It's National Peanut Butter Lover's Month!

Did you know that November is National Peanut Butter Lover's Month?  We heard about this magical holiday the other day and we absolutely fall into the "Peanut Butter Lover" category.  In our opinion, the very best way to celebrate your love for peanut butter is with delicious homemade Peanut Butter Cookies.  If you want to earn points with everyone at the office, whip up a batch of these scrumptious cookies and bring them to all your co-workers.  They're so simple to make, and they taste amazing. 

Peanut Butter Cookies

¼ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup shortening
2 eggs
½ cup chunky peanut butter
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup + 2 tablespoons GF Flour Blend
¼ cup almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 tablespoon powdered egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped peanuts

Preheat oven to 375°.  Butter several cookie sheets.  Using the paddle attachment of an electric mixer, cream the butter, shortening, sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.  Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, continuing to cream.  Add the eggs one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl and beating well after each addition.  Sift together the GF Flour Blend, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, powdered egg whites, and salt, and mix into the peanut butter mixture until completely incorporated.  Stir in the chopped peanuts.  Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Roll dough into approximately 36 balls that are the size of large walnuts.  Place 3” apart on a baking sheet.  Flatten with a fork that is dipped in GF Flour Blend or sugar.  Bake for about 10 minutes.  Cookies should be set but not hard, and have a light golden brown color. 

The Wrap Dress. A Fashion Essential.

     The Wrap Dress.  We all know that we are supposed to love them.  They are advertised as being classic and timeless; sophisticated yet alarmingly attractive.  Perfect for any occasion.  Easily transitioned from office to evening cocktails.  What is your experience with the wrap dress?  I remember when I first tried one on in high school.  It seemed cumbersome to me and not particularly flattering.  For one thing, it did not have enough coverage on top.  If you have a bust, most wrap dresses have a plunging neckline...and the neckline tends to "unwrap"!  Next...walking down the hill from the classrooms to gym class...the wind would blow through the canyon, and my dress would blow open with it!  Giving all the freshman boys a peep show was not exactly the desired effect.  The wrap dress was supposed to transform me into an elegant, "grown-up" woman.  It should not have contributed to my already substantial awkwardness! Forget the wrap dress! I swore them off for the rest of my life.  To me, they equaled impossible to wear, dorky, and last but not least, not sexy. 

The history of the wrap dress is shrouded in mystery and controversy.  According to the elder members of my family, the wrap dress has been around since the 1930s as an around-the-house cover-up made out of muslin.  I found a very fashionable looking wrap dress from the 1930s:

     

Clare McCardell is the earliest known designer of a "wrap dress" that I could find.  In 1946, she created what became known as the "popover" dress.  Millions were sold of this cute cap-sleeved wrap pictured below: 

     According to Vicky Tiel, french couture designer and business partner of the late Elizabeth Taylor, she and Mia Fonssagrives designed a wrap dress in the 1960s which was popularized long before the infamous DVF wrap dress.  Vicky Tiel's Website In 1968, Vicky and Mia created a printed jersey wrap dress in 1968 for Joan Arkin, a U.S. dress license.   Again in 1968, Via and Mia's wrap dress was featured in Redbook Magazine.  Then again, the wrap dress was created by the duo for the movie Candy (1969).  Vicky Tiel wrap dresses are now sold on HSN.  HSN backs Vicky...so it seems very legitimate that Vicky created the version of the "wrap dress" that was has been popularized since the 1970s.  Vicky Tiel on HSN

The Vicky Tiel Wrap Dress

Vicky Tiel and Mia Fonssagrives in 1960s


I confess.  In my opinion, there is no wrap dress that can come close to Vicky Tiel's.  It redeemed the wrap dress!  I purchased one on HSN.com and never looked back.  Her dress does everything the wrap dress should.  It is elegant and slimming.  The dress gives you the perfect hour glass figure...even if you do not have it.  Furthermore, it does not fly open in the wind and is never "vulgar" in the neck line.  That is not to say it isn't hot.  Every time I wear it, the men definitely notice.  The girls love it too! They ask me where I got the amazing dress...
Conclusion:  If you are looking for a wrap dress, buy Vicky Tiel's.  It is not only beautiful, but professional  and comfortable.  Do not hesitate to wear it to the office.

My Vicky Tiel Wrap Dresses!

Isabel Marant Pour H & M! The Aftermath

Everyone in the fashion world anxiously awaited the launch of Isabel Marant Pour H & M Isabel Marant Pour H & M
When the collection debuted on November 14, all madness ensued.  Fashionistas from London waited in line overnight to get the first dibs on these exciting pieces.  I was not waiting in line! Taking a huge risk, I casually strolled into the H & M at the Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego at about 10:30am.  The Isabel Marant supply had dwindled to a small 400 sq. ft section of the store.  I looked around.  The women were focused, their shopping bags were full, and they were scanning each other for must-haves!! After I had picked up the signature paillette pants, a young woman came up to me: "Are those the size 4?? I really should have bought them while I had the chance...I really wanted those pants." I paused a moment and thought to myself: "She seems really into these...and when will I actually wear them?" Paillette pants don't exactly fit the Lady Lawyer's Lifestyle...not going to be wearing those to the office! So, I decided to give up this coveted item to the young fashionista.  She was super excited....I see it as earning fashion good karma.
Everybody there was really nice.  Women were trading clothes, the H & M employees were helping customers with the sizes...it was so fun! I am glad I got there just in time.  By noon, the inventory was almost gone.  Luckily, I could fit into some of the teen girls and boys clothes...so I got the Isabel Marant funky look without the higher prices.  This designer is amazing. Isabel Marant: Site Officiel   I think that many of her H & M pieces can be integrated into one's lawyering wardrobe.  Here are some pics of my purchases:

Weekend Look

The sweatshirt could be paired with a black blazer for the office

Jeans Day at the firm

Romeo stealing my Isabel Marant shopper!

Jacket from the boy's collection

Artistic and Romantic

From the Junior's Collection...off duty 

H & M window, South Coast Plaza

Gypsy Skirt is Modest and Office Appropriate 

Must have wool Scarf from the collection

Legally Bohemian?

As shown, a little sheer for the office party perhaps

Can be made modest with tank underneath...

Isabel Marant relaxed glamour 

Isabel Marant for H & M

Isabel Marant, the brainchild of effortless, Parisian-hipster chic, is now designing for H & M.
It is true! My friend snapped some pictures of the H & M window at South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa.  A very inspired collection indeed.  The designer has created a fashionable ensemble of casual weekend pieces, office appropriate separates, and romantic date-worthy dresses.  The collection is to become available at H & M stores November 14th.  Isabel Marant Collection for H & M

Several pieces caught my eye as being particular lady lawyer must-haves:

Ladylike Silk Dress

Wool Jacket with sash conveys a "cool" but professional vibe.

Wearable pumps in Classic Hounds-tooth with studs: Don't forget your punk rock years...your ex has the pictures to prove it!  

Here are some adorable looks from the South Coast Plaza H & M window!
Thanks Andie! xo

Parisian, hip, and chic for the entire family!

Glamorous Suit for Casual Evening of evening mixers :)

When you make partner, you can wear whatever you want...including this outrageous sweater!