Friday Favorites: Missoni for Target

It has been the talk of the week:  Target's hugely successful recent release.  You've all read about how Target's website crashed, and stores were sold out within the hour, but what do you really think of the Missoni collection?  The Panther checked it out and actually scored a cute little sweater.  Here are some of her favorite pieces in the collection.

This coffee set is darling and cheerful and would make a fabulous gift.

This zig-zag knit jumper is adorable!

This four piece patio set is probably my favorite part of

the Missoni for Target line.  I wish I had scored this set.

I'm always a fan of funky socks and these are fabulously funky.

Loving this scarf and especially these long gloves.

How fun are these make-up kits!

How can you not love this bicycle!  The Panther would loooove

to cruise around town on this thing.  According the a NY Times article, even

actress Jessica Alba and musician Jessica Simpson were tweeting about their

love of this adorable bicycle.

The Panther wants to know, what are your favorite pieces from the collection, and were you lucky enough to score anything?

-The Panther



Color Inspiration: Sunflower Yellow

As the seasons change the Panther craves color that is bright and sunny like summer but warm and comforting like autumn.  Whether you are bringing it into your home decor, or adding it to your wardrobe, the perfect color for the season is sunflower yellow.

Interiors are lovely in this shade of yellow.  Look how comforting and rich the walls are in this living room.

A big fan of using bright sunflower yellow in her interior design is Kelly Wearstler.  We love her look on the cover of her book, Modern Glamour.

Here is another Kelly Wearstler interior with a lot of punchy bright yellow accents.  I love the yellow club chairs and the classic ginger jar lamps in this room.

Yellow is a great accent to wear with black.  This outfit has a lot of yellow but is put together nicely.

LOVING this vintage 1970's shirt dress.  Stay off of ebay because the Pather is bidding on this one.

Not brave enough to rock the head to toe yellow?  A bright little accent can go a long way like this chiffon silk scarf.



Yellow is often the color associated with cowardice but the Panther finds it cheerful and daring.  Bring it in your home and rock it in your wardrobe... Panther style.

-The Panther







Prowling for the Perfect Halloween Costume

It is coming up fast... The Panther's favorite day of the year... Halloween.  Do you have your costume yet?  The Panther is all about the perfect, unique, one-of-a-kind costume and a lot of thought and work go into creating the perfect costume every year.  Here are some of her favorite places to shop and help make that perfect costume come together more easily.

Halloween Warehouse:  This little shop in Beaverton is packed to the max with all things Halloween.  Here you will find your typical pre-packaged Halloween costumes, but they have so many here you are bound to at least get inspiration.  Not only do they have costumes galore, they have tons of accessories such as wigs, weapons, and wounds to finish off your costume.  The colorful staff is friendly and surprisingly knowledgeable on their vast inventory.  Shopping here can be a bit chaotic and there is often a long line for dressing rooms.  I definitely recommend pawing through their thousands of costumes for inspiration.

Halloween Warehouse

11465 SW Canyon Road  Beaverton, OR

www.halloweenwarehouseor.com

Costume Avenue:  While out in Beaverton stop into this costume shop as well.  The super friendly staff here will happily give you the tour of their highly organized shop.  Costumes are organized by category and era.  The collection is expansive but there is even more in their back room so if you do not see what you are looking for, just ask them.  Primarily a rental shop, they do have many items available for sale as well.  This is a great place to find group costumes.

Costume Avenue

12760 SW 1st Street  Beaverton, OR

www.costumeavenue.com

Ray's Ragtime:  This vintage clothing store in downtown Portland is always a must stop on the Panther's costume prowl.  Their vintage clothing is always in great condition and good quality.  Their inventory is a little on the pricey side but usually worth the cost it you are trying to achieve an authentic look.  I purchased a 1950's skirt suit in pristine condition a few years back for a costume as well as a 1950's leather handbag.  I spent more than I had budgeted for the costume but ended up wearing the suit and using the handbag for everyday use because it was such nice quality. 

Ray's Ragtime

1001 SW Morrison  Portland , OR

3 Monkeys:  Another must for costume accessories is NW 23rd's 3 Monkey's.  This store is an amalgam of vintage housewares, vintage jewelry, club wear, handbags, and accessories.  Sometimes inspired by the clubwear clothing, the accessories are really the draw here.  Pastel page-boy wigs, glittered fairy wings, studded belts, and crystal tiaras, 3 Monkeys has it all.  The vintage jewelry is lovely and also just the needed detail to complete a costume. 

3 Monkeys

803 NW 23rd  Portland, OR

Hollywood Vintage:   This maybe the last place on the Panther's list today, but this is always the first stop on her Halloween costume prowl.  This vintage clothing store is immense!  There is a costume section but better yet are the aisles and aisles of vintage clothing.  There is a room of just wigs, a room of shoes, and vintage eyewear galore.  There is actually more menswear here which is nice as it is often hard to find men's costumes.  Even though there is more men's clothing than women's, there is still ample women's clothing, costumes and accessories.  Also, there is a pretty awesome shop cat that wanders around if you are lucky enough to see him.

Aisles and aisles of vintage goodness at Hollywood Vintage

Hollywood Vintage

NE 28th and Sandy  Portland, OR

http://www.hollywoodvintage.com/

Happy costume hunting.  Stop into these shops and let them know the Panther sent you.

-The Panther







Transitioning Your Home from Summer to Fall

The seasons are changing.  The leaves are starting to change and there is a crispness in the morning air.  The Panther still wants to hold on to summer though.  Here are a few subtle changes you can make in your home to welcome in autumn, without rushing it in.

Sunflower Wreath:  Sunflowers start in mid summer and last through fall.  They are a wonderful flower that transcends the season.  Welcome your guests and welcome in autumn with a sunflower wreath on your front door.

Fresh Flowers in Autumn Tones:  Homes are always cheery with fresh cut flowers.  You don't have to do bouquets of autumn leaves and gourds just yet.  Instead of selecting the bright pinks and reds of summer, select blooms in warm autumn tones.

Pears and Apples in Bowl:  These are the fruits of the season and the colors are lovely.  Fill a favorite basket, bowl or tray with pears and apples and use as a cheerful centerpiece.

Candle Groupings:  Candles are beautiful anytime of year but large groupings are nice in the autumn.  Fill your fireplace with pillar candles in varied heights or set up a grouping on a tray.  You get the atmosphere of the fire without the extreme heat from an actual wood fire in your fireplace.

Just Add Raffia:  Raffia is inexpensive and a fun addition to your decor.  Tie raffia bows around pillar candles, votives or vases. 

It is good to start subtle as the seasons change.  Try a few of these tips to welcome Autumn in.

-The Panther





Friday Favorites: Boots!

The best thing about the arrival of autumn is the fall fashions.  I have a great love of boots and finally we are at the season where I can rock my boots once again.  Here are some of my favorites.

Classic black high-heel boots by Calvin Klein

Every girl needs a pair of classic black high-heel boots.  These are indispensable in my wardrobe. They can be worn with almost anything:  short skirts, longer skirts, dresses, jeans, stretch pants, or gauchos.  Do you have a frilly floral print dress that feels too much like spring?  Pair it with some tights, a cardigan and some classic black boots and it is ready for fall.

Vintage leather cowboy boots

Cowboy boots are another must in my wardrobe.  The more scuffed-up the better so I recommend shopping the vintage stores for a perfectly worn-in pair.  Like the classic black boot, cowboy boots are adorable with a feminine floral dress and make the outfit more season appropriate. 

Motorcycle boots by Matiko

Always a sucker for mortorcycle-inspired fashions, a pair of motorcycle boots are a great addition to your wardrobe.  Cute over skinny jeans or with a skirt and tights.  Real motorcycle boots are made to last.  Invest in a classically styled pair and wear them for years.

Riding Boots by Franco Sarto

Equestrian inspired fashions are still hanging on because of their classic style.  Riding boots are super cute over skinny jeans and a cropped blazer.  Like the cowboy boots and motorcycle boots, riding boots are classic and a good pair can be kept for years and never go out of style.

Red suede over-the-knee boots by Christian Louboutin

Less practical than the other boots I've mentioned are these fabulous red suede boots.  I happened to see these in a magazine the other day and I cannot stop thinking about them.  Imagine these paired with a simple, short black dress and black tights.  They kind of remind me of a super hero and that makes me like them even more.

Monty Boots by Manolo Blahnik

These are just for fun.  They are simply statement boots but oh what a statement they make.  I can see these worn with skinny black pants and a bright colored oversize sweater.

The season is here so have fun with your fall fashions.  Pick up some of the "staple" boots for your wardrobe if you don't already own them.  Watch for the Panther... She'll be the one in the red suede over-the-knee Christian Louboutins!

-The Panther



Potato, Sage, and Apple Gratin

It is mid-September and the first signs of fall are in the air.  The leaves are starting to change, the sun is lower in the sky, and there is a crispness in the morning air.  The change in seasons makes the Panther crave comfort food and what is more comforting than a casserole.  The Panther consulted one of her favorite little cookbooks, "Casseroles, Comfort Food at its Best" by Tessa Bramley for inspiration.

This book is packed with delicious and comforting recipes.  This particular recipe for a Potato, Sage and Apple Gratin caught the Panther's eye because it uses Granny Smith apples which are in season right now. This hearty dish can be served as a main dish or as an accompaniment.

The author, Tessa Bramley describes this dish as follows,

"Perfect for the busy cook, the vegetables can be layered ahead of time, then topped with the apples before baking.  The gratin is delicious with any braised meat, especially pork, and particularly good with spicy sausages." 

Potato, Sage, and Apple Gratin

3 lbs waxy potatoes, finely sliced

1 onion, finely chopped

leaves from 3-4 sprigs of sage

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thickly sliced

1 cup heavy cream

1 egg

a large pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper



Add the potoaoes to a saucepan of boiling salted water and cook for 5 minutes.  Drain and let cool for a few minutes.

Put a layer of potatoes in a greased 6-cup gratin dish and top with a layer of chopped onions.  Add a few sage leaves, salt, and pepper.  Repeat, finishing with a layer of potato.

Melt the butter in a skillet, add the apples, and turn to coat well.  Arrange the apples on top of the potatoes, slighly overlapping each slice.  Beat the cream and egg until mixed, then add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and pour over the apples.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 50 minutes to 1 hour until the potatoes are tender - test by piercing the center with a skewer.  Remove from the oven.

For a golden, nutty top, flash-cook the gratin under a hot broiler.

The Panther is officially drooling now.  Try this delicious recipe as well as the many others you will find in Casseroles, Comfort Food at its Best by Tessa Bramley. 

-The Panther



Color Inspiration: Purple

Inspired by the lovely fall asters, the Panther has been noticing the color purple.  Purple is a great color for this time of year.  Much like the beautiful asters, purple perfectly transitions the summer to fall.

A simple but cute dress in purple is just right for late summer to early fall.

We love this dress paired with these gold strappy sandals.

On the cooler, crisper, early fall days, add some purple to your

wardrobe in the form of tights.  Tights are always a fun accessory

to add color and interest to any outfit.

Loving this deep purple on nails.

Adorn your finger with a gorgeous amethyst.

The modern lines of this goblet are pretty in purple glass.

Does purple inspire you?

-The Panther