Ebb and Flow

Apologies are in order for the radio silence over here! I haven't been feeling especially sartorially inspired lately. This happens to me from time to time, and it always passes eventually! In the meantime, I'll try to avoid being a complete bore.

Top: Vintage

Shorts: Levi's

Shoes: Sam Edelman 

Vinyl Vednesday, Volume 23

Vol. 23

The Record: Beta Band, The Three E.P.'s

The Refreshment: Dirty Vodka Martini

I wasn't familiar with this band or record, so cocktail inspiration didn't come easily. After scanning the track list, "Dry the Rain" caught my eye and got me thinking about dry drinks. Rather than inventing something, I went with a vodka martini. Though I'm not a big fan, it's definitely a good drink to have in your cocktail arsenal. 

Dirty Vodka Martini

Shake the following with ice: 2 oz of chilled vodka (or gin), a dash of chilled Dry Dolin Vermouth* and a dash of olive juice. Don't be lazy with the shaking...you want it to be ice cold. Pour, add olives and enjoy!

*A friend of mine taught me that high quality, chilled vermouth is essential for a good martini. 

Dreamsicle

This ruffled orange romper is a summertime treat! So easy to throw on and go for a warm evening out, it feels a little dressy but still totally carefree. 

Romper: Topshop, courtesy of Nordstrom
Shoes: Sam Edelman

Vinyl Vednesday, Volume 22

Vol. 22

The Record: Real Estate, Days

The Refreshment: Coconut Jalapeño Margarita with Smoked Salt Rim

This record ended up being a bit too mellow for a close listen in my opinion. It makes beautiful background music and has a couple really special, standout tracks though. The hazy, beachy tone inspired a summery cocktail with a bit of kick. See the recipe below!

Coconut Jalapeño Margarita with Smoked Salt Rim

Rim a glass with smoked salt. Shake the following with ice: 1.5 oz jalapeno tequila*, 1.5 oz unsweetened coconut milk, 1.5 oz tripel sec and 1 oz lime juice. Pour and enjoy!

*This is super easy to make. Just slice up some fresh jalapenos and let them soak in a jar of tequila. Be careful -- it gets really hot really fast! I would recommend testing it after a few hours.

Perfect Piece

These pants are magical. They make a stylish statement, and they feel like wearing pajamas! If only all my clothing could fit into this category.

Top: H&M
Pants: Thrifted
Shoes: Sam Edelman

Bubblegum

When I spied this cute confection of a top, I was not supposed to be shopping! I was actually being good and returning a recent purchase. Despite my attempts to wear blinders as I marched past the racks, resistance proved to be futile. As soon as I saw the rosy color and sweet scallops, it was a done deal. My guilt has since subsided, though, because I wear it all the time!

Top: Marshall's
Jeans: Cheap Monday
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Necklace: Vintage

Vinyl Vednesday, Volume 21

Vol. 21

The Record: Guided by Voices, Mag Earwhig!

The Refreshment: Bomb in the Bee-Hive

For this week's drink inspiration, I looked to the track listing of the record and immediately honed in on "Bomb in the Bee-Hive." Not only do I love bees, it also sounded like a proper cocktail name. Here's the recipe, followed by an amended version that I recommend!

Bomb in the Bee-hive
Muddle a shot of rye whiskey with a dribble of honey and a couple of orange wedges. Add ice and fill the glass with soda water. Top with several dashes of bitters. Stir and enjoy!

While this version was yummy, I realized I much prefer this combination of ingredients as an Old Fashioned-style sipping beverage. Follow the same steps but skip the soda, and use one large ice cube instead of regular ones.