In the Trenches

Seems like the classic trench coat is the It jacket for Fall. Here's a few versions of the iconic staple to consider.

J. Crew

J. Crew's double-breasted icon trench ($278) is made from Japanese cotton and is available in light khaki or black. The jacket is fully lined and hits at the thigh. Dry Clean only.

Martin & Osa

Martin & Osa's essential trench ($170) in a cotton-nylon blend is available in smokey grey or khaki. Similar styling to the J. Crew trench, but this jacket is machine washable which is nice.

Gap

Gap's classic trench coat is an amazing deal at $88. Made of a cotton-nylon blend this double-breasted jacket is also machine washable. Available in buttery pecan.

Garnet Hill

The Garnet Hill version of this classic ($128) in lightweight water-resistant cotton twill comes in a variety of colors including sophisticated slate and stone, paprika (pictured), washed coral, cayenne and apple green.

Mad for Plaid

I never thought I would be a huge Liz Claiborne fan, but the 2009 Fall collection designed by Isaac Mizrahi is supringsly fresh and edgy--and affordable! I love the bright color palette and the sense of fun.

I love, love, love the plaid suit. The blazer is $179 and the pants are $139. I absolutely must have these pieces for Fall. So far this suit is not yet available, but I keep checking lizclaiborne.com so I can snatch it up the minute it arrives.

I also like the plaid dress from this collection which is $189. The dress could be worn now and then as it cools off could be layered with a turtleneck underneath and tights.

Gluten-free Cake

While I was in Quebec this summer I made up batches of this gluten-free cake mix and smothered it in fresh berries.

This cake mix makes the lightest, fluffiest, most moist vanilla cake ever! Even people who are not avoiding gluten rave about this cake when I make it.

You can make this cake with milk, or soy milk depending on lactose sensitivies. It couldn't be easier to mix up and I have gotten great results every time.

Visit glutino.com for info on where to buy in both Canada and the US.

Country Classics

All this July rain here in Quebec is making me think about Fall sweaters, jackets and boots. I just got the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living and got inspired by their article on classics. In this economy it seems wiser to splurge on a few well-made, quality basics that will never go out of style. Here's what I'm coveting right now:

Barbour Jacket

This 100-year old British company makes, "...a wardrobe of clothes for country pursuits, country living and for those that simply love the country".

This ladies flyweight international wax quilted jacket ($354) is not only practical, but completely fierce. It would be pefect for the cool, wet night in the country, but I would wear it in the city too.

There are many lesser priced styles I would gladly take as well--especially the quilted jackets. Note: these jackets are in UK sizes so a US size 8 would be a UK 12.

Aran Sweater

I love these classic wool fisherman's sweaters. Hammacher Schlemmer has these hand knit classics on sale right now for only $89.95. Made from merino wool is creamy ecru, I'm sure at this price they won't last long.

Hermes Scarf

I've never been into the big status brands, but I have to say that the Hermes scarf is one item that I would consider splurging on. Each scarf can take up to 1000 hours to complete from design to handstitching the hem.

I love this Christopher Columbus design ($375) in shades of brown, orange and green.

Blueberry BBQ sauce

I blogged about this recipe in June 2008, but it really bears repeating. I just whipped up a batch with fresh Quebec blueberries and grilled out on the deck. Deee-lish! The sweetness of the blueberries with a subtle kick is a perfect compliment to the pork.

Pork Tenderloin with Blueberry Barbecue Sauce

INGREDIENTS

Sauce:
2 pints (5 to 6 cups) blueberries
2/3 cup honey
1/2 cup ketchup
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1/2 cup chopped shallots
1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
2 tsp. fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp. dry mustard Meat:
2 one-pound pork tenderloins
Salt and freshly ground pepper

To make sauce: Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 45 minutes. Divide sauce between 2 bowls. Set aside.

To make meat: Preheat grill to medium. Season pork with salt and pepper. Sear, turning to cook all sides, 10 to 15 minutes. Brush with half the barbecue sauce, turning frequently, until pork is thoroughly glazed, about 10 minutes more (a meat thermometer should read about 150°). Set aside and let rest 5 minutes. Carve crosswise; serve with remaining barbecue sauce.

Kicking Horse Coffee

I am a huge fan of dark roast coffee, but never found a dark roast I really liked in Montreal--they were too bitter or not full-bodied enough. I would even go so far as to bring a pound of Peet's coffee with me on my trips up here. Well, all that has changed! Kicking Horse coffee which is located in British Columbia makes an outstanding dark roast coffee aptly named Kick Ass. I actually think I may bring some of this with me back to California.

I have not tried the other roasts yet. Although on the website they provide a handy flavor guide to each roast as well as information about the blend and where the beans come from.

Best of all this coffee is organic and free trade certified so you can feel good about your habit.

Natural Nails

Fingers and Toes nail salon in Mill Valley first turned me onto this nail polish brand, Zoya. I was naturally drawn to the rich hues and color choices and didn't realize until I did a little bit of research that Zoya polish is all natural, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Camphor and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) free too!

Besides having great colors this line is exremely long-wearing and durable. I love the mossy green metallic called Irene. Or, the bright-neon orange called Paz and Ki, the plum with green metallic highlights.

Zoya also offers each of their collections in sample sizes ($35) so you can try more colors economically like this Candy collection from their line. Available from zoya.com or amazon.com (and I'm sure many other places!).