I have become obsessed with Gucci’s last few seasons,  and I can’t get enough of the 1970’s aesthetic, the color blocking and the oversized florals. Since a wardrobe comprised exclusively of Gucci is not really within my budget I thought I would have some fun throwing together some outfits that are inspired by it instead. I paired an over-sized blazer from Everlane belted over an A.L.c. pleated midi skirt to create a modern take on a skirt suit. The slouchy suede Vince Camuto boots and a pair of calypso curvy hoops from Demarson New York keep the outfit from feeling too stuffy. 

While it looks like the Tom Collin’s was most likely created almost a century prior, it was very popular during the 1970’s. Originally made with Old Tom gin or Plymouth gin, it turns out there is a whole family of Collins cocktails. There is some dispute that a Collins made with London Dry Gin is actually called a John Collins, or is that with Bourbon? You see the problem. Its undoubtably the simplicity of the the Tom Collins, made even easier with the over-sweetened Collins mixes of the time, that made it such a favorite during the disco fulled ’70's. Bonus points to anyone who can guess where the quote from the title is from!

Tom Collins
1 1/2 oz.  London dry gin
3/4 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
4 oz. club soda
Orange slice and Cherry 

Combine all ingredients, except the soda, in a shaker and shake until chilled. Strain in to tall glass filled with ice and top with club soda. Garnish with an orange slice and cherries. 

Cheers!

Recently I’ve started using Rent-the-runways unlimited service, which allows you to rent several pieces of clothing or accessories each month. I get to satisfy my urge to shop without having to worry about overflowing my closet or making bad choices, and I get to try out brands for fit, sizing, quality and comfort before I commit. I’ve been looking at this Doen dress for a while now, and when I saw it on the site I knew I had to give it a try. I love it so much I bought it (for 85% off the retail price)!

Okay, there are no lemons in a Pisco Sour, though if that’s what you’ve got go for it. Pisco is a brandy made in the wine regions of Chile and Peru. Its new to me, and it’s nothing like the brandy’s that I’m familiar with. I find Pisco is much lighter, brighter and more fruit forward in flavor. The Pisco Sour is probably the most commonly known Pisco cocktail and its the perfect introduction. 

Pisco Sour
2 oz. Capurro Pisco
1 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1 egg white
Angostura bitters for garnish

Place all of the ingredients in a shaker and dry shake until combined, add ice and shake until very cold and frothy. Strain into a coupe and garnish with several drops of bitters. 

Cheers!

I did it. I binge-watched Bridgerton, and it was good. I was a bit confused about how scandalous (Shonda!) people were saying it was, but the last period piece I watched was Harlots so... Anyway, I regret nothing, and it inspire this fancy edition of Cocktails and Clothes. The dress is from Sachin & Babi, and while its not exactly in the style of Bridgerton, I loved the high-low hem, pockets and pink and green floral pattern. Who says you can’t wear the dress even though you have absolutely nowhere to go?

The French 75 is named after a gun, and I’m guessing it has something to do with how it hits you like heavy artillery. This classic champagne  cocktail is bubbly and tart with just a hint of sweetness. It definitely goes down way too easyily, but don’t forget about that sneaky shot of gin in there. To that point, I actually don’t mind a little extra gin, just to remind me…

French 75
1 oz. St. George Botanivore gin
1/2 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Top with Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 

Combine gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a champagne flute, top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Cheers!

It's starting to feel like spring here, so I guess the rain was fitting. I loved this outfit, the paper bag waist jeans from Mara Hoffman paired with this white ALC cropped blouse was shockingly comfortable. I love that this is essentially a white tee and jeans, familiar and casual while also feeling pulled together and special. But my favorite part of this outfit is the silk bandana from Ozma of California.

I have to admit that the only Lemon Drop I’d had previously to making this one was from dive bars during university, and they were awful. I don’t know what I was expecting when I made this, but it couldn’t have been more different from the ones I’d had before. There really isn’t any reason why this cocktail shouldn’t be delicious, sour mix is the enemy of a well made cocktail. Every time I run into a classic cocktail that I had written off because it was made so badly made I really feel like this is a worth while  endeavor. I'd love to hear from you about  any classic cocktails, either because you love them or because you think they're awful.

Lemon Drop ( adapted from liquor.com)
2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. cointreau
1 oz. lemon juice
1 oz. rich simple syrup
Garnish sugar rim

Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a martini glass and dip in sugar to coat. Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until very cold and diluted. Strain into the prepared glass. 

​Cheers!

This dress! The color was so good that I had to give it a try even though it’s not something that I would have normally gone for. There’s no way I was going to be able to pull off a fully buttoned collar (I realize this sounds crazy and I should probably talk to someone about it), and I hate handkerchief hems lines. The fact is this Dress, from Solace London, is so beautiful in all of its asymmetrical and buttoned up glory, and no one was more surprised than me by how much I loved it. I guess what I’m trying to say is…people change, man.

On to the cocktail, the Elder Fashioned from Difford’s Guide, is a twist on the perennial classic. Much like this beautiful dress, buttoned up on top, free flowing on bottom,  it's the epitome of class and style. This riff on an Old Fashioned reminds me of spring with its floral notes, and is the perfect way to ease into warmer weather, or for the uninitiated, drinking bourbon based cocktails.  

Elder Fashioned (slightly modified from Difford’s Guide)
2 oz. bourbon whiskey
1/2 oz. St. Germain Elderflower liqueur
1/4 oz. rich simple syrup
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
** glassware gifted by JoyJolt

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass and garnish with a twist of lemon. 

Cheers!

Despite the way my instagram looks, I don’t sit around all day drinking cocktails, though some times I wish I could. Physical fitness has become an important part of my day, and while I wouldn’t say that I love ‘working out’, I do like being active. As I’ve gotten older, with little kids, and especial since the start of the pandemic, keeping active has become even more relevant. But, how do you start working out regularly when you hate it? Well, I took some advice from my friend Andi. She recommends finding something you love and being consistent, and she’s an expert when it comes to fitness, and achieving huge goals. So, it makes sense that she recently launched a body-inclusive athletic wear brand called Athlethicc. For more inspiration and info about her coaching programs you can check out her insta @cartwheel_ac.

Something else that I’ve been focusing on, is it what I eat. As a family we’ve really been cutting back on the amount of meat that we consume, but personally, I needed a way to add a few more fruits and veggies to my diet. I tried a few different options, but the thing that’s really stuck is Daily Harvest smoothies. They are delicious, made with whole ingredients that you can actually identify and come portioned and frozen to your door. It really couldn’t be easier, check out how I blend mine up.

Morining Smoothie
1 mango + greens from Daily Harvest
10 oz. coconut water harmless harvest
1 scoop primal kitchen Vanilla Coconut Collagen fuel

Toss everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass, I recommend a pint glass, and enjoy. 

Cheers!

I’m not usually into Valentines Day, its overrated in my opinion. But, it is a pandemic and I'll take any excuse to do something different. So, I thought I would do a post… This hot pink, dare I say magenta, jump-suit is by Adam LIppes, and it’s got pockets! The shoes are Sam Edelman from about a thousand years ago, and the earrings are Elizabeth Cole. Will I be wearing this on valentines day?…no, will I wish I was?…. Also no. Would I wear this at any other time of year if I had somewhere fancy to be? You bet! Ok, maybe...

The Clover Club is the most classic of classic cocktails. It's pretty, it's tasty, It checks all the boxes. I never make them at home because who has raspberry syrup just hanging around? Not this bitch, buuuuut, it turns out you can substitute for grenadine! I actually added a touch of St. Germain, because grenadine can be a bit flat, and I highly recommend it. 

Clover Club
2 oz. Gin
3/4 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. Grenadine (or use raspberry syrup and up it to 3/4 oz. without the st. germaine)
1/2 oz. st. Germaine
1egg white


Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until foamy and chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass and enjoy!


Cheers!

Does this count as monochromatic? Whatever it is, I’m in love. I’m not sure when I first laid eyes on this amazing plaid (technically it’s a check, but work with me here) two-piece from Victoria Beckham, but I’ve been obsessed with it for while. It’s beautifully made with a thick and stretchy knitted material, and it was incredibly comfortable to wear. While this particular pattern might not be for everyone, I won’t lie the plaid is a bit intimidating, I think the idea of a patterned co-ord is something anyone can pull off. And at a time when I want to feel pulled together, but have also sworn off real pants, this is a real game changer.

What pairs better with plaid-on-plaid than a belated Bobby Burns? I’ll just apologize to all the Scots now, I’m sorry I didn’t name the drink. While I was inspired by the recent passing of Burns Night, it turns out the Bobby Burns was most likely not named after the famed Scot. This is a very enjoyable scotch cocktail, slightly sweet and warming, perfect for sipping on a chilly evening or, as the Difford’s Guide suggests, while enjoying some haggis.

Bobby Burns
1 oz. blended scotch (12yr is recommended) 
1 oz. sweet vermouth
1/2 oz. Benedictine 
Lemon twist

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of lemon.

Cheers!

I’m still rolling with a monochromatic theme, this week its sea foam green! Weirdly, I don’t own anything in this color, but you can bet I’m going to change that. Monochromatic dressing hasn’t really been part of my repertoire, but for some reason it has really been speaking to me lately. Maybe because its actually so easy to pull an outfit together, focus on fit and texture, and you can end up with something so visually interesting. And these pants! I can’t even; the cut, the material, they are just so dreamy. Honestly, the whole outfit is amazing.

Clearly my cocktail needed to match my outfit, and when I think of green cocktails one of my favorites always come to mind. The last word is such a fantastic classic, tart and herbal with just enough sweetness and a little bite from the gin. If you’re not a fan, or you’ve never tried Green Chartreuse, this might not be the cocktail for you. But, if you’re looking for an introduction to this bitter, herbal and expensive liqueur then this is the perfect place to start.

The Last Word
3/4 oz. Green Chartreuse
3/4 oz. HIghclere Castle Gin
3/4 oz. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
3/4 oz. lime juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe. 

Cheers!

When hiking in a desert you should definitely stay well hydrated, and if you’re going to bring a cocktail make sure its Emily Farris’ Baby spritz. This was my first trip to the high desert and Joshua Tree National Park here in California. I'm generally more of an Ocean person, but I was totally blown away with the vastness of the desert landscape. Even with a totally functional outfit, no make-up, and a crazy easy cocktail, I still couldn’t have pulled this off without my lovely assistants, Steve and Colleen, who helped my wrangle stuff and made sure I didn’t fall off that wall.

Having a really easy cocktail was key to being able to pull this off, it was pretty hot out, and on top of that there were thirsty bee’s everywhere so we wanted to be very careful with any liquids. This is a really great spritz, no measuring needed and you can make it super low-ABV. It was the perfect thing for our weekend in Joshua tree. I’m going to need a little more practice (and a new camera, wink wink) before I start doing this on the regular, but I was pretty impressed with our mischief managed, we even had some ice.

I try to keep these posts on the shorter side, and they are usually focused on the clothes and cocktails, though I'll be the first to admit that they are a work in progress. I would love to know if anyone would be interested in a more detailed Joshua Tree travel post, where to stay, eat, hike and the cocktails to bring? Let me know in the comments.

Emily Farris’ Baby Spritz
Aperol
Lemon Le Croix
​
Mix to your preferred potency on ice. 

Cheers!