We are the True Believers

I came to New Jersey to study classical music when I was 18, but I found myself also studying a lot of underground music during my spare time.  I was fortunate enough to play at Carnegie Hall in college, but I was also spending so much of my time visiting dozens of other types of venues, from NYC to Philly.  As much as I love Mahler (and believe that his music is rock'n'roll in its own right), sometimes a punk band playing in the basement of a church has its own special appeal.

This week, I randomly noticed that an old (old old) band, The Bouncing Souls, was playing in Philly, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see this band again.  Erik agreed to come with me, and asked me to meet him after work in the city.  

Then BOOM.  It hit me.  We're old. 

... not that we were too old to attend this show.  (Trust me, there were plenty of 40-somethings still enjoying themselves.)  However, I just realized at that very moment how much my life had changed since college.  Erik wanted to get dinner before the show, but he had already made reservations for a nice Italian restaurant.  So there I was.. plans for a nice dinner with a guy in a suit.... and tickets to a punk show.  I guess this is the story of many late 20-somethings?

Needless to say, it took me a while to figure out what to wear to a nice dinner and drinks with E's coworkers, yet still somehow make it work for a show venue where studs and mohawks are prevalent. 

I spent the night laughing constantly at how out of place we looked, but it didn't matter, because I felt like I was 18 again (hot pink hair included).

 Dress: Target

Sweater: J.Crew

Belt & Sandals: Gap

Any Bouncing Souls fans out there?  If you're curious, here's a link to one of my favorite songs, True Believers.  

Day 28

Blazer & Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft // Jeans: Gap // 

Shoes: Urban Outfitters // Pearl Headband: H&M

When E and I went on our first date, I wore this headband.  It's still the first thing that he brings up when we reminisce about that day.  "Haha Renee... remember when you wore that weird tiara thing on our first date?!"  ...and then he laughs for a long time.  

Day 27

 Blazer: Ann Taylor Loft // Shirt and Leggings: Gap //

The more I look at these boots, the more I begin the realize that they are really ugly.  The issue is not with acknowledging their ugliness... the issue is probably more about my love for the ugly!  BUT... pair 'em with a pair of pretty earrings, and maybe things will balance out.  Maybe.

Day 26

Oh, hey rain! You're not so bad when it's in the 50s! Fortunately my super boring (pajama-esque) 30 for 30 outfit can't be seen too well in these photos.  I over-accessorized today, and I had so much fun doing it!  

First, I stole this guy's hat:

I also added this super shiny rain jacket from the Gap, which is extra hard to photograph.

Jacket & Leggings: Gap // Shirt & Scarf: H&M

Boots: Steve Madden // Hat: Amicale

Ps. E is going to kill me when he finds out that I actually used that photo of him... hah!

Day 25

 

Dress & Belt: Gap // Shirt: H&M // 

Purse: J.Crew // Boots: Macy's

Catching up with my 30 for 30 pieces, this is an outfit from a few weeks ago.  Just by coincidence, my favorite boots match my favorite bag.  Erik bought me this bag for Christmas, and I am in looooo---ooove.

Day 24

Blazer & Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft // Shirt: Gap // Scarf: H&M // 

Boots and Flower Ring: Macy's

Please excuse the fuzzy pictures; while I thought the "automatic" button was a fool-proof design for E, I guess it's not after all.  (I just might have to enroll this guy in a photography class for the sake of my blog!)

On another note, it's Saturday!  Time for homework, cleaning, and catching up on all of the photo posts that I have neglected throughout the month of February.

Day 23

Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft // Pants & Shirt: H&M // Shoes: J.Crew

Necklace: J.Crew Outlet // Bracelet: Ross Simons

Isn't this bracelet pretty?  I really love jade, and each little piece of this bracelet is carefully carved into a little flower.  This was a Christmas present from my aunt, who always gives the most beautiful gifts.  I don't have any other jade jewelry, but I did find this necklace so that I could have a matching piece.

This green makes me so happy.... or am I this happy because it's Friday?!

Day 22

Blazer & Pants: Gap // Shirt and Scarf: H&M // Shoes: J.Crew

Bracelet: Ann Taylor Loft // Belt: Macy's (circa 2002)

This is getting dressed in less than 5 minutes, because you slept in.  I don't love the outfit, but it was comfortable, and I matched...somewhat... so I guess all is right in my little world.

Day 21

Blazer: Ann Taylor Loft // Shirt: H&M // 

Skirt: Gap // Extra Special Necklace: Grandma's

My chiropractor scolded me tonight about these boots.  ...So I have bad soles.  SO WHAT.  They're bad for my back? WHO CARES.  Doesn't she know I just started a fashion blog and I'm desperately clinging to what's left of my favorite boots?!  

They're going to the cobbler's eventually, but I have been trying to hold out until I'm finished with them for the season.  

Penne with White Beans and Spinach

Let's face it, nothing in the world beats a good pasta dish.  Around this house, it's our #1 friend in the kitchen, and I fell in love with this recipe when I tried it for the first time a few months ago.  I start with these fun items: 

• white beans
• lemons
• sun-dried tomatoes
• spinach
• CHEEEEEESE!  E taught me (on our first date, actually) that Pecorino Romano is the way to go.  Any time you're tempted to go with Parmesan, stop, and turn to Pecorino.  

Chop your goodies while the pasta boils:

I started sautéing some garlic and olive oil.....and then POW, I got a kitty in my face.

After you get the kitty out of the way, mix the cooked pasta, beans, spinach, tomatoes, lemon zest and juice, Pecorino Romano, and some cayenne pepper.  (Don't worry, I'm not Man Hands. This is Erik!)

 After cooking down the spinach, I turn up the heat and let the pasta cook a little bit in the pan.  I also add a little bit of pasta water, and mash the white beans so they turn into a creamy paste.

Yummy!

Day 20

Shirt & Pants: H&M // Necklace: F21 // Belt: Gap

I pulled the ol' switcheroo! This shirt wasn't in the original 30 pieces I picked, but I denied another sweater's hopes and dreams and decided to add this plaid number to the mix.  This is one of my favorite button-down shirts, not only because the colors are great, but the softness is perfect for when you hate the whole world on a Tuesday morning...

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Braise That Endive

I haven't attempted to photograph food until tonight, and I have to say that it's hard to remember to stop and photograph things when you're so darn hungry!

Tonight we made a dish that we've tried a few times, and I am always impressed by the unusual combination of ingredients that compliment one another so well.  I'll start by showing you where the recipe came from: a great cookbook by Celia Brooks Brown entitled New Vegetarian.  

The recipe begins some some major potato peeling for some mashed potatoes with smoked cheddar.  While making the potatoes, cut the endives longways, like this:

Two large endives are braised in butter for about 10 minutes, then lots of other goodies are added:

• 4 leeks
• 1 cup of port
• 1 cup of vegetable stock
• 1 can of Great Northern beans (the recipe calls for cannelloni beans)
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 1 bay leaf, red pepper flakes, s&p

All of this cooks down for almost 1/2 an hour, and turns into a sweet, aromatic gravy.  The mashed potatoes hide underneath of the chicory/bean mixture, and it is so strange!... but also savory, hearty, sweet, and extremely satisfying!

Throw it in a bowl, and before you know it, you already started eating and made a mess of the plate before you remembered to take a final photo!  Aw shucks...

Ohhhh well.  The down side to this dish is that it isn't very pretty.  By the time everything cooks down into the port, you can't possibly photograph anything that looks as good as it tastes!

So have you ever tried a dish similar to this? Or anything else that seemed like an unlikely combination? Did you end up loving it or hating it?

Day 19

Shirt and Shoes: J.Crew // Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft // Belt: Gap

Bracelet: Vintage // Earrings: HK Street Vendor

While I understand that my mother (or anyone, for that matter) might have an issue with bare legs in February, this day was particularly warm and beautiful... so I had to give it a try for at least a few hours!   

Day 18

Bracelet: gift from Ross Simons // Shirt & Shoes: J.Crew // 

Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft // Jeans: Gap // Belt: Urban Outfitters

Happy Sunday! I have to admit it was difficult to actually get dressed into "real clothes" on a lazy Sunday morning....though I am excited about this bright pink manicure.  The weather is hinting at Spring, so I thought some bright pink was certainly necessary! 

Day 17

Mmmmmmmm, mustard!! While I despise the condiment, I love the color!  My favorite thing to do is pair it with another bold color... especially this berry-colored jewelry.  Then, voila!... berries and mustard, the perfect pair.   Okay, the food connection isn't really what had me smiling so big in these photos.  I actually couldn't stop laughing because we had just seen a minivan drive by that was covered in flame decals.  

So I ask you this... 

What's worse?  Berries in mustard, or flames on a minivan? Discuss.

Day 16

shirt: H&M // skirt: Ann Taylor Loft // necklace: F21 // bracelet: Ann Taylor Loft // belt: Gap

I like how the red looks in these photos, too bad it's on a car and bird feeder rather than my outfit.

Lesson learned.