Structured Yet Casual

I am basically in love with this top from Zara.  I originally saw it here on Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere. It is one of those pieces that seems underwhelming hanging on the hanger but when worn it is just perfect. It is structured but not constricting. The material has enough weight so it looks more expensive than it actually is. I love this top because it can so easily be dressed up or down. I wore this casual take romping around El Paso Robles the week before thanksgiving. It was cool an a bit rainy so threw on a pair of boots and was ready to go. It can easily be paired with a pencil skirt, heals and a statement necklace (like the ones seen here) for a more formal look.  

XO- Sarah 

Thanksgiving Must Have

Hello Lovlies! I have mentioned a few times how much I love Pumpkin. This is my second pumpkin creation of the year. The first seen{here}. Last year around Thanksgiving I went to a little english tea house on the central coast. I wish I could remember the name. I searched desperately but still can't find it. If I find the name I will most certainly update this post because it was amazing. This little tea house served the most decadent Pumpkin Bisque. Since then I have been hooked. It has become an essential  Thanksgiving staple. Although they wouldn't share their recipe, my mother-in law found one that tastes pretty identical. You will be surprised how easy it is to make this Pumpkin Bisque. 

1  16oz Can Libby's Pumpkin 

1 16oz Can Chicken Broth 

1/2 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce 

1/2 Tsp Cinnamon 

1/4 Tsp Nutmeg 

1/4 Tsp Salt

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar 

1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar 

1/2 - 1 Cup Heavy Cream 

In a food processor (or blender) puree' all ingredients except heavy cream. Heavy cream will be added at the end. Once smooth, pour in to large sauce pan. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10min. Remove from heat and add cream. Reheat to medium, stirring constantly until smooth. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of cream or sherry. Serve immediately. 

Enjoy! 

She Said Yes

 Hi all! Above is my amazing friend and partner in crime Lauren and Bryce, my super awesome bearded brother-in-law. You have seen lauren before {here}. She is the woman behind the camera who takes many of my outfit pictures. She is also my new future sister. Lauren and Bryce were recently  engaged. He put a ring on it!! It was perfect, and as you can tell.. she said yes. The family joined Bryce and Lauren on their beautiful hike where Bryce popped the question on one knee over looking the cliffs of the pacific ocean.  They are truly perfect for each other. Congratulations you two. 

xo- Sarah 

   

Gray Day

A few days ago a friend of mine and Drew's said "It's one of those days that feels like 5 all day". You know, those type of days where the clouds are hovering so if feels like the sun is about to set all day long. For some strange reason those are some of my favorite days. I call them gray days. If there was one inspiration for this outfit (other than my love of snake skin lately) it is the gray day.  

All in all it was a beautiful gray day driving up and down the Malibu coat. It's funny just about 10 minutes outside of LA and you can feel like you are on the Central Coast. 

Fun fact: I have been looking for a great bow-tie shirt for a while now (yet to be found). I really thought the perfect bow-tie would complete the 60's 70's vibe I was going for. To create the appearance of the bow-tie shirt take a button up shirt that has a wraparound fabric belt. Wrap the tie under the collar of the shirt and tie at the top buttoned button. Just a little closet trick. 

xo -Sarah 

When One Door Closes

On a recent trip to Europe I took this collection of pictures. I have always been captivated by doors and their symbolism of opportunity, strength, expression.  These pictures remind me that creativity and inspiration can come from anywhere. At my house my door is a light dusty drown {boring}. Unfortunately I can not paint it due to housing association regulations. But when I am able I would love to display some lovely door art.  I hope they inspire you as much as they inspire me. 

-Sarah 

Desert People

By Sarah Newman

Drew, our friend kyle, and I traveled to the desert today; Palm Desert to be exact. It always amazes me how pretty the desert can. The desert reminds me so much of home (I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico). On the way down the mountain we pulled in to a lookout area and got to explore a bit. The best part was climbing the rocks in my 3 inch clogs, and surviving to tell about it. I was excited to match the scenery. I didn't plan it, but it worked great. The nude tones brought out the tans and browns in the rocks and sand. The blue polka-dots reflected the cartoon like clouds. All and all, it was a beautiful day.

<< DREW >>

The look: Forever 21 Blouse, H&M Jockey Skinny, Charlotte Ruse: Clog