blogger – isostilo

An Ultra Layer That Is A Smart Purchase

Ultra Light, Pick Your Color
Ultra Compact, Ultra Perfect

The key to surviving winter may be UNIQLO. It is no secret that I love UNIQLO. The reason is simple: they offer clean, well designed, functional, and affordable pieces for the whole family. Pieces that you will actually wear on repeat. They also do great collaborations. If you missed my earlier post about their Alexander Wang collaboration then check it out. I just received my Heat Tech, NO REGRETS! Here are two other pieces you should really consider. The Ultra Light Compact Down Vest is a slim layering piece that will go undetected. It costs $39.90. Wear it under a blazer, coat, or over a blouse. The alternative to the vest is the Ultra Light Compact Down Jacket. The jacket will cost you $59.90. Both are amazing adding zero bulk to your look. They will help keep you toasty. I personally live in a vest from now through April. Add the Heat Tech for optimal happiness and warmth. Happy Winter Folks!

The Extras

It all works and you won’t be a walking trend. No fuss accessories that will give your wardrobe a refresh. A bit of color doesn’t hurt anyone. I know that black is so easy but so is adding a little color. The wrap is your base to work around. Underneath it I would wear neutrals consisting of a couple of layers (denim tuxedo and a cozy cardigan or jacket). Accessories that have complementing colors will give you a look that is a bit more interesting but not so obvious. Accessories are an easy way to express your own personal style.

Isabel Marant Lipstick, Jennifer Behr Bow, Deborah Lippmann nail polish, Wandler Tote, Alexander McQueen Scarf, The Row’s Cape, Haskell Eyeglasses by Warby Parker

Gifts For The Home

I like to think about giving a gift that one would not buy for themselves. Lovely pieces for the kitchen and home are always a welcoming treat. There are many beautifully crafted possibilities. Consider your recipient’s hobbies, interests, and aesthetic. Get creative and make it personal. Perhaps think about pairing the lovely paper napkins with a small floral arrangement or the pitcher and syrup accompanied with your favorite pancake recipe. They all are oh so perfect whether it is a small gesture gift or a celebratory gift. It just depends on the occasion.

Starting from the top left:

Linen Tea Towel, Alessi Tree Diffuser, Neutral Sky Candle, Petite Silo Pitcher & Syrup, Vintage Glasses, John Derian Paperweight, Black Burgundy Truffle, Ceramic Tree Ornaments, Bird Paper Napkins, Laguiole Cheese Knives, Wine O’s, Shibori Dyed Cocktail Napkins

Holiday Plaid All The Way!

Yes, A Men’s Dinner Jacket
Under Everything
Pair With Pant Below
Neutral Glen Plaid
Fun With Any Look
Only To Be Paired With A Tartan Blouse
All Good All The Time
Ornaments
Beret Of Happiness
Low Commitment
Hug Me All Winter Long
Put A Tartan Bow On It

There is never too much tartan and egg nog during the holidays. It is fun, festive, and traditional. Don’t just wear one piece. Mix and match many pieces together to really get into the spirit. Here is my selection from J.Crew to get you head to toe excited. They have a fab selection. FYI, holiday sale is in progress! Happy Holidays. Go tartan. It is a classic! There is nothing here that you can’t wear year after year. J.Crew

Mid Week Dinner With Scallion Turkey Meatballs

Scallion Meatballs With Soy-Ginger Sauce

Smitten Kitchen always makes my evenings a little easier in the kitchen. It is my go to sight for tasty easy peasy recipes. I should mention quick recipes are the ones I seek out for mid-week options (who doesn’t?). I have been making SK’s scallion meatballs with soy-ginger glaze for the past few years. They are one of my low prep dinner favorites that are healthy, tasty, and a crowd pleaser. Even picky eaters can’t resist these yummy little nuggets. They are meant to be appetizers but I serve them over a bowl of brown rice with a side of roasted broccoli or baked sweet potato. I should also mention I don’t get too caught up with a perfect shape when I am forming them. Sometimes they are more like small patties. The turkey mixture is pretty soft. Wear food grade gloves then wet your hands with water (so the turkey doesn’t stick to the gloves) to make the meatballs before placing them in the skillet. (sometimes brown each side and then let them finish off cooking in the oven on a low temp around 300.)

: Meatballs and sauce can be made ahead to save time! You could do the same with rice and veggie.

Smitten Kitchen Scallion Meatballs With Soy-Ginger, you won’t be disappointed. Dinner is served and you can thank me later.

(top image from SK, bottom image with the imperfect meatballs are from isostilo:)

Holiday Gifting To Sip, Savor, And Share

Assorted Beers in a Flight Ready for Tasting

Who wouldn’t love a tasty cheese basket, fresh citrus, or a wine surprise?! Holiday season is upon us and the hunt is on for online speciality gifts. Here are a few ideas for your gourmet loving friends who would enjoy something to nibble and sip. Cheers!

Starting from the top left!

For the family, Holiday Goodies from Olive & Cocoa

For the chocolate lover, The Signature Crate from L.A.Burdick

For the savory, Cheese or Charcuterie Club from Dean & Deluca

For those who enjoy wine, Vinebox

The best ever Peppermint Bark with a cult following is from Williams Sonoma

Say no more with a Cheese Lover’s Basket from Formaggio Kitchen

Happy Holidays with a Magnolia Wreath from Dean & Deluca

For those who appreciate craft beer, The Craft Beer Club

Stay Healthy with fresh apples from Pak it Rite

Sunshine in a box from Hale Groves

Closet Refresh

The Sweater Stone

Huggable Hangers

PEVA Sweater Bag Large

Wool Dryer Balls

PEVA Sweater Bag

The Laundress

Every winter a closet overhaul is a necessary task. It is a time to reevaluate, purge, and shift clothes to make dressing easier. Otherwise, it is too easy to wear the same favorites on repeat and neglect at least 90% of everything else you own. You have way more options than you think. I have figured out a pretty efficient system which is simply removing everything from the closet. You need to start with a blank slate. Clear a day! It is an eye opening experience. You must be willing to try things on then make honest decisions to keep, repair, or donate. It is important that the clothes fit you well otherwise no sense giving up valuable space. Declutter your life. Keep what you love. Know what you own. The closet reorg gives everything a home. It is also a way to take care of your clothes. They will last longer.

You will enjoy a well-organized closet. Try to accomplish this task before making any new purchases. It allows you to take an inventory of what you own. This will also point out what wardrobe basics you may be lacking help you justify that new piece you have been eyeing. Shopping with intention. Need vs want. I can definitely say I own enough leopard print! This winter, my gap is with basics. I will be hunting for warm layering pieces, possibly a new loafer, one seriously functional warm rain coat, and I’m sure a few little gems.

Here are few closet basics that can help you during your closet refresh.

Sweater bags are the best way that I have found to store sweaters. The zip closure will keep out the moths and dust. PEVA sweater bags have been my saving grace to preserve my favorite sweaters. They also keep them neat and visible with the clear packaging.

These slim Huggable Hangers from Joy Mangano are non slip which will prevent your silks from hitting the floor.

The Sweater Stone can make a little mess but is sweater friendly when it comes to removing the pills from your favorite pieces. I have also read good reviews on the Conair Fabric Defuzzer-Shaver.

The Laundress offers everything when it comes to taking care of your laundry. I will be trying out their Wool & Cashmere Shampoo for an alternative to dry cleaning.

Wool Dryer Balls are another new one for me. They are 100% pure New Zealand wool promising to reduce drying time, lessen static, and eco-friendly. Lasts for 1,000 loads (wow imagine if you tallied how many washings you do?!). You can also add natural oils to the balls for a lovely added scent to your laundry. (gotta admit this is a funny thought!)

BTW I don’t bother organizing my workout drawer. Nice to have that one drawer you just don’t fuss over. Happy sorting folks!

Get Playful This Winter Season

Gucci Showing Off Some Fun Below The Knee

Any one can play in this game! Socks and tights are one of the easiest ways to transform your style instantly. I also love the fact that this fashion accessory can be gentle on your wallet unless you go with the Gucci option. There is no way around not wearing this essential accessory so you might as well make them interesting. Have some fun and let loose this holiday season. Think about adding texture, color, and print to your long pleated skirt, cropped pant, or that fancy dress . Festive flair! Check out Net-A-Porter

Just Add Some Attitude

Everyone needs a workhorse boot. I have been contemplating Dr. Martens. Originally designed for the British working class, they have evolved over the years to be a subcultural necessity with everyday appeal. I like the versatility and utilitarian style of the Dr. Martens. They simply mean business. The yellow welt stitch, thick sole, and yellow heel loop with their brand label are the distinguishing features. You can’t help but notice them on the street. They are quality, modestly priced, and have been around since 1901. They certainly compliment denim but would give a skirt or dress some edge. Dr. Martens are for those who choose to deviate from the norm. “Music is the heartbeat of the brand” thanks to Pete Townshend of The Who and the early multi-cultural ska-loving skinheads for changing the brand forever! Always to be worn with your own individual style! Dr. Martens (all images from Dr. Martens)

Another Cool Girl

Sarah Paulson

Let me just add another fierce female to my current list of cool girl crushes (check out my earlier post on Claire Foy). Sarah Paulson in this month’s November issue of Elle nails the relationship between chic, feminine, and edge. There is a rawness about Sarah. She effortlessly exudes confidence in her own skin only to be highlighted by the fashion. The sexy yet modern ladylike black laced gown by Dior is accentuated by the leather belt but then off set by the handful of chunky jewelry and deep burgundy nail polish. This reveals Sarah’s unconventional style. It is unexpected and I admire it. Also, lets not overlook how she rocks neck tats and short hair. My short hair lady friends are definitely making power statements. Badass and stunning!

The article is a good read. Sarah simply talks about her life and the challenges she faces. But you quickly understand that she is trying to live an authentic life as difficult as it may be in the Hollywood spotlight. She touches upon her relationship with Holland Taylor. You can’t help but simply appreciate Sarah Paulson. She is making her own story in Hollywood and standing behind it.

I will be watching Ocean’s 8 over the weekend and I look forward to her upcoming Netflix show hitting in December, Birdbox.