Do you love to see what your favorite celebrities are wearing for the awards shows? Are you like most of us? Although we love to see the fabulous fashion, we secretly love the fashion blunders? Who doesn’t?

Well, do you know what time of year it is? We’re gearing up for awards shows again. If you’ve watched us over the years you may have heard the hosts and me talk about why these weeks are important to me. Aside from working with QVC, during awards shows I usually cover the red carpet and trends on a number of television shows and I also help style celebrities with the fashions they wear. This means that for the months leading up to the awards shows I’m attending trade shows and fashion shows and visiting designer showroom to seek out and gather amazing pieces of jewelry, accessories and clothing for celebrities to wear on the red carpets.

Several factors influence what will become a trend and what will be popular in fashion. The economy and societal shifts, changes in social climate and colors all play their part in creating trends.  What the clothing designers show on the runway also influences what jewelry and accessories designers create. Popular colors are taken into account to help determine gemstones used, proportion of clothing decoration influences the size of pieces and specific themes help dictate design inspiration. All these elements need to be viewed, absorbed and distilled to determine the styles of pieces that will be needed to help style outfits for red carpet wear.

This same thought process also lets us know what will become popular for everyday wear. Here’s a little sneak peek at two of the pieces I’m choosing for The Emmys styling and some insights into the trends that they represent.

Emerald is the color of the year according to Pantone, the company that helps predict what colors will be hot. Additionally, we’re seeing larger proportioned pieces overall since many clothing details such as fringes, ruffles and zippers are becoming larger and more prominent. This gorgeous emerald is worth about $3 million dollars, surrounded by diamonds and suspended from a longer diamond chain.

Tassels have been a huge design inspiration and we’ve seen them of many celebrities and many red carpets. They provide great movement around the face. Additionally, color is extremely important in fashion today. When styling, one of the best ways to make something stand out is to choose a contrasting color. These tassel earrings combine the popular green color with purple amethyst for a striking effect.

Although red carpet styles are usually larger and more dressy (especially the two that I’ve just shown you) than ones we might see every day, those trend influences are definitely important to remember as you build your own looks for every day.. Whether it’s the use of emerald green, or a contrasting color, or the choice of a larger earring, these influences will become important, if they haven’t already, to the fashion forward shopper.  I’ve been shopping for these trends since February and I’m not finished! I have another 4 weeks before The Emmys. Who knows what treasures and trends I’ll find? 

- Michael O'Connor

There is something kind of wonderful about the last days of summer. A little bittersweet, as we are saying goodbye to another summer, exciting because back to school is almost here, and relaxing because we know it’s the last chance to just enjoy the warm days and slightly cooler nights!

Growing up a few hours from the Jersey shore, the beach has always been part of our summers, and still is! My Dad was always teaching me something new, and one year he bought a tumbler from Sears so we could polish the stones we found on Sunset beach in Cape May, NJ. Then we would turn the tumbled stones into necklaces and bracelets. If we were really lucky, we would find a clear quartz stone known as “Cape May Diamonds!” 

Here I am on Sunset beach about 1976.

I still have that tumbler, and we just spent a sunny day searching for perfect stones to turn into jewelry, just like I did when I was little on the very same beach.

This is also a great time to enjoy that last day trip, picnic lunch, or just a lazy day outside! I am sharing my Mom’s super easy, and super yummy, peanut butter and chocolate rice cereal treat recipe that just feels like summer to me!

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Cereal Treats

1 cup corn syrup

1 cup sugar

6 cups rice cereal

1 cup peanut butter

½ cup butter

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup peanut butter chips

In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup and sugar under low heat until sugar is dissolved. Add butter and peanut butter until melted.

In a large mixing bowl, combine rice cereal with melted mixture.  Press into a greased 13x9”pan. Melt peanut butter and chocolate chips in microwave and spread over the cereal. Chill in fridge, cut into squares or shapes with a cookie cutter.

PS: My daughter, Cara, likes to make these with the peanut butter and chocolate chips, but you can do 2 cups of chocolate chips for a more chocolate flavor. Or, vary the flavors if you like with milk, dark or white chocolate chips. Enjoy!

-Jane

Hello, foodies…

Garden-to-Table Month continues with one of the most unique recipes we’ve ever made on In the Kitchen with David. I give you…Sweet Corn Ice Cream with Salted Caramel Peanuts!



Sweet Corn Ice Cream with Salted Caramel Peanuts
 
This recipe is prepared with the Cook's Essentials® Retro Ice Cream Maker (K38264).
 
Go to David's Recipe Item Page for the full list of items that David has used in his recipes.

Ingredients:

Ice Cream:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 ears of sweet corn, kernels removed and cobs halved
• 8 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar

Brittle:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup blanched salted peanuts
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt

 
Directions:

1. To prepare the ice cream, add the milk, heavy cream, sweet corn kernels, and cobs into a medium-size saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture steep for 1 hour. Then, bring the mixture back up to a slow simmer, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the cobs.   
 
2. Remove the pan from the heat. Use a fine strainer to strain the liquid into a clean saucepan. (Make sure to squeeze out the juice from the kernels by pressing them with a ladle or the back of a spoon.)
 
3. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a medium-size bowl. Whisk about 1/3 of the heated milk mixture into the egg mixture. Then, introduce the rest of the milk into the egg mixture in a slow stream, whisking constantly.
 
4. Pour the egg and milk mixture back into the saucepan. Return the pan to the heat and stir gently until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2–3 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
 
5. Chill the mixture until cold. Then pour it into the canister of an ice-cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.
 
6. To prepare the brittle, first line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
 
7. Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan and stir until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the mixture just starts to turn amber. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the peanuts and cinnamon, and immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Working quickly, with a heat-proof silicone spatula, evenly spread the mixture out. Sprinkle with sea salt and let the brittle harden.
 
8. When the brittle has completely cooled, break it into several large pieces and place it into a zip-top plastic bag. Use a meat tenderizer or rolling pin to crush the brittle into small bits, about the size of chocolate chips. Sprinkle on top of the ice cream just before serving.

Foodies, we’ve encompassed all the flavors of corn-on-the-cob in a smooth, buttery, summery ice cream. It’s amazing without the brittle but downright shut-the-front-door good with it. I can't wait to hear what you think.

Speaking of incredible recipes, KitchenAid's Laura Weathers makes my day when she brings her Sweet Potato Casserole to QVC. And, Mary says y’all have been clamoring for the recipe in the chat these last few shows, so here you are. Many thanks to Laura for sharing the recipe!

Fayebird’s Sweet Potato Recipe
To make this recipe ahead of time, assemble the potato portion and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking and cook an extra 15 minutes.

Ingredients:
Potatoes:
•    1 (40 oz) can sweet potatoes, drained (or about 3 cups fresh potatoes)
•    3/4 cup sugar (I use a liquid measuring cup—it’s one less dish to clean up!)
•    1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, very soft or melted
•    1/3 cup milk
•    2 eggs, well beaten
•    1/4 tsp nutmeg
•    1/4 tsp cinnamon
•    1 tsp vanilla extract

Praline Topping (you may want to double this topping!)
•    1 cup chopped pecans (use that same measuring cup to save dishes!)
•    3/4 cup brown sugar
•    1/3 cup butter, melted
•    1/3 cup flour
•    3/4 cup corn flakes
•    1 cup Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely diced

Directions:
1.    Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2.    Combine the potatoes and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer then add in the butter, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined.
3.    Spoon the potatoes into a 9"x 13” casserole dish. (If you use a Temp-tations® dish, there’s no need to grease it!)
4.    To make the praline topping, combine all the ingredients (except the apples) with your hand or stand mixer (on the slowest speed).
5.    Sprinkle the topping over the potatoes and then add the apples.
6.    Bake for 30 minutes, or until warmed through.

There you have it, foodies! Laura mentioned her casserole bakes perfectly in a Temp-tations® baking dish and might I suggest Wednesday’s TSV(R)—a Sweet & Savory Baking Set with 10 Pieces!



Let’s go back to that Sweet Corn Ice Cream for today’s blog question. We turned sweet corn into ice cream…what food would you like to enjoy as ice cream? Chocolate lava cake? Apple crisp? Maybe fresh cucumber? Use your imagination, foodies! See you Wednesday at 8pm ET.

Keep it flavorful!
—David

Check out my answers to the QVC Community Q Quiz—I hope you enjoy! Take the quiz with me by leaving your answers in the comments below!

Hello, Foodies!

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been eating salad after salad for the majority of the summer.  Let's put an end to those boring salads we are all too familiar with, and mix things up! This recipe is different because it uses corn as the base, rather than lettuce. One of the reasons I love it so much is because I usually have all of the ingredients on hand.

Ingredients:

Salad:

4 ears of corn
2 avocados
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1/2 a cucumber
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 red onion

Cilantro Vinaigrette:

6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 ground black pepper
2 Tbsp cilantro

Directions:

(image 1)

I usually start by cooking the corn so that it’s ready to go once the rest of the ingredients are prepared. The corn can be cooked however you prefer. I chose to boil it because it’s fast and easy.

 (image 2)

While the corn is cooking, go ahead and start chopping the other veggies.  Dice the avocados, cucumber, and tomatoes. (I like to finely chop the red onions because I’m not a fan of biting into a big hunk of onion, yuck!) Am I right or am I right? Also, now is the time to add the crumbled feta cheese.

 (image 3)

When the corn is cooked and cooled, go ahead and cut it off the cob. Mix all of the ingredients together and you're done! How easy was that?

(image 4) 

Now, we move onto the super simple cilantro vinaigrette. Combine the olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 

 (image 5)

Finely chop the cilantro and add it to the mixture. Whisk the ingredients together and that's it!

(image 6)

(image 7)

This recipe is quick and easy, which is ideal for the summer.  Who wants to spend their time in the kitchen when they could be out enjoying the beautiful weather? I can’t wait to scarf down this summer salad.  And look, I’m not the only one who thinks it looks delicious!

(image 8) 

Talk to you soon,

Foodie Friend

—Alex L.

We’re here! Tomorrow at 7pm ET, our brand-new series of You’re Home with Jill begins. If you follow me on Facebook, you probably saw pictures from the You’re Home with Jill house. (It’s the first time QVC has ever filmed a show outside our sets!) And, if you read my blog on Friday, you know we’ll be tackling DIY projects in each show. But what else has changed? What should you expect? Here’s a sneak peek:
 

 
I’ve had so much fun working on this project…if that’s any indicator of what’s to come, you’re going to love it.
 
Today I promised to share tomorrow’s recipe with you all and here it is: my Chili Cheese Egg Bake. Fall really is right around the corner and we can start dreaming about warm, comforting recipes like this. I love to serve this casserole with an assortment of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. This dish also freezes well if you have leftovers. But you might want to keep it in the fridge for quick breakfasts during the week…just microwave and serve!

 
Chili Cheese Egg Bake
 
This recipe is prepared with the Temp-tations® Sweet and Savory 10-Piece Baking Set (K39454).
 
Ingredients:
 

• Butter, for pan
• 10 eggs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Dash of salt
• 1/4 lb butter, melted and cooled
• 2 small cans green chilies, diced
• 1 pint cottage cheese
• 1 lb Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

 
Directions:
 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 13” x 9” pan. Beat the eggs in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer.
2. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Add the flour mixture into the egg mixture—a little bit at a time—until all incorporated.
3. Add the melted butter. (Make sure it’s cool, otherwise you'll cook the eggs.) Add in the remaining ingredients.
4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake for about 40 minutes, or until set and lightly browned. Allow the dish to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

 
Enjoy! See you tomorrow night at 7pm ET.
 
From my home to yours,
—Jill

Hello, QVC ladies! This is Liz, Guest Host for Spanx. I hope everyone is enjoying a sweet summer so far.

I’m watching “Susan Graver Style” this morning and thinking “Autumn” as I know so many of you are. Are you excited about the arrival of fall fashions? I definitely am. I’m especially excited about the September 4^th debut of something very special at QVC, something that will help you look fabulous in your favorite fall fashions and feel like you’re ready to take on the world! (And who doesn’t like that feeling?)

It’s Star Power by Spanx, an exciting new brand from the shapewear experts at Spanx! Mark your calendars  - the debut show is on September 4^th at 3pm. 

(insert photo of making its debut)

Star Power by Spanx is a collection of shaping tights, leggings, body shapers and loungewear that offers a comfortable fit and dramatic results to help you look and feel like a star! Who, I ask, couldn’t use some sparkling Star Power of their own?

Because Star Power is brand new I’ve had to do my research. I’ve been working with the remarkable women of Spanx—our designers, merchandise experts, and PR and marketing teams—to learn all about the fabulous features and benefits that make these Star Power items ultra-sleek and totally chic…and of course confidence-boosting!

(insert photo of liz taking notes)

A few weeks ago at the QVC Fall Accessories Fair I introduced our September 4^th show host Sandra Bennett to the new Star Power brand. She immediately noticed some of Star Power’s glammed-up design elements and fashion-forward details. She was crazy about the Tout and About Shaping Leggings, because like every woman I know she is looking for ways to be smooth and comfortable, but also hip and stylish. I gave her a big bag of her favorite Star Power items that she can wear while on the go in China for the next two weeks training the QVC Hosts in Beijing.

(Insert photo of Sandra and Liz photo)

Here’s a sneak-peak sketch of those shaping leggings that Sandra was so eager to try. They’re seamless, incredibly soft to the touch, and feature a targeted tummy panel that help you look like a star!

(insert photo of leggings sketch)

I love the Star Power by Spanx packaging! What do you think? To me it’s bold and fun, and expresses that feeling of self-confidence—the kind that shines outward!

(insert photo of spanx packaging)

Everyone in our offices has Star Power on their minds and is eager for the big debut. Cupcake, anyone?

(insert cupcake photo)

See, I told you we had a few good men in our company of women! Below is a shot of the woman who started the shapewear revolution – our fearless, fun and generous leader at Spanx, Sara Blakely! 

(insert Sara in video screen)

Sara just filmed a special message to her family of QVC viewers. To say she is excited about the debut of Star Power at QVC is an understatement! September 4^th at 3pm will be the very first time that Spanx has debuted a new brand at QVC since Sara first introduced her Original Footless Pantyhose there in 2001!

So, I hope you’ll join me on September 4^th at 3pm for the very first look at Star Power by Spanx….shaping made famous!

- Liz 

Dear QVC friends,

Fall is in the air. To me, the fall season brings cool air, warm sweaters, falling leaves, and the arrival of much-anticipated antiaging skin-care innovations.

I search and search relentlessly until I find the perfect marriage of powerful ingredients and groundbreaking technology to deliver results to my clients. Now, I’m thrilled and honored to introduce two brand-new products exclusively to you through QVC* that build upon my most popular and successful Ultimate Firming franchise.We all want to drink from that illusive fountain of youth, but you must always remember first and foremost that your own natural beauty emanates from within you. My passion is to provide the tools you need to take your youthful beauty to new levels!

 My NEW Ultimate Firming Serum and Ultimate Firming Neck Crème help your skin look ever youthful and healthy. The keys to delivering the most youthful-looking, fresh, and beautiful skin are firmness, texture, and hydration.My Ultimate Firming Serum and Ultimate Firming Neck Crème are formulated with a blend of Osilift and Derm SRC to improve firmness and elasticity. Copper tripeptide and hyaluronic acid work in synergy while delivering deep hydration and moisture retention to the skin. The results from daily use can be truly astounding.

 I developed my Ultimate Firming Neck Crème to address the specific needs of the neck and décolleté. This ultra-rich, decadently nourishing crème is packed with powerful botanical boosting ingredients to help firm skin.

 I know you'll love using these gorgeous firming products and fall in love with the skin you were born with. I always look forward to letters from you because I create my products with your skin-care needs in mind. Find me on Facebook and Twitter and share your skin-care love affair!

 Let life lift you up and let my ultimate firming products give you a boost!

Cheers,

—Ole Henriksen

*Ole Henriksen Ultimate Firming Serum is exclusive to QVC until 9/19/13. Ole Henriksen Ultimate Firming Neck Cream is exclusive to QVC until 12/31/13.

Last week we talked about leather, and why we love it so much.  This week we are supposed to be talking about luxury and what makes something luxurious, but I'm just going directly to Cashmere! 

Cashmere has been called "The Fiber of Kings."  For centuries it has been one of the most rare and exotic fibers to be found. It originally came from the soft undercoat of Cashmere Goats form what is today, the area of Kashmir India.  Although today Cashmere comes from a number of countries around the world, the supply is never enough to satisfy demand.  It is still known for its elegance, rarity, luxury and comfort.

Cashmere comes from goats that have an undercoat that is soft and silky to keep them warm in the harsh climate. It is a very laborious process to bring the fibers from the source to the fashion that we all love.  First, the Cashmere fibers must be collected.  This is done during the molting process in the spring.  The fibers are collected by either combing or shearing. The next step is "sorting, or scouring," where the fine soft fibers are sorted from the coarse hair.  The fibers are then washed to remove dirt, grease and any other matter.  Then the material is "Dehaired," where the coarse outer guard is separated from the soft Cashmere fibers.  Then the fiber is spun into yarns and is ready for weaving or knitting.  This is a long, labor intensive process.  It takes a single goat one year to produce enough cashmere for a scarf.  But the softness and weightless luxury of the Cashmere fiber is something that is worth it.

Cashmere has been part of European history since the 14th century, but there are references going back much further. The Arc of the Covenant was rumored to be lined and curtained with it.  It is also believed that the ancient romans loved and valued Cashmere, but when Rome fell it was forgotten. It became very popular in the 18th century, when Napoleon, after conquering Egypt, brought his beloved Josephine back a beautiful cashmere shawl as a gift.  She fell in love with it and eventually had hundreds in her wardrobe. The rest of France soon followed. :)

This week, I am thrilled to have the first G.I.L.I.(TM) sweater in Cashmere with a touch of silk. I cannot think of a more luxurious blend. 

We also have a beautiful coat that is inspired by one of my personal favorites and a blouse that looks as glamorous as Old Hollywood itself.  We also have a beautiful bag from Aimee Kestenberg and something you will definitely need from Josie Maran, as you go into the colder months.  What could possibly finish off this luxury show of fine fashion, handbags and beauty?  Oh yeah, a brand new, gorgeous, Judith Ripka watch. 

I know, I don't know how we fit it all into one hour either!  See you at 10p ET this Friday! Yay!!!  :)

For years, my clients approached me about going into makeup. It took time to develop my first product because I knew I had to get it right! I’m thrilled to announce that my very first color-cosmetic product, IllumiKate CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 50, will be available on QVC! When I began the development process, it was crucial that this product wasn't about covering skin, but enhancing it! I know what it’s like to feel like you have to hide your skin—I’ve lived with eczema my whole life. That’s why it was so important to make IllumiKate CC Cream offer skin-care benefits with buildable coverage for a luminous, smoother, brighter look. What’s better than a gorgeous, dewy complexion? When I’m in a rush to get out the door, I count on IllumiKate CC Cream for my signature glow! I add a swipe of mascara and lip gloss and I feel polished and beautiful. If you’ve heard me on the Q before, you know I’m all about multifunctional products, so IllumiKate CC Cream pairs broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with complexion-correcting ingredients that instantly minimize the look of imperfections. It hydrates, brightens, and rejuvenates skin in one simple step!

Kate Somerville IllumiKate CC Cream, SPF 50 

I can’t wait to introduce you to IllumiKate CC Cream on Saturday, August 24 beginning at 1am ET! Call in to get your skin-care questions answered or share your favorite Kate Somerville products! I love learning your personal product tips and hearing about your favorite Kate Somerville products.

See you Saturday!

Wishing you complexion perfection,

—Kate Somerville

Hello Mommies!

Sunday nights, we are at our best!   We pack the kids clothes for the week, we iron our clothes and lay them out real nice. We even whip up a great lunch for everyone.  Then, it all goes downhill from there.  Tuesday-Friday? No lunches, no ironed clothes... only a mad thrash to get out the door.  If I can only figure out how to keep this up all week long, I think our stress levels would be dramatically less in the morning. 

I present to you.... My proud Sunday display.  I love these little containers that you can separate out the tomatoes since they tend to make everything soggy and of course there is a little home for the almonds so they can stay crunchy.  They also come with a blue ice pack that you can freeze to keep the salad cold if you can't get to a refrigerator in time.   And a little, ity bity salad dressing container that is the perfect size.  (I got them from Wegmans if you are wondering.) 

So, what's for lunch? Salads for mom and dad with hummus, pita chips (ok and a little soda too.)  I love having options besides a sandwich and I always need crunchy snack after I eat.  Brady loves hummus too but it were up to him, he would have pretzels only.  I sneak in carrots whether he likes it or not.   He refuses to eat sandwiches (besides PB&J) so I tend to give him picky foods that I can feel good about.   Hmmm, I wonder where he gets it from? :)

I'm thinking about getting some of these to pack our lunches in.  Everything I have just isn't big enough and I like how they are insulated.  Maybe using the Sachi tote will be motivation to keep going all week long?

Sachi Set of 6 Insulated Market Totes

Ok, maybe not for the hubs... :)

Karen

Q&A

I grew up listening to my step dad play the guitar.  I remember summer vacations camping in Yosemite with him strumming by the fire.  He played, and still does in church, and he practiced for months before my wedding where he played me three songs in lieu of his father speech at our reception.

 I learned over the years that music is one of his true joys in life.  He tried to teach me once when I was in grade school. I managed to get in a couple chords but quickly lost patience.  I was more inclined to dance to the music than play it. 

When I met my husband he was also playing the guitar from time to time.  Its funny how we find men to marry that are like our fathers.  Dan (my husband) was also living on a boat when I met him just like my biological dad.  Dan played songs by Dave Mathews and The Indigo Girls, which made him even dreamier to me.

11 years later I jumped at the chance to learn to play the guitar with a legend like Esteban.  Music is so important to me and my head was swimming with memories of campfires with my family and evenings being romanced by my soon to be husband.  

The guitar is gorgeous.  Truly a piece of art, and the videos are simple to understand and make it easy for even the non-musically inclined to learn a few simple chords. 

My lessons started with making sure I even knew how to hold a guitar, It had been that long!  The wood and steel felt right in my arms, like a new baby, or a friend I had been longing to embrace.  

It is a commitment to learn to play the guitar. One that between my children and work and my addiction to working out has been hard to keep, but the pay off is fantastic.  My girls see organic music in their home and are mesmerized by their father and mother playing to them and singing with them.  Georgia dances around the house and Grace looks intently at the beautiful instrument longing to touch and play one on her own.  We have even managed to get her to hold it. She is going to be a musical girl that one.

Music has always been about memories for me.  You will hear me talk, quite tearfully, during Bose shows or while presenting a Braven speaker about different songs through my life and how when they come on I am immediately taken back to that place; my wedding, the birth of my child, a night with my best friend in college.  It’s so sensuous that with a sound I can again smell the wood burning by the tent or feel the warm sea air that night on the boat.  With a sound every other sense is heightened.  It is why I always have music on, its escapism and also a way of being utterly present in that moment at the same time.

From the moment you pick up your new guitar or gift it to a child or a friend you are creating memories.  You are romancing a lover or playing for your daughter at her wedding, singing a baby to sleep or holding on to a bit of that soundtrack from your youth.

My family ties to guitar started with my step dad but I know it won’t end there.  With a little help from Esteban I am making memories for my daughters that they can pass down long after their grandfather is gone.

I sure hope you will join Esteban and me for a very special night 1am est Tuesday on QVC for our premiere show. He will be there with his daughter playing songs and helping us learn about the beauty of guitar.  Also keep up with me on my girls on Facebook& Twitter.

Q&A

Fall For Foulard

Are you hooked yet? First we were crushing on a printed summery Isaac scarf set, then we told you how the Halo has taken charge of our daily lives & now….

We’re introducing you to our latest obsession, this fall’s wardrobe update in instant. Drum roll please…

Love my…

[insert video] – cut text above if the video is not showing up high enough on the blog

Alix, our resident style remixer took a classic and elegant approach while wearing [insert link to product] with a pair of black slacks, black pumps and a sophisticated pony tail. Her long chain necklace works with the neckline of the top and polishes off the look.

Next up we were channeling the 1960s with a graphic, mod look. We paired the blouse with sleek bangs, a classic red lip and a poppy, high-waisted pencil skirt. Here are some of our favorite pieces. [naina to insert some poppy bags & pieces – ones we cut for the very berry story].

Last up, we had to give our bohemian girls a little love. We paired our favorite Isaac top with wide leg denim, a chunky necklace and a beaded arm party. A head wrap takes this look to the next level.

Since we’re ALMOST back to school, it’s time for a fashion tid bit. Foulard is a lightweight fabric, sometimes silk or silk & cotton mix. The fabric usually has a multicolor printed design that gives it a distinct flair.

Mixing prints is fun but try a complimentary print in the same color palette. Check out my outfit below.

I wore this outfit to my parent’s house & my Mom snagged the top. I have yet to get it back from her :)

We feel for this foulard & hope you do too☺ How would you wear it?

Hi everyone! I want to share with all of you how I started my summer. We had the amazing good fortune to attend a seated black-tie dinner at Buckingham Palace hosted by His Royal Highness Prince Charles and Her Royal Highness Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall. It was the night of a lifetime! We attended with our dear friends Neil and Leba Sedaka. That evening, after dinner, Neil gave a 30 minute mini-concert which was just fantastic.  The tables were set magnificently with many beautiful antique objects that belong to Queen Elizabeth - Each had a little card next to it  describing where, when or who it came from. The dinner stated with ravioli stuffed with lobster as a first course followed by beef wellington and desert with fresh berries, cream and petite fours. Everything was so delicious and of course the champagne was flowing all evening. Prince Charles gave a beautiful toast and he made it a point to say hello and speak to everyone in attendance. This took place on a magnificent terrace (often this is where you see the royal family on TV) before we entered one of the ballrooms for dinner. It was a night never to forget.

The rest of the summer we visited with some close friends in the south of France and then toured the south of Turkey on a Turkish Gulet (a traditional style sailing boat) before coming home to start work preparing for Fashion Week and getting all my fall collections together. I will be blogging quite regularly sharing all different things. Enjoy these last days of summer.

Please tune in for tomorrow's shows at 2 am ET and 3 pm ET!

Xxx

DB

Just Your Style!

Whether your style is classic, contemporary or just plain fun, you'll find something to love during QVC's Just Your Style event all day Friday midnight-11pm ET! 

For something Just Your Style, I'm so excited to be showing you my Reversible Fleece Coat!

The crisp cool air is upon us and this is your perfect every day jacket! You'll wear it to the park, out to dinner, shopping, trick-or-treating... everywhere! You can wear it dressed up or casual.  It's no wonder that this coat has been a customer favorite for years. 

The length and seaming detail will give you a long lean figure all while being wrapped in my soft and cozy fleece fabric. You'll look amazing but feel like you're wearing your favorite blanket. 

You'll love the deep and functional pockets, big enough to bury your hands in when the air gets chilly. I designed the collar to give you just enough coverage to keep your neck and chest warm while not riding up too high, it's extremely comfortable. 

It's one of Audrey's favorites too!

It's reversible! Two jackets in one, flip the jacket inside out for a new look! The reverse color peeps through the seaming detail giving it a more contemporary design.  The straight bottom hem gives the jacket a high end finish.

I designed this jacket to be the ultimate in comfort and versatility. The perfect jacket for the upcoming season. Don't miss it during Just Your Style this Friday midnight-11pm ET! 

Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter and share your favorite fall essentials as you shop throughout the day!

Don't miss a special preview of Just Your Style on QVC.com and the QVC apps on August 21st. Remember to hashtag #justyourstyle for everything Just Your Style!

Plus, you won't want to miss an amazing promotion going on this week. Many of my items are on CLEARANCE and on EZ PAY! I know you're going to love this. 

We are going to have an awesome show this Sunday at 10pm ET. I'm loving my HOT PICK A226131. This GORGEOUS Snake Print Liquid Knit Top with Sparkles is featured priced and a NEW color "Electric Purple".

Please join me Thursday 2am ET, 9am ET, and 11pm ET, Friday 4am ET, and Sunday 10pm ET. See you on Q!

 Hello, foodie friends!

My carrot harvest has been blowin’ up!

 (Image 1)

As you can see, my cat crop is also in full swing.

(Image 2)

But what to do with all the greens? Even though I have a two square foot patch of carrots growing, there are drastically more greens than carrots. Chopping them off and throwing them away seemed wasteful, especially since I cared for and toiled over these beauties for months. I wanted to make sure I used “every part of the horse”.  So, I remembered this article I had heard from chef Diane Morgan on the NPR program “The Splendid Table” about different ways to use the greens. As soon as I heard the word pesto, I was sold.

Having none of the necessary supplies on hand, I decided to forego the recipe, but use the idea to create my own from what I had around. The ingredients are as follows:

Carrot Green Pesto:
10 cups carrot leaves, washed throughly and detached from center stems (it seems like a lot, but will blend down to nothing)
3/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts in their juices (the kind that comes in a jar)
3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 Tbsp coarse ground sea salt
1 Tbsp white pepper
Pinch of red pepper flake
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated.

Start by toasting the sesame seeds in a cold, dry skillet. Dump ‘em in and put it on medium heat. Give it a few tosses while its cooking. Take them off the heat when they’re toasty, brown, and fragrant. Should take about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Now, Put the artichoke hearts, garlic, sea salt, pepper, and red pepper flake in a food processor and pulse until combined. Then, shove the carrot greens in there. Put the food processor on (I have three settings on mine– pulse, on and off. If you have “high” on yours, do it on that). Slowly, pour the oils in through the spout on top of the food processor until everything looks pretty creamy,. Then pulse in the sesame seeds. Follow it up by pulsing in the parmesan.

It will look delicious at this point. Sort of like this:

(Image 3)

 I was worried about making this recipe because I didn’t have any walnuts or pine nuts on hand, but honestly– the artichokes, the sesame seeds, the coconut oil– it was all too perfect

I ate this stuff on some pasta and with the roasted carrots these greens came from. It was perfect. The next day, I used it as a spread for a grilled cheese with on sourdough with aged gouda (hnnnghhhhh). Really, seriously, I can’t wait to make more!

Foodie Friend

--Mia Scioscia

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