Who, What, Wear {Dinner with The Parents}

I've decided to give a little more direction to (some) of my outfit posts. I'll be illustrating outfit options for specific types of events. My life mainly consists of eating and drinking excursions so I'll try to spare you from too many brunches and dinners unless they are a little more specific ie: Dinner with The Parents. So without further ado...

Zara Blouse, Skirt, and Shoes, BCBG Max Azria Purse, Essie 'Wicked' and OPI 'Got the Blues for Red' Nail Polish

 And by 'The Parents' I mean your significant other's not your's. Unless your's are schmancy and scary and in that case you are the exception not the rule*. Ladies this is not the time to show off any of your assets. The Mother needs no reminding that she's not 20-something anymore. I really think a knee length flowy skirt and a crisp white button down are the way to go. You can let your accessories do the talking. And yes, it's is perfectly acceptable to mix black and brown. You didn't even notice I did until now!

* My boyfriend's parents are not scary at all! And this was worn to his momma's birthday dinner.

Case Closed

And from apple chips to apple 'clothes.' I graduated from an iPhone 3G to a 4S over the holidays. The switch was not anticipated and I didn't have time to find it an adequate case so my iPhone is currently naked. This makes me nervous since I'm prone to dropping it when I'm in the elevator holding too many things in my hand instead of putting them in my purse. Here are a few contenders:

1. I have a longstanding love affair with gold. I blame my Italian half. (Chrome Snap Case InCase $35)

2. Leopard is another longtime love of mine but please don't tell gold. I wouldn't want them to meet lest they plot a Real Housewives of New Jersey style makeover. (Leopard iPhone Case Kate Spade $40)

3. On the other hand, it is perfectly acceptable for monograms and chevron to meet particularly in an unexpected color combination as evidenced above. (Personalized Chevron Case Etsy $55)

4. Ikat is pronounced [ee-kaht]. You learn something new everyday right? This one makes me think of summer. (iPhone Case Tory Burch $48)

5. Now this is really something. Kaleidoscope neon jewelry adorning technology? Sign me up. (Henrik Case DANNIJO $98)

Apple Chips

I'm a big fan of the promise the new year brings. I love the idea of constantly improving and re-inventing oneself. And I have yet to meet someone whose resolutions don't include improving their health and wellness through fitness and diet. If you are one of those people I actually don't want to meet you. So maybe you should go now. Without further ado here is my small contribution to helping those with similar agendas as mine in 2012. Meet one of my favorite snacks the apple chip!

They get bonus points for making your home smell amazing. They are also simple to make and require very few ingredients. Let's get started!

 

Ingredients: apples + cinnamon 

1) Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Core your apples; I like to use a potato peeler. 

2) Slice your apples thinly. If you have amazing knife skills use a knife. If you don't invest in a mandolin. This is my mandolin of choice.

3) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your apple slices on it. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

4) Bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour and then flip. Bake for one more hour, checking them halfway.

Congratulations you made apple chips!

Resort Elegant

H&M Blouse, Zara Skirt, Steven by Steve Madden Espadrilles, JewelMint Earrings, and Kate Spade Purse

At Atlantis' fine dining restaurants the dress code is 'resort elegant'. Translation: no shorts, no flip flops, and gentlemen, jackets are optional. I would have been thrilled to show them shorts can be made appropriate for evening but sadly I didn't have enough of a tan to wear my favorite yellow and gold pair. Instead I opted for a minimalist non-controversial orange top and white skirt with just enough wiggle room to allow me to end my meal with dessert (as I always do when on holiday).

The Bahamas

{'Bahamian Blue' I like to call it}

The first of the year the boyfriend and I headed off for a tropical getaway to The Bahamas. We stayed at Atlantis, which I'm thrilled to report is everything it is hyped up to be. The resort has been on my list for a very long time and I was ecstatic to hear I would be starting out my year there.

I expected a resort of Atlantis' caliber to be top notch. What really made the experience truly unforgettable was the spirit of the Bahamian people. Every single local that we encountered exuded a type of genuine happiness that was almost too good to be true. Maybe it's something in the water? Who wouldn't be happy waking up to natural beauty like that every morning.

I know it was a good trip when I haven't even left and I am already plotting a return.

Disclaimer: My gushing is purely my own opinion and I am not being compensated in any way by Atlantis. I will be happy to make a return trip and gush even more! So if you're reading this Atlantians you can fly me over any old time.

{The iconic Royal Towers}

{Tropical drinks at the beach}

{I wish my suitcase could have accommodated him}

{I always look for flower arrangements I can easily copy replicate}

{Starfish love}

{Waiting for the ferry to Nassau}

{Observing at Predator Lagoon}

{A proper English cathedral in the heart of the Caribbean}

{I love me some tchotchkes}

{Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill- by far my favorite restaurant at Atlantis}

{A unique way to display earrings}

{Can you find your flag?}

{The water gets me every time}

{The ocean-inspired Christmas decor made me feel like I was at the Little Mermaid's house for the holidays}

{Courtyard Terrace at the One&Only Ocean Club}

{Mandatory tourist photo (Zara top)}

{The Dig- we liked it so much we went every day}

{Lighting + Palm Trees}

{Farewell beautiful water!}

Tropical Freeze

Zara Top, Zara Cardigan (pictured below), Joe's Jeans, Corso Como Flats, Gucci Sunglasses, and H&M Scarf

So now on to the tropical getaway portion of the trip.* On our second day the weather was less than ideal so we took the ferry into town. Sometimes I do this thing where I decide that the weather is going to be a certain way and then I pack accordingly. I like to think of it as wishful packing, if you will. And spoiler alert, it does not work. So here is the result of that. An all-white ensemble with a splash of color because this girl only thought to pack a cotton cardi. Note to self: when traveling anywhere in January take at least one warm chunky wool knit and a light jacket.

*For those of you that are good with landmarks yes we went to The Bahamas and more specifically Atlantis. More on that Friday. 

Miami

{I can't get enough of all the Art Deco}

Hello my darlings! Happy New Year! My how I have missed you. As I mentioned in my previous post the boyfriend and I rang in the New Year in Miami. We were there a couple days prior to our tropical getaway. Miami is a city bursting with life and diversity. It is not the cheesy latin fest you would expect so I urge you to visit if you've not yet done so. It's truly amazing that such a city exists in the US and I like to think it's a testament to the melting pot beginnings of our great nation.

{A lush entrance- I would be happy coming home to this every day}

{In semifreddo heaven at Quattro, where we welcomed 2012}

{I don't know these gentlemen but I was not about to wait in line to have my photo taken}

{Ocean Drive blocked so pedestrians could walk and restaurants could expand onto the street}

{Barney's gone Art Deco}

{Infamous steps}

{Street Art outside of Cafeina Lounge, where we met friends for drinks}

{Festive decor I'd like to replicate}