Blogger Diary: A Thanksgiving Feast

I love Thanksgiving. It’s one of the holidays that my family does best – centered on good food and warm sentiments. Each year, my mother wakes up at the crack of dawn to get cooking – something she’s been doing ever since she was eight years old. She starts with the pies – so when you turn up all bleary eyed from your bed, the sweet scent fills your nostrils and puts a drunk smile on your face. A fire is already blazing in the wood oven, and we all plop down on the couch with blankets, dogs, and the Thanksgiving Day parade. Quickly, hot cups of Jo are distributed, and you couldn’t be happier.

This year, once the caffeine had hit my brain, and I was able to pull my couch-loving-self together, I whipped out my camera to document. In the past year I’ve gotten a lot more into food photography. Not just looking at it on the pages of periodicals, but also practicing it a bit myself. Thanksgiving is a visual playground of food, and this seemed like the perfect chance to mess around…

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My Aunt came from Italy and we prepared one of my favorite Italian desserts – Monte Bianco. It’s made with a puree of roasted chestnuts and whipped cream.

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Abigail looking very guilty after trying to steal some turkey…

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I had to include how beautiful the sky was at sunset. Hope you all had a great thanksgiving! xx

Style File: Creative Design Assistant

She’s like a mix between Rachel Zoe and Alexa Chung – a shaggy jacket paired with a retro mini. She holds one of the most coveted positions at a fashion brand, and she’s this week’s inspiring style file. Our Creative Design Assistant (assistant to the Creative Director) knows exactly how to rock her miniature frame. She’s always put together to the t’s, and knows how to pull off classic, cool, and edgy all at the same time. Did I mention how warm and adorable she is?

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Get the look with our Anita Fur Jacket.

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Talk about the perfect relaxed tee look….

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Her adorable baby, Ruby!

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Fall Display Deer Giveaway!

We have a very cool giveaway for you today!! When I first saw our fall displays I fell completely in love with the deer – each store got one of the sculptures, which they then painted and embellished so that each one is unique and special to the store where it lived :) Now that our holiday displays have gone up in stores, and Fall displays have come down, we have some deer that we’d like to give away!

Since the deer are large (and heavy!) and fragile, we are offering the giveaways separately in each location where they are available, so that the winner can go pick it up at their convenience.

The following locations are each giving away ONE DEER. Please click on the link for your desired location and fill out the brief form to enter to win. This giveaway will remain open for one week, and then I will pick one winner for each location. I will send the winner a confirmation email and put you in touch with the store so you can schedule a time to pick up your deer.

These would make the most amazing lawn decorations! Good luck :)

*click on the link below for the store closest to you and fill out the form to enter*

Arizona:

Free People Scottsdale – 15147 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ

California:

Free People Cahuenga – 1520 Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles CA

Free People Corte Madera – 1618 Redwood Highway, Corte Madera CA

Free People Glendale – 137 South Brand Blvd, Glendale CA

Massachusetts:

Free People Boston – 800 Boyleston St. #A, Boston MA

Free People Burlington – 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington MA

Free People Cambridge – 63 Church St, Cambridge MA

New York:

Free People 5th Ave – 79 5th Avenue, New York NY

Free People Garden City – 630 Old Country Road, Garden City NY

Virginia:

Free People Arlington – 2700 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington VA

Free People McLean – 1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean VA

**UPDATE: Check your email, the winners have been contacted!!**

FP Me Style Contest Winners!

A little while back we held an fp me style contest and we were completely blown away by the amazing entries! It was very difficult to narrow it down to three winners – who are currently being featured as part of our holiday boutiques! Here are the winning photos, and a little bit more about each of these lovely fp girls :)

Photo Credit:  C Studios

Amy Crandall, Columbus OH

What do you love most about the holiday season?

Holidays are an amazing time because you are surrounded by fabulous family and great food! What could be more lovely!?

Where is your favorite place?

My favorite place is Byron Bay, Australia. There is such a peaceful calm about it and the people with whom reside. The laid back vibe, fantastic hikes, beautiful views, and amazing surf all drew me in.

How would you describe your style? And, what Free People girl are you?

I am a boho-girl to my core! I am extremely inspired by photography, music, art, and adventure which directly influences my life and style. I love pieces that you can wear in more ways than one, like a fantastic maxi that you can pull up, belt and wear as a dress. I am also careful to purchase pieces that I know I will still be in love with years down the road. I could definitely be soul sisters with the FP girl, Miss Meadow.

What is your favorite fashion trend this season?

I am always freezing cold, so the thing I love most about this season is layering. Being all bundled up and cozy with over sized sweaters and scarves is exactly what you will catch me in this season!

What is your motto?

My main motto in this life is just to keep putting yourself out there because you never know what can come from an experience. I always surround myself with creative, motivating and positive people because they are constantly inspiring me and challenging me to grow.

Amy’s picks:


Crochet Love Cardi in Rust paired with a distressed boot :  I love this look because it is such a  laid back, comfortable and relaxing look yet so incredibly detailed.

Multi-Color Stripe Pullover onto of the Feather Slip:  What makes this look special to me is the pairing of these two interesting and very different textures and materials.  It stands out in such a delicate yet confident way.

Marled Yarn Pullover in Golden Marl:  I love the way you can wear this sweater in multiple ways.  You can layer it, you can pull it off of one shoulder, you can perfectly expose your collar bone; On top of how comfortable and cozy it looks, there is no question that this piece is special.

Beaded Hippie Jumpsuit:  I am speechless — I just…. I can’t.  It’s too good!!! Pair it with an intense head-piece…Unstoppable!

Cabin Fever Layering Top in Pimento:  This top is a perfect piece for the season!  The detailing and color is really eye catching.  It is perfect way to add some flare and really brighten up your look!

Mariya Miller

Mariya Jasmine, Seattle WA

What do you love most about the holiday season?

Getting to watch Home Alone and Love Actually all the time! I love that the holidays allow you to spend time with and celebrate the amazing people in your life, and it’s fun to dress up for all of the fancy parties!

Where is your favorite place?

I just got back from my honeymoon to French Polynesia, which was incredible! The islands of Bora Bora and Moorea are breathtaking and were incredibly relaxing … It’s my favorite place I’ve traveled…so far!

How would you describe your style? And, what Free People girl are you?

My style is pretty relaxed… a mix of feminine, romantic, flowy and floral pieces… care-free but put-together – I would be the “new romantic” Free People girl.

What is your favorite fashion trend this season?

I am loving this season’s trends of lace and maxi dresses and skirts, often together. Pairing a boxy, lace top with a long maxi skirt and a blazer is my go-to outfit of the moment.

What is your motto?

Always stay inspired.

Mariya’s picks:

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Lacey Layering Top – I love the versitility of this piece. you could wear it alone or use it for layering. you could dress it up or down, depending on how you accessorize it, and it could be paired with pants/skirt or layered under a dress for a stylish way to keep warm.

Crochet Love Cardi – This sweater looks so comfy! what i love about Free People is that all the pieces are versatile, and you can incorporate them into your wardrobe and make it work with many options.

Crochet Sleeve Pullover – Love the exaggerated sleeves on this top. crochet is a great trend this season…almost like lace but a difference texture.

Jilly Maxi Dress – I feel like this dress could be a great, sexy piece on its own, or almost like a slip under another dress. the pop of color peaking out under the bottom would be a great way to change up a dress or maxi-skirt you already own.

Nicole Embellished Lace Dress – I”m such a sucker for lace! and i love the white option of this dress, it feels very festive :)

Sophie London

Sophie Anna London, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

What do you love most about the holiday season?

I love holiday parties, the outfits that accompany them and flowing champagne! New Years Eve is the most magical holiday of the year and I try to go on a beach vacation every winter.

Where is your favorite place?

Praia do Rosa, Brazil and Paris are my favorite places I have been to… New Years Eve in Brazil is amazing! Morocco and Tahiti are my current dream destinations.

How would you describe your style? And, what Free People girl are you?

My style is bohemian Gypsy luxe. I love special, feminine pieces, lots of jewelry, and a 70’s Rock & roll attitude. I have a good time when I get dressed. Listening to music and channelling different muses depending on my mood. I am a combo of “Ginger”, “Meadow” and “Sandy”. Sexy, bohemian and beachy!

What is your favorite fashion trend this season?

I would call my favorite trend this holiday season “Spice & Honey”, inspired by a poem I read about a fairy. Romantic and magical, glittering and delicate in whites, silver and gold. I want to dress like a fairy queen dripping in crystals, pearls, velvet and lace! With hints of Victoriana…Thank you FP for making my fantasy wardrobe come to life.

What is your motto?

“Cherchez La Femme”

Sophia’s Picks:

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High neck Victorian Lace dress – A must have for me. Stunning and Victorian inspired. I love bodycons with high necks right now.

Pearl Crossbody – This bag sums up my holiday mood. Even fairy queens have things to carry sometimes…

Symphonia Platform heel – I love these party booties! Edgy & Victorian, paired with the dancers dream leggings….sigh

Cashmere Romper – Luxury lounge-wear heaven!

Svetlana Cuff – Gorgeous stackable cuff. I love crystals with brass!

Image of me Mesh sequin capeletThis is so ethereal, and will be amazing over party dresses.

Embellished daisy chain crop top – White, beaded, sheer must have! I need the matching pants as well.

Shop all customer picks.

Mamma’s Pumpkin & Pear Curried Soup

Going home for a visit, I always look forward to some of my mother’s home cooking. There’s nothing like it anywhere else in the world. Everything coming out of “Mamma’s” kitchen is a unique invention that combines unexpected ingredients into something miraculous. I don’t know how she does it, but I thought I’d feature a sample of one for you all to get a taste (literally). This Pumpkin & Pear Curried Soup was the opener to our Thanksgiving meal this year. The recipe is delicately spiced, perfectly creamy, and just enough sweet. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. :)

Ingredients:

1 Medium Sweet Onion – Chopped

1/2 Lb Carrots – Chopped

1 Large Yukon Gold Potato – Cut into 1/2″ cubes

1 Tbsp Sesame Oil

1/8 Cup Olive Oil

1/2 Liter of Vegetable Stock

2 Ripe Pears

16oz Pear Nectar

2 – 29oz Cans of Pureed Pumpkin

3/4 Cup Dark Brown Sugar

3 Cups of Nonfat Greek Yogurt

3 Tsp Curry Powder

3/4 Tsp Gara Masala

Salt to taste

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds/Sesame oil for garnish

Directions:

Place onions into a large pot with sesame and olive oils to saute.

As they begin to turn translucent, add in carrots & potato.

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When the carrots and potatoes are soft, remove from heat.

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Slice pear, and add into sauteed vegetable mix.

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Using a blender, puree mixture in batches. For each batch you’ll want to add a bit of vegetable stock and pear nectar to cool it down.

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Return pureed mixture to heat on the stove. Stir in pumpkin, brown sugar, spices, and any remaining vegetable stock/pear nectar. Let cook until mixture is heated through.

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Pour into a serving bowl, and stir in yogurt.

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Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and sesame oil, then serve!

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Moving Mountains

Have you guys seen these amazing installations in Iceland by artist Theresa Himmer? The Mountain series consists of these large-scale sequin street art installations, “Glacier,” “Volcano” and “Waterfall.” The use of sequins allows them to reflect light, making them sparkle and appear to come alive like actual ripples of water or molten lava. I would love to see them in person!

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Trend Spotting: Abbey Lee

Abbey Lee is running through our minds a bit too much lately and with the launch of our Baroque trend, which is full of rich velvets, clashing textures, and beautiful jewel tones, we thought why not experiment with some looks up in the studio. We printed out some inspiration tears and got styling; here are our Abbey Lee looks!

We love Abbey Lee, and we love our new trend Baroque!

Items Pictured: Provincial Embroidered Maxi Skirt, New Romantics Chiffon Capelet, Slouchy Velvet Blazer, Roaring Bead Collar, Large Amulet Necklace, Ramsey Oxford, Jenny Floppy Hat.

Velvet Burnout Bodycon, Boucle Jacket, Opaque Tights, Platform Ankle Boot, Seville Pendant, Deco Choker.

Pillowtalk Romper, Josephine Ruffle Slip, Seville Pendant, Cord Buttondown, Opaque Tights, Painted Distress Boot.

Metallic Lace Bell Bottom, New Romantics Chiffon Capelet, Printed Kimono, Seville Pendant, Deco Choker, Ramsey Oxford, Jenny Floppy Hat.

Shop the Baroque Trend.

DIY Holiday Ornaments Turned Accessories: Headband

DIY Ornament turned into Headband

For this DIY we used the beautiful jewel encrusted ornament designed by Chan Luu. Our clever team used this ornament to create an adorable headband in just a few easy steps! All you need is a plain old headband and some fabric glue.

Untie the ornament from its hook, and then bit by bit, use the fabric glue to adhere it to the headband. We used clips (pictured below) to hold the ribbon in place as it dried.

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That’s it! I love how the hanging chains give this a delicate feel:

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Jewel Encrusted Ornament by Chan Luu

DIY Holiday Ornaments turned Accessories: Keychain

Due to the power outage, I didn’t get to post this week’s DIY on Wednesday, so here it is – part two of our tutorial for turning our holiday ornaments into accessories you can wear all year long!

DIY Holiday Ornaments turned into Keychain

For this tutorial we used the Aziza Golden Feather Ornament by Serafina and the Dakota Feather Ornament by Alkemie – but, like the earrings and necklace, this DIY would work with any or all of our holiday ornaments! All you need are some pliers and a keyring and hook (pictured above left).

We removed the hook from the small gold feather ornament using the pliers, and then untied the red string from the larger feather. We used the string to tie the smaller feather to the ring of the larger feather.

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To add a decorative touch, we wrapped the red string around the gold ring, finishing it with a knot. Now just attach the ring with the two feathers to the keyring, and you’ve got an awesome new keychain!

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Aziza Golden Feather Ornament by Serafina; Dakota Feather Ornament by Alkemie.