Cozy Leather

Sweater: Zara; {Faux} Leather Pants: Target ($23! Dream pair HERE); Heels: J.Crew; Bag: Zara; Watch: Michael Kors; Bracelets: Stella & Dot, Alex & Ani; Nails: Essie "Chinchilly"

My favorite way to wear leather pants is with a completely unexpected, cozy, oversized sweater. And can you believe these pants were only $23? I've long been contemplating splurging on a well-made, high end version but can't yet justify the expense. So until then, this super affordable pair will do!

These photos were taken prior to the wrath of Sandy, as evidenced by the pretty leaves on the ground. Now the leaves are either brown, muddy piles or completely blown away. We were lucky here in Boston... I know those in New York and New Jersey weren't so lucky. My prayers are with everyone affected! 

Oh, and Happy Halloween!

xoxo,

L

Calm Before the Storm

Blazer: Zara; Cords: F21 (similar HERE); Tank: AE; Heels: Charles David; Necklace: Stella & Dot; Ring: Rue La La; Nails: Essie "Chinchilly"

Is it just me or is the media acting like Hurricane Sandy could quite possibly be the end of the world? With all the hype surrounding the approaching storm, I made sure to spend some time outdoors before battening down the hatches and riding it out. The end result were these pictures taken just moments before it started to rain. I actually really like the contrast of my bright red pants and the gloomy grey skies. 

Stay safe New Englanders!

xoxo,

L

Cobalt + Leopard

Dress: J.Crew Factory (another cute one HERE); Wedges: Sole Society; Bracelets: Stella & Dot; Bag:  Michael Kors

Quick Friday post for you guys today! One of my favorite color combinations lately is cobalt and leopard. The saying is true -- leopard is the new black. Don't you agree?

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

L

Peplum Stripes

Peplum Jacket: Zara; Tank: AE; Jeans: Gap; Shoes: Target (similar HERE); Watch: Michael Kors "Runway"; Bracelets: Alex & Ani, Stella & Dot; Rings: Stella & Dot; Sunnies: Chloe

Wow, I really have a lot of peplum tops. I'm interested to know, how many is too many in one closet? Because I'm pretty sure I'm there. Well, I hope you're not too sick of them yet because I actually have one or two more. A quick word about these loafers -- how cute are they? They're a total copy on the ridiculously expensive Lanvin ones for a smidgen of the price. Talk about a steal! 

A special thank you to my wonderful mother for being my photog for the day!

xoxo,

L

Leather & Spice

Friday! Woo hoo we made it. Is it just me or did this week seem to last forever? The whole fam-damily will be in Boston this weekend for the little sister's volleyball games so I will be playing hostess. I'm excited to have everyone out here for a change, instead of having to travel back to NY to see everyone. 

This outfit is a mish-mash of trends I'm loving lately. Peplum, leather, printed pants & spiced yellow. Overkill? Possibly. But I like it. How do you feel about mixing more than one trend?

Jacket: BB Dakota; Vegan leather tank: Piperlime (another cute version HERE); Pants: LOFT; Bag: Zara; Heels: Charles David; Nails: Essie "Stylenomics"

xoxo,
L

Guest Post: Vizio Optic’s Top Picks for Fall 2012 Eyeglasses

Hello L's Fashion Dish readers! Today I'm doing something a little bit different. I've never needed glasses in my life until recently. And since I'm new to this market, I decided to invite Kristen of Vizio Optic to tell us all about the glasses that are hottest for fall. Which ones do you think would look best? Take it away, Kristen!

After a whirlwind summer of bright shades with bold personalities, the trends this fall take it down a notch by emphasizing simple and classic designs. With designer eyewear, it’s still important to choose a pair that speaks to your style and individuality, so this season we are opting for a twist on the times – elegant shapes and colors that will be flattering and fashionable for years to come, but with characteristics that make them utterly unique and contemporary.

One of the trends this fall is what’s been defined over the last few years as “the Sarah Palin.” With more elaborate geometric models coming back in style, the narrow, rectangular look is an easy way to jump on the bandwagon without seeming too trendy, since its shape is quite classic. For those who like an understated look, LINDBERG 2124 eyeglasses are a great choice – they are rimless and do not drastically change your appearance, and the earthy yellow tone of the arms is in tune with the season’s hottest colors.

Geek-chic is always in style, from the days of Buddy Holly to today’s Hollywood elite – it’s a great unisex look that has been tweaked for 2012 to include a little more character than it’s used to. Typically in black, thick-set glasses with silhouettes like the above Vue dc ROY glasses help give off the artsy, nerdy vibe. However, this style has its own unique take on the look, with a two-tone design that features a tortoise pattern along the top half. Have fun with this shape this fall and try out different colors and patterns that make this classic style a little more playful.

Even with a neutral fall color like topaz, MYKITA Wanda eyeglasses stand out thanks to their oversized frame. You’ve seen it on celebrities like Lady Gaga, Kate Upton, and Britney Spears – beautiful shapes blown up to make a bold fashion statement. MYKITA bases its frame off of this idea, keeping the frame itself thin and delicate so your aren’t overwhelming your features.

All frames are available for purchase from Vizio Optic in Brookline or at VizioOptic.com.

Pumpkin Patch

Sweater: Urban Outfitters; Tee: Victoria's Secret; Jeans: Gap; Booties: Sam Edelman "Louie"; Bag: Michael Kors

Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was a good one. I spent mine doing a whole lot of nothing, with exception of a quick trip to Smolak Farms where we grabbed our favorite fall essentials. We left with a giant pumpkin, a bag of crisp apples, and of course, hot apple cider and cinnamon donuts. Side note about my sweater: this is one of the most comfortable and well-made cardigans I own. I first saw it in a cool black and white combo on my friend Guida. She mentioned it came in other colors and not too long after that, it was in my closet. 

xoxo,
L

Easy Pumpkin Pancakes

Another day, another pumpkin recipe. I can't get enough of pumpkin this time of year. Lattes, mousse, cookies, I'll take it in any form I can get it. I woke up Sunday and needed pumpkin pancakes. I mean like can't-function-a-moment-longer-without-them type of need. Luckily I had some Bisquick handy so these fluffy piles of deliciousness only took mere moments to whip up.

What You'll Need:
2 cups Bisquick
2 eggs
1-1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
Heat greased griddle over medium heat. Drop 1/4 cup pancake batter onto hot griddle and cook on each side for a few minutes or until golden brown. *Resist the urge to flip the pancakes early, wait until uncooked side bubbles up a little bit. Dust with extra cinnamon and powdered sugar and serve with real maple syrup and a tall glass of milk.

What is your favorite pumpkin recipe?

Enjoy!
xoxo,
L

Around Boston: Lux Bond & Green + Ippolita

Last Thursday I attended a fabulous event at Lux Bond & Green on Boylston Street in Boston. The lovely Shauna invited us to sip on champagne, nosh on yummy apps, and check out the new Ippolita collection. (Which was absolutely stunning!) We also got to donate some of our designer duds to the Fashion Project to benefit UNICEF. So not only did we get to enjoy a fun night out, but we got to give back to a great cause. 

Me & Guida of LoveMyOutfit.com

Party-goers tweeted throughout the night and jewels were given away at random... Guess who got to take this beauty home with her?!

Top: Piperlime; Leather-trim skirt: Piperlime (similar HERE); Wedges: Sole Society (similar HERE); Necklace: Stella & Dot; Bag: Michael Kors; Nails: Essie "Skirting the Issue"

Thank you to everyone who made this event a hit. And to Lux Bond & Green for the gorgeous necklace! I will be back soon, for sure!

xoxo,

L

Fringed Beatle Booties

Dress: Urban Outfitters; Faux Leather Jacket: old, similar HERE; Booties: Sam Edelman; Bag: Michael Kors

The weather in New England right now isn't quite sure what it wants to do. It's been raining and cold one day, sunny and warm another. I refuse to succumb to my collection of tights until I absolutely have to. If this weekend's forecast is any indication of things to come, I will be wearing them by next week. But until then, I will happily embrace my bare legs. 

I love the idea of pairing beatle booties with cute little dresses but they also look great with cords tucked into them. Plus the short heel makes them perfect for a manic day around the office. 

Enjoy the weekend!

xoxo,

L

Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

It's been a while since I've posted a recipe so in the spirit of all things fall, I figured I'd post one of the easiest and most satisfying autumn recipes I know: pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. I've eaten these for breakfast, lunch and dinner since I made them last Sunday. Maybe not the healthiest meal option, but they sure are delicious. 

What You'll Need:
1 cup sugar
1 cup shortening
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375. Cream sugar, shortening and pumpkin in a large bowl. Add egg and mix well. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in small increments, beating until smooth each time. Stir in desired amount of chocolate chips. Drop cookies two inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.

They're also insanely delicious topped with a dollop of cinnamon cream cheese frosting

xoxo,
L