Style Session: Get Her to the Chapel

Hey there lovebugs,
I love when people ask me to help them pick out an outfit for an occasion and this time is no different. Well maybe a little different because it's my best friend getting married. Today's style session is for Heather and we're going to put some outfits together for her big weekend coming up very soon.

First up, the rehearsal dinner. Heather has already purchased the dress so now we're going to add some accessories.

Dress/Belt/Earrings/Shoes

Simple, feminine, and the accessories total $55.

Next up, preparation and visiting with out of town guests. Function, versatility, and welcoming.

Jeans/Blouse/Necklace/Flats

Simple pieces, but each one packs a punch. Knowing Heather she will be bending over fixing flowers, cleaning glasses, so I don't want her flashing the world in a dress. These jeans are perfect, and the flats are simple but special.

Last but certainly not least, getting ready. Comfort, function, and dance party ready.

Pants/Top/Slippers/Microphones

Fun sweats, slippers that are dance ready, an oversize tee so to not mess up your hair, and of course microphones for singing to Britney.

I hope this helps Heather! Thank you for letting me help you get ready!

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! Tomorrow is my dad's birthday so today we are looking at recipes that he would love!

Steak with onion blue cheese sauce
c/o Food Network

Ingredients
4 rib eye steaks (about 5 ounces each)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 stick softened butter
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
3 to 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Directions
Preheat the grill to a high heat or light your outdoor grill.

Sprinkle the steaks with salt and pepper and smear both sides of the steaks with 1/2 stick of the butter.

Grill the steaks until medium-rare, 3 to 4 minutes per side, and then remove from the heat and keep warm. (You can also saute them in a skillet over medium-high heat if you prefer.)

Melt the remaining 1/2 stick of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and then saute the onions until golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes. Pour in the cream, a dash of salt and pepper and the Worcestershire sauce. Let it bubble up, then add the blue cheese and stir together to melt, adding more pepper or Worcestershire sauce as you wish.

Place the steaks on plates and spoon the sauce over the top.


Creamed Spinach
c/o The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

• 1 stick Butter
• 8 Tablespoons Flour
• 1/2 whole Medium Onion, Finely Diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
• 2 cups Milk
•  Salt And Pepper, to taste
• 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• 24 ounces, weight Baby Spinach

Directions

Melt 1 stick of butter in a pot. Sprinkle in flour and whisk together. Cook over medium heat for five minutes or until light golden brown. Throw in onion and garlic and stir together, cooking for another minute. Pour in milk, whisking constantly, and cook for another five minutes while you cook the spinach.

To cook spinach, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a separate pot. Add spinach in increments until all incorporated, and cook until wilted but not soggy, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Season the cream sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add spinach to the cream sauce, stirring gently to combine. Serve immediately.

White Cheddar and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup aged white cheddar cheese, shredded
milk to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Boil the potatoes and garlic until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20-30 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and garlic and mash.
3. Mix in the butter, sour cream, cheese and enough milk to bring the potatoes to the desired consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Not So Blacked Out

One of the biggest trends this spring is black and white. It's sharp and classic and it looks good on everyone. One of my favorite ways to style this trend is in a stripe. Today we're looking at some black and white stripe dresses. Bold and ready for accessorizing.

She Inside, Black and White Striped Dress, $39

So mod. So chic. So sassy. I don't have much to add to this flirty number.

Mango, Dress, $79

This dress is structural and strong. I love the boatneck detail.

Loft, Lou and Grey Black and White Dress, $49

From strong to comfy. This dress is going to be your new favorite tee. Layer on the statement necklace and a contrasting skinny belt.

Nordstrom, French Connection Cap Sleeve Stripe Dress, $82

A preppy, almost nautical dress that is great for work or play. A nice, well made dress that is a quality piece.

The black and white trend will certainly appear on this blog again before the spring is over, but this stripe version is just perfect for an almost-Friday treat.

Be fabulous today!

Show Me Personality

Let's talk comfort. Now that the weather is (fingers crossed) getting just a little bit warmer every day, we don't have to break out the wool and the cashmere. In fact, we can have some fun while still being warm. Sweatshirts were a big trend this winter and they will continue to be this spring, but instead of bejeweled and quilted, let's get graphic and fun. These picks are casual cool and perfect for spring.

Perry Ellis, Heat Seal French Terry Sweatshirt, $58

A great soft terry makes this top great for the weekend. Add on some statement earrings.

Charlotte Russe, Graphic Sweatshirt, $19

Bound to get some smiles in this sweatshirt. 

Modcloth, All's Well that End's Wheel, $39

A great fitted sweatshirt that is a little preppy and a lot comfy.

Express, Graphic Sweatshirt, $39

This sweatshirt was made for me. I'd dress it up by layering it with a gingham button down underneath. Maybe even some pearls.

Graphic sweatshirts are a fun way to express your personality. These tops don't break the bank but they do make you crack a smile.

Be fabulous today!

Wood You Mind?

Sometimes in life you need something solid to count on. This world is always changing and stress seems to pile up. What we need is something solid to rely on, something like wood. That's right. We're looking at wood today. No splinters, don't worry.

Asos, Hard Clutch Bag in Wood, $65

How unique is this bag? It's modern and just stunning with the gold accents.

Neiman Marcus, Kendra Scott Elle Earring, $65

These come off rustic but paired with a dress, you just made wood ladylike.

Anthropologie, Woodgrain Case, $38

There are plenty of wooden iPhone cases out there. I really like this 'wood' case because it's artistic with a chic twist.

Pink Mascara, Nature's Heart Necklace, $52

Wood doesn't alway have to be heavy. Look at this delicate and sweet charm. Perfect for the weekend.

Wood accessories are bold and unexpected. From necklaces to bags this material crosses all styles.

Be fabulous today!

Spend Some Give Some

Hi lovebugs, I hope you had a nice weekend. Today we are taking a look at some great pieces of fashion that give back. Shop for a cause if you will. There a ton of retailers out there doing good work. Today we're going to congratulate just a few of them.

Fab, Angela Roi Palette Orange Vegan Crossbody, $65

Angela Roi's vegan leather bags come in a variety of colors, each one supports a different cause. Orange is for fighting kidney disease.

Tom's, Correa Sandal, $59

We all know and love Tom's story, and when I read Jonathan Adler teamed up with them and added his colorful patterns to these comfy sandals, I had to have em. 

Iomoi, Classic Charm Bracelet Icon Tote, $88

This adorable (and personalize-able) tote benefits the David Sheldrick Trust that helps save endangered African elephants.

Stella and Dot, Hope Necklace, $69

100% of the proceeds from the this necklace goes to support women's cancer research.

So let's try to spread a little love when we spend. What are your favorite ways to shop for a cause?

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Tortellini Chili
c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1+ tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 6 cups beef broth or chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 8 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
• salt, pepper and cayenne to taste

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the onions and saute until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, chili powder, paprika and cumin and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
3. Add the beef and brown, about 6-8 minutes, before draining any grease.
4. Add the broth, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano and tortellini and bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the tortellini is tender, about 10 minutes.

Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Feta and Slaw

c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper
1 1/2 cups broccoli slaw mix
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
vegetable or canola oil
8 white or yellow corn tortillas
crumbled feta cheese
Bottled hot sauce for serving

Directions

Place the beans, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl and partially mash.

In another bowl, toss the broccoli slaw mix with olive oil, lime juice, scallions and cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and set aside.

Heat about 3 teaspoons of the vegetable or canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add as many tortillas as you can fit in a single layer. Move the tortillas around in the pan so they're all evenly coated with oil on both sides. After one side is golden brown, flip the tortillas over and spoon some of the bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Cook for about 1 minute. Fold the tacos in half and cook until golden brown and crispy, 1-2 minutes per side.

Remove the tacos to a paper towel-lined plate and drain off any excess oil. Open the tortilla and stuff with some of the slaw and crumbled feta. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, adding more oil to the pan, as needed. Top with hot sauce, if desired, before serving.

Hamentashen

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 tbsp orange juice

Raspberry and apricot jam

Directions

1- Preheat the oven to 350.

2- In a bowl combine all ingredients except the jam. Mix well until a dough is formed.

3- Roll dough out onto the counter. Using a drink class cut into circles.

4- Place a small spoonful of jam in the center of each circle. Pinch the sides together and bring the bottom up, forming a triangle around the jam.

Something Blue

Spring is for florals but when you get past the pastels, the magentas, and the orchid colors, you will find yourself in a more jeweled world. The sapphire. This color neither navy nor sky blue, its somewhere in between.

For reference we go to the pros: pantone.

Modcloth, Daysprings Glow Earring, $9

These petal inspired earrings are a step up from your average stud earring.

NY & Co, Soft Floral Pant, $59

A gathered elastic waistband makes these easy breezy pants perfect for a warm summer night. 

Loft, Scribble Floral Print Scarf, $34

This light and airy accessory can be added to a simple tee, under a denim jacket, or with a white button down.

Romwe, Lace Floral Belted Dress, $30

Talk about your classic sundress. This simple sapphire lace floral can stand alone or pile on a statement necklace. 

Florals are expected this time of year, mix it up with an unexpected color: sapphire. 

Be fabulous today!

First Star I See Tonight

Sometimes it is all about the statement necklace. Other times you need to let your ears do the talking. And listening because you'll be getting a lot of compliments. The statement earring comes in all shapes and sizes, today we're looking the starburst earring. It's blingy, spacey and perfect for work or play.

Max and Chloe, Blu Bijoux Black Double Starburst, $34

A fabulous price for a great statement. These beauties are Gatsby party ready or rocker chic with ripped jeans.

Kohl's, Apt. 9 Gold Tone Simulated Crystal Starburst, $8

How fun are these studs? I love them with a suit or a denim jacket. Great pop of color.

BaubleBar, Crystal Meteor, Drops, $34

I love these white beauties because they are perfect with neon. 

Max and Chloe, Emily Elizabeth Shimmer Star Stud, $70

These have to be my favorite. Simple and beautiful, these studs are easy to wear with just about anything.

Starburst earrings are a great way to make a statement. When wearing a bigger earring, go simple or not at all with the necklace. 

Be fabulous today!

Pop Quiz, Bro

Pop vocabulary quiz. Brocade. What does it mean. [insert Jeopardy music here] Ok, time's up. Brocade come from the Italian broccato meaning "embossed cloth". It often uses silver and gold thread and packs the pattern punch. Now a pattern like brocade can sometimes be heavy, old fashioned, and not necessarily spring-weather ready. The way we can warm up this style is brighten the color, use metallics to our favor and, well, let's take a look.

Nordstrom, Kensie Retro Brocade Shorts, $69

The lime color here is perfectly citrus and lightens up the floral-inspired pattern.

J Crew Factory, Gilded Jacquard Top in Brocade, $79

The rounded hemline is the least awesome thing going on here and that's saying something. The cut, the color, you really can't beat this minty emerald canvas.

Modcloth, Debut Dramatist Dress, $54

Another way to lighten up this pattern is to mimic the pattern on a simple cotton maxi. This oversized pattern balances perfectly with the longer length.

BB Dakota, Joss Jacket, $30

A cute baseball jacket is perfect to layer on with a tee. Unclear why this model is giving us the stink eye.

Brocade is easy to wear in the winter month, Brighten up the colors and find light fabrics to wear it in the warmer months.

Be fabulous today!

Rub You the Wrong Way

It's Monday, which is a huge bummer but it also ankle strap sandal day here on the blog, and if that doesn't blow your dress up, I don't know what to tell you.

The ankle strap style is a classic and one that you will see year round on a stiletto, a flat, or even a flatform. The key to a comfortable ankle strap is the width. You don't want it cutting off your circulation, but you also don't want it to rub. Look for a strap with a substantial width. This will give you a nice balance of style and comfort.

Victoria's Secret, Ankle Strap Mid Heel Sandal, $78

Let's talk about this sandal for a moment. The color is one that can be paired with everything from white to cobalt (yes, cobalt), the mid heel height means its the perfect shoe for a wedding where you know you'll be dancing a lot. The kicker? Where these with a relaxed bf jean and a roomy top on Friday night. 

Zara, High Heeled Sandal with Ankle Strap, $59

Hello. I mean. Wow. Nice wide lines on this shoe. And the color really does the talking.

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger Olena, $79

Check out the quilted pattern on that wedge. Don't see that everyday. The two tone gold and camel are perfect for spring. with a flowy maxi dress.

Loft, Alissa Colorblocked Heel, $89

This reminds me of a great piece of modern art. Sleek and sexy.

The ankle strap sandal is a great choice to add to your closet this season. You can wear them to work or to the 783 weddings you have to attend this year.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

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

Mexican Chorizo Hash
c/o Cooking Light

Ingredients

2 ounces raw Mexican chorizo

1 cup prechopped onion

1/4 cup coarsely chopped bottled roasted red bell peppers

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 (6-ounce) package baby spinach

2 teaspoons olive oil

4 large eggs

2 1/2 cups refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo to pan; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Add onion, bell peppers, salt, and black pepper; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach; stir until spinach wilts. Remove sausage mixture from pan. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add potatoes; cook 8 minutes or until bottom is crisp. Stir in sausage mixture. Make 4 egg-size spaces in pan with a spoon. Crack 1 egg into each space. Cover and cook 4 minutes or until egg yolks are slightly set.

Power of Love
c/o There Will Be Bourbon

Ingredients
¾ oz. Bourbon
¾ oz. Meyer lemon juice
¾ oz. Sweet vermouth
¾ oz. Ginger simple syrup
Egg white

Directions

Shake all ingredients together with ice and strain into a coupe glass.

Irish Soda Bread
c/o Real Simple

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the work surface
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
• 1 1/3 cups buttermilk

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. With your hands or a pastry cutter, cut in the butter until the mixture is the consistency of coarse crumbs. Add the raisins and caraway and mix to combine. Add the buttermilk and mix just until the dough comes together but is still slightly shaggy.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and gently knead 8 to 10 times until a uniform dough forms. Shape the dough into a 7-inch round, about 1½ inches thick. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and score a large X in the top, about ¾ inch deep. Bake, rotating once, until the bread sounds hallow when tapped on the bottom, 55 to 65 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Get to the Point

On Monday we looked at heeled sandals and now lets look at a more casual option, something for everyday that will brighten your outfit. I'm talking about the patterned flat and today we're looking specifically at the pointed toe option. Chic, casual, and easy to wear.

Gap, Printed Pointy Toe in Navy Polka Dot, $39

What did I tell you? Fun and fresh and ready for spring!

Modcloth, First Course Flat, $32

I really like these flats because while the patten is bold the color combination is quiet which means you can pair it with jeans, shorts, or even a red skirt.

Charlotte Russe, Striped Patent Pointy Toe Flat, $22

A sassy stripe that is right on trend with the black and white.

Nordstrom, Bonita Flat, $98

And speaking of black and white, how about a little Aztec print to mix things up?

Pointed toe flats mean business. You can find them in a slew of styles including the popular d'orsay. For me, a printed flat will always get you a 'oh my gosh I love your shoes' and they should because they're something different and fun.

Be fabulous today!

Happy Birthday Sara

It's my sister's birthday. She's posted here before, so I feel like you know her. She is turning the big 25 today and so we're going to pick out some gifts that she would love.

Invisible Children, Mend/Clutch, $79

Sara is very passionate when it comes to helping people. This charity is no different. Invisible Children is a great organization that benefits women and children affected by the LRA conflict.

Max and Chloe, Elephant Charm Bangle Bracelet, $25

Speaking of Africa, did I mention she has a thing for elephants? I'm loving this dainty little bangle.

J Crew Factory, Mirrored Sunglasses, $19

I have come to understand that I will never be a cool as my sister. She could pull of these mirrored shades with no problem, and with this price point, she should.

Anthropologie, Mahdia Peasant Top,$88

This breezy top is perfect for work or play. I'd pair it some slim ankle pants for work.

Happy birthday Sara! I hope you have a wonderful day.

Be fabulous today!