It's all about the ear cuff

Ear cuff- Bauble Bar, sweater dress- Missoni, blazer- LF Stores (similar: here) , booties- Massimo Dutti (try: these), sunglasses- Prada

It's crazy how one statement piece of jewelry can take over an outfit. Cocktail ring, collar, and ear cuff are great conversation starters and great ways to stand out in a crowd. I've been looking for a unique ear cuff for awhile, and when I saw Ashley Madekwe was a guest bartender for Bauble Bar the search was over. I always like dressing in LA cause I feel more daring, anything really goes and the more sparkle and shine the better.

Roasted pear with cinnamon yogurt

No time and limited creativity has made the past couple of weeks' meals rather boring. With only so much egg whites that my body could take, I decided to get creative with whatever limited items were in my kitchen and so baked pear with cinnamon yogurt was the end result. It's decadent looking (but mindlessly easy) way to start your morning.

1 bosc pear washed but skin on
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Cinnamon
Agave
Garnish

1. Slice the pear vertically into either halves or thirds making sure to get out the core in the middle.
2. Coat with coconut non-stick spray and put in the oven at 350 degrees F. Face up or down the with skin doesn't matter. It'll probably take 20-30 minutes for the pears to be soft and browned.
3. Meanwhile mix the yogurt, cinnamon, and agave to your liking to put on top of the pears.
4. Once the pears are ready remove and plate. Add the yogurt on top and any other garnish you want.

Been a good girl this year...

Well, well, well long time no see. I'm in that three week period (just past the middle) where the bags under my eyes are permanent, and I miss feeling glam so much I'm contemplating if I should wear heels to hang out at my place alone tomorrow. We'll be on hiatus for a little longer Avis readers, but I can't wait to share some of my holiday outfits with you guys. I spent today a little too high strung and realizing that stress has been slowly killing my body so I spent a few hours today walking through some of my favorite stores. I didn't purchase anything and I know someone's point their finger at me calling me materialistic, but there's something about being in a store around the holidays (or anytime for that matter) seeing all the beautiful things lined up and feeling the different textures of silk, cashmere, and fur that puts you in a good mood. A gingerbread macaron and coffee to finish off my therapy session, and I was back to being my regular self. If you're in a stressed place like me now or just need help figuring out what to buy someone for the holidays, here's a list of some of the things I'm eyeing these days to get your spirits bright.

Miu Miu Studded Cap Toe Sneakers, Barney's New York
I'm a sneaker addict, I'm also a Miu Miu addict. The details on these sneakers is insane, and the suede makes them different than the ordinary canvas high-top. They also come in an awesome blue.

Ice Lantern Drop Earrings, Bauble Bar
Bauble Bar is always my go-to for gift giving. They have great statement pieces like these earrings, which are perfect for glamming up a T-shirt, boyfriend jeans, and pumps look. Their store in NYC is awesome, but they have free shipping before Christmas so you really don't have an excuse.

Grace Lace Pencil Skirt, Planet Blue
I'll take the skirt or top, and definitely both. The possibilities with these pieces is out of control. They're sold at one of my favorite LA boutiques, Planet Blue. You can always find such unique pieces there that you know you're not going to see someone else wearing down the street.

Y-Not (1966), Barney's New York
I'm dying for a pair of new sunnies, and these really are the best of both worlds because I often have trouble picking between black or a tortoise shell. Also they're made by Oliver Goldsmith, the same people who made Audrey Hepburn's iconic Breakfast at Tiffany's shades. I told you they were awesome.

Cherry Pie Sweater, Shop Grl
Cropped sweaters are great for versatility and layering, but this one in particular is awesome because it lets you show off your arm party. I mean look at those gaps in the sleeves they're asking for an awesome cuff to pop out or a colony of bands and bangles. Just saying.

Limited Edition Golden Monogram Mug, Anthropologie
I have the version without the gold touch, but the gold is perfection on this mug (actually everyone in my family has an initial mug from Anthro, makes for cute holiday breakfasts don't you think). They're so affordable, and nothing makes Monday mornings better than coffee in your customized mug with golden details.

The Lemonade Cookbook, Amazon
A good friend of mine told me about this, and if you've been to the Southern California hotspot lemonade you'll know why this is so important. Want to know how to make the watermelon radish ahi tuna salad? Definitely a great idea for when I'm across the country and can't stop in for a casual lunch.

drybar gift certificate, drybar
With locations expanding all over the United States, I'm grateful that drybar will be available to more and more people. Nothing really beats a drybar experience, and while all the perks and chick flicks playing are great that doesn't mean their service is lacking. The Cosmo blowout is SUPERB, and always has people complimenting my hair. If they can fix my curly, damaged locks, they can handle anything. I'll take a gift certificate or 1309123 please.

Friends headphones, Rebecca Minkoff
I've been looking for a pair of headphones for some time now, but if I'm going to wear something big and bulky on my head it's going to have to serve as an accessory. Rebecca Minkoff knows a thing or two about amazing accessories, so it's only fitting that these headphones are the perfect touch.

Goodbye fall

Vest- Levi's, t-shirt- Madewell, skirt- Asos, shoes- Asos, necklace- Marc Jacobs special items, belt- BB Dakota

Although I was really pushing it with this more exposed outfit and shivering for some of the shots, it really was the last day of fall before that crazy weather drop that has meant I've been hiding behind a thick coat for the past couple of weeks. I felt so lucky to work with such a talented photographer, Hafsa, who shares my love for all things fashion and knows that it's all about the details. Please check out her amazing work on her website, and maybe you'll even get to see her in person capturing the moment in DC. Even in the chilly weather, these photos turned out beautifully and the backdrop didn't hurt.

Pearls and curls

Blouse- Zara, trousers- Massimo Dutti, earrings- Henri Bendel

Curled hair and pearl earrings generally is way too conservative for me, but when it's Thanksgiving it's only appropriate to dress like you're in a Ralph Lauren catalog. Hope everyone got some great scores on Black Friday deals today and a beautiful holiday filled with family, food, and laughs.

Thanksgiving means pumpkin pie

When I started this I had no idea how many people would read Avis, but I'm so grateful for every single one of you who laugh at my sarcasm, are inspired, and judge me. I hope you all remember your blessings today and always. Thank you for all your support and keep it up, and now go tell everyone/thing that you're grateful for them!!!

Ruined the top.. whoops

Vegan pumpkin pie:

Crust
1 stick of margarine
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup of cold water
1 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

1. Start by pulsing the dry components in a food processor, then add in cubes of the margarine and pulse till it looks crumbly.
2. Slowly add in the water, then transfer the liquidy dough to plastic wrap in a ball and put in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

Filling
1 15 oz. canned pumpkin
1 cup soy milk
1/4 cup corn starch
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar

3. Add all ingredients into a food processor (or if you mix it well in a bowl that'll do).
4. Take the dough out it may need to thaw. I find that pushing it into the pie dish is easier than trying to roll it out and placing it. Once you have it in the mold feel free to pinch the top for the crust.
5. Add the filling into the dough.
6. Put in the oven at 350 F. I would say 45 minutes to a hour but you want the top to be hardish and a knife to come out clean when you stick it in the middle.
7. Allow to cool and place in the fridge to firm up. Unless serving immediately keep in the fridge till ready to serve.

Sweater Change

 Sweater- H&M, skirt- H&M, tights- Missoni for Target, booties- Dolce Vita, necklace- Bauble Bar

Refinery29 helped host a party for the reopening of the Armani Exchange store in Soho, and so after a long day of work it was time for play. The larger space is much more inviting and the layout fantastic. However, as far as the new collection goes there were very few pieces I would pick up. Plus, the store had way too many basics on very clear display and was hiding the good stuff. Store aesthetic no-no.

The lighting in there and the way any image was going to turn out was bad enough to give the most confident woman in the world severe insecurities, but I'm just going with it. The sweater is a super cheap find that I bought accidentally last week at H&M. Accidentally meaning I intended to make a stop at Dean and Deluca and somehow along the way decided that I needed to buy a new article of clothing, with not much room for a hole in my pocket I settled on this chunky piece to get my shopping fix. It fits quite nicely with my two favorite pieces: the pleated pleather skirt and studded booties. Who would have guessed that they have gotten more time in the spotlight than the majority of my closet?

Thanksgiving plans in motion

"Friendsgiving" has given Thanksgiving a celebration pregame meaning many of you have already attempted your favorite Thanksgiving foods (possibly failed) and are counting down the minutes till Thursday. Whether you're helping out this round or just want to suggest a recipe to a stressed host I've gathered a few of my favorite sides to include, and some good news is they meet almost everyone's dietary restrictions and still taste terrific. These recipes are mostly for one so multiple accordingly. Since I don't eat turkey (or most meat) that means I'm all about the sides and pumpkin pie! Recipe for my famous pumpkin pie will be up on Thursday. Don't forget to check back then, hope you're all thinking of all the things you're grateful for this week!

Roasted Brussel Sprouts in Maple Dijon

Mashed Kale Cauliflower

Roasted parsnip and rainbow carrots with miso tahini sauce
Serves 1
1 parsnip cut lengthwise into fourths
Assortment of 3 rainbow carrots cut lengthwise into fourths
1/2 tablespoon miso paste
1/2 tablespoon tahini paste
1-2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Drizzle of olive oil
Drop or two of sesame oil
Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes

1. Cut your veggies and place them on aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Salt and pepper and spray with olive oil/coconut oil spray. Put in the oven at 400 degrees F for about 30-45 minutes or until they are crispy and roasted.
2. Mix together all other ingredients to make your paste. Might need to add a little more or less depending on how much sauce you like. I'm a big fan of rice vinegar, but if you're not add more olive oil and less rice vinegar.
3. Top with red pepper flakes and serve!

All black everything

Leotard- American Apparel, shorts- LF, belt,-mom's, bag- BE & D

Some days I feel like dressing like I'm in the 60's (my favorite decade) and others it's all about the 80's. I forgot how much I love wearing all black, how chic, sleek, put together you can look. My mom always prides the time in her life when she was young and enjoying her 20s in New York, it's also when she wore tons of black cause according to her fashion laws it was the New York thing to do. And so all black ensemble are even more special to me. The gloomy weather was especially inviting black that day, but the high humidity meant that a leather jacket was sufficient.

P.S. Thanks for the title inspiration Lupe Fiasco.

Vegetarian French onion soup

The infamous Paris bowl

The last time I had soupe à l'oignon I was 19, spending the best summer of my life in Paris running wild and free during the day strolling through the Marais and every gallery I could jump into, and nights dancing up a storm at Bagatelle and BC. It was the life. That life that now seems like a dream but at the time I thought would never end. Enough with the nostalgia back to the soup. It was a particularly dreary day that was spent at Versailles, and the only thing I wanted was a gooey steaming bowl of onion soup. So the second we were back in The Sixth I inhaled one of the best bowls of french onion soup (and my last) I had ever had.

Fast forward a few years that was the last time in my life that I consumed meat, and since French onion soup generally has a beef broth that meant no Bouchon or really any ordering of my favorite soup at a bistro. Recently seeing many different meat-less recipes I decided to fulfill my many year craving and give it a go.

This is one of my most proud culinary moments. This recipe takes time, love, and patience, but the end result will have you practically scrapping your bowl, making a mess, and not caring for a second how many cheesy calories you are consuming. Whether or not you eat meat, this is THE recipe je te promets.

Serves two
2 medium sized yellow onions sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 quart mushroom broth
1/2 cup red wine (I used a French Syrah)
3-4 oz. Gruyere cheese
1/4 French baguette (picked up a demi from Dean and Deluca that was an ideal size)
Salt and pepper
Pinch of granulated sugar
2 small oven-safe bowls 

1. Melt the butter and olive oil on medium heat in a medium sized saucepan.
2. Once melted add the onions and coat completely with the oil and butter mixture. Lower the heat to low and cover the saucepan for 15 minutes.
3. Add a pinch of sugar (helps with browning the onions) and 1/2 tablespoon of salt, mix thoroughly and allow to cook for 30-40 minutes. Leave the top off and be sure to check on the onions every five minutes or so and give them a mix. Give them plenty of love and attention till they are brown and golden. It's tedious but keep your eye on them and keep stirring constantly because based on my recipe reviews this is the key to a perfect recipe.
4. Add the wine and slowly add the broth, not all at once though. Salt and pepper to your taste. Increase the heat a bit and cover until it comes up to a simmer. Once you've got a simmer going lower the heat to a low-medium for about 30 minutes.
5. At this point shred your cheese and cut up the baguette into 1 inch pieces about 3 per bowl. Toast the baguette pieces so they'll be nice and hard so they can soak up the broth.
6. Once you're ready to serve turn on your broiler in your oven for the cheese melting.
7. Ladel the soup into the bowls and add a little cheese on top. Then add the baguette pieces and tops with more cheese.
8. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and underneath the broiler in the oven for about 2 minutes, but be sure to watch the bowls so the cheese doesn't get too melted.
9. Once the bubbling of the cheese begins remove your bowls, and pour yourself a glass of wine to enjoy with your cheesy bowl of goodness.

These boots were made for walkin'

Sweater- The Gap (boys), coat- Massimo Dutti, jeans- Seven for all Mankind, boots- Kelsi Dagger

When I realized I was going to a day party straight from a morning at the Union Square Greenmarket, I knew I was going to be forced to wear my thigh high boots all day. I didn't have enough time to think about it and zipped them up and hoped that my feet could handle it. I guess I survived the challenge and then some cause I ended up wearing them again that night.

The sweater is one of my favorites a random find at The Gap... in the little boys section. My little secret is that I always check that department for jumper options, then go to the men's section for XS ones, and finally settle on women's. To be honest boys sweaters just fit a lot better: they're a bit baggy but have shorter sleeves than buying a larger sized sweater. Plus I love anything with skulls on it so it fit the bill perfectly.