Altuzarra, dress of my dreams. Oh, hi Joseph.

The Altuzarra for Target
released its lookbook this week!


Are you jumping for joy yet? You really should.


In an interview with Target, he expressed a philosophy he keeps in mind as he designs on a daily basis.


"One of the guiding principles of Altuzarra is that fashion can be transformative, changing not just the way you look, but also the way you feel."
--- Joseph Altuzarra


I can now officially claim, without a doubt, that Joseph Altuzarra is a man after my own heart. In my last outfit post, I had drawn the same conclusion. Clothing, fashion, it holds this amazing power to unleash an unseen inner beauty whether it be strength in character, resilient determination, or just the kindest of hearts.

My first run through and I had dog eared half the collection. I did another run through, thinking about what I really wanted, and decided to buy things I could wear to work (plus one that I just have to have).


First, I want to start with this dreamy creation that has eluded me for so long until now, it is within reach of me and my wallet. A few months back, I saw this dreamy beaded gown by Zuhair Murad on ssense. I fell in love, but my wallet cried when it saw the price tag. Even on sale, I couldn't justify a dress that I'd wear once, if I could even find an occasion to wear it.


But then, the much anticipated high-low collaboration between Altuzarra and Target was unveiled, my eyes landed on this long, flowing, beaded dress and my heart (and my wallet) leaped for joy!

I fell in love with multiples pieces (but want to buy all of it), but some of the ones that resonated with me are below. I hope I'm able to find my size on September 14th. I can never seem to gauge Target's sizing correctly. Wish me luck on my hunt for these treasures, and let me know how you style your favorites!

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Recipe | Grown up Rice Krispy Treats

This post was only made possible by my all time favorite food blogger, the one and only Deb Perlman of Smitten Kitchen. She is like the mother I never had for all my baking/food related needs.

Don't get me wrong. I love my mother more than the world, and I owe that woman everything. But she could not bake to save us from an impending alien invasion. If it were up to her baking a simple batch of chocolate chip cookies (that's not from scratch) to save us, we might as well start waving white flags now.

You never know, the aliens might be nice like E.T. :)

I remember when I first started baking/cooking, I didn't know that 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of milk were two different measurements (don't worry, I got that sorted out already). I also didn't know the sheets of lasagna pasta had to be cooked first, before baked in layers. My cooking/baking expertise has come a long way through much trial and error, and am extremely proud (and excited) to show you guys!

The Ingredients        (source: Smitten Kitchen)      Batter:      4 ounces unsalted butter,      plus extra for the pan      1 10 ounce bag of marshmallows      ¼ teaspoon of coarse salt      6 cups Rice Krispies cereal      (about half a 12-ounce box)

The Instructions Butter (or coat with non-stick spray) an 8-inch square cake pan with 2-inch sides. In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat.It will melt, foam, then turn clear golden and finally start to turn brown and smell nutty. Stir frequently, scraping up any bits from the bottom (they're the best part). Don’t take your eyes off the pot because the period between the butter taking on color and the point where it burns is less than a minute. Once the butter becomes a nutty color, turn off the stove and stir in the marshmallows. The residual heat from the melted butter should be enough to melt them, but if not, turn it back on low until the marshmallows are smooth. Remove the pot from the stove and stir in the salt and cereal together. Quickly spread into prepared pan. I use a piece of parchment paper to press it firmly and evenly into the edges and corners. Let cool, and cut into squares :)

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Real elegance is in the mind

Real elegance is in the mind. It isn't determined by how much you spend, or how new your clothes are.

It is the way a person views themselves, and how they carry themselves on a daily basis.

Floral cloth corset / Stradivarius

Pink skirt / Vintage

Silver pumps / BCBG Paris (find it here)

Earrings / Kate Spade (similar here)

Clothing doesn't change a person, but can change how they view themselves. Old trends become new when a designer views it in a new way. People change their views of others when they change the way they dress. It can make some women feel sexy with the right LBD while others feel they can conquer the world with a pair of heels.

The power of clothing is amazing, and I am in awe of it each and every day.

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