Oct 25 2011

Why We Love Mad Men!!

When we say we love “Mad Men”, we’re not talking about actual crazy dudes… We’re talking about one of the most stylish shows on television!

If you’re unfamiliar, the television show Mad Men (which is a drama that runs on AMC) is set in the 1960′s. If you know anything about Chloe Chic, you know we absolutely love that classic, vintage-style look. And if you know anything about the 1960′s – you know that it was an absolutely *fantastic* time when it comes to vintage fashion.

So if you’ve been following along, the main point is: Chloe Chic <3′s Mad Men Fashion!

Don’t believe us? Take a look:

 

How adorable is that white, pleated dress? Paired with those darling lace gloves – they’re a vintage match made in heaven!

Nothing beats a gorgeous dress paired with perfectly matched heels. Between the gorgeous prints on the left and right, and the elegant fabric used on the green dress – we can’t even pick a favorite!

Cinched waists will never go out of style!

Like we were saying – who doesn’t love a sexy cinched waist! Whether your prefer your hemline to be form fitting or loose and flowy, the ladies of Mad Men cover all the fashion bases.

Whether the look is casual, formal, or work-place chic – how can you not be inspired by the striking beauty of 60′s fashion?

Classy is beautiful, ladies!

So will you use these beautiful “Mad Men” looks as inspiration when building your fall and winter wardrobe? Gorgeous dresses, subtle accessories, and unique colors are all aspects to keep in mind. And why not try to catch the show sometime? You might just have a new “must see” series to add to your television line-up! Stay vintage, ladies! xo


Oct 24 2011

Easy Halloween Costumes for Fashionistas

Well ladies, can you believe that we’re just a little less than a week away from Halloween? Personally, my mind is still somewhere in mid-August. I simply cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by! But regardless, I’m in love with Halloween – always have been and always will be. There is something so magical and cozy about this time of year.

I don’t think you’re ever “too old” to dress up for the holiday. I still put a lot of thought and effort into my costume and I am well into my 20′s! Whether you’re going to a party or simply handing out candy at home, there’s nothing wrong with throwing on a costume to celebrate. But let’s admit it, those little buggers can be expensive! And if you don’t have a lot of breathing room in your budget, you may be scrambling for ideas.

But have no fear! We have some great ideas for you that definitely won’t break the bank. And as an added bonus, you’ll look adorable, too :)

1. Minnie Mouse: being everyone’s favorite cartoon mouse is really quite simple, and chances are you have most of the necessities right in your closet! A simple red and white polka dot dress will make up the bulk of your outfit. Pair with a simple set of mouse ears (inexpensive at any party/costume store) and a pair of yellow flats and you’re all set! Up the ante and draw on a black mouse nose with eyeliner, too.

2. “Little Black Dress” Witch: looking to get some extra use out of your go-to “little black dress”? Why not transform yourself into a sexy witch this Halloween? Pair that perfect dress with a cape and a witch’s hat and the bulk of your costume is complete. Rock a sexy smokey eye and a passionate red pout and you’ll be the cutest “witch” in town! Who knew being evil could look so good?

3. Scooby’s Leading Ladies: whether you’re on the timid side or more of a flirt, either Velma or Daphne are perfect costume choices! And even better – they’re super easy! For Velma, a pair of thick rimmed glasses are a must. Wear them with an orange sweater and red pleated skirt and you’re good to go! For Daphne? All you’ll need is a retro style purple dress and a green scarf around your neck. Top it off with a thick, pink headband and you’re all set!

4. Holly GoLightly: were you a fan of our Audrey Hepburn post? Then why not go as her most famous character, Holly GoLightly, for Halloween? Simply rock that ‘go-to little black dress’ with a pair of oversized sunglasses, pearls, and white gloves. It couldn’t be easier and you just may have everything right in your closet already!

5. Put Your Cosmetic Skills to the Test: If you aren’t really interested in putting together a whole ensemble, you can easily create a Halloween-style look with the tools in your makeup kit. Experiment with elements like black and brown eye shadow to create sunken eyes and cheeks. Red lipstick and black eyeliner can create “scars” and “cuts” with a little bit of creativity. Even when paired with regular clothes, hauntingly spooky makeup can take your look to the perfect Halloween level.

So there you go, fashionistas! Five great ideas to get you started. So stop mulling over what to be and get started on that costume! Put your own creative spin on things and truly make it your own. Let us know how you’ll be celebrating this year in the comments below! In the meantime, you can also use some of these awesome celebrity costumes as inspiration, too! These are some of our favorites:

 

Happy Haunting! :) xo


Oct 16 2011

Makeup Trends for Fall 2011: Perfect Your Pout!

Your clothes aren’t the only things that go in and out of style as the year goes on. Just like you don’t wear the same thing in December as you do in July – the same rules apply when it comes to makeup application! There are trends and certain looks go in and out of fashion. If you’ve already perfected your fall wardrobe, don’t let your face fall behind on the times! This blog post will outline some of the basics you’ll need to remember when primping this season, and you’ll really be concentrating on one feature – your lips!

Whether you like a simple look or something more complex, no worries. There is a trend here for every girl!

For girls who like to keep it simple:

If you aren’t a fan of the “done up” look or you simply can’t wear a ton of makeup to school or work, a bright, fresh-faced look is actually very “in” for this season. Nude lips paired with slightly blushed cheeks make up the bulk of this look. You can then add a bit of definition to your brows, as well as a thin line of winged-out black eyeliner. By skipping on the shadow, you’ll be simplifying the look and putting the focus on your flawless complexion. Skip the bronzer, as well. A pinch of blush is all you’ll need on the apples of your cheeks. While this clean cut look comes off as simple, you’ll need to find a nude lippie that almost matches your skin tone. By visiting a makeup counter, you can work with a consultant who can perfectly match your shade, ensuring you’ll get the look you want.

For girls who like it somewhere in the middle:

If you like a little bit of pizzazz when it comes to your makeup, but you prefer to keep it on the safer side – this next trend is perfect for you. Once again, leave your bronzer out of the equation. Porcelain skin with a pinch of blush is all you’ll need. Define your brows (darkened brows are huge for Fall!) and smudge on a bit of brown, not black, shadow. You can create a subtle smokey eye that won’t overpower your face by using a lighter brown shadow as opposed to black or gray. But the main attraction to this look? You guessed it – the lips! A bright red or burgundy lipstick will keep you on top of the trends and looking beautiful at the same time. Burgundy is a great color for fall, and it pairs perfectly with porcelain skin. If you’d like to add an interesting twist, find a burgundy lippie that features a subtle gold sparkle.

For girls who like it on the edge:

Dark eyes during the summer can feel heavy and over-the-top, so now that the weather has cooled down, it’s time to bust out the black. The key to pulling off a trendy, Fall 2011-style smokey eye is to keep everything else basic – especially your lips. You can do a sexy, dark, smudgy eye – but opt for nude lips and cheeks to pair it with. Try using a black shadow that has a bit of shimmer or metallic edge to it, as well. This will give your eyes the dimension they need to still pop beneath the shadow. For this one, you’ll want your lip to be a few shades darker than your skin to ensure you don’t have a “washed out” look due to your darker eyes. By pairing a dark nude lipstick with a coordinating gloss, you can add a touch of shine, as well.

So what did we learn today ladies? It’s all about those lips! Even if you opt for that smokey eye, your look will be thrown off if you get your pout wrong! So take our tips into consideration and start primping! Just because it’s getting chilly doesn’t mean you can’t look hot! xo


Oct 16 2011

Style Icons: Alexa Chung

I remember seeing Alexa Chung on television when she first started working for MTV a few years ago. She had something about her that made her extremely likeable, and I think it was because she was fairly easy to relate to. She was down to earth and spunky, and she had such an upbeat vibe to her.

Alexa’s style sort of reflects her bubbly, outgoing personality, but it also maintains a casual and practical edge. I personally love when celebrities rock totally wearable clothes, rather than something that looks like it’s from outer space. Alexa keeps it real, and if you’d like to achieve her easy-breezy look, you’ll need to focus on a few things:

 

Patterns: Alexa is known for pairing a heavily patterned piece with other simple elements like the trench and oversized bag in this picture. Even though the dress is a simple and comfortable cut, she puts a fashionable twist on the outfit with the fun and flirty floral/polka dot combo.

Fun Fabrics: You’ll be amazed at how easy it can be to take your outfit to the next level when you switch up the type of fabric you’re wearing. Even though you’re used to rocking a cotton blend, lace can actually be extremely comfortable and flattering. This long sleeved dress Alexa is wearing gives her a beautiful vintage look with a modern twist.

Sweet Details: Sometimes the details can truly make the outfit, and Alexa shows just how key they are. While this dress is beautiful on its own, detailing around the shoulders and neckline give it an interesting touch. You’ll also notice how the cinched waist and sleeves draw attention, as well. If you’re going for a simpler look that will still turn heads, these small details are your ticket to the top.

Shimmer & Shine: Even though Alexa maintains a relatively low-key profile, she isn’t a afraid to add a little bit of sparkle to her outfit every now and then. Sparkles, sequins, and glitter can add a gorgeous touch to even the simplest of pieces and they’ll instantly brighten your look. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be “flashy”, sparkles in moderation are a must-have in any fashion forward wardrobe!

So that’s our ode to Alexa. Not only is she an admirable television personality, she’s a style icon in our eyes, as well. Cheers, Alexa! Keep doing what you’re doing!


Oct 5 2011

Can’t Get Enough of Fall? How About A Homemade Apple Jam Recipe?!

After our pumpkin pie recipe post, I will admit – I had fall foods on the brain. I started thinking about apple cider and apple pie and apple cobbler and well… APPLES! Apples and pumpkins go together like sugar and spice to me. They’re absolute MUST HAVES for any fall-inspired dish and let’s admit it – they’re always yummy.

So after some searching, I stumbled upon one of the most delish apple jam recipes ever. What makes this one different than the others is the addition of another one of my favorite ingredients: cinnamon. So give this one a whirl and let us know what you think:

 

 

Apple Jam
From the Kitchen of Karen Pickus 

Ingredients:

8 large ripe Granny Smith apples (4 pounds)
1 cup sugar
4 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 2 large lemons)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Peel and core each apple. Slice each apple into 20 wedges.

* In a 3-quart pot, combine the apple slices, the sugar and the lemon juice. Bring to a boil then simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

* Remove from heat. Stir in cinnamon. Let cool completely.

* Place in plastic bags that can be sealed, or glass containers. Refrigerate. Will keep for a week. Makes a great gift!

***

This jam is perfect on toast, a bagel, or even flat bread. Everything tastes better when it’s homemade, so skip the store-bought and let your inner domestic diva shine! Will you be whipping up a batch of this perfect fall jam? Let us know in the comments below!


Oct 5 2011

A Homemade Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Domestic Divas

According to me, this is the most wonderful time of year. Give me a cardigan and some adorable boots over a bikini and flip flops ANY day! And who can complain about the perfectly chilly weather, the beautiful colors outside, and most of all – the seasonal food we can’t get enough of? If you don’t live for anything and everything pumpkin flavored, well, then… you really don’t know what you’re missing!

So whether you’re already pumpkin’s #1 fan or you’re looking to try something new this year, we’ve got the perfect recipe for you. This amazing pumpkin pie  is perfect for ushering in the season. Share it with friends or family, or eat the whole thing yourself. We won’t judge you! It’s just that good!

 

Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Recipe by Alice Waters from The Art of Simple Food

Ingredients:

1 10-ounce disk pie dough
1 2-pound sweet pumpkin (Sugar Pie, Long Pie or Cinderella pumpkin varieties or butternut squash), equivalent to roughly 15 ounces (1-1/2 cups) pumpkin purée
1 cup cream
2 teaspoons flour
3 eggs
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
pinch of fresh-ground black pepper
whipped cream (optional)

* Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves cut side down on an oiled or parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in a 350 degree F oven until the squash is tender throughout, about 45 minutes to one hour. The time will vary depending on the type of squash you have chosen. Remove from the oven, let cool, and then scoop the flesh from the peel. Purée in a food mill or mash with a spoon or potato masher.

* Soften pie dough at room temperature. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.

* Line a 9-inch pie pan with the pastry. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

* Prick the bottom all over with a fork. Line the shell with a piece of foil or parchment paper and fill with a layer of dried beans reserved for this purpose (or other pie weights). bake in a 375 degree F oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edge. Take the tart out of the oven; remove the foil and the weights. Return to the oven and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the tart is even light golden brown. Set aside to cool.

* In a small saucepan whisk together 1/4 cup cream with the flour. Heat the mixture over low heat until it comes to a boil and thickens. Slowly whisk in the rest of the cream. Continue whisking until the mixture returns to a boil. Remove from the heat.

* Measure 15 ounces of pumpkin purée. Whisk the purée and eggs together in a medium bowl. In another bowl combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, salt and pepper. Stir the sugar and spice mixture and the thickened cream into the pumpkin mixture.

* Pour into the prebaked pie shell and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the center us almost set. If the edges are browning too quickly, fit a ring of foil around the rim. let cool completely on a rack before cutting.

* Serve with a dollop of whipped cream if you’d like!

***

Let us know if you’ll be trying this one for yourself or if you put any kind of special twist on your favorite pumpkin pie recipe! You can never know too many delicious tricks when it comes to whipping up something with pumpkin! Yum!