BAF Weekly IT List

popular fall fashion

BAF Weekly IT List from top left: patchwork jeans (under $40!) / black affordable loafer slides / fall nail polish / green and gold earrings / soft grey cardigan sweater /

Welcome to the 4th BAF Weekly IT List! I’m excited about this IT list because the spring 2021 runway shows just finished in New York. We got a glimpse of what is hot for the spring season; and what is not. This helps us make informed decisions about what we buy now; to last us through several seasons.

Spring 2021 is all about 1980s and 1990s influence. So these patchwork jeans for fall are also ideal to carry us through spring; and summer if the weather is cool enough for jeans. At under $40, they aren’t just a great investment for now into next year, they are a downright steal!

Loafer slides are a must-have every fall season. They are also a great spring shoe too. If you haven’t already invested in a pair of classic loafers, I recommend doing so now. If you scroll down, you can compare the designer IT version of loafer slides, with an affordable version I highly recommend.

This fall nail polish by Chanel continues to be a hot seller, and a must-have for fall. It’s a classic dark red, and very chic. Love!

As the weather cools, we all need a soft and cozy cardigan sweater which can be worn around the house, as well as out in the real world. If you are spending a ton of time at home, as I am, this is the ideal sweater for the season. It will carry you through fall, winter, and spring. Love it!

Lastly, remember I mentioned spring 2021? These green and gold fall earrings fit into the spring 2021 color trends. This is an easy way to add a bright spring hue to a dreary fall or winter day. Plus, they can be worn next spring and summer. These are classic earrings and an easy way to stay ahead of the trends. You know I love staying ahead of the trend curve!

Shop the BAF Weekly IT List online:

Now, I am adding to the BAF Weekly IT List! Every Friday, look for a designer or deal product of the week. This week I am kicking off the series with the must-have classic loafer slide! Read on. . .

Classic loafer slides | designer or deal

classic loafer slide affordable version gucci

Classic Loafer Slides designer or deal: Popular IT shoes, Gucci loafer slides / affordable loafer slides priced under $150 /

I have owned the Gucci loafer slides for several years now. They are extremely comfortable, and can be paired with almost any outfit. My loafer slides are my go-to shoes every fall and spring. I even wear them on warm winter days, and cool summer days. They go with everything! Since fall is trending towards preppy and timeless vibes, these are a great shoe to invest in now, and wear for years.

You can splurge on the Gucci pair, or go for a more affordable pair under $150. The affordable pair is comfortable and offers good quality. So you should enjoy longevity out of them.

Let me know what you think of this new series! I hope you love it!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Mushroom Bourbon Fried Chicken

mushroom bourbon fried chicken recipe easy

One of my favorite foods is mushrooms; and one my kids favorite foods is fried chicken. Put them together, and you have happy kids, and a happy mommy. Love!

This dish tastes delicious and isn’t very complicated. It will impress your family! Wanna know the secret? It’s actually super easy to make! Especially if you cheat and buy the fried chicken pre-cooked. Safeway has pre-cooked fried chicken strips in their deli section, and they are delicious. That’s my secret!

Mushroom Bourbon Fried Chicken recipe:

  • 8 pieces of fried chicken
  • 11 oz. (or 2 cans) sliced mushrooms
  • 3 pats of butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1/3 cup chopped onions (green or white-your choice-I use white)
  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Heat all together in a large skillet, occasionally turning the fried chicken over to soak up the sauce on both sides. Ensure the butter melts and mixes well into the mixture. Cook 20 minutes. Serve with chopped vegetables.

Things you may need to cook Mushroom Bourbon Fried Chicken at home:

When I photographed my Mushroom Bourbon Fried Chicken, I served it with corn casserole. The corn casserole did not come out very good, and tasted like a breakfast food. I recommend serving this dish with your favorite vegetables instead. It is very heavy, and vegetables will balance out your plate. Serving Mushroom Bourbon Fried Chicken with a heavy side dish will be too much to digest. That’s why a simple vegetable such as slice carrots or zucchini, makes the perfect side dish.

I hope you enjoy my Mushroom Bourbon Fried Chicken recipe! The alcohol cooks out, so this dish is safe to serve to your kids, as well anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol. No-one will get a buzz 😉

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

bourbon fried chicken recipe with mushrooms

Supima Design Competition 2020 NYFW

supima design competition 2020 nyfw

Photo credit: Cathy O’Brien-screenshot from Digital Runway Show

Amanda Forastieri from Drexel University

Jenny Feng from Fashion Institute of Technology

Jennie Nguyen from Kent State University

Sakura Mizutani from Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Terrence Zhou from Parsons School of Design

Kyra Buenviaje from Rhode Island School of Design

This was the first time I watched the Supima Design Competition runway in a digital format. Hosted by Law Roach, it was fun to see the designers bio videos before their collections were presented, and also to see Law Roach’s commentary during the runway show.

I always love seeing the designs on the Supima runway. The designers are extremely creative and really show off the versatility of Supima’s fabrics. This season I was obsessed with Jennie Nguyen’s collection. It had beautiful prints and silhouettes. I would wear every piece!

All of the designers used vivid hues, and creative silhouettes to create fabulous collections for spring 2021. Of course, this runway show is a competition, and there can be only one winner!

Amanda Forastieri from Drexel University was the winner of this year’s Supima Design Competition! Her collection was named Utopia, and she hopes her collection “will serve as a messenger of a better future after the crisis. Her collection aims to portray the hopeful story of a near future post-COVID in which humans unite to build a new system, one that stems with love and respect for the planet and, most importantly, each other.”

I’m looking forward to seeing more designs from the Supima designers in the future. You can learn more about Supima on their website at Supima.com.

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for more from NYFW!

XOXO
Cathy

All photos: Photo Credit: Kailey Fellows c/o Supima PR