Daily Outfit: Garden Party in the Rain

This gloomy day became a bit brighter thanks to my floral gams! Last seen here, these jeans are officially on heavy wardrobe rotation. Oooh, can I tell you a little story about the jacket that almost wasn't? Before I could overpay mindlessly on eBay in an attempt to score this sold-out jacket, Zara ended up restocking it online. Yay! I've worn it countless times since it showed up at my doorstep. I can't resist safari styling with leather sleeves...meanwhile this piece has replaced my classic trench in rain or shine! Spring staples are something to get excited about, don't you think?

(Safari Jacket- Zara, Garden Party Jeans- Shopbop, Drapey Tank- Anthropologie similar, Silk Blazer- J.Crew similar, Flats- BCBG similar, Gold Shoulder Strands- MavenFresh)

PFM Obsession: C. Wonder (ful)

The craziest thing happened the other day. I was at the Roosevelt Field mall, strolling around during lunchtime with my two favorite co-workers when something stopped us in our tracks. With our faces pressed up against the store window we swore we passed this spot a million times and never noticed the shop before. But with all the bright colors and swanky candy-colored decor...is that even possible? We felt compelled to go inside, and not just because by this point the store employees had clearly seen us gawking. Christopher Burch's new line, C. Wonder, will have you enthralled, from the super-colorful array of products to the beautiful window and floor displays. (Being an ex-display coordinator, I'm a sucker for smart merchandising tactics!) The best part is that it's a one-stop-shop. I love a store that covers everything from clothing to accessories to home design... to sporting goods? Seriously! I chatted a bit with a salesgirl who told me that this shop is still relatively new (that's why we never noticed it) and they currently have only four locations; three of them are in New York. Within a few minutes of browsing, several bright, cheery, and affordable items were calling my name. Plus, the whimsical website's sale section will have you smiling and filling up your cart for sure! I noticed there's one particular item not available online...the floral Vespa scooter that we drooled over for a couple of minutes. So take a peek at my top picks and then see if you aren't obsessed too!

1.You know I love me some neon...this skinny belt in neon yellow is a must.

2. Stripey boatneck tee- purely because you can never ever have too many striped tops. And if you don't have any, this is a perfect piece to start with. 

3. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't these loafers a lookalike to the more pricey J.Crew version? I believe they will be mine, in Cobalt Blue please.

4-6. I live in Long Beach. Everyone has a bike, except for my hubby and I. But things will be different this year...I can see myself cruising down to the farmer's market on one of these electric green lovelies using my bike basket and sporting a pair of super-cute sunnies!!!!

7. A brightly colored throw to curl up in during those breezy evenings on the porch.

8. Functional, decorative, and the perfect shade of glossy yellow...yes please.

9. One look at these Ikat patterned nesting bowls and I was smitten. 

PFMs in the Kitchen: It's Frittata Time

Potatoes will always be number one in my book, right next to dark chocolate. When it comes down to it, I'll use any excuse to put potatoes in a dish. This particular recipe is kind of like having breakfast for dinner (I confess, this is another weakness of mine.) I don't claim to have invented the frittata...there are plenty of recipes floating around out there! But here's my cheese-less, vegetarian version that's easy to make and right in tune with what my body has been craving in this warmer weather...something light, fresh, and healthy.

The topping is actually just a simple variation of my well-known guacamole. 

Good stuff happening in here!

Potato Frittata with Avocado Topping

2 garlic cloves, minced

8 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 avocado, pitted and diced 

1/2 tsp chili powder

5 tsp fresh lemon juice

3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (or 2 tsp dried)

sea salt

5+ tablespoons olive oil

3 red potatoes, scrubbed, patted dry, halved, and cut crosswise into slices

6 large eggs

In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, avocado, lemon juice, chili powder, cilantro, and 1/2 of one garlic clove. Toss together to make a salsa-like topping. Season with a pinch of sea salt to taste. Cover and put in the fridge till ready to use.

Put 2 tbsp of olive oil in a heavy frying pan and heat over medium heat. Add the other clove- and-a-half of garlic in with the potatoes and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Stir and cover the pan, reducing the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 10 minutes, but keep checking and stirring to make sure the potatoes don't stick and are tender. 

Now add 3 tablespoon olive oil to the frying pan (do your best to spread it evenly) and heat over medium-high heat. In a small mixing bowl, beat the eggs with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to blend.

Pour the eggs into the pan over the potatoes and garlic. Cook, and run a heatproof plastic spatula around the pan edge to occasionally loosen the frittata, until the sides are set, about 6 minutes. Cover and cook until the center is set, about 10-15 minutes (so check it after 9 minutes, could be sooner!) To loosen the frittata from the pan, run the spatula around the edge and under the center. Slide the frittata onto a plate and invert another platter on top. Hold together and flip! Cut the frittata into wedges and serve with the avocado topping. Best eaten right away while it's still real hot. I like a little ketchup with it, while my hubby likes hot sauce. You decide! Serves 4.

Mani Pedi: Bumble Bee?

i am totally into the trend of two (or more) different shades of polish in one mani.  i have been playing with two color combos for a while now and when i got the inspiration for bright yellow nails courtesy of China Glaze Happy Go Lucky, i thought that combining it with my new Essie Devil's Advocate would be perfect.  if you didn't know, Devil's Advocate is a really deep, deep purple.  i thought that it was a vamp-y dark red but it is even more  vamp-y than that! it is so dark that it looked black!  hence, the name bumble bee...though the combo was unintentional, it totally worked.  hey, it may have even been a sign that spring temps were right around the corner! :) yay!!

PFM Obsession: Spring has Sprung with DVF!

this fun "jumpsuit" is actually a two-piece!

DVF is known for her wrap dresses and maxi too?!! LOVE it!!

this really is a jumpsuit - that wraps in the front...

and criss crosses in the back! tre chic!

flirty skirts are uber-feminine!

there's something in the air that let's us know that spring is here.  despite my doubt and trepidation, the vernal equinox has arrived and, technically, it really is spring. i keep feeling like it's too good to be true... especially because the weather has not only just switched over (seemingly overnight) but it has also jumped to such high temperatures.  i hope it doesn't sound like i'm complaining because that totally isn't the case.  i guess i'm just in disbelief that winter went off without really leaving it's mark.  i told Becca today that maybe my desire to have weather like this all the time has really come true!!

well, nothing says spring more that drapey, loose, fabulous clothing.  when i received an email today from Shopbop showcasing items from Diane von Furstenberg's spring line, it made me yearn for my spring/summer wardrobe.  though i'm still doubtful that it's really time to switch out those winter clothes, i definitely enjoy DVF's super feminine take on spring's trends.  i will rarely choose prints but when i do gravitate to a pattern it usually isn't floral.  i am definitely a girly girl but something about floral has always meant prissy to me.  well, Diane has totally proven otherwise with her fun floral prints.  from pants to dresses to skirts, i am ready to make more than a few pieces mine!! 

photo credits - www.Shopbop.com