Fashion Challenge: Week 8

After a couple back to back whirlwind weekends, life aboard the Pattiwagon calmed down a bit this week, as evidenced by the four work-attire outfits I had this week. No special days, no days off, just L-I-V-I-N and W-O-R-K-I-N. 

Monday (Day 19): 

Pink sweater from the Gap, purchased perhaps in college (?) with a beloved brown Old Navy skirt, purchased definitely in college. Nude Nine West flats purchased much more recently. Fairly nondescript but added some color to a muted week. 

Tuesday (Day 20): 

This is a very special dress that I bought when I was in middle school and very into vintage clothing. I got it, along with several other items, in Atlanta at a store called Psycho Sisters. Based on the zipper and construction, I'm pretty sure it's from the 1940s. Except for using it in a school project on 20th century fashion, I never wore it until I started working. And now I love it. It's definitely not the most glamorous look or the most beautiful dress, but it has a story. What that story is, exactly, I have to make up in my head, but maybe that's even more fun. 

Wednesday (Day 21): 

Another special outfit, made for my by dear sister Laurel. The skirt is linen with a giraffe embroidered at the bottom. Every time I wear it, I get tons of compliments on the uniqueness of the design. Wearing it with a black t-shirt, sweater, and mocs from Target. 

Thursday (Day 22): 

Blouse was a gift from dear sister Laurel and skirt is ancient Old Navy. Shoes are peep-toe Nine West and belt is Target, maybe. This wraps up my super teacher-y looks for the week. 

Last Gasp of Tomatoes

Despite the lack of fashion pics last week, don't think you loyal Pattiwagoneers were forgotten. I have an end-of-season tomato recipe just for you. I’ve made this recipe twice now, slightly differently each time, and I think the variations are limitless.

I had three very large and very delicious looking tomatoes with no purpose after the possibility of a tomato pie went unfulfilled L. Like the tomato pie, this recipe is by-the-seat-of-my-pants (my favorite kind of recipe), and unlike the tomato pie, this recipe is healthy. (See Training, Marathon.) The tomatoes are the star of the dish, so it is probably best to save it for some super ripe, super fresh tomatoes, but I think you could do a mini version with the Campari vine-ripened tomatoes while you wait until next summer. Just bookmark this page 'til then. I’ll try to remind you.

Stuffed tomatoes, here we come: 

Slice the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the inside membranes, seeds, and flesh. Then, sprinkle some salt on the inside of the tomatoes and place them upside down on a paper towel. This will suck some of the moisture of out of the tomatoes so they don’t get too soggy.

While the tomatoes are hanging out upside down, cook about a half cup of quinoa in chicken broth according to the package instructions. While that is cooking, sauté a couple of chopped garlic cloves in olive oil and then wilt a few cups of fresh spinach. (Variation: use frozen spinach that has been thawed and thoroughly wrung out.)

Once the quinoa is done, mix in the spinach. Add in some mozzarella and parmesan cheese at this point. To give it some level of creaminess, add either a spoonful of sour cream or ricotta cheese. (I have made it both ways and liked both. In order to really judge the difference, I’d need to do a side-by-side taste test. And this blog is free. And Pattiwagon has been busy lately.)

Season that mixture with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice or rice vinegar. (It will need some acidic pep.)

Fill the tomatoes with the quinoa, spinach, and cheese and then top with panko bread crumbs. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. Enjoy! 

Fashion Challenge: Week 7

Sorry for the lapse, Pattiwagoneers. Last week was homecoming, so that meant jeans every day for me. Today will be a twofer, so look for a food post in your feed. HoCo week was a nice break from the fashion challenge, but I'm back in Week 7 with three new looks. And please, hurry up, fall. I'm ready for you and your sweaters and your tights and your boots and your scarves. 

 

Tuesday (Day 16): 

Went casual after a jet setting weekend with a chambray (still my current favorite fabric) tunic from Target and black pants from Banana Republic. Shoes were black thong sandals from Nine West. This look would be cute with some booties, too, right? I spy a Saturday outfit this fall. 

Wednesday (Day 17): 

Black and white polka dot dress (from where else but Target) and red Tieks. New backdrop here, the beautiful LHS library. And shout out to Gracie for being a good sport and taking my photo after school. 

Thursday (Day 18): 

Seersucker shirt from Gap that I bought my very first year of teaching to give Baby Pattiwagon some professional airs. I wore it with black pants, again from Banana Rep and Nine West nude flats. 

Fashion Challenge: Week 6

Another short week on the Pattiwagon due to Labor Day, and yet again, who's complaining? I am coming off a whirlwind weekend (See: Houseguest, Amazing), so I went for some easy breezy hair, makeup, and clothes this week. 

Tuesday (Day 13): 

Calvin Klein pants in bright pink, Target high necked top with peplum and lace, and Nine West flats. Check. Check. Check. (Although these pants have been begging to be hemmed since I bought them. Sorry pants, you'll have to wait another year.)

Wednesday (Day 14): 

I love how this look exudes the transition from summer to fall. Black tee and army green vest from Target. Black jeans from J. Crew. The shoes are my favorite moccasins from Target, I believe. They have served me so well and are just barely holding on at this point. Someone please remind me the next time I find shoes I love that I need to buy three pairs. 

Thursday (Day 15): 

Pattiwagon original alert! I made this shirt a couple years ago from really simple pattern. I think the fabric choices really make it pop. Black/white houndstooth with teal lace on top. It's a shirt I can't wear too often, and for that reason, I really like it. Paired it with black J. Crew pants and my Malachi shoes. 

Fashion Challenge: Week 5

Yet another short week for the fashion challenge. We had an in-school volleyball game on Thursday, making it the perfect opportunity for a bonus jeans day. So, just three days this week. No complaints here. As this was the last week of August, I tried to wear some "last gasp of summer" looks. Neon green pants are slightly out of place in January. 

Monday (Day 10): 

This Old Navy dress goes way back, as in back to high school. I can't even figure out how many tag designs ago it was, as all the tags have fallen off. (Side note: I'm not sure why I felt the need to dress like a teacher when I was in high school.) But here I am all teachered out, matching it with a cardigan from Gap and pearls. Like this ice cream cone, I wonder if this dress will still be intact when I break it out next year. 

Tuesday (Day 11): 

I got these Target pants for Christmas a few years ago, and they have served me well. The photo really doesn't capture how blindingly bright they are. So I paired them with a more subdued top, a Lucky brand tank and my old reliable Sperrys. 

Wednesday (Day 12): 

I'm not sure where this maxi dress came from, but it's been another standby in the Pattiwagon wardrobe for several years. I like the print a lot, but it's one of those dresses I can only break out once or twice a year. Denim jacket ensures the look is school appropriate. Now, the denim jacket I can break out once or twice a week. I'm going to try to avoid it, but I may have to add it to my original list of exceptions. We'll see how it goes.