansers do. All in all, I’m pretty darn happy.

And now I get to pass on some on my luck to you with a giveaway. Enter below for a chance to win a $25 giftcard to skincarerx.com. They offer a wide selection of cleansers, moisturizers, mineral makeup and more.

Reading Week

The weather must have gotten the subliminal message of this pastel outfit, because it is 70 degrees and not raining outside. Oh happy day!

* navy beaded tank-- label long since gone * pink cardigan-- Target * jean pencil skirt-- Zara * navy flats-- Mom's * purple belt-- Loft * turquoise flower earrings-- F21 * floral scarf-- vintage via ebay *

I'm not usually drawn to such a soft palette, but I do love the interaction between the sweater, belt and scarf here. A bit of pastel never did anyone harm.

Just another two day stretch, and Passover is outta here. As much as I love the family/friend aspects of the holiday, I am ready for normal food (more chickpeas than bread. The no bean/corn/soy rule is a killer for my eating habits.)

Wishing you all a happy end of Passover, Easter, or just a happy day!

Friend Friday-- Inspiration

 1. Which celebrity (celebrities) do you look to for fashion inspiration? 
I don't tend to copycat celebrity outfits, but here are a few women whose closets I would love to raid:

Rachel Bilson does both casual and pulled-together so well. Her about-town looks are some of my favorite.

Nicole Richie and the maxi dress. Love.

Diane Kruger is both classy and badass. Love her vintage styling and the ultra-contemporary outfits.

Carey Mulligan's vintage silhouettes and minimalist hair/makeup are just perfection.

2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you? 
I am inspired by color- whether soft neutrals, crisp jewel tones or saturated brights. I'll very often tear out pages from magazines to remember unexpected color combinations (and not just from fashion magazines.) I love searching through old photographs online to get a sense of vintage style to mix with my contemporary pieces- how to perch a hat just so to change an entire outfit. And most importantly, blogs and blogging have been quite inspirational in the development of my personal style.


3. How do you hope to inspire your readers? 
So much of modest style is dull (or, as one reader recently put it, looks like something Betsy Ross would have worn.) I hope to show that creativity and dedication to a particular mode of religious dress are not incompatible. I also hope my dedication to remixing instead of buying new every week is inspirational.

4. Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you?
I am greatly inspired by women pushing against the status quo, whether agitating for professional equality or a greater role in Judaism. I find literature quite inspiring, and often leave a reading session feeling empowered and ready to meet the world head-on.

5. And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you? 
 I listen to a lot of '70s folk rock-- Cat Stevens, Rod Stewart, Joni Mitchell, as well as a good amount of bluegrass (Chris Thile, anyone?) Not sure if I find music inspirational so much as relaxing and/or challenging.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Errands

 Recently, a reader interested in Orthodox Judaism contacted me with a few questions about the interplay between style, daily activities and modesty restrictions. One of her inquiries inspired this post: "VERY casual activities outside of the house such as-- grocery shopping, running to the corner store, a day filled with errands-- what do you normally wear?" Robyn, this one is for you! 

 * white tee-- Hanes * grey cardigan-- Express * jean pencil skirt-- Zara * black leggings-- Gap * tan flats-- Steve Madden * green puffer vest-- Gap * green scarf-- H&M * sunnies-- vintage * patterned scarf-- vintage via ebay *

 This is a pretty typical running-errands look for me (for the even more casual, see here.) I start with a basic tee, add a cardigan, pencil skirt and flats. To jazz it up a bit, I added the patterned bag, scarf and large sunnies, which I find go a long way to taking an outfit out of the blah-zone. Something about the combo of headscarf and obnoxiously large sunglasses makes the whole ensemble more intentional to me, and less "I need some carrots, stat." Flats are a necessity when running around (in this case, to the supermarket before Shabbat), and I tend towards colored or patterned shoes over basic black to add something fun at the bottom of a look. 

Voila!

Passover has been a blast so far. We had the seders at my in-laws, replete with delicious food, lively singing and intriguing discussion. I've eaten my weight in matzah (which I happen to love, especially when slathered in butter and topped with sea salt. Yum.) And eggs. And potatoes. And chocolate. It is a holiday of freedom, after all. 

Before signing off, I'd like to take a moment to say goodbye to one of my favorite blogs: Fashionable Academics. Over the past year and a half of blogging, I have looked up to the women and men of FA for fearlessly engaging in discussions about style in academia, gender, tattoos/piercings, and consumerism. In particular, I'd like to honor La Historiadora de Moda, who stands in my mind as an inspirational figure. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your time, and your creative style with us. Your voice will be sorely missed.

Don't Call it a Comeback

For spring, that is. That is right: I officially declare winter over. With Passover just a day away, I couldn't be happier to have the sun shining and my spring wardrobe at my beck and call.

* yellow and grey hoodie-- Vintage Havana * navy jersey dress-- Target * navy sweater tights-- Hue * brown booties-- Target * locket necklace-- UO * flowered cap-- Grace Elements * turquoise earrings-- F21 *

In a random feel-good comment of the day, my Latin teacher (a 50-something male) told me he loved this outfit. Gratiatis tibi.  Layering over a dress is perhaps not the most instinctual behavior, but does make things flow rather smoothly, as there are no awkward bits that need readjusting and tucking. Confession: I am wearing the striped hoodie again today. It is that soft.

Any Passover/Easter plans?

Red Brick (Lips)

Wait... I actually leave my kitchen? Blasphemy! Today I took advantage of the beautiful weather and ventured outdoors with my camera handy. The sunglasses helped me pretend I didn't see the dozens of high schoolers walking past my not-so-hidden photo spot.

* white tank-- Target * pink cardigan-- Target * grey harems-- F21 * red flats-- gift from former coworker * pink pashmina-- gift from Dad from Italy * sunnies-- vintage * Love hoops-- F21 * cream knit hat-- H&M * floral tote-- Gap *

Today was my first wear of my new red lipstick. Though not as RED as I'd like, it did punch up this outfit of basics pretty nicely. I've never been much of a lipstick gal, but lately I've been gravitating towards brightly and richly colored lips to add a special touch.

On the Bandwagon

What is that you spy? Oh, just the famous Tucker for Target dress owned by every single style blogger. Nothing to see here, folks. Move along.

* floral dress-- Tucker for Target * maroon bubble skirt-- Velvet * brown shimmer tights-- Cynthia Rowley * brown booties-- Target * beaded hoop earrings *

I have been on such a crazy Target kick lately. When I saw this dress hanging on the rack at my local store, I knew it would be coming home with me. Between the bright color, florals and easy styling, this dress just screamed "Nina! You want me!" Sadly, it is too short to be perfect, but layering this skirt, which I rarely wear on its own, underneath fixed the length right up.

I wore this Sunday night to my friend Mindy's engagement party. Love you, Mitzel!

Everybody Wears...Maxi

I love me a good maxi. Soft as pajamas, forgiving on winter-white legs, and slimming to boot, they are a look I'm happy to have embraced over the past few years. Though I'm not statuesque by any standard (5'4 and proud of it), even hubs told me the dress made me look tall. Watch out for me at your next WNBA game.

*black maxi dress- H&M * pink cardigan-- Target * brown booties-- Target * camel belt-- H&M * turquoise earrings-- F21 * patterned headscarf-- vintage via ebay *

I went pretty basic with this look today. Just a simple cardigan (I loved it so much in green that I returned to Target yesterday and snapped up this pink and an oatmeal colorway, too!), a belt to define my hips a bit, and some popsicle-colored lips. 

I'd also like to wish a very happy 22nd birthday to my baby sister. Love you, Bean!

Comfort Statement

I don't often let jewelry steal the spotlight, but when I saw this necklace, ignored and lonely at the bottom of my jewelry box, I decided to let it shine. Just add some cotton basics, and voila! Statement necklace perfection.

* white tee- Hanes * mossy green cardigan-- Target * grey harems-- F21 * black and white flats-- Payless * blue statement necklace-- random brand from Loehmann's * turquoise flower earrings-- F21* grey knit beret-- Anthro *

I also unintentionally matched the cabinets. In addition to missing my friends, family and general life here in NY, I will definitely miss the bright peacock blue kitchen when I move at the end of the summer. Since I'll be living in my new apartment in Philly for only a year (until hopefully hubs and I settle there permanently during residency), I doubt I'll take the effort to paint anew. But who knows? A random can of chartreuse or burnt umber might just call my name...

Purple People Eater

I liked this outfit from Saturday afternoon so much that I repeated it on Tuesday. I wore it with a red and white patterned scarf outside the house, but this is what I looked like for most of the day. Two different purples, a red patterned skirt and maroon tights seemed the perfect combination to me.

* purple blouse-- F21 * purple ruffle cardigan-- Cynthia Rowley * red and white polka dotted pencil skirt-- Cora Lynn Calter * maroon sweater tights-- Hue * brown booties-- Target * purple ribbon belt-- Loft * lace earrings-- gift from hubs *

As winter winds down (I have high hopes for no tights next week!), I find myself appreciating the sartorial opportunities cold weather brings. For modest dressers, summer poses huge challenges: how can I dress according to my particular standards without compromising on style and comfort? When it is bikini weather and I'm wearing 3/4 sleeve shirts and a headscarf, how can I feel creative? Cold weather can be hard to endure, but as it leaves for another year, I'd like to sing an ode to winter:

Thank you for allowing me to mix with reckless abandon. For light cotton skirts and heavy sweaters,  structured sheaths and floaty layers. For the beauty of colored and patterned tights. For boots, berets and scarves. For letting my creativity run wild in ways I never imagined possible before letting go of my inhibitions.

 

Do you prefer summer or winter dressing? Why?

Moto Cross

Ladylike dress? Check. Motocross jacket? Yup. Metallic belt? Yes'm. While this outfit isn't my boldest, I do love the various styles it combines.

* blue sheath dress-- Target * black moto jacket-- H&M * metallic braided belt-- Gap * black tights-- Calvin Klein * black oxfords-- CG * black fuzzy hat-- H&M *

This outfit was borne of my favorite random-combination method: Pull together pieces that happen to be hanging next to eachother in the closet. See if they work. I've worn this jacket with a floaty, floral dress before, but I love the rough touch it added to this simple, prim sheath.

PS- how do y'all feel about the new header? I was in the mood for a change (and tired of studying for my test on Monday.)

Lunch

This outfit is actually from last Sunday, but I held off on posting to break up the constant wearing of this cardigan (wearing it again today. Whoops.) After hubs returned from his softball game, we headed out to lunch with his college friends, and this is what I wore.

* light lavender button down-- Ralph Lauren * mossy green cardigan-- Target * brown pencil skirt-- Banana Republic * patterned tights-- Tibi for Hue * brown booties-- Target * brown tooled belt-- F21 * cameo necklace-- gift from Mom * patterned cotton scarf-- gift from sister *

I'm enjoying figuring out how to dress now that I'm no longer working. I've found that I am pretty casual during the day, opting for tees and basic bottoms (American Apparel pencil skirts, jeans.) When I have an occasion-- even a small one, like lunch with friends-- I've been letting my creative side run a bit wild. Here, I mixed a textured belt, patterned scarf and patterned tights with colored basics for an outfit that made me feel pulled-together and ready for anything.

Neon Dream

Do you ever have an unnaturally intense desire to pair items of clothing you know don't match together? As soon as I bought this (ridiculously soft and comfortable) shirt last week, I knew I wanted to wear it with this stripey skirt. No, they don't really "go", but I loved the crazy stripiness of it all.

*yellow and grey hoodie-- Vintage Havana * stripey skirt-- Anthro * navy cableknit tights-- Hue * navy ruffle flats-- Shelly's London * drop earrings-- F21 * grey wool beret-- Anthro *

This weekend was pretty wonderful. We had friends over for Friday night dinner, went out for Saturday lunch, games and snacks at another friend on Sat afternoon, and rounded out the day with a movie with my mom and sister that evening. Yesterday we went out to lunch, hung out with my grandmother, practiced driving and finished with an episode of The Office in bed. Having my Sundays back is such a gift.

Udon Soup

For this week's recipe, I'm sharing my latest experiment: a quick beef udon soup. One of my favorite restaurants serves a similar dish that is hearty and delicious, and I set out to recreate it as best I could. The results were pretty tasty, and even better the next day. This could easily be turned veggie by leaving out the beef, or even adding in some sliced tofu at the end.

Ingredients:

-8 ounces of beef (ribeye, London broil, whatever else you have on hand)

-4 cloves garlic

-1 carrot

-scallions

-1/4 lb shitake mushrooms

-bok choy

-fresh udon noodles

-hot sauce (I used mango, but any kind will suffice)

-soy sauce

-honey

-toasted sesame oil

-6 cups chicken/beef/veggie broth

-coconut milk

1. Slice or roughly chop all veggies. No need for precision. Slice beef into thin strands.

2. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Sautee garlic, carrots and mushrooms until fragrant and soft.

3. Mix 1.5 tablespoons of each condiment and coat beef. Add to pot. Brown lightly.

4. Add stock and coconut milk to pot. Add in more soy sauce/hot sauce as needed. Bring to a boil, and simmer.

5. About 3 minutes before serving, add sliced scallions, noodles and bok choy. Taste and add salt/pepper as needed.

6. Serve and enjoy!