Precipitation may Vary

Sometimes all it takes to turn a rainy, hectic day around is a great lunch date.

This is exactly what happened when my friend Nicole and I caught up over lunch at Magnolia Bistro. After a heaping plate of Huevos Con Diablo (my favorite) and lots of laughter I managed to talk Nicole into photographing and guest staring in another lunch date outfit post!

The last time Nicole appeared in a Wore Out outfit post it was snowing, so it seemed fitting that when we met for lunch this week it poured rain. On Nicole:  Cardigan, Dress, & Flats: Target, Necklace: Lia Sophia.

I love the navy and mustard color combination Nicole is wearing. Both  colors are bright and bold while being somewhat neutral striking a complimentary balance. Nicole’s outfit is effortlessly chic and perfect for transitioning from a day at the office to post work drinks with the girls.

Trench Coat: Forever 21, Shirt Dress: The Clothes Exchange Pop-up Shop, Belt (taken from H&M tunic), Speckled Ring: Kohl’s, Wellies: Dick’s, Earrings: Savannah, GA

When I found this pinstriped shirt dress at The Clothes Exchange I somewhat confused. There were two, belt sized holes through either side of the dress but no belt. After trying various techniques I decided my best option was to put the middle of the belt around my back and feed the ends of the belt through the dress, crossing them in front and tying them in bow. I ended up liking the gathered look that resulted but plan on experimenting more with other belt/ruching options. Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated!

What new colors and/or pieces are you experimenting with this spring?

Fruity Pear Pots

My fruity pear pot recipe is loosely based off of an “Oriental Pears” recipe I found in the rocking early 80′s cookbook, Great Meals in Minutes – Pasta Menus. We have a whole set of these gems and while the 80′s food styling is clearly out of control I’ve found some great recipes including this one and a creamy yogurt pesto that I’ll be sharing with you soon!

Fruity Pear Pots. You will need: one firm pear, 1/4 cup fresh or frozen berries (roughly), one teaspoon complimentary liquor, & 2 toothpicks (per serving)

- cut the top off each pear an inch below the stem, keeping the stem on, set aside - core out each pear (I used a strawberry huller but a melon baller or sturdy teaspoon would work too,) try not to cut/pierce through the bottom of the pear 

- fill each pear with berries (we used Wyman’s frozen mixed berries) and top with one teaspoon of liquor (we had amaretto and it came out deliciously but I bet a blackberry cordial or brandy would be delicious as well)

- place the top back on each pear, using toothpicks to hold it place

-  put the pears in a glass baking dish (I used pyrex Tupperware) and place them on a rack (I used my steaming basket) above an inch and a half of boiling water in a covered pot for 10 – 12 minutes or until tender.*

*for  softer, moister pears add a cup of water to the glass baking dish before placing in the covered pot

- carefully remove the pear from pot (the pears will be extremely hot) and enjoy as is or add a dollop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt with chopped walnuts for a fresh and light dessert that’s sure to leave the palette pleased.

what recipes have you been testing out lately?

All photos taken with instagram. To see more follow me (@woreout)!

Navy & Gold Maxi

Sunglasses: Dollar Store, Scarf & Sweater: Downtown Threads, Necklace: Gifted, Jean Jacket: TJ Maxx, Maxi Dress: Forever 21, Leopard Flats: TargetCasual spring layers at their most comfortable. A jersey maxi dress, a baby soft knit top, fun flats, and a trusty cropped denim jacket make for an outfit that’s as stylish as it is simple. Toss a denim jacket and bold scarf on over a solid maxi dress for an easy breezy spring look that’s great for running errands or a grabbing a brunch with the girls.

what spring staples are you already wearing out?

A Leopard in the Park

Dollar Store Sunnies, Leather Skirt & Silk Blouse: Downtown Threads, Gifted Necklace, Dollhouse Pumps: TJ Maxx, Ring: Montreal St VendorThis outfit looked better in my head than in real life. A trial run per say. I don’t think I’d mix the olive leather pencil skirt and leopard blouse again. The fabrics weighed each other down more than I expected. I think if I had worn a different skirt, maybe this mustard pencil skirt,  it would have given this look a brighter, more springy feel.

What spring time brights have you been playing with lately? 

Five Song Friday

The weekend is so close I can almost taste it! Here are five songs that are helping me power through my work day while getting me excited for the weekend!

Soul Coughing – “Circles”

Walk off the Earth – “Man Down” (Rihanna Cover)

Johnny Cash – “Cocaine Blues”

Citizen Cope – “Son’s Gonna Rise”

Stevie Nicks – “Wild Heart”

What music is powering your day?

Old World Charm in Old Montreal

Sunnies: Dollar Store (at this point the cost per ware is less than a nickle), Scarf: Gifted, Trench: Forever 21, Button Up: Talbot’s (via Goodwill), Chiffon Maxi Skirt: American Apparel, Leopard Flats: TargetMontreal proved to be the perfect day trip and leopard print flats, a lightweight trench coat, classic Talbot’s stripes, and a semi sheer maxi proved to be the perfect outfit. It was comfortable enough to walk around the city in all day and when I traded the scarf for a statement necklace it was the perfect outfit for a romantic dinner.

We hadn’t even been in line 5 minutes before we got a table in Jardin Nelson’s gorgeous courtyard where a wonderful Jazz band was performing. They provided the perfect soundtrack for sipping cocktail al fresco and enjoying a delicious dinner for two.

 I didn’t take any photos (it was a romantic dinner after all) but there are some beautiful ones on Jardin Nelson’s website. I highly recommend their mojito and duck leg confit; both are lip smacking good.

What’s your favorite day trip location? What day trips are you taking/planning on taking this summer?  

What’s New Pussy Cat

Sunglasses: Dollar Store, Dress: H&M, Pumps: Steve Madden

Saturday D and I spent the day in Montreal and since Burlington is less than 100 miles from this cosmopolitan Canadian city it makes a perfect day trip. While we were there I popped into H&M and this colorful cut-out dress was one of my purchases. I am such a cat lady at heart I couldn’t resist when I saw the dresses print. Some of the cats have different colored heads and tails, giving them a certain Frankenstein vibe.

I wore this with fun feline frock to work and out to lunch with friends. When I was in the office I had a black blazer on but it was such a nice day that I shed it as soon as I stepped outside. I love Burlington this time of year. There’s always something going on: the farmer’s market on the weekends, the annual Church Street Sidewalk Sale, tons of concerts on the waterfront, and of course Brewfest.

what summer fun are you looking forward too?

Raiders of the Lost Yard

Hat: Downtown Threads, Blazer & Chambray Button Up: Goodwill, Sweater: Bass, Leggings: Target, Bag: Gift from Lyndsey of Chicesque, Frye Boots, Speckled Ring: Kohl’s, Dollar Store SunniesAccording to D I look just like Indiana Jones in this outfit. We did watch Raiders of the Lost Arc the night before last, so there’s a chance I subconsciously channeled  Indy’s style as I got dressed. Regardless of the resemblance (or lack thereof) I took the comparison as a compliment; after all Indy had that sexy, slightly mused professor thing working for him. I guess I’ll have to get a whip to complete the look…

Speaking of whips… have you read Fifty Shade of Grey? It literally is the book everyone is talking about and I am totally sucked in. Yes, sometimes the err… erotic storyline makes me blush but I can’t put it down. I’m halfway through the second book and when I finish it, I know I’ll immediately get my hands on the third.  It’s addictive, dangerously addictive.

what books have you enthralled? what action hero’s style have you been channeling lately? 

Weekend Snapshots

Sparkly Jeffery Campbell oxfords, up for grabs at The Clothes Exchangemy new favorite shade, stormy pinksocks stolen from a Virgin Atlantic flight that make me smilecasual, comfortable, and colorful weekend wearclassic converse high tops in the perfect shade of purplespicy and sweet curry made with love

what “little things” made your weekend wonderful?

Equestrian Chic; Women in the Saddle

Last year 23-year-old jockey Rosie Napravnik became the sixth female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby.  While she didn’t make it to the winner’s circle Napravnik finished 9th, the best finish for a female jockey in the history of the derby.

While Napravnik isn’t riding in this year’s Kentucky Derby (no female jockey is) here are a few photos of some stylish ladies who take equestrian chic to a whole new level.

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Which lady do you think wore it best? How are you celebrating Derby Day?