Fall is Here and I Have Blueberry On My Mind: Blue Boots and Jackets, Oxfords and Ankle Socks

I woke up this morning to one of my favorite things, fashion and it inspired me to write before I got on the Bart but alas, I need a minimum of 2 hours to properly produce a post and I just can't fathom waking up at 4am just to type so I am writing to you now... at 8:45 pm.

I recently started a new job and with this new position comes a new dress code so I have been walking the streets of San Francisco seeking out the best street trends and styles that fit my personality in hopes of inspiration in redefining my personal style. My previous job was corporate formal and very conservative, emphasis on VERY.  Patterns and color where shunned and personal style was a no-no. Neutrals only please and make sure they aren't form fitting. Ho hum.

This new position is much more relaxed yet professional offering more creative style to the professional wardrobe. Think street style Brooklyn meets Cupcakes and Cashmere or Vogue "It Girl" style. Everyone in the company, with the exception of a handful, has an extremely great sense of self and style. Where do I begin with my personal statement?

Most of you know that I am in love with fall and look so forward to sweaters, boots, and a great jacket...or three. Today's inspiration came from a piece that Kim wrote and it literally made me jump out of bead with excitement to hop online. I love shoes and jackets and her entire piece was about both!! Why buy anything else, right?

Although I haven't succumbed to the ankle sock fad, I have a soft spot for the loafers an oxfords. I liked the look above with the ankle socks because they almost mirror the look of a two toned boot. I especially like the oxford look here on the right. The femininity of the dress and the color balance of the black neckline balances the bold solid on the feet and brings the looks together well. I found both pictures on tooklookbook.com. What a fabulous page!

So back to the Blueberry inspiration that Kim gave me this morning, check out my recent loves:

Blueberry bliss boots and designer jackets from Salvatore Ferragamo and Burberry. 

Hot Hair Styles for Fall 2011: The Ponytail

The ponytail is a classic, chic way to dress up a look or make it soft and playful. This fall, designers such as Alexander Wang, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and Vera Wang enforced this playful look. You can easily style your hair to match the models on the fall runways in five minutes or less.

Click here to view the inspiration for today's post and close up photos: Harper's Bazzar Fall 2011 Beauty Trend Report

Slick Pony: A slick pony gives you an instant lift and makes you look chic in no time. Add a light mist of hair spray to secure any loose hairs.

• Wear it high towards the crown of your head and wrap a twist of hair around the elastic band.
• Wear it low at the base and add a chic silk ribbon or a headband to the look. 
• Wear it straight back and center wrapping 1/4 of the pony around the elastic band to bring the pony out away from the head.

The Loose and Looped Pony: This look works best on long hair that is not layered. Create a tousled look with soft bouncy curls. Loosely gather your hair at the base of your neck and wrap your elastic hair tie around until slightly tight. Do not pull the pony all the way through on the last wrap. Spread your fingers out on one hand and place them at the top of the crown gently moving your hair back and forth. I have layered hair so this look isn't as ideal for me as the layers tend to fall out, as you can see, so I tucked my ends under at the base of the pony.

Pinned Pony: This look is so elegant and effortless. It is easily accomplished with a few pins and an elastic rubber band. Smooth your hair back into a ponytail. Wrap the elastic band around the pony approximately 2 inches from the base of the neck. Begin by tucking the pony under hair at base of neck and begin to secure with bobby pins.

Sunday Supper: Southern Fare Sweet Cornbread and Buttermilk Chicken

In celebration of family and friends, we gathered 'round the table and shared in some delicious homemade southern fare. Inspired by  Thomas Keller, chef/owner of the French Laundry in Napa Valley and per se in New York City, we made his famous buttermilk fried chicken, buttered mashed potatoes, a hot plate of sweet cornbread and served it with a beautiful bright green salad.


Today's recipe is from his "Ad Hoc at Home" cookbook and is unlike any other friend chicken that I have ever experienced. Hands down it is the BEST recipe EVER. The crisp, simply seasoned batter was bursting with flavor and was fried to perfection. I ate three pieces last night and will be eating more for breakfast with biscuits and eggs. Delish! The book is a wealth of knowledge and offers incredible information, tricks and tips. I suggest that you get the book and read it from cover to cover if you really want to up your kitchen game. Consider it the best education for under $30.

The cornbread was moist and served perfectly golden yellow with local honey butter. Sometimes you just need to follow a recipe and that is exactly what we did this weekend.

The chicken was in brine for 12 hours prior to frying and this folks, is the secret to making your chicken shine. It keeps it juicy and packs it with flavor. ***I would highly advise against skipping this step.


I read an article in a food magazine sometime last fall about Thomas Keller's famous fried chicken and wanted to try it. I recently made a life changing decision that will alter my life for the better and I couldn't be happier. What better way to celebrate than food and wine, right? This caused for a celebration with our closest friends and family in their new home in NORCAL. The process was slow and intimate as the savory aromas filled the room. We shared stories and the latest news; laughter was contagious.  This is what Sunday Supper is meant to be. I would suggest making the brine two days ahead of time to make things easier.

We started off with a local brew from Petaluma, CA called Lagunitas IPA. Then we moved onto a white from Palmaz Vineyard "Amalia" Napa Valley Chardonnay and had a little 2009 Carneros pinot in between from Artessa. Our chicken was paired with a 2007 Chimmney Rock SLV Cabernet and 2007 Rubicon Estates Cabernet.

What You Will Need
Ad Hoc's Chicken Brine:
This is enough for ten pounds of chicken. I assume that many of you will not be using 10 lbs. of chicken so modify accordingly.
5 lemons, halved
24 bay leaves
1 bunch (4 oz.) flat-leaf parsley
1 bunch (1 oz.) thyme
1/2 cup clover honey
1 head of garlic, halved through the equator
1/4 cup black peppercorns
2 c. (10 oz.) Diamond Crystal kosher salt (if using another brand, use exactly 10 oz.)
2 gallons of water

Ad-Hoc's Buttermilk Fried Chicken
2 whole chickens broken down or a bunch of skin on thighs and legs. I am a drummy girl so I went this route.
Peanut or Canola Oil for frying
1 quart buttermilk
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Coating ingredients: 
6 c. AP flour
1/4 c. garlic powdwer
1/4 c. onion powder
1 T. plus 1 t. paprika
1 T. plus 1 t. cayenne
1 T. plus 1 t. kosher salt
1 t. freshly ground pepper

Paula Dean's Corn Bread
1 c. self rising corn meal
1/2 c. self rising flour
3/4 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
2 T. Oil

What To Do:

For the Brine: Combine all ingredients in a large pot on the stove. Cover and bring to a boil. Boil for one minute to dissolve the salt. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely. Chill before using. Your brine can be refrigerated up to three days before.

To Brine the Chicken: In a large container, pour the brine, add the chicken and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. If you go longer than 12, your chicken will become too salty so don't forget to remove it promptly.

Bake The Cornbread: I like the cornbread to be served warm so time accordingly if that is your preference as well; it only takes 20-25 minutes to bake. Combine all ingredients above into a bowl. Pour into a shallow greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees.

To Fry the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the brine and rinse under cold water ensuring that you remove any and all spices stuck to the skin. Discard of the brine. Prepare a large plate or tray lined with paper towel and place pieces on tray and pat dry. Allow to air dry and rest at room temp for 1.5 hours or until it comes to room temp.

Fill your frying pot with 2-3 inches of peanut oil and bring to 320 degrees. DO NOT fill your pan higher than 1/3 of the way full. Prepare two pans: one lined with parchment and one with a cooling rack. Combine all of the  coating ingredients listed above in a bowl. In a similar size bowl, pour in the buttermilk and set near the pan lined with the parchment paper.

Your chicken should be room temp before beginning this process. Coat chicken in flour/spice mixture. Dip into the buttermilk and then re-coat with the flour mixture. Place breaded chicken pieces on the parchment paper until ready to fry. When oil is ready, slowly add the breaded pieces to the oil and cook for approximately 12 minutes. Place chicken pieces on the cooling rack skin side up.

***The importance of skin side up: This allows for the oil to drain out and not become trapped in the skin. This will keep your chicken extra crispy!

Garnish the fried chicken with fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs and place on a large platter to serve family style.  We served this with a beautiful salad and delicious mashed potatoes. We drank wine and shared conversation under the Northern California stars. This is what life is about.

xoxo Cyn

Fashion Friday: Kimberlee's Pick of The Week- Topshop

If Beyonce Knowles can drop over $10K in one 90 minute shopping trip with Topshop, they must be doing something right.  According to the Huffington Post, in July 2011, the supercharged fashionable princess of pop did just that.  I must confess that story made me do a serious double take that bumped this retailer up to the top of my “must shop” list.

Being in the unfortunate geographical bind that lands me right in the middle of nowhere near a Top shop location (current locations are in New York and Europe, with a new flagship store coming to Las Vegas), I must confess that based on the price points alone, I’d never really had much desire to make the leap and pay shipping charges to order myself pieces of wardrobe that appeared at first glance to be absolutely no different than something I could find at my local Forever 21. And then, just like that, their credibility shot through the roof and I was ready to max out my credit cards…sight unseen.  Thankfully, though, I talked myself down from leaping eagerly off the ledge feet first and instead purchased only one item to get a feel for the entire Topshop experience.  I’m in retail love.

My shopping forecast has switched over from sunny with a chance of clouds, to cool and breezy with a chance of fall on the horizon, so I opted for a piece that will take me straight from early fall through winter and into early spring.  Now is the time for investment pieces.  I don’t shop as OFTEN as it gets cooler, so I must really love the items I purchase.  I chose a suede, high-waisted A line skirt with an exposed snap front closure.  I chose it for its clean line, neutral cognac hue with peachy undertones, and the mere fact that it was originally $110, and was now on CLEARANCE for $20.  Seriously people, $20.  And did I mention that they were, and still are, offering FREE SHIPPING on any order?  Yep, no kidding.  I made my purchase and received my skirt within 4 days, and when it arrived I gasped a little.  The stitching and seams on this 100% leather piece of heaven are perfectly sewn, the fit is beyond flattering, and it is definitely exactly what I hoped for.   Not a flaw to be seen, LOVE.  With over the knee boots coming back this fall, you better believe I will be pairing this magical little find with a pair of kick butt thigh grazing boots and an oversized chunky sweater to welcome the cooler months with an open arm hug.

So if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to give Beyonce a noteworthy run for her money…I’ve got some Topshop-ping to do!

Xoxo,
Kimberlee

Top 10 Interview Questions: Be Prepared and Confident

I recently decided to part ways with the company that I had been working with for the past four years and seek out a company that has a stronger e-commerce sector and direct marketing program. I have been applying for various positions and have informational interviews and phone interviews lined up. What will they ask me?

I turned to the career advice section in Monster.com  to find out the top 10 questions that are asked during an interview. Most of them I expected but was surprised by number ten. You will also find that there are links within that will lead you to some interesting and helpful articles. Here is what they said:

1. What Are Your Weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful."

2. Why Should We Hire You?
Summarize your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team."

3. Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices."

4. What Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility."

5. Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?
If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me."
If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience."

6. When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me."

7. What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."

8. What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?
It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."

9. What Salary Are You Seeking?
It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?"

10. If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?

Related Articles:
Are You Getting Paid What You Are Worth? Salary Calculators
First Impressions: Dress For Success When Interviewing
Fashion Mash-Up: How To Start A Business In Fashion
Build Your Social and Professional Networks To Get The Job You Want
Build Your Brand Today In Four Easy Steps 
Brand Management: Tips On Making Yourself Marketable 
The Power of a Social Connection

Fashion Friday: San Francisco Fashion Week Mid Week Recap!

Appropriately titled "A New Beginning", San Francisco's Fashion Week is in full swing. Workshops, networking, new products, parties and more were just the beginning of what is to come. This weekend there are three runway shows and I am excited to see what they have to offer.

Monday was SFFAMA's and Wix.com's opening party and everyone looked smashing! Style is so personal and everyone rocked a signature look and made waves throughout the room. Here's a glance of my favorite looks thanks to SFFAMA.

Wednesday I stopped by the Fashion Bloggers Connect and Trunk Show to see the ever fabulous Mira Torres-Montalvo of the Beauty Bohemian, my new friends Alison Messinger of Eclectic ala Mode and Amy Gilmer of Eliza Louise. I did not get to spend any extra time with Graphic Designer Molly Covert of Rabbitfoot Fern Design; however, she offered me extensive knowledge on the panel and is an incredible resource. I hope to reconnect with them all soon!

Left to right: Mira, Allison, Brad, Molly and Amy. Photo compliments of Mira

Left to right: Mira, Allison, Molly, and Amy. Photo compliments to Jess of The Stylepint 

***Are you petite? Check out the Styling Series for tips dressing for your body type.

More to come! 
The fun doesn't stop there. This weekend is runway after runway and I hope to see Sunday nights show. Check out the schedule below. 

• 08/12 - Runway # 1, Emerging, Madrone Studios, Dress Code Enforced, 6-9 pm, Buy Tix Online, Tickets Are Very Limited
  
• 08/13 - Runway # 2, Ready To Wear, Madrone Studios, Dress Code Enforced, 6-9pm, Buy Tix Online, Tickets Are Very Limited
  
• 08/14 - Runway # 3, Couture/Avant Garde, Madrone Studios, Dress Code Enforced, 6-9pm, Buy Tix Online, Tickets Are Very Limited

Lipstick, Lashes and Love…The Ladies of Papillon Beauty

I can not begin to describe the feeling of inner beauty and self assurance that I feel when I step into a room after having my hair, make-up and eyelashes done. One of my favorite pastimes as a little girl was dress up. Why? Because I witnessed a transformation from the what I knew as warm and familiar to powerful and chic.  I would not only see but feel the elegance of our mothers and grandmothers shine through when they slipped into a gorgeous gown and applied that final coat of beautifully bold red lipstick as they grabbed their fur and headed for the door. The scent of Chanel Number 5 lingered in the air as I yearned for the day that I too could feel as glamorous as they looked and felt in that very moment. 

Kimberlee had the honor of spending an afternoon with the beautiful and talented Make-Up Artist  Barb Zanzig of Papillon Beauty embracing the artistry of the craft. She experienced the magic and couldn't wait to share it with you. She explored their atmosphere and intellect to find out the root of their passion and why they do what they do. Here is her story...


Lipstick, lashes and love…the ladies of Papillon Beauty

Beauty is individual, it is personal, and it is evoked from within the soul. When you allow your outside to match your inside, beauty is awakened and your spirit becomes alive. Creating that complete feeling of love and beauty is a sincere passion within Papillon’s very core and places them in a blissful paradise far apart from the average superficially charged studio in the beauty industry.

An evening so beautiful that a dream was created. Barb Zanzig and her magical brushes created a masterpiece on my face right there in the middle of a tranquil space filled with love, positive energy, and a conversation about why we share a mutual love for giving women the power to feel their unique and personal beauty. I’m a fashion girl, and I’ve certainly been painted before, but never like this. I’ve been fluffed, brushed, dusted and glimmered from forehead to neckline countless times and never ever
have I walked away FEELING like a princess, not even on my wedding day. I didn’t even know that was possible from a layer of eye shadow and a kiss of lipstick. 

Barb spoke to me in her sweet and endearing voice, smiled at me and reassured me as I felt vulnerably naked without my “face” on sitting in her chair discussing what she would be doing, and lifted my spirit and inner peace as we giggled and played dress up in layers of color. 

Barb is more than an expert; she is a master of her trade. She is an artist to the core, having begun her love of beauty when she was just a child drawing highlights in Barbie’s hair on the pages of her coloring book and taking it all the way from the counter of Estee Lauder to the expert powers of MAC Cosmetics for almost 10 years painting the faces of everyone from brides to runway models, and all of the in between canvases before branching out on her own. 

A trained esthetician, Barb has studied with the prestigious Aveda Institute and created beauty on faces gracing the runways of such events as the internationally renowned Macy’s Glamorama event. With over 15 years of experience in decorating the world with the color of her creativity, Barb is a phenomenal person with a tremendous amount of beautiful talent to match. Madison, WI is blessed to have such a talent within its community.

When I met with Barb for my beauty experience, I gave her complete creative control over the look of my face. In the presence of greatness, it was an honor to wear her masterpiece…which is exactly what she created for me. I sat in her chair without a drop of color on my skin feeling vulnerable and self conscious, and 45 minutes later I emerged a princess with shimmering hues and a warmth in my heart that kept me smiling until I fell asleep on my pillow 10 hours later…and I confess that after a night on the town with my husband, I did NOT wash my makeup off until morning and my eye makeup was still perfectly in place. In fact, I actually wore the same eye makeup on the second day with a fresh application of foundation. Stunning. The lights were beautiful and twinkling, not blaring in my face.

The voices were soft, and being an appointment only salon there were no onlookers gawking at my process mid completion which has inevitably been true of every past experience I’ve known in having my makeup applied. Papillon does not sell makeup, so there is no pushy pitch to replace my entire collection as associated with most retail makeup artists, and the ladies of Papillon will even work with your very own personal supply if you are in love with the products you currently use. Show me how to get gorgeous with MY makeup? Yes please, sign me up. Anyone with me? No, seriously.

Makeup application is not and SHOULD NOT be reserved for celebrities and runway models; beauty is not measured against the pages of Vogue. Looking as beautiful as you feel is a power that every woman can empower themselves with to make every day feel as beautiful as possible. Makeup is fun, creative and enhancing to the beauty that already lies within you. Taking advantage of the expert knowledge and masterful skill that these experts are willing to share is a priceless experience that will last far beyond your time at their hand. The experience is invaluable, rejuvenating and something that every woman should allow themselves the pleasure of taking part in. I am impressed, in love and a lifetime follower of the lipstick, lashes and love created at Papillon beauty.

Xoxo,

Kimberlee

Who…makes you feel beautiful:

Barb Zanzig, master makeup artist extraordinaire

 

Amy Dickerson: Papillon owner, Xtreme Lashes expert stylist and trainer, esthetician, and makeup artist 

 Denise Pederson: esthetician and certified Xtreme Lashes stylist

What…they do:
The services offered by Papillon Beauty include professional makeup artistry, individual and group glamour training sessions, special occasion glamour parties, spa treatments for the mind and body,
customized facials, waxing services, Xtreme Lashes applications and training.

When…they offer their expertise:
Beauty and spa services are available at Papillon Beauty by appointment only, and Xtreme Lashes 2 day training programs are conducted by schedule throughout the year.

Where…the beauty is created:
Beauty and spa services, trainings, and Xtreme Lashes applications and trainings are created at their beautiful Middleton, WI suite and makeup is available in house and on location by request.