After five years of living in Madison, Wisconsin, home of the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country, the farm-to-table movement has become near and dear to my heart (like it has to Clara). We’re lucky enough that almost every restaurant in our city celebrates local ingredients, even prominently displaying a list of the farmers they work with–which is part of why Madison was recently touted as a top “foodie paradise.” And we’ve made a trip to the farmers’ market our Saturday routine for several years now, loading up on fresh produce, organic meat and eggs, locally-made jams and bread, and cheese (of course)!

This time of year is the very best–the market is ripe with an amazing array that still includes summer favorites like heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn and peaches, but also now boasts fall crops like squashes, cauliflower and apples. It’s the time of year when [Read more...]

When August rolls around, we usually see summertime heat peak before things start to cool off and we welcome fall. So what better way to beat the hot temps and celebrate the last weeks of summer than an ice cream social? Lauren here today, and in dreaming up this month’s edition of Dressed to Entertain, I knew I wanted to channel an ice cream shop, ’50s vibe into a “today” outfit. The result? A slightly retro, almost pin-up girl look updated with sherbet colors, high-waisted shorts, and a tied-up button down.

Sure, you can totally make your own ice cream or frozen yogurt. And more power to you if you do! But I’ll let you in on my little secret, time-saving trick: Pick up a couple pints of your favorite flavors of gelato and crush a few different toppings into very fine crumbles. Scoop each flavor of gelato into balls, and return to the freezer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the gelato scoops refreeze, then roll each ball into the crushed topping, and refreeze them all once again.

These little “gourmet” ice cream sundaes are super fun–and easy–for impromptu summer parties. And you can be creative with your pairings…I matched mango gelato with unsweetened coconut flakes, chocolate gelato with crushed peanuts, and sea salt caramel gelato with chopped chocolate.

Enjoy these last, sweet weeks of summer!

GET THE LOOK: Urban Outfitters shirt and shorts | Zara flats (similar) | Crate & Barrel bowls (similar)

My entertaining style is definitely of the more laid-back variety. That’s probably why I, Lauren, like summer entertaining the best, as this time of year just lends SO naturally to gathering friends together over simple, fresh food. As we head into the warm months, I know I’ll be hosting as many casual get-togethers as possible on our patio. Who’s with me? So today I wanted to share a little outfit inspiration for your summer entertaining needs.

Between daydreaming about our next vacation (we’re thinking Greece & Turkey) and anxiously waiting to use a set of melamine plates (in brilliant shades of blue) that I snapped up a few weeks back for outdoor entertaining, I’ve being feeling completely inspired to host a Mediterranean-style al fresco dinner at our home. Add to that the fact that our current favorite dinner (as in, we’re eating it weekly) is to set out a feast of Mediterranean dishes like spiced chicken kabobs, apricot-mint couscous, homemade hummus, cucumber-tomato-feta salad and grilled flatbread, it seems only fitting that we take dinner for two and turn it into dinner for a crowd of friends, very soon.

Inspired by the Mediterranean theme of the food and a casual yet chic vibe, I paired some of my favorite summer staples—white jeans, comfortable espadrilles and a straw fedora—with a just-perfect top in my favorite color combination. I love how the top’s easy, breezy fit balances out the skinny leg of the jeans while also showing off your sun-kissed arms. The white stitching around the edges of this top also had me at hello—I’ve said it before, but I’m a total sucker for good details!

To me, this outfit balances seasonal style and comfort like no other…it’s a simple look I’ll definitely be wearing on repeat all season long. What are your summer fashion and entertaining staples?

Get the Look: Anthropologie Top | AG Jeans | Gaimo Espadrilles (bought in Spain, similar here) | Straw Fedora (similar) | Crate & Barrel Plates | Target Tumblers

Of any entertaining theme, I’d have to say that throwing a fiesta is when I (Lauren) am most in my element. Pops of brilliant turquoise, icy-cold margaritas, piñatas and papel picado banners overhead, and a big batch of guacamole within easy reach? Heaven. So with Cinco de Mayo next weekend, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to share a colorful and festive entertaining outfit for one of my favorite holidays.

To make things extra festive, I threw together this super simple Cinco de Mayo garland with some white tissue paper and baker’s twine I had at home. I’m not crafty, but this is one DIY anyone can create!

To keep with the theme, I wanted to wear something really bold and bright. This Anthropologie dress was a perfect find a few months back–jewel-toned and flecked with tiny dots in an incredibly comfortable fit. I added a beaded belt for extra interest, then searched for the ultimate summertime shoe to complete my look. The multicolor woven wedge of these sandals? So obsessed. They were a little splurge, but I love the wow factor the wedges add and can’t wait to wear them with dresses, shorts and white jeans all summer.

Of course, I had to get a true south-of-the-border touch in, so I potted tiny cactus and succulents into turquoise votives to set on each place setting. I also used beaded cuff bracelets with fun tribal patterns as the napkin rings–they double as wearable favors for your girlfriends to take home at the end of the party!

To serve? Try setting out a Grilled Avocado bar, a fun alternative to guacamole and sooo delicious! Clearly tacos and margaritas are a must–some of our favorite “taco & tequila” pairings: Fish Tacos with Lime Slaw & Mango Margaritas or Beer-Braised Pulled Pork Tacos & Watermelon Margaritas. This Mexican Street Corn is also a perpetual crowd pleaser, and there’s no better way to treat your guests than to finish the festivities with Tres Leches Cake piled high with fresh berries.

How are you planning to celebrate on May 5th?

Get the Look: Anthropologie Dress, Belt & Earrings | Coach Wedges | World Market Bracelets | Elma Blint Bracelet | Crate & Barrel Margarita Glasses | Anthropologie Floral Plates | Pier 1 Chargers | Pottery Barn Votives (holding cactus and succulents) | Williams-Sonoma Napkins | Free People Beaded Cuffs (as napkin rings)