Obsession: Jo Malone - Wood Sage & Sea Salt

I have been a huge fan of Jo Malone perfume for a while now. I usually spray Peony & Blush Suede during Spring/Summer and Blackberry & Bay during the Fall/Winter months. Recently I have come across my new favorite scent by them: Wood Sage & Sea Salt.

What I love about Jo Malone is that they have earthy scents which are still very light and not incredibly strong (sometimes pungent scents gives me a headache). This is a perfect example. I don't know how else to describe the scent except imagining a Chanel model trekking across the wilderness. The scenario provides a juxtaposition, much like the scent.

The lady at Neiman's actually told me that you can layer and match Jo Malone scents and it creates an entirely new fragrance. Usually that would concern me but wood sage mixed with blackberry is perfection! I cant wait to mix and match all my Jo Malone perfumes with this new one.

Barbacoa Tacos

My boyfriend and I decided to make barbacoa tacos tonight mixing two recipes:

1. Serious Eats: Better than Chipotle Barbacoa

2. Gimme Some Oven: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

We used the slow cooker and cooked on high for about 4-5 hours. We added some orange zest, extra lime and habanero powder for spiciness (but that is up to you). 

Add some salsa, lettuce and cabbage to top it all off, and enjoy!

Zucchini Pasta & Curly Fries

My boyfriend got me the Paderno Spiralizer for Christmas and I am in LOVE. We decided to make zucchini noodles and I wanted to share my recipe

Recipe
Serving Size: 3

3 zucchinis - cut in half and spiraled

Boil the zucchinis for 3 minutes and set aside when the the sauce is 5 minutes to completion.

Sauce

1 lb of fat-free ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large can of organic crushed tomatoes
1 small can of organic crushed tomatoes
1 tsp cumin
1 tbs paprika (or less)
1/2 tbs fresh cracked pepper
1/2 tbs onion powder
1/2 tbs garlic powder
1 tsp crushed red pepper
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried paprika
1/2 tbs dried oregano
salt & pepper to taste

Cook the onion and turkey till browned and add the sauce and spices. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes.

We also made potatoes with the Paderno and seasoned with EVOO, pepper and salt and baked on 400 for 1.5 hrs for crispiness. For extra crispiness - make sure you soak the potatoes in water to remove the starch

Add ketchup with some sriracha and serve!

What Farah Wore 12.26.14

Vest  J Crew: Buffalo Plaid Vest  Sweater  Target: Merona Cable Knit

Bracelet  Alex & Ani: Libra Bracelet  Jeans  Banana Republic: Ankle Jeans  

Watch  Michael by Michael Kors: Watch (similar) 

Boots  BP Trolley: Grey Leather Ankle Boots

Holiday Gift Wrapping

1. Have a theme: Use the same design and get ribbons and paper to match so all your gifts have a nice theme and go together nicely

2. Buy wrapping paper outside of Target and Hallmark: I bought most of my wrapping paper at Home Goods and Marshalls. I felt that overall they had a better selection!

3. Take advantage of Michaels, AC Moore and Hobby Lobby's across your area: All my ribbons were 60% off as well as most of my toppers. Stock up after the holidays and make sure to use them for next year! Also, take advantage of those 40% one item coupons!

4. Have fun: It took me three hours to wrap these gifts but look at the final outcome! Enjoy the holidays!

What Farah Wore 12.23.14

Scarf  Amazon: Blanket Scarf

Sweater  Zara: Black/White Striped Sweater

Leggings  Lululemon: Wunder Under Pants (similar)

Boots  BP Trolley: Grey Leather Ankle Boots

What Farah Wore: This Weekend

Sweater  Zara: Black/Red Sweater

Necklace  J Crew Factory: Statement Necklace

Leggings  Urban Outfitters: Faux Leather Leggings (similar)

Boots  Ann Taylor: Wedge Booties (similar)

Scarf  Amazon: Blanket Scarf

Sweater  Target: Merona Cable Knit

Pants  Zara: Hunter Green Trousers

Scarf  Zara: Blanket Scarf

Boots  Michael by Michael Kors: Dark Brown Riding Boots (similar)

Necklace  Zara: Rhinestone Necklace

What Farah Wore 12.19.14

Turtleneck  Old Navy: Black and White Striped Turtleneck (ON SALE)

Jacket  Old Navy: Jeans Jacket (similar)

Pants  J Crew: Winnie Pants (similar)

Shoes  Nine West: Flax Pump

Purse  Tory Burch: Robinson Dust Storm

Last Minute Holiday Deals!

Pajamas J Crew Factory: Gingham PJ Set (30% off) - Love a great pair of PJs! This gingham print is so cute and current. I think it's an amazing gift or stocking stuffer (if your stocking is big enough). It's also 30% off with free shipping so I would get it while supplies last!

Vest  LL Bean: Riding Vest ($10 gift card if you spend $50) - I am so into quilted vests during the fall and winter months. For someone who wears a lot of boyfriend tunics and men/boys shirts, the vest really cinches all that extra fabric together. LL Bean has been surprising me this season (I guess I boarded onto this train a little too late) and this vest so perfect and IN STOCK! I just feel that all vests are selling SO quickly! This is still available and you get a $10 gift card for all purchases over $50.

Sweater  She Inside: Navy and Floral Sweater (25-30% off) I actually just ordered this for myself. Websites like this have become more and more popular for trendy clothes at a low price. I have one sweater that I thought was a tad itchy but wore well under a turtleneck. We will see how this sweater is. I had to order it because I love a great floral print mixed with a sweater! I will write a quick review whenever I receive it.

Jacket  J Crew: Field Jacket (30% off) I may have ordered this gift with my boyfriends' credit card and said it's from him. :) The surprise is gone, I know! This jacket is just so cool and reasonably priced for a J Crew item. I got the mossy brown but this jacket has been all over TV (Modern Family, Twisted, etc...) and fits like a glove (probably because they actually have this in petite!)

Tumbler Vino2Go: Tumbler My last gift is something small and inexpensive but just genius! Wine to go tumblers. As a female in my late 20s, wine is my everything. Red wine to be exact but I'm not too picky. How cute is this gift idea for friends and family? Perfect price and gift for any wine fanatics!

What Farah Wore 12.18.14

Blanket Scarf  Amazon: Blanket Scarf

Sweater  Zara: Basic Cable Knit Sweater (similar)

Vest  Zara: Navy Puffer Vest (similar)

Leggings  Forever 21: Pine Leggings

Boots  BP Shoes: Grey Leather Ankle Boots

What Farah Wore 12.17.14

Shirt  J Crew Factory: Gingham Button Down Shirt

Pants  Zara: Hunter Green Skinny Trousers

Scarf  Blanket Scarf: Hunter Green and Navy

Coat  Zara: Navy Hooded Coat

Shoes  Nine West: Flax Pumps (brown)

My Holiday Party Outfit

After all the hustle and bustle, I never posted my holiday outfit! This may be my favorite outfit I have ever worn. Love a classic black and red combo. I bought a pair of Louboutins in college, which i saved forever for. I am now on a mission to purchase a nude pair. I will tell you this, these are not "go out on the town" shoes. Not very comfortable. I prefer my LK Bennett's for those nights. These are more for a dinner party.

The lace jumpsuit is just fab! I know I have posted this everywhere but as a petite woman, I never find jumpsuits that fit so perfectly! If you want to try a jumpsuit and may be a little scared, this is the jumpsuit for you! The lace detailing is absolutely GORGEOUS on. Highly recommend!!!

Pumps  Christian Louboutin: Simple Pumps

Earrings  Tory Burch: Large Logo Studs

Jumpsuit  Loft: Lacy Black Jumpsuit

Necklace  Tory Burch: Multi Strand Necklace

Lipstick  MAC: Diva

Lipstick  YSL: Le Rouge

What Farah Wore 12.15. 14

Jacket  Forever 21: Tartan Plaid Jacket (similar)

Pants  Lululemon: Wunder Under Pant

Boots  Michael by Michael Kors: Black Riding Boots (similar)

Shirt  J Crew Factory: Tissue Tee

Earrings  Marc by Marc Jacobs: Logo Disc Studs

Pad Thai Saturday!

So I found this amazing Pad Thai Recipe on Bon Appetit. So naturally, my boyfriend and I headed 35 minutes the opposite direction to the Asian Market to get all our ingredients to make this for dinner. It's my first time making Pad Thai but this is an excellent base recipe. We added basil, snow peas, etc.... just because we love extra veggies... and subbed in chicken instead of shrimp. You add more spice like us or just keep it simple! We used chili paste.

Update: We realized we had the Pok Pok Cookbook which we purchased earlier this year during our Memorial Day trip to NYC. There is actually a Pok Pok near the NYU campus which has amazing pad thai and drinking vinegar! (Don't knock it till you try it). If you live around the area or are visiting and enjoy thai food, I highly recommend it! Reasonable price and fantastic food!! We ended up cooking up a Pok Pok Bon Appetit Hybrid recipe.

What Farah Wore 12.12.14

Shirt  J Crew: Boys Plaid Tartan Button Down Shirt  Shoes Nine West: Flax Pump 

Earrings Tory Burch: Small Logo Studs   Vest Zara: Puffer Vest in Navy (similar)

Jeans Hudson: Mid-rise Nico Jeans Watch Michael Kors: 5055 Gold Watch

Purse Tory Burch: Robinson Tote  Lipstick MAC: Diva  

Note: For those who haven't read my petite post, this is an example of how a boys shirt can fit perfectly on a petite frame. It's a little boxy but I suggest wearing a vest, blazer, or tucking it in a skirt. It's hard to find great plaid shirts for females. I think the boys and men sections have a better selection.

What Farah Wore 12.11.14

 Shirt  Loft: Floral Sweatshirt

Pumps  DVF: Fuchsia Pumps (similar)

Pants  J Crew Factory: Winnie Pants

Coat  Zara: Black Quilted Puffer

Scarf  Zara: Camel Scarf (similar)

What Farah Wore 12.10.14

Sweater Hee Grand: Dark Green Oversized Sweater

Boots BP Trolley: Ankle Boots in Grey Suede

Leggings Anthropologie: Fleece Lined Leggings

Necklace  Zara: Rhinestone Necklace

Earrings  Tory Burch: Large Logo Studs

Purse  Tory Burch: Robinson Tote

Turtleneck  Zara: Black Turtleneck Sweater

What Farah Wore 12.9.14

Coat  Forever 21: Leopard Coat
Earrings  Tory Burch: Logo Studs

Shoes  Nine West: Flax Pump
Pants  J Crew Factory: Winnie Pants

Shirt  J Crew Factory: Burgundy Blouse 
Jewelry  J Crew Factory: Necklace

Attention: Petite Ladies!

CORRECTION: Uggs and Hunter - Sz 4 - is the equivalency to a Sz 6 Women

This is a shout out to all my petite readers out there! Everything I share fits my measurement.

(Waist 25 Bust 32C Height 5'1'' Weight 103 LBS Shoe Sz 6)

Certain brands and designers actually have kid sizes and it's the same exact look as the adult. Quality may falter at times but it's really your preference.

Buying high end items like Burberry, etc... I always look at kid sizes because a Sz 14 actually fits me perfectly. I also love great button downs and boys button downs are amazing! They may appear a little "boxy" but I love the boyfriend fit. I wanted to share some items that I like to purchase from the kids section:

1. Ugg Australia: Long Boot
2. Hunter: Kids Rain boot
3. J Crew: Boys Button Down Shirt
4. Burberry: Girls Westbury Quilted Coat
5. Zara: Girls Checked Jacket (Sz 14)
6. Zara: Girl Fur Vest

Some of my favorite brands that carry great kids clothing is: Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Zara and even Target! I got a denim vest from their once which was only $15 versus the $30 adult one. Same quality. Now that's a deal!

I would do some research if you don't fit my measurements to figure out what size corresponds with you. My default is looking at size guides at stores for kids and matching them with my typical size guide for women. Being fashionable doesn't mean you have break the bank!

What Farah Wore 12.8.14

 Sweater  Target: Pullover (similar)

Scarf  Amazon: Plaid Blanket Scarf

Pants  J Crew Factory: Winnie Pants (similar)

Shoes  Nine West: Flax Pumps (Gold)

Earrings  Marc by Marc Jacobs: Logo Disc Studs

Ugly Christmas Sweater Kit!

I love ugly christmas sweaters! They are so much fun to make and I love themed parties. For those who don't have time to get all the materials and need a creative push, the Ugly Sweater Kit is a fantastic idea! I made mine today and can't wait to wear it to my holiday parties.

Basically you will order the kit that comes with a bunch of different pieces... plus glue and a sewing kit. The XS sweater fit me perfectly (I'm 5'1'' and about 102 lbs) so you can gauge what size you need. I added additional gift bows and may get some other garland and stuff later on.

Just remember, it can never be TOO tacky. Go crazy. I'm a perfectionist, so I always want things to be symmetrically perfect... it was hard to go rogue on this.

Holiday Outfits & Red Lips

Holiday Parties are amongst us! My favorite look is really a great black/gold/red/metallic/sequin dress with nice bold red lip! I wanted to share some ideas of dresses and lipstick brands that I love.

These are just the perfect outfit for an office holiday party or a cocktail hour. I actually just purchased the Loft jumpsuit to wear to my boyfriend's holiday party (will take some photos). The detailing is absolutely fabulous!

A lot of these are very traditional but some other ideas I love are great sequin/metallic shorts with tights and booties.... or even a sequin/metallic pencil straight pants with a boxy crop top. Think outside the box.

If you are crunched on time and money, pull out your favorite LBD and pair it with statement jewelry. Remember, black is a canvas. The holidays are one of the few times you can really dress up an outfit and it's never labeled "excessive" or "too much"... it's festive!

1. Lulus: Holiday Black & Taupe Dress
2. Banana Republic: Metallic Black Shift Mini
3. BB Dakota: Rylin Lace Dress
4. Anthropologie: Gilded Leather Pencil Skirt
5. Zara: Sequin Crop Top
6. Loft: Lacy Jumpsuit
7. Asos: Metallic Crop Top & Skirt
8. Mod Cloth: Shimmer Dress
9. Anthropologie: Ruby Sugar Sheath Dress
10. Eliza J: Jacquard Dress

1. YSL: Le Rouge Lipstick
2. Nars: Orange/Red Lipstick
3. Kat Von D: Everlasting Liquid Lipstick (Bright Red)
4. Mac: Diva Lipstick

What Farah Wore 12.5.14

Sweater  Zara: Black Turtleneck  

Pants  Lululemon: Wunder Under

Earrings  Tory Burch: Large Logo Studs  

Vest: Jack by BB Dakota

Shoes (similiar) Frye: Wedge Booties  

Scarf: Zara: Leopard (similiar)

Shoes (similar) H&M: Black Wedge Booties

What Farah Wore 12.4.14

Coat  Forever 21: Leopard Coat
Sweater  Target: Merona Sweater  

Pants  Jcrew Factory: Camel Wool Slacks 
Shoes  Nine West: Flax Pump

Scarf  Zara: Blanket Scarf
Earrings  Tory Burch: Logo Studs

What Farah Wore 12.3.14

Shoes  Sole Society: Red/Black Pumps  Purse  Tory Burch: Robinson Tote

Scarf  Red/Black Blanket Scarf  Earrings  Tory Burch: Logo Studs

Shirt  J Crew: Tissue Long Sleeve  Pant  J Crew Factory: Winnie Pants

Monogram Madness!

I love monogrammed items during the holidays (and in general)! They are so personal and making great gifts for friends and family. Here are some of my favorite monogrammed items. I tried to find reasonably prices items that don't break the bank. A lot of my items are Anthropologie and C Wonder but they really have an excellent inventory!


1. Anthropologie: Limited Edition Gold Mug ($10) not microwave safe but looks so cute with some hot chocolate and marshmallows during the holidays
2. Anthropologie: Homegrown Monogrammed Mug ($8) microwafe safe
3. Anthropologie: Ceramic Letter Hook ($18) great way to hang some of your favorite necklaces
4. C Wonder: Monogrammed Jewelry Box ($78 - 30% off) on the pricier side, but this is such a timeless gift to hold all your favorite jewelry
5. C Wonder: Monogrammed Cheese Board ($28 - $30% off) GREAT wedding gift idea and very affordable.
6. C Wonder: Monogrammed Square Plates ($38 - 30% off) place your everyday jewelry or even entertain with snacks for guests.
7. Kate Spade: Monogrammed Card Set ($25 - 30% off) these are just great for thank you cards and are high quality. I hate flimsy cards that fall apart. These are just so timeless and chic.
8. Williams-Sonoma: Monogrammed Mugs ($9.95) more traditional than the Anthropologie ones but also microwave safe!

What Farah Wore 12.2.14

Earrings  Tory Burch: Large Logo Studs  Snood  BP: Fur Snood

Shoes  Sole Society: Plaid Flats  Jeans  Banana Republic: Ankle Jeans

Sweater  American Eagle: Hunter Green Jegging Sweater

Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas

I love rustic Christmas decor. Even more so, decorating all my presents with a theme. I posted a photo on Instagram with a few of my presents that are already wrapped (see below). I wanted to share with you some photo ideas (courtesy of google.com) highlighting great rustic techniques.

1. I usually go to Target and buy the mailing wrapping paper in brown. It's so durable and a blank canvas. You can really do whatever you want with this. Some ideas: use christmas stamps or paint holiday colored polka dots. 

2. Twine and Burlap. Your local hardware store sells these for cheap... or you can go to Michaels and use their 40% off coupon and purchase some. I use twine to wrap around my gift tags or just for general wrapping.

3. Ribbons! Michaels has a ton of ribbons on sale throughout the holiday. I try to stay within a certain theme (ie rustic this year), so I recommend buying ribbons that go together (ie same color & design family)

4. Wreath Accessories: You know when you go to Michaels and they have all these toppers and accessories for wreaths? Well I just use them as gift toppers! They look so chic and pretty.

5. Plaid and Tartan: I am clearly obsessed with all things plaid and tartan during the fall and winter. Clothing, scarves, and now gift wrapping. I mix and match my brown paper with tartan and plaid. It just ties together so well (especially if you use burlap/twine as your ribbon) Or you can use plaid as a ribbon (whatever you want!)

What Farah Wore 12.1.14

Earrings  Tory Burch: Large Logo Studs  Pants  AE: Cords

Sweater  XXII: Cable Knit  Shoes Nine West: Flax Pumps

Purse  Tory Burch: Robinson Tote