Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts

Friday, October 6, 2023

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Photo: Cooking Classy

Pumpkin, pumpkin everywhere! In recent times fall is marked by the proliferation of pumpkin-flavored coffee, candy, and desserts. This weekend I'm jumping on the pumpkin bandwagon by making pumpkin soup. Savory and simple, I don't like mixing sweet and savory flavors in a dish, so no cinnamon or ginger in my soup. Here's the recipe:

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

5 cups water
2 large chicken bouillon cubes
1 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree
1 medium onion, diced
2 stalks of celery with leaves, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried or fresh thyme
12 turns of the peppermill (= 1/2 teaspoon)
A tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, but short of hot.
1 teaspoon of dried (or fresh) parsley
A sprinkle of Westchester sauce
1 bay leaf
cup of milk or 1/2 cup of cream

Note: No additional salt is needed unless you use chicken stock in lieu of water and bouillon to make the soup. If you substitute chicken stock then add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. You have the option of mincing a potato to thicken the soup. A potato adds B vitamins and potassium to the soup. The soup is good with or without the potato. I don't go out of my way to avoid eating starch since starches are satisfying and part of a balanced meal. That said, I also don't go crazy but focus on moderation ... portion size. I know, my lovely readers, don't we all wish we could eat with abandon? 

Directions:

1) Toss the pumpkin puree and water into a blender, or food processor (or use a mixer, emersion blender, or potato masher in the pot itself) to incorporate them. Pour into a saucepan with chicken bouillon and bring to a simmer.

2) Add diced onion, celery, thyme, garlic, pepper, red pepper flakes, and/or a potato (if using) and parsley to the pot. 

3) Simmer on medium-low heat until the onion and celery are tender - about 15 - 20 minutes.

4) Whisk in the milk or cream. If you don't mind the calories, the cream is richer and better, but milk is healthier -- so you choose.

5) Bring to a boil again and simmer until thick and creamy.

6) Taste and adjust the spice (sometimes you need a tad more salt or pepper. You can add more cream to make it creamier and if so heat the soup again), then transfer to a bowl and garnish with another sprinkle of dried parsley.

Slice fresh crusty bread to eat with your soup, and feel free to 
toss bacon bits, croutons, or whatever you like ... toasted seeds and nuts ... on top of your bowl of soup. 

You could make ham and cheddar or turkey and brie sandwiches with a lettuce, tomato, and cucumber vinegarette salad for a weekend meal. Open a bottle of wine. Bon Appetite! 

Any kind of we-a-ther, soup and sandwitch go to-ge-ther."

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Stylish Sporty Fall Finds

No doubt about it, fall has arrived in the Western Hemisphere. With a change of seasons, perhaps you need to add a few new casual pieces to your fall wardrobe? Old Navy is located a couple of blocks from where I live, so it's impossible not to float into the store often when passing. I continue to be amazed by the quality of the retailer's leggings at ultra-affordable price points making them a steal! 

The merchant tends to tweak their offerings from year to year so when you find a style you like and they go on sale, it's a good idea to buy a few pairs. You may prefer mostly cotton fabric but next year find mostly polyester or modal as choices. The waistband may change or the flare could be discontinued.

To the left are all the selections of leggings this fall, which consist of different styles, textures (meaning weaves and fabrics), and lengths. 

Although 8 offerings require studying each one, a good selection is great for different body types or activities. Two Old Navy leggings I love right now include:

1) High-Waisted Ankle Leggings For Women - Although I prefer jet black, there are other colors too. They sit just below the belly button and are 96% cotton and 4% spandex. Super soft and smooth for comfort, and opaque. Lightweight yet not see-through, I highly recommend them for fall and early winter. They are warm, but not too warm for the sometimes 75-degree F days of autumn. They are fitted through the hips and waist and narrow at the ankles. At times I wear these smooth and lightweight leggings with black ankle socks under a dress in winter instead of tights for warmth with comfort, and nobody is the wiser!

2) Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Leggings For Women - They sit slightly above the belly button and contain 53% cotton, 22% polyester, 13% modal, and 12% spandex. These are light and airy, but also a tad heavier than my 1st recommendation above. Great for Pilates, yoga, or a workout. They are fitted at the hips and thighs and narrow at the ankles. The fabric offers 4-way strength with stay-dry, sweat-wicking technology. They also have an elastic waist that has an inside pocket. Unlike pair #1, they'll be warm enough to take you through the winter months and in the jet-black hue can be dressed up with ballet flats and a blazer. They also come in shorter 7/8 lengths.

3) Dr. Scholl's Women's Time Off Platform Sneakers - I'm recommending these with caveats. Not only are they cute and feminine with leggings, jeans, and dresses, but the platforms provide a measure of arch support and stable heels. Customers love how comfortable they are for walking. For sneakers they are also well priced, but here's the rub ... customers report if you wear them a lot for walking, they won't last longer than 6 months to a year. The shoes' material tends to separate from the rubber, so don't pay the full retail price but wait for a generous sale. I'd buy the Time Off Platforms on sale for $40, but not at $69 or $100. Even at the lower price, I'd be disappointed if they didn't last. To be competitive, Dr. Scholl needs to resolve this manufacturing weakness to make these stylish and supportive sneakers as durable as Nikes and Converse! Sneakers are made for walking … but sometimes a cute style we know to baby is tempting, no?

So there you are, 3 sporty styles to take you through the fall while leaving you with a few dollars to put in your leggings' hidden pocket.

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Retailers Are Selling Fleece Jackets

Uniqlo specializes in innovative outerwear.
All of us have a personal everyday style of how we see ourselves and sometimes what makes us feel like a million bucks wearing it. I'll tell you mine, and you can tell me yours. One day as I exited my Manhattan apartment building, a kind neighbor in his 70s said, "You're always dressed up and look so nice!" I was surprised and flattered by his compliment. The truth is I wear a t-shirt in some form; slacks or leggings; and a cardigan nearly every day from the fall to the early spring. In the summer I wear lots of casual dresses (some a fit and flare t-shirt style) that can be machine washed and dried, paired with flats or nice sneakers. Nothing fancy, yet coordinated basics.
Photos: Uniqlo, one of my favorite retailers for quality basics

So now we're entering the fall and winter seasons and what I see retailers (such as Macy's, Kohl's, Uniqlo, and Old Navy) selling are warm fleece jackets. Uniqlo designs them to be windproof and toasty warm. I'd never judge another person who favors fleece outerwear -- different strokes for different folks -- but you'll never see me wearing it. Fleece looks too casual for my liking. My personal style tends to be what gets called casual smart. Whatever I put on in the morning, I like for it to carry me through the entire day to avoid the hassle of changing attire (other than for a gala event), so I buy clothing like slacks, dresses, and jackets that can be dressed up or down with a simple change of shoes and/or perhaps by adding a scarf or piece of jewelry. 


The end photos are from Unqlo and the middle photo is from Kohls.
Although there's nothing wrong with fleece, per se ... it's too casual and too limited for my personal style. I don't feel dressed up enough (or casual smart) in fleece, and I'd also have to buy another jacket for a night out on the town. I'd rather invest in a multi-purpose wardrobe including outerwear. It means one jacket I never get tired of wearing that makes me feel like a million bucks every time I put it on, plus it carries me through an entire day into the evening.

But I'm just one person, one opinion. Fashion is a matter of taste. Fleece is in vogue! Would you buy a fleece jacket or coat?


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Thursday, October 21, 2021

Winter Hats, Scarves And Gloves

Well-established retailers, including Echo, Calvin Kline and others are weaving winter, hats, scarves and gloves with manmade fibers, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic -- which consumers seem to be accepting! Other than at innovative, well-made, and inexpensive Uniqlo, I pass on them. The exception: Uniqlo's Heattech gloves are so cheap, you won't mind replacing them after 2 years of wear. Unlike cashmere gloves (which the company also sells), you can machine wash Uniqlo's Heattech gloves of manmade materials. And too, gloves, which touch everything, wear out faster and need to be replaced oftener than hats or scarves.

As a rule of thumb, however, you can't beat merino wool, cashmere, or a  combination of the 2 materials for warmth and durability despite paying more for them. Personally, I won't even look at acrylic winterwear. A combo of polyester and nylon tends to be warmer than acrylic, but if not Uniqlo-budget-friendly ... don't buy manmade-thread hats, scarves, or gloves ever! This is where my rule of don't buy cute or pretty applies. (Oh, hat and scarf,  you're sooo pretty ... yikes, pricey and not real wool ... pass!)

Echo has launched some super adorable hats of synthetic fibers this season, which I would not be tempted to buy. For just a tad more money, you can get their Cashmere-wool blend Lux Collection of hats, scarves, and gloves. 

After you pay the piper, they'll likely keep you warmer, plus last for decades of winters. Keep your eye on natural fibers of cashmere, wool, or a combination of the two, and wait for a great sale!


Coach is running a flash sale on its merino wool beanie right now ($39), offered in 6 colors. Less than what you pay for some merchants' synthetics!


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Thursday, October 14, 2021

Best Leggings Updated

Photo: LL Bean
My Best Leggings Roundup is my 6th most popular blog of all time, so for sure leggings are a staple in many wardrobes. The list I comprised then is still relevant. I continue to get my leggings from Old Navy and Express, but today I'm adding 3 new retailers to my original list. Old Navy and Express have the fantastic deals, often selling decent quality leggings for as low as $5 - $15 each. You can't beat either company's promotions, and you get at least 2 years of wear out of the leggings so if you need to replace them more often you still come out ahead in savings. At $15 or less per pair, you'll get your money's worth for a good length of wear.

The 3 new leggings I'm adding today to my original list cost more and are a tad more durable ... a financial wash to a Savvy Shopper. If you buy and wear new leggings without paying more money, the money you spend is a wash:

1) Uniqlo leggings - Since I comprised my Best Leggings List, the innovative Japanese retailer has stepped up its leggings game now offering a variety of legging styles designed for different climates and purposes. Moreover, the exciting development is the company's sizes now fit tall women over 5'5"! (The retailer's petite sizing kept it off my original roundup.) Best price point for lasting leggings bar none!

The next two are more expensive retailers. Recently each of them has expanded its legging styles + offers better sales:

2) LL Bean leggings - (top image👆) - The merchant has launched what it calls perfect fit leggings for every type of body, and there are styles galore this season. My favorite fabric is jersey smooth cotton with a touch of spandex, but you can also get fleece-lined leggings if you live in an arctic climate. There are 4 fits (or cuts): 1) original (relaxed); 2) straight-leg; 3) slim; and 4) legging. They won't cling, fade or stretch out.

3) Landsend Starfish leggings - The link leads to all of Landsends' styles of leggings for women, but the only one I'm familiar with is its Starfish leggings which are soft jersey cotton with lycra. Excellent quality leggings, but usually more expensive than I think consumers need to pay. However, when you catch them at their rock bottom sale price of $22, grab them as they are then a fantastic value!🎉

LL Bean's and Landsends' apparel is comparable. From season to season, one retailer will have a better selection, so before buying, I always look at both. 

Uniqlo is usually the better-priced retailer for good (or good enough) and unfailingly innovative clothing -- including its pants and leggings. Toss Old Navy and Express into the mix and one of the 5 retailers will offer you a perfect pair of leggings at a steal of a price!🎯

You are set for the fall, winter, and early spring!


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Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Step Into L.L. Bean's Comfort Boots

 


Fall is back and so is boot season. L.L. Bean has a slew of everyday stylish, genuine leather, warm and cozy boots that are made for walking.

The Classic Stonington style on the left page of the catalog is made of pigskin and has a soft flannel interior lining with steady rubber soles.

The new Rugged Cozy boots, which come in 2 styles -- lace-up and mid-roll-down on the right page of the catalog feature premium waterproof suede or nubuck leather with a supportive leather and fleece-lined footbed, plus a long-lasting grooved rubber outsole.

Super adorable and practical flair paired with jeans, leggings, or skirts! No matter which way you go, these durable boots are made for walking in a variety of conditions from a company long renown for producing all-whether outdoor boots!

I see my favorites but having 4 pairs of Ugg boots (different lengths and leathers) plus a pair of L.L. Bean's Storm Chasers, I cannot justify adding a new pair to my fall wardrobe this year, although if doing over, I'd buy these. They are made for walking.

And now for a little entertainment ... how we feel when wearing comfortable, well-made, smart boots that will last for decades to come -- 



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Monday, September 13, 2021

The Sweater Vest Is Back

Photo: Storets

Cooler temperatures call for layering, and this fall the sweater vest is back in so many attractive ways. Never out of fashion, you'll just have more lengths and style choices in 2021 with many design houses jumping on the sweater vest bandwagon updating its appearance. The following are a few interpretations from well-known retailers:
Photos: 1) Endless Rose; 2) MUNTHE Rowland; 3) Sandro Evone available at Nordstrom

As you can see, a v-neck in the vest is popular, yet there are as many flairs as there are tastes: Feminine, chunky,  smooth, textured, checkered, and cable-net to name a few.
Photos: 1) Urban Outfitters; 2) & Other Stories; 3) Mango

A sweater vest is not just for librarians anymore! The look is polished and practical, sophisticated, chic, and warm. 
Photos: 1) Rag & Bones; 2) Maje Maela - available at Nordstrom; 3) No Comment - available at Macy's 

The sweater vest can pull an outfit together, plus keep you in toasty comfort with just enough coverage. Covering your trunk minus sleeves avoids overheating ... plus hides a wrinkled blouse!😄 Worn solo, it looks fashionable and edgy; or layer over a top for a classic vibe.


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Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Elie Tahari Women's Apparel Fall 2019

Elie Tahari Dominica Zebra Print Dress
I got invited to an Elie Tahari "Meet and Greet" at Bloomingdales, so I went. There was a short runway show at the end of an interview between the designer and journalist Katie Couric. We learned during the interview that Elie Tahari came to Manhattan in 1971 with $100 in his pocket after serving in the Israeli army because he loved the energy of the city. Where would a melting pot like America be without the energy, creativity and dreams of its immigrants? For better or worst, Tahari is the designer who came up with the tube top.😱 

A few of my favorite frocks from the evening's fashion show are the following👠👗🎩:
The Yenet Skirt on the left is a scene stealer IMO ... fancy and fun. And, the Elissa Sequined Snakeskin Print dress on the right is timeless. It hung slightly longer in length on the leggy model, as well as, on the rack, which is a good thing.
Stud Trim Faux Suede Fit and Flare Dress
Although brown isn't my best color, I like the Dominica Zebra Print Dress (top photo) very much. The (above) Stud Trim Faux Suede Fit and Flare Dress in black is a better color on me. The style of the dress is universally flattering on everybody.
Here are a couple of snaps from the evening: The 1st photo is the interview with the designer to the left and Ms. Couric, who sits on the right. The 2nd photo shows a quick flash of a model wearing a silver evening gown.

Looks like black will never go out of style, nor will animal/snake prints!


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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

New Fall Trends

Photo: People Style Watch
By the time Labor Day arrives, you know summer is fading and fall is only a few weeks away. Here are five looks to take you from late summer into autumn:

1. Burgundy lips - It's also a universal color that flatters everyone, regardless of hair color or skin tone.

2. Skinny jeans and legging paints - Too comfortable and polished to ever go out of style.
Photo: nastygirl.com
3. Spiked shoes - They are edgy. Spikes add a "wow" factor to flats, boots and heels. After the summer passes, we'll have to get our socks out again.
4. Utility jackets - It's a great investment that can be layered as seasons change -- when a chilly wind is replaced by a drop in temperatures. Select a waterproof one that can be rolled up to fit into a suitcase.
5. Wrap chain bracelets - A little bling adds pizzazz to any outfit.
Rebecca's turtle - She has two, Morticia and Gomez.
This last picture was taken by Rebecca Keegan, someone I worked with in New York, who now lives in Los Angeles. What she wrote, sums up my attitude perfectly, " Summer is over when we say it's over." Alas ... the attitude is much easiler to maintain in sunny LA. I'm going to miss the taste of watermelon very soon.

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