Spring Scary: White Jeans

White jeans have always been one of those style staples that I admired from afar. I could never find a flattering enough pair to buy. I have nightmares of some of the dressing room sessions looking for these jeans. But this Spring (post baby and all), I wanted to actually find a pair that I can feel comfortable in and that flatter me. We all know denim is very personal. What works on one girl, can be horrid on another. So I can not say that I found the perfect white jean, but I have for me and they just might be for you as well. 

I started by trying every single pair at Neiman Marcus. Not kidding, it was a mountain of defeat with too much overhead lighting and wondering who the hell can wear some of these cellulite highlighting, too short/too long, and usually much too thin of fabric, jeans. 

 Then finally, after a second and third opinion, I came across the best white jeans. 

7 for all Mankind The Skinny Slim Illusion jean ($168). And while I wish my legs looked this great in them (how are they so baggy on her?!), I wanted to give you a more realistic look on my non-model, much shorter/muscular legs. Please excuse the iphone selfie situation.

I plan on getting these hemmed on the bottom so they lay flat and will look better with flats. The thing that sets this pair apart from all the others is the fabric. It is a little thicker to help not show everything and it has a great stretch. I have not bought a pair of 7s in years and I was loving whatever this "slim illusion" thing is they have going on. While I am not sure I will be rocking white jeans ever with total confidence, these certainly were worth the hunt and will help me get there. 

They are available at Neimans and Shopbop. 

What pair have found?  

Get the Look: Olivia Palermo

We all worship Olivia. How this girl gets it right every damn time is not lost on me. How can someone look so flawless and styled to perfection when doing just about anything? She clearly does not need a stylist and many of the looks that you have probably loved were of her just leaving her apartment after she pulled from her own closet. The girl just nails it. Case in point, she just pulled this look out so she can walk her dog. Most people do this in yoga pants and their husband's fleece, not OP...

sunglasses / bag / jeans / jacket / necklace / shoes

The boucle jacket with the peplum is so cute and a great alternative to a classic blazer. Kind of loving the combo of the striped one above with the floral heels. The vintage inspired shades are not ones that I am drawn to normally, but Olivia shows you how chic they can look. PS: That necklace above is a locket and long, kind of obsessed. 

Do you think she stays super chic while cleaning up after that pup? I bet she has Missoni printed doggie bags. ha

xo

Erin 

Hotels: My Top Ten

My Spring Break does not come for a few more weeks, but I am DYING for a change of scenery. This winter has not only been brutal weather wise, but has been a bit much with all the colds and cabin fever. It is time to get out of town, but I will have to wait a bit longer while I drool over everyone's beach photos on FB. In the meantime, I am wanderlusting and dreaming of my favorite places that I have stayed at. If looking for travel ideas, any of these gorgeous places would be a vacation made in heaven. Remembering my stays at each of these is making me feel just a little bit better. 

In no particular order...

Abbaye de la Bussiere 

Located in Burgundy, France, this land and former abbey dates back to 646 AD. It is in the heart of some of the best wine I have ever tasted, which you can tour with a private guide. The grounds are to die for and the rooms are charming, yet spacious for Europe. If you like Pinots and centuries old French history, go stay here. The largest major town is Dijon, also not to be missed on a trip. Hello truffle season. 

The Arizona Inn

This hotel has a special place in my heart since it is located near my college campus in Tucson, AZ. The Inn was built in the 30s and still holds all that charm today. All the rooms are different and many have quaint little patios to sip wine on. Or better yet, sit by the pool all day long, it is perfection and super relaxing. The food here is also amazing. This is such a gem in Arizona that many might not know about. My college friends and parents spent many of the best weekends right here over the years.  

 Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch at Beaver Creek 

This is obviously a great place to visit in the winter, but I also love coming here in the summer. The contemporary lodge feel of this hotel is so warm, yet chic. The staff could not be more nice and accommodating. Plus, there apres is fantastic. My favorite part of skiing. 

Capri Palace

We spent five glorious days here on our honeymoon in Italy. Located on the more quiet side of the island, Anacapri, this hotel is gorgeous and super relaxing. With sweeping views of the med, killer room service, and terraces to enjoy it all, my dream is so go back for one of our anniversaries. 

 Hotel Gansevoort  Meatpacking NYC

New York has so many amazing hotels, but this one has a location I love. Surrounded by great shopping, chic restaurants, and across the street from Chelsea Market (food heaven), you feel like you are living in a fun neighborhood for your stay. My old NY office was across the street, so I was lucky to get to expense this place. The rooftop pool is a huge bonus. 

 Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda is my favorite place on earth. Located in the British Virgin Islands, this island has so much charm and incredible beaches. If I was to pick the best place to stay (besides on a sailboat), it would be Little Dix. Gorgeous little bungalows are steps to the beach, where your cocktail awaits. It is small and quiet place, but the restaurants are top notch. 

 The Newport Beach Hotel

I grew up going to Newport Beach every summer, so many of my favorite childhood memories are on that beach. This hotel is located on the boardwalk right in front of where all those sandcastles were built. So location is the best part of this spot. Plus being right on the boardwalk means you can access bars and restaurants by foot, rent bikes for sunny rides, and enjoy the view for your entire stay. This is a small boutique hotel, which makes you feel like you are staying in a fun beach house for your stay. 

  One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos

This is one of my favorite bars anywhere. Those lanterns shine bright into the night and that sunset never gets old. Cabo is one of my favorite spots, period, and though we usually stay in a house this hotel is my favorite when we are not. The people, food, and beaches of Cabo are amazing and this hotel does it so well. 

 The Parker Palm Springs

Palm Springs is such a fun place for a winter getaway and often overlooked by those from the Midwest (there are other places besides FL!). This desert town has so much character and rich history that charms you, especially when you stay at the Parker. Designed by Jonathan Adler, this former estate of Gene Autry is part throwback, part luxe. The kitschy details, cozy surroundings, and lovely outdoor areas are the perfect oasis. The preppy spa is not to be missed, either. 

 Plaza Athenee, Paris

I am not going to lie, part of the reason we stayed here was because I saw it on SATC. Remember Carrie's suite with the Russian? The other part is because it is beautiful, oh so French, and located on one of the best streets in Paris. This place is a HUGE splurge, but even for a night go for it. They are currently renovating it (it was already fab, so dying to see what they do), but it will reopen this summer I believe. If in Paris, stop at Le Bar for drinks at night or tea in the afternoon. 

What are you favorite hotels? There are so many, this list was kind of hard! Doesn't it make you want to go on vacation right now? ugh. soon. 

xo

Erin 

Roasted Asparagus with Panzanella

This is a recipe deep from the archives in 2010. So weird that was three years ago. Anywho, I put this recipe together after a trip to Minneapolis to visit Jenna and a lovely dinner at Bar La Grassa. This is a ridiculously delicious way to enjoy Spring's favorite veggie, asparagus. Plus it is packed with tons of other vegetables, the salty loveliness of pancetta, and the crunch of croutons. There is a lot of chopping involved, but after that this comes together quite easily. 

Roasted Asparagus with Panzanella 

Forks & Amusement 2010

makes 4-6 side dish portions

1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed

olive oil

2 thick slices of pancetta, small dice (you can also use bacon)

2 large slices of your favorite bread, small cubes

1 medium onion, small dice

1 red pepper, small dice

1 small eggplant, small dice

1 zucchini, small dice

24 oz can of whole tomatoes, drained and crushed with your hands

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss asparagus on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt and pepper to coat and arrange them so it is on layer. Roast in the oven until cooked through, but still just tender, about 25 minutes. 

In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crisp, stirring often. Remove pan from heat and place pancetta on paper towel lined plate reserving fat in the pan. Return the pan to medium heat and cook bread cubes in pancetta fat until crisp and crunchy, stirring often. Remove pan from the heat and add the bread cubes to the plate with the pancetta. 

Return pan to medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat bottom of pan if there is no longer enough. Add the onion, red pepper, eggplant, and zucchini, tossing everything together, cook until vegetables are just tender. Stirring often. Add the tomatoes and vinegar to the pan, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and combine all ingredients. Add the garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture to a boil, turn heat down to medium low and let simmer for 15 minutes. When it is done, all the vegetables should be cooked through, but not so soft that they lose their shape. 

Place vegetable mixture on a large serving platter. Sprinkle the reserved pancetta and bread cubes over the vegetables. Top with the roasted asparagus and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Serve hot or at room temperature. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Get the Look: Jenna Dewan

As one of my friends put it recently, Jenna Dewan is known for two (maybe three things) but has somehow kept on the A list radar pretty well. She is married to Channing Tatum (how did he get so famous too?!), she "got her body back after baby" (gag), and she was the star of one of the best movies ever made, Step Up. Oh, and let's not forget that random relationship with Justin Timberlake (there was a dance off involved, natch). 

Regardless of all this cheesiness, the girl wowed me last week with this easy to recreate day look. 

sunglasses / bag / top / jeans / shoes 

The peplum top with the skinny boyfriend jean is a great combo. I worship those shoes, but the above I found from Nordstrom are a total bargain and pretty darn close. 

If she keeps this up she may actually deserve the press she is getting. 

xo

Erin 

The Overprotected Kid

My brother sent me the most fascinating article this weekend. If you were the kind of kid that was out playing all over your neighborhood in the summer, making forts, hitting up the rope swing at the creek, and all of this completely unsupervised, you will really enjoy this piece written on the Atlantic. 

It describes "The Land" a place where kids can go play almost completely without adult supervision to explore, make trouble, build fires, basically whatever their littler hearts desire. It reminds us of what imaginary play is like, why it is a good idea for your kids to get dirty and into trouble, and that getting your kids off the cookie cutter play grounds that we hover over watching our kids' every move is a good idea. 

What I found most interesting is that the creation of a sort of "fear parenting" has made us all forget that kids can be independent, make good decisions, and all that time wondering off without mom and dad makes them creative, inspired, and strong people. And that statistically, while accidents happen the do not happen as much as we might think. Plus, they might just be a part of life in general whether we are watching or not.  

We have been looking at play sets for the backyard and this article makes me rethink it so much. If you have the time (it is kind of long), read the entire article, but even just skimming it with your coffee this morning makes it a great read. 

Here is the link: The Overprotected Kid

Would love to hear your thoughts. 

xo

Erin 

March Madness

Did you fill out a bracket? I always do, but have not come close to winning since blind picking in high school. It is so fun to follow the games, see who has the cinderella story, and pray that U of A makes it to the finals. 

If you are into college basketball, then keeping calm can be kind of hard while watching the games. As a Arizona Wildcat with a number 1 seeded team, my stomach turns every time I think about the games which begin today for them. 

My memories of college are some of the best of my life and staying a fan of your team helps you keep those alive. Even though I will not be taking shots at Dirtbag's (slogan: A Part of Growing Up) this weekend, I can still have a glass of wine and toast to all my fellow cats across the country who I still so fondly think of. 

So cheers to your team winning their games this round and finding some calm in your weekend as well. 

xo

Erin 

Get the Look: Date Night

It seems to have taken us a lot longer this time around, but we are finally venturing out past bedtime more for date nights and social activity with other adults. Feels good. It was babyland or winter (or both!) keeping us home bound, either way it is fun to get dressed up and out of the house past sunset. 

This last Saturday night we went to dinner and drinks with some very fun couples. I broke out my pink skinnies a little early, paired with my favorite blazer, cap toe heels, and curled my hair (hadn't done that in awhile, took forever). God I missed heels. 

Elizabeth & James blazer, Splendid T, vintage necklace, J Brand jeans, Chanel shoes, Louis Vuitton clutch, Hermes cuff

Having at least one pair of bright colored skinny jeans is the perfect Spring addition. I think I want another pair in cobalt or orange. That blazer was the kind of find on a sale rack that changes your life. My cap toe heels are also one of my faves. Such a fun twist on a classic black pump. Most of my pieces are not available anymore, so here are some similar ones...

Blazer: Club Monaco $202

Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff $295

Watch: Michael Kors $180

Bangle: Bauble Bar $32

Shoes: Club Monaco $249

Jeans: J Brand $185

I have given that clutch as a gift (twice), it is the perfect bag, especially for travel as the chain comes off to make it a clutch, can be long for cross body, or short for a shoulder strap. Those J Brand jeans are the same exact ones I have in a slightly different color. They are the best and so flattering. 

What are you wearing out these days? Can't wait for dress season! 

xo

Erin 

Roasted Chicken with Prosciutto, Provolone, & Spinach

I wish I could say that I am going to be back to developing new recipes on a regular basis soon, but in reality I do not have the time. we eat pretty simply and I have been going back to my archives on Forks & Amusement to change things up. So for some of you, these might be repeats but I wanted to share again recipes that I love that make for great family meals for your week. 

First up is this easy way to make your chicken breast more interesting. You can really use any cheese and meat that you want. Whatever you have on hand, throw it in, you cannot wreck it. Promise. 

Roasted Chicken with Prosciutto, Provolone, & Spinach

Forks & Amusement 2011

serves 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to about 1/4 inch thick

8 slices provolone cheese

4 slices prosciutto, thin

1 cup fresh spinach leaves

8 hot cherry peppers, deseeded and sliced (optional, try roasted red peppers if you do not like heat)

1 cup panko bread crumbs (in Asian food section, or you can use Italian style)

2 eggs, lightly beaten

cooking spray, like Pam

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place a cooling rack inside a large baking sheet.

Lay out chicken breasts and layer the toppings in this order on each breast: 2 slices provolone, 1 slice prosciutto, 1/4 of the spinach leaves, 1/4 of the peppers (if using).

Place the bread crumbs and the egg in separate flat dishes. Roll each breast up tightly, keeping ingredients inside. Roll in the egg to coat, then roll in the bread crumbs to coat. Place seam side down on the cooling rack in the baking sheet. Repeat with each breast.

Spray each with cooking spray all over and bake for 30-45 minutes (depending on size of breast) until cooked through. Place under the broiler for last 5 minutes to brown. Serve warm.

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Black & White Inside

After my post on Friday, I realized that my black and white obsession goes beyond fashion. Looking at all my recent inspiration photos that I have pinned, the theme continues throughout the house. My living room is a work in progress right now (currently the land of legos, trains, and puzzles) but I have been leaning towards a black, white, and gray color scheme. But now I am thinking of it in other areas of the house thanks to these incredible spaces. 

This bathroom is amazing. That copper fixture? Love. 

I wish I could be this bold and do a stripe. So fun for a guest room. 

This shows how black and white can still be soft. This is more the style of my home. 

Fun and modern. 

Outdoor living in such a chic way. Those chairs are beautiful. 

Here are some fun pieces that you could incorporate easily into a room. 

1.  Fun pillow from Furbish $50

2. This is the rug we have in the living room. Could not love it more, great for kids. Crate & Barrel $299 for 8x10, comes in other sizes too. 

3. I think I am ordering these Serena & Lily $58 sheers for our bathroom. 

4. Super chic lamps from Furbish $210 for set of 2

5. An easy throw by Nate Berkus $29

6. Love this modern vase from Target $22

7. Kind of obsessed with director's chairs. This one from Target $41would be so fun in a sun room or as kitchen dining chairs. 

8. Can't go wrong with this classic from West Elm 

9. I want these pillows from Dwell Studio $86 for my couch

Are you into black and white like me? 

xo

Erin 

(All photos from Pinterest)

Pop of Spring

I have been obsessed with black and white dresses lately. Modern and chic and you know they will last year after year. My hunt for them has brought me to these beauties. Simply stated, could work day or night, and would go with my classic black sandals and go to black bag. 

1. French Connection $158 / 2. DVF $425/ 3. Bailey 44 $168 / 4. Club Monaco $179 / 5. BB Dakota $90

But because it is Spring and we crave color more than anything after this gray winter (that never goes away!), these beauties need a punch. I am all for a pop of color, but only in one item. An all neutral outfit with a burst of color in a shoe, bag, OR piece of jewelry, is fun and just enough. Here are some fun examples that are on my wish list. 

1. Kenneth Jay Lane $150 / 2. J. Crew $148 / 3. Joie $275 / 4. J. Crew $188 / 5. Kate Spade $225

I hope your weekend has a punch of something. 

Or at least something spiked? 

xo

Erin 

Simple Crispy Cauliflower with Bacon

This recipe is not a huge culinary feat and one that is easy to work into your week day menu. If you are a fan of cauliflower, and I know not all are, this is the best way to serve it in my opinion. Simple, delicious, and full of flavor. Which we know cauliflower on its own does not have. 

Simple Crispy Cauliflower with Bacon

makes four sides

One large head of Cauliflower

Two slices of bacon (more if thinly sliced), finely chopped

One small onion or half a large, cut in large dice

olive oil

seasoning salt and pepper (like Lawry's)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Cut the stem out of the cauliflower heard and cut in slices as shown. 

Break up the pieces into florets on a large sheet pan. Add the bacon and onion. Drizzle with olive oil, enough to thinly coat, and season to taste with the salt and pepper. Toss with clean hands until everything is coated with a bit of oil and seasoning. 

 Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, flipping once half way, until the cauliflower and bacon is crisp. 

Serve warm. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

The Simple Things

It was a great week with the kids despite colds and winter weather. There were so many fun moments with them and I really tried to engage as much as possible. Which, let's face it, is hard sometimes. I also enjoyed quiet moments more. Nap time was spent cozying up to magazines and eating entire bags of Skinny Pop. 

Looking forward to having Matt back in the house and chilling out.  First, I get to catch up with girlfriends and enjoy some city time. Thinking of hitting up Zara, hopefully with some success. 

Have a great weekend! 

Xo 

Erin 

Awesome Blossom

photos: Style.com by Tommy Ton

It snowed again yesterday. Mother Nature just keeps throwing us into winter every single week. The kids got their sixty-fifth cold of the season and all I want to do is breeze outside, walk around the yard, and see some flowers starting to make an appearance. Not going to happen, maybe never if this cold keeps up. In the meantime, I am craving flowers everywhere and these pretty little things covered in gorgeous blooms are making me happy. 

1. The perfect Spring dress by Splendid $138

2. Totally obsessed with these Zimmerman shorts $210

3. While pricey, I would wear this Joie top to death with jeans $268

4. A fun way to switch up your flats by J. Renee $89

5. Already ordered this Topshop for Nordstrom romper. So romantic $110

6. Sweet little blooms on this Marc by Marc Jacobs bikini

7. Pretty iPhone case from J. Crew $25

8. Love this skirt by Plastic Island. The back is solid black $95

9. Great color combination in this floral scarf by J. Crew $56

10. A bright, sexy heel to amp up a LBD Steve Madden $79

xo

Erin 

Retinol Remedy

As someone who is over 30 and well on her way to regretting every minute I spent in the sun (and tanning bed! yuck), I am always searching for the best ways to reverse all the bad I did. Serums and potions line my bathroom counter like soldiers fighting a war on the front line. Or at least my forehead lines. And though I do not know the secret to erasing anything, I have been following the simple advice of sunscreen all day, retinol at night. Have you tried retinol yet? 

I was prescribed it in the form of Ziana for my acne (is there anything worse than trying to fight wrinkles and acne? Somehow it feels super unfair), but have been trying other over the counter formulas. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that has shown to regenerate cells, smooth lines, fade dark marks, and prevent new ones. 

And because I am such a sucker for a celebrity endorsement, my latest retinol experiment comes straight from the recommendation of Miss Jessica Alba.  Her favorite facialist, Shani Darden, has developed a retinol serum to wear at night. Resurface by Shani Darden. After stalking Alba's perfect skin, I had to try it. 

This product contains lactic acid as well, which helps keep your skin moisturized and makes it more possible for people with sensitive skin to use it. Retinol can be hard on your skin, many experience redness, so you should start using any retinol sparingly and work up to every night. I do not even use it every night, giving my skin a break a couple times a week. 

I highly recommend this retinol. It is pricey, not going to lie, but worth it for the punch it packs. The day after using it things always look a bit better and brighter. 

If you are looking for something from the drugstore, try Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Night Moisturizer. Really fantastic, has retinol in it, and works on all your skin problems all at once. 

What retinol products have you used that you love? You know I will go out and buy it immediately. ha

xo

Erin 

After the Oscars: Best & Worst

Because all eyes are on the Oscar Red Carpet and who will make a giant mistake seen by millions, we often see better fashion at the Vanity Fair Party. The ladies usually change into something else more fun and the other attendees turn it up in order to make their appearance relevant. Plus, they always make you feel like this is a party you really want to go to but know you will never be invited. 

Let's start with the good stuff...

I have a soft spot for Sienna. This red gown and the gold bangles is great. Love her geometric clutch. Hair? Not so much. Miranda looks ridiculously gorg. Amy Adams should have sported this for a nod to American Hustle. Taylor Swift buuuuuuugs, but she has turned into one classy lady. Maybe too old for her age, but beautiful.

That is one hot couple. I love Chrissy's dress, so classic and sexy. This is not as great as Kate's red carpet gown, but still a stunner. I know this will be controversial, but I like Diane's lave number. She can pull it off, not many could. 

Heidi usually looks like a train wreck, so this is was a surprise. Simply stunning with great hair. This is also better than Kristen's red carpet gown and perfect for the party. J Law looks fantastic in Tom Ford. Love the shoes. I know you will hate me for saying this, but Khloe looks like a bombshell in dare I say, velvet? Yep. I said it. 

Love Penelope's ruffles and the peek a boo top. While Elizabeth's ensemble is a bit stuffy for this party, I love it. The color is beautiful on her. So is this emerald on Rachel. Love my BFF, Amy. I saw this on during fashion week and hoped someone would sport it. No sequins, easy hair, great bracelets, I want to drink wine with her ALL NIGHT LONG. 

Surprise, surprise, Karlie looks amazing. Kind of getting over the "I have no underwear on" dresses, though. I like this dress on Anna one million times better than her red carpet dress. In love with Behati's (Adam Levine's better half and VS model, poor her) dress. Simple, yet stunning. Mindy is my home girl. While the peplum is not very flattering, the girl always owns what she wears and you can tell she feels great. 

Now for the not so great...

Why on earth does Britney always reach for the choker?! This could have been decent without it, for her. Zooey, I get that this is Oscar de la Renta, but its a no, girl. The hair only adds to the seriously terrible look. This dress on Reese is not so bad from the front, but from the side it is very apparent that she is a mom of three. Speaking of Moms, Anne must be one because she recycled her mother of the bride dress for the party. Terrible. 

Amy's hair always looks bad and the weird side boob action is weirdly placed or something. Rashida is so great, this dress is so terrible it makes me sad. Malin, whoa. That hair has no words. The bust of this dress is bizarre and the entire fit is no flattering. Kate is probably the most beautiful woman in Hollywood, but this dress is cheesy and very showgirl costume-esque. 

Allison is my most recent girl crush, but this dress is swallowing her whole. He awkward pose to show off her engagement ring is also kind of embarrassing. Rosie never misses the mark, but this bib attached to her dress with the side boob is unfortunate. I like Kim's look here actually, the red lip especially. But something about this dress is not right on her. Plus, I am sick of looking at her breasts. Sophia and Kate shopped together, clearly. Cut outs, sequins, loose curled long hair, it just feels forced and not chic. 

Wow, that was so much more fun than the actual carpet! So much more to look at and love that there is such variety. What do you think? 

xo

Erin 

Oscars 2014: Best & Worst

The only thing you need to know about the Oscars from last night is that this happened. 

I mean.... I could not stop cracking up! Liza had time to get that blue streak in her hair, but not enough to put on a bra??? It is so awful, what a weirdo. 

Also this couple...

Nothing like seeing a man's calves to kick off the night. Ugh. Lena Dunhum tweeted this and cracked me up...

Pharell already won because he wore shorts and allowed his wife to be taller than him.

Dying. Now on to the rest of the carpet! 

 (More after the jump)