shell chic'd

Tipsy Tuesday No.9: Gatsby-Goers

by Leave a Comment

Emily’s Tidbit Tuesday: when I’m not blogging, working, failing at cooking, or exploring, I’m usually at dance. My bi-annual show is this weekend, and I am thrilled because I get to perform  spend time with my best friends  work out in the most fun way possible  be in a Great Gatsby-themed number. SO I have the roaring 20s on my mind all week long… lots of pearls, fringe, feathers, and other flapper details and costumes, plus a themed champagne cocktail waiting for me as my reward at the end of the week…!

French 75

[ Fulton Dress, Lilly Pulitzer, $129 (sale!) ]
[ Knock Out Leather Envelope, Lilly Pulitzer, $168 ]
[ Bella Sandal, Lilly Pulitzer, $69 (sale!) ]

psst! The Lilly sale only runs until tonight. If you miss out on anything online, be sure to check your local signature store! For Boston gals, that’s In the Pink on Newbury.

Tipsy Tuesday No.8: Spiked Hot Chocolate

by Leave a Comment

Ok ok, it’s technically already Thirsty Thursday– we’re a little behind here in the chaos of the holidays this week!

On Christmas Eve, I love nothing more than curling up in some themed pajamas with a mug of hot cocoa… spiked just a tiny bit if possible 🙂 Cliche much? What’s your Christmas Eve tradition?

Christmas Eve Outfit

[ wear this ]
The Debling Dressing Gown, Jack Wills $98.50
Plaid Lodge Moccasins, J.Crew, $49.50
(plus 30% off with code GIVENOW)

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

[ drink that ]
christmas eve hot chocolate from hot chocolate by fred thompson
serves 8 in regular cups or 16 in espresso cups

[ ingredients ]
1 1/2 cups dark roast hot brewed coffee
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup sugar
3 ounces Kahlua
3 ounces creme de cacao
2 ounces brandy
1/4 cup heavy cream
whipped cream or marshmallows for garnish

[ directions ]
1. Place the brewed coffee, chocolate, and sugar in a medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring, until the chocolate has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Do not boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the Kahlua, creme de cacao, brandy, and heavy cream.
2. Pour into cups and serve immediately, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Tipsy Tuesday No. 7: Holiday Bar Cart Style

by 17 Comments

Christmas Bar Cart StyleMy holiday bar cart–which may not exactly be a cart at all but gets the job done–had been a great work in progress for a couple months, full of pink + sparkly details, just waiting to make its debut. Until I realized, at least for this time of year, it was better suited to be paired with our mini Christmas tree, twinkle lights, and ingredients to make loads of Peppermint and/or Cinnamon Spiked Hot Chocolate (more on that later!).

Gold Chevron WallsChalkboard FrameSparkle Monogram LettersMini Champagne BottlesHoliday Bar Cart

It’ll return to its normal state soon, but for the time being, it’s adding lots of holiday cheer to our apartment!

Tipsy Tuesday No.6: Spiked Cider

by Leave a Comment

This hot, spiked cider is one of my favorite things to serve on Thanksgiving. It doubles as a delicious post-feast nightcap and an apple-cinnamon kitchen-filling aroma that beats any holiday candle.

Steaming Spiked Cider

[ wear this ]
Foliage Lace Dress, Anthropologie, $138
Steven Intyce Boots, Steve Madden, $126 (sale!)
Forstal Mini Satchel, Jack Wills, $248

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

[ drink that ]
steaming spiked cider from party drinks! by a.j. rathbun
serves 10

[ ingredients ]
4 quarts fresh apple cider (the cloudier the better)
16 ounces white rum
20 ounces cinnamon schnapps
1 teaspoon whole cloves
3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
cinnamon sticks to taste
apple slices for garnish

[ directions ]
1. Pour the cider into a large nonreactive saucepan, turn the heat to medium, and let cider warm for about 5 minutes.
2. Add the remaining ingredients except the garnish, Bring the heat up to just below boiling, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. You want it piping warm, but not so hot that it burns a guest’s mouth.
3. Ladle into large heatproof mugs, adding a cinnamon stick or two to each mug, and an apple slice, if desired.

What’s your favorite drink to sip on ’round the Thanksgiving table?

Tipsy Tuesday No. 5: Entertaining with KSNY

by Leave a Comment

First, thank you all so much for your kind and encouraging words about yesterday’s post. I never thought it would touch that many people, but I’m so grateful to see that it did. You guys are beyond the best xx

With the holidays upon us, I can’t help but have entertaining on my mind. How fun are these Kate Spade pieces? It’s the perfect time to stock up before your guests start arriving!

Kate Spade Entertaining

[ 1 ] Glitter Coasters, $35
[ 2 ] Jules Point Bottle Stopper, $35
[ 3 ] Two of a Kind 2-Piece Bar Set, $50
[ 4 ] Cocktail Napkins, $14
[ 5 ] Two of a Kind “Ours” Decanter, $100
[ 6 ] Wine Tag Set, $16
[ 7 ] Two of a Kind Ice Bucket, $80
[ 8 ] Acrylic Straws, $14
[ 9 ] Say the Word Colored Flutes, $80

I also can’t say I’d hate to receive some of these as stocking stuffers… 🙂 Will you be entertaining much this holiday season, or are you more of the party go-er?

Tipsy Tuesday No. 4: Target Bar Carts

by Leave a Comment

Winter-Styled Bar Cart

[ Threshold Bar Cart, Target, $130 ]

How excited was I to discover that Target carries bar carts?! As much as I adore Society Social’s designs, these come at a bit prettier price. I especially love this Threshold version [pictured above], with its wood and brass finish, but this solid wood design with a built-in wine rack is also pretty tempting!

Target Bar Cart

[ Bar Cart, Target, $132 ]

Have you splurged on a bar cart yet? Where did you find yours?

Tipsy Tuesday No. 3: Sleepy Hollow

by 10 Comments

Confession: I went trick-or-treating well into my college years.

I think celebrating Halloween on the 31st is one of the things I miss most about my younger years. I try to not let the day pass by unnoticed, even if the most I do is buy my own candy, put on some black + orange, and sip a spooky-themed drink while kicking back with a scary movie…

Drink This, Wear That: Sleepy Hollow

[ wear this ]
Artist Boatneck Tee, J.Crew Factory, $29.50 (extra 30% off with code SALE30!)
Distressed Skinny Jeans, Forever21, $30
Hoxton Heeled Sandals, ASOS, $75
Snappy Crossbody Clutch, Deena & Ozzy, $39

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

[ drink that ]
sleepy hollow from good spirts by a.j. rathbun

[ ingredients ]
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, plus a spring for garnish
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
Ice cubes
2 1/2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce apricot liqueur

[ directions ]
1. Add the mint, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Using a muddler or hefty wooden spoon, muddle well.
2. Fill the cocktail shaker or glass halfway full with ice cubes. Add the gin and apricot liqueur. Shake as if you heard the horseman’s hoofbeats coming.
3. Strain into large cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a swizzle stick.

How are you celebrating Halloween this year?

Tipsy Tuesday No. 2: Bar Cart Style

by 12 Comments

Blame it on the beautiful creations of Roxy Te and her Society Social team, but I am fully obsessed with the idea of the bar cart lately…

society social bar cart

[ The Hayworth, Society Social, $515 ]

Possibly even more fun than the idea of purchasing one of these darling carts for my apartment, is the thought of decorating one. Here are some home-bar accessories I have my eye on::

Bar Cart

 

[ Tassel Garland, StudioMucci via Etsy, $35 ]
[ 1 ] His & Hers Dof Set, Kate Spade, $50
[ 2 ] Paper Party Straws, Anthropologie, $8 (lots of color options!)
[ 3 ] Silver Street Coasters, Kate Spade, $30
[ 4 ] Polka Dot Fabric Wrapped Flask, Urban Outfitters, $18
[ 5 ] Threshold Cocktail Shaker, Target, $13
[ 6 ] Threshold Four Votive Candleholder, Target, $20 (use as glasses!)
[ 7 ] Threshold Cocktail Decanter, Target, $15
[ 8 ] ‘Cheers’ Print, Pearls and Pastries via Etsy, $5
[ 9 ] Monogrammed Acrylic Tray, Design Darling, $42
[ 10 ] KraftWare Brushed Brass Mylar Ice Bucket, Bed Bath & Beyond, $40

For cart inspiration, check out Society Social’s blog, plus these sweet posts by Domestikated Life, Style Within Reach, and The Glitter Guide.

Do you have a bar area in your home? How do you decorate it?

Tipsy Tuesday No. 1: Cranberry Punch

by Leave a Comment

Anywhere you look this time of year, you can find pumpkin if you want it. So I thought today I’d pay homage to the often overlooked fall flavor of cranberry. Tart, but sweet, and especially good with cinnamon for some added spice. I’d have no problem curling up with a glass of this most autumn nights!

Cranberry Punch

[ wear this ]
[ Keating Boy Blazer , J.Crew Factory, $89 (hurry while on sale!) ]
[ Laindon Dress, Jack Wills, $128 ]
[ Wanted Burnet Buckle Ankle Book, Urban Outfitters, $69 ]

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

[ drink that ]
hot cp from good spirits by a.j. rathbun

[ ingredients ]
6 ounces white rum
4 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
4 ounces water
3 ounces Simple Syrup
2 ounces fresh pineapple juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

[ directions ]
1. Add the rum, cranberry juice, water, simple syrup, pineapple juice, cinnamon, and cloves to a medium-size saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until hot but not boiling.
2. Add a cinnamon stick to each of 4 mugs. Pour the hot mix equally into the mugs.
3. Sprinkle a hint of nutmeg on top of each mug. Serve with a warning: It’s hot.