60% of the time, it works every time

I'm officially "back" from the land of unseasonably warm weather, beautiful sunsets, and delicious chiles. I had such a wonderful time, but I have to admit I missed my fast internet and dvr'd Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.





I've told you the kitten/chickens story before - well this is one of the descendants of the original kitten. B's mom has been calling him "Kittiekins," but we thought he needed a more grown-up name, thus he was re-christened "Sex Panther." He saw us taking pictures and marched purposefully over to take his rightful place in the frame. Totally lives up to his name.





Gap sweater
Echo scarf
H&M knit leggings
Jeffrey Campbell clogs
vintage shades

Cloudcroft

Trying to squeeze a small update in between all the Christmas preparations and family activity while I'm here in New Mexico. At the beginning of the week, we took a quick, action-packed trip to Cloudcroft.



We hiked the Osha Trail and took in the amazing views of White Sands...







...went to the Western Bar & Cafe, where I ate the best patty melt I've ever had (and witnessed the skills of a budding pool shark)...



...and took in the otherworldly sunset.

Gap sweater
Target henley
Urban Outfitters belt
J Brand jeans
Jeffrey Campbell clogs
Saddleback Leather bag

paddington bear

I've had this coat for ages. I go through phases of wearing it and not wearing it, but I've yet to go through a phase where I feel that I need to replace it. There's something to be said for Burberry durability.







How are your holidays going? I'm currently in New Mexico, where reality television has been replaced by the antics and strange interactions of a flock of chickens, three semi-feral cats, and a spunky Boston Terrier. I swear species cross-communicate, à la Charlotte's Web. Needless to say, I can assure you I will have lots of photos to share after this trip.

Burberry duffle coat
vintage sweater
H&M jeans
Urban Outfitters socks
Dr. Martens loafers

if you're always on the go, make an angel in the snow... and freeze...

It's crunch time! Scrambling to finish all of my gift shopping and last-minute errands in the precious little time that I have between work, holiday parties, freak snowstorms, and all-important reality television watching.





I've been wearing this sweater with just about everything lately. It's one of those rustic wool pieces that wards off cold weather like a sheet of Teflon.

vintage Brooks Brothers coat
vintage sweater
Topshop leather shorts
Dolce Vita fur-trimmed boots
Bally bag

black oil

Basically milking "Velvet Season" for everything it's worth. I have two perfect black velvet skirts and now I'm on the hunt for a dress. I'm still enamored with the Western Gothic look, so I was glad to see I'm not the only one who's still got it on my mind. Of course, the only downside is that I'm now acutely aware of the severe shortage of bolo ties in my jewelry collection. Must rectify this dilemma...





vintage lace blouse
vintage velvet skirt
Christopher Kane for Topshop clutch
Givenchy boots

B's Quick Chili

Here's another one of our go-to cold weather recipes. As my husband will tell you (vehemently), "real chili does not have beans in it!" However, it is acceptable to make a pot of pinto beans, like this recipe, and pour the chili over it.

For this recipe you will need:

  1 lb lean ground beef
  32 oz carton of chicken broth
  14 oz can tomato sauce
  1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  8-10 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  3-4 heaping teaspoons New Mexican pure red chile powder (some chile powders have other stuff mixed in them)
  1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  3/4 teaspoon onion powder
  1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  1 teaspoon cumin
  1 teaspoon hot sauce (Crystal, Louisiana, etc.)
  1/4 teaspoon cajun seasoning (like Tony Chachere's)
  1 teaspoon salt
  5-6 "grinds" regular pepper

Brown hamburger in a Dutch oven. Before it's completely cooked through, add onion. Cook until hamburger is completely brown and onions are soft.

Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Add 3/4 of the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and all seasoning, except cumin. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer.

Let simmer for 20 minutes. Add cumin. If chile is too thick, add remaining chicken broth as needed. Simmer for additional 15-20 minutes. Adjust seasoning and enjoy!

tinsel and eskimo pies

In an eating cookies, drinking mulled wine, and watching stop motion Christmas movies-kind of mood...indefinitely...



How do you like our Christmas tree? I was surprised we actually had enough ornaments to cover a whole tree, but apparently we got quite a haul for Christmas last year. Nothing beats a real tree, but one of my friends, who came to visit recently, brought us this incredible fir-scented candle that I can't get enough of. Highly recommend it for insta-holiday cheer.



vintage fur coat
vintage top
Jenny Jen jeans
Miu Miu heels

Where is Rudolph? Where is Blitzen, baby?

Kind of in a weird cold weather/festive holiday clothing limbo right now. Not really a bad thing, but I find myself needing to add something shiny, lacy, fur-trimmed or richly-hued to every ensemble...hence the current choices you see here. Though I have to admit, I can't wait for a holiday party (read: an excuse) to go all out for.





I got this belt a few years ago in New Orleans. Since I neglected to try it on before purchasing, it's a little big for me, but paired with a giant sweater, it appears to be functional. Bravo.



vintage satin blouse
Anthropologie sweater
belt from a random New Orleans shop
H&M snakeskin print jeans
KMRii bag
Prada pumps

N.E.E.T. Winter Fashion Plans

I am quite honored to be included amongst the ranks of Lulu Letty, The Clothes Horse, Orchid Grey, and Selective Potential to share 5 Winter Fashion Plans for the December issue of N.E.E.T. Magazine. Check it out here and try not to be too tempted by all the clickable goodies!

a light in the attic

This dress originally had a large-sized rosette in the middle of the waist, which made me think twice about purchasing it. So glad I saw past its initial flaws. A few snips with the scissors and the problem is solved. I found this in a vintage shop in New Orleans (of course) and it seems somewhat old - any thoughts on what era it might have come from?





vintage lace dress
Gap sweater
H&M belt
Dolce Vita fur-trimmed booties