Weekend Wardrobe: Pantone Fall 2017 Fashion Color Finds and Personal Preferences

From Pantone

Now that the fall fashion season is well under way, I thought I would check to see what is available in any of the Pantone Fall 2017 Fashion Colors, which are based on the colors used by fashion designers for the 2017 New York Fashion Week.  I also decided to gauge whether or not each one suited my particular coloring.  While not all of them work for me, I was able to find apparel in all ten colors, so let's take a look!

I am not sure that the bright red-orange of Grenadine suits my complexion, but I do love its intensity:

Land's End Women's Cashmere Sweater in Bright Orange

Tawny port is a color I could wear, although for some reason I tend to overlook shades of burgundy when buying apparel:

L.L. Bean Signature Patchwork Fisherman Sweater Dress in Fire Brick

Pastels look too washed out on me, but pale pinks are certainly popular at the moment:

Land's End Women's Traditional No Iron Dress Shirt in Pale Pink

Much as I love the name, at first I thought I would have trouble finding anything in Butterum.  Then I realized that light tan suede fell into this category and found a number of items.  I would definitely wear this color:

Gap Suede Moto Jacket in Mission Tan

I am not a fan of navy blue.  Often navy apparel is so dark I cannot distinguish it from black.  However, Navy Peony is light enough so that you can actually see the blue, and even I would consider wearing it:

Coldwater Creek Vest For All Seasons in India Ink

Grey is another color of which I am not particularly fond, especially the lighter shades like Neutral Gray, but a pair of good trousers in this color can be a very versatile wardrobe addition for most people:

J. Crew Women's Italian Wool Campbell Traveler Trouser in Light Charcoal

I do love blue-greens, and would happily own clothing in this Shaded Spruce color:

L.L. Bean Women's ProStretch Fleece Vest in Spruce

Chartreuse is not my favorite color, but it does look good on me, and I could wear apparel in Golden Lime:

Coldwater Creek Shaker High/Low Pullover in Avocado

I think just about anyone would look good in the shade of blue called Marina:

L.L. Bean Women's Classic Cashmere Full-Zip Cardigan in Flag Blue

Mellow orange hues like Autumn Maple are not easy for many people to wear, but it does suit me and it is my favorite of the Pantone Fall 2017 colors:

Backcountry Women's Fjallraven High Coast Knit Sweater in Seashell Orange

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So what do you think?  Do any of these colors work for you?  And if these New York Pantone 2017 Fall Colors don't appeal to you, did you know that for the first time there is a second set based upon the 2017 London Fashion Week?

From Pantone

Perhaps you find the London colors more appealing?  Personally, I am still waiting for a rich, deep brown similar in hue to dark chocolate to make an appearance - maybe next year?
             

Foodie Fridays: Easy Sausage Party Dip

I decided to make this Easy Sausage Party Dip from Jimmy Dean because I had some sausage crumbles left over from making last week's Sausage and Mushroom Frittata and the recipe was on the package.  This rich, cheesy dip is about the easiest appetizer you will ever make - it literally took me all of five minutes!  Served with chips, crackers, and/or vegetable sticks for dipping, it is the perfect game food to devour while watching your favorite football team play this weekend.  Not that I have a favorite football team (I loathe the game), but my husband definitely does (go Dawgs!), so I will be sure to have this dip ready in time for the start of the game.

Easy Sausage Party Dip

1 C. sausage crumbles (I used Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Crumbles)
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream or Neufchatel cheese
1 C. (4 oz.) shredded Mexican cheese blend
1/2 C. salsa

Combine all of the ingredients in a large microwaveable bowl.  Microwave on HIGH for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute until the cheeses are melted and the dip is smooth and creamy.  Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, and/or vegetable sticks for dipping.
             

This 'n That Thursdays: The Epitome of Autumn

From TEA-licious

Fall is my favorite season.  For me, the autumnal look is defined by rich, earthy colors and lush abundance like that of a late harvest.  Leaves drape the landscape with warm hues and the world seems to take on a golden glow as nature becomes cozy, ready to nestle in when the weather cools and nights become longer.  In my opinion, the following images epitomize that autumnal look:

For the wardrobe:

Chico's Opulent Paisley Jeggings

Coldwater Creek Leaf-Swept Tunic

Serengeti Harvest Check Plaid Shirt

Hermès 'Africa'  Brown Silk Scarf

CherylParrottJewelry Large Fall Statement Necklace

For the home:

Plush Market Dazzler Area Rug

Handy Living Sienna Paisley Washington Chair and Ottoman

Gerson International Pumpkin Harvest Table Runner and Placemats

toinspireyou Autumn Harvest Wreath (sold)

Autumn Landscape by George Benjamin Luks

For the table:

Jelly Belly Autumn Mix Jelly Beans

Moroccan-Spiced Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew

Maple Balsamic Roasted Autumn Veggies

Mixed-Nut Maple Pumpkin Pie

FTD Fall Harvest Cornucopia Bouquet

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We are in for a couple more days of temperatures in the low 90s, but after that we are supposed to start cooling down into the low 80s, which will be a welcome relief.  I have not felt like decorating for fall when it still feels like summer here, but once October arrives all of the autumnal apparel, décor, and recipes will come out.  I can't wait!

                

Wish List Wednesdays: Talbots Hunt Print Perfect Long-Sleeve Shirt

I took a look at the new fall arrivals at Talbots recently, and fell in love with their Perfect Long-Sleeve Shirt in the Hunt Print ($84.50).  The easy-care, wrinkle-resistant cotton/spandex fabric is a plus, as is the classic tailored styling.  And as a horse lover, how could I not be attracted to the print?  I may wait for the next sale opportunity, but I intend to add this shirt to my fall wardrobe as soon as possible!
             

Weekend Wardrobe: "Still Feels Like Summer" Fall Travel Wardrobe

Even though the calendar says that fall has arrived, our Georgia weather still feels like summer.  I am ready to don apparel in autumnal colors, but not in the heavier fabrics more suitable for cool temperatures.  It is so warm here that I am still wearing sleeveless tops!  Luckily, it is possible to find clothing in autumn hues that are appropriate for summer-like weather.  One of my favorite neutral colors, olive green, seems to be having a moment this fall, and apparel of all sorts in this color is very easily found.  I put together a collection of clothing from the Backcountry website that includes several pieces in shades of this muted green which would be ideal for a moderately active warm autumn weekend in the country:

Clockwise from top left: Brixton Tiller Hat in Moss; VonZipper Mayfield Sunglasses in Green Translucent/Bronze; Columbia Emanating Light Jacket in Black; United by Blue Hazel Crossbody Purse in Moss; Vasque Mantra 2.0 Hiking Shoe in Bungee Cord/Bright Chartreuse; Prana Sage Jogger Pants in Cargo Green; Kavu Ryka Tank Top in Cookies N Creme.

Clockwise from top left: Coldwater Creek Drifting Leaf Necklace in Silver; Burton Backhill 40L Duffel Bag in Forest Night Waxed Canvas; United by Blue Primrose Tank Top in Ivory; Prana Kara Skirt in Cargo Green; Carve Designs Haven Shirt in Light Grey Mist; Splendid Jazz Sandal in Moss; Sage Jogger Pants in Moonrock; United by Blue Avalon Tank Top in Rust; Center: Patagonia Off Country Cardigan in Industrial Green.

This would be a great wardrobe for a weekend trip to a lovely rural inn.  I envision lots of relaxation, some hiking, a little sightseeing in the nearest small town, and perhaps even some early autumn apple picking or a local winery tour.  After finally finishing my post-Irma property cleanup, I am ready for a fall getaway, even if our temperatures at the moment are not especially autumnal!

Foodie Fridays: Sausage and Mushroom Frittata

I am always looking for ways to use up eggs thanks to our prolific hen Dixie, and recently I felt the need to make a frittata.  I was in the mood for a heartier version, so turkey sausage and mushrooms seemed like good additions.  My Sausage and Mushroom Frittata is easy and tasty, and did use up our surplus eggs.  With the exceptionally warm weather we have been having lately I am sure Dixie will keep laying for a while, so I will probably get to make this frittata again soon!

Sausage and Mushroom Frittata

9-10 eggs
1/4 C. heavy cream
1 C. shredded cheese (I used a cheddar-mozzarella blend)
1-2 T. olive oil
12 oz. sliced mushrooms
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1/8 tsp. salt
1 C. sausage crumbles (I used Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Crumbles)
1/2 C. sliced scallions

Break the eggs into a large bowl.  Add the cream and shredded cheese and whisk together until smooth.  Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the mushrooms and bell pepper and sprinkle with salt.  Cook, stirring, until the mushrooms release their juices.  Add the sausage crumbles and cook, stirring, until the sausage is heated through and the mushroom juices have evaporated.  Reduce the heat to low and stir in the scallions.

Give the egg mixture a quick stir and pour into the skillet.  Stir gently to evenly distribute the sausage mixture.  Place the skillet in a 350 degree oven and bake for 15 minutes.  Rotate the skillet 180 degrees and bake for an additional 10 minutes.  Turn off the oven and let the frittata sit in the oven with the door cracked open for 5 minutes.  Remove from the oven, cool slightly, and cut into wedges for serving.  Serves 6.

Happy first day of fall!

             

On the Homefront: Simple Seaside Supper Table

Little Dalmatian Shrimpie is looking forward to a seafood supper,
but her best friend Crusty the Crab is not so sure!

My last table of the summer features a set of four Emma Bridgewater Shellfish Collection salad plates I purchased a few years ago.  The red and coral colors in the plates are also found in the Kim Seybert Living lobster napkins I found at HomeGoods last year.  Brown and white complete the color palette on this crustacean-themed table:

Dark brown wooden bead placemat; brown dinner plate; Emma Bridgewater prawns design salad plate; stainless steel flatware; Kim Seybert Living lobster print napkin; clear wineglass; etched crab water glass (from HomeGoods a couple of years ago).

A closer look at the three other crustacean-themed salad plates:

Langoustines design salad plate.

Shrimps design salad plate.

Crab design salad plate (still available here).

The lobster print napkin.

The etched crab stemless wine glass used as a water glass on this table.

A vase of late summer sunflowers in a large lobster design pot
adorns the head of the table along with crab salt and pepper shakers.

A better look at the cute and crabby salt and pepper shakers.

In the middle of the table, a large bowl decorated with a spiny lobster
will hold the pasta main dish.

When I ordered my set of plates, I accidentally received two of the same
prawns pattern, so the company let me keep the extra one when they sent
the design I did not have.  The extra plate will hold the dessert.

Of course seafood is the focus for this table's menu, and a salmon mousse appetizer will be followed by shrimp scampi.  A simple salad and fudge brownies round out this easy dinner.  I have included a reduced-carb brownie recipe (a modified version of a recipe for Amazing Low Carb Brownies), but if you do not have to worry about carbs use any brownie recipe you prefer.

Simple Seaside Supper Menu:

White Wine
Salmon Mousse Tartlets*

Shrimp Scampi with Broccoli and Linguine

Mixed Green Salad/Lemon Vinaigrette

Reduced Carb Brownies**

*Salmon Mousse Tartlets

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 tsp. seafood seasoning
1/2 tsp. dried dill

1 tsp. lemon juice

2 pouches (about 2.5 oz. each) pink salmon

2 boxes (1.9 oz. each) frozen miniature phyllo tart shells

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, seasoning, dill, and lemon juice until smooth.  Beat in the salmon. Spoon or pipe the salmon mixture into the tart shells (garnish with fresh dill if desired).  Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.  Makes 30 tartlets.

**Reduced Carb Brownies

1/3 C. sugar

1/4 C. almond flour

1/2 C. cocoa powder

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 eggs

1/4 C. applesauce

1 tsp.vanilla

Sift the first five ingredients into a large bowl through a mesh sieve to minimize lumps.  Add the last three ingredients and beat by hand until completely combined and lump-free.  Pour the batter into a foil-lined and greased 8-inch square baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Cool and cut into squares.  Makes 16 brownies.

Note: These brownies tend to be crumbly, so make sure they are completely cooled before cutting them with your thinnest, sharpest knife.

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The colors on this table are a good transition from late summer into early fall, so now onward to all of the fun fall table settings!

From Amazon.com.