STYLE INSPIRATION: THE ANKLE SCARF

The silk scarf has made a bit of a comeback in the last few seasons. We've rediscovered the fashion utility of bandanas, chokers, and essentially anything else wrapped around our necks, and the silk scarf is the polished, cool girl equivalent. While creating a turtleneck effect is the go-to for most fashion girls, some don't stop there. The silk scarf has opened up a world of accessory versatility, being knotted around wrists, through belt loops, and my personal favorite, around ankles.

Photo via Lisa Says Gah

I love the timelessness, class, and French inspiration brought about by the neck scarf. It instantly pulls together any outfit, and makes a sleek yet creative accessory. And who doesn't want to look like an artist off duty? 

Photo via They All Hate Us

Another way to incorporate this creative accessory is by tying a uniquely-patterned scarf around the wrist. If your outfit is feeling bare, this is a great way to mix things up by still avoiding the clunkiness of a bracelet.

Photo via The Zoe Report

The same outfit formula can get old after awhile, so try breaking it up by substituting your belt with a printed scarf. It adds a bohemian vibe to a very put together look, and makes your look instantly more laid back.

Photo via Bloglovin'

Photo via The Zoe Report

Ah, the ankle scarf. Plain old pants get old sometimes, and silk scarves add all sorts of flair to your bottom half. If you're looking for a way to draw attention to your fantastic shoes, tie a scarf around your ankle to draw the eye down your entire outfit and create visual balance.

NOW GET SCARF SHOPPING!

HOLIDAY PATIO DECOR

This post is sponsored by Hayneedle.

In Arizona we use our patio the most starting in November and going through April. The visions of snow covered pine trees and crisp cold nights with a fire don't really apply to us. Instead, it's blue, sunny skies, 80 degrees and t-shirt weather. So, to make the outdoors feel more like the holidays I partnered with Hayneedle to spruce up our patio with some simple holiday cheer. 

About six months ago we finally got patio furniture after being married for 9 years. Having a nice seating area has been so nice for our guests and our family (click here to see the our summer design). We chose very simple, clean and modern pieces to work with, and that has allowed us to easily change out the color scheme when we want. 

I never have decorated over the top for the holidays. I'm pretty minimal when it comes to decorating our tree, our front yard and even our backyard. So, for our new-ish patio I simply added a pop of red here and there with boho red outdoor pillows and some pretty lanterns. 

I also placed faux evergreen topiaries in white pots and hung a wreath on our blanket ladder. Geraniums are also a nice pop of red for your outdoor patio. Of course, succulents an also add that pop of green that you might be missing. You can find non-traditional planters to place them in such as this drink bin. 

At night we like to take out our fire pit and cozy up with blankets. In fact, this past weekend we even roasted s'mores with our friends. 

To read more about this makeover and see more photos, visit Hayneedle's blog. You can also find my style board featuring all of the products. 

GET THE LOOK:
Bench and chairs
Fire pit
Blanket Ladder
Wreath
Topiaries
Red lantern
Area rug
Moroccan poufs

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; this post contains affiliate links; product was given for this post.

BAKED STUFFING CUPS

Thanksgiving is so close I can almost taste it. I don't think I am alone in saying this, but I look forward to eating stuffing even more than I look forward to eating turkey. I'm always looking for yummy new recipes, and here is one that is not only delicious but gives you a different way of serving stuffing for your holiday.

Brendan McCaskey created these delicious stuffing cups, and I had the pleasure of devouring them.  They were so moist! The opposite of what I would think, honestly. My tastebuds are proof that this method is just as good and prettier. I hope you enjoy.

Baked Stuffing Cups
by Brendan McCaskey

Yields 12 servings

Overall Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 medium sized yellow onion, chopped

- 6 stalks of celery, chopped

- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into half moons

- 2 cups mushrooms, chopped

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar

- 1 tablespoon worcestershire

- 16oz loaf of country bread, cut into cubes

- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock (can substitute w/ vegetable stock)

- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

- 1 egg, lightly beaten

- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method:

Preaheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Heat olive oil in large saute pan. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add celery and carrots and cook for another 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, and cook until mushrooms are tender, about 4-5 minutes.  Add vinegar and worcestershire to pan. 

Remove from heat and transfer vegetable mixture to a large bowl with bread cubes. Add chicken stock, parsley, and egg. Mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper.

Place parchment squares into a standard muffin tin cups tray (12). Fill each parchment cup with a heaping mound of stuffing.  Place in the oven in the middle rack and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tops of cups are crisp and golden brown.

Remove from oven, and set aside to slightly cool for 2-3 minutes. 

Serve cups on cooling rack or tray.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

MAUVE VELVET

The fact that the color mauve and velvet are in vogue right now and I am wearing them is proof that fashion really does go in cycles. I never in the world thought that I would buy and wear a mauve velvet bodysuit in my life after owning a ton of velvet tops in the 90s. Then again, I also never thought I would wear chokers too. 

Never say never is the lesson here because the truth is that I'm head over heels for this rich fabric and color right now. Maybe 20 years is the magic number for making you miss a fashion trend?

You are going to see velvet shoes, tops, dresses and even coats the more you shop this winter, and this is what you need to know about velvet...

It's really hard to care for and it's easy to ruin. So, those velvet heels that are calling your name will likely only be worn a handful of times. That said, I'm all for experimenting and having fun with trends if they are budget friendly. Fashion is for our enjoyment and play, but I also don't want to light a match to $100. 

So, I've rounded up a bunch of velvet goodies under $50 for you. This way you can adopt the trend for a small investment, and enjoy every minute of it. 

Photos by Katie Jameson Photography; velvet bodysuit from ZARA

THE COOLEST COATS TO KEEP WARM

There's a lot to look forward to when fall and winter come around. The holidays are on their way, temperatures are falling, and of course, the opportunity to play up our personal style with layers. Cold weather dressing can be a bit intimidating with so many layers to work with, so let's make it one step easier with some fabulous (affordable) coats.

THE MILITARY JACKET

Photo via WhoWhatWear

Military-style jackets have been trending for a while, but with the growth of the trend comes a growth in variations. There's always the classic cropped military jacket, but why not venture out into a long, drape-y style? The coats below are the definition of fashionable, but have subtle details that help to distinguish your style from anyone else's.

THE PUFFER JACKET

Photo via They All Hate Us

Puffers are just about the cutest thing to happen to winter. For awhile, many people associated them strictly with outdoorsmen, but they've proven their versatility by an emergence in the street style scene. Not only are they ridiculously chic with some flared trousers, but they offer top-notch warmth, so you can feel good about doing something practical for your wardrobe. 

THE LEATHER JACKET

Photo via Harper's Bazaar

Leather jackets are universally accepted as the go-to piece of fall fashion, since they radiate cool. Classics are great, but who says you can't add a little flair to your basics? You'll never go wrong seeking out a black leather jacket, but maybe this season is the season to experiment with color, texture, and shape.

THE DUSTER COAT

Photo via Bloglovin'

Duster coats are the ultimate statement piece in a cool weather closet. Their length adds drama to any look, and the sleek silhouette adds instant polish. Being that the shape is so basic, seek out unique details (texture, embellishments, etc.) that make your coat uniquely you.

THE FUR COAT

Photo via Style Du Monde

A fur coat is a good benchmark for the makings of a luxurious and elegant wardrobe. With the variation in patterns and colors, fur coats have lost a lot of their stuffiness, and have become a playful winter accessory in the closets of industry insiders. Whether you prefer real fur or faux fur is up to you, but both add a unique element of texture and interest to a plain t-shirt and jeans.