Cut Me Out

I'm generally a cover it up kind of girl, but the cutout trend for dresses is just so much fun. It's fresh and sexy and a great one to try when it's 100 billion degrees outside.

Charlotte Russe, Cutout Chiffon Dress, $29

This is a beautiful dress. I love the color and the shape.

Modcloth, Rockabilly Band Dress, $44

Now this is how a prepster like me does cutout.

Boutique to You, Vintage Havana Open Back Maxi, $62

Stripes, maxi and cutout. What a great combination. Pair this with some bold colored jewelry.

Urban Outfitters, Lucca Couture Knit Cutout Dress, $39

Ok this is a little skimpy for me, it would have to be one hot date for me to wear this one.

Do you wear the cutout trend? How do you balance the skin with sweet?

Be fabulous today!

Metallic Shorts

One of my least favorite things to try on are shorts. I don't know why, there's just something uncomfortable about it. So when I came across the these metallic shorts I thought, now that is something I want to try. A little shimmer makes everything better.

Topshop, Floral Metallic Shorts, $60

Date night party of two? Yes, please.

Kohl's, Jennifer Lopez Foil Cuffed Shorts, $22

One, the price. Two, the awesome texture. Three, the price.

H & M, Shorts, $49

I don't know if I could pull these off, but I know some of you could. Please, go work them.

Piperlime, Maison Scotch Metallic Tweed Shorts, $34

These are short, sassy and ready for a night of dancing with the girls. I love the cuff.

Thoughts on these bold bottoms? I just love them. I think we should all have a go to sparkler outfit in the closet ready to throw on and amaze.

Be fabulous today!

Bright Chevron

Hey lovebugs!

How was your long weekend? I hope you took some time for yourself and had some time to recharge.  Now that we're back to work, at least it's only a short one. Today I thought we'd look at a trend that we've seen here before but in new colors. Let's look at chevron but in some brights!

Gap, Chevron Print Tank, $22

I love this longer tank because its so easy to accessorize with a long necklace or earrings.

Piperlime, C. Luce Belted Dress, $64

One of my favorite colors is green, this dress combines a great pattern, a great color and a great silhouette.

 Bloomingdale's, Juicy Couture Chevron Stripe Scarf, $68

I absolutely love the colors in this scarf, reminds me of candy.

Macy's, Cha Cha Vente Top, $34

Look at these gorgeous sleeves, so perfect for running around on a Saturday.

Are you wearing chevron this summer? How are you mixing it up to perk up your wardrobe?

Be fabulous today!

Memorial Day

I hope you all have today off from work and you're enjoying BBQ, a pool and friends. Here is some of my favorite red, white and blue footwear.

DSW, Matty's Matey Wedge, $44

Love the ribbon, love the buckle, now where's my boat?

Aldo, Hembre, $50

Show me a sundress that this won't work with.

Free People, Nantucket Wedge, $71

This sandal is perfect for a neon nail color.

Lord and Taylor, Rosalia Thong Wedge, $49

Classy, summery and just a beautiful wedge.

Ok, now go enjoy some nice weather and a fruit salad.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!


Here are my favorite recipes from this week.


Baby Pasta Shells with Asparagus Marinara
c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients
pasta

• 8 oz baby pasta shells (gluten free use brown rice pasta)
• 1 bunch thin asparagus, tough ends removed
• 1 1/2 cups homemade marinara sauce (recipe follows)
• 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano
• salt and fresh pepper to taste

sauce

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2-3 large cloves garlic, smashed
• 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes (I love Tuttorosso)
• 1 small bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• salt and fresh pepper to taste

Directions

pasta

Boil about 4 inches of water in a large pot, when boiling add asparagus and cookabout 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender crisp. Drain and chop into small bite sized pieces.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (you can use the same pot from the asparagus not to dirty too many dishes). Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente.

While pasta is cooking, in a medium saucepan heat 1-1/2 cups marinara sauce. Drainpasta and RESERVE a cup of the pasta water.

Return pasta back to the pot and toss with marinara, asparagus, grated cheese, salt and pepper and a 1/4 cup of the pasta water or as needed to loosen the sauce. Divide between four bowls and top with fresh pepper and more grated cheese if desired.


sauce
In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until golden, careful not to burn. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir and reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer about 15 - 20 minutes, add basil just before done.

Lighter Creamy Garlic Pasta

c/o Stephanie Cooks Blog

Ingredients

1 tsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup 1% milk
1/2 pound angel hair
1 cup freshly grated pecorino romano or parmesan
1 tsp dried parsley

Directions

1- Heat the oil, garlic, and butter in a large pot. Stir frequently. After 1-2 minutes add the salt, pepper, chicken broth, and milk.
2- Bring the broth to a boil. Add the angel hair and allow it to cook according to packaging directions. Then add the cheese, stirring well. Remove from the heat, stir in the parsley. Serve immediately.

Parmesan Potato Cake

c/o Table for Two Blog

Ingredients

1 large russet potato, grated

1/2 small yellow onion, diced

1 garlic clove

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

3/4 cup parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Salt & pepper

Directions

In a skillet, on medium high heat, saute your onions until translucent and then add in your garlic. Turn off heat and put onion mixture in a bowl. Reserve the skillet for later.

After you’ve grated your potato, squeeze out the excess water with a paper towel and place the drained potato in the bowl with the onion mixture.

Add in the basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper and cheese.

Combine and mix well.

Form the mixture into small patties and set aside on a plate.

In the same skillet that you cooked your onions and garlic in, add some olive oil and place on medium high heat.

Place about 2-3 patties in the skillet (depending on what size your skillet is) and cook the patties until they’re cooked through and brown on both sides.

Repeat step 7 until all the patties are cooked.

Let's Get Specific

It's almost Friday and thank goodness. Today I wanted to get really specific with a style of dress- the colorblock with pleats. It's sleek, colorful and sophisticated.

Asos, A wear color block pleat dress, $53

One of my favorite color combinations, and I especially like this dress because I can wear a bra and still be cool.

Lord and Taylor, DKNYC Sleeveless pleated dress, $95

Very professional and and easy to dress up for an evening event. 

Nordstrom, Romeo and Juliet Couture Colorblock Maxi Dress, $98

Great colors on this maxi, I would add a longer necklace and some bright nails.

Piperlime, C Luce Colorblock Pleated mini dress, $59

These sleeves are fabulous, and the dress is perfect for a date or dinner with a client.

What do you think about pleats? I like them when its the correct size and fit. You need to make sure the pleat elongates the waist and does not attract attention as it might if it's too tight.

Be fabulous today!

Shades with Style

Hey lovebugs! I hope you are getting through the week with a smile. Even though it has been a rainy week so far in DC, I know that the sun will come out soon; and when it does, you gotta be ready with some sassy shades. Right now, I'm loving colorful frames because they add a great pop to any outfit.

Urban Outfitters, South of 5th Cat Eye Sunglasses, $16

How fabulous are these? I need a silk scarf and a convertible asap.

Anthropologie, Rhetorical Shades, $58

These are so mod and wonderful, the color mixing is perfect for a Sunday afternoon.

American Eagle, Foldable Icon Sunglasses, $7

You've gotta love this punchy color and the price!

House of Harlow, 1960 Nicole Sunglasses, $99

OK, and I had to include one fabulous and fancy pair. How chic are these?

Switch out your usual tortoise shells for something fun and punchy like one of these pairs. There is a style and color for everyone. 

Be fabulous today!

Linen Tee

It's tee time lovebugs, and when it's hot and you want something that isn't cotton, turn to linen. It's a great, breathable material that can switch up your usual cotton tee and shorts combination.

J Crew, Linen contrats baseball tee, $29

I'm layering this quiet tee with some baubles, some long necklaces and maybe some chambray tie waist shorts.

Banana Republic, Double layer linen tee, $28

A simple and easy to throw on a go top. This tee also comes in three other colors.

Lacoste, Short roll slubby sleeve linen blend shirt, $50

What a great yellow. This is great for a Saturday picnic or dress it up for the office with a black pencil skirt.

Free People, Jammy Striped Tee, $40

I love the pattern changes in this shirt, the great neckline also adds some drama.

I love linen for summer because it is a great texture change. Just make sure to invest in some dryel to clean these items!

Be fabulous today!

Summer Living

Hey there lovebugs, happy Monday to you. I hope you had a great weekend. I spent some time at the dog park and catching up with old friends who were in town.

Today I wanted to let you in on a little secret and it's what I live in during the summer- boat shoes. I love my boat shoes because they're comfortable, they come in a bajillion colors and styles and they're perfect for walking around the city.

Please thank The BF this morning for letting me know that Sperry has 10% off code this morning

it is NSBC12.

Sperry, Cloud brand two hole boat shoe, $75 

I love the distressed look of this shoe. It's perfect for shorts of bf jeans.

Saks, Milly two tone patent boat shoe, $87

Hello neon! I think this shoe is just screaming for some chambray. 

Asos, Loveboat shoe, $34

How sweet are these shoes? The heart detail, the tassel and the pretty ice cream pastel colors.

Nine West, Clarence, $39

These are perfect for a sundress. The silver would match just about anything and they are very easy to dress up or down.

What is your go to summer shoe in the summer? Flip flops, sandals or something else? When I don't have a pretty pedicure, you will always find me in my Sperry's.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Hey lovebugs! Happy Friday! I hope you have a fabulous weekend! Here are my favorite recipes from the week.

Bacon Caprese Sliders
c/o Cassie Craves

Ingredients
8 sliders buns
8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
8 fresh basil leaves
8 slices of tomato
16 slices of bacon
mayonnaise

Directions
1. Cook bacon to desired crispness; drain on paper towels.
2. Layer two slices of bacon, a slice of mozzarella, a leaf of basil and a slice of tomato on the bottom of each slider bun. Add mayo if desired.

Avocado and Bacon Grilled Cheese
c/o Table for Two Blog

Ingredients

4 slices of thick bread, like sourdough

6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy

2 avocados, smashed

1/2 cup real good quality cheese, shredded (I used a Dubliner cheese)

Directions

1. Turn your broiler on high. Place your slices of bread on a large baking sheet and toast both sides of the bread until slightly browned. Remove and set aside, while keeping broiler on high.
2. In a small bowl, smash your avocados until there are no large chunks left. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper, to taste.
3. To assemble your grilled cheese, take two slices of bread, smear a generous amount of avocado on both slices then break bacon in half and put them on both slices of bread, on top of the avocado. Then add a generous amount of shredded cheese on both slices of bread. Place your slices on a baking sheet and put under broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Remove from broiler and place the other two slices of bread on top.
5. Slice in half and serve warm.

French Macarons with Nutella Buttercream
c/o Fried Ice and Donut Holes

Ingredients
for the macarons
1 cup Confectioners' Sugar
3/4 cup Almond Flour
2 large Egg Whites, at room temperature
Pinch of Cream of Tartar
1/4 cup Superfine Sugar


for the filling
6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
1/4 cup Nutella
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 tablespoon Milk
1/2 cup Confectioners' Sugar, sifted


Directions
for the macarons
Pulse the confectioners' sugar and almond flour in a food processor until combined. Sift the mixture through a sieve 2 times. Preheat at the oven to 375 degrees. Whisk the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium heat until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and whisk until soft peaks form. Reduce speed to low and add the superfine sugar. Increase the speed to high and whisk until stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes. Sift the flour mixture over the egg whites and fold until mixture is smooth and shiny. Transfer the batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip. and pipe 3/4-inch rounds 1 inch apart on a parchment lined baking sheet, dragging the pastry tip to the side of the rounds rather than forming peaks. Tap the bottom of each sheet on the work surface to release any trapped air. Let the piped batter stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees. Bake 1 sheet at a time, rotating half way through, until the macarons are crisp and firm, about 10 minutes. After each batch, increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees for 5 minutes, then reduce to 325 degrees. Let the macarons cool on sheets for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If the macarons stick, spray water under the parchment on the hot sheet--the steam will help release the macarons. Sandwich 2 same-size macarons with 1 teaspoon of filling. Serve immediately, or stack between layers of parchment paper, wrap in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. 


for the filling
In a medium sized bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and nutella until combined. Add the vanilla, milk, and confectioners sugar and beat on low speed until the powdered sugar is just about incorporated. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth.  

The Webster

 You guys, this was supposed post at 9:00am. I am so sorry- please also know, I am two glasses into a bottle of red wine and catching up on Glee. Forgive me? Great, ok, let's do this.

Target is doing an amazing new venture called The Shops. They are bringing the small business feel into a big store. Today, I wanted to focus on one of the great stores they're working with, The Webster, which has a retro Miami feel.

Target, Sateen Day Jacket, $49

Loving the elongated collar and great buttons. This also comes in navy.

Target, Ruffle Trim Tank, $24

This sweet tank is perfect for black ankle pants and a night out. I love the sold green hem.

Target, Plaid tie front dress, $42

I need this dress, like yesterday. It's amazing. The print, the waistline, sleeves, I love everything about it.

Target, Fine gauge cardigan, $32

Very Michelle Obama don't you think? The mix of colors is understated yet punchy.

Go check out the shops at Target, I think it's a great way to support small business in a big store!

Be fabulous today!

Punchy Floral

Happy humpday lovebugs,
I hope your week is going well and that wherever you are reading this, your weather is stunning.

Speaking of weather, do you love flowers? I do. True story, The bf brings me fresh flowers almost every week. But there is a difference between loving flowers and wearing flowers. I don't love wearing florals; so when I do I mix them in with accessories.

JC Penny, K9 Rocket Dog Orlando Floral Prints, $35

I really love these pumps and the continuing of the print down the heel makes it unique.

Asos, Pieces Nada Belt, $16

This would be great over a navy cardigan and a sundress, I love the hardware, it gives this girly piece some edge.

Saks, Milly Floral print canvas boat shoe, $87

Tropical, punchy, and perfect for bf jeans and a tank.

Guess, Dinigan Scarf, $68

I love this color blend. Just gorgeous for evening.

How do you style florals? I really like a punch floral, something not so sweet, a little tangy maybe.

Be fabulous today!

Sexy and I Know It

Tuesdays aren't exactly get your eyeliner and your heels for going out, but let's dream a little bit. Let's add some sexy to your Tuesday. There is something about a slinky dress (yes that is the scientific term) that just screams, damn girl.  Here are some great options for bringing sexy back. (Yes that was two Justin Timberlake song references in one paragraph.)

Revolve Clothing, Calia slinky rayon dress, $71

You know those Friday nights that are so freaking hot that your whole body glistens? This dress is perfect for that night.

Macy's, Cha Cha Vente Dress, $53

Great hem line and the gathered pleating under the bust is very flattering for any shape.

Victoria's Secret, Drape front maxi, $98

You can have a maxi slinky dress! This drape front is gorgeous and dying for some long earrings.

Modcloth, Latest love dress, $54

An lbd that is perfect for everything.

So are you bringing sexy back this summer? Showing some skin and working it? How do you style a slinky number?

Be fabulous today!