A Friday Buffet
No. 022 Ideas for [tonight's] dinner and spring fashion for...someday soon!
Hello!
The abundance of tweets this morning, not to mention the bright, glorious sunshine, has given me new hope for the - hopefully very soon - arrival of spring. And no, I’m not referring to tweets in the world of Twitter. I’m talking about the birds!
There was such a plethora of sweet tweets from the birds I almost believed we had skipped over next week’s possible storm and fast-forwarded to the first day of spring. Ha! No such luck. However, it was a surefire sign we’re on our way.
Beyond the sunshine and birds, I didn’t even need a winter coat while walking. Rejoice! I am quite ready to reorganize our kitchen coat closet (yes, it’s in the kitchen) and move all of the heavy layers upstairs (we’re on a rotation system over here). It’s soon to be time for spring layers which include denim jackets, cotton chore coats, and everything that’s perfect for not-cold-but-not-hot days. I can’t wait!
Looking ahead, I’m glad we’re turning the clocks forward one hour this Saturday. Longer daylight after work is always a treat and it just means summer nights are within reach. Additionally, we’re excited for Seth’s birthday later this month, which always lands during Boston restaurant week. We’re amidst figuring out where we’ll be celebrating and if I’m going to bake a cake. We’ll see…
As mentioned, I’d like to take a minute to discuss spring style and dressing for temps well-above freezing. Folks, I am a creature of comfortable habits, perhaps even more so during the warm and hot months. This spring (per usual) I am organizing comfortable outfits, shoes meant for walking, and nothing that cannot easily be washed.
While I do love the look of linen (effortless, cool, breezy), it definitely has more of a supporting role in my closet given its inclination to wrinkle immediately and not always be machine-washable (read: not as effortless as it appears). When it comes to the “best of” or “most worn” category in my closet, that definitely goes to cotton tees and comfy jeans. I can handle “lay flat to dry,” but if it can’t go in the washing machine? Yikes.
Side note: Who’s watching the Oscars this Sunday? I’m excited for the show and, of course, the red carpet. :)
Without fail, I turn to the same styles and brands each season, and for good reason; they’re reliably well-made, last for more than a year, and conveniently still seem “in style.” I don’t look to too many trends as they don’t always last, but there are a few I’ve been trying for this coming season. The wide-leg jeans are pretty darn comfy, I must admit. The other day I happily donated a large bag of skinny jeans; so long skin-tight pants! My knees can now breathe.
Basically, my warm weather wardrobe has been somewhat of a uniform for far longer than I’d like to admit: jeans, tees, sneakers. Nothing too tight. Nothing too loose. Everything matches with everything and for fun I’ve added in a few pairs of sandals to “dress up” outfits if the occasion calls for such a change (or it’s too hot for socks). But that’s the good part of knowing one’s style and knowing what is most comfortable for everyday activities. A “style uniform” is nothing new and definitely something I have come to embrace.
So, how has my spring closet/uniform evolved for this coming season? See below for a few of the pieces I will be wearing on repeat for the next several months. Or as soon as it’s consistently above 55 degrees. ;)
Spring Style File
Alex Mill Frank Tee in 40s Jersey - this tee is great for layering due to it’s semi-fitted cut, but loose enough to be comfy on its own. Plenty of colors available to add neutrals, or a pop of color, into your wardrobe. I also love the Prospect Tee in stripes and solids. Another great-fitting option.
AYR The Deep End Oxford White - I love these basic button-down shirts because they elevate the traditional “jeans and a shirt” combo that I favor throughout the year. I love the oxford fabric for a dinner out and the colorful, striped options are great for a day out in the sun. They are not fitted so I’d size down if you’re seeking a not-too-oversized look.
Alex Mill Britt Work Jacket in Denim - Wearing this one all season long over every tee I own. I love the slightly-longer length, not-overly-fitted cut, and multiple big pockets. Utility jackets are the best; phone, wallet, keys into the pockets and off you go!
Alex Mill Neil Pant in Herringbone - A discovery in the brand’s spring collection, I can’t wait to wear these constantly with sandals or sneakers. A high-rise and straight cut fit (read: loose enough to move!) makes these a warm-weather go-to for me.
MadeWell Perfect Vintage Denim - My favorite fit of denim that literally goes with everything. I haven’t even bothered ordering Petite since I just cut the extra length with scissors. I’m loving the vintage canvas color as well as the lunar wash.
Birkenstock Big Buckle Arizona - I ordered this pair way before winter even began knowing they’d be my sandal-of-choice several months later. I love the smooth, cognac oiled leather and the bold gold buckles.
Converse Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas - No shame in admitting I have this shoe in a few colors. They’re just the easiest sneaker and can be worn with, or without, socks, depending on your preference and the temperature. In my opinion, Converse is a classic at a great price point that makes every outfit look low-key cool and practical. Wear them with everything!
Freda Salvador Sera Fisherman Sandal - After this sandal sold out multiple times last year, I finally added my name to the list and got the “in stock” alert a few weeks ago. Yay! I love a sandal that lets feet breathe without being a super-strappy style. Know what I mean? The fisherman is very in right now so I was thrilled when this pair turned out to be as comfortable as advertised and as cool-with-jeans as I’d hoped. I love the stucco suede with studs - how fun!
Nike Air Max 1 - I walk a lot of miles every day. And even more in the spring and summer. For all of my allegiance to Converse, I must admit that when I need truly guaranteed comfort, I turn to Nike for the many-mile days. I love this retro style, but the Daybreak is another go-to that comfortably works with every outfit.
Dinner for tonight? Look no further…
Chile Shrimp Pasta: A scrumptious, quick-to-make meal that’s bursting with surprising flavor (spicy and creamy). Recipe by Ali Slagle and available in her cookbook, I Dream of Dinner. We made this with Jovial Foods GF spaghetti and it was stellar! Loved it.
Gluten Free Pizza with Plenty of Toppings: When a weeknight calls for pizza or even when it’s a Sunday night, I will happily oblige. Homemade pizza, with a store-bought crust, is just the simplest. But also always delicious! Our latest version, made with an Ugly’s Bakery GF crust, was topped with mozzarella, mushrooms, onion, green pepper, and pepperoni. The more the merrier in regard to pizza toppings, if you ask me. ;)
Pork and Spinach Stir Fry with GF Udon Noodles: Our plans had called for a recipe using many of these same ingredients, but instead we changed course and opted for a more straight-forward dinner. Stir fry to the rescue! I loved using Lotus Foods GF udon noodles which were slightly chewy (as intended) and made for a more interesting texture along with the crispy ground pork and silky spinach. In regard to sauce, we used one of our favorite recipes for Brown Sauce by The Woks of Life.
Interested in even more dinner ideas? Follow me on Instagram!
A Buffet for Today: 3/10/2023
James Beard award-winning Chef Ken Oringer and his daughter (diagnosed with celiac disease) wrote an entirely gluten free cookbook! Amazing. Sure, the recipes are aimed at kids, but I will be making everything in it ASAP. It all looks delicious!
Again, the Academy Awards will be aired (live) this Sunday night. Yay!
And the red carpet tends to be the best part. Iconic Oscar looks, right here.
A roundup of the best lip balms is part of my weekend reading. Always need a new one!
Strongly considering ground chicken tacos for dinner tonight.
Or perhaps the classic Chicken and Broccoli. There’s that brown sauce recipe!
The reasoning behind the “quiet luxury” trend.
Keeping Woods Hill Pier 4 on my list of (dinner and) brunch spots to (finally) visit.
I cannot wait to head north to Portland, Maine and go to the newly-opened Lenora. Same owners as our beloved Lone Star Taco Bar!
Just for fun luxury: Only The Row could make a very-Teva-looking sandal somewhat chic and then charge…a lot…and still have it sell out. Hook-and-Loop Sandals.
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
