A Blonde's Moment

Cozy in Stripes

November 21, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

An oversized black and white sweater. This fall, I’ve been all about the oversized sweaters. There is nothing more warm and cozy than an oversized sweater and when the temperatures dropped yesterday, this was the perfect comfy sweater to reach for.

Sweater: BP. via Nordstrom {oversized fit, under $50!} | Leggings: old {similar style HERE} | Bag: Chanel {similar style HERE} | Boots: Topshop, last season {leather version HERE} | Watch: MICHELE | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Lips: #195 & cabernet

I bought THIS sweater last month and have been dying for the chance to wear it. I love pairing it with faux leather leggings and ankle booties for a dressed up look. And with the holiday season just around the corner, the addition of the red lipstick makes you festive and holiday party ready.

As for the sizing of this sweater, it’s definitely oversized. I went with a size medium {my usual size} because the description said it was “true to size”. When I first tried it on, I was shocked at how huge it was. I typically stick with my size {or even size up} when I purchase pieces from Nordstrom’s BP. department. I could have probably sized down to a small, but I liked the oversized, comfy look and I was afraid going down a size would make it too short for leggings — I’m 5’8 for reference.

Speaking of leggings, these faux leather panel leggings are old and I’ve been looking for a pair of full faux leather leggings to give these a break. I ordered THESE online and they run SO small! To the point that I don’t think half of my leg could have fit in them! So I’m still searching for that perfect pair. Have you had any luck? I did link a similar pair above that has the faux leather in the front.

I hope you all have a wonderful short week before Thanksgiving. Check back tomorrow as I am sharing a Thanksgiving cocktail, courtesy of my husband, just in time for the holiday. Happy Monday, friends!

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Gifts for Her: Under $50

November 17, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

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Gift guide season is here and I could not be more excited! For those of you who have subscribed to my e-mail newsletter, this isn’t the first gift guide of the season you’ve seen, but it is the first that has been on the blog. I will be sharing gift guides for everyone on your list starting with all the girls this week. I kept this list to gifts under $50 which means these are perfect for friends or even stocking stuffers!
Picking out gifts for my family and friends has always been one of my favorite things to do. Although I tend to become a little obsessive over find that “perfect” gift, I always try to find something that is meaningful. Here are a few items for the girls on your holiday gift list:

For the working girl, I love THIS glitter business card holder and THIS gold 2017 desk calendar. Other office supplies {of the gold variety} include THIS pineapple pencil holder {only $16!} and THIS gold stapler. Don’t gold accessories make an office so much more fun?

In preparing for winter, some of my favorite cozy gifts of the season include THIS turtleneck sweater, THIS beanie {also available in grey} and THESE slippers. Each year for Christmas, I ask for a pair of these slippers, they are my absolute favorite. Last year I got the leopard print {unfortunately I haven’t seen this print yet this year} and I wear them to death until the following Christmas. They are truly the most comfortable and warmest slippers I have ever owned!

THIS blush shoulder bag looks so much like THIS Chloe bag, at a faction of the price {$49.99 to be exact!} THIS style is also available in black and a similar style is available in brown for only $29.99. You can’t beat this designer dupe!

I need to take some of my own advice on these gift guides and start shopping! I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas is just around the corner. I need to get moving! Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I hope you all have a great weekend and see you back here on Monday!

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A Day at the Winery with Sloane Ranger

November 16, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

There is nothing
like visiting a winery in the fall. With the leaves changing to the most
beautiful fall shades and the cool and crisp air, it makes for ideal conditions
for any fall outing. A few weekends ago, we headed to Virginia wine country to
celebrate my birthday. We had a full day ahead of us, so dressing comfortably
and packing all the winery essentials was a must.

Cape: J.Crew | Black Tee: BP. via Nordstrom | Black Leggings: Zella | Tote: Sloane Ranger c/o | Boots: Hunter | Hat: Nordstrom, last season {similar style HERE} | Monogram Necklace: Onecklace c/o {XXL size} | Bracelets: David Yurman link, cuff | Lips: #47

There are so many
things to think about when spending the day at the winery. Comfortable clothes
and shoes are pretty high on the list. It was chilly in the morning when we
left, but by the afternoon, the sun was shining and the cool fall chill
vanished. I opted for THIS cozy poncho and classic black tee which made for a
great layering look for the weather. As for shoes, flats are a necessity. Depending
on the winery, you may be able to walk through the vineyard so a flat typically
works best. Even if you aren’t planning to walk through the grass, it’s a long
day on your feet so comfort is key. We were able to walk through the vineyards
and the rest of the grounds but because there was rain earlier in the week, the
ground was pretty muddy and soft — I’m glad I went with the Hunter boots!

Once you have your look figured out, food
is next on the agenda. We were planning a full day of wine tasting at two
different wineries and although most wineries sell more substantial food {think
sandwiches and salads} I decided to pack a few snacks for the car ride and
while at the winery. This cute gingham tote from Sloane Ranger was the perfect size
to carry all the essentials: rosemary Parmesan crackers, almonds, chocolate and
bottled water. Not to mention, I was also able to throw in a blanket {which we unfortunately
could not use due to the mud!} my phone, wallet and camera to catch a few snaps
of the day. There is even an interior pocket that was the perfect size for a
corkscrew! The tote was a mix of function and fashion for a stylish day at the
vineyards, something that is often difficult to find.

Although we had
two wineries on the agenda for the day, by the time we reached the second one
it was absolutely packed! After searching for a parking spot for nearly 10 minutes,
we ending up parking by a barn and hiking up the hill {mountain?} to the
tasting room. Unfortunately, the room was so crowded we decided that one was
enough for the day. My advice, especially if you are wine tasting in Virginia,
get to the winery early! We arrived at the first one right when they opened and
it was perfect – we were able to get a table and enjoy the beautiful scenery
before more people arrived. Also, if you are planning your own trip to the
vineyard, check out the winery’s website to see if they allow dogs. There are
so many dog-friendly vineyards in Virginia and we have taken Ella to quite a
few. She is a huge fan 🙂

Exciting news! Use the code BLONDES for 20% off your order of $50 or more at All For Color, including Sloane Ranger totes! Expires 12/31.

Thanks so much
for dropping by and see you back here tomorrow for my first gift guide of the
holiday season!

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The Best Chicken Tetrazzini

November 15, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

I know that I normally share recipes that are on the healthier side with you on Tuesdays, but with the holiday season just around the corner, it’s also the season of splurging. This is one of my all-time favorite dinners, but it’s usually only consumed once a year. My mom made this the other weekend for my birthday dinner celebration and it is one dinner that never disappoints.

Nothing beats a warm and hearty casserole in the fall. When the temperatures drop, I seem to always find myself craving comfort food. For me, there are few things that sound more comforting than this chicken tetrazzini, and although it isn’t the healthiest hearty casserole, it’s alright to splurge every once in awhile 🙂

I can’t guarantee the flavor, but if you wanted to cut down on the calories there are a few things you could do: replace the Velveeta cheese with a reduced fat cheddar cheese and replace the regular spaghetti noddle with a whole grain noodle. In the grand scheme of things, these swaps aren’t going to make a huge difference and if you are only eating it once a year like me, you might as well go all out! As a side note, they now make Velveeta in shredded cheese! No more cutting the brick of cheese into cubes!

print recipe

The Best Chicken Tetrazzini

by Rachel McCarthy November-15-2016

Ingredients

5 pounds chicken breast
8 tablespoons flour
8 tablespoons butter
2-3 cups chicken broth
1 large can canned tomatoes (3 cups)
4 medium onions, chopped
1 pound Velveeta cheese
1 can mushrooms
2 green peppers, chopped
1.5 packages spaghetti noodles

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Boil the chicken until tender. Make a cream sauce using the butter, flour and broth. Cook for 5 minutes stirring constantly until thick; set aside. Saute mushrooms, green peppers and onions until tender; add tomatoes. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add vegetable mixture and spaghetti to cream sauce. Layer chicken, cheese and sauce, ending with the cheese in a casserole dish. Bake for 1 1/2 hours.

Thanks for stopping by and happy comfort food cooking!

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This post is linked up with: Tasty Tuesdays | Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday | Two Cup Tuesday | Weekend Potluck | SITS Girls

Casual in Cognac

November 14, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

There is no denying black and cognac is one of my favorite color combinations for fall. When we were in Louisville a few weekends ago on the Bourbon Trail, I was searching for a cute and comfortable outfit for the plane that could also be worn all day while visiting the different distilleries. With the exception of having to untie/retie these lace-up flats at security, it was the perfect fall travel outfit.

Black Tee: BP. via Nordstrom | Black Jeans: J.Crew | Scarf: J.Crew, last season {similar style HERE} | Lace-Up Flats: Halogen via Nordstrom {similar style HERE & HERE} | Bag: Tory Burch | Sunglasses: Prada | Lips: #47 , buff & petal ice

When planning out a travel outfit, I always like to incorporate a scarf into my look — it’s a cozy addition to battle those cold airplane temperatures! Although this scarf is from last season, I did link a similar style that is almost a perfect color match.

One more item of note: you may remember THIS tee in white from THIS post, and I cannot tell you how much I love it! I actually have this black version in two sizes so that if I want a more oversized fit, I go for the larger size! Priced at only $19 and available in a few colors, it’s a great staple and layering piece to have in your closet. And it’s SO comfortable!

Also, the winner is announced in the cabi gift card giveaway in the original post! Thank you so much to everyone who entered. Have a great start to the week, friends!

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Fall Boots Under $100

November 10, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

I think it’s safe to say that fall is officially here to stay in Northern Virginia. Fall is by far my favorite season and one of the reasons it ranks so high is because of the footwear. Whether it be booties, riding boots, or my personal favorite, over the knee, you can never have too many in your closet, especially when they are priced under $100.

nordstrom-rack-over-the-knee-boots-under-100

I realize the obsession is real when it comes to boots for me and I probably have enough to last me awhile. But lately, I’ve been thinking that there was one color missing from my collection. Last fall, I saw so many grey ankle booties that I loved, but they were way out of my price range. As much as I love boots, I have to be realistic: I live in Virginia and our boot season is pretty short — buying multiple pairs of expensive boots isn’t very practical or economical! By March, the temperatures began to warm up and I started to forget about the grey boot obsession. Although, when August rolled around, I was back on the grey boot train except this time I was searching for my go-to, favorite style: over the knee. With Nordstrom Rack‘s selection of boots under $100, it was easy to find a pair in the style I had in mind that also fit within by “boot budget”.

Not only are over the knee boots warm and cozy when the temperatures drop, they can instantly dress up a look, as THESE grey boots did to an otherwise simple black sweater and leggings. When it comes to the details on this boot, you can’t help but love the wooden block heel — on-trend and comfortable is definitely a winning combination.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Any fun plans? We are looking forward to the first relaxing weekend in a few months. It’s going to be so strange to be at home! See you back here on Monday!

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This post is sponsored by Nordstrom Rack and Shopping Links. As always, all opinions are my own.

Thanksgiving Inspiration

November 9, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

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Since we are quickly approaching Thanksgiving, I am continuing the Thanksgiving inspiration today with an outfit and a few must-haves if you are playing host for the holiday.

Thanksgiving outfit planning can be tricky, but there are two aspects of comfort to consider {having to wear the outfit for the majority of the day and picking a waistband that can grow with you} and of course the weather. For us, the last few Thanksgivings have been all over the place, from snow one year to warm and sunny the next, the weather can be pretty unpredictable. Suffice to say I am planning for a cooler Thanksgiving with this cape and turtleneck, but if the temperatures are warmer, you can style the look without the extra layer.

I have loved THIS oxford check skirt since the first day I laid eyes on it — it’s A-line shape, side pockets and fall colors make for a skirt that can be styled not only with ankle booties, but over the knee boots as well. With such a statement pattern, a plain and basic turtleneck is a great option.

THESE crystal drop earrings will dress any outfit up and will be perfect to pair with all your outfits as we head into the holiday season. Best part: they are priced under $40 and are currently 25% off with the code SHOPNOW.

When it comes to home decor must-haves for Thanksgiving, I came up with a few ideas for the hostess. Gold flatware adds the perfect amount of glam to any tablescape — I just bought some for myself and I love them! A cute platter and festive napkins also add to the tablescape and if you are looking for other Thanksgiving plates, decorations and accessories, there is a great selection HERE.

Have you started planning out your Thanksgiving outfit yet? I’m still in the process, I really need to check the extended forecast to see how the temperatures are trending before I get too carried away! Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends!

P.S. Don’t forget that there is still time to enter the $250 cabi gift card giveaway! You can enter at the bottom of THIS post. Good luck!

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Pumpkin French Toast

November 8, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

With Thanksgiving only two weeks away, turkey, side dishes and desserts are on everyone’s mind. But what about Thanksgiving morning breakfast? Each Christmas, my mom makes a similar french toast casserole that is to die for. But since Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, I decided to try a spin on my mom’s famous breakfast casserole and add the flavor of the season: pumpkin.

Now, this is by no means a healthy breakfast dish — 8 eggs, heavy cream, stick of butter…I think you get the picture! — but it is outrageously delicious! And since it is Thanksgiving, I think it’s alright to splurge a little…or a lot 🙂

This recipe makes an entire casserole dish, so there will be plenty if you are feeding a crowd. If there is a nut allergy in your family or you are not a fan of pecans, you can easily leave them out of the topping – although, it does add an amazing crunch to the dish!

print recipe

Pumpkin French Toast

by Rachel McCarthy November-8-2016

Ingredients

1 loaf Challah bread, cut into cubes
8 eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
15 ounces canned pumpkin puree
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 stick butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

Slice the Challah bread into cubes and place in a casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, milk and vanilla. Stir until completely combined. Pour over the bread and cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar and chopped pecans; mix until combined. Pour mixture on top of the bread. Place casserole in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the top of the french toast is crispy and cooked through. Serve with syrup of your choice and enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous Tuesday!

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Holiday Ready & Gift Card Giveaway

November 7, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your holiday looks. One of my favorite ways to dress for the holidays is with a statement piece and a bright red lip color. This lace coat makes for the perfect statement jacket — not only can it be paired with a dressier jumpsuit, but would also be cute styled more casually with jeans.

Jumpsuit and lace jacket: cabi c/o | Bag: Chanel, similar style HERE | Pumps: old, similar style HERE | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Lipstick: Jouer {cabernet}

I love a good statement piece, especially during the holidays. It’s hard to think of a more perfect statement coat than this grey ponte with the black lace overlay — there is something about lace that is great holiday print. And for a change up to the usual festive dress or skirt, I love the idea of wearing a classic jumpsuit. The gold zipper detail on this one is subtle and the perfect touch. These two items are part of cabi’s newest arrivals that will be launching tomorrow, November 8th. These “holiday charm” pieces will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

To kick off the holiday season and celebrate cabi’s newest arrivals, I’ve teamed up with cabi to give one lucky reader a $250 gift card to shop the cabi collection! See the widget below for entry details. The giveaway will close Sunday, November 13th at midnight and the winner will be announced in next Monday’s post {November 14th}. Open to all U.S. residents. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Western

November 3, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

It was pretty warm last weekend when we were visiting Louisville — these warm days followed by cooler days seem to be a common theme for this fall. As I’m sure you can tell, scarves are one of my favorite accessories for fall and I do not discriminate when it comes to texture and warmth!

White Tee: BP. via Nordstrom | Scarf: last season, similar prints HERE, HERE | Jeans: Current/Elliott | Hat: Nordstrom, sold out {similar HERE} | Lace-up Flats: Halogen, sold out in this color {similar HERE} | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Bag: Tory Burch | Bracelets: David Yurman cuff, link | Lips: #47 , buff & petal ice

As I have mentioned before, scarves are a great way to change up a look. For example, this started with a basic t-shirt and jeans and by adding the right accessories, it turned into a put together, fall look. The hat and scarf gave the look a real western and southern feel, which I thought was perfect for sightseeing in Kentucky!

I got this scarf last year for my birthday, so unfortunately it is no longer available. I did link two other scarves {HERE & HERE} with similar colors and prints. All the pretty fall colors in this scarf make it easy to wear. I wore it last year with a camel blazer and burgundy over the knee boots for the perfect dressed up casual look {you can see that post HERE}.

Any fun weekend plans? We are heading down to my parents tomorrow for a weekend of visiting two of my favorite Virginia wineries and celebrating my birthday (which is Monday!). As I get closer and closer to 30, I get less and less excited for the big day haha! Be sure to stop back on Monday for a special post and fun giveaway you won’t want to miss! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. The holidays are right around the corner and tomorrow kicks off my first holiday exclusive e-mail newsletter! If you haven’t already subscribed you can do that HERE.

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