Weekend Recap - Chili Cookoff!

This past weekend was jam packed.. filled with pearls, football, beer, football, beer, Tiffany's... you get the idea.

The first ever Preppy Southern Tailgate was AMAZING!

 

BF and I got into town early (a first, maybe partially due to my lead foot; although I thought we were late because of my Pumpkin Spice Latte fix). We had to stop by the PayLess any way to grab utensils for our Chili Cookoff on Sunday, coke for sober drivers, and Angel Food Cake to go with BF's Bourbon Peaches. Along one of the aisles I found the above little gems... WINNING! One can for Mom, one can for me! 

Love my Block P!

 Charis & Ryan my Half-Time buddies. We ended up back at the tailgate for half time and Ryan gave our Satelite dish one more shot...

Quite the view... so much so... that we stayed there for the rest of the game and half of the Notre Dame game... well played... minus my (painful) sunburn...

Surviving... I managed to drive back to the city and grab Thai with BF. After mucho Pad Thai, I got some much needed lotion and rest.

The next day, BF and I got up ubber early to create our master chili creations. BF made what he called 'the 10 Levels of Hell' which entailed 10 different chilies. 

He also made his world famous meaty chili.

I made my Uncle Don's Turkey chili... if you are interested, please inquire within :)

BF and his BFF live in the same building... for lack of a better initial collection, DJ, or DJB. DJ brought his TV upstairs so they could have 2 massive screens next to one another.

 Huff (BF's 2nd Little Bro, via Kappa Sig) showed up first, and brought an AMAZING white chicken chili.

 Huff, DJ, Sarah, & Cook (BF's Kappa Sig Big Bro.. although they use this creepy Father/Son thing... ) Sarah's amazing and brought a BBQ Chicken dip!

Some more of the amazing party... I swear we ended up with 5 crock pots, and 5 regular pots... maybe more, not to mentioned at least 2 corn breads, 1 mac & cheese, and tons of toppings!

I hope we can do this again next year (but maybe have ppl register chili... we had a lot.... there's a lot of left overs).

What'd y'all do this weekend? Do you have a favorite Chili recipe?

My Bedroom Project

This past summer, I came across this idea on Tumblr (where I find the coolest things!):

For the last few years, I've had a broken head board that I just leaned up against the wall behind my bed. I only kept it because it matched my dresser and a vanity I got from my Nana... I was mistakenly under the impression that it was a family heirloom, but turns out that wasn't the case... and therefore it's in the dumpster.

In it's place is the project below:

 The middle M is modeled after Lily Pulitzer's First Impression:

I got the little sticker tree from Sears.com. I really like it and think it adds a little something extra.

I am pleased with how everything turned out.
Have you done any projects lately? Do share.
Check me out on Tumblr. It's where I find most of my inspiration these days!
 http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/prepinthemidwest

Southern Preppy Tailgate 2011

BF & I belong to a wonderful tailgate group made up of a few of BF's older fraternity brothers and their student newspaper alumni friends.This is the first year in a while we haven't gotten season tickets. But we do still like to go down and scalp (sadly Purdue isn't good enough that the tickets are all that expensive). Well each game they pick a theme for the tailgate. The first game was 'All American cookout', and this game is 'Preppy Southern cocktail Party'. Honestly, I had nothing to do with it! I'm super excited though!
The sad news is, because Purdue's so bad, our game's super early. Which doesn't leave time for BBQ (good BBQ)... so we'll be grilling out with southern sides. I'm making Pimento Cheese Spread and crackers! Just like good ole South Carolina!
I'm using Mrs. Paula Deen's recipe (duh):

Ingredients

• 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar
• 1 cup grated Monterey Jack
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon House Seasoning, recipe follows
• 2 to 3 tablespoons pimentos, smashed
• 1 teaspoon grated onion
• Cracked black pepper

Directions

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add all of the remaining ingredients and beat until well blended. It can be used as a dip for crudite or as a sandwich filling.

House Seasoning:

• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

 There are some HUGE difference between Northern & Southern Tailgating, which I've always found have best been portrayed below.
Stadium Size:
NORTH:  College football stadiums hold 20,000 people.
SOUTH:  High school football stadiums hold 20,000 people.
Campus Decor:
NORTH:  Statues of founding fathers.
SOUTH:  Statues of Heisman trophy winners.
Homecoming Queen:
NORTH:  Also a physics major.
SOUTH:  Also Miss America..
Cheerleaders:
NORTH:  If you are slightly coordinated, you make the varsity squad.
SOUTH:  You begin cheer camp at age two, complete with ballet, dance, & gymnastic training.
Getting Tickets:
NORTH:  5 days before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus and purchase tickets.
SOUTH:  5 months before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus & put name on the waiting list.
Women's Accessories:
NORTH:  ChapStick in back pocket and a $20 bill in the front pocket.
SOUTH:  Louis Vuitton duffel with two lipsticks, waterproof mascara, and a fifth of Jack Daniels/Crown. Money is not necessary -- That's what dates are for.
Friday Classes After a Thursday Night Game:
NORTH:  Students and teachers not sure they're going to the game, Because they have classes on Friday.
SOUTH:  Teachers cancel Friday classes because they don't want to see The few hung-over students that might actually make it to class and throw up on their floor.
Parking:
NORTH:  An hour before game time, the University opens the campus for game parking.
SOUTH:  RVs sporting their school flags begin arriving on Wednesday for The weekend festivities. The really faithful arrive on Tuesday.
Game Day:
NORTH:  A few students party in the dorm and watch ESPN on TV.
SOUTH:  Every student wakes up, has a beer for breakfast, and rushes over to where ESPN is broadcasting "Game Day Live" to get on camera  and wave to the folks up north.
Tailgating:
NORTH:  Raw meat on a grill, beer with lime in it, listening to local radio station with truck tailgate down.
SOUTH:  30-foot custom pig-shaped smoker fires up at dawn. Cooking accompanied by live performance by "Dave Matthews' Band," who come over during breaks and ask for a hit off bottle of bourbon.
Getting to the Stadium:
NORTH:  You ask "Where's the stadium?" When you find it, you walk right in.
SOUTH:  When you're near it, you'll hear it. On game day it becomes the state's third largest city.
Concessions:
NORTH:  Drinks served in a paper cup, filled to the top with soda.
SOUTH:  Drinks served in a plastic cup with the home team's mascot on it, filled less than halfway with soda, to ensure enough room for Jack Daniels/Crown.
When National Anthem is Played:
NORTH:  Stands are still less than half full.
SOUTH:  100,000 fans, all standing, sing along in perfect four-part harmony.
Smell in the Air After the First Score:
NORTH:  Nothing changes.
SOUTH:  Fireworks, with a touch of Jack Daniels/Crown.
Commentary (Male):
NORTH:  "Nice play."
SOUTH:  "*#@&@, you slow *&%$@#! - tackle him and break his legs."
Commentary (Female):
NORTH:  "My, this certainly is a violent sport."
SOUTH:  "*#@&@, you slow *&%$@#! - tackle him and break his legs."
Announcers:
NORTH:  Neutral and paid.
SOUTH:  Announcer harmonizes with the crowd in the fight song, with a tear in his eye because he is so proud of his team.
After the Game:
NORTH:  The stadium is emptying out.
SOUTH:  Another rack of ribs goes on the smoker while somebody goes to The nearest package store for more bourbon. Planning begins for next week's game.

I fully intend to wear pearls, khaki, gold on Saturday... possibly including my Vineyard Vines hat :).
I'm also going to introduce my tailgating friends to my AWESOME cooler!
While looking for some examples to give you, my friends, I cam across the gem: Southern Living's Tailgate Cooler Packing Trips... Seriously... amazing!

Do you have any tailgating traditions? What do you make for food and refreshments? Do share! We've got a long Football season ahead!

Brand Profile: Starboard Clothing Co.

 Recently I had the opportunity to talk to the co-author of Bowties & Boatshoes and the founder of the newly launched Starboard Clothing Company, Ben Meredith.

Ben, a recent law school grad, first started blogging with a friend out of a mutual love for the East Cost Preppy Style.

A true entrepreneur, he started creating his bowties off of a sewing machine he got for $30 on ebay and learning to sew in his 20's from his grandma (something I can relate to, and wish more people did!). 

Some of my favorites from his current collection are:

Any good southern girl can appreciate the look and feel of a colorful bowtie against a crisp oxford paired with khaki's and boat shoes; but most especially on gameday! I love the fact that Ben call's his ties 'beau' ties like the southern name. These products are personalized with great patterns and a handmade touch that's hard to find in this day and age.

Check out what Ben had to say to some of the questions I threw his way:

Where did you first develop your style?

This is probably the most complicated of all of the questions. I've always thought that the "Prep" style was attractive just in general. When I was a little kid, my mom put me in madras shorts and polo shirts. To be honest though, I probably didn't start putting in enough effort to be called a "prep" until law school. I had always worn boatshoes and had always had polos and nice looking button downs etc., but I didn't always tuck them in or take good care of them. In retrospect, my love for the style that I now pursue developed through growing up in Severna Park, MD (about 10 miles from Annapolis) and all of the nautical influences that go with growing up in the Annapolis area and the general desire to present a better image to the people I interacted with both on a daily basis and just occasionally.

What do you hope your products will convey about yourself and your style?

I don't know that I hope to convey anything specific with the products other than it's possible to dress nicely and still have fun. You don't have to conform to the 4" wide power necktie or the once again popular "mad men look," you can dress nicely and enjoy doing it because you get to express your personality in what you choose to wear.

What has been the hardest thing about starting your own business?

For me personally, the two hardest things were and are the amount of time that running a business properly (including but not limited to customer service and creating quality products) and finding a way to fund the business on a small budget of someone who just recently finished undergrad and lawschool.

What other products do you hope to add to your portfolio?

Ideally, we'll be adding Koozies sooner than later so that people can rep Starboard at tailgates and elsewhere. We are planning on adding a "premium packaging" option soon for bows intended as gifts, or just as a nice addition to any order. Additionally, eventually we would like to do neckties for those out there who like our style, but simply don't like the bowtie. Finally, we're looking at adding both a t-shirt and a few polos, as well as a hat or two. All of these are in varying degrees of research and development and we don't have a firm timeline for any of them, but we certainly intend on expanding the product line beyond bowties and croakies in the near future.

I can't wait to see what else Starboard Clothing comes out with. You can be sure I'll be telling BF about this... or maybe something will just pop up in his Christmas Stocking ;).

NYC's Fashion's Night Out 2011

This week was the 2011 New York City Fashion's Night Out.
This is an annual event that allows the commoners of the fashion world to be entered into the inner perimeters of the fashion high court.
Basically different retail stores host a boat load of designers to show off new books, fashion, and accessories.
I've never had the opportunity to go to this, but I've heard a lot about it.
It's basically a night of partying with designers and some amazing SWAG!
There were a couple events that looked especially appealing this year:

Alexander McQueen: Collect one of a limited number of FNO2011 keys containing a special code for the chance to win an Alexander McQueen Folk Tote. Enter your code online to see if you’ve unlocked the gift. A limited-edition Crystal Skull Keyring will be sold and window installations will feature looks from the AW11 2011 collection. Learn more: http://www.alexandermcqueenFNO2011.com

Alice + Olivia: “Fashion’s Night Out will bring a carnival of amusement into the boutiques of alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet on September 8, 2011. Led by our ‘ringmaster,’ Stacey Bendet, Alice + Olivia will host a fun and fantastical carnival providing popcorn and cotton candy while customers can engage in quirky carnival games - a classic throw back to our youth. Shoppers will have the opportunity to enter to win fabulous raffle prizes, and have their hair styled by Sebastian. A fun-filled night to be had by all, and as with all carnivals, full of surprises!”

 Betsey Johnson: (A fellow Alpha Xi Delta) music from DJ Kalkutta, makeup by Stila Cosmetics, hair from Cutler Salon, a parfait bar from Yoplait, live models, cupcakes, champagne and a chance to win your very own Betsey tote!!

Additionally, all the major department stores are did what they do best: bring multiple designers together for a big party!
A consistent tip that I've heard when it comes to these city wide celebrations is to stick to one area or you'll end up in multiple lines. Personally, I'd kill just to make it to one event! But I digress....

I realize that NYC was founded well before, but I wonder why Chicago doesn't seem to have events like this. We have quite a few designers located out of this fair city as well as a good size Merchandise Mart... But I guess that's how it will always be.
My mom used to be a buyer for Macy's back when they still traveled to purchase their goods; to NYC and to Hong Kong. Growing up she and a fellow former buyer promised their girls that they'd take them to the city for their 16th Birthday...

Mom got us in to the showrooms of SoHo designers for sneak peaks of new fall & winter lines, they even loaded our bags with SWAG! And the cherry on the cake was being on the today show (picture above)... It was just such an unbelievable, memorable weekend.
But as much as I like to visit, there's no way i could live there. In contrast, Chicago is greener, cleaner, and mid-westerners are, quite frankly, NICER!
I'll have to do a whole other segment of what I enjoy to do when I visit NYC.
Have you been to NYC? What fashion designers were your not-to-be-missed events? Have you gotten to go to Fashion's Night Out?

Weekend Recap - Labor day 2011

 This past weekend was our last summer-hours Friday and a long 3-day holiday.

It was overall kind of a lazy weekend. BF's brother (DM) was in town from Wyoming and the two of them helped their mom with a garage sale. I got introduced to the new Purdue bar in Wrigleyville (Red Ivy). I headed up that way with BF's BFF who lives below him, DJ. We met up with a bunch of the other Kappa Sigma's for pizza and beer. I was originally extremely disappointed that no one would drive down to Purdue with me for the game, however it ended up being a very good thing. They were reporting heat indexes of 116 in the stadium, plus there were torrential down pours that swept the region in the late afternoon.

After the game, DJ and I grabbed 5 Guys before meeting BF back at the apartment for a lazy movie night. BF's brother came in and got to spend some good time with his old college buddies. 

Sunday morning we introduced DM to the Twisted Spoke and this:

Because I can't remember what it's actually called, I'll just go with the 'Baconator'..

I'm sad to report that my diet went WAY down hill this weekend...We also took DM to BF's favorite Italian bakery - Superior Bakery. It re-opened a few years ago, but it's an old neighborhood bakery that his grand parents used to use growing up in the Italian village in South Chicago.
That afternoon we kind of just bummed around after DM let to head up to Rockford to hang out with friends. DJ, BF, and I then decided we were going to grill out and proceed to make a menu and head to the grocery store:

They were really excited...

I made Tyler Florence's potato salad, and we had sausage and corn on the cob. PS that potato salad is super easy, and very tastey (highly recommend it!)
A lot of the guys came over and we enjoyed the cold front that came through.
Monday was spent cleaning and doing laundry out at BF's parents house in Naperville.
All in all, it was a very relaxing weekend.... and some how I always end up more tired than when we started.
What did y'all do for the holiday weekend? Did anyone go to their team's season opener? Do you have any tailgating traditions that you're continuing (that I might be able to copy ;) )?

Falling in Love with Fall - 2011 ed.

Fall brings the fresh smells of crisp fall weather, beautiful multi-color leaves, football... and FASHION!

Never fails, whenever I start to anticipate fall, I think of that scene in 'You've Got Mail' where Meg Ryan is imagining bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils and the leaves are falling on oddly quiet NYC streets.

When Mom was here a couple weeks ago, she treated me to her standard leave behind... MAGAZINES! But with this batch came the fall style books!

I'm not a HUGE Bey-woolf fan, but I DO love me some gold!

After working in fashion for a year and scavenging fashion look-books, I've compiled a helpful cheat-sheet of this fall's major fashion trends:

Houndstooth

This is being driven by the return to a chic-er period. Additionally, although I'm not her biggest fan (or the Runway to the streets for obscure 'High' fashion), but Lady GaGa did appear on the View in head-to-toe houndstooth.

Feathers in your hair

I think this is driven by some rebelling societal structures (for every yin you need a yang, and if the yin is chic houndstooth, the yang is the hippy feathers). Also, in all her grungy, disgustingness Ke$ha seems to embody the entire hippy mentality.

Thick Gold bangles... I swear it's not just for my love and loyalty to Purdue...

I can't really pull these off because my arms aren't the tiniest.

I'm going to be frank... the Kardashians are trying to bring back trailer park chic with all the leopard print and play it off as Marilyn and it's coming off as Snooki. Some of their collection looks interesting, some nice black dresses.

Do you know of any other fun trends I should include? Let me know!