On Vegetables

Did you know scallions and green onions are the same thing? Because they are. Last Wednesday my cooking club (aka high school friends who meet each week) met to explore the puff pastry, ala Ina Garten. The recipe wasn't too hard, aside from chopping up six onions--we had to switch off. But Miss Garten, my major food crush, threw us for a loop with the scallions v. green onions thing. It took 20 minutes in the vegetable section, a picture message and a google search before we were convinced they were the same thing.

But the two recipes we completed (Spinach in a Puff Pastry and Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart) were amazing--anything with that amount of cheese can't be bad.

Rachel McAdams Misses in Stella McCartney

Rachel McAdams and costar Eric Bana showed up in France on Wednesday to promote their new movie, The Time Traveler's Wife, at the Deauville Film Festival. Now, I'll be the first to say that I absolutely love Rachel McAdams. She seems to have a pretty good head on her shoulders and can rock pale skin like it's nobody's business. That being said, I've gotta ask: what was she thinking?

Seriously, doesn't this girl have a stylist? Whose idea was it to let her go on the red carpet like this? The Stella McCartney button-up dress looks about two sizes too big, leaving her totally devoid of any kind of curves. And wtf is up with her sleeves? Pick a length.

Despite the totally blah wardrobe choice, the actress still manages to look adorable--from the neck up.

Hail To The Chief

Okay, so after many hard days of unpacking and re-buying everything that got lost in the move, it looks like I'm all moved in and--finally--my Internet is back up! I just hate being without it.

As I mentioned before, the boy and I just returned from the amazing city of Florence, where I indulged in granita (a local treat of crushed ice, sugar and different flavorings), binged on pizza, and fell in love with the cobblestone backstreets that make up the city.

And, while I loved the vintage feel of Florence's buildings and streets (minus the lack of AC), I hadn't quite prepared myself for the heat wave that met me and Bogart when we entered the city--with temps skyrocketing into the triple digits I had to tuck away my go-to skinny jeans and throw on the less worn (but more breezy) dresses that make up my summer wardrobe.

But, as those of us who aren't wandering the streets of Italy know, fall is approaching! The official countdown stands at only 19 days away. And a trend that seems to be making a big comeback in the fall fashion world is the military jacket.

The versatile little jacket can be add flair to skinny jeans or, for a a dressier look, with skirt and heels. Here's a little list of some of my favorite cadet-inspired coverings.

1. Knit Double-Breasted Military Jacket Express, $79.50
2. Braided Military Jacket ASOS, $101.15
3. Military Ruffle Jacket Free People, $148.00
4. DACUTE Military Leather Jacket Net-a-porter, $845.00
5. Officer's Blazer We The Free, $168.00
6. French Connection Military Jacket Oli.co.uk, £75.00

DO:
Go for a jacket with ruffles, textures, etc (see 2 and 3) to add a fun flare and a feminine touch.
DON'T:
Go for a jacket that looks like your old Marching Band Uniform.

Heidi Montag looks good in spandex, does nothing else right

Once again Heidi Montag has proven that she's good at nothing more than self-promotion and looking great in a bikini. The reality star showed off her not-so anticipated dance skills at the Miss Universe pageant last night--not that you can really call the clumsy skipping and stripping Mrs. Pratt performed "skills".

After Heidi's drama-filled performance on I'm a Celebrity.. Get me out of here and her disappointing Playboy debut (low key Maxim at best), I for one was keeping my fingers crossed that her aspirations to be a pop star would actually pay off and prove to the world that she can do more than just look good in a halter top. Unfortunately, all those orgasms that Spencer has been giving her must have left her too tired to give more than a lackluster Britney impression.

Back for the moment..

Sorry to everyone for the semi-hiatus, the boy and I just returned from Italy and are about to leave again and make the four day drive (yuck) up to school. I am beyond excited to see that a few more of you have stumbled onto my blog-- don't give up on me! As soon as I regain Internet (living without it is difficult) I'll be updating again. I have a lot to share about Florence (mm Italian boys) and of course my usual fashion/celeb rants (is anyone else getting really sick of Jon Gosselin??)

Hint: It's a Miss

What is Holly Madison wearing?



The former girl next door made quite a fashion statement at the premiere of "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard" on Wednesday night. Hugh Hefner's ex turned up in a forest-inspired full length gown, complete with leaves and branches.


Now, while I'll give miss Madison points for creativity, I've got to assume that her ability to grasp the meaning of "natural" ended when she stuck those long locks of hers in bleach. And, while I have to insist that the earthy look missed its mark, it is true that the word subtle isn't exactly in a playmate's vocabulary.

Fiscal Fashion: The Naked Dress

Any woman who's watched Sex and the City more than twice will remember Carrie's famous (or maybe infamous) naked dress. Now, while I can't say I'm a big advocate for wearing the see-through number on the first date (we all remember how that turned out), having such a tantalizing piece in your closet can't be a bad thing.

Here's a picture the original hip-hugging look:

And here are a few fiscally responsible (and one not so much) pieces I've found that resemble the dress: (5 is my fave)

1. Cotton Spandex JerseyDouble U-Neck Dress American Apparel, creme, $36.00
2. BDG Convertible Strapless Dress Urban Outfitters, light pink, $28.00
3. BDG Convertible Strapless Dress Urban Outfitters, nude, $28.00
4. Spandex Jersey Too-Short Tube Dress American Apparel, nude, $29.00
5. Sheer Jersey Chemise
American Apparel, creme, $24.00
6. (not so fiscally responsible) Bottega Veneta Rope Trim Dress The Outnet.com, neutral, $492.00

Just add a pair of peep-toes and (if you're really feeling like Carrie) a fur jacket, and you'll have a not-so-subtle (but hopefully cheap and chic) outfit!