Ode to Mimi

Happy humpday lovebugs,
Today I'm channeling some Mariah. The queen that is Ms. Carey. Now you may be thinking, but how? I don't need to wear a glitter arm sling, candy jewelry, or a Santa outfit. I'm taking one of Mariah's favorite things, butterflies, and I think I've found some great pieces that would make Mimi proud.

Dorothy Perkins, Billie and Blossom Cream Butterfly Dress, $35

Look at this absolutely beautiful print. You can add a black blazer and wear this to work or pretty it up with a glitter belt and wear it to a wedding.

Asos, Beta Butterfly Wings Box Clutch, $61
A simply lovely clutch for jeans or an LBD. You can also wear it as a shoulder bag with the chain.

Zara, Two Tone Butterfly Print Scarf, $29
A beautiful, go with anything scarf. I love the large scale print.

Bloomingdale's, Alex and Ani Butterfly Bangle, $28
And the always popular, Alex and Ani bangle. You just can't go wrong.

Do you think I made Mariah proud? I sure hope so. The butterfly print/motif/graphic/charm or however you want to wear it, is perfect for these hot days of summer.

Be fabulous today!

Busting Out

How about something a little naughty today? Nothing too scandalous but something to spice up your Tuesday. The bustier is the quintessential sexy piece. Evolved from the corset, it is a great style that has been integrated into so many pieces that are meant for outside the bedroom. Today, we're looking at bustier dresses.

Urban Outfitters, Bluejuice Speed of Light, $69

I'm kind of in love with this dress. The bold pattern is glossy and beautiful. The dress is cut in a very strategic way, doing all the work for you.

Asos, Motel Tegan Contrast Dress, $48

Oh girl, would you look at this number. Sassy pleats, simple top and so ready for accessories. 

Lord and Taylor, BCBGeneration Cutout Bustier Dress, $96

Another dress ready for accessorizing. It also comes in black or white.

Nordstrom, Studded Bustier Dress, $28

For under $30 this dress is perfect for a long Saturday. You can wear it with sneakers, throw on a jean jacket, or dress it up with some killer heels. 

I must admit, bustier tops are even a little out of my comfort zone, but I think with the right cut and the right accessories, it's a great, edgier look to try.

Be fabulous today!

Sunny Disposition

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I'm back from a lovely week long vacation, (didn't even know I was gone, did you?!) and it was great to unwind, relax and get some good reading in!

I'm still feeling a bit sunny from vacay, so today I thought we'd look at some sunny yellow pieces.

Ruche, Summer Citrus Earrings, $14

These ombre beauties are perfect to add a little bit of sunshine by your face.

Lulu's, Penny for Your Dots Yellow Jeggings, $53

Perfect little yellow ankle pants. Pair with a crisp navy blouse.

Anthropologie, Addie Skater Skirt, $88

The reason I chose this more expensive skirt is because its a four season item. Pair with chocolate brown boots in the fall, tights in the winter and then lighten it up with tops in spring and summer.

Modcloth, Just a Jubilee Top, $44

How easy breezy is this top? Bright yellow, sweet apple print. Just adorable.

So there's my sunny outlook for today. Do you wear yellow often? What are your favorite color pairings

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Thanks for joining me on vacation week! This Friday Foodday we're looking at fun in the sun cocktails!

Melon Stand Cocktail
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
2 ounces Plymouth gin
1 ounce watermelon juice (See Recipe Note)
3/4 ounce Lemon juice
1/2 ounce Aperol
1/2 ounce simple syrup

Directions

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients and shake until well chilled. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Garnish with a few watermelon balls on a pick. 

To Make the Watermelon Juice: Process cubes of watermelon in a food processor until completely broken down and liquidfied. Strain if desired.

The Cheeky Monkey

c/o The Five O'Clock Blog

Ingredients

1 ounce citrus-flavored vodka, like Absolut Citron or Ketel One Citroen)

1 ounce yellow Chartreuse

2 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice

1 dash Peychaud’s Bitters (or a similar, orange-y bitters)

Orange twist, to garnish

Directions

Pour liquid ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and add garnish.

Boozy Strawberry Limeade

c/o Table for Two Blog

Ingredients

1 can (10 oz.) of Bacardi margarita mixers

1 1/2 cup frozen strawberries

3/4 can of water using the margarita mixer can

1-2 shots of rum 

Directions

1. Throw everything in the blender and blend until all combined. If you need more water, add it slowly as you're mixing.
2. Serve immediately.

Four Eyes

What else do you need when you're on vacation? Sunglasses! Duh. Oh, don't worry we did flip flops a few weeks ago.

Fred Flare, Floral Minnie Lou Sunglasses, $12

How about some floral fun? So great with chambray or some polka dots!

Fossil, Katie Aviator, $50

How about some feminine aviators? Choose from orange or four other colors.

DKM Accessories, Monogram Sunglasses, $34

Fact: I own these. They're fantastic. They make you feel so fancy for so cheap.

Swell, Replay Matte Neon Sunglasses, $28

Pink! Fun! Yes!

For sunnies, I tend to go cheap. Something that goes with everything but if they get smashed in my purse it's not the end of the world.

Be fabulous today!

Hats Off

Alright lovebugs. Today it's hat day. Something that will go with a bathing suit but also transition to a sunny lunch near the pool.

Anthropologie, Indalia Sun Hat, $58

Simple, clean, and oh so beautiful.

Macys, Ralph Lauren Hat Ribbon Sun, $42

This is very California. Please make sure to wear fabulous lipstick with this hat.

Charlotte Russe, Lazy River Fedora, $8

Want to try the fedora trend but not too sure? Try it for under $10.

BCBGeneration, Pop Stripe Floppy Sun Hat, $36

A great mix of colors with a simple pattern. 

Sun hats are very important when you're out in the sun all day. Why not try something that makes a statement?

Be fabulous today!

Cover It Up

Continuing with the vacation theme this week we're going to look at some great bathing suit cover ups! With these, I look for versatile options that dry quickly and easily.

Piperlime, Pareo Sarong, $42

A great option for running around at the beach or pool, tie and go!

Victoria's Secret, Wrap Cover Up Dress, $39

You've seen this all.over.Pinterest. And rightly so, it's so easy, so simple, it just works.

Asos, Scribble Heart Print Cover Up, $42

How about a maxi cover up? I love this shade of green.

Sperry, Romper Cover Up, $34

How about a sassy nautical romper? So fun!

Do you buy a cover up for summer or use a tee and shorts? I just love a simple, under $50 swim cover up.

Be fabulous today!

Splish Splash

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you are doing fabulously. This week we're going to go on a virtual vacation. It's July, it's vacation time, so why not do a week of vacation-wear! Today we're starting things off with bathing suits. No style in particular, just so affordable and adorable suits! (For more options, check out this post from last month!)

Old Navy, Zig Zag Stripe Bandeau Swimsuit, $29

This pattern is perfect for ANY shape of size. And you can pair any color sandal with it.

Macy's, Becca Swimsuit, $88 (for both!)

I'm a huge fan of underwire with a bathing suit, just helps keep things in place and makes you look super, ahem, lifted. 

Topshop, Jewel Green Plait Swimsuit, $60

This plunging neckline is beautiful but the higher waist seam is just a bit retro. All over gorgeous.

Target, Mossimo Two Piece in Grenadine, $40 (for both!)

A little ruffle, a lot of fun. 

There are approximately 694 styles of bathing suits out there. These are just a few that I'd love to add to my closet and wear for years to come. That's the thing about bathing suits, I don't have a ton occasions to wear them so when I spend the money, I need them to last.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!
Here are my favorite recipes for this week AND at the bottom of this post is the winner of the Nordstrom gift card. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Summertime Smash
c/o Five O'Clock Blog

Ingredients

1 ounce Frangelico

1 ounce bourbon 

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

A splash of two lemon-spiked seltzer 

About 8 large mint leaves

Crushed ice

Mint sprig and lemon wheel, to garnish

Directions

Place mint leaves in bottom of a rocks glass. (It’s up to you whether you want to use a highball, a Collins glass, etc.) Pour sweetener on top of leaves and muddle together well. Fill glass with crushed ice. Pour in bourbon, then Frangelico. Top with seltzer. Give the drink a gentle stir, then add your garnish. Enjoy!

Sweet and Spicy Crockpot Wings

c/o Stephanie Cooks Blog

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings 

1/4 cup chicken broth

Sriracha hot sauce

3 tbsp. brown sugar

Lawry's seasoning salt

Directions

1- Pour the broth into the bottom of the crockpot. 

2- Top with the chicken wings. Squeeze sriracha over the wings, tossing to coat. The more you use the more heat you're adding, but make sure the wings are coated. Sprinkle the brown sugar and seasoning salt over the wings, tossing to coat.

3- Set on low for 8 hours.

Cheesy Rigatoni with Crispy Prosciutto and Caramelized Shallots

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

16 ounces rigatoni pasta
12 ounces prosciutto
2 shallots
8 tablespoons butter, divided
3 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces Gruyere, grated
12 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and melt.
Slice the ends off the shallots and then slice the shallots in half. Thinly slice the shallots, lengthwise. Separate and add to the pan with the melted butter. Cook shallots, stirring often, until browned, but not crispy, about 20 minutes. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for one minute less than the package directions state.While the water is heating, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lay the prosciutto out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until deep brown and beginning to curl up. Remove from the oven and place prosciutto on a paper towel lined plate. Set aside. Reduce heat of the oven to 350 degrees.

To make the cheese sauce, add the milk and cream to a small pan and heat over low heat to warm. Do not bring to a boil. In a large sauce pan, melt the remaining butter. Add the flour and whisk to combine over medium heat, cooking for about 2 minutes. Slowly add the milk to the flour mixture, stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture has thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cheeses, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Crumble the prosciutto into the cheese sauce, stir in the shallots, and add it to a large bowl with the cooked pasta. Stir to coat. Add pasta to a 9x13 baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven.

The $75 Nordstrom gift card winner is....

Dina!!! I'll be emailing you shortly dear! Have a great weekend everyone!

I Do Declare

It's almost Friday, which means it's your LAST day to enter to win a $75 gift card to Nordstrom! Do it!

In other news, it's wrap dress day here. While there is no official holiday for wrap dresses, today we will make history, as of today, July 18, I declare it is wrap dress day. Let's celebrate with some printed wrap dresses.

Ann Taylor, Color Splash Wrap Dress, $59

This dress was originally $128 (woah, guys) but now score it for half that!

Anne Klein, Printed Wrap Dress, $79

I love this pattern. It's so summery and the colors are very Vineyard Vines.

Nordstrom, Maggy London Print Wrap Dress, $98

This dress is different because it doesn't have a wrap around belt. Something unexpected.

Dillard's, Jones New York Collection Wrap Dress, $59

Loving this deep blue print, a great rich color.

I hope you celebrate wrap dress day today and enter the blogiversary giveaway. 

Be fabulous today!

Leather Weather

Happy humpday lovebugs,

When it's not 4395803 degrees outside I think a great trend for summer is leather. And a company that has really nailed it when it comes to classy leather tops is Tinley Road.

Tinley Road, Vegan Leather Peplum, $49

I love the lines on this peplum. The seam down the middle is just perfect with the notched neckline detail.

Tinley Road, Vegan Leather Muscle Tee, $49

This is stunning. Simple, and easy to accessorize. It also comes in bronze and blue.

Tinley Road, Colored Vegan Leather Tee, $49

How about a sleek white leather tee? Just simple and clean.  Also comes in red, brown, or teal.

Tinley Road, Vegan Leather Racerback Tee, $49

This top is sporty and chic. Tuck it into a high-waisted pencil skirt or simply wear it with a light linen short.

Leather tops or vegan leather in this case, is a very sexy statement piece. And Tinley Road is nailing it, all under $50.

Be fabulous today!

Not So Short Stack

Have you entered the giveaway yet? Go get to it!!! $75 to Nordstrom is no joke!

Ok, back to business. In the past we've looked at stacked heels, they're a great option for a more comfortable heel. Today let's look at some stacked heel sandals. These are great for summer and a good reason to treat yourself to a pedicure.

Anthropologie, Brooke T-Strap Heel, $49

These two toned, t-strap beauties are half off and also come in black and silver.

Calvin Klein, Verla Mid Heel Sandal, $89

Boom. Colorblock. Didn't think I'd throw that in there, did ya?

Vince Camuto, Novasi, $79

Watch these bad boys to see if the price drops with the Anniversary Sale.

Tommy Hilfiger, Feather City Sandals, $64

I'm LOVING this nautical take on a stacked heel. These are fabulous.

Wedges and flats, those are standard options for summer sandals. I really like mixing in some stacked heels for a different look.

Be fabulous today!

Happy Blogiversary!

Happy Monday lovebugs! It's The Capital Barbie's birthday! Today this blog turns three years old. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for reading, thank you for commenting, and thank you for joining me. This little project gives me such joy and I hope it continues to give you inspiration and fabulousness.

In honor of this special day, it's time for a giveaway! And lucky for you, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is right around the corner. So, I thought what better store to give you some fun money to than Nordstrom.

Would you like $75 to Nordstrom? Enter! Here are just a couple of items that would be on my list if I could win. (Note: these prices will likely drop even more because the sale doesn't start until July 19!) I will announce the winner on Friday morning!

Dress/Bag/Sandal/Necklace

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes this week!

Sparkling Sweet Tea Cocktail

c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups sugar
7 1/2 cups warm water, divided
4 black tea bags
1 cup George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey
1 (12-ounce) can club soda or seltzer water, chilled
1 orange, sliced into wheels
1 lemon sliced into wheels

Directions

In a small saucepan heat the sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water just until the sugar completely dissolves. Set aside to cool.

In a large pitcher, combine the tea bags and the remaining 6 cups of water and steep until the tea is as strong as you like it: five minutes for a weaker tea and up to twenty minutes for a stronger brew.  Remove and discard used tea bags.

Add the cooled simple syrup and whiskey, and stir. Top with the cold club soda, and stir in the orange and lemon wheels. Fill the remainder of the pitcher with ice.

Serve in tall glasses filled with ice. Enjoy!

CPK Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
3 large fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup rinsed and drained black beans
1/4 cup drained sweet corn
1/4 cup grated monterey jack or mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup peeled and diced jicama
1/4-1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing
1 large tomato, diced
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1 leftover grilled chicken breast, chilled and diced
1/4-1/2 cup prepared bbq sauce

Directions

In a large bowl, combine lettuce with basil, cilantro, black beans, corn, cheese and jicama. Toss with ranch dressing {as much as you'd like} and divide between two serving bowls. Place diced tomatoes around the edges of each bowl, top with avocado slices and diced grilled chicken. Drizzle bbq sauce over top the whole thing and serve.

*If you did not grill your chicken with BBQ sauce, dice your cooled chicken breast, toss in a little bbq sauce, place on salad and drizzle with more sauce.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

c/o Cupcakes for Breakfast

Ingredients

Topping:

• 1 1/3 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 quart strawberries, tops cut off, quartered
• 1 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Make topping: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and sugar. Add the melted butter. Mix with your hands until clumps form. Refrigerate until needed.

2. Make filling: In a medium bow, combine rhubarb, strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Pour into the bottom of a 9″ pie plate.

3. Remove topping from refrigerator and cover fruit with topping. Place pie plate on a baking sheet and bake 40-50 min – until topping is golden brown and fruit is bubbling beneath.