Mmm: Oven-baked fries

I don't know about you, but at our house it as soon as it hits 7 p.m. the hubs and I start the same banter (with one of us at the fridge and one by the pantry). "What do you want for dinner?" "I don't know, what do you want??" We don't do take-out too often -- except for the occasional sushi or Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza -- and we don't do frozen meals, so we're often left wondering what to make with what we have at that very moment. Sometimes it's breakfast for dinner -- yum! -- and sometimes it's just a random pasta, protein, veggies concoction that tastes pretty good and gives us leftovers for the next night.

If you're already making chicken, burgers or steaks, here's one of our newest favorite sides: oven-baked fries. It's a different take on a traditional baked potato and healthier than some other carb options. Nice that you can buy some potatoes or sweet potatoes and make when the mood strike... they last for ages. I'm sure some of you reading this -- if you even got this far -- make much more complicated dishes. This is crazy simple, I know. My bro is a great cook, for example, who is constantly glued to the Food Network yet he's never made these so I'm hoping I can add something to your dinner repertoire as well.

Ingredients:

- potatoes or sweet potatoes (look for round, long ones; weird shapes are hard to cut); estimate one per person.

- olive oil

- salt

- pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Put potatoes in microwave for two minutes to soften. Slice in half long-wise and then cut half in the shape of long fries. Put on a coated baking sheet and coat with olive oil, salt and pepper. Put in oven for 40 minutes, flipping half way. Done... and yum!

Once you make these once, play around with different seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder (or salt) and/or chili powder, and cinnamon for sweet potato fries. All delish.

Stay Stylish: 5 Musts for a Palm Beach Look

Gals: listen up. While you can don some pink, lime green and white to try to pass for a Palm Beacher, today's look is much more sophisticated and diverse. To find out the quintessential items necessary to transform any wardrobe into a stylish ensemble ready for dining at Cafe Boulud, cocktails at Nick & Johnnies or just browsing on Worth Avenue, we recruited Colleen Orrico from C. Orrico, a 25-year old institution for Lilly Pulitzer and all that is traditional Palm Beach culture and fashion.

C. Orrico was founded by Colleen and her two sisters, Kathie and Casey, and was one of the flagship stores when Lilly relaunched her brand in the '90s. As the sisters say, the store "sets the standard for style beyond fashion, surf chic, comfortable sophistication." And, it does. As soon as you walk in you're transported into this colorful, inspirational place with fabulously cool clothes, jewelry, accessories for women, men and the little ones.

According to Colleen, add the following to your wardrobe to give it an authentic Palm Beach vibe:

• Eyelet tunic dress, private label by C. Orrico ($125). Sold in black, pink, white, turquise... buy one in every color! Love these.
• Gold chain necklace/belt, Trina Turk ($198).
• Can't afford the real thing? Check out this similar $35 option by Etienne Aigner at Macy's. Steal!
• Steven Bonannos "Palm Beach" classic sandals in platinum ($95). Invest in the real thing. They're made of hand-crafted, real leather and last forever. If you want to go bold, there's a million color combinations... even school colors like my beloved orange and blue. Plus, C. Orrico will design anything your heart desires. Want to take an old LV bag and make it into sandals (though I'm not sure why!)? They say, done. As for Bonanno v. Jack Rogers (I have two pairs): personal preference. Just get at least one pair STAT.
• Lilly Pulitzer aviator sunglasses ($180). New styles have bamboo detail on the side of the frame (not yet on web sites).
• White jeans, Lilly Pulitzer ($138). A Palm Beach staple. Period.

And, one more because Colleen couldn't resist (and we adore the jewelry line... and the designer who we met briefly while in the store):

• Enameled magnolia pendant necklace with turquoise, Jordann Jewelry ($100). Must also share that Jordann has five pieces under $25 in her collection where 25% of the proceeds go to Locks of Love. Check it out on her web site.

What do you think? Will you feel ready for a day on Palm Beach with some of these must haves? Only one way to know! Check out C. Orrico, which by the way is starting a phenomenal sale through October to empty out all current clothes in time for season. The longer you wait, the better the sale... but will the item you want -- in your size -- be there??

Divine Deal: 30% off Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic

Get ready, get set, SHOP! Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Gap Outlet, Old Navy Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Stores are offering 30 percent off your entire order, valid Aug. 26-29, 2010.
These stores always have discounted merch so take advantage and get crazy prices on sales and new items like the new Black Magic pants and military-inspired looks that are so hot for Fall. Plus, Gap is giving 5% back to the charity of your choice. Feel good while shopping? Love. Count us in! Click here for the coupon.

If you leave near The Gardens Mall, check out all the fun in-store events happening this weekend on the mall's Facebook page.

Kids Say the... Smartest Things

Somehow at least 15 years ago I acquired this little book called Really important stuff my kids have taught me, by Cynthia Copeland Lewis. Sounds silly, but I've always loved it and it's one of the items that has made it with me through 10 plus moves. Impressive! The book has tons of random words of wisdom that while they're from a kids perspective, totally rings true at every age. Little ones can be so wise! I recall reading years ago one about if you're first in line, you get stuck holding the door open for everyone. So true, right?? I used to be that kid who always had to be first but after reading that I realized the benefit of being somewhere else in line.

There are hundreds of these insightful comments in this book. Here are just a few to get you thinking:

• It's possible to feel full when it comes to more vegetables, but not full when it comes to a piece of cake.
• Pants with pockets are better. (and skirts and dresses!)
• Dance!
• Hitting the kid with the ball might get you the ball, but it won't get you anyone to throw it to.
• When you're the one setting the table, you can give the funny fork to your sister.
• Plain underwear is boring.
• Be nice to the lunch lady.
• Don't say "the last one out there is a rotten egg" unless you're absolutely sure there's a slow kid behind you.
• Use the fancy soap.
• If the horse you're drawing looks more like a dog, make it a dog.
• It's not really giving if you give away the animal crackers with the missing hands and feet.
• When you're all dressed up like a princess, it's easier to act like one.
• It's easier to see mistakes on someone else's paper.

Ok, ok, I could go on all day but then I'd be writing the whole book. How insightful are these when you really start to think about them?

Quick Bites: Garrett's Chicago Mix Popcorn

My brother visited me this weekend so guess what that means? Garrett's popcorn, Chicago mix! Oh, and of course, quality time with the best brother on earth. Of course, of course.

But seriously, back to business: Chicago-based Garrett's focuses on three flavors -- cheese, caramel and plain -- with about a dozen flavor combinations possible. I respect the limited number of options; make a few well instead of making a lot just average. So, each time my bro visits I request the heavenly, sweet and salty combination of caramel and cheese. I've tried Garrett's Cashew CaramelCrisp and the Pecan CaramelCrisp and wasn't wow-ed. Somehow they're just too sweet and sugary on their own. The cheese just mellows it.

What's great is that Garrett really focuses on quality ingredients. The cheese is freshly melted sharp cheddar cheese (not powder!) that's generously stirred into kettles of hot air popped popcorn. The caramel, the store's signature flavor, is a three-generation old family recipe. Chefs prepare small batches all day to ensure that each bite is buttery and sweet. Mmmm. We love that even after a few days, it's practically as crunchy and flavorful as the first day. That's critical if you're considering shipping it anywhere (which I totally recommend).

With stores exclusively in Chicago, visit the web site to order or for more info. They've been around since 1949. They know what they're doing.

Floral Design Demystified

If you’re anything like me, you know that putting flowers in a vase is a lot more complicated than just that. The stems are too long, the flowers droop all over, the combination doesn’t look right, etc., etc. If this sounds all too familiar, buckle your seatbelt and get ready for a crash course in floral design!

My arrangement!

Last week, The Average Girl’s Guide attended the inaugural It! Girl's Guide to Floral Design hosted by the fabulous Aime Dunstan, principal of It! Weddings & Events, and led by the incredible floral designer to the stars, Kim Votaw.

Here’s a key list of what you can do to make the perfect flower arrangement:

• Want fresh flowers? Make sure they’re firm to the touch. You're thinking, I’m scared I'll ruin them. Don’t! While we barely touched our flowers, Kim practically man-handled hers to be sure they were up-to-par. Feel the base of roses or squeeze a bunch of hydrangeas, for example.
• Make “wet oasis” your new best friend. That’s the green stuff often at the base of arrangements. Buy it at a crafts store like Michael’s. Just be sure to get the wet foam, not dry. Put it in your vase or creative holder, stick your flowers in it, add water and voila, gorgeous!
• If you're you a procrastinator like me and don’t buy flowers until the day before – or day of – a dinner party, fake it by forcing the petals open. Lightly fold petals back as you work your way in toward the base of the rose. The difference is incredible!



Kim demonstrates how
not to use a vase.

• Don’t put your flowers straight in a vase, put them in at an angle. It just looks nicer!
• And, think outside the vase when considering what to use. Pitchers, decorative cylinders, platters, even mirrors are ideal options (see pic for what Kim did). Check out Home Goods or TJ Maxx to get ideas.
• For the perfect circular arrangement (think bridal bouquet), start gathering flowers one by one at the base (not by the stem). When done, pull the middle higher to achieve a nice roundness. To keep in place, use oasis tape (sold at floral shops) or find a sturdy ribbon or string. Oasis tape is a florist’s best friend… they often use it to make a grid on top of a vase and put the flowers in each of the holes; keeps the flowers in perfect place!
• If you like a flower, remember the name of it; not all pink roses are the same, for example.
• Use different flowers of the same color. Create visual interest by placing flowers at various heights. Use “stock” flowers, which are linear (tulips or calla lilies), wide options and star shapes, like lilies. If you like a more colorful arrangement, consider keeping it to two to up the sophistication factor.
  

  

  Creative display with roses
  and carnations. Love.

• Carnations are not a dirty word! In fact, they’re making a comeback. Use them as Kim did (see pic) at the base of a creative display. {And, that's kosher salt underneath the star fish; cool!)
• Think color for tablescapes! Pair floral arrangements with bright green; it’s a great floral neutral! Look for wire balls, votives and other fun accessories to liven up a display. Kim also loves orange for entertaining and suggests that if you love all white florals, consider adding champagne to the mix… it helps the flowers stand out when being photographed.

And, just because you should know…

Someone asked, what about the plastic on the stems of gerber daisies. Take them off, says Kim. (good thing an It! Gal asked!).

Bad girl’s guide to good health

Women’s Health magazine shares this month new studies that find upsides to so-called bad behaviors. WOOHOO! With it being Friday and all, thought this was the perfect opportunity to share. Who doesn’t love a reason to feel a little less guilty about indulgences and semi-questionable behavior. We always hear about the benefits of exercising, eating healthy and even drinking one glass of red wine (not four, gals!) and nibbling on dark chocolate (just a little, not two Snickers bars), but since these are new to us so we had to share:

1. Getting pissed off can keep your stress in check: riled up people can make better decisions.

2. Downing coffee could cut your cancer risk: Studies show that drinking daily joe may minimize your risk for Parkinson's disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

3. Being a slob may help you breathe easier: an unmade bed, for example can nix in-house allergens. You should also maintain a clean, yet not pristine, home.

4. Drinking beer may benefit your heart and bones (pass the Blue Moon, please!): The refreshing stuff is made with malted barley, which happens to contain the same heart-protecting antioxidants that give red wine its good name.

5. Surfing the Internet might tune up your brain: One week of frequent Web browsing can fire up your brain's complex-reasoning hubs.

6. Chewing gum can keep you trim: Gum can improve both short- and long-term memory, and keep you thin (more gum chewing, less eating french fries).

Check out more details on the reasons why by clicking here. Enjoy your weekend!

Recipe: Watermelon and Feta salad

I’ve been dying, dying to have a watermelon and feta salad all summer. My attempt at the restaurant Seasons 52 last weekend was shuttered when they were out. Boo. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands: I enlisted my Epicurious app on my iPhone while at Publix the other day and got all the ingredients. So easy and dee-lish that I just had to share! This is def. going to be my new “hey, I’ll bring the salad” salad.

Ingredients:
5-ounce package baby arugula
8 cups 3/4-inch cubes seedless watermelon
1 7-ounce package feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar glaze (see below for tip)

Directions (so simple):

Arrange arugula over large platter. Scatter watermelon, then feta over. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with pepper.

AWESOME ingredient tip: Balsamic vinegar glaze can be found in the vinegar section at many supermarkets (tagg: it tastes so good and some even come in squeeze containers; is it rude if I squeeze directly in my mouth?). If unavailable, boil 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until reduced to 3 tablespoons, 6 to 7 minutes.

tagg tip: salad would also taste good with either red or sweet vidalia onions, at least that was the consensus between me and the hubs last night. Also, didn't measure when we made the salad. Just eyeballed enough for two people. Enjoy!

This recipe originally ran in Bon Appetit in July 2009.

Fab Find: Pre-sale on Designers for Target

Who doesn’t go crazy – sometimes counting down the days – until Target unveils the latest line from an awe-inspiring designer? Less than $40 for a Zac Posen dress? Yes, please. Well, before Target puts the latest designer duds on sale this October you have a chance to get them months in advance. Score! Gilt Groupe, an online sample sale site I mentioned in last week’s post about savvy shopping, will have a 36-hour sale starting this Friday, Aug. 20 before three major labels hit Target stores. Look for Tucker by Gaby Basora, John Derian, and Mulberry. Here's the site.

Designer lines for Target are awesome; the styles are true to their brands, are up-to-the-minute stylish (yet can last through quite a few seasons) and super affordable. I still adore my Loeffler Randal rose-colored clutch with oversized flower; Temperley by London black flowered dress and more recently, Cynthia Vincent gold studded, white leather sandals (see pic).

To register for gilt, visit gilt.com.

Best Gift Ever: The Gift of Reading

Sometimes I find it virtually impossible to find the perfect gift for someone. I want it to be meaningful, personal and not crazy expensive. With that in mind, my go-to gift for years now is... the gift of reading! I love giving magazine subscriptions as gifts. You can pick a title that best suits your friend or loved one, plus it's reasonably priced and best of all... someone's getting that gift from you every month for year! If you're extra thoughtful, maybe it's a subscription that comes in the mail every week. That's 52 gifts from YOU! Nice, huh? Men love GQ, Men's Health and dare we say, Playboy (it's the articles, right?), and great mags for women include Real Simple, W, People and Glamour. Get a traveler or foodie Food & Wine, Cooking Light, Travel & Leisure, or the new Food Network Magzine (just not the Rachael Ray one!).

Check out sites like overstock.com, magazinenook and barnesandnoble. If you know what you're looking for, I often find it best to google the title and the word 'subscription' to see what pops up with the best price.

Who do you have in mind for a subscription gift? What title?

Fab Find: Garnier Glossing Spray

The Average Girl's Guide says it's all about looking your best. And, who doesn't love to look their best for a little less? With the humidity in Florida, it's a major challenge for this average girl to keep hair looking good for more than two seconds after walking about the door. If our hair feels gross and puffy, we do too.

Our favorite way to keep our hair in check? Garnier Fructis Style brilliante shine glossing spray. LOVE IT! Not only does it give our hair a gorgeous shine thanks to fruit micro-waxes, it also helps keep some of the frizzies at bay. Best of all? It smells awesome. Seriously, forgetting the other features the fragrance alone is worth it. That slight fruitiness really comes out (yet it's not overpowering). Over the years we've literally received dozens of "wow, your hair smells really good" or "you smell great." Since it's usually when I'm hugging someone with their nose kind of nuzzled in my hair, I've determined the kind words are a result of this product and not whatever more pricey perfume I'm wearing. Best of all, it's under about $5 regardless of where you purchase, be it CVS, Walgreens, your neighborhood grocery or Amazon.

Test it out and let us know what you think!

Free fun: pool playdates for all

Before you stop reading this because you think pool playdates are just for stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) and their kiddies, think again! While yes, I'm now an even bigger pool playdate fan because my little girl gets to splash in the pool while I get to gossip with my girlfriends, think what happens when you remove the kiddies and add some cocktails or vino? See how this picture can quickly change? You're diggin' it, right?

If you don't live near a beach, head to a friend's pool for happy hour cocktails! Something different? Fun, right? I know whenever I do something at night -- instead of lay on my couch -- it makes work seem like a distant memory. Like a mid-week vacay! Don't relegate the pool to weekend-only activities. If you must though, invite the girlfriends over this Saturday, make sandwiches and snacks and gossip about all the ridic reality shows this summer. It's way cheaper than an innocent jaunt around the mall (we know that never ends well!) and much more fun than something like exercising. If you feel guilty, do some water exercises.

Who's with me? Pool side happy hour?

Quick Bites: Emerald's cocoa roast almonds

Simply said, almonds are just plain good for you. They're heart healthy, can help lower cholesterol and are beneficial in the prevention of cancer. We here at TAGG love to pop them in our mouths all day, sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on our salads, and add them to recipes. Yet, we understand some don't have the same passion we do.

Enter Emerald's cocoa roasted almonds. If you like chocolate, the lightly dusted cocoa on the almonds are practically sinful. You can enjoy them as a snack, after dinner for a healthy slightly sweet treat, crushed and sprinkled atop ice cream or even mixed in oatmeal for breakfast. The chocolate -- in this case, dark -- is not at all overpowering; just a light dusting (that doesn't come off on your hands) to add something special to our beloved almond. Perk: they have the same amount of calories as traditional almonds!

Beware: these almonds are good! If you're not one to have portion control (what average girl does?!), separate them into individual servings when you buy the package or you can buy them in 100 calorie packs. A little hard to find still, so check Amazon if you want to purchase. Happy eating.

Divine Deal: Get your jegginings on

OK, the name/word JEGGINGS is beyond absurd but whatever's catchy, right? A jean/legging combo, it's perfect because it's comfier and less confining than jeans yet gives you the look of your favorite denims. Pair them with a longer top or short dress, plus flats, sky-high heels or boots, your favorite accessories, and you're set. Just no short shirts, please.

If you're not sure if this look is right for you, listen to The Average Girl's Guide (TAGG) and test out an inexpensive pair before making the plunge. We did this before totally embracing the skinny jean look a few seasons ago; happy to see they worked for a girl with curves! We love the jeggings on sale this week at one of our favorite stores... Target! Available in black, dark denim and an 80s-style acid wash, we're predicting these low-rise skinnys will be your next impulse purchase. They're just $15 this week and if you purchase online today, you can BOGO 1/2 off. Cha-ching! Plus, get them shipped free when you spend $50 of more (piece of cake at Target). Worse case you can return them to the store... and browse for more fun finds.

So, what do you think? Are jeggings for you? Or, is the word jeggings too much to handle??

PS: if you're going to pass on the jeggings fad, get fab jean inspiration from some of the biggest celebs, thanks to US Magazine.

Savvy Shopping: Save during tax time

If you ever needed an excuse to go shopping, here it is: states are offering tax relief! While a 4-8% discount shouldn't cause you to go in a shopping frenzy, if you or someone in your fam needs some new wears (or school supplies), now is the time. Plus, expect to see extra sales from stores trying to bank on this deal from their states.

Check out this article from Smart Money with a list of all the 20 or so states offering tax holidays. For my Florida friends, mark your calendars for August 13-15.

Divine Deal: UGG!

What happens every Fall? While it might depend on the climate in your state, inevitably most gals want a pair of Uggs. Since The Average Girl's Guide (TAGG) is based in Florida, the Ugg can look a little silly when it's 85 degrees out but hey, who cares? Pair them with the right dress, skinny jeans, leggings and this season, jeggings (!) and you'll have a modern look for winter.

Now, score the coveted boots (and sandals and accessories) at enviable discounts thanks to 6pm.com. Through August 14, get up to 60 percent off. For example, this classic cardy boot is perfect for wearing regularly or folding over, and it's just $70 (reg. $140). Love the winter white, though the camel brown is much more wearable (this average girl is way too clumsy to be wearing white knit shoes anywhere outside her home!). Enjoy, and happy shopping.

Random Rant: Honor Thyself

I'm reading Eat, Pray Love. I know many of you already have, or are in the same place as me... trying to finish a book we've been hearing about for ages before watching Julia Roberts bring the pages to life on the big screen this weekend.


I could go on and on about my love of the first section on her Eating in Italy because it brings me back to an incredible (carb-filled) vacation with my hubs less than two years ago or I can be honest and say I'm slightly bored with the second section about praying in India (I just want to get to the Love already!), but I won't dwell. There's one mantra, one of the most basic ones, in Pray that's been lingering in my thoughts....

Om Namah Shivaya

(I honor the divinity that resides within me.)

Not sure if the author's translation is 100 percent, but it speaks to me, the average girl, and I hope to you as well. Think about what it means to you.

Really think about it.

It reminds that me to honor myself, to live with purpose because each of us have a divine being inside us. That even though this year has brought on unimaginable things to my body -- which I'm still struggling with -- I, we must feel strong and proud of who we are, what we're capable of and what we can contribute and give to those around us. Each of us has our own challenges, no doubt, but never forget that we're blessed.

Divine Deal: Athleta clothes and accessories

Start searching the virtual sale racks! Athleta, a Gap brand that offers clothes perfect for workouts and an active lifestyle, is having a monster sale through Sunday, August 8. While we think their clothes can be a bit pricey at regular price, there's plenty of deals to be had now. Check out the sale section and score an extra 20 percent discount by entering the code HANG20. There's hundreds of yoga pants, bathing suits (sure to stay put during a day at the ocean), fabulous tanks and camis, even sneakers and sandals.

Check out this dip dye cover-up for just less than $16 after discount.

And, here's good quality low-rise yoga pants sure to last through plenty of downward dogs, regularly $69 and currently on sale for less than $28. PS: who's envious of the abs on this model? We are!
Happy shopping!

http://athleta.gap.com
Twitter: @athleta

Fab Find: RumbaTime

Hi, my name is the Average Girl and I have a confession to make: I have a serious love affair with watches. I regularly rotate between about a half dozen, though could easily purchase a new one every week. Some gals like to buy bold necklaces or oversized cocktail rings, I want a new watch. Right now, I'm digging my oversized Swatches (the precursor to the fab Michael Kors iterations; I have both black and Mr. T-looking gold); a Michael Kors silver face with white leather band; and a classic Burberry. However, think I'll be incorporating a colorful addition very, very soon...

My latest love: RumbaTime! While it kind of sounds like a cheesy dance, it's actually a fab watch. I just saw it on the Today Show and I want it... bad! The watches are unisex, colorful, water resistant up to 99 feet, ultra lightweight, and best of all, crazy affordable (under $25!). With my taste for wider watch bands, this Average Girl is totally loving the newest addition to the brand, the Van Dam (named for a NYC street). I just need to decide which color. Here's the 'lady lilac' version. What do you think? Which color catches your eye?


I have to admit that the original style is also growing on me. Check out this "fresh squeeze" option would be a fun addition to any wardrobe, be it for work or to work-out. And, really like that the slim version has the brand name on the side; not as in-your-face as the VanDam.

Telling time totally just got more stylish!
http://www.rumbatime.com/
Twitter: @rumbatimedotcom

Random Rant: Personalize your appreciation

Argh! I have a thank you note rant, so please amuse me for a moment. This week we received a thank you for an engagement party gift. While I great appreciate receiving it in my mailbox -- the one at the foot of my driveway and not at my computer -- I cannot get over that it was a generic printed thank you note with just their hand-written signatures at the bottom. 150ish people received the same note as me. Really?

Yes, it can be time consuming to write personalized notes after a big event in your honor -- I should know, I wrote 180+ this past year during pregnancy and after my daughter's birth. But, how could I not express my gratitude for such generosity? I felt so fortunate to have such love and good wishes sent our way. For these major milestones, friends and loved ones spend considerable time picking out the perfect gift for the newly engaged couple, the mamma-to-be, a new baby and more. All the receiver is tasked with doing is finding some paper, a stamp and two minutes to express appreciation. Hey, I'll even take a personalized email over a generic printed card (and, don't get me started and those who never send any thanks at all!).

Who's with me? I could go on for ages! I should say that this couple happens to be so sweet... maybe that's why I'm even more frustrated. It's so out of character? Either way, The Average Girl's Guide says please, please hand-write and personalize your thank you notes.

THANK YOU!

Fall fashion: you already might be ready!

While July means all things summer, August means... prepare for Fall! Parents are buying their kiddies back-to-school clothes and checking out what must-have items need to be in their closet. Well, it looks like this year you're in luck! Just received an email from Bloomies with the (supposed) top 10 looks for Fall.

Does anyone else think that this style guide is more or less just a culimination of years past? No complaints here... minus the fur, which is not my thing, looks like my closet already has me pretty fashionable for Fall! (Don't tell the hubs though... this Average Girl always likes an excuse for a little shopping!).