Summer Spring Rolls

I love spring rolls, but when they’re fried, I can’t really eat them without feeling some guilt. That’s why these rice paper spring rolls are great. Fill them up with fruit and veggies, and you have a guilt free, fresh, summer hors d’oeuvre. You can find the rice paper wrappers at any Asian market, or I usually buy mine from our local Whole Foods. Messing around with combinations for filling is half the fun, but this combo has proven to be a favorite amongst my friends. It’s also one of my own favorites – easy, no cook, and so utterly fresh tasting.

You’ll Need:

1 avocado cut into slices

1 mango, peeled and sliced into strips

½ cup of cherry tomatoes, quartered

1 carrot, shredded

4 leaves of red leaf lettuce, torn up into pieces

2 sprigs of cilantro

9 rice paper wrappers

Basin filled with hot water to soak wrappers in

Directions:

Soak wrapper in hot water until it becomes pliable and bendy.

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Take the rice paper out, and lay it out on a kitchen towel to absorb some of the excess water. Pile on a bit of each ingredient right in the center of the wrapper.

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To roll it up, first fold up the lower half, keeping everything tightly together

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Then fold in either side

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And roll it up the rest of the way

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Do the same for each spring roll. Serve with any dipping sauce you would like. Chili dipping sauce or soy sauce are two that taste great

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Weekend Getaway: The Not-So-Dirty Jerse

Jersey gets a bad rap, but my experience with the state has been primarily good, so I wanted to highlight one of its cute, lesser-known towns: Mount Holly. It’s a quaint historical village with a bit of indie vibe. Drive in on the main road, High Street, and you’ll be amongst town halls, prisons, and estates built as early as the late 18th century. As you make your way down the buildings are that of a more recent era – now filled with quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants. There’s a rich history in this place, and you can feel the presence of the many lives lived here.

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Once you reach the town center’s crossroads – you’ll come across an arched gate leading into what is called Mill Race Village. The town mood changes here. Mill Race is an eclectic mix of quirky shops, handmade goods, and cute homes all painted in vibrant colors that brighten up your day. You can find anything from ghost hunting supplies to fresh honey to handmade jewelry in this part of town. It’s a lot of fun to walk around and explore.

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After enjoying the town, venture out to Smithville Park. This National Park is built around a historic village which was once a major industrial plant known for its high-quality woodworking machinery in the the 1860’s to the 1920’s. The plant ruins are a bit eerie, but they’re placed amongst such beautiful surroundings it gives off a strange feeling. Keep wandering around and you’ll find a large lily pad covered lake with canoes, hiking trails, gardens, and old homes both restored and vacant.

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Office Style: I like what you got in the behind..

I love when somebody’s outfit is okay from the front, and then they turn around and all of a sudden its ace. They have that element of surprise in the back – a cool detail or bold statement. It’s like that old saying, business in the front, party in the back… or is that just about mullets….??? Either way, I love the trend, and these ladies have nailed it.

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Picnik collage

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Thursday Poll: Cropped Bralletes!

Cropped bralletes are everywhere. I think just about every girl has one in her wardrobe nowadays, and I don’t know that this was so typical 10, 15, 20, 30….years ago. With fashion being cyclical, it’s tough to find things that are unique to our decade. Of course, bras have always been around, but the way we’re wearing these pieces feels entirely new. They’re useful to have. You can layer them under tanks with big armholes, t-shirts with back cutouts, or anything with a droopy neckline for that pop of something pretty, edgy, ethnic – whatever you want that pop to be.

So what do you want that pop to be? Let us know!

Sexy Lace

Edgy Print


Romantic Shade and Texture

new Romantics Woven Bustier


Flirty and Innocent

zinke lace crop bralette


Funky Ethnic Design

chevron seamless halter bra


Boho Floral

love you more bustier

[polldaddy poll=”5293355″]




Chicago Style File

Meet one of our store managers that works in our Chicago stores, I met up with her in Chicago to talk about fashion, style and blogs. She’s a cool cat with the sickest jewelry. Meet Alyssa and check out her lovely tumblr. When I met her, I was obsessed with her insane jewelry collection stacked on her hands, she let me know that some of it was made by her best friend who happens to have a trunk show in Chicago this weekend, if you’re there you should check it out!

About me:  My three most favorite feelings in the world are: feeling well-traveled, feeling inspired & feeling loved. Having the chance to travel is extremely exciting for me; I lust for the opportunity to explore the unfamiliar and seek as many new adventures as possible. Inspiration comes to me from most all places, especially travel, my friends, and blogging. Now, having my own blog, I’m challenged to come up with creative ways to give inspiration to all my readers as well. When I’m not working at Free People or blogging, I’m usually spending time with super sweet boyfriend, my family, or my amazing friends. I believe having a tight knit group of people who love and support you & who you love and support in return, is essential. My style icon has to be Erin Wasson, she has such a free & easy, relaxed look that I aspire to when I get dressed each morning! …she is totally a Free People girl too; she was just shopping in my store on Monday!

 http://alyssarude.tumblr.com/

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August in Venice with Guy Aroch: Catalog Sneak Peek!

Our August book was shot in Venice, Italy by the one and only Guy Aroch, featuring models Marloes Horst and Darla Baker. It is romantic, dreamy, sophisticated and full of intrigue – everything I imagine Italy to be. The book drops next week, and here’s a little preview!

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The catalog drops on Tuesday, I can’t wait to show you more!

XPoNential Music Festival 2011 Photos

This past weekend I attended WXPN’s annual three-day music festival over in Wiggins Park Camden – The XPoNential Music Festival. It was a great time as always – despite the oppressive heat there was a nice breeze on the river and the amazing music made it well worth it! Read More

FP Spun Houston Style

Check out these amazing photos from our Houston Galleria store girls, showcasing the FP Spun line! The photos were taken by Houston Galleria’s senior store manager of the assistant manager, and they did such a beautiful job! The photos really draw attention to the delicate details of the Spun pieces and the model looks gorgeous :)

The FP Spun Daily Chord Pointelle Tunic worn with the Kelsey Mule Wedge and lots of layered necklaces.

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The gorgeous FP Spun Dreams of Crochet Maxi Dress contrasts nicely with a couple of Gem Watch Strap Bracelets.

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I love this look! The FP Spun Fishtail Crochet Maxi Skirt looks awesome with the FP One Floral Crop Top and Barbarella Bed Jacket; topped off with the Flower Drop Necklace, Falling Feathers Necklace, Thunderbird over Feather Pendant and Irregular Quartz Ring.

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And the FP Spun Eighty Stages Crochet Dress is beautiful in its simplicity, worn here with the Ancient Stone Pendant and La Casa Wool Moon Shoulder Bag.

So beautiful!! View all FP Spun.