Thursday, June 24, 2010

Down The Street, I’m The Girl Next Door

So…against pretty much all advice…I shortened it.

June 21

Oh my gosh, don’t act like you didn’t know I would. And by “I shortened it” I mean, “I watched while my mother-in-law did it”.

June 21

My decision was based mostly on shoe options. Longer, I had one. Platform heeled sandals, and I love those sandals, but I also like to have more than one way I can style something. Otherwise, I get bored. And a boot with a frilly dress is one of my go-to looks. And I knew if I shortened the dress, I could STILL wear the sandals, but I could ALSO wear the boots. Also, be honest…I didn’t go as short as you thought I would, did I? I exercised some restraint (or else I miscalculated and when it was done it was a little longer than planned, whichever.)

June 21

June 21
The paparazzi. You just can’t get away sometimes.

So, have I ever mentioned that I am a pretty amazing cook? I probably have. I am a bit of a braggart sometimes. Anyway, I am. I am really good at making up my own things, but really bad at following your recipe with the measuring and the exactness and whatnot. And I hate baking. But I love making cake balls. But anyway, all of that to say (brag) that I made something really great and summery and fresh the other night and I took this picture for you to drool over:

Couscous al la EJ

1 Box Couscous (garlic and herb flavor), prepared as directed (but the lowfat directions) and allowed to cool to room temperature.
Julienne a couple or four handfuls of fresh, raw spinach
Currants (I had to ask the lovely people at Whole Foods where they were, they did not have them at Wal-Mart, go figure, turns out it is a very common question at the Whole Foods and I am not the only one who couldn’t find them)
Roasted Pine Nuts
Goat Cheese (I am 100% sure feta would also work)
Squeeze of lemon (or not. Nathan hates lemon and had his without. I think it adds a real brightness to the dish, but personal tastes vary and what not)

Honestly, it was SO Good.

Dress, vintage and altered
Belt and buckle, vintage
Boots, Target
Bag, LUSH, second hand
Earrings, Prairie Oats at Etsy

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Definitely the right decision. I really like it that way, and I think above-the-knee is much more flattering on almost everyone. You look fantastic!

EvaNadine said...

i LURVES it. :)

Unknown said...

That dress is the perfect length on you! Great decision!

Unknown said...

LOVE everything about this outfit. The colors, the boots, the paisley are all perfect together! Don't change a thing.

Anonymous said...

Hi, newly following. I love that dress, and am totally coveting your long hair.

If you like making cake balls, you should check out Bakerella.com. She has these awesome cake pops that I'm dying to try and I'm not much of a baker.

Raquelita said...

I love the dress!

I make a similar couscous dish with dried cherries, olives, spinach, and feta. This one sounds delicious too!

LaShaune said...

The dress looks wonderful shortened.

Must be something in the Texas air cuz I'm on a couscous kick too - but I cheated and used a box of Near East with pine nuts and added roasted chicken, sundried tomatoes and a few spoonfuls of pesto!

Chelsea said...

oh holy moley, it looks AMAZING shortened! and that first pic of you with your hair blowing in the wind is so freaking fantastic... you should print it and frame it and put it on your hubby's side of the bed! or something :)

also, I wish I was a good cook, but I suck and have no motivation. I am on the other hand an amazing eater, so there's that! that couscous concoction looks delish!

Melinda said...

The length is perfect, and I was so relieved you weren't talking about your hair (the shortening). I also adore the look of frilly dress with boots and you do it so well. We love couscous in our house but I think I might slightly prefer tabouli, which is similar. I never thought to put fresh spinach in it- I will definitely try it this way!

Bombshell Beauty said...

I love everything about this outfit. Especially the dress. And the belt. And the boots! Ok, yeah. Everything.

Academic Writer (a.k.a. A-Dubs) said...

'Very smart plan to shorten the dress. Even smarter plan to give us your recipe. I am challenged in the kitchen by my lack of knowledge and creativity. But I think I could do this!

Also, those boots are perfect with the dress & belt!

Kathryn from Schoolmarm Style said...

I love the dress, but missed the long version and now I want to see a before and after!

That dinner looks great. My boy hates couscous but I would definitely make that for myself.

Unknown said...

Love this! I bought one almost exactly like it at Targei' with diff. sleeves. I'd also love to see the "before" as I too have alteration anxiety with vintage/thrifted stuff. AS soon as I chop, the "in" lengths change!!!!

Dr. Da said...

I think the dress is the PERFECT length! And that dish looks yummy.....looks like the sort of thing I would make, so I am a little biased on that opinion.

MAMom said...

LOVE the new length! Before it was an accepable dress...pretty but nothing to write home about. Now...wowza!! It is SO cute. And the length is so much more YOU and YOUNG and FRESH. Good call!

Anonymous said...

ADORE it shortened!

C said...

1. LOVE the shortened version SO. MUCH.

2. YUM!

Anonymous said...

I think I originally said not to shorten it, but it really looks spectacular, AND she was able to keep the ruffle!

WendyB said...

Very pretty!

Anonymous said...

Ok, you were definitely right about this. It looked very elegant longer, but looks fab on you this length too. You have great knees (why does that feel such an odd compliment?) so should show them off!

Longer or shorter, I LOVE the colours in this dress!

GFS said...

Okay for real Erin, you can tell me. You had Nathan plug up a fan to blow in front of you to give your hair that "wind" effect...huh?!? Yall are serious about the props for your pics!! Lol...because your hair is FIYAH in these pics!!! I said Fiyah!!! I am so glad I got.to touch ur hair when we met...it was on my bucketlist!!

You look awesome!!!

Garnerstyle said...

I just wanted to send out a hello. I am a blogger from Dallas and a friend of God's Fave shoe. My blog is called The Curvy Girl's Guide to Style (http://garnerstyle.blogspot.com) So HI!!!

Anonymous said...

The dress is cute, but I ADORE those boots. Are they Windsor Smith?

CindyinSC said...

Here's the link to the dress in its original state (April 2010 if the link doesn't work):
http://workwithwhatyouvegot.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-was-your-silver-lining-but-now-im.html

tinyjunco said...

that lengths looks great on you - hooray for moms in law! god, i miss mine.

hhmmmm, that could be a good dress to copy.....(sound of plotting and scheming)......i hope everybody has a great weekend!! steph

Anonymous said...

I love the dress. Perfect summer look. xo Mish

www.themishdish.com

Juanette said...

Me likey a lot! It's adorable this way!