Recipe // Rustic Summer Tuna Salad

Delicious veggie & protein-filled dish for one, coming right up!

I eat some version of this tasty meal almost every day that I'm home for lunch, and because you can sub in virtually any type of raw veggies, It's always a little different and I never get sick of it.  To make, simply toss all of the ingredients below in a bowl, and you've got yourself some serious yum.  No cooking/heating necessary and since everything comes straight from the fridge, it's sure to chill you out in no time.

The Goods:
+ One 5 oz. can of all-white albacore in water, drained (I like Bumble Bee because it's dolphin safe!)
+ 1/2 cucumber, chopped, peel left on
+ Handful of jalapeno and garlic stuffed green olives (you can use any variety you like!)
+ One stalk (plus leaves) of chopped celery
+ One handful of garbanzo beans/cooked chickpeas
+ Quick drizzle of balsamic vinegar (in love with the fig-infused flavor we buy from our farmer's market)
+ A few generous pinches of freshly grated parmesan cheese
+ A few shakes each of salt, pepper, garlic powder and of course my beloved crushed red peppers (last one obviously optional)

Added bonus: It travels well so it makes a great take-to-work option, and on the days that I need to serve up two portions, I just split it up and pile each half-serving on a bed of raw spinach or steamed kale. 

I used to love coming up with yummy things to bring with me when I worked at an office, but sometimes feel challenged to actually sit down and enjoy a meal when I'm home.  I'm always so much more satisfied when I do though, and my little Rustic Summer Salad creation has given me reason to look forward to a nice nutritious meal instead of just grazing on snacks throughout the afternoon...
  
I'd love to know - What do you guys normally eat for lunch?  Are you cool with last night's leftovers, or are you a make-from-scratch kinda gal?

Concrete Catwalk // Laid-back Lace

I've had this little lace dress for years, but I don't reach for it very often because I always think of it as the perfect piece for things like baby showers & birthday brunches.  Keep reading to see how I styled it for a more laid-back look, and check out the special link to see the blast from the past and how I wore it last!

Sunday Sprinkles // London Calling

Image borrowed from here

Today's Sunday Sprinkles are all little bits from across the pond, and because we're pretty much all-Olympics-all-the-time over here for the next two weeks, it just seemed to be appropriate!

• Metallic nail polish just screams glamour, and this Olympic Heavy Medal set by Butter London would be an easy way to try your hand at all three.
• I'm a huge fan of bright accessories, and I can't help but think this poppy red clutch from Ted Baker would make a classic yet bold addition to almost any look.
• An adorably quirky little telephone booth iPhone case... Whenever I see something modeled after these iconic big red boxes, it always reminds me of the father-daughter trip that my Dad and I took to London when I turned 16!
• These Stella McCartney ankle booties have been in my shopping cart at The Outnet for quite sometime, and if we see any big-medal-wins this week, it just may be cause enough for a celebratory purchase! ;)
• Love how this silky striped blouse could bring just the right amount of patriotism to a look, and I'd play up it's prep factor by wearing it with white skinny jeans and these orange ballet flats.

Are you going to be tuning in to the games much in the upcoming days?  I'm most excited for track & field, swimming, gymnastics & beach volleyball... What are your favorite events???

Guy Style // Pattern Play

Today, I'm so happy to be bringing you the second installment of Guy Style from Mr. Pepper himself!

Keep reading to hear about the childhood heartbreak that shaped his own personal sense of style, and if you love it, don't forget to share this post with your style-seeking male counterparts and friends! :)

Concrete Catwalk // Scallops & Studs

I'm a firm believer that when putting together an outfit, it's all about balance.  Keep reading to see how I pulled together the details of this look that I found at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

S&P TV // How to Shop a Killer Sale

Last weekend, I mentioned that we'd be heading to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale on Saturday, and instead of just telling you about it here, I'm going to SHOW you with the latest installment of S&P TV!

Check out the video above to watch me share my tips and tricks on How to Shop a Killer Sale, and feel free to dish your own bargain-hunting know-how in the comments below.  Tomorrow, I'll be featuring my fun fall finds in a new outfit post, so stay tuned for that and I'll see you back here very soon!

Recap of transitional trends & helpful links:

• Sarongs & Scarves // Look for fun prints in your go-to colors for extra milage
  
• Printed denim // Wear with a flowy tank now, a chunky sweater and ankle booties later
• Maxi Dresses // With strappy wedge sandals now & a drapey leather jacket later
• Don't forget // legwear, lightweight leather & make-up colors

//

This post is brought to you by Nordstrom.

Concrete Catwalk // Purple Puff

Nothing like a ridiculously puffy purple sleeve to perk up the beginning of the work week, huh?  Keep reading for the rest of the outfit details, a fun multi-angle-view of my favorite summer hairstyle (that I've worn nearly every day this week) AND the winner of the $200 Jennifer Zeuner giveaway!

[Monday] Sprinkles // Summer Eats

Yummy looking popsicle via @StudyNY on instagram

Having a few technical difficulties over here at Casa de Pepper, so yesterday's Sunday Sprinkles turned into Monday Sprinkles (just as good as leftovers - promise!), and today's outfit post will have to wait for tomorrow!  Good news is that we're talking tasty summer eats, and I don't know about you, but that's one of my favorite things to do. :)

• If you buy one cookbook this year, please let it be this one: Such simple, quick recipes all under 500 calories and organized by time of year for easy seasonal eating.
• I eat it every single day in some form or another, and that's why this Ode to Oatmeal was right up my alley.
• Reason #927 to love watermelon. That's all.
• When I saw the recipe for these gluten-free chicken tenders, I knew I wanted to try it out by subbing in sliced eggplant instead of the meat - we'd had the veggie version last night for dinner, and it was deLISH!
• Can't stop thinking about how amazing it would be to have this counter top frozen-yogurt machine as the latest addition to our kitchen.  So many flavor possibilities and never having to leave the house for my next fix! (Ok, the thought of that is a little scary, but still!)

Have you spotted any great kitchen products or created any recipes recently that I should know about?  You always blow me away with your own tips, tricks & resources, so feel free to share them here if you'd like!

P.S.  I whipped up a new header for the blog this weekend, so be sure to click through and take a peek if you're reading through an RSS feed! :) XOXO

Spicy Sale // Nordstrom Anniversary

I know, I know - we're still in what feels like the midst of summer, but I've already started to think about shopping for the upcoming fall, if you can believe it!

I always love visiting the Nordstom Anniversary Sale every year at this time, because it brings back fond memories of back to school shopping with my Mama.  We'd scour the racks together, in search of new pieces to add to our wardrobes, and would always walk away with a handful full of gems.  Both major bargain hunters at heart, we agreed that a huge part of the fun was the thrill of finding things we loved for less than their usual retail price.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale started this weekend, and when I was asked to share about the event here with you, I knew immediately that I wanted to create a post around student-worthy-style featuring a few of my favorite trends for the upcoming season.  Here are some key pieces that I'll be reaching for when the temps start to drop:

• Polka dotted blouse - let's be honest: polka dotted everything!
• Cropped plaid trousers - wear with sky high heels and tucked in top
• Minimalistic moto jacket - this chic little gray one would be the perfect transitional piece
• Men's-inspired watch - look for dark leather straps and gold/brass hardware
• Jewel toned tote - great for standing out against drab neutrals
• Patent leather tech accessories - obviously my iPad wants to look cute, too ;)
• Burgundy buckle loafers - extra points for a gold buckle & a chunky heel

I'm heading to the nearest Nordstom today with my trusty shopping bag carrier *ahem* husband by my side, and can't wait to report back here with what we find!  I'd love to know what upcoming fall trends you are most looking forward to wearing... Are you going to be swinging by the Sale anytime this week?

This post is kindly brought to you by Nordstrom.

Concrete Catwalk // Secret Garden

I told you earlier this week that we found a secret garden while exploring Park Slope last weekend, and as you can see, I wasn't kidding!  Luckily, I was dressed perfectly for the occasion, and felt right at home amongst the flora and fauna.  You know the drill: more flowery photos and the outfit details after the jump!

Spicy Sale // Which Wedge?

Suede & leather from Marc by Marc Jacobs - $132 (left)

 OR Tribal Print by Theodora & Callum - $134 (right)

As I was clicking around the internet this week, I couldn't help but notice that there are lots of great Summer Sales happening at several of my favorite online retailers.  I'll admit: I've got "window shopping" carts full of cute pairs of shoes and have been daydreaming about adding a few new options, but I have to ask: which of the above are your favorite - Preppy stripes with a wooden platform or caramel colored leather with aztec-fabric covered heel?

Both of these pairs are under $150 at Saks 5th Avenue, and although I think I'd get a lot of wear out of either, my gift card tells me I've got to choose just one!

P.S. I'm also drooling over these guys, and I think they'd be amazing for fall/winter!

In Pictures // Anniversary Adventure

Need a little hump-day entertainment to get you through the week?  Perhaps you'd like to see me try my hand at the flying trapeze?!

Keep reading to check out a recap of last weekend's anniversary adventures, and a VIDEO of me flying (kind of) through the air above NYC!

Concrete Catwalk // Navy Mini

Proof that I sometimes do my hair, and love to get dressed up for date night with my Sweet G!  Click though for more outfit shots, and stay tuned for a recap of our anniversary weekend adventures (including a fun video) later this afternoon!

Peppery Picks // Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry

Shop my faves: Mini cross anklet, three-diamond bangle, 

gold stud bangles, star stud earrings, love earrings, 

arrow necklace, initial square ring, initial necklace

Today's Peppery Picks post was meant to be about my current wish-list items at Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry, but I have a strong feeling that the very exciting giveaway involved is going to hog all of the attention! (Rightfully so!!!)

Jennifer Zeuner has some truly fabulous pieces on her site, and you have a chance to snatch up some pretty goodies for yourself... Browse her online shop and let us know your faves here in the comments section (along with your email address), and you'll be entered to win a $200 gift card to her site!  I would also highly recommend following her on FB and Twitter to stay in the know about great deals and new products from her gorgeous line!

The contest runs for one week and will be closed/announced on the morning of July 24th, so be sure to submit your entry soon.

//

Today's post and this fabulous giveaway are kindly brought to you by Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry!

Concrete Catwalk // Snake Skirt

We found a darling little hidden street to snap outfit photos last week, and I think I'm in love with the new location...  Keep reading to see the "cobblestone catwalk", my snake-print skirt and a well-timed gust of wind.

Sunday Sprinkles // A Shady Spot

Image via OliviaPalermo.com

We had a ridiculously fun day yesterday, and things are already feeling pretty toasty this morning, so I can't help but think that finding a breezy spot to relax in the shade would make for the perfect afternoon.  All of today's sprinkles are cool, muted tones to match my laid-back Sunday mood. :)

• Thinking about snapping up these gray moto boots for fall, but they're so cute, I think I'll be wearing them sooner with flowy sun dresses and skirts!
• Our living room is getting a few tweaks this week (recovering our sofa, painting a wall, hanging new art, etc.) and I can't stop thinking that this nautical-inspired Morse code print would be the perfect addition.
• What a simple, inexpensive & creative way to make your own minimalistic wall sconce for an area that needs a little touch of metallic.
• Can't stop dreaming about these gorgeous ceramic dishes that are edged in gold.  The set is a little pricey, but splurging on a single could definitely be much more my speed.
• By far, one of the coolest shift dresses I've seen in a while, this gray fringe-y number grabs and holds your attention with loads of lovely embellishments.

Speaking of gray... Have you read Fifty Shades yet?  I'm being stubborn and avoiding it at all costs, but am curious to know the general consensus!  Dish with me... fun or just plain filthy?

Happy 5th Anniversary, Sweet G!

Wanted to wish a very Happy Anniversary to my precious husband and favorite guy in the world... I'm so thankful to have you as a partner & best friend, and can't wait for the next 5 years (and more!) to come!

We're off to spend a fabulous weekend together creating our own adventures and pretending like we're tourists exploring our own city... On the agenda for today: homemade pancakes, a trip to the street market, continuing our hunt for the best iced coffee in Manhattan, chasing down some food trucks, a flying trapeze class (!), and a yummy 3-course progressive dinner at three different restaurants!

Follow along on Instagram (I'm @styleandpepper!) for some fun snapshots of the highlights, and I'll see you back here tomorrow with the usual Sunday Sprinkles!

P.S. See last year's 4th Anniversary blog post and some fun photos right here!

Concrete Catwalk // Cinched Chambray

Chambray just screams summer to me... add a drawstring, a paper-bag waist & an exaggerated cuff and you've pretty much got the perfect shorts in my book. 

Click through to see said shorts in action, and for the full look at what I wore to celebrate Independence Day in style...

Guy Style // DIY Cut-off Shorts

Well, hey there!  I know you're used to seeing my silly face in this little spot, but today we're trying something a little different. New column, new face - cool?.  This handsome dude is "Sweet G" himself, and as you've probably guessed, is my darling husband and the other [better] half of S&P!  He just so happens to have a very keen sense of his own personal style, and I thought it was high-time that he stepped out from behind the lens for a change.


Click through to find his tips on turning an old classic into a new favorite (A dude that DIYs?! I know, I'm a lucky gal!), and let him know what you think in the comments!

Concrete Catwalk // Maxi in the Morning

G and I took these photos one morning last week on our way to work, and I love the soft light that such a different time of day provided us.  Keep reading for more photos, outfit details + a blast from the past... all included below!

Peppery Picks // R29 Shops

If you follow along with the happenings over at Refinery 29, then you may have already heard about the launch of their new fab new shopping platform, R29 Shops.  

Just in case you're in the mood to lighten up with some lovely summer goodies, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites picks here with you, and be sure to sign up on their site to keep up with flash sales, special exclusives, great deals & more!

1 // The Bad Boy from Giant Vintage (voucher here)
2 // Vintage Snake Bracelet from Foley + Corrina (voucher here)
3 // T-strap Wedge by BC Footwear (voucher here)
4 // M8 Step-through Bicycle from Public Bikes (purchase via R29 shops here)
5 // Perry Cross-body Bag from Gorjana (voucher here)
6 // Two-piece Crochet Dress from Publik (voucher here)

Concrete Catwalk // Too Much Fun

Too much fun for your Monday morning?  Then you probably shouldn't click through to see the rest of the photos and hear about our relaxing weekend...

Don't say I didn't warn you! ;)

PS. Did you notice my shiny new "sharing" buttons below?  If you like this post, feel free to pass it along! XO

Sunday Sprinkles // Laid-Back Weekend

Image via A Cup of Jo

Hello my little hot-weather honeys... We seem to be having one of the most laid-back weekends of our entire summer, and I just don't want it to end!  I'm off to have just a few more small adventures with my Sweet G today, and then I'm looking forward to being back at my desk tomorrow morning - refreshed and relaxed and ready for a full week of work. 

Below are some of the fun finds I've been daydreaming about over the last few days... feel free to click around and let me know which one is your favorite!

• I can't even tell you how many times this week I've dreamt about getting this cute cropped hair cut.  Like, seriously tempted.
• A nice reminder that it's GREAT to be ridiculous - why not, right?
• Excited to make a variation of the best quesadilla ever for dinner tonight! (Goat cheese makes everything better.)
• Speaking of cooking, our pepper grinder broke a few weeks ago, but this Sergeant Pepper Mill would make the perfect replacement for our quirky little red-accented kitchen. 
• I've got a Sephora gift card burning a hole in my pocket, but I think I've finally settled on this shimmery golden bronzer from Tarte. (A safer way to look like you just stepped in from being out in the sun, and from one of my favorite all-natural cosmetics lines, too!)

Hope you're having a lovely weekend, and I'll see you back here first thing tomorrow morning with another fun summer outfit!

XOXO - Jessie

Get Fit // Running Essentials

I know most of us are probably already half-way into our various summer-time slim-down plans, but today is the beginning of a brand-new, much-requested fitness feature on S&P called Get Fit!  Discovering fun and creative ways to live a healthy, active lifestyle is something that I consider to be one of my favorite pastimes, and if I can provide helpful resources, insight & encouragement to others along the way, then why wouldn't I share?! 

Get Fit is a place where you'll find tips, tricks and honest accounts of my own personal experiences, and I'm so excited to share with you in this new way.  As usual, feel free to let me know if you have any questions or specific topics you'd like me to cover, and I'll do my best to deliver exactly what the S&P community is interested in!

Keep reading to find today's topic below - My Running Essentials...

Concrete Catwalk // Lake Living

Last weekend at the lake, we snuck away for a chance to snap some shots that are much more casual than they are chic, and at first I wasn't sure if I should even bother sharing them here with you.  After thinking about it, I realized that they might be helpful in showing that by giving just a tiny bit of thought into your look, you can still feel put together while relaxing by the water!

Keep reading for more shots and the shopping breakdown below...

Happy 4th of July!

 

Hope your day is filled with flying flags, juicy corn-on-the-cob, dear friends, 

icy treats & lots of sparkling in the night sky!

XOXO - Jessie

[Book] Review // "Overdressed"

 Images: Book cover of Overdressed, Clothing waste from Kids off the Kerb, Closet from A Beautiful Mess

Have you shopped at Forever21, H&M, ZARA or any similar large mass-market fashion retailer in the last month?  Before I read Overdressed: The shockingly high cost of fast fashion by Elizabeth Cline, my answer would definitely have been a "yes".

The topic of production and consumption in the fashion industry can be quite a touchy subject, but it's something that I've been thinking about for a while - both as an industry professional AND a consumer - and truthfully, it is something that affects anyone who has ever purchased a piece of clothing for themselves.

Cline's book takes a scrutinous look at the history and development of the industry itself, and she thoughtfully chronicles her frank and very personal realizations and thorough research as she goes.  I was a little hesitant to read this book, because I had a hunch that I'd end up feeling pretty convicted about the pieces hanging in my closet, but it was actually quite the opposite.  The first paragraph instantly drew me in with the it's relatability (packed closet, nothing to wear, anyone?), and then the rest of the book deftly held my attention by it's captivating account of how "budget-friendly" apparel and accessories can have an irreversible effect on our society, our environment, our self esteem, and our economic well-being.

A quick look...

• The problem:  Mass production and mass consumption of poorly constructed pieces and fleeting trends have done a number on what was once a thriving and respected fashion industry.
• The solution:  There are numerous ways that we can work towards hopefully someday reversing the damage, and the best news I gleaned from the book was that we CAN make a difference even just by implementing a few small changes to how we shop and how we treat the clothes that we currently own.

I was fortunate enough to get a chance to interview Cline, and our chat confirmed something that I already suspected from reading her book: Her honest and open look at this topic stems from a realization that she first saw by looking at her own habits/attitude, and the self-searching tone combined with an encouraging optimism left me feeling much more hopeful than I had expected.  Her desire was not to come across as sounding preachy or judgmental, but instead wanted to begin what she believes to be a much needed conversation among our generation.

Since finishing the book and then having our heart to heart, I've found myself craving more quality clothing and less junk, and I've noticed that a genuine interest in caring for my existing garments has been renewed.  Though I know some will strongly disagree with me, I've personally come to see "fast fashion" as something that I'd simply rather try and avoid.  I've come to believe that it can be a blatant assault on both the environment/economy, a waste of hard earned money, and I have also realized what a traumatic blow it is to the livelihood of mid-market and smaller independent retailers and businesses (many of whom I'm honored to have as industry colleagues and friends).  Full disclosure, I'm not promising that I'll never set foot in any of those stores again (either online or real life), but reading Overdressed has given me a new perspective and it's one that has already taken my shopping decisions in a much more intentional direction.

Going forward: As a follow up, I plan to put together a list of the ways that I'm trying to be a more thoughtful shopper, and you're welcome to share your own thoughts and ideas with me in the comments section below.  I'd love to have a healthy discussion here, so feel free to weigh in, and I'm truly looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Concrete Catwalk // Garden Variety

Today, we are finally headed back to NYC after a great trip spending time with friends in Kansas City and visiting G's family at the lake, and I cannot tell you how nice it was relax, eat, shop, sun & swim with each other and some of our nearest and dearest.  This post seems somewhat appropriate both for the timing of the holiday week and also because it shows me doing something that makes me miss my balcony-garden back at our flat in KC.  I have really been missing having our own outdoor space recently, and in a way, summer hasn't seemed the same without the chance to grow flowers, veggies & herbs like I had gotten used to doing every year.

When I saw that the tag on this darling Jigsaw-London green-label dress was plantable (!) - I just knew it was the perfectly opportunity to get my hands dirty and at least try and make do with a pretty container and a sunny windowsill inside.

See below for the rest of the look, and to find out about a very spicy sale happening this holiday week, including some mega-markdowns!