Become A Layer Slayer: Fall Fashion and Fabulous Treats (You Will Love)

With the significant drop in temperature, I’ve prepped for fall weather by reviewing and revising some lessons in layering. I’ve put together some fun, easy looks using pieces I already had and added just a few new items I decided were ‘must haves’ for me. 

I had to have this Dot Tencel Dress from www.foxcroftcollection.com/blog. I added a burgundy faux fur vest I’ve had for more than six years. I remember my son being in a baby carriage as I wheeled myself ( and him and my daughter) back to www.bakersshoes.com in my local mall when I saw the vest in the window. I was actually wearing the burgundy Franco Sarto boots at the time and decided that the fact I was wearing the boots when I saw that vest was a sign I had to buy it. As the month went on I did end up going back to the same store and bought the vest in every color. Shhhhhh… no one needs to know all that! 

I layered the same vest and boots with a cocktail dress from Express which I actually found at www.thredup.com.

I found a cute little denim vest in the kid’s department at Target and decided to layer it over a Max Studio dress I found at The Rack. And quite obviously , I’ve gotten tremendous use out of those old boots ! 

I found a new pair of boots just a couple of weeks ago at Burlington Coat Factory. I wanted a pair of OTK boots and I was lucky enough to find these ( and a black pair) very reasonably priced. 

I wore them to keep cozy while wearing these deliciously bright layers. The dress is Dolce Vita from www.thredup.com and the jacket was from BCF years ago. 

It’s always fun to use comfy blanket scarves when pulling together a look this time of year. I love this one from @momajuicy ( Instagram). The colors are so vibrant and the material is ultra soft yet warm. 

This time of the year we are always looking for new dessert options , either to entertain with or just enjoy after a busy day. I try to incorporate some healthy foods into treats for my family so that they are delicious but not a nutritional failure. 

Try layering pears with almonds and chantilly cream for a super easy after school snack or refreshing dessert. 

You will need :

1 package of fat free vanilla pudding cups ( 4 cups) 

1 container ( 8 ounce) fat free whipped topping 

1 teaspoon almond extract 

2 cans (15.25 ounces each) light pear halves 

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted 

1. For chantilly cream, in a medium bowl, combine pudding, whipped topping, and almond extract. 

2. To serve, arrange 3 pears halves in each of 4 serving dishes. Top each with chantilly cream and sprinkle with almonds. 

Try layering healthy apricot compote over vanilla ice cream for an added serving of citrus which is so beneficial this time of year. 

Apricot Compote 

You will need:

1 can (15 ounce) light apricot halves 

1 cup dried apricots 

1/4 cup golden raisins 

1 tablespoon lemon juice 

2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint 

3 cups fat free vanilla ice cream 

In a medium saucepan, combine apricots, raisins, lemon juice, and mint. Slowly cook over medium high heat until liquid is almost gone and dried fruit is rehydrated. Serve warm with ice cream.

Layer a delightful sorbet with raspberries for an extremely easy yet pleasing treat. 

Chocolate- Hazelnut Sorbet 

You will need : 

2 cups hot water 

6 decaffeinated chocolate-hazelnut tea bags 

1/2 cup chocolate flavored syrup 

2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur 

2 teaspoons instant espresso powder 

Fresh raspberries 

1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat and add tea bags; let stand for 5 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine tea mixture , chocolate-flavored syrup, liqueur, and espresso powder. Cool to room temperature. Chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator. 

3. Freeze tea mixture in a 1 1/2 quart ice cream freezer according to manufacturer’s directions.

4. Serve with raspberries. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I hope you found it worthwhile and that inspires you to have some fun with layering, either in your wardrobe or with your recipes ! 

I appreciate your time and attention and I’m interested to hear from you. 

What are your favorite ways to stay cozy, yet fashionable? 

What are your favorite go- to recipes during this busy time of year ?

Any suggestions? 

Thanks again !

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxo