hiking in stilettos

Wednesday, April 29

Green with Envy

I apologize for the lack of posting lately. I have been completing my community pharmacy rotation for the past three weeks, which has left little time for blogging. It has, however, presented me with countless opportunities for professional-minded outfits. Although my career has a somewhat conservative dress code, I have tried to play around with color, layers, and accessories to spice things up.

skirt and blouse, H&M; cardigan, Target; necklace, Anthropologie; shoes, Aldo

Friday, April 24

Red Light, Yellow Light

I recently got this dress to wear to various wedding goings-on over the summer:

And now I am certain that these shoes would complement the dress perfectly:

I know I won't be able to tell without seeing them together in real life, but what is the verdict my lovelies? Yea or nay?

Wednesday, April 22

22.4.09

I would paint your portrait over everything mundane, more colorful than Easter Sunday.
-- Brett Dennen, musician

copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Tuesday, April 21

Spinach & Arugula Salad

I recently planted a small herb garden which included basil, mint, thyme, and an arugula plant that has really flourished. I made this salad the other night with a bit of store-bought spinach and some arugula leaves from our back porch. Throw in a bit of quick, semi-homemade bruschetta, and you've got quite a meal!

Little arugulas from the garden

Add in spinach, cranberries or granny smith apples, walnuts, blue cheese, and chicken (optional)

For the dressing, mix equal parts of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and pure maple syrup (I suggest about 1/4 cup each.) Make sure to stir well to ensure the mixing of the oil and vinegar.

For an easy bruschetta, bake frozen garlic bread for about 5 minutes on 400. Remove and top with diced tomatoes (I used fire-roasted garlic tomatoes) and a bit of mozzarella cheese. Place back in the oven for another 3-4 minutes.

If you have any of the dressing leftover, be sure to store it at room temperature. The salad is also quite good without the chicken, especially for a quick lunch. Bon appetit!

Monday, April 13

Easter Cupcakes

After reading a post on one of my favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere, I decided to give these Vanilla Cupcakes a try. I used the Vanilla Buttercream icing that the bakery recommended, and the treats were divine! The only change that I will make in the future is that I will decrease the amount of confectioner sugar in the icing. I found it to be just a little too sweet. Also, I would like to play around a bit more with the decorations on top. I was slightly rushed with these since I made them Sunday morning before heading to K's parents' house for lunch. Despite my thoughts on the icing, the cupcakes were a hit with everyone! I would definitely recommend the recipe!

Easter has been a favorite holiday of mine since I was a child, and I always spend the day surrounded by family and friends. I do hope that you all were able to do the same and that you had a very happy Easter Sunday!

An All-American Evening

This past Saturday, K and I went to the Braves baseball game with one of our favorite couples, my girl Kindredly and her hubby. I haven't been to a major league baseball game since high school, and it was a blast. We munched on a yummy seven-layer Mexican dip (my sister's recipe) and turkey burgers in the parking lot before heading into the stadium. When in Rome, right?

The Braves won, which made the evening end on a happy note despite the cold weather that crept in when the sun set. Luckily the kind woman sitting beside me shared her blanket. God bless her!

Overall, the night was a definite success, and I think we'll be repeating it once the weather warms a bit. While the boys had some manly bonding time, Ashley and I talked mostly about fashion and decorating. It was perfect! You should definitely check out her blog; both she and her husband are hilarious, plus she's super stylish.

Friday, April 10

Mr. Strauss and Co.

A few months ago, I posted about my newfound appreciation for Levi's jeans. I had never had much luck with them in the past, but I am eating my words. I finally found a pair of the low-waist skinnies on sale at Kohl's while shopping for my nephew's Easter presents. Kohl's! Not to be snobby or anything, but I just don't shop at Kohl's. (This is mainly because the only things that I ever think are cute are in the Vera Wang collection and they never fit me.) Anyway, the skinny Levi's are perfect, dark wash, supper skinny, and super comfy.

On another denim note, I also ran across a pair of high-waisted Guess jeans on major sale over the past weekend. The denim gods must be smiling on me as of late. The only slight downside to the Guess jeans is that they are waaaay too long, so a bit of hemming will be in order. After said hemming, I'm planning a white tank tucked in with some nude platform sandals for a slightly retro look. Stay tuned for outfit posts and for some fun happenings this weekend. (I've been a bit scarce lately due to academic endeavors that are now coming to a close. I do apologize, my lovelies.) Xoxo.

Monday, April 6

Cynthia Rowley Fall 09 Preview

I recently received a look book for Cynthia Rowley's Fall 09 collection, full of sequins and shimmer complimenting textured tights and feminine silhouettes. Here are some of my favorites.

I adore the shimmer of the dress coupled with the structured sleeves and feathery necklace.

Those tights and shoes!

This skirt is definitely a favorite from the collection. It is also shown in a royal blue, but I really like the pairing of the orange and brown.

Another shimmery dress with those scrunched booties! I especially love the shape of this dress with the belted waistline and ruffle sleeves.

The menswear inspiration in these pants is great, especially when paired with a chiffon blouse.

images courtesy of Cynthia Rowley, NYC
copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Wednesday, April 1

Tracy Feith

For those of you who have not yet heard, Tracy Feith is launching a GO International line for Target starting May 17th. The designs are vintage-inspired, beachy pieces that definitely have potential to be fun summer wear. Although the designs are styled a bit too young for my taste, I think a bit of tweaking and styling could make them more fashion forward and less teenager hip. Either way, I have my eye on a couple of the items, especially this leaf skirt (on the right.)

I would pair it with a white v-neck tee, tucked in, gold chains, and some gladiator sandals. For an evening out or just to dress up, I would change into some chunky, heeled sandals. An easy, fun summer outfit.

I also think that both the blue dress and the leather motorcycle jacket have potential. I love the exposed zipper down the bodice of the dress and the vibrant color. For these or other images of the Tracy Feith collection, click here.

I honestly hope that the garments do end up being less tween and more fashion; it's often hard to tell with the Target lines. So, what do you all think? Are you looking forward to the Tracy Feith line or do you think the designs will look to young in actuality?

Tuesday, March 31

The Battle of the Beds

I have finally decided to leave behind my feminine, shabby chic Anthropologie quilt and opt for some new bedding that is slightly more man-friendly. Of course, I now have my little heart set on this quilt from Anthropologie. It is kelley green with hints of orange and gold which will compliment much of my furniture, and it isn't too feminine. (Ok, I know. It is floral, but given that my quilt now is pink toile, I say this is fair. Plus, it's beautiful!) Not to mention that it will look wonderful with a lot of the linens and fabrics that I already own. Added bonus, K is fine with it! Now, I just have to get some gift cards together to be able to buy it....

Tuesday, March 24

My McQueen

Until last week, I hadn't seen the Alexander McQueen for Target line in person and didn't want to get my hopes up, but I was defnitely impressed. I ended up purchasing a dress that I simply love and lived in all weekend. It is a black cotton dress that is both conservative enough to be work-appropriate and McQueen-enough to be fun wear. It's a bit hard to tell from these pictures, but the dress has a really cool belt that wraps from the grey straps around the waist about five times. I would style it with black pumps for work but wore chunky grey sandals this weekend for play.

Monday, March 23

23.03.09

Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.

~Rainer Maria Rilke

Monday, March 16

Current Obsession: Lanvin

Given my recent desire to completely change my style, it is not at all surprising that I am incredibly drawn to the Lanvin Fall 09 RTW collection. Lately I have been compelled to take on a more subtle, chic style, so I simply adore the styling of the black and nude in this collection. Take a look for yourself and discover the sophisticated, feminine silhouettes that have me drooling...

images found here

Sunday, March 15

The Beginning of a Great Adventure

Today I am wishing farewell to two of the bravest, most incredible individuals that I know, my cousin Sherry and her husband Mark. Mark and Sherry work with the International Missions Board as Baptist missionaries in Thailand and are leaving today to embark upon their second stay there. I can hardly imagine what it would feel like to leave behind all of the physical comforts of home, not to mention all of the family. I believe that it takes deep courage and steadfast faith to do something so selfless, and I admire the Lewis family for their decision to follow God's plan for their lives.

After living in Thailand for over four years, Mark and Sherry came back to the states for a while. During that time they adopted their daughter Sophie Mei from an orphanage in China. It was a long, difficult process, but absolutely worth every second. Please take a moment to read about their incredible journey to adopt Sophie here.

I can hardly believe that sweet Sophie Mei has been in our lives for an entire year already; she brings such joy and light into our family. It breaks my heart to see her go. I can't wait to see what a beautiful woman she grows up to be, and I am already planning a trip to Thailand to visit.

So farewell Mark, Sherry, and sweet Sophie Mei. You are loved beyond belief, and you will be deeply missed.

Friday, March 13

New Favorites

I recently received an email from Joanne at Wish designs highlighting two Aussie labels that recently launched here in the states, Treuse and Wish. After perusing the Wish website and viewing the lookbook from Treuse, I am giving both lines the Hiking in Stilettos seal of approval!

The Wish designs are flirty and fun with a bit of a twist, and the Treuse pieces that I have seen are feminine and bright, yet sophisticated. (The images to the left are two dresses from Teuese that I am currently in love with, and I can't wait to see what is next.) I especially love some of the "Midnight Moscow" designs from Wish, and I agree with Joanne in that they would look fabulous with some chunky, nude sandals!

Also, the price tag on these wonderful designs is pretty reasonable, ranging from $60 - $300, which is still much less than off-the-runway designers. If/when I receive more information from Joanne, I will fill you in. Take a peek at the Wish website, and tell me what you think!