Recipe of the Month: Vegan Chile Relleno

A long time pescetarian and ardent lover of all animals alike, it was only a matter of time before the Vegan bug bit me, especially growing up and living in LA. After spending an afternoon at an Animal Sanctuary in Southern CA and meeting a few amazing animals rescued and rehabilitated, I knew I had to, at least, try. Here is a filling and delicious take on a classic Mexican dish, Chile Relleno, which translates to a “refilled pepper.” It can very easily be made using animal cheese, or without any cheese at all. Being a Vegan is certainly not for everyone and I’m a firm believer that it is about finding ways to make it fit into your life, but I would suggest taking the time to learn about farm factory practices and make the choice for yourself. Hope you enjoy!

Vegan Chile Relleno

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

1 Poblano pepper

3-4 large kale leaves, stalks removed and sliced into thin strips

1 small, white sweet potato (Any kind will work, but I like the O’henry or Hannah variety)

3 tablespoons leeks, thinly sliced

1 medium Portobello mushroom

2 tablespoons Garlic sauce (can be found at Whole Foods)

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1 teaspoon liquid smoke

Tabasco

Salt and pepper

Daiya shredded cheddar “cheese” (optional – can be found at Whole Foods)

Steps:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees

Using a fork, puncture the potato and throw it in the oven for 15-20 minutes, depending on its size.

While your potato bakes, turn one of your burners up to a medium high heat and place the Poblano pepper directly on the flames. Every couple of minutes and using tongs, turn the pepper, until the skin is charred and blistered. This will both soften the pepper and add a little smokiness.

While your potato bakes, turn one of your burners up to a medium high heat and place the Poblano pepper directly on the flames. Every couple of minutes and using tongs, turn the pepper, until the skin is charred and blistered. This will both soften the pepper and add a little smokiness.

Once the pepper is dark and toasted, remove it from the flame and allow it to cool for a few minutes before removing the stem and cutting the pepper open to remove the seeds and membrane.

Over a medium heat, add your olive oil to a small sauté pan. Beginning with your sliced leeks and followed by your kale and mushrooms. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and continue to cook for about 8 minutes until the leeks and kale have softened and the mushrooms have begun to brown.

Your potato should be fork or knife tender. Don’t hesitate to cut it open and check its doneness. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and scrape the inside of the potato into a small mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash the potato. (I love the flavor and texture of the skin, so I will slice it into thin strips and add it in, but that is up to you.)

Add the sautéed veggies to the bowl and using a spoon or spatula, combine them all until mixed and evenly distributed. To bind the veggies, I add my garlic sauce and mix until combined. And finally, my liquid smoke and a few dashes of Tabasco.

Using a small spoon, scoop the vegetable mixture into the Poblano pepper. It will definitely be a full little pepper. Place the pepper on a small sheet pan.

If you’re choosing to use daiya (or regular cheese) sprinkle a small handful on top and stick your chile relleno back in the oven for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

I like to top mine with a little fresh tomato, though avocado or salsa would also be delicious.

Enjoy!

Written by California Carter, Melancholic Magpie’s Resident Chef

Interview with Mariska Nicholson of Olive + M

As someone with highly sensitive, acne-prone skin, I’m always on the quest for gentle beauty products that pack a major punch. That sounds like a huge oxymoron, and it is – this is why I’m largely unsatisfied with all of the facial cleansers, toners, face creams (the list goes on) that I come in contact with. Olive + M products, however, withstood my demanding criteria. Most people wash their face with sudsy cleanser, but washing with an oil-based cleanser is a true revelation. Olive + M’s oil cleanser will leave your skin feeling, smooth, glowing, and supple. Oil cleansing is the perfect anecdote to any and all types of skin issues. Dry or oily, mature or acne-prone, oil cleansing is the answer. Get to know more about the science behind oil cleansing and the Olive + M brand with founder Mariska Nicholson below.

Melancholic Magpie: What inspired you to start Olive + M?

Mariska Nicholson: I have been using oil on my skin for over a decade! A few years back I got to the bottom of a bottle of oil I was using and I thought to myself, “what is in this stuff?”  I began researching natural plant-based oils and their properties, and then mixing blends in my kitchen. I loved all the knowledge I was acquiring about the beauty of these oils that Mother Nature has provided. I became an obsessive ingredient deck reader and educated myself on all the toxic chemicals that were in most of the products in my bathroom, it was transformative! Friends and family started asking me about my glowing skin so I shared my blends with them. It became clear to me that using oil on your skin was something I was called to educate women on, so I found an angel investor and formulated my personal regime; cleansing oil, face oil and body oil.  Olive + M was born!

MM: Many people find cleansing with an oil to be counterintuitive. Can you explain how cleansing with oil is actually beneficial even to those with oily or acne-prone skin?

MN: First of all, let us understand that oil dissolves oil. When you use oil to cleanse your skin, you are massaging the oil formula into your skin that will go deep into your pores dissolving the oil that has hardened with dirt and impurities and then replacing this grime with beneficial oils.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body and it produces oil naturally to heal and protect it. When we use harsh chemicals to clean our skin we are stripping the naturally occurring oils from the skin creating a platform for our skin to then freak out and produce more oil to compensate for it’s loss. With this overproduction of oil, we end up with problematic skin.

MM: Do you see yourself adding other oil-based products to the line?

MN: Yes. For the women’s line we are working on some oil-based lip and body scrubs as well as some oil perfumes. And we are also working on a line for the babies!

MM: Are there any DIY beauty recipes that you rely on outside of Olive + M products?

MN: Well, I like to share with my customers that almost weekly I will put a little sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in the palm of my hand and then add the cleansing oil to it to use as an exfoliating cleanser. And my sweetheart is hooked on the coffee scrub I make for him and keep in the shower. When the container is low he puts it on the kitchen counter as a gentle reminder for me to make more…he does not like to go a day without it!

MM: For those who want to keep their beauty routine as chemical- and cruelty-free as possible, what makeup brands would you recommend?

MN: I like Well People.  I don’t wear a lot of makeup so when I do, I want it to look and feel natural. Not only do they make a superior product but they are organic, super clean and yes, cruelty free! I love the bronzer stick especially with summer, And I am addicted to their lip gloss!

How to Wear: Statement Necklaces

Everyone has a show-stopping necklace (or two) in their possession. While picking out a statement necklace is easy – it’s colorful, impressive, and a quick buy – styling it isn’t always a walk in the park. Statement necklaces are a great way to add dimension and glamour into an outfit, whether it’s for a formal event, an average work day, or an errand-running afternoon. Follow these five dos and don’ts to effortlessly incorporate any statement necklace into your ensemble regardless of occasion.

Don’t   /    Do

   

Tip 1: Neckline. For a more sophisticated look, pair a statement necklace with an unembellished neckline. In the left-handed picture, you’ll see the neckline is scalloped, which interferes and distracts from the texture and shape of the necklace.

   

Tip 2: Length. It’s easy to look like you’re trying too hard when wearing a statement necklace. Avoid this pitfall by pairing a bold necklace with shirt that complements its length. In most cases, a bib-shaped necklace should be worn as tight to the neck as possible so the chain can’t be seen. The neckline of the shirt shouldn’t interfere with the necklace either. So either wear a shirt that is cut high enough that the neckline isn’t seen but is covered by the necklace, or is low enough so the necklace doesn’t touch it at all.

Tip 3: Additional accessories. I’m all for over-accessorizing. I think the “take one accessory off before you leave the house” rule is complete rubbish. That being said, when wearing a statement necklace you need to accessorize sparingly. In the left hand picture, the pearl necklace is interrupted by the belt twist happening just a few inches below. Furthermore, if you’re going to wear a fun print and a statement necklace together, everything else should remain very simple. While the model on the right has accessorized with a statement necklace, a watch, and many rings, they all have a similar texture, are placed far enough apart, and interact on a blank black canvas.

Tip 4: Collared shirts. If you’re wearing a collared shirt with a statement necklace, it should be placed outside the collar (i.e. not touching your skin). Secondly, tighten the necklace so that it hangs directly below the where you’ve buttoned it, not hanging awkwardly low and not so tight that it messes with the structure of the collar.

Tip 5: Layer. It pains me to see people who wear statement necklaces, yet dress like they are afraid of them. If you’re going to be bold enough to wear a statement necklace, the rest of your outfit should follow suit. This doesn’t mean you should over-accessorize, but to allow a statement necklace to garner the attention it deserves, pair it with an outfit that combines textures, colors and shapes.

Recipe of the Month: Blood Orange Meringue Tart

Between working full time and planning and hosting Food With Friends, I don’t get to play in the kitchen as much as I would like. However, this weekend, I couldn’t resist the blood oranges at the farmer’s market. The beautiful winter citrus plus an insatiable love of meringue, resulted in this dessert that combines so many of my favorite flavors.

Blood Orange Meringue Tart

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

Crust:

12 Graham Crackers

5 tablespoons butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons candied ginger, finely chopped

Filling:

1 cup blood orange juice

½ a lime

4 egg yolks (Save the whites)

4 tablespoons butter

¾ cup granulated sugar

Meringue:

4 eggs whites

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

½ teaspoon cream of tartar

2 teaspoons orange zest

What you’ll need:

Cuisinart

Mixer (handheld or standup – or a whisk and some highly developed biceps)

9 inch pie or tart shell

Steps

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

1. To make the crust: combine the graham crackers, sugar, salt and candied ginger in the Cuisinart and pulse until you have a fine crumb. Add the melted butter and continue to pulse until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture clumps together between your fingers.
2. Pour the crumb mixture into a pie or tart shell and use the back of a dinner spoon to press it evenly into the pan. Bake for about 12 minutes, until the edges begin to brown.

1. To make the filling: zest two of the oranges and set it aside for the meringue. Juice the oranges and lime, making sure to taste for sweetness and acidity. Add the juices to a small pot set over a medium heat and reduce by half, about 7-10 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, combine the egg yolks and sugar, whisking them together until they are pale yellow and airy.
3. Working quickly, so the yolks don’t cook, add the reduced juice to the egg and sugar mixture, whisking until combined. Return the mixture to the small pot and stir in the butter.
4. Over a medium-low heat, cook the blood orange curd, stirring constantly, until it’s thickened and evenly coats the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes. Once its thickened, remove from the heat and let it cool for about 15 minutes.
5. Pour the curd into the bottom of your tart shell and bake for about 12 minutes, until it begins to set. Take it out of the oven and let it cool.

1. To make the meringue: Put the egg whites in a bowl and mix on a high speed for about 7 minutes, until the whites are thick and frothy. Add the cream of tartar and slowly incorporate the granulated sugar, continuing to mix for another 5 or so minutes. Once you’ve got your meringue to a stiff peak, add your orange zest and whisk to combine.

1. Pile the meringue on top of the blood orange curd, using a spatula to smooth the top.
2. Place the pie back in the over for another 10-12 minutes, just until the meringue is slightly golden.
3. Remove from the oven and let it cool before serving.

Written by Carter Goffigon

A Field Guide to Hair Brushes

Do you ever wonder how your hair stylist is able to give your hair such volume and bounce, while you can never achieve the same effect at home? You might have the right hair products, and know every blow-drying tip in the book, but the secret to hairstyling lies in the brush. Without the right brush, your hairstyle will be nearly impossible to perfect. Furthermore, you might be actively harming your hair with a subpar brush. Below is a field guide to PIN Salon’s top three brushes. We’ve broken each brush entry down with a physical description and a purpose so you can find the right brush to fit your hair needs.

Di Prima Brush: Round brush for volume and shine

 These luxurious, long-lasting round brushes are created in Spain, and are a must-have for hairstylists all over the world. The Di Prima Brush is the perfect combination of high-quality boar and synthetic bristles. The boar bristles bring out noticeable shine in hair, while the synthetic bristles activate volume. Another deluxe feature of the Di Prima Brush is the cork handle, which doesn’t catch the hair when you roll it over the brush as you blow dry. The final feature we love in the Di Prima is the solid wood body that protects hair from getting overheated, much unlike a plastic version. The Di Prima brush is an essential tool for those who round brush their hair on a regular basis, and for everyone who is pining for voluminous, high-shine hair. The Di Prima Brush is available for purchase at PIN Salon in three sizes (s/m/l).

Olivia Garden Ceramic Round Brush: Round brush to create a hot roller effect

The Olivia Garden Brush is another one of our favorite round brushes. The brush is enhanced with Tourmaline Ion Technology, has a smooth plastic handle, and is endowed with the best synthetic bristles on the market. These bristles are responsible for hydrating the hair cuticle, adding shine, and repelling static. The difference between this round brush and the Di Prima round brush is that the Olivia Garden has only synthetic bristles. If used regularly for a long period of time, the synthetic bristles can cause damage to the hair. One of our favorite features of the Olivia Garden is its ceramic body, which gives you an even distribution of heat while blow-drying, and thus protects hair better. This round brush is ideal for creating a hot roller effect, because the shape of the tool allows you to heat each section of hair from both sides simultaneously. The Olivia Garden Ceramic Round Brush is well suited to those who want to create unmatched body, and long-lasting hairstyles with their brush, or for those who simply want more control of the brush while blow-drying. The Olivia Garden brush will soon be available for purchase at PIN Salon.

Wet Brush: Flat brush to easily detangle wet or dry hair

Everyone with long to medium hair should have the Wet Brush in their beauty arsenal. Regardless of hair type, the Wet Brush works wonders on tangled hair. Most breakage in hair occurs when you brush through knots. This brush, however, will help you avoid this issue completely and detangles hair with ease. Use it on yourself with wet or dry hair, or on your kids to quell those inevitable tangled-hair-meltdowns. The Wet Brush is available for purchase at PIN Salon.

Written for the PIN Salon blog

RTW F/W 2015: 5 Takeaway Trends

While the New York and London Fashion Weeks have concluded, Milan and Paris have yet to come. Since we are half way through, here is a break down of the five most recurring trends on the runway thus far. Take note of these trends now as current winter wear goes on sale so you can shop smartly!

Fringe Everything

Alice + Olivia F/W 2015

Rebecca Minkoff F/W 2015

Elizabeth and James F/W 2015

Pleated Pants and Skirts

J.Crew F/W 2015

Assembly New York F/W 2015

Zac Posen F/W 2015

Alice + Olivia F/W 2015

Robe Coats

Mulberry F/W 2015

3.1 Phillip Lim F/W 2015

Mara Hoffman F/W 2015

Ralph Lauren F/W 2015

Embellished Skirts and Dresses

J.Crew F/W 2015

Reem Acra F/W 2015

Ralph Lauren F/W 2015

Deep V-Neck

Temperley London F/W 2015

Mara Hoffman F/W 2015

Ralph Lauren F/W 2015

DFW F/W 2015

Dressing Professionally Part II: Shopping

Welcome to Part II of 5 Tips to Dressing Professionally on a Budget. This shopping guide abides to the previously set ground rules: stick with a uniform of neutral colors and classic shapes, and buy fewer, high quality things.

Pants

For workwear, well-fitted pants are my go-to. Because I’m short, I prefer trouser cuts that are cropped at the ankle or just above. There are a LOT of work-appropriate pants out there, but the cheap ones are often baggy in weird places and are made with uncomfortable fabrics. While I know I’m not offering much variety as to brands, J.Crew is hands down my favorite place to buy pants for work. At J.Crew you can always find classic shapes, neutral colors, and the fabric is just the right amount of stretchy so you can handle sitting at your desk all day. As the weather heats up, a cropped trouser will allow you to show off fun footwear (boots with work pants looks awkward anyway), and you can wear it with either heels or flats.

With boot cut pants for instance, if you wear them with heels they should just barely hover off the ground. There’s nothing worse than seeing one inch of a three inch heel peeking out from under the pant hemline. The trendiest of the choices here would be a wide-leg or culotte-style trouser. This look made waves in fall 2014, and was all over the fall 2015 runway as well. It’s safe to say this trend is not going anywhere soon. Note: I find that J.Crew pants run way big, so buy online with caution.

J.Crew, New Campbell Capri Pant in Bi-Stretch Cotton.

J.Crew, Ryder Pant.

J.Crew, Cropped Patio Trouser.

Tibi, Beatle Menswear Cropped Pants.

Tibi, Pleated Culottes.

Anthropologie, Verso Wide-Leg Trousers.

Shirts

Referring back to my professional dress advice, always buy classic shapes if you’re on a budget. Even if you have to spend a few more dollars to get the classic shape instead of settling for the trend du jour, it is always worth it in the long run. In my opinion, peplum is so out it hurts, and button-downs can always save the day. Button-downs are so versatile, and appropriate in almost any situation or season.

Anthropologie, Lana Buttondown Tunic. Note: Leave it unbuttoned over one of the conservative pant choices above to add some interesting layers and dimension to your look. Add a structured blazer if it’s cold.

Anthropologie, Ashby Buttondown. Cloth and Stone have the best shirts. They are otherworldly soft, have a relaxed fit, and often have a fun structural detail (such as these tails) in the back. I’m warning you now, it’s hard to find a button-down like this that’s loose without looking bulky and unfitted.

Vince, Sleeveless Mixed Media Overlay Blouse.

Dresses

Looking towards spring and summer, the best kind of dresses to invest in now are shirt dresses or wrap dresses. These pieces are easy to layer with a blazer and leggings when its cold, and can be worn with bare legs and flats later on.

Gap, Marled Ribbed Sweater Midi Dress. A knit pencil skirt that hits just below the knees is both comfortable and easy to style. This is a great piece to wear in transitional weather.

Gap, Worker Shirtdress.

Gap, Pleated Shirtdress.

Madewell, Button-Down Shirtdress.

Madewell, Abroad Dress.

Coats/Blazers

No winter or early spring outfit is complete without some sort of jacket. Even if a preppy blazer isn’t your style, a sharp jacket always pulls a professional ensemble together. The perfect blazer is not only a great sartorial investment, but can be key in transforming your outfit from office- to happy-hour-appropriate.

J.Crew, Regent Blazer in Linen.

J.Crew, Quilted Cropped Jacket.

Madewell, Lycée Drapey Blazer.

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Topshop, Petite Double Collar Blazer.

5 Tips for Dressing Professionally on a Budget

Last month, one of the styling story requests I received was about dressing professionally on a budget. This, my friends, is a fantastic question. I have to admit that I’ve never officially had to dress “professionally.” The majority of my internships took place either online (pajamas required), or in some fashion-related environment, in which the kookier you dressed, the more respected you were. One summer however, with no internship prospects in sight, my dad graciously hired me as an intern at his investor relations firm. On my second day, I wore hot pink chinos, and on my second day, I quit (partly because no one complimented or respected my awesome pants – a very novel feeling).

That discouraging professional-dress-history aside, I still have some professional dress suggestions thanks to my good friend Olivia Pope. The vote is in and everyone agrees – Olivia Pope is the baddest bitch in the world of professional dress. The actual clothing pieces she wears are designer-made, but simply shopping for work clothes or getting dressed with her style in mind will put you leagues ahead of everyone.

Tip 1. Uniform. Find a professional uniform that works for you. Don’t wear skirts often to work? Don’t buy them anymore! It’s more important to have a smaller selection of high quality things that you wear at least once a week, than an expansive closet full of things you rarely wear. While Olivia has a team of stylists behind the scenes dressing her in beautiful pieces, she definitely has a uniform, and it involves a lot of wide-leg pants and blanket coats.

Tip 2. Color. I realize that not everyone loves neutrals as much as I do, but sticking with clothing in a small range of colors makes it much easier to arrange new outfits. If you do as I do and lean towards black, gray, navy, white, and cream, don’t feel as though the tones need to match. Take a hint from the J.Crew lookbook and pair together stark white pants, an off-white sweater, and a cream jacket. That sort of tonal mix and match works, and in fact looks chic, but a mix and match of red, black, and blue will have you looking like a mess.

Tip 3. Classic Structure. One of the largest lessons in dressing professionally is buying classic things to build your uniform. If you’re considering buying a $40 peplum blouse vs. a simple $60 blouse – go for the simple one, you’ll thank yourself later. Believe me, you won’t want to be wearing a painfully trendy shirt in ten years. As my other good friend Karl Lagerfeld said, “Trendy is the last stage before tacky.”

Tip 4. Tailoring. Some of the best money you’ll spend on clothing is having it tailored. This goes back to the few expensive things vs. more inexpensive things – you get what you pay for. If you find a pair of nice pants on the Neiman’s sale rack, but they are a bit too baggy in the butt and too long at the bottom, but have a nice overall shape and high-quality fabric, buy them and take them to the tailor. Your tailor will be able to make the pants look perfect on you in a way that you’ll never be able to buy right off the rack, regardless of where you shop or how much you spend. With a high quality fabric, the piece of clothing will last forever if you treat it right – think of it as an investment.

Tip 5. Prioritize. There’s no way around it – high quality clothing is expensive. To avoid the fast-fashion rut (those times you go into H&M, blow $80 on seven things, and then have to replace those seven things two months later when they fall apart), you must prioritize – something I find nearly impossible. If you know you’re in need of a new handbag, keep in mind that every time you give into your baser instinct and go wild at H&M, you’re that much further away from buying that beautiful satchel you’ve been eyeing. So prioritize – set a goal for what you want and when you want to make your big purchase, and don’t let any quick buys distract you.

I’ve probably just given you the exact advice you didn’t want to hear – buy less at more expensive prices – but thus is the motto of adulthood. However as much as I’ve come to love neutral colors and classic shapes in my clothing, I can’t seem to leave the house without a touch of something accidentally ridiculous in my outfit. So what are the approved fun work buys to balance out the rule following? Shoes, knit shirts, and scarves.

Fun Buys: Shoes are like cars, the second you take them out for a spin, their value decreases. I love beautiful, expensive shoes, but the truth is, they are touching the ground everyday, all day long. Buy shoes from a brand that produces a reliable product that will get you through a year or two, but there’s no need to go designer on them if you can’t afford it. As for knit shirts, in my experience, the shirts I get at Gap hold up much better than the knits at higher-end stores. If you can get a Breton stripe at Old Navy for $10, and a shirt with the exact same look from Vince for $120 – the choice seems obvious. Save that extra money and put it towards that beautiful handbag we were talking about. Lastly, scarves. Scarves are a must-have for any work outfit especially in the cooler months. You don’t have to have an Hèrmes scarf (though you should eventually save up for one!) to look like a stylish Parisian. Sometimes vintage clothing stores have a whole basket full of vintage silk scarves for next to nothing. If you’re unsure about wearing a completely black outfit for instance, tying a vibrant scarf around your neck will quell that fear. For an added dose of fun, don’t forget a swipe of bold lipstick, and a trendy hairdo.

Stay tuned for Part II of Dressing Professionally on a Budget, which will include shoppable links!

Fashion List: February 2015

Now that the Valentine’s Day extravaganza is over, we can wrap our heads around buying something other than chocolate, roses, jewelry, and lingerie. This month, it’s important to buy transitional clothing, because even though it’s cold now, warm weather cometh. For February, step up your accessory game, and consider adding some new classics to your wardrobe.

These shoes make me weak in the knees – they are part loafer, part mule, and a whole lot of cute. I imagine that Jay Gatsby would have greatly enjoyed wearing them, as they are totally prohibition glam. On the Urban Outfitters website, the reviews are extremely positive, they are supposedly comfy and fit true to size. If my size was still in stock, I’d buy several pairs to make sure I was never without.

Urban Outfitters, Bass Leather Mule.

 

Ease into the spring season by first swapping out your accessories. Shoes are of course very dependent on the state of the weather, but a classic handbag in a spring-appropriate cream, light gray, or pastel is welcome even this early in the year.

Kate Spade, Cedar Street Hayden.

I desperately need to change out my phone case. The one I have now has been on my phone for over a year – it is battered and bruised to say the least. A new case makes you feel like you have a brand new phone, and it’s an easy, feel-good buy. My go-to for phone cases is Sonix. If they are good enough for Beyoncé they are good enough for me.

Sonix Cases, Fido (Clear).

TOPSHOP, Sleeveless Jacket.

The sleeveless jacket is a highly versatile new classic and perfect for in-between weather. Layer a sleeveless jacket underneath your heavy wool coat for a put together look inspired by the boys, or wear it unbuttoned over something simple like jeans and a button-down when it gets warmer. A sleeveless jacket is great for adding an element of structure to your ensemble, while still allowing your arms to be free.

The fall trend of wide-leg pants is here to stay through spring. Everyone knows how flattering flared jeans are, and I think wide-leg trousers have the same effect. These pants in particular can be worn at the office or at home. Not only is the shape flattering because it accentuates a small waist, but with wiggle room through the legs and a forgiving waistband, you’ll never want to take them off.

Madewell, Ibt-Ibt Feed Trousers.

What to Wear: Valentine’s Day Edition

Valentine’s Day is here – but what to wear? My outfit suggestions for those going out this Saturday night, under romantic pretence or not, are as follows. This year don’t go for the obvious sartorial choice, that being short and tight, but choose something romantic and grand. These ensembles will have you feeling your personal best, even if the whole flowers, chocolates, love note thing doesn’t pan out as you expected.

Category 1: Dressed-down formal wear. I have a ton of formal dresses hanging in my closet – some are remnants from high school homecomings, others are vintage dresses I simply couldn’t live without. Unfortunately, I don’t get a lot of wear out of these dresses nowadays, so on occasions like Christmas Eve or Valentine’s Day, I try to make them work. Make a formal dress work for you, even if you’re just going to dinner and a movie, by pairing it with a leather or jean jacket, and unexpected shoes. If you’re daring, put a thin long-sleeve tee under a strapless dress, or a pair of tight jeans under a highly textured, leg-baring dress.

Category 2: Full tea-length skirts. Few outfits are more romantic than those involving ’50s inspired skirts. These types of skirts that are fitted at the waist, flare out, and hit just below the knee are universally flattering, and visually harken back to a bygone era. These skirts are extremely easy to style, and can be worn with anything from a casual t-shirt to a button-down. Extra vintage points for those who incorporate polkadots, t-strap heels, faux-fur stoles, and glossy red lips.

Category 3: Pants. This is a perfect choice for the Valentine’s Day cynics, whether you’re in a relationship or not. Stay mildly festive with traditional Valentine’s Day colors, but opt for tight pants and a structured jacket instead of some painfully girly ensemble. Not only will this combo keep you warm (it is still February after all), but you’ll feel comfortable and chic, too. Note: A pantsuit requires cool accessories and an awesome hairdo.