Are You Ready to Rough It?

My friends perpetually poke fun of me because they never believe me when I claim that I would be just as happy in the woods, camping for an evening, as I would be at Barneys the morning after the new fall merchandise has arrived. I'm totally serious though. I adore being outdoors, breathing in the fresh air and tailoring my wardrobe to fit the environment. I mean I did fail to mention I would be in terry cloth Burberry shorts and Ugg hiking boots with a bottle of Pinot Noir in tow come lights out, but I was always truthful! For the most part.

With that said, I would like to take you back a decade or so to a film that honors a girl's right to still be fashionable even when she's forced to go camping, Troop Beverly Hills. I'm sorry to say Phyllis Nefler (AKA Shelley Long) ruined it for all you guys; if you have a girlfriend/fiance/wife in her late twenties she'll pretty much reference this movie and the lovable character the entire way to the woods and back just to let you know how much she's sacrificing her nails, hair and sanity for you!

But girls, there's now a way to survive the boys and bugs this summer...play dress up, eat some girl scout cookies (hopefully you still have some in the freezer) and keep a bottle of red handy. I was inspired to divulge these tips when I came across Gianmarco Lorenzi's Military Badge Boots, which are to die for and something Phyllis would've proudly sported as she stomped her way through "the wilds of Beverly Hills." I'm not going to bore you with camouflage prints and Balmain booties, so don't worry and read on with ease.

And instead of a recipe today, I've included a list of my favorite red wines, ones sure to act as the perfect sleeping aid when you're ready to drift off before the boys have even started the nighttime festivities...after-dark hiking...wooohoo. I think I'll skip that one and stay in the tent with my Thin Mints!

Survive with the following looks (from top to bottom): Gianmarco Lorenzi's Military Badge Platforms; Charlotte Ronson's Studded Army Jacket; Longchamp's Pliage Badge Tote; TBA's Military Detail Shirt Dress; Max & Chloe's Bullet Hole Necklace.







Valerie's Favorite Reds

1) 2008 Camelot Cabernet Sauvignon ($8.00 at Trader Joe's)
An extremely light, fluid Cab with hints of red berries and cocoa

2) 2006 Catena Malbec ($20.00 at most super markets)
A rich Spanish wine with a touch of mocha, cassis and vanilla

3) 2007 Hitching Post Corkdancer Pinot Noir ($24.99 at most super markets)
A medium-bodied Pinot scented with red berries and oak

4) 2006 Merry Edwards Flax Pinot Noir ($69.99 at most super markets)
A light Pinot accented by ripe cherries, vanilla and violet