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Setting the Mood: Double Up On Denim

By |November 26th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

denim on denim fashion editorialIf you live in America, you own a pair of jeans.  For whatever reason, this time of year feels very “Americana” to me.  The only thing I own more of than crop tops is denim.  Once I found a brand and style I liked, I bought it in every available color and/or pattern.  When it comes to cold weather, I start at the bottom (much like Drake), as in my jeans and then build my outfit around them.  This is why I often complain to my friends about having no tops.  But that is neither here nor there, as let’s talk about you and your denim needs.  Whether it’s the perfect pair of jeans, a chambray shirt, or a beaten up jean jacket, be sure to slip into something that feels more American than apple pie.

denim accessoriesRag & Bone Boyfriend Distressed Denim JacketKoku Viva Denim ClutchThe Laundress Denim Care SetMiu Miu Crystal Embellished Denim Pointed Toe Flats

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Happy Holla-Daze

By |December 9th, 2013|Setting the Mood|

christmas fashion editorialWhile some of you were busy posing both literally and figuratively at Art Basel in Miami, I was busy dealing with personal crises and preparing this week’s posts chocked full of gift guides that will make your holiday shopping less painful than some of those exhibitions at Basel.  Now that we’ve actually made it past Thanksgiving, it’s time to start thinking December 25th- not post Halloween like some of you overanxious overachievers thought.  It’s no secret that Christmas music is like nails on the chalkboard to me, but I will appease my holly loving, twinkle light enthusiast, overly festive friends.  So, get ready to stuff your stockings, kids.

christmas sweaterTibi Reindeer Intarsia Cotton Blend Sweater, Charlotte Olympia Jinble Bell Dolly Velvet Platform Pumps, Eugenia Kim Lolita Floral Embellished Headpiece, Charlotte Olympia Ginger Metallic Patent Clutch

 

Merry flippin’ Christmas.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: How Do You Like Them Apples?

By |November 22nd, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|



It seems like during this time of year pumpkins get all the attention.  Pumpkin pie, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin cupcakes… the list goes on and on and on.  Now, let’s be serious, I love pumpkins as much as the next gal, but sometimes you (and your sweet tooth) crave something a little different for dessert.  Boy, do I have a treat (literally) for you.  I stumbled upon a super easy, super delicious recipe for baked apples that will blow your mind.  Now, I am no pastry chef, but I can read directions.  At first, this recipe may seem daunting, but I promise it’s easier than pie (did you catch that one?).  It takes a bit of attention, so you are gonna have to get up during commercial breaks of Real Housewives of ______, but it will be well worth it.

 

Ingredients: 

For Baked Apples

  • 8 sweet apples, Gala or Fuji
  • Butter
  • 1/2 cup pecan pieces
  • 8 ounces mascarpone
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 orange, zest only
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup brandy

For Crumble Top

  • 1 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 ounces butter, cold

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Generously spread butter on a 9″ x 13″ baking tray.
  3. Slice top and bottoms of each apple to make level. Hollow apple with a core to remove stems and seeds. Cut skin in vertical or horizontal stripes to give a decorative look, if desired.
  4. Make crumble by combining flour, brown sugar, salt, and sugar in a mixer bowl. Cut butter into smaller pieces. Combine butter and dry ingredients until crumbly and sandy. Keep in refrigerator until needed. 
  5.  For the filling, mix mascarpone, brown sugar, dried fruit, salt, cinnamon and orange zest until combined. 
  6. Fill apples tightly with filling and place in buttered pan. 
  7. Top with crumble. Pack it well on top, cut portion of apple.
  8. Pour apple cider and brandy around the apples. 
  9. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
  10. Baste apples with juice every 20 minutes.
  11. Allow to cool for 20 minutes before serving. Drizzle with cider and brandy baking liquid. 

Served with vanilla bean ice cream and perhaps a drizzle of caramel… Mind. Blowing.  So, seriously, how do you like them apples?

xx,
WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Thankful for Sweater Dresses

By |November 18th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

Alright, so we are gearing up for a big week next week.  Big in terms of family, cooking, and our stomachs.  That’s right, Thanksgiving is right around the corner (ahem- next Thursday).  This holiday means many things- one of which is failing miserably at portion control.  Aunt Mimi’s pie is just too good.  While I’d rather just wear something from tent and awning, it is possible that you’ll be spending this special day with a special someone’s family… So, you’ll have to look (somewhat) presentable.  Next best thing to wrapping yourself in a duvet?  The oh so effortless sweater dress.  It’s cozy, it’s cute, and it allows for an extra piece of pie.  Wear yours with textured tights (or sweater leggings) and flat boots for a pulled together, yet totally relaxed look.

1. MAX Studio Oversize V-Neck Sweater, $148, 2. Milly Knit Ashley Stripe Sweater Dress, $295, 3. Retreat Cable Sweater Dress, $97.50, 4. Religion Jumble Sweater Dress, $136, 5. Splendid Patchwork Sweater Dress, $248, 6. J. Crew Dolman Merino Wool Blend Sweater Dress, $140, 7. Kill City Asymmetrical Sweater Dress, $84, 8. Vanessa Bruno Athe Mohair Blend Fair Isle Dress, $450, 9. Juicy Couture Embellished Cowlneck Sweater Dress, $248, 10. Rag & Bone Putney Sweater Dress, $325

Pass the stuffing, please.

xx,

WhyDid

 

Why Did You Eat That: Not Pumpkin Muffins

By |November 7th, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|

By the end of October, I’ve overindulged in pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin cupcakes, and pumpkin pie.  To be honest, the thought of pumpkin anything makes me want to high kick a gourd… at least until Thanksgiving and it’s time for pumpkin pie again.  Just because I want nothing to do with this orange vegetable (or is it a fruit?) doesn’t mean that I don’t want delicious baked goods.  That is why I searched for a non-pumpkin, yet still seasonally festive snack.  And would you just look what I found?

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour, plus 1/2 tablespoon, divided
  • 1 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon, divided
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange rind
  • 3/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, or 2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
  • Cooking spray

Directions: 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Spray two eight-cup muffin tins with cooking spray.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Make an indentation in the middle.
  4. In a large glass measuring cup, mix orange rind, juice, oil and egg. Pour mixture into flour indentation and stir until everything is just combined.
  5. In a small bowl, stir dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and remaining 1/2 tablespoon flour. Stir into batter.
  6. Divide batter evenly among muffin tins. Sprinkle with reserved 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake 15 minutes.
  7. Remove from tins and cool on a wire rack.

Perfect with breakfast or warmed up with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert.
xx,
WhyDid