Ms. S&C is at a loss. She bought this super awesome lace dress from Banana Republic for a special occasion next month, but has no idea what shoes to wear with it. Black? Dark brown? Chunky heel? Sleek pump? Given the 1920’s-inspired style, maybe something vintage-y? T-strap? (The shoes on the model are not an option, by the way.)
Advice, please!
posted by Ms. S&C
You’ve got an abundance of basil in your garden. Your farmer’s market still has cucumbers. You’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer produce. You’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer itself. And you want a cocktail.
We give you the cucumber basil gimlet.
This refreshing summer beverage was adapted from a recipe found over at What’s Gaby Cooking (but originally inspired by a Miss Mojito post from a few years back). Gaby probably had some time to think about, and plan for, her preparation of this cocktail. Ms. S&C’s preparation was a little last minute, and she didn’t have the patience for simple-syrup-making and pureed-cucumber-straining. So, her adaptation went something like this. (With more time, she would recommend the simple syrup making and cucumber puree straining.)
Ingredients:
Directions (for one cocktail):
Peel cucumber, slice and puree until finely chopped. Fill glass with spoonful of pureed cucumber, 7 or so basil leaves, a squirt of agave nectar, juice of half a lime, and then muddle. Fill glass with ice, add an once and a half of gin and stir well (or preferably, transfer to a cocktail shaker to mix). Garnish with a cucumber wheel and sprig of fresh basil.
As a bonus: maybe you’ve got some extra tomatoes. Maybe that arugula became the bumper crop you never expected. Pick up some pre-made naan, whip up some arugula pesto, and top with whatever is around (maybe some parmigiano-reggiano, maybe some goat cheese, and maybe fresh basil). And perfetto! Summer ingredients at their best.
posted by Ms. S&C
What else is on the fall favorites list you wonder? Dresses! Flattering, comfortable, and versatile dresses. Garnet Hill’s Winnah Dress is a great example. It can be worn day or night. Made from jersey cotton, it is comfortable. And that twisted wrap-around-the-waist thingy make it is super flattering.
Garnet Hill also has a number of vintage looks that have caught Ms. S&C’s eye. The burnt orange floral dress is one of them. Or, the full skirt in the same print. Both can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with riding boots (like these already in Ms. S&C’s closet).
J.Crew is a spot where old school meets new school. This corduroy dress is an updated version of a classic. And we love updated versions of classics over here at S&C.
Ms. S&C wants to know: don’t be shy — what are some of your fall favorites?
posted by Ms. S&C
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged fall 2011, garnet hill, j.crew, S&C outfits, S&C wish list, vintage looks
Shoes & Cocktails 