Don't Be That Girl

New Year's Eve is a night where comfortable shoes are a must. Whether you are dancing the night away or being a social butterfly at a friend's party, or even out to dinner with your beau. Do not be that girl in a beautiful dress carrying her shoes. Do not be that girl. I find the best shoes for a special night out are metallic. Bring the bling and they match pretty much anything.

Nordstrom, Ivanka Trump Indico Pump, $99

A nice mid-heel is perfect for a night on the dance floor. These remind me of a modern day Cinderella.

Urban Outfitters, Report Murphy Scaled Heel, $99

The stacked heel will save your heels even after the clock strikes 12.

Macy's, Fergalicious Certainly Too Platform, $59

1. Uh-dorable

2. You can basically be Fergie

3. The price

Aldo, Kveta, $38

This t-strap is a great design to save your feet, the silver pointy toe is just extra.

Don't get me wrong sometimes I do believe in the phrase beauty is pain, but not when you're getting kissed at midnight. Give your feet a break, let your dress do the work tonight.

Be fabulous today!

New Year's In the Bag

Welcome to the last few days of 2013. Last week you may have been Christmas-ing but we looked at some pretty fantastic NYE dresses. Today we'll check out some NYE bags and tomorrow, shoes. Oh and did I mention all of these bags are under $50?

 Target, Limited Edition Striped Clutch, $18

So very Gatsby. I love the modern look to this clutch, but styled correctly, it could also be quite edgy.

DSW, Lulu Townsend Allover Rhinestone Oval Minaudière Clutch, $49

Some bags have all of the fun. Be sure to carry that bag on New Years.

Nordstrom, Transparent Minaudiere, $48

This bag is so effortless. It's simple and unassuming in the most elegant way.

Macy's, Le Regale Handbag, $36

If you can't carry an over the top bag on New Years, I don't know when you can. This bag is antique and stunning.

Now go out there and find a clutch that sparkles like you will on New Years. Beaded, sequins, metallic,  you name it.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

It's Friday and today is all about the NYE cocktail. Hope these champagne cocktails inspire!

Ginger Sparkler

℅ Martha Stewart

Ingredients

2 teaspoons of finely grated peeled ginger

1/2 cup of sugar

1 bottle of champagne or prosecco

Directions

1. Set a fine-mesh sieve over a small bowl; set aside. In a small saucepan, boil ginger, sugar, and 1/4 cup water until syrupy, about 2 minutes. Pour through sieve into bowl, discarding solids.

2. Pour 1 tablespoon syrup into each of 8 tall glasses. Top with sparkling wine, and gently stir.

Sparkling Apple Cocktail

℅ Epicurious

Ingredients

1 oz apple juice

1/2 oz cognac

1/2 ounce simple syrup

4 small chunks of red apple

3 oz of champagne

Directions

Combine the apple juice, cognac, simple syrup, and apple chunks in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a cocktail glass. Add additional ice, if needed. Top off with champagne. Stir and serve.

French 75

℅ Bon Appétit

Ingredients

1 cup gin

1/2 cup no cook simple syrup (see directions)

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

champagne

lemon twists

Directions

• To make our No-Cook Simple Syrup, combine 2 cups each superfine sugar and water in an airtight container. Cover and shake until sugar dissolves. Makes 3 cups.
• Stir gin, No-Cook Simple Syrup, and fresh lemon juice with ice in a medium pitcher for 10 seconds. Strain into Champagne flutes or coupe glasses.
• Top with chilled Champagne. Garnish with lemon twists.

Countdown to Midnight

So it's the day after Christmas, and I know what you're thinking. Crap, what am I going to wear to New Years Eve. Let's take a look at my top four styles for NYE.

1. The I'm not trying too hard but omg I look amazing dress.

Modcloth, Paragon of Opulence, $63

2. The Angelina Jolie maxi.

Forever 21, Showstopper Maxi, $22

3. The Gatsby.

Dorothy Perkins, Mocha Sequin Dress, $95

4. The updated sequin.

Ruche, Catch My Eye Sequined Dress in Rose Gold, $52

Whatever you wear one NYE remember that you look amazing. Wear that higher heel, that bigger bling, and have a wonderful night.

Be fabulous today!

Merry Christmas

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Merry Christmas Eve

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On the Road Again

It's one of the biggest travel weeks of the year and to celebrate, today's post will be the ultimate road trip outfit. The key is comfy, layers, and comfy.

Target, Graphic Sweatshirt, $19

A simple and sweet sweatshirt is perfect for comfort and style.

Forever 21, Fresh Plaid Shirt, $19

Its all about the layers in the car because you know dad is going to be blasting the A/C.

Gap, 1969 legging jean, $69

Is it a legging? But it looks like a jean! I know, and they're perfect.

J Crew, Piped Suede Ballet Flat, $69

A simple ballet flat is perfect for the road and these suede beauties come in a variety of colors, all on sale.

Asos, Pieces Frigga Leopard Print Weekend Bag, $81

And last but not least a 'throw it all in, yes even that bottle of wine' bag.

In the past we've covered airport travel outfits, but for me a car is a more comfortable ride with good music, good conversation, and more friends and family to greet you at the end of the trip.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes for the week!

My Mother's Manhattan

℅ The Kitchn

Ingredients

Ice
2 ounces whiskey
2 ounces sweet vermouth
Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Directions

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add whiskey and sweet vermouth.

Stir until well chilled.

Strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with one maraschino cherry.

Serve the ice on the side.

Spaghetti Pie

℅ Emily Bites

Ingredients

10 oz dry wheat or high fiber thin spaghetti

¾ lb 95% lean ground beef

1 small onion, diced

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 garlic clove, minced

8 oz can tomato sauce

15 oz can crushed tomatoes

½ teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

3 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, cut into cubes

1/3 cup fat free cottage cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup shredded 2% Mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 400. Lightly mist a deep dish 9” pie plate with cooking spray and set aside.

2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. As soon as spaghetti is done cooking (while it’s still hot), start step 4.

3. While the water is boiling for step one, bring a large skillet or saute pan over medium high heat and add the ground beef. Break the beef up with a large spoon or spatula and add the onion, salt and pepper. Cook until beef is browned and onions are cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano and Italian Seasoning and reduce the heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.

4. When the pasta is done cooking, drain it and add the cream cheese cubes back into the empty pot. Cover the cream cheese cubes with the hot pasta and stir/toss to melt the cheese and coat the pasta. Add the cottage cheese, Parmesan and ¼ cup of the Mozzarella and toss until well combined. Add 2 cups of the meat sauce from step 3 and stir to coat. Continue to warm the additional sauce on low on the stove top.

5. Transfer the spaghetti mixture from the pot into the pie plate and press it down with a spatula and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Mozzarella over the top of the spaghetti pie and bake in the oven for 20 minutes until cooked through and cheese is bubbly. Let stand for a few minutes after cooking and cut the pie into 6 even wedges. Serve each wedge with ¼ cup of the meat sauce spooned over the top. 

Candy Cane Biscotti

℅ Cookies on Friday

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

½ cup butter, room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

3 eggs

2/3 cup finely crushed peppermint candy canes

1 cup white chocolate chips

2 tablespoons shortening

Additional crushed peppermint candy canes

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt, set aside. In a large mixer bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Beat on medium until light. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. With the mixer running on low, gradually add the flour mixture; stirring until combined. Add the crushed peppermints and stir on low until incorporated.

Divide the two in two pieces. Shape each piece into a flat log about 3 inches wide by 14 inches long; your log will be about ½” thick. Place one log on each of the prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pans half way through the baking time. The logs will be lightly brown on the edges and the top of the log may be cracked.

Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees and allow the biscotti logs to cool for 10 minutes.

Slice the biscotti diagonally into ½” slices and place them standing up on one of the baking sheets. Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes until golden and crisp. Cookies will continue to crisp as they cool. Allow the biscotti to cool on a wire rack.

Combine the white chocolate chips and the shortening in small bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each cooking time, until smooth. Drizzle the white chocolate over the cooled biscotti or dip the biscotti in the white chocolate. Sprinkle with additional crushed peppermints.

Dotty Darling

I saw these gloves and I knew I had to do a post on them. Target nailed it with these gloves. They're the perfect mix of grown up and fun. They're leather and polka dot.

 Target, Merona Polka Dot Leather Glove, $16

Love. 

Here are some other polka dot glove options.

Yoox, Vero Moda Gloves, $25

Adorable wrist details and the price is nice too.

Mango, Metallic Polka Dot Print Gloves, $29

These adorable gloves also come in khaki. I love the embossed dot detail.

Ann Taylor, Polka Dot Gloves, $39

And of course we needed a big ol' dot. These fit the bill.

A good glove can be fun and fashionable and it can be an investment piece. Think about your winter coat, your scarf, and have some fun with it!

Be fabulous today!

Be Brave

Though the holiday parties may be winding down, I believe that the extra bit of fashion courage you get during holiday parties should carry into the new year. Add that extra high heel, a little more bling, or that patterned skirt that sits in the back of your closet. Today, we'll focus on the bling. Big bling is perfect for sweater weather. A great sweater is the perfect canvas for a great necklace.

BaubleBar, Carmen Miranda Bib, $42

This is what I like to call a Monday through Sunday piece. I say this because you can make it work for absolutely any occasion. Put this with a black suit for work, pair it with bf jeans for the weekend, and add it on with a deep v-neck lbd for the evening.

Target, Short Statement Necklace with Multi Clusters, $24

You know what? You go Target, way to nail this statement necklace for under 25 bucks.

Charming Charlie, Candy Mosaic Necklace, $18

I chose this necklace because they describe the gems as baguette crystal rhinestones. Any necklace that incorporates carbs into the description is fine by me.

H&M, Short Necklace, $14

Pretty pink gems are offset perfectly with the gold chains.

My dog Norman is pretty much afraid of everything, and when he gets into a terrifying situation - such as someone wanting to pet him - I always say, 'be brave Norm'. So I say harness that holiday outfit bravery and wear those statement pieces all year long.

Be fabulous today!

Party in the Back

It may come as a surprise but I love a good bow. There is something special about a bow, something feminine and dressy. And I am loving this bow back trend. It's unexpected and sassy. Here are some bow back dresses that are holiday party worthy.

Lulu's, Bow Do You Do?, $41

What did I tell you? Unexpected, gorgeous, and an amazing color.

Nordstrom, Minty Bow Back Chiffon Skater Dress, $42

This sweet chiffon dress is ready for a night of dancing. Also comes in pink.

Modcloth, Cocktail Club Dress, $47

Here is an understated yet eye catching dress that is great for drinks with the girls.

Macy's, Betsey Johnson Sleeveless Cutout Bow Dress, $78

Leave it to Betsey to nail the lipstick red bow dress and make it look so freaking chic.

A good bow goes a long way in my book. It's playful and simple, paid it with some bling or some killer heels (see Betsey image above) and you're party ready.

Be fabulous today!

The December Print

You now what goes hand and hand with December? Tartan. One look at the pattern, the colors, the texture, and you are reminded of fireplaces, snowmen, and hot cocoa. You can style it preppy, classic, or rocker. It's the do it all for December.

Topshop, White Tartan Asymmetrical Skort, $68

Not your standard mini skirt. Check out how the pattern falls with the asymmetrical lines.

Anthropologie, Tartan Tights, $24

This is a perfect holiday tight with a red mini dress and heels.

Zara, Combination Checkered Biker Jacket, $59

Not all tartan is sweet, try this relaxed moto jacket.

Modcloth, Footwork and Play Flat, $98

Safe to say these are my new favorite holiday shoes.

Tartan is surprisingly versatile as one of the bolder prints out there. Pair it with black, but think outside of the box this time of year and maybe pair it with black sequins!

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite holiday cookie recipes!

Candy Cane Crinkles

℅ Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

3 whole candy canes, crushed
½ cups Butter, Softened
1 cup Granulated Sugar
½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1 whole Egg
¼ teaspoons Salt
¼ teaspoons Baking Powder
⅛ teaspoons Baking Soda
1-½ cup All-purpose Flour
½ cups Powdered Sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease light colored baking sheets with non stick cooking spray, line with parchment paper or use silicone baking mat and set aside.

Place candy canes into a plastic food storage bag and crush using a rolling pin. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Whip in vanilla and egg. Scrape sides and mix again. Stir all dry ingredients together in a small bowl and then in pour into mixer and slowly mix until just combined, excluding the powdered sugar. Scrape sides of bowl and mix again briefly. Stir in crushed candy canes. Pour powdered sugar onto a large plate. Roll a heaping teaspoon of dough into a ball and roll in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until bottoms begin to barely brown and cookies look matte {not melty or shiny}. Remove from oven and cool cookies about 3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Chocolate Milk Cookies

℅ Cassie Craves

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/4 teaspoon baking soda 

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened 

1/2 cup granulated sugar 

1/2 cup chocolate milk powder 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 to 4 tablespoons chocolate milk

Red and green sugar or sprinkles for decorating, if desired

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. In a large bowl, mix butter, sugar, chocolate milk powder, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Gradually add in flour mixture and mix until thoroughly combined.

3. Drop by teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten cookies with the back of a spoon.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Combine powdered sugar and chocolate milk. Glaze cooled cookies, then garnish with red and green sugar or sprinkles if desired.

Chocolate Peppermint Patty Cookies

℅ Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

1 box devil's food cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
18 peppermint patties (the small ones)
powdered sugar, for sprinkling

Directions

Beat together the cake mix, eggs, and oil until well combined and a sticky dough forms.
Place dough in the fridge for 20 minutes to chill. If you skip this step, the dough will be very hard to work with, but if you're in a hurry just make sure your hands are cold by running them under cold water after you shape each cookie.
Grab a golf ball sized ball of dough, roll into a ball, and flatten it into a disc.Place a peppermint patty in the center and bring the excess dough up and around the patty to cover it.
Repeat with remaining dough and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet 2 inches apart from each other.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 9 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle on powdered sugar.
Cool on a wire rack.

She's So Fake

Keeping with yesterday's holiday party theme, I thought we would move to dressed up scarves. Believe me, there is a time and place for this but when its cold and you've got your party dress on, it's time to swank it up. Enter the faux fur scarf. 

Anthropologie, Ulrica Faux Fur Scarf, $78

This is glamour. This is how we dress up and grow up. Feel free to add some blinded out broach.

Ann Taylor, Faux Fur Scarf, $89

Do you have a bright colored winter coat? This is a great neutral to add.

Banana Republic, Jules Faux Fur Trim Scarf, $79

Here's a nice hybrid option if you don't want to go full out furry.

Limited, Keyhole Scarf, $29

This scarf reminds me of my grandmother in the best possible way. I think it is so beautiful.

Do you faux? I love my fun and colorful scarves, but sometimes an event demands something a little bit more.

Be fabulous today!

Carried Away with Holidays

So you're going to 74 holiday parties this month and you've got the dress(es) on lockdown, it's the bag you need help with. The clutch is your best friend. Simple, small, chic this bag is going to be your do it all and still make a statement.

Banana Republic, Penny Lucite Clutch, $98

What did I tell you about making a statement? Find me an LBD, stat. We're going out.

Nordstrom, Deco Clutch, $48

A little Gatsby, a lot holiday.

Modcloth, Elegance in Velvet, $44

A beautiful vintage looking bag with a nice cranberry hue.

Betsey Johnson, Black Sequin Clutch, $78 

I think this would be a great bag for New Years. just enough punch.

What are you carrying to your holiday soirees this month? Remember, all you really need to fit is keys, wallet, phone, and lip gloss. Less is more ladies.