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Every Day with Ebony and Ivory: Holiday Parties

We've been spreading a lot of holiday cheer at various events and parties this last week, which was capped off with a fun Christmas party Nat threw last Saturday. Naturally, we saved our favorite holiday outfits for this festive affair. Hopefully these outfits will help you thing outside of the proverbial holiday box when picking out an outfit for your next party.

What made you choose this outfit?
Nat: I have been on the market for my version of a perfect jumpsuit for quite some time. I was ecstatic when I popped into Wink boutique one evening and found this one in burgundy by 6 Shore Road. I was even more thrilled when it fit me perfectly. Between the beautiful rich color and the open lace back, I felt it was the perfect choice for the occasion. And in the spirit of all things merry and bright, I accessorized it with a metallic belt and shoes.

James: Instead of dressing head-to-toe in traditional holiday colors, I opted for something that would stand out among the crowd: winter white. The light and refreshing tone, which was done in a soft angora, gave the bodycon dress a festive feel without being too cliche. With winter white as my main focus, I was able to add a little holiday cheer to my look with emerald earrings and a Ruby Woo red lip.

The Weekender: Easy Fall Granola

As fall brings cooler weather, people find themselves spending more time indoors—and a weekend indoors is the perfect time to explore fall flavors. One of our favorites is this easy fall granola recipe adapted from Martha Stewart Living. This recipe is also a guilt-free and waistline-friendly alternative to candy corn and caramel eating.  Happy cooking!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
4 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup flax seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread shredded coconut onto a baking pan and bake until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees. Line two baking pans with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine oats, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, canola oil, and honey. Stir together until well combined. Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet; bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Break up cooled granola; sprinkle with dried cranberries and toasted coconut. Stir to combine. Store in airtight container for up to 1 month.

Color Pop

 Sweater: Reiss. Skirt: J.Crew. Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors (old). Clutch: J.Crew.

I always feel a sense of satisfaction when I find a garment in a great blue like this J. Crew skirt. And lucky for me, the silhouette and fit were spot-on, as well. I wanted to keep this outfit sophisticated and understated, so I mixed it with muted neutrals and let the skirt be the main focal point.

Nat's Picks: Stylish Shoes for Women on the Go

My dear friend from home, Nina—who is a mom of a toddler and 6-month-old—called me a few weeks go asking for comfortable and stylish daytime shoe recommendations for running errands and chasing kids. Lucky for all of us busy women, there are a lot of great options out there that allow us to have it all, footwear speaking. 

So, ladies, ditch your running shoes for day and opt for one of these fashionable alternatives: 

Cole Haan Gramercy Oxford: $198

*I also love (and own) the Breslyn Oxford if you want a dressier option.

Keds for Kate Spade Kick Sneaker: $75

*30% off Friends and Family Sale starts today. Code: FALL13FF

Madewell Teddy Loafer: $148

James's Fall Favorites

 

Fall never fails to deliver beautiful colors and rich scents. So I've taken my cues from nature (and menswear) and chosen my favorite items of the season. Enjoy!

 Comptoir des Cotonniers: Over-size Coat

Oasis: Slinky Knit Tube Dress

 

Jo Malone: Pomegranate Noir Cologne

Madewell: Bobbie Oxford in Canterbury Red

J.Crew: Collection Mini in Jade Foulard

Menswear Monday: Resolve

Ahhh, fall! It's the season in which we pack away our espadrilles, exercise our right to layer garments, and tote the September issue of our favorite fashion magazine (which often weights more than a small child). For those of us who love great style, it's basically the fashion New Year! And, men, why not use this time of year to make a new fashion resolution? Here it goes:

I, (state your name here), will tune into Our Style File's latest segment for men: Menswear Monday.

And to kick off our new segment, we thought we would share one of our favorite fall accessories videos from GQ Magazine.

 

 
If you enjoyed this video as much as we enjoy a hot bowl of soup on a fall afternoon, take a look at GQ's other videos here.

Orange is the New Black

Blouse - Joe Fresh; Pants - J.Crew; Shoes - Christian Louboutin (similar here and love these; Lipstick - Chili by MAC; Necklace - Nordstrom (old)

Photo Credit - Angie Harding