Today's Outfit: Shirtsleeves

• Uniqlo faux fur scarf
• Lover coat
• Vintage Coach bag
• J. Crew white shirt
• Banana Republic sweater
• Fine Finds necklace
• Nicholas Kirkwood flats
• Lipstick: Stila Long Wear Lip Color in 'Intriguing'

Subsisting on a diet of soup, congee and Halls cough lozenges for two weeks has a funny way of wearing you down. After a prolonged bout of illness, I've become more of a weenie than ever about posing for outfit photos outdoors without a coat. I'm also a lot more diligent about bundling up and keeping warm.

Normally "bundling up" translates into cardigans worn over short-sleeved or sleeveless tops, which means that my lovely silk blouses, button-up shirts and long-sleeved tees don't nearly get worn enough. I spent last autumn and winter wanting a good quality knit vest or short-sleeved sweater--preferably cashmere or merino wool--to layer over long-sleeved pieces. Not wanting to settle for anything less than perfect, I despaired of ever finding what I was looking for until I saw this sweater on the Banana Republic website. Cashmere, black, perfect weight and neckline and sleeve length for layering. It was fate, I tell you.

As I mentioned before, dark winter months plus indoor lighting produce some pretty grainy photos. Being at work 9 to 5 doesn't help either. I tried taking pictures in the morning before work to take advantage of the natural light, but unfortunately none of them turned out quite right except for this one of my Nicholas Kirkwood flats. Aren't they beauties?

I'm slowly getting back into the routine of work, salsa, yoga, cooking, blogging, fashion events and writing that this horrible cold disrupted. One step at a time, I guess, one step at a time.

P.S. If you haven't entered my Brave belts giveaway yet, do it now!

Product Review: Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour Eyeshadow Quad

As promised in my last product review, January's product reviews will feature drugstore finds in light of the belt-tightening this month usually inspires (credit card bills, New Year's resolutions, etc.), and, in particular, Revlon's newest offerings. The next product up for review: their new ColorStay 16 Hour Eyeshadow Quad in 'Decadent' ($12.99 at London Drugs), which I received from the Revlon media preview.

Drugstore eyeshadows have disappointed me for one reason or another in the past: unflattering colours, too much shimmer, not enough pigment, little to no blendability. I wasn't expecting anything different from the ColorStay palette despite its lofty claims. Like almost every other eyeshadow, it supposedly stays put and blends easily without fading or creasing. Each colour-coordinated compact comes with a paint-by-numbers diagram on the back to show you exactly where to apply and blend each shade.

To get the full benefits of the ColorStay quad, you have to do what I did and forget everything you've learned about applying eyeshadow as a grown woman. There is little benefit in fussing around with multiple expensive brushes and primer. Instead, you should apply this stuff with the inexperienced zeal of a middle schooler. Use the sponge applicator that's included and load it up with as much shadow as possible.

But rather than streaking the shadow across your eyelids in straight lines and blending after, hold the applicator vertically and move it in small, vibrating circles from one side of the lid to the other. This vibrating motion blends as you go. It also happens to be the technique demonstrated to us at the media preview, and results in a perfectly blended eyelid with minimal fuss.

The ColorStay eyeshadows did give me crease-proof colour as promised, but I don't know about that "no fading" claim. Even though the colour remained until I removed my makeup at night, it did fade noticeably in intensity as the day wore on. Give this palette a shot if you're looking for a cheap thrill, but don't expect miracles.

P.S. If you haven't entered my Brave belts giveaway yet, do it now!

From Solo Lisa's Kitchen: Turkey and White Bean Chili

Photo from marthastewart.com

Still determined to save more money, eat out less often, be healthier and cook more at home in 2012? Accomplish all of these New Year's resolutions at once with this simple turkey and white bean chili recipe from Martha Stewart. I tried making it twice last year and both times it turned out wonderfully. Letting the chili simmer for an hour instead of the recommended 15-20 minutes results in a thicker, leaner chili (all the fat floats to the top and you can keep skimming it off). Oh, and if you double the recipe you can freeze the leftovers for easy-to-reheat lunches.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 jalapenos, diced (seeded for milder taste)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cans (19 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) reduced sodium chicken broth [I substituted homemade chicken stock instead]
• 1 cup water
• Sour cream, cilantro, and radishes (for garnish) [I used grated cheddar instead]

Instructions

1. In a large, deep, skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey; season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up turkey with spoon, until browned, 9 minutes.
2. Add onion and jalapenos; cook until soft, 3 minutes. Stir in cumin and tomato paste; cook 2 minutes.
3. Add cannellini beans, chicken broth, and water; bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer until thick, 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and radishes, if desired.

P.S. If you haven't entered my Brave belts giveaway yet, do it now!

Lisa's Most Coveted List

It's been ages since I've done one of my Most Coveted lists, so let's kick off the year with a list of 5 things I love at the moment, shall we?

1. The Laundress Wool and Cashmere spray (available at Kiss & Makeup) is a godsend for dryclean-only cashmere sweaters that are likely to shrink in the wash. The anti-bacterial, non-toxic formula contains cedarwood, pine needle oil, spices and lemon zest and is designed to repel moths, remove odor and condition yarns. Spritz some on your favourite sweater and steam it to cut down on trips to the drycleaners. This also brings me to the next item on the list...

2. The Rowenta steam brush (available at London Drugs) turned out to be $50 well spent this summer as I steamed my way through delicate silks, wrinkled shirts and creased bottoms without ever touching an ironing board. It's just big enough to steam an entire garment in less than a minute but small enough to travel well. If you're still contemplating whether to take the plunge and purchase a steamer, I highly recommend it. It'll be a game-changer in your laundry routine, promise.

3. As a hardcore stationery hoarder, it's pretty hard to resist the nostalgic charm of Rifle Paper Co. Florida-based illustrator Anna Bond infuses just the right amount of childlike whimsy and homespun stylishness into her greeting cards and paper products. Pick up a Valentine's Day card for your sweetheart or stock up on pretty all-occasion note cards.

4. Finding new ways to wear sterling silver jewelry I already own: creative, yes, but also a way to keep me from becoming bored and wanting to shop. Pictured above: Filou acorn necklace and bunny ring, Wendy Brandes squirrel necklace and exclamation point ring.

5. My Joules 'Evedon' wellies. I know I've already talked about them here and here. But whenever it rains really hard and I wear my wellies, I feel extra smug and cozy knowing that my feet and legs will stay dry.

P.S. If you haven't entered my Brave belts giveaway yet, do it now!

Happy Year of the Dragon

Photo by Paolo Camera

I wish I could say I have the day off to celebrate in style, but unfortunately I'm working and still getting over that horrible cold.

To all my readers who celebrate Chinese New Year, have a prosperous and happy Year of the Dragon!

P.S. If you haven't entered my Brave belts giveaway yet, do it now!