witches brew Archives - Detroit Duchess

This week’s wine is Leelanau Cellar’s Witches Brew. Leelanau is a Michigan winery started in 1974 in Northern Michigan by the Jacobson family. Leelanau (Lee-La-Naw) is an Indian word meaning “Delight of Life.” They also have a tasting room outside of Traverse City which I’ve previously visited.

Witches Brew is the perfect fall wine. It’s a red blend enhanced with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and other natural spices.

Witches Brew is what you would call a mulled wine. A red wine that has been warmed and spiced. You heat it up on your stove and serve it warm. You can also add fun things like cloves, cinnamon sticks or orange zest. Really anything goes. Mulled wine dates back to 1420 in Germany where they call it Gluhwein (roughly translated to “glow wine.” There have even been documented mulled wines as far back as ancient Rome.

Have you tried Witches Brew yet? It’s perfect for a tailgate or any outdoor event. I would love to hear what you think about it.

For more Wine of the Week posts, click here.

It’s that time of year again! Time for my Fall Favorites! I refuse to do this post at the beginning of September, because I like to hold on to the last days of summer. This week was the beginning of fall and I am finally starting to get into the season. I think this post has definitely helped to get me excited. Here are my favorite items for fall (links are in the headings):

Snakeskin Print Clutch ($26.97)

I’ve mentioned this before and since then snakeskin has blown up for fall. I did buy this for myself and I can’t wait to rock it at an upcoming event.

Leinenkugel’s Cranberry Ginger Shandy

As soon as I saw this I wanted to try it. I love the other seasonal beers and I thought this one would be perfect for fall.

Skinny Jeans

I may be the only person that has never worn skinny jeans. Mostly because I could never find any boots that would fit my lovely wide calves. I ended up finding the perfect boots last year and ever since then have been thinking about trying some skinny jeans. I am going to try Gap’s 1969 curvy skinny jeans, but would love to hear what skinny jeans you love and have a little bass like I do. Also…why do they call them skinny jeans? Is it to make me feel bad for not being skinny? Do you think they could come up with a better name, like silhouette jeans or something…

Wen Fall Formulas ($32.82)

There are so many fall scents this year, I don’t know where to start. We have Fall Ginger Pumpkin, Fall Apple Spice and new this year, Fall Tuscan Pear. I love the Pumpkin and Apple Spice, so I can’t wait to try the Tuscan Pear! Check out my original post on the benefits of Wen.

Halogen Belted Pleat Front Dress ($99)

I must admit that I’ve had trouble with the plaid trend. I am a girly girl and this just reminds me of my plaid, flannel shirts from the grunge era. I can’t bring myself to do it. I was looking for a way to incorporate plaid into my wardrobe and I found this dress that is perfect for me. I could dress it up with a blazer and tights or with a leather jacket for evening. I think this fits right in with my girly girl look.

Trophy Leather Skirt

I mentioned in my Saks Fall Trend post that Trophy Skirts would be big for fall. We also saw Bachelorette Andi Dorfman rocking her leather skirts, which has made me think that I could pull it off. I found two great options to meet any budget. The first is this Halogen Pleat Leather Skirt ($228) and the second is Karen Kane’s Faux Leather Skater Skirt ($99).

Witches Brew ($5.99)

This is the perfect fall wine from Leelanau Cellars right here in Michigan. You can serve it warm or chilled, but it is so much fun to warm it up on the stove during a party.

Hue ‘Ultra’ Wide Waistband Leggings ($36)

So to continue with the skinny jeans discussion, last year I bought my first pair of leggings. I ended up loving these leggings by Hue! I only have one sweater to wear with them so I need to figure out more looks.

OPI Russian Navy ($9.50)

I thought this was a great fall color and have already received a few compliments on it. As usual, I got the gel color on my fingers and the regular polish on my toes.

Leopard Heels

So I am torn between the Loft Leopard Haircalf Modern Pumps ($98) and the Steve Madden Galleryl ($99.95). I think I need to try both on to make a final decision. Does anyone have these and can lend feedback?