Instagram lately: sneakers style + DIY chocolate strawberries

Nike Free sneakers (also sold here) sz 6 - runs small, J.Brand jeans sz 24 (hemmed)

H&M scarf (similar - 50% off), Gap jacket (similar in petite), Talbots tee, Goyard bag

Rounding up some photos & answering questions from my Instagram lately - I don't think I've ever blogged an outfit in sneakers (except for Nick's spycam proposal photos where I was in pretty much the same outfit) but I'm reaching for them more and more outside of working out. My go-to lazy day outfit is black leggings or skinny jeans with these sneakers, which help visually lengthen the legs a bit despite being in flat shoes. And if you don't have a staple camel scarf by now, this Topshop one just went on markdown for half off with free shipping!

Ann Taylor dress c/o + necklace (on sale!), Talbots tee (similar), Manolo BB pumps

Just got this dress back from the tailor, whom I had slim the hips about an inch or so. I want to echo from my prior review it's a solid quality piece and I'm loving the subtle piping detail. It's currently on sale for 40% off with all sizes in stock, and my necklace is still available on extra clearance! There's so many layering possibilities with a classic crewneck neutral sheath dress - you can do collared shirts, long-sleeved tees like I did here, tie-neck tops, cropped sweaters, etc.

Oh my goodness, we might've over-indulged in these just a bit but they were SO good. They also make great little Valentine's Day gifts boxed up - my friends kept asking where they were from! I have a history of more Pinterest fails than successes, so if I can make these at home I'm pretty sure anyone can. Here's a few tips after my initial struggles (needed a hot shower after being covered in chocolate):

- This YouTube tutorial was my favorite! Toothpicks kept sliding off my berries, so I just hand-dipped then placed on parchment paper to harden.

- Since very few ingredients are involved, quality ones are key. Strawberries are sadly not in season here but I splurged on some juicy looking ones at WholePaycheck err Wholefoods. We had both Ghiradelli and Nestle chocolate on hand which were equally tasty.

- Make sure your berries are bone dry before dipping, since a drop of water in the melted chocolate could make it seize up. I washed mine ahead of time and laid out to pat dry on paper towels.

- Use large pieces of chocolate, or big chips or chunks found in the baking aisle for melting. I accidentally had a bag of mini chips which would not melt smoothly.

- I tried both a double boiler and microwave for melting my chocolate and they came out the same. Microwave was a lot easier so I stuck with that method. Make sure to have your power level on half and heat up in 30-second increments, stirring in between, to avoid burning your chocolate. Maintaining that silky consistency is key for easy dipping - I had to re-heat my chocolate several times whenever it started to thicken up.

- The ones that you mess up dipping are perfect for covering in nuts! Or eating immediately : )

Ending this post with Nick's colorful fruit & yogurt bowl...quite yummy even though I'm not the biggest fan of yogurt from some childhood trauma. My mom and grandparents LOVE making their own yogurt (which my friends eventually lovingly dubbed "couch yogurt"). This involves an incubation process at a lukewarm temperature, which they found the living room couch with all its cushions and throw blankets to be the perfect vehicle for. One too many times I tiredly plopped my butt down on the sofa only to find a yogurty surprise...

Something blue shoes (for less) + holiday weekend sales

Manolo Blahnik sandals (very similar for much less)

I recently dusted these babies off in anticipation of spring (a little premature, I know ; ) and finally removed the embellishments from our wedding day. I had hand-stitched crystal bracelets to the front strap, making sure to sew only along the existing stitches to not damage the suede. I got the general idea from a smart friend, who had done the same for her bridal shoes except with glue - I imagine that'd be sturdier and so much less painstaking, but I couldn't bear to glue my shoes. Anyways, I found an almost exact-looking dupe for these Manolos at a fraction of the price! I had been eyeing these Steve Madden suede sandals (more colors here) for a while in Sand, and noticed they just added blue suede - perfect for anyone looking for a little "something blue."

Banana Republic gray jeans 00p, Pleione wrap top xxsp, Zara navy heels (similar)

Goyard St Louis tote, J.Crew skirt (old), Manolo Blahnik BB pumps (old color)

My gray jeans above are currently marked down with extra 40% off (code BR40)! They are very stretchy and comfortable, and the knee holes hit at the right place on me. Length is an inch or two long on me which I wear cuffed up. BR has lots of other markdowns right now all with extra 40% off - see my last review of their collection.

The Ann Taylor wrap blouse sold out so quickly in the smallest petite sizes, although the versatile navy color still remains for sizes xsp and up. I wanted to share a few other similar options available in petites. I've mentioned the Pleione wrap blouse many times before, but had never tried on xxs petite, a new extended size they introduced last year (yay!).

I actually ordered this Pleione blouse over a month ago and the package got mysteriously lost, only to show up on my doorstep yesterday. My first impression is like when I tried it on years ago - the material feels and drapes similar to silk, and looks like a higher-end top. I love the slightly longer back, which in this size was not overwhelming on me. Compared to the AT blouse which is made in thicker, stretchy crepe, this is more billowy and lightweight, made of a chiffon-y non-stretch material. Petite sizes are also going quickly since it is on sale, but I've seen this top at Nordstrom for 3 years and am hopeful they'll restock colors and sizes!

xxsp measures: 21" length in front, 25" length in back, 13.75" across the shoulders, 21.5" sleeves (there's a button-closure tab for keeping sleeves rolled up). Snap button closure at chest.

Another option currently in-stock in small petite sizing is this light gray New Look wrap top, available in size 0P and up (more pictures & angles can be found in the regular-sized listing). Keep in mind sizing for petite brands on ASOS can run pretty small, and for a blouse this style I wouldn't mind a looser drape.

Now it wouldn't be a roundup without some food pics...this is Nick's homemade version of a brunch dish we fell in love with in Portland, Maine. Cornbread cooked in a skillet, with a runny egg nestled in topped with a little seared meat (bacon is the obvious choice, but we had Spam begging to be used), a little cheese and fresh herbs. Several of you asked for the recipe but unfortunately Nick doesn't write much down when cooking. You can follow your favorite skillet cornbread recipe (this one has good reviews) but about 5 minutes before the cooking time is up, take it out of the oven and scoop out a shallow hole on top. Crack an egg into that hole and finish baking, careful not to overcook the egg. The restaurant we had it at slid a pre-soft boiled egg fully into a hole inside the cornbread before concealing the opening with cheese and baking another minute, which is the way to go for a true "surprise."

Miso and Shoyo (in the back) at Ganko Ramen in Brookline

Ganko is the latest addition to Boston's ramen scene, located in quaint Coolidge Corner. I had really high hopes and thought it was good but not spectacular. I think mine had a little too much cabbage & bean sprouts which took away from my noodles, and the spicy garlic oil was not spicy. I did like the other components though and the egg was *perfect.* Nick wolfed down his Shoyo and we will be back to try the interesting "tan-tan" spicy sesame ramen.

PS - wanted to mention again that my swing trench coat has been fully restocked in both navy and cream, and is 40% off w/ code WEEKEND. See my review here - it is beautiful quality so I'd highly recommend, especially in a less stain-prone color like navy. Also, my longer wool Burberry Daylesmoore trench coat is marked down on their site in gray with sizes 0 and 2 left in stock! It's one of their classic coats which comes back each year. See my old review - I got a size 2 for layering room, and had the sleeves shortened and belt loops raised.

PPS - J.Crew Factory is having a HUGE clearance event with lots left in extended sizing, although sizes are going quickly. Use code EXTRA50 to get an additional 50% off clearance items, but beware of final sale. You can shop all and filter by size, or here's some items of note with great reviews:

- Double-serge wool pencil skirts in regular, petite, and tall, with colors starting as low as $19.99 after discounts.
- The black puffer coat I previously reviewed is now on sale for a whopping $49.99 after discounts. Still left in xxsp and several regular sizes.
- Wool-blend topcoat for $69.99 (I've seen this in-person and it is pretty nice for the price). This sold out almost immediately after being released but numerous sizes have popped back.
- classic-looking camel scarf for $10.99 - never hurts to check the men's department!
- Flannel sleep pants starting in xxs for under ten bucks

And from J.Crew regular, take extra 40% to 50 off final sale w/ code SALEONSALE:
- Petite bi-stretch wool martie pants - $29.99 down from $120, a steal. Lots of colors in 000p and up! I ordered mauve and gray in 00p. I had tried the 000p before and it was like stuffing a sausage, so good news for smaller-framed ladies.
- Petite excursion vest starting in $48
- Petite lady day coat in red left in 00p and 0p, on clearance for $174
- Their popular icon trench coat in wool-cashmere in 3 colors, left in regular sizing 000, 00 or 0 only.

Plaid, Bow + Sequins // Holiday office party outfit ideas

J.Crew Factory sequin skirt 00p c/o, tartan popover shirt (2 colors) xxsp

Burberry trench coat, Chanel bag, Manolo Blahnik BB pumps

I've been shopping J.Crew Factory left and right this year, so happily agreed when they asked me to share a festive outfit. They have textures and colors galore this season (plaids, metallics, sequins, knits, oh my) for mixing and matching, and their prices have been really good for the quality in my opinion. I hope you guys were able to shop my suggestions early, because sizes -at least for petite items- have been getting snapped up! I have seen a few size pop-backs like with this sequin skirt, so it doesn't hurt to check back if you really like something. This is an outfit I'd wear to a business holiday gathering - if you don't feel comfortable in a sparkly sequin skirt at work during the day, just pack it and change before the festivities. I've shared a few other ideas below that are a little more casual!

I've been wearing this flannel popover so much, ranging from super casual over leggings at home to tucked into full flared party skirts. To jazz it up a little here, I added a grosgrain ribbon which I borrowed off the waist of one of my dresses : ) So since I'm sure someone here will exclaim, aren't your legs cold?? here are some tights combos I tried on with this look:

In the winter if I want to wear an outfit that looks better sans-tights, I have no problem putting on a pair for the commute, then quickly slipping them on/off in the bathroom of my destination (which is usually pretty toasty) and storing in my purse. That's the only way I've survived the long and dreary winters here as a dress/skirt lover! If I were to do tights with this pairing, I'd go with basic black or dark gray pictured above, and shoes in the same color family.

These photos were snapped outside an adorable cooking/kitchen shop in my neighborhood called Farm & Fable. Nick and I are avid Top Chef followers so I was giddy to meet Kristen Kish there last night! It's sure been a good year for me running into my cooking idols...Ina Garten, any trips planned for Boston? : )

Here's a few other items I got to try on from J.Crew Factory which I've mentioned in past posts. I already have these key pieces in my wardrobe from over the years, but wanted to share for those who don't. I'd soundly recommend the items below for fit as well as value!

I never limit myself to just browsing the petite section, since there's often regular-sizing gems that are designed to be shrunken or cropped in fit (which translate into a normal fit on petites). Such is the case with this "cropped" cable sweater which comes in 3 colors. I'm trying on the heather natural and it also comes in a lighter classic cream. I did want to point out the cable pattern doesn't go around to the backside. The fit of an xxs regular on me is very good, hitting right at my upper hips and the sleeves just need a cuff. This wool-blend skirt is also a regular sizing item that comes in more versatile colors like solid camel, black, and a really pretty textured flecked gray. The elasticized waist measures 12" across when un-stretched, and it's fully lined with side pockets.

Center: J.Crew Factory Winnie pants 00p, Sweater xxs, Vince Camuto booties (my review)

Right: J.Crew Factory skirt sz 00 regular, Hunter boots (my review)

If your office is too casual for glitz and sequins, maybe try slim pants in a festive color with a cozy sweater. I didn't have the right shoes to go with the pants while on the road, but you can get the idea! These Winnie pants were a pleasant surprise, fitting and feeling similar to the popular BR Sloans. There are some differences listed below that will keep me a continued fan of the Sloans, but I think the Winnies are a great alternative at a lower price point. The 00p I tried measured 14" across the waist, 16" across the hips, 23.5" inseam, and 5.25" across the ankle opening. A few differences between the Winnies (features listed first below) and the Sloans:

- Side zip vs. front closure. The front closure takes more time and components to construct.
- Faux back pockets vs. real ones + small coin pocket in the front
- 23.5" inseam with no slit vs. 24" inseam (after I shrunk them in the dryer) with ankle slit
- 95% cotton, 5% elastane vs. 56% viscos, 39% cotton, 5% spandex. The latter material feels thicker when compared side by side and the waistband lining also feels sturdier. Both are tagged as dry clean only, but I take the risk and machine wash my Sloans. If anyone has experience washing the Winnie pants at home, please share. I hope they'll re-stock the sizes on these and add more colors!

Thank you to J.Crew Factory for partnering on this post!