Fashion-Blazers Blazing

It's fall! That means layering, scarves of the non-superfluous variety, and BLAZERS! I have to admit that one trend that I did not like was the years of the shrunken blazer. But finally normal--people size--blazers are back. Now is the perfect time to wear one instead of a jacket, with a scarf wrapped around your neck. Classic American style.

One of my favorite sites is Frugal-Fashionista. They take celeb outfits and break them down into affordable options. It's brilliant. The last few have had blazers featured, naturally. Like Sienna here:

Picture from: Frugal-Fashionista

Seriously, the blazer is going to be huge this season. Could I write blazer any more times? Blazer. There.

Hello T-Shirt

I saw a girl wearing this t-shirt yesterday at the Barnes & Noble in Kenmore Square and haven't stopped thinking about it.

I love how the two brands are so recognizable, yet simple. It's the kind of shirt your friends will love but your boyfriend might be like, "I don't get it." And that's OK. You can buy it here.

Can't wait to try....

Bleacher Bar!

On Labor Day Eric and I went for a walk past Fenway Park and got to peak inside the new bar. It's managed by the same people as Game On so the food should be decent. The greatest part though is the great big garage door that opens right into center field! Seriously, you could help out Coco by tucking his shirt tag back in, it's that close.

You know that feeling, when you're in Fenway walking around the concourse and it's all gray and crowded, then you walk up the stairs and through the doorway to get to your seats and you see the field glowing in front of you and you get chills? Yeah, it's like that. But no cover charge.

Hopefully, soon we'll actually go there for some food and drinks. I'll be sure to give a full report. In the mean time, check out their website.

Watermelon Ice Cubes

This is a great one my mom taught me. For super summery drinks bring out watermelon ice cubes. So easy!


Scoop out a watermelon and put chunks in blender.
Blend until liquefied (only takes a few seconds).
Optional step: pour through wire strainer to get any chunks.
Pour juice into ice cube trays and freeze.
Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags and store for up to a few months.

Throw a couple of cubes into a glass of lemonade, or in your favorite combination of fruit juice and seltzer. Here's a great summer drink that's both pretty and yummy.

In a glass:
3 watermelon ice cubes
1 oz. light rum
1 oz. coconut rum
fill glass with equal parts orange juice and lime (or plain) seltzer
Garnish with a lime round or a wedge of watermelon.

Enjoy the last bits of a great summer!

Fresh Salsa

I've been so lucky this August because every time I see my parents they hand me a big bag of fresh tomatoes from their garden. They're great simply drizzled with balsamic dressing.

But my favorite thing to do is make salsa. I live for salsa. I dream about it. All of my favorite restaurants are Mexican because they serve chips and salsa. Because of this I know what I like. Also, I used both red and yellow tomatoes, which look fancy.


Lesley's Fresh Salsa

2 large tomatoes or 3 medium size ones diced
6 or so cherry tomatoes quartered
1/4 cup red onion chopped
1 jalapeno chopped
1 habanero finely chopped (try half first, if it's not too spicy, add the rest)
1 clove garlic finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
juice from half of one lime
a little salt

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in the fridge for about an hour. Great with chips. Obvi.

Outfit for Early Fall

One of my favorite blogs is The Sartorialist. It's all gorgeous photographs of fashionable people. It's a great place for men's fashion and to see people who have true style and not just trendy clothes.

Photograph: The Sartorialist

Early fall is a funny time of year, fashionwise. It's warm enough to wear the same clothes as in August but the pull of fall clothes and new combinations is hard to resist. I usually end up wearing my favorite summer pieces that I'm not ready to put away, and cold weather outfits that are too inspiring to stay in the closet. One summer "trend" that I love is nautical. I like how the above outfit shows how it can transition into fall. I have some high-waisted wide-legged jeans that I think will look great with a striped shirt like that. Layers can be added depending on how cold it is. Some long chained necklaces will top it off beautifully.

In the meantime I'm wearing as many of my fun summer outfits as possible!

Tomato Fest

Eric and I went to visit my parents this weekend on Cape Cod. They grow great tomatoes which are perfectly ripe right now. My mom made the most beautiful platter of green, yellow and red tomatoes, red onion, basil, and goat cheese. She covered it in plastic wrap and let it sit for about an hour to let the flavors really mingle. It was fantastic.


They also grow different kinds of hot peppers which we dared each other to eat. It, inevitably, ended with us all giggling and wincing in pain. I always have the best time when we visit.