Just a Quick J. Crew Fix....

Since I am feeling fat and flabby and clothing isn't making me happy- I thought I should focus on things that always look good -accessories!!!

I found these beauties at J. Crew: Do I detect a theme?

All on sale now!

Blog Party

This post is to welcome anyone popping over from the Ultimate Blog Party- and a re-introduction to anyone who has recently started checking out my blog. I started blogging this year in October. I am a Midwestern girl who has settled in the Windy City. I was married last May in England and have enjoyed a fantastic first year of married life with my husband Big Guy (he is big...really big 6'5" and 265lbs) and our tiny preppy puppy who just turned 3 this year.


I really love living in the city, but since we are thinking about starting a family starting next fall, we are looking for a house in the burbs...but not too far in the burbs!!!! We are looking at the towns just outside the city limits, but Chi-town is expensive and I have always had champagne taste with out the matching budget, so I need to try to keep things in perspective. Thinking about the house I could have if someone gave me a million dollars is not productive. So if you are new to the blog I am glad to have you, and if you have been reading for a while then hi again! I am glad you're back. A few of my blog friends are recently back from vacation- so i would like to say welcome back to them. Today I wanted to do a montage of some of my favorite kinds of Posts.

J. Crew Coveted Outfit of the Day

5 Random things about me

1. I love Navy and White together- I think it is classic preppy and always looks chic- sort of like black and white with a preppy kick.

2. I love to cook. I am really excited about Top Chef Chicago and love trying new recipes and restaurants to get ideas. I also like cooking with exotic ingredients and food I have never tried before. I have a very supportive husband who loves my food and enjoys my culinary experiences

3. I don't have my ears pierced...or any other piercings or tattoos or anything like that. I have a fear of needles and never thought earrings fit my style. Now that I am nearing 30, I find myself longing for a pair pf pearl studs and diamond studs....wondering if I should reconsider....

4. My grandmother is one of the most chic women I know... or she was in her day... She is the one who told me about the Plaza in New York, and Burberry in London, I am the only person I know who routinely says-- I found this in my grandmother's closet...She has been generous enough to pass down her mink coat, her china and countless fantastic pairs of pants, blouses and coats that she doesn't wear anymore. She lives in Florida now on an Island called Longboat Key, and my parents bought a place right next door, so I have a free family vacation whenever I can get away for the weekend (which is sadly not often enough!!)

5. I am slightly nutty and have more than my fair share of quirks. I am afraid of lunch meats---especially ham...I don't like to touch them let alone eat them. I hate revolving doors and try to avoid them...I don't like touching the glass, they are heavy and just seem to take a lot of time. Plus one time I got nervous and like jump rope at the playground..I jumped in too early and ended up behind someone in the same compartment. I tried to act like I wasn't there but it was really embarrassing and I thing the girl was terrified I was a nutjob. I am also afraid of spiders, butterflies, sharks, mice, rats, cats that I don't know, random men walking on the street and clowns.

Fantastic Recipe

I made this up with some inspiration from similar recipes that I saw on the foodnetwork. I have made it a million times... It is insanely fast and easy and is a huge crowd pleaser! Plus you don't have to measure anything and it is really a rustic meal that you can customize to your own taste. I hope you enjoy! (the picture is courtesy of http://cookalmostanything.blogspot.com/2007/10/presto-pasta-night-35.html and isn't the recipe exactly but I wanted to show you what the pasta looked like)

Orecchiette with Greens and Tomatoes

Ingredients:

Orecchiette

Garlic salt (a few shakes)

1 Cup grated Parmesan cheese

Two handfuls of cherry or grape tomatoes

Half a bag or 4 large handfuls of arugula or spinach

2 ladles of reserved pasta water—can be set aside just before straining pasta


Cook orecchiette according to package instructions- make sure to add salt to the water at some point to season the pasta. (make sure to reserve about 2 ladles of the pasta water when draining)

Meanwhile, in a large serving dish, layer ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, two handfuls of halved cherry or grape tomatoes, garlic salt to taste, and about 4 large handfuls of spinach or arugula.

When the pasta is cooked al dente and you have reserved the two ladle-fuls of pasta water- drain the pasta and pour directly into the bowl that contains the greens, cheese and tomatoes. The pasta should rest directly on top of the greens layer. Then ladle the pasta water over the top and toss to incorporate. The heat of the pasta will wilt the greens and the water will combine with the cheese and garlic salt and tomatoes to make a light sauce. Add salt pepper and additional cheese to taste and enjoy! This is such an easy spur of the moment meal and it really tastes fantastic!

So that is kinda what my blog is usually about.... I also talk about stores I like, interior design, my house hunt, crafts, learning to sew, marriage, and anything else that comes across my mind. I hope you come back and I hope you enjoyed my mini introduction to Midwest Prep!

J. Crew Snafu...

Usually I defer to the genius that is J. Crew, but in this instance I simply don't understand what is going on with these pants!?! They are awful...I am not sure what would possess someone to design, create, or purchase these l'il monsters. Does anyone like these? Does anyone own these? Can you send a picture of your self in them? If I am wrong and these are somehow a workable clothing item- I will be the first to admit it- but as of this moment I just don't get it!!!

I suppose one terrible item in the midst of the brilliance that is their Navy and white theme is 110% forgivable, but I am always so surprised to see stuff that doesn't seem to fit.

In any event, I wanted to share and get some of your feedback.

J. Crew Coveted Look of the Day

I know this look has a miss matched sense of whimsy, but I really like it. I have just recently purchased 2 Tickets to Miami, two tickets to Puerto Rico, booked hotels in both places, and made reservations at West Town Tavern, Terragusto, and The Capital Grill, so unfortunately, this look hasn't found its way into my shopping cart. I suppose I shall have to wait for another day- and another paycheck before I can buy anything from J. Crew in good concience.

Shoes Glorious Shoes!

Since I have been living in my Uggs and Wellies, it seems that shoes had temporarily fallen off my radar--But the thrill is back in a big way with these beauties! These SCREAM Charlotte York in the most elegant and adorable way and I can just see myself wearing them with a very tailored vintage inspired little black dress. I think they are fantastic- and J. Crew of course.

While I was looking at them, my clicks began to wander and I found these others that I love as well...(all J. Crew)

J. Crew Coveted Look of the Day

What can I say? I love J. Crew. Every time they come out with a new batch of items I can barely decide what to buy because I wish I could have them all. I love everything about this outfit, and even though I usually prefer to wear skirts, I even like the shorts. Plus have the perfect white mini that would work as well. I may have to get this outfit for my anniversary cruise in May!

Guess what came in the mail!

Guess what came in the mail today? I am so happy. I have been looking for the perfect pair of black pair of patent leather mary janes with a round but not too round toe-- and when I saw them on J.Crew.com I just click--click--clicked and before I knew what had done, they were mine... I had some serious buyers shell shock because I NEVER pay full price for J.Crew shoes, but I didn't want them to sell out before they went on sale like my boots last year (don't worry- I got them). But now they are mine and I love them. They are very TALL by the way--just wanted to warn anyone who might be thinking about picking up a pair. They come in red and yellow too! I also got some Sam Edelman black flats formerly $100 for $35.... so really maybe that evens out the cost of the Mary Janes?

J. Crew Coveted Look of the Day

What more can I say... I love this coat. I picture myself at brisk football games--walking through fallen leaves... what do you girls think. Is it too bright? Be honest.

Coveted J. Crew Look of the Day

This is my lastest love affair...in coats. Don't get me wrong, I still love my burberry dream coat, and I love the coat I have. But this coat is too cute for words. I love the yellow--it is so different!


I love the, "going to a football game" look that this coat evokes! I want it!

Coveted Look of the Day

I found this in the Fall Look Book on J. Crew's website. I love it. I love evreything about the outfit including the unexpected splash of yellow brought in by the cute bag! If only my wardrobe funds were unlimited!