Slipping into Fall

Fall is here. Well, almost here, in Phoenix. We have the luxury of a pre-Fall season when you can play with all those gorgeous Fall fabrics without having to drown yourself in them. It's a good time to summer up those Fall and Winter skirts without sweating it out or, worse, freezing.

 

This skirt has to be my best bargain yet at the Zara sale. When I saw it discounted by 75%, picking a color was the only task left unfinished! Mint happens to be one of my favorite colors (evident from the overload of the color in my posts, I am sure!), and, I ditched the modest cream for a piece of the sea.
 

Unlike the predictable mint and white combination, this fabric allows me to play with bolder shades like navy and black which usually tend to overpower mint.

WINNER of the Shawl Dawls contest is Stephanie of the fabulous blog Lam In Louboutins.

 

Blouse: Forever 21

Skirt: Zara

Shoes: Zara

 

Shawled up!

How to wear a shawl a hundred different ways - all of us look up those videos once in a while. We like some, twitch at some, stick to some and forget the rest. End of the day, a shawl is shawl, right? Wrong.

Meet this versatile shawl from Shawl Dawls. A unique piece of clothing that transforms from a shawl to an evening dress, and everything in between, in seconds. Their tagline could easily be “It can also be a shawl”. This one shoulder sage green dress is one of their gorgeous shawls. Need I say more?

 

 

Shawls worn as a dress: Shawl Dawls 

Shoes: Old

Belt: Forever New (Old) Prettier option

I first met the vivacious duo behind this one size fits all fashion marvel at an emerging designers event earlier this year, and, their product stayed in my head long after they went back to LA. When I heard they were back in town for another event, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet them. Know more about them, and, show you guys this creative piece of clothing.
 

Catherine Rejano, Julie Cruz, Roshena Chadha, Jessica Koay (Missing!: Taniya Ahmed)

 

The chirpy Julie Cruz, and, the spunky Roshena Chadha, both first time entrepreneurs, spoke about how the idea sprung up during a casual shopping jaunt when Julie wondered how much you can do with a shawl, if only…and that is exactly the gap they have filled. From a one product start-up a couple of months ago, Shawl Dawls has already breezed into accessories, make-up and shawls for toddlers too! I enjoyed browsing through their collection of not just shawls but also cute little buttons that help hold the shawl in style.

 

Small Dawls

 

Over a delicious home cooked meal made by Roshena with the help of their sprightly interns, Catherine and Jessica, it is inspiring to hear them talk about how they quit their 9 to 5’s to work on this full time. The years they spent as fashion school is finally put to good use.

The cool caprese salad was a wonderful start to the meal that got better by the course - both, food and the conversation. They told me how they change their collection by the season, so their current Fall/Winter collection is stocked up with plaids and wool. In the summer, their shawls work great as sarongs or swim cover-ups.

 

 Caprese Salad

This colorful Summer salad served on a bed of greens and sprinkled with strawberries and oranges was spot on for a hot Phoenix evening, followed by the comforting vegetable rigatoni with bell peppers and broccoli.

 

Summer Salad

 

Catherine and Jessica all set for the meal

They definitely saved the best for last - the butterscotch fudge. As they serve it in a shot glass topped with roasted walnuts and drowned in caramel sauce, they tell me about the Shawl Soiree they can organize for your bunch of girlfriends where they offer discounts on the shawls purchased.

Butterscotch Fudge

 

As I was all set to bid goodbye, a couple of pounds heavier, I learnt there is more to look forward to, and, soon at that. I cannot wait to watch the wonders these girls will do with The shawl.

Want this shawl? You can win one! Follow these steps to enter the contest (Shipping within USA only)

(1)    Like Shawl Dawls on Facebook
(2)    Leave your email address in the comment box below, so I can let you know if you are the lucky winner!

PS. Contest ends September 06, 2012

 

 

Summer in cashmere

I received this giveaway cashmere dress on a hot June afternoon in Phoenix. While the heat couldn't stop me from trying it on immediately, I knew it would be long before I step out in this dress. I was diligently storing it away when our upcoming trip to Vancouver flashed across my mind. Of course, it was the first thing that went into the suitcase!

The weather was perfect to wear this dress with a cardigan, considering I get the shivers once the temperature hits the 50's, rather 60's. The cardigan was a blessing as we planned to window shop in sunny downtown, and, watch a play on the chilly beach, on the same day. I carried the faux fur bag to compliment the animal print in the shoes and belt. The bag is very comfortable for long days of walking, and, the long strap allows you to wear it like a cross shoulder bag once those shoulders start giving in. A truly practical bag that doesn't compromise on style.

Dress: Opportuno

Shoes: Zara (Other options here and here)

Bag: Forever21 (Sold out, but, a smart option here)

Cardigan: Blanco, Spain

Belt: NY&Co.

After exploring Stanley Park, and, window shopping in downtown, we were ready for the much awaited brunch at Medina Cafe. Want art on your plate without the price tag that's usually attached to it? This Middle-Eastern cuisine inspired bistro is the place for you. Fresh ingredients, great presentation, interesting flavors, and, a casual chic vibe - all for a reasonable price. What better in a city that's generally expensive for travelers and locals alike?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           © www.medinacafe.com

The Paella I ordered came with a brunch twist, a fried egg, which complimented the sour-spicy sauce well. I cringed to let my hubby taste it, because the portions are perfectly sized (for a hungry me!), and, I certainly did not want to finish my meal, longing for more! The greens provide the crunch, and, the avocados actually blend well (I wonder how?) with rest of the textures and flavors.

Nevertheless, it was worth trading for spoonsfull of his Moroccan meatballs that came with focaccia, and, raita infused hummus. The flavors in the raita were spot on, and I was surprised it worked so well with focaccia. An illustration of how good fusion food doesn't always have to be a fussy blend of cuisines. Medina Cafe brought two simple everyday staples, from across the globe, together to form a winning combination.

The mandatory waffles were ordered to share. How could we leave without trying the dish that made Medina famous? The toppings spoil you for choice - how does one possibly choose ONE from white chocolate pistachio rose water, salted caramel, and, dark choclate?

The cafe exudes warmth that makes you want to stay, and, the sign outside which reads "life is too short for bad coffee" made us linger with a hot cup of mocha, long after everyone who walked in after us, was gone. We finally make our way out, feeling light yet content. The way only food made with good quality ingredients can make you feel.

After taking in the sunshine at Kitsilano beach, and, napping in the park, we were ready for some cocktail gastronomy. While walking in the hip Kitsilano neighborhood, we couldn't resist the touristy vibe of Las Margaritas - colorful patio, sun umbrellas, margarita pitchers, and, Mexican artifacts. What we thought would be a tourist trap turned out to be a delish margarita experience. They make their margaritas with freshly squeezed fruits, and, you can taste it in every drop! They were truly delicious.

Soon we were walking again, this time to Bard on the Beach, a Shakespearean theatre festival that is set up, every summer, along the beach. A must do the next time you guys are there. The play ended close to midnight when we were forced to snack up at Tim Hortons before hitting the bed only to catch a flight back home in less than five hours. 

Yes, with a spot of milk please!

Dress: Forever21

Shoes: Old (Similar shoes on sale at ALDO)

I have a soft spot for small entrepreneurs, cute cafes, local boutiques, and, hole in the wall food meccas. I will now be extending my support by featuring them on my blog. The minute I heard about English Rose Tea Room from a boutique owner at a fashion event, I knew I HAD to go there. I came back home, looked it up online, and, made reservations even before I checked where it was located! However, the hour long drive was worth it.

We spotted the tea room thanks to the flowing curtains, hanging potted plants, the British flags and of course, the tea cup chandeliers! Soon I met with the owner, Jo Gemmill, a lovely Englishwoman, who not only runs the traditional English tea room but also, a store next door where she sells European antiques. Hailing from Hampshire in the South of England, Jo grew up amidst rolling hills, and, ancient castles. Picture perfect views were something she would wake up to every morning, and, a piece of that is what she has tried to create in this tranquil oasis.  

Jo Gemmill

The Patio

The tea-pot chadelier

We were browsing the store filled with gorgeous pieces of jewelry, antique porcelain tableware, quirky signs, pretty chandeliers, and, had to be nudged more than once to take our seats for tea. Little did we know the tea room next door is merely an extension of the gift shop, quite literally.

 The gift shop

 Cozy Corners

 Pretty table lamps

Tea pot to go with your dress, anyone?

 The necklace I fell for!

The display of unique collectables continued into the tea room where I could wait for hours for a table (which you may have to, unless you make a reservation), and, not get bored. How can one get bored with so much to take in?

The entrace to the tea room

Soon, we were seated in the cozy tea room where it took us five whole minutes to look into the menu. We were lost admiring the corset backed chair covers, glass chandeliers, the exquisite tea cups on our table, the beaded table lamp on every table, and, the adorable paintings of dogs, by a local artist, adorning the walls.

 More cozy corners

The formal afternoon tea is served alongside a three tiered cake stand filled with tea sandwiches, scones, and, Petit Fours. We saved this for another day, but, caught the lovely waitress on her way to another table for a picture.

The three tiered cake stand

A quick debate in my head between the English pie, and, soup with assorted tea sandwiches ended in favor of the soup and sandwiches. The cold cucumber soup didn’t have to try hard to please me in the 100 degree afternoon, and, the tea sandwiches filled with smoked salmon, chicken and cucumber make me want to go back.

 Effort was put into every detail on the table

 Soup and tea sandwiches

We had the Paris tea, whose mild fruity notes were an absolute delight. Jo even has a trunk full of hats that you could wear while you are sipping your tea. I chose this pretty straw hat with pastel roses.

The hat with pastel roses

The Tea

On our way out, we bought some loose tea, tea time accessories, and, some postcards, and we promised to return. Why wouldn’t we? This time on a Monday, or a Thursday afternoon when the Tea Reader visits. What better than listening to what the future holds for you, while sipping on a wonderful cup of tea?

Go for the tranquility, go for the great food, go for the wonderful teas, but most of all go to feel like a Queen!

Peek-a-boo with animal print

Blouse: Sfera (New arrival at J.Crew)

Linen Blazer: Charlotte Russe

Denim shorts: Old
Belt: NY&Co. (Run to your nearest one, they are on sale for $ 10; other options if you want to indulge right away!)

Ballerinas: Zara

Box sling bag: Zara (Also seen here)

I love shorts. If I could wear them every day I (happily) would. That explains why I dress shorts up so often. I try to make them work in as many situations as possible!

Shorts with a blazer is my go to attire on hot summer days when I don't want to dress up, but, still look well put together. Cotton and linen blazers are summer friendly, and, easy to pull off with denims and most cotton pants. The 3/4th ruched sleeves of this tangerine blazer, which is a blessing in the heat, brings a casual vibe to the outfit.

The animal print accents were an afterthought which added some spunk to the otherwise predictable denim, red and white look. I had to pull this classy gold bag out to match the tone set by the animal print.

Of course there was food! While running errands close to one of our favorite restaurants, we gave in to a pre-lunch dessert (with lunch all set at home, we had to pass their juicy short ribs). Ordered the usual - coconut cake with brown butter ice cream. It is a sinful medley of coconut cake, rich coconut pudding, and, ice cream served on a wodden plank. We stopped just short of licking the plank away...only Beckett's Table can make me relish coconut that way!