Toile Print

Toile is a 16th century fabric that we recognize for it's repeated pattern of a complex scene.  I really like this pattern for summer style because of the white and off white colors in it.

Anthropologie, Beaded Toile Scarf, $50

I'm loving this for when the sun goes down on a cool summer night.

Dillards, B. Darlin Toile print dress, $69

Wedding season anyone?

Etsy, Flip Side NM Reversible Sweet as Summer bag, $38

I'm loving this hoop handle.  Fantastic for an afternoon of shopping.

Forever 21, Floral Toile Top, $15

Easy, breezy, add a long necklace and you're ready to go!

This pattern is a little old school, but it is so classy and elegant.  Give it a try!

Be fabulous today!

Green Earrings

I'm going to get really specific today.  I'm loving green earrings for some reason.  Green is such a great color because its rich, saturated and a great color to brighten up your face!

Anthropolgie, Papoose Hoops, $38

Gold and green! How elegant!  So breezy!

Urban Outfitters, Flower Cluster Post Earring, $14

I love the detail in these studs. They are so very delicate.

National Jean Company, Double Gemstone Earrings, $48

Beautiful drop earrings.  Perfect with an LBD or a pair of jeans.

Betsey Johnson, Green Star Earrings, $24

Funky, fun, and rocker chic!

How much fun are these green earrings! And so affordable, it's an easy way to add some color to your outfits.

Be fabulous today!

Wicker Bags

Hey lovebugs!

Today I wanted to talk about a go to summer bag: wicker! It's light, airy, and perfect in a clutch form or a tote.  Here are some of my favorites.

BCBG, Aztec Straw Tote, $43

Branching off from yesterday's tribal post- this is a great bag for a weekend evening out!

Lands End Canvas, Shoreline Straw Tote, $50

I'd use this for a day at the beach, or I would tie a silk scarf on the handle to dress it up!

Modcloth, Woven for the Weekend Clutch, $28

What a fantastic unique shape! I love the tassel too.

Nordstrom, Tarnish straw tote, $65

Thank goodness for the Nordstrom sale! This metallic summer bag is amazing!

The straw, wicker, even raffia blend for bags just scream summer.  I think they can be dressed up with the right accessories or you can just let them be your perfect beach bag.

Be fabulous today!

Tribal

Going tribal is so easy to do in the summertime because its a big bold print with lots of colors.  Picking out what works for you is the difficult part.  I'm preppy, someone else might be boho, and another may be rocker; tribal patterns are about making the color and feel work into your style.

Arden B, Tribal Ikat Tube Tunic, $45

I'm not much for this store, but the colors in this tunic plus the beading are perfect.

Lord and Taylor, Morgan McFeeters tribal sheath dress, $89

This is what I picture as tribal prep.  Great scoop neck and bright print.

Forever 21, Tribal halter one piece, $20

Well you certainly can't beat the price.  And the deep-v is to die for.

Torn, Red printed tribal tank, $40

These colors are like summer sunset.  I'm also loving this top under a blazer.

Try out a tribal inspired print that fits into your style.  Mix the colors up and surprise yourself!

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you have a great weekend!  Here are some of my favorite recipes from around the web!


Peach Cobbler
c/o Food Network

Ingredients

• 4 cups peeled, sliced peaches
• 2 cups sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• Ground cinnamon, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt.

Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Stuffed Chicken

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

5 tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 small zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry
1/2 red bell pepper, diced small
1/4 onion, diced
2 chicken breasts, pounded evenly and flat
3 slices provolone cheese
1/2 cup flour
Salt
Pepper
2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp. Wondra flour
Directions
1- In an oven safe large saute pan or dutch oven heat 3 tbsp. oil.
2- Add in the zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. Saute until soft, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the vegetable mixture to a bowl and set aside.
3- Top each chicken breast with a slice and a half of cheese. Top with 2-3 tbsp. vegetable filling. You will have some left for later.
4- Starting with the wide end, roll the chicken up and secure it with toothpicks.
5- Place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
6- Preheat the oven to 375.
7- After 30 minutes, dip the chicken in the flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
8- Heat the remaining tablespoons of oil in the same pan. Sear the chicken on all sides.
9- Add the broth and return the remaining veggies to the pan.
10- Place the pan, covered, in the oven for 20 minutes.
11- Once chicken is cooked, remove the chicken to a dish and cover. Stir the Wondra flour in and whisk until the sauce thickens.
12- Cover the chicken with sauce and serve hot.


Salapicon
c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups diced apples, I used green and macintosh
• 1 1/2 cups diced strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups diced watermelon
• 1 1/2 cups diced banana
• 1 1/2 cups diced papaya
• 1 1/2 cups diced orange
• 1 1/2 cups diced fresh pineapple
• 1 1/2 cups grapes (red and green)
• 1 1/2 cups diced kiwi
• 6 1/2 cups Sprite Zero or diet champagne kola

Directions

Dice all fruit to equal size 1/2 inch pieces. Refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to serve combine with sparkling soda and place in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Ladle into cups and serve with a spoon.

Turquoise and Caicos

We haven't done a nail polish inspiration post in a while, and I'm off to get mine done this evening so I thought, why not?

I'm loving this color right now:

Essie, Turquoise and Caicos, $8

Nordstrom, Ariella Clover Cat Eyes, $78

I love this for a summer version of a cocktail ring.

Loft, Convertible halter knit dress, $50

You can always count on Loft for a fantastic summer throw on and forget about it dress.

Banana Republic, Linen smocked blouse, $60

I really like the sleeve on this blouse and the way it floats away from the body through the torso.

Anthropologie, Dotty short, $88

Ok, they're a splurge on the price but a beautiful pair of silk shorts in this color? Hard to say no to.

What do you think of this color? Kind of a dusty turquoise.  I think it's great for summer evenings and vacation!

Be fabulous today!

Rolled Clutch

When you think of a clutch it's usually a small purse to go out with, but what makes it really special? Pattern, texture, shape, all of the above?  Right now I'm really loving rolled clutches for evening.  They're so sleek!

Lori's Shoes, La Regale, $28

I would take this with me to an outdoor patio/bar.  Super sassy.

Banana Republic, Exotic roll clutch, $64

Such sophistication! I like the minimal hardware too.

La Regale, 21599 Evening Bag, $47

The beading on this bag is fabulous.

Magid, Roll feather clutch, $53

I'm picturing Samantha carrying this on SATC.

I really like the no nonsense design of these bags.  Perfect for a cell phone, lip gloss, keys, cards, and some bandaids for your high heels!

Be fabulous today!

Tiering Up!

Sometimes adding bulk to an article of clothing can make you look heavier then you want to be, but sometimes, when placed correctly, it can add drama.  I'm talking about tiers on a skirt, dress, or top.  They can be very dramatic and lady like when worn correctly.

Free People, Intimately printed tiered dress, $78

So light and breezy, this dress is perfect for a Sunday afternoon.

Modcloth, Galleria Gal Dress, $55

Tiered lace? Oh my goodness this is heavenly.  I'm thinking some bold jewelry.

  Loft, Tiered polka dot ruffle shell, $50

I really like the v neck combined with the diagonal ruffle, makes it super interesting.

Nordstrom, Michael Kors tiered ruffle skirt, $59

A Kors skirt for under $60.  Score!

Modcloth, Deep in the Ocean Dress, $68

Beautiful color palate on this dress, really feels underwater.

I'm really loving the layering effect of tiers on clothing.  It's very soft and subtle but in a very upscale way.

Be fabulous today!

Colored Lace

Happy Monday kids!

How was your weekend? I'm on vacay in Nashville today and tomorrow enjoying some country music and friends!

Today I thought we should talk about colorful lace.  Not your traditional white.

Urban Outfitters, Pins and Needles Lace Dress, $79

I love this deep scoop neck, and the muted pink is so subtle.

Forever 21, Pleated Lace Skirt, $18

Mini, lace, red, hello summer!

Topshop, Orange sleeveless lace top, $56

While I wouldn't button this up all the way, but I'm loving this lace pattern!

Delia's, Isobel lace dress, $36

I love this sweet little number.  Perfect with a tan or not.

What do you think?  Are you loving this colorful lace? Such an unexpected take on a perfectly feminine pattern and medium.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

It's my favorite day! Time for some delicious recipes from around the web! Happy Weekend!


BLT Macaroni Salad
c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked elbows, low carb or whole grain (brown rice pasta for gf)
• 4 slices 25% reduced fat center cut bacon
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, beefsteak or vine ripe, diced small
• 4 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise (I used Hellman's)
• salt and fresh pepper to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach

Directions

In a large skillet cook bacon on medium-low heat until crispy on both sides.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions.

Chop tomatoes and combine it along with any accumulated juice with mayonnaise and pepper in a medium bowl. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to cool. Combine pasta with tomatoes and spinach mixing well. Toss in bacon right before serving.


Green Beans and Potatoes in Chunky Tomato Sauce
c/o Cooking Light

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/2 cups diced red potato
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 pounds green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3/4 pound plum tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

Directions

• 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic to pan; sauté 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add potato, celery, salt, and beans; sauté 1 minute. Add 1/4 cup water; cover and cook 5 minutes or until beans are crisp-tender. Add cilantro and tomatoes. Cover, reduce heat, and cook 4 minutes or until tomatoes begin to soften, stirring occasionally. Stir in peppers.

Overnight Layered Salad

c/o Annie Bakes

Ingredients

10 strips of bacon, cooked, cooled and crumbled
8 hard boiled eggs
8 cups romaine hearts-chopped
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
6 green onions-chopped
3 cups cheddar cheese-shredded

Dressing

2 cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sugar
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Peel and slice your hard boiled eggs.  Mix all salad dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.  Layer half of the lettuce, green onions and bacon in the bottom of the trifle bowl.  Layer the eggs over the top, then spread half of the salad dressing over the eggs.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Repeat the layers, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Keep the Change

Don't you hate it when you can't scrounge up enough dimes, nickels, and quarters to buy a desperately needed diet pepsi (sorry coke lovers, that one is for my dad) at 2:30pm from the work vending machine? There are few things more depressing.  

So I wanted to feature some fabulous coin purses that you can throw in your work bag and keep your change!

Etsy (EmenGeeDesigns), Initialed hand embroidered pouch, $27

How sweet is this? Made by hand and personalized.

Kate Spade, Cheltenham Coin Purse, $19!!!

Final sale people! So cute!

Forever 21, Chain Mail coin purse, $5

Super glam, and super tiny.  Perfect to find at the bottom of your bag.

Longchamp, Le Pilage, $34

Longchamp items are incredibly durable so this little coin purse can be tossed about in any bag and do just fine.

Do you keep a coin purse in  your bag? Sometimes a great little accessory doesn't need to cost your whole paycheck, maybe just a few coins!

Be fabulous today!

Mini Wedge for Work

I'm on the search for some work appropriate sandals.  One of my biggest musts is the sandal cannot flip or flop.  Open toes are fine for this weather, but nobody should here you coming.  I also don't love a thong sandal for work, its a little too casual for me.

Target, Merona Elvera Demi Wedge Sandal, $20

The tiny wedge is perfect for walking to work and the patent leather makes it a little dressier.

Nine West, Punchy, $79

I can picture this with a great pair of silk cropped pants and a killer pedicure.

Urban Outfitters, Fletcher by Lyell Canvas Scallop Sandal, $39

I really like the color on the mini-wedge.  I also like the ankle strap.

Nordstrom, Vaeli Landus sandal, $79

Hello neutral! This shoe would match anything and everything.  

What low heeled sandals are you wearing this summer? Any stores you recommend?  This style is perfect for walking in the city.

Be fabulous today!

One Shoulder and Fabulous

Today let's go out.  I mean putting on your heels and going out for the night.  Glam.  Fabulous.  I'm thinking one shoulder.  Let's see what we can find.

Piperlime, Tinley road silver one shoulder, $28

No seriously, this dress is under $30.  Just don't even think. Put it in your cart.

Asos, Liquorish, $60

I love the pleating on this skirt and the cinched waist.  The color is fabulous.

Nordstrom, Glint one shoulder faille dress, $93

I really like the little bow belt.  This could also work for a summer wedding.

Bluefly, Wyatt, $76

You don't often see a print on a one shoulder dress. I really like the subtle class of this one.

One shoulder dresses are so great for summer because they add a detail of surprise other then a color or pattern.

Be fabulous today!