casse-croute

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Labor Day Weekend Packing List

The long weekend is (almost) here! I'm heading to Door County (I've never been!) for a bachelorette party and can't wait—here's what I'm packing.

A chic and travel-friendly bodysuit for Friday (we'll get there around 7 PM for a low-key dinner) + a hat to hide end-of-week hair. Saturday: a breezy dress that goes from day to night and a bandana wrapped around my wrist as a "bracelet"—new favorite thing. Appropriate for Wisconsin, right? Sunday: another easy dress (feeling very boho lately), accessorized with an iPhone crossbody so I'm ready to 'gram at every moment. Easy nude sandals that I can wear with every outfit and an under-$100 faux leather jacket* to throw on at night will be clutch—and save suitcase space for all the wine, duh.

Follow along on Instagram for real-time updates! Spoiler alert: a goat & cheese tour is involved. Happy Labor Day loves!

*check out my fall jacket guide for more must-have transitional options!

Hat | Bodysuit | Jeans

Bandana | Maxi Dress (3 colors and under $80!)

iPhone Crossbody Case | Mini Dress | Sandals

Friday, August 25, 2017

5 Jackets for a Fall Wedding

Happy Friday, friends! I am in complete denial that September starts next week—except it's only 65 degrees right now (brr) so I guess that makes it feel pretty real. Up until last week I was all about sleeveless summery tops, but with the arrival of an October wedding invite, I've started thinking about fall events. I'm excited to wear a gown to the black-tie-optional ceremony that is quickly approaching and decided on this easy but elegant maxi that could lean casual (with slides and a jean jacket) or dressy (with big sparkly earrings and a gold tassel necklace).

The tricky part of an October Midwest wedding is the jacket (right?!). I want to wear something heavier than my trench, more fun than my puffer—and the glossy pashminas I stocked up on while studying abroad circa 2009 (ha) feel dated. I spent some time searching around this week for new options and found 5 amazing layers that would be great for a wedding AND every day. I want them all!

1. A cashmere wrap or long draped cardigan—the ultimate travel accessory and a lusciously elegant layer on top of a flowy gown.
2. A velvet quilted jacket—love this sport-luxe mix. Velvet is going to be everywhere this fall.
3. A delicate kimono—obsessing over these goddess-like caftans. So pretty poolside or on date night.

4. A faux fur vest—the glam outfit-completer to wear to work and special occasions.
5. A faux leather jacket—the all-season staple for indoors and out.

Friday, August 11, 2017

Clinique Even Better Glow™

Happy Friday! It's been awhile! Work is busy and I've been happy just going to the gym and hanging out after a full day at the office. But I had to pop in because I found the best new foundation, and there's really not much better than finding that perfect shade and putting an end to the relentless experimentation.

The Even Better Glow™ display caught my eye when I passed the Clinique counter at Southdale the other day, returning a bottle of OUAI spray (I thought this new-gen wave spray would be different, but I didn't care for the sticky feel and haphazard look; and since my hair already has texture and wave, it seemed pretty unnecessary). The moisturizing oil-free formula has luminizing pigments to create natural radiance—and promises that over time, skin glows on its own thanks to brightening vitamin C. Sign. Me. Up. I love knowing that something I wear every day is helping it long-term, not hurting it. Clinique has always been a favorite of mine because of its skin care focus and whenever I stray from the brand I wonder why—my skin just loves it. (Plus, $28 is way easier to swallow than super prestige brands like $47 NARS.) I've only been using this for two days, but was instantly obsessed. It makes my skin visibly dewy and feels light, natural and healthy (if you're super oily, this is probably too dewy for you). I'm wearing Cream Chamois—the best part is that the color blends in so well with my natural skin tone. With 30 shades, you're sure to find your best fit, too. Clinique is offering free 10-day samples right now, so swing by this weekend and try some!

Quick life update: last weekend, Chris and I visited my grandma in the U.P. with my mom. We stayed on Fortune Lake, a really beautiful chain of lakes—the kind where trees jut up right from the rocky shore and you can see straight to the sandy bottom—and I made it through my first round of golf at the Iron River Country Club. I have today off and we're heading up to Moose Lake to camp with friends for a few nights; I'm excited to try these low country boil packets. Even though this post is about makeup, it'll be nice to go without for a few days, hang out around a fire and just relax. Hope you have a good one!

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

City Guide: Girls' Night Out

WELL, it felt good to get back into normal clothes yesterday after Sunday's "octogenarian" bash! I'm all for a theme party—and bingo—but I'll pass forever on the double-wide, elastic-waist shorts (pants?) I pulled off a Goodwill rack to wear to the occasion. Skinny jeans have never felt better!

Today's post is a little different! Bea, who blogs at ExploreMPLS, is sharing five fun spots for your next girls' night. Having good girlfriends is so important, and I love that her ideas prioritize that relationship. I had never heard of Gyst (which has been open for over two years, where have I been?) until reading her recs and had to try a wine flight for myself at the quaint fermentation bar right off Eat Street (see below! Lol to my friend Jackie quietly admiring the spread in the last photo. We were kind of dying over the butcher block tables, Olivia Pope wine glasses—even the glowy, pinkish light pouring into the windows). Scroll for all of Bea's picks. And cheers to girlfriends.

THE DAY TRIP

Wedge & Wheel | Stillwater

Go for the cheese.

This cute cheese shop curates the best cheeses and meats of the moment—a great way to try new flavors you might otherwise skip over. I recommend the Big Board to share as a meal. My favorite part is you can buy and bring home anything you like.

THE NEW HOT SPOT

Lynhall | Lynlake

Go for the community.

With long tables and high ceilings, this welcoming and charming spot has a modern cafeteria feel. Walking in for the first time, I was immediately greeted by a server who explained how to order. Some of my favorites are the Steamed Bun, Beet Farro Salad and French Silk Pie.

THE ACTIVITY

Lab Mpls | Loring Park

Go to get your hands dirty.

This requires some planning ahead because you need to purchase tickets and some classes sell out fast! My sister and I did the Cocktail Lab for my birthday and it was so fun! We learned how to make 3 different kinds of cocktails and the supplies were set up in the most Instagram-worthy way.

THE CLASSIC

Café Lurcat | Loring Park

Go for the ambiance.

This is one of the prettiest restaurants in the city—I love it because I feel like I'm in a different city. In the summer the patio is filled with white furniture and umbrellas and twinkling lights in the evening. My favorites on the menu are the Pot Roast, the Apple, Cheese & Chive Salad, and—of course—the Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.

THE ADVENTURE

Gyst | Eat Street

Go for the wine flights.

With Kombucha on tap and a drink called Brine & Soda, there is something new to try every time. I tried a sparkling wine flight, the Motherboard and Grilled Cheese and all were delicious—plus, they serve extra bread so you don't have to ration your bites! They also focus on sustainable farming, which is just one more thing to love.

Thanks, Bea!

Friday, July 21, 2017

3 Wedding Guest Dresses

Shockingly, Chris and I only have two fall weddings to attend this year, which is just fine because summer is flying by fast enough without every weekend pre-booked. Still, I thought it would be fun to create a few wedding guest looks since it is the season for ceremonies! Even if you aren't RSVPing "yes," having one or two cocktail dresses for unexpected occasions (a nice dinner, a baby shower) is a good plan. Like having wine on hand for spontaneous guests, it's refreshing not to have to race to the mall every time an event pops up.

We're sticking around Minneapolis this weekend for the first time since June! We're going to a friend's surprise party at a brewery tonight, possibly hitting the driving range tomorrow to put my golf lessons to the test, and doing a meat raffle and bingo at a couple of dive bars for another birthday on Sunday—the theme is "Midwestern Octogenarian" (cringe face). Hope you have a great weekend!