The World is Flat

I'm not sure what has gotten into me lately but I am all about trying out these weird/edgy trends this week. Yesterday we looked at cinched ankle pants and today we're going to look at flatforms. Stay with me guys, it's going to be ok. We're going to look at some feminine, non-Frankenstein options.

Asos, Johnny Flatform, $22

See? It's going to be fine. I like this option because you do not usually see a darker floral. This style also comes in cork.

Topshop, Ware Two Part Flatform, $70

Speaking of cork, how about these summer sweethearts? I love this with a patterned maxi. Also available in metallic.

LandsEnd, Sydney Flatform Sandals, $84

If LandsEnd can do flatforms, we can totally do flatforms. I love this raffia wedge.

Saks Off Fifth, DV Cairy Cork Wedge Sandals, $31

A great two tone option with a sassy metallic toe detail.

So how are we feeling? Is this doable? I think it is. Get yourself a sassy neon pedicure going and you'll feel like you can take on the world. In flatforms.

Be fabulous today!

Don't Fear the Ankle

Sometimes fashion can be scary. You're not sure if the trend is going stick and if it does, can you pull it off? Remember when we feared color blocking? How about jeggings? Exactly, sometimes we have to embrace change and tailor the trend to work for us. 

What's today's 'can I really wear this' trend? The cinched ankle pant. Not full on harem, not sweats, a comfortable day to night dress pant that I think we can all wear. 

JCPenny, Bisou Bisou Ankle Zip Smocked Pants, $21

A great geometric print that is more streamlined with a pair of black stilettos.

Macy's, American Rag Printed Harem Pants, $39

I really like the contrasting waistband that dresses up this pick.

White House Black Market, Tapered Crepe Pant, $49

This is the best version of a day to night option. Simple, chic and with the change of a shoe or earring you're ready for date night.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Greylin Pull On Wide Graphic Print Satin Pants, $89

Another great geometric print that can be worn during the day with metallic flat sandals and in the evening with a pair of heels.

If you're still on the fence, I totally get it. Look for a fabric that you feel comfortable in. Something with a little more weight to them, Try drawstring, try zip up, try solid, try print. Find what works for you.

Be fabulous today!

Short Story

Hey there lovebugs,
Usually I am pretty good at coming up with post ideas, but sometimes I get some help from friends, reader requests or family. Today my dad will spotlight because I can't not share his intro with you. It's downright poetic. Without further ado, I give you TCB's dad...

"Just in time for Spring. Don’t these colorful shorts look like Spring flowers? Face it, it’s been a long winter. We need to add some brightness into the world. Ladies, it’s time to shave those legs and make a statement with these casual and essential shorts that can be paired with almost any top, to be worn anywhere, at any time. And don’t forget those sublime belts to add an extra splash of the palette."

And now let's talk bright, spring shorts.

Ruche, Maisie Scalloped Shorts, $42

Oh hey there spring! Scallops anyone? These shorts are adorable. Dress them down with a waist tied button down or dress them up with heeled sandals and a silk blouse.

Vince Camuto, Foiled Silver Shorts, $89

I love the length on these shorts. The are dressy and downright spunky with the allover metallic and a bow.

Mango, Floral lightweight shorts, $49

How about a colorful floral? Switch out the camel belt for something metallic and dress them down with a lightweight sweatshirt.

Anthropologie, Pleated Twill Shorts, $68

A little menswear-inspired but punched up with this sunshine yellow.

We'll be talking shorts a few times this spring and summer but I would like to thank dad for kicking things off. I hope you enjoy these picks and treat yourself to a bright new pair.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,

Here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Strawberry Greek Yogurt Banana Bread

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 large over-ripe bananas (mashed)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced

Directions

1. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
2. Mix brown sugar, bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, yogurt and strawberries in another large bowl.
3. Mix the dryy ingredients into the wet ingredients.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
5. Bake in a preheated 350F oven until golden brown and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean, about 60 minutes.

Avocado Chicken Salad

c/o Emily Bites

Ingredients

• 4 slices center cut bacon
• 1 medium avocado, cubed
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• 2 cups cubed cooked skinless chicken breast
• ½ a medium cucumber, diced
• 2 tablespoons low fat mayonnaise
• 2-3 tablespoons minced cilantro
• 2 scallions (greens only)

Directions

1. Cook the bacon according to package instructions and then lay on paper towels to drain. When cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. Combine the avocado chunks and lime juice in a large mixing bowl and gently stir to coat. Add the chicken, cucumber, mayonnaise, cilantro and scallions stir gently (so as not to mash the avocado) until well mixed.

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent dough sheets
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
In the bowl of a mixer, beat together the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Place one sheet of crescent dough in the prepared 9x13 pan. Spread cream cheese mixture over the dough and top with the remaining sheet of dough.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix with a fork until combined.
Drop small pieces of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the dough.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the dough has puffed and turned golden. Remove from the oven and cool before serving. (Optional: drizzle honey over the bars before serving.)

Crop Dusting

Last week we looked at some simple and solid gray dresses. Today I think we should go a similar route and take a look at some standard yet essential black crops. You can wear them for work or play and they are all machine washable.

Gap, Slim Cropped Pants, $54

Almost 800 people have reviewed these pants on gap.com. I think they're doing something right.

Loft, Marisa Doubleweave Cotton Cropped Pant, $59

True story, I bought these pants last week. They fit like a dream. Flats, heels, sandals, get ready closet. These pants have plans for you.

Banana Republic, Hampton Fit Sateen Pant, $79

These pants have a bit of a sheen to them which makes them very Audrey Hepburn.

Nordstrom, Vince Camuto Skinny Ankle Pant, $79

Let me tell you something about Vince's pants. You are going to wear the crap out of them. They will be your go to pant for work and for Saturday night.

Not every post can be polka dots and sequins, today we focus on a staple. Try a few fits and styles, you will never regret buying a great pair of black crops.

Be fabulous today!

Somebody's Watching You

The evil eye is something that dates back centuries. Here you thought it started with the Housewives. Actually, the evil eye charm is meant to ward off injury or bad spirits; and different cultures call it different things. In Arabic ayn al-ḥasūd عين الحسود‎, in Hebrew ʿáyin hā-ráʿ עַיִן הָרַע and my personal favorite in Hawaiian maka pilau meaning stink eye. 

Let's ward off some evil with these beautiful pieces of jewelry.

Max and Chloe, Belair Evil Eye Disk Pendant Necklace, $54

Check out the blue on yellow here, it truly pops. Pair this with a chambray top or striped dress.

Need Supply Co, Evil Eye Studs, $18

Eerie slash gorgeous, right?

BaubleBar, Evil Eye Cuff, $32

This beauty also comes in silver. I love this for a colorful arm party.

Urban Outfitters, Rhinestone Evil Eye Ring, $10

A delicate yet strong ring that is sure to keep you in the clear from injury.

Evil eye, yay or nay? I'm saying yay because of these stunning pieces. Go simple with the studs or bling it out with a pendant, either way you'll be safe.

Be fabulous today!

Digging A Trench

It's April. It's raining. I know, I know, I've got you covered. Let's talk trench coats under $100.

Macy's, London Fog Hooded Belted Raincoat, $79

We're starting strong. London Fog is the authority when it comes to trenches and this burst of blue is gorgeous.

Express, Boxy Trench Jacket, $59

Not so much for the standard trench? How about this boxy option that is just a little masculine.

Macy's, Calvin Klein Hooded Trench, $99

Hello poppy. What a breath of fresh air for a cloudy day. 

Modcloth, Getting Batter and Better Coat, $75

A polka dot trench? I had to include this one.

Belt it, button it, just don't get soaked. What rain gear are you sporting this spring?

Be fabulous today!

Embellish Much?

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Let's talk embellishment. Something shiny to cheer up the start to our work week. While this weather is still trying to figure out what it wants to do, one piece you can always count on is a crisp blouse. Today's feature highlights the collar. A little embellishment.

Asos, Beloved Shirt with Embellished Collar, $32

A sassy neon with a chic peplum. This is a great stand alone or layering piece.

JCPenny, Embellished Open Back Blouse, $12

Light and breezy and a peek a boo back detail.

Chicnova, Contrast Color Lapel Collar, $31

Talk about subtle. Check out the barely there detail on the corners of the collar. So feminine.

Kohl's, Rock & Republic Embellished Tuxedo Shirt, $18

Picture this under a suit jacket. Yeah. Hello unexpected.

Embellishment comes in all shapes, styles, colors, and sizes. A nice collar embellishment is sometimes all you need. Chin up lovebug, let's get through this Monday.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
I will be heading home for Easter this weekend. Here are some Easter-inspired food picks!

Caramel Cadbury Egg Martini
c/o She Knows

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream with Caramel
• 1/2 ounce crème de cacao
• 1 ounce caramel syrup
• 1 ounce cream
• 1/2 tablespoon Hershey’s chocolate syrup, plus extra for rim

Directions

1. Drizzle chocolate syrup around inside rim of glass.
2. Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Shake until chocolate syrup is completely incorporated.
4. Strain into glass.

Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 5 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 3 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt, more or less to taste
• fresh ground black pepper
• 3 1/2 - 4 lb uncooked trimmed lamb leg, boneless, rolled and tied

Directions

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil and place a rack in the pan.

Combine crushed garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper; mixwell and rub mixture all over lamb. Roll the lamb and use butcher's twine to tie it together and place it on the prepared roasting pan.

Roast in the oven until medium-rare and a meat thermometer inserted in center reads 135-140ºF, anywhere from 70 minutes and up depending on the size of your roast.Remove the lamb and let it rest about 15 minutes on a cutting board. Keep in mind the temperature will increase a few degrees once it rests.

Slice lamb into 1/4-inch thick slices and place on a serving platter.

Easy Lemon Squares

c/o Cooking Light

Ingredients

• Crust:
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar 
• 3 tablespoons butter or stick margarine, softened 
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 
• Topping:
• 3 large eggs 
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar 
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind 
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. To prepare the crust, beat 1/4 cup granulated sugar and the butter at medium speed of a mixer until creamy. Lightly spoon 1 cup flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Gradually add 1 cup flour to sugar mixture, beating at low speed until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Gently press mixture into bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes; cool on a wire rack.
3. To prepare topping, beat eggs at medium speed until foamy. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and next 5 ingredients (3/4 cup granulated sugar through salt), and beat until well-blended. Pour mixture over partially baked crust. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until set. Cool on wire rack. Sift powdered sugar evenly over top.

Cat Got Your Eye

Let's talk shades. It's time to replace those sunglasses at the bottom of your purse. It's time to set aside those $6 CVS 'hold me over' sunglasses that you never ended up replacing. It's time to inject some feminine to your eyewear. Let's look at cat eye sunglasses.

Anthropologie, Caramel Cat Eye Sunglasses, $38

These smoky blonde beauties are perfect to transition with your spring color items. 

Shop Ruche, Contessa Cat Eye Sunglasses, $14

Why yes, those are ombre lenses. Yum.

Urban Outfitters, Gold Coast Cat Eye Sunglasses, $18

An oversized metallic option for those beach days or road trips. 

Asos, Cat Eye Sunglasses, $18

Cutting edge. Don't you picture Meryl Streep wearing these in the baddest way possible?

Less is More

Sometimes you just need a great base. A solid canvas to build on. Today, we're looking at some strong gray dresses that you can add just about anything to. Layer on the cardigan, button down shirt and belt, neon necklace, boots, you name it. Let's have some fun.

Modcloth, Fountain Photo Op Dress, $72

How about this as the dress of the summer? Handkerchief hemline, cascading circle details, add a drop earring and a strappy sandal.

Bloomingdale's, Alternative Racerback Maxi Dress, $68

Also comes in blue or black, this gray form-fitting maxi is ready for anything. Wear it as a maxi skirt with a patterned blouse, or go fancy and simple with a skinny belt and chandelier earrings.

Anthropologie, Savant Swing Dress, $98

Oh hey, nothing to see here, but wait...are those elbow patches? Why yes. Yes they are.

Victoria's Secret, Supermodel Sweatshirt Dress, $69

Casual meets sassy. Check out the stud detail on the sleeves of this super laid back sweatshirt dress.

Usually I'm all about the statement piece, the pattern, the bold color, or the standout fit, but sometimes less is more. Try a blank canvas and go simple or have some fun.

Be fabulous today!

Cash Money

Happy tax day everyone. I hope you got a great return and have some money to treat yourself. So today's post theme is money. Cash money. Dolla bills y'all.

Forever 21, Money Sign Necklace, $3

For less than five bucks, add this little charm to your collection.

Juicy Couture, Graphic Tee, $34

A great high low tee is sassy and kind of adorable with maybe a navy prepster blazer.

Fab, No Cash Value Ring, $76

Vintage arcade token anyone? This not so polished accessory is perfect for the weekend.

Modcloth, What Did I Buy Today?, $13

And maybe something to keep track of your splurges and steals. This little journal is more helpful then you may think.

Whether you owe or got paid, sometimes money can buy happiness. Especially when happiness is in the form of a dress or maybe some patent peep toe pumps.

Be fabulous today!

Blooming Butt

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you. I hope its full of smiles and not allergies. Stupid spring, getting all up in your nose like that. So today I say, screw you pollen, I'm wearing flowers on my pants.

Forever 21, Floral Daze Wide Leg Pant, $15

A breezy pant for weekends. Too wild for you? Try a wide belt to define the waist.

Romwe, Floral Print Pocketed Yellow Pant, $27

Hello sunshine! Check you out.

Ann Taylor, Evening Floral Cropped Pant, $89
Oh I just love this big print. The neutral colors mean you can pair it with just about anything. Think of the options, denim jacket, blazer, red silk blouse.

Asos, Peg Pant in Shadow Floral, $41
How chic are these pants? Perfectly placed pin tuck pleats at the waist and a slim ankle.

So you may be loaded up on Claritin or swimming in tissues, but there is no reason to rule out florals. Just show pollen whose boss and own those pants.

Be fabulous today!