Right on Target

We all know by now that Target has had some great collaborations, and their latest is no exception. Kate Young for Target is great because it's modern and versatile. Here are some of my favorite pieces.

Target, Open Back Evening Dress, $89

Way to go Target. You nailed this one. Long and sexy with a touch of sweet with the polka dot.

Target, Neema Pump, $39

Girls night ready. Period.

Target, Structured Envelope Clutch, $19

There's a special place in my heart for arrows. This clutch makes the mark.

Target, Shift Dress, $49

Wedding season anyone? Oh I just love this shift dress. No belt needed.

Arm Candy for Mom

Hi there lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you. I hope you had a great weekend. Can you believe it will be May this week? Wild. You know what happens in May? Mother's Day. Have you gotten your mom anything yet? I've got you covered.

This gift guide is all about bracelets. They're easy, you can find one in any style, and there's no size to worry about.

CWonder, Wide Enamel Initial Bangle, $58

How mom-tastic are these bangles? Get one for her first or last name.

Design Darling, Tortoise Shell Bangles, $30

Simple and easy to wear to work or with jeans.

Target, Cabochon Stone 3 Piece Gold Bangle Set, $19

How about something that won't break that budget? 

Ann Taylor, Colored Metal Links Bracelet, $38

I love this pop or coral in an otherwise heavy looking linked bracelet.

Bracelets are a simple but special way to show mom she rocks. What are you getting to show your mom your love this year?

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes this week!

Italian Herb Baked Cheese Tortellini
c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients
1 lb. fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
4 cubes Italian Herb Saute Express Saute Starter
1 medium onion, diced
2 small zucchini, diced
1-14.5 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Directions

Bring large pot of water to boil. While waiting for water to boil, prep veggies. Heat deep skillet over medium heat and saute onion, 3 minutes. Stir in zucchini and cook another 3 minutes until onions and zucchini are tender. Salt water and cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Stir tomatoes, salt and pepper into softened veggies. Simmer lightly for 5 minutes. Stir in cooked tortellini and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle top with mozzarella cheese and place under broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

Chicken Parm Burgers

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 16 oz lean chicken burgers
• 4 oz part skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup pomodoro sauce 
• 4 rolls such as ciabatta rolls

Directions

Heat the sauce; cook burgers 2-3 minutes on each side. Top with cheese; when melted put on a roll and top with sauce. Enjoy!

Oatmeal & Chocolate Cookie Bars
c/o Table for Two

Ingredients

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 cups dark brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/3 cup milk (I used 2%)

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tbsp. ground cinnamon

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

For the filling:

1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk (I used Eagle Brand)

1/3 cup butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking pan with parchment paper so that it overhangs on both sides for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, add flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Then add in the eggs and vanilla extract and beat for 2 more minutes. Gently pour the milk in and beat until incorporated.
4. Slowly add in the flour mixture and mix until all combined and well-incorporated. With the mixer on low, add the rolled oats. The mixture will be thick so if the stand mixer can't get it all, use a spatula to get it all incorporated.
5. In a saucepan over medium low heat, add all the ingredients of the filling to the pan. Once everything has melted together you can start assembling the bars.
6. Spread about 2/3 of the cookie mixture in the bottom of the baking pan (I used my hands and pressed it down). Then take the chocolate mixture and pour it over top of the cookie mixture. Take the remaining cookie mixture and drop it in small dough balls over the chocolate mixture (it's ok if it's not perfect, they bake out and spread).
7. Bake for 25 minutes. If the tops start to get overly brown, cover with foil and continue baking.
8. Let cool in baking pan COMPLETELY before you cut them into squares. Everything will be too gooey and loose if you don't let it set up.
9. Store in an airtight container.

Acute, Obtuse, Right Angle

Let's mix up our necklaces today, let's get crazy. Let's get triangular.

ShopBop, Adia Kibur Resin Triangle Station Necklace, $45

These pastels are just beautiful for any skin tone. Also comes in peach and gray.

Forever 21, Geo Pattern Necklace, $10

This has a great 80s vibe going on. I'd pair it with a softer blouse.

Topshop, Triangle Geo Bunting Necklace, $28

Ooo, a little neon? Why not?

Fred Flare, Electra Triangle Collar Necklace, $18

I think this is my favorite. The rainbow of colors with the sweet mini triangles are a perfect combination.

Nothing groundbreaking in today's post, but a lot of fun!

Be fabulous today!

Color Within the Lace

Hey there lovebugs,

I hope you are having a great week. One trend that I'm really loving right now is colored lace. So often lace is simple and pure white. Not anymore. 

Madewell, Meadowlace Mini, $88

I love this bright and cheery mini. It is just stunning and you can pair it with any color you'd like.

Asos, French Connection Lace Double Layer Tank, $69

This is an interesting top, and I think it would be lovely with jeans or a pencil skirt.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Tart Lace Cuffed Shorts, $49

Love. Just love these. So stunning with a great black wedge sandal.

Piperlime, Vendor Boatneck Lace Dress, $69

What makes this dress special is the purple underlay with the red lace. I would add a skinny metallic belt.

Colorful lace is a great way to mix in a pop of something extra. A nice break from all of the little white dresses you'll be seeing this summer.

Be fabulous today!

Splish Splash

While here in DC we haven't had a ton of rain, it is the season for April showers, so let's look at some fabulous rain boot options! (Please note: I'm thinking about you Midwest, please stay safe during this time of flooding!)

Nordstrom, Chooka Classical Dot Rain Boot, $64

Chooka is a great brand when it comes to rain boots, they have a ton of styles and patterns to choose from too. I'd recommend sizing up.

Sperry, Pelican Too Rain Boot, $78

This is a classic look for a rain boot. The quilted rubber makes it appropriate to wear with just about anything.

Target, Union Stripe Rain Boot, $29

Well are these just the cutest thing you've ever seen or what? I love the pop of pink!

Tommy Hilfiger, Wrestley Tall Rain Boots, $69

I don't know what it is about these boots but I really like them. They're quite rugby/equestrian/early morning fog-ish.

What do you sport in the rain? Are you a rain boot or shoe kind of girl? Hopefully the saying rings true, April showers will bring the May flowers!

Be fabulous today!

Vanishing Act

Hey there lovebugs,
I'm back from a fabulous vacation with the Bf. I first and foremost want to thank my wonderful guest posters last week. Rosa, Emily P, Emily H, Lauren.

Now that I'm back, I thought we would take on a big trend for the spring. Lucite. A while ago we looked at lucite shoes and today we'll look at some lucite or clear accessories.

BCBGeneration, Morgan Lucite Minaudière, $64

If you're wondering, minaudière is a fancy way of saying small bag. Yeah, throw that out at a party. "Oh, I love your clutch!" "Actually--it's a minaudière, but yes, isn't it fabulous?"

Last Call Neiman Marcus, RJ Graziano Clear Bangle, $35

I love this chunky bangle because it's actually quite light and airy.

Vince Camuto, Lucite Hoop Earrings, $25

These are stunning, they are the perfect addition to a hot pink summer dress.

C Wonder, Lucite Link Layering Necklace in Shocking Pink, $58

This is a great option for warmer weather, it also comes in yellow or clear. It's easy to layer with lighter necklaces.

Lucite doesn't always have to be clear, as long as it's see through, it's on trend. Try it out this summer!

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Yes, I'm on vacation, but you thought I'd leave you without Friday Foodday? Of course not lovebugs! Thank you to my guest posters this week, I'll see you all on Monday!

Breakfast Quesadilla
c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients
2 Tortillas
4 Eggs, lightly beaten
¼-½ tsp Tabasco Chipotle Sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 ½ Tbsp Milk
4 slices Bacon, cooked and chopped
½ Avocado, diced
2 Tbsp Cilantro
½ cup Pepper Jack Cheese
¼ cup Sour Cream or Mexican Crema
¼ cup Salsa
Lime for juice

Directions
In a non-stick fry pan, fry up bacon until crispy. Drain on a paper towel and when cool enough to handle chop into pieces. Set aside. Crack eggs into small bowl, add in chipotle sauce, milk, and dashes of salt and pepper. Whisk and set aside.
Wipe out pan that was used for frying bacon. Turn on stove to medium heat. Spray pan with non-stick spray. Add in eggs. Scramble until just set. Do not cook them until over done. Divide eggs onto one half of each tortilla. Top eggs and tortilla with avocado, cilantro, bacon, and cheese. Gently fold over the other half of each tortilla.
Wipe out fry pan one more time. Spray again with non-stick spray and heat up again over medium heat. Gently lay each folded over tortilla into the non-stick fry pan. Once the tortilla has started to turn golden brown, use spatulas to flip the tortillas over. Brown on other side. Remove from fry pan and plate. Top with sour cream or Mexican crema and salsa. Devour.

Shells with Sausage and Broccoli Pesto
c/o Laloosh

Ingredients

8oz whole wheat pasta shells

6 oz chicken sausage, casing removed, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup parsley leaves

1/2 cup water

3 cups basil leaves

3 cups broccoli florets (1 ½ cups steamed)

5 garlic cloves

2 medium zucchini, diced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

Prepare pasta according to package directions, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Pulse together the 1 ½ cups steamed broccoli, parsley, basil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. With the machine running, add the oil and 1/2 cup water, process until smooth.

Spray a medium sized non-stick skillet with non-fat cooking spray and set over medium high heat. Add in sausage and remaining 1 ½ cups un-steamed broccoli, and zucchini and cook until sausage is well browned and broccoli and zucchini are crisp/tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the pesto, sausage, and ¼ cup of the reserved cooking water to the pasta and toss to coat (adding more cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce). Season with additional salt and pepper as desired.

Peanut Butter Toffee Dip
c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup toffee chips (Heath or Skor bits)
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, optional
1 tablespoon milk, as needed, for texture

Directions
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the cream cheese and peanut butter until combined. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until well combined. Add the toffee chips and chocolate chips and stir until just combined. If the dip is too thick for your liking, add milk, a little at a time to get it to the consistency you prefer.

Guest Post: DC Girl in Pearls

Hi, everyone! It's Lauren from DC Girl in Pearls. As the lovely Kelsey is on vacation this week, she asked me to guest post and I was more than happy to! Today we're talking about the Saturday night out on the town outfit. This can be tricky because it seems most of my nights out start at brunch with gal pals that leads to shopping that leads to a light dinner that leads to going out. So what you need is an outfit that will take you from brunch to midnight. Never fear, it can be done! 

Top | Skirt | Jacks | Arrow Bracelet | Link Bracelet | Cuff Bracelet 

A couple of weeks ago, I purchased this skirt from the J.Crew Factory Store and while I haven't worn it yet, I am rather excited for an opportunity to bring this skirt out of my wardrobe now that the weather is cooperating! The stripes and glitter add a touch of whimsy and I pull it together with a chambray top (undo an extra button if you're feeling risque after hours) and match with gold sandals and accessories. This outfit is perfectly suited for a rooftop brunch with your girlfriends as well as flirting with a handsome stranger later that evening. 

Thanks for reading my guest post and I hope to see you on DC Girl in Pearls soon! You can also me on Twitter, Pinterest & Instagram!

Guest Post: Capital Style

Hey there everybody! It's Emily Kate from Capital Style here. Kelsey asked me to keep you company while she's on vacation, so here I am. Now, when I sat down to think about my perfect weekend outfit (the subject Kelsey asked me to write about), I realized I don't so much have a perfect outfit, but a perfect piece that I've been using over and over this spring to make many perfect weekend outfits. Sooo, I hope she doesn't mind, but I took a little creative license with the post topic and am writing about my perfect weekend piece - my utility jacket!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

The weather has been all sorts of annoying so far this season. One day it's in the 40's, the next the 80's and sometimes, it's both in the same day. My jacket (which happens to be the 3rd from left above sans belt) has been the perfect compliment to a wide range of looks for a wide range of activities/events/life. From grubby "throw on a t-shirt, jeans and flip-flops and drag myself out for coffee" to want to look nice for a day of brunch and shopping to it might be cold at the baseball game tonight - I've worn similar version of all these looks (except for the shorts one) over the last few weeks.

You can pair it with just about anything - skirts, shorts, dresses... This one is a Mural Utility Jacket available at Nordstrom ($59) and the rest of the outfit details are available HERE. So how about you? Do you have a perfect weekend outfit or do you have a piece that compliments lots of options?

Guest Post: Rosa Loves DC

Hello Capital Barbie readers, I'm Rosa Loves DC and I am so excited to share with you about my perfect Saturday outfit. 

I basically run errands on Saturday mornings: a trip to the grocery store, a stop at the farmers market, a visit to the vet with my Chihuahua Lola, a doctor's appointment, you name it. Of course a date lunch with friends or my husband is pretty much on my Saturday agenda as well. So my perfect outfit consists of skinny jeans, a blouse, and comfortable flats. I also love to add a little sparkle with a necklace. You can say that comfort is always on my mind when thinking about outfit options on Saturday.

Thank you Kelsey for inviting to guest post here on your fabulous blog. 

XO 

RosaLovesDC

Blouse

Necklace

Jeans

Flats

Guest Post: Blue Dog Belle

Hello Capital Barbie readers! I'm Emily from Blue Dog Belle and I'm so happy to be with y'all today! As a fellow DC girl TCB is my daily go-to for district style, so I was thrilled when Kelsey asked me to put together my perfect Saturday outfit. 

Normally on a Saturday you will find me running around town catching up on errands, spending time at eastern market or maybe a baseball game. I'm all about comfort during the weekend, but that doesn't mean you can't still look cute. 

My first rule is to leave your contacts in the case and give your eyes a rest. I'm loving these Warby Parker 

Warby Parker, Percey Eyeglasses, $95

Now since springtime has finally arrived, add in some color. It's clear that the color blocking and neon trends are just as hot this year, so why not embrace it? I normally go for a comfy tee shirt, and these v-neck gap ones are so soft and not too tough on the wallet. Pick one up in every color.  

Gap, Neon V-Neck Pocket T, on sale $8

I love to pair a jersey skirt with a tee for running around town. It's more chic than your average pair of shorts, but just as easy. 

Nordstrom, Top Shop High Waist A-line Skirt, $68

Then, who doesn't love a bit of sparkle on the weekend? I'm loving that it's full on sandal weather again, and these Steve Maddens are definitely on my wishlist. 

Macy's, Steve Madden Bonkerz Flat Sandal, $69

Thanks for having me Kelsey!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Corn Avocado and Tomato Salad

c/o Dough See Dough

Ingredients

11 ears corn, cooked and kernels cut off
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 avocados, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup red onion, diced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 lime, zested
2 limes, juiced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Combine the corn, tomatoes, avocado, and onion in a large glass bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss gently to combine.

Shells with Sausage and Broccoli Pesto

c/o Laloosh

Ingredients

8oz whole wheat pasta shells

6 oz chicken sausage, casing removed, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup parsley leaves

1/2 cup water

3 cups basil leaves

3 cups broccoli florets (1 ½ cups steamed)

5 garlic cloves

2 medium zucchini, diced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

Prepare pasta according to package directions, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Pulse together the 1 ½ cups steamed broccoli, parsley, basil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. With the machine running, add the oil and 1/2 cup water, process until smooth.

Spray a medium sized non-stick skillet with non-fat cooking spray and set over medium high heat. Add in sausage and remaining 1 ½ cups un-steamed broccoli, and zucchini and cook until sausage is well browned and broccoli and zucchini are crisp/tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the pesto, sausage, and ¼ cup of the reserved cooking water to the pasta and toss to coat (adding more cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce). Season with additional salt and pepper as desired.

Mini Maple Pancake Muffins

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 egg
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar in a medium bowl. Sift together with a wire whisk.

In another bowl, stir buttermilk, egg, maple syrup and melted butter until just combined.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until combined.

Stir in chocolate chips. Reserve a few chips to sprinkle on the tops.

Bake for 8-9 minutes.

Reader Request: Red Blazer

Today's post is brought to you by a great question from one of our readers. What do you wear with a red blazer. I'm going to give you a couple of options, one print, one pastel, and one saturated.

First let's pick a blazer.

Nordstrom, Carlson Roll Sleeve Knit Blazer, $59

Do yourself a favor and click this link. This blazer comes in 12 colors and prints, and it's under 60 bucks.

White House Black Market, Fitted Gingham Bodice, $88

Here's the printed option. And really any black and white print would pop with a red blazer. I like this one because of the piping.

Old Navy, Lace Crochet Lace Trim Tee, $15

I actually just bought this top myself last weekend and I can't wait to wear it. This is your bright/pastel option. 

Nordstrom, Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Ruched Faux Wrap Dress, $98

Fun fact, I also own this dress and I love it. It's got a deeper plum color than this picture shows, which makes it a perfect base for a bold red blazer.

In my opinion, as long as you avoid looking like the Fourth of July or Christmas, you can pair your red blazer with just about anything!

Be fabulous today!

Getting Your Feathers Ruffled

Happy humpday lovebugs, I hope your week is going well. And if it's not, you know what will cheer you up? Ruffles. Ruffles always cheer me up. They're so much fun I guarantee wherever you shop, you will be able to find some ruffles.

Bloomingdale's Vince Camuto Peplum Waist Pencil Skirt, $89

I'm not quite over peplum just yet. I think it's still having a moment, and it's fantastic pieces like these that make me believe its here to stay.

Asos, Sleeveless Blouse with Ruffle Front, $41

I really love this top because it can stand on it's own or it will be a great layering piece with a suit.

Kohl's, Apt 9 Peep Tow Dress Heels, $24

Shoes can get in on the ruffle trend too! These are perfect for the 1,297,092 weddings you'll be attending this year.

Kohl's, LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle Chiffon Dress, $36

And speaking of the bajillion weddings you have to go to this year, how about this number from LC?

A ruffle is an easy way to add some interest to an outfit. It's clean and simple and you can still add bolder accessories with the outfit.

Be fabulous today!