Freezing French Girl

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Top-Vintage $1, Sweater-Michael Stars via thrift, Skirt-Vintage, Shoes-Dolce Vita c/o Farfetch.com, Bag-American Apparel, Beret-VeronicaM
Still can't figure out this weather. I suppose it's all about layers. I wish I had popped on tights this particular day though, because my legs were freezing. Layering my favorite vintage $1 button-up top under this Michael Stars cashmere, kept the rest of me warm, however. And these comfy shoes (last worn here), kept my steppin' light!

I just realized that everything I'm wearing here, sans accessories, is all thrifted. Proving my point, once again, that if you mix good shoes and other designer bits in with thrift and vintage, you can have a killer wardrobe on a dime (and much more interesting too!)!

Hope you're having a great week so far. Happy Hump Day!

Best Banana Bread EVER.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

This recipe is in serious rotation in our house. The ingredients are pure, the method simple. 
It's perfect.
You just need to start off with the ripest bananas you have. Buy a bunch to eat, and there will always be some left over for this purpose - the riper, the better.
Melted butter and eggs...
Whirl it up. If you don't have a mixer, that's fine. I use mine for everything, but this recipe really doesn't need it.

Add in flour and sugar and rest of ingredients...
Pour it into a buttered pan.
And get ready for the best banana bread of your life.
When it's just me and Stella, I cut down the sugar and keep it simple. She calls it "nana cake" and eats it up. I also  save a little batter to make into mini muffins for her.
At the hubs request, I often add in chocolate chips. The mini ones work so well!
 
INGREDIENTS
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup) I like to use brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

Bake for one hour at 350°F 

Enjoy!

Sunday Finds + Warm weather hippie chic!

Monday, November 28, 2011

The extended weekend really did some goodness for my soul. Long hours of lounging and laughing with my loves, family in town I rarely get to see, and sunshine-y warm Cali weather that could rival some summer months! So I decided to give my beloved $1 hippie jeans (last worn here) and a recent vintage blouse find another go-round, topped off with a fishtail braid and platform clogs to boot! 

I also had the chance to sneak away for some thrift shopping, where I helped style my sis and her girlfriend with some stellar gems I spotted for them. Here's what I found for me...

Liz Claiborne 100% silk postcard shirt. It was around $3 bucks and I'm utterly in love with it! I'll wear it buttoned to the top, tucked into a pencil skirt or fitted, wide-leg trousers.
 Cute, right?

These amazing high-waisted wool pants - $1!
The best part is the unique way they button at the top.
Hope you had a relaxing, good-for-the-soul time too. Did anyone score any killer Black Friday deals?

Secret Santa Shopping + Giveaway Winners Announced!

Friday, November 25, 2011

How many of you are involved in a Secret Santa gift exchange this year? I always find myself involved in at least one. (There are 7 kids in my family and we've been drawing names since childhood.) Plus, while the money cap is usually easy on the wallet, it's never quite as easy to find the perfect gift. So, I've gathered a few choices for you, all under $35.
  1. Fringe Sweater Cardigan - Forever 21 $24.90
  2. Teasing Brush  - Drugstore.com $16
  3. N.Peal Cashmere Gloves - on sale at The Outnet $34.18
  4. Ribbed Over The Knee Socks - American Apparel $13
  5. Menta Lip Shine  - Bath & Body Works $7.50
  6. Pavé Feather Drop Earrings - Piperlime $24.00
  7. The Little Dictionary of Fashion - Calypso St. Barth - $19.95

(And NOW)
Winners Announced!
Congratulations... 

Moira Cain - You're the winner of the autographed Mary McDonald book Interiors, and Noa - You're the winner of the Black Halo candle and scarf via Hip'tique! (There's a second winner on Facebook! Click here to find out!)

Contest still open to win WEN Cleansing Conditioner! Enter here!

Happy Black Friday, loves. Try not to get trampled.  xx

Make a wish... what are you grateful for?

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Well, it's official. The holidays are upon us. Let the beautiful insanity begin! Amongst all the hustle and bustle and recent work schedule that's gotten even busier for me, I wanted to sit down, slow down, (if only for a moment!) and share what I am most grateful for this year.

Cuddles in the morning and kisses goodbye, that always return with a warm welcome home.

The realization that no matter what happens, I'll be be alright ~ because I have love in my life.

The sweet way (and sometimes not so sweet way) my little girl is learning to express her individuality. 

The amazing people I have collaborated with in so many creative ways ~ my lovely Noa B. from Secondhand Star, Jay Krift, Brian Carroll & Laura Lee at Calypso St. Barth, and as always, my talented sisters. You inspire me!

This platform of November Grey that has opened up so many opportunities for me. I promise to keep growing and going, with the support of my loyal friends. (That means you! Thank you!)

I'm grateful that I've escaped the stress of hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, that I get to relax and watch my baby sister rock and roll. (I am, however, making my famous cheeseball - see recipe here!)

And last but not least,  I'm grateful for good shoes. If you have those, ladies - you can rule the world. 

Happy Thanksgiving!
{Hope it's Joyous and Fabulous too!}

*Dress redesigned by Secondhand Star. Visit our Etsy store here!

Giveaway! Black Halo Scarf & Candle (closed)

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Hi friends! I told you I'd have another fun giveaway this week! Did you happen to see this post here on Hip'tique + Laurel Berman for Black Halo event coverage? I enlisted some help to choose between two truly divine dresses by Black Halo:
 Hanna Mini ~ vs ~ Jackie O'

We've gotten so many good responses via FB, that I wanted to open up the giveaway to my lovely blog followers too! {For those of you who voted on Facebook, your entry is already submitted in a separate contest! Yes, two chances to win...(!)}

A Sexy Scented Candle + Exclusive Black Halo scarf!
Courtesy of Hip'tique!

The rules are simple:
  • You must be a follower of November Grey ~ (if you are already a follower, let me know!)
  • "Like" Hip'tique on Facebook (click here ) then comment back here that you did so.
  • For an extra entry {in a separate comment} cast your vote for which dress you like best!
Open to international submissions
Contest ends 11/24/11 at 11:59pm PST
Winner will be drawn randomly & announced on "Black Friday" 11/25/11

Layered Black

Monday, November 21, 2011

I've been trying to look at my closet in a different way lately. I always pack my clothes away by season (a product of not having enough closet space) and this keeps me super organized. But I held on to several dresses this time around, to think of as layering pieces.
I'm pretty sure tights and a black turtleneck can make anything work this time of year!
 Dress - LaROK (old), Heels - Vince Camuto Moma's, Trench - Bebe
Side note ~ It's finally starting to feel like winter here in good ol' Southern California, and not much else makes me happy in this kind of way. A prelude to the holidays, my birthday, reasons to celebrate so much in my life, all snuggled up and surrounded by people I love. The best damn time of the year. Hope you're enjoying it too!

Vintage Skirt + Delicious Cashmere Sweater + Band Jacket

Friday, November 18, 2011

Earrings c/o Momo's March, Pearls - heirloom from Mother-in-Law, Ring - Forever 21, Shoes - Kensie Girl

The last time I wore this vintage skirt (here) I was trying to trick my Mexican boho top into being more sophisticated. This time around, a belted cashmere just seemed right. I love the sleeves on this one, it's so cozy winter appropriate. I threw on my old Forever 21 Band Jacket, inspired by this fabulous lady here.

Have you guys started holiday shopping yet? I'm starting an online list at Pinterest (here) to keep track of ideas (and my own wishes!

I'm also hosting some giveaways that would make fabulous gifts. So hurry up and enter! Win some hair product here and an interior design book here! Next week - candles and scarves. 

Mary McDonald book signing "Interiors" + Calypso St Barth

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Calypso St. Barth hosted an elegant evening with Interior Designer Mary McDonald last week, for a signing of her gorgeous book Interiors. I was lucky enough to cover the event, meet her myself, and be in on all of the fun!
If you haven't seen her on the hit Bravo TV show "Million Dollar Decorators" you really must. She truly is that striking and charming in person. 
Tanya Dempsey and Mary McDonald
There was enough music and bubbly to go around, and the circling of eager guests, just waiting to get an autograph from the woman of the hour, was definitely a sight to behold! You should do yourself a favor and take an afternoon to savor this book. You'll be transported into loveliness.
Speaking of loveliness, did I mention the backdrop was that of the breathtaking beauty of Calypso St Barth in Brentwood, CA?  
Take one peek, online (here!) or in one of the stores, and you're bound to fall in love.
Some gorgeous taste-makers and fashionable elite stopped by to support and do some shopping.
Including some friendly new faces from another recent and fabulous event. (Did you see the Hip'tique + Black Halo coverage here?)
I must admit, the night was a little more fun for me, just having a reason to swish around in this dress! The Calypso Lola Paillatte dress is a perfect party frock! (Find it here!)

How would you like to get your hands on an autographed copy of Mary's book Interiors? Enter below!

To be eligible for drawing: (Sorry, this contest is closed)
  • You must be a follower of November Grey via google friend connect or bloglovin' ~ (if you are already a follower, let me know!)
  •  "Like" Calypso Home Brentwood on Facebook (Click here!) and comment back here that you did so.
Open to international submissions
Contest ends 11/25/11 at 10pm PST
Winner will be drawn randomly & announced by 12/1/11