Tuesday, September 30, 2014

I'll Have a Wrap

I love a wrap dress. It's easy, form-flattering and classic. I also love that the wrap style is making its way into tops. A faux wrap top is an effortless way to create a shape. Solid, patterned, cotton, or silk these picks are perfect for fall.

This blouse comes in almost a dozen pattern options. I like the draped collar and high wrap neckline. No need for a cami underneath.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Wrap Front Long Sleeve Blouse, $55 $38
This jade is a stunner. This rich jewel tone is going to match with your black jeans or navy pencil skirt. 

Victoria's, Secret, Faux Wrap Drape Front Top, $39
Even VS is getting in on the wrap game. And with this price point, you can't go wrong.

Boden, Wrap Jersey Top, $54
Do you know what I love more than machine washable things? Color. And this top has both.

The wrap top is also great to layer. Throw on a blazer for work or add a denim jacket on the weekend. This style does it all.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, September 29, 2014

Chain Link

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I'm feeling a little edgy this morning. Monday's aren't always hearts and flowers so I thought we would look at something that may match our moods. These chain necklaces make a statement without bling or color.

BaubleBar, Chainmaille Bib, $68
Kind of regal and kind of Rihanna, am I right?

My favorite part of this necklace is something you don't notice right away: the right and left strands don't match. Just when you thought the bib stole the show, this necklace is full of surprises.

Talk about mixed media. This is a work of art.

Tired of the bibs? How about this statement piece. Chain, coin, and fringe. So much awesome.

These necklaces are making a big statement for under $70. Go heavy, go bib, you can't go wrong.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, September 26, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! 
Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Black Jack David
c/o Fogged in Lounge
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 rye (Rittenhouse)
  • 1/2 oz Lemon Hart 151
  • 3/4 oz orange juice
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz cherry brandy (Heering)
  • 1/4 oz allspice dram
Directions
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.







Slow Cooker Japanese Pork and Ramen Soup
Ingredients
2 Onions, chopped
6 cloves Garlic, minced
3 Tbsp Ginger, grated
1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
8 cups Chicken Broth (I used Low Sodium, worked great!)
12 ounces Shitake Mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced
1 1/2 pounds Boneless Country-Style Pork Ribs
Salt and Pepper
To Finish and Serve:
2 packages Top Ramen (instant Ramen), discard the seasoning packets
6 cups Baby Spinach
2 Tbsp White Miso, plus extra
2 Tbsp Soy Sauce, plus extra
1 Tbsp Mirin (if you can't find, leave out)
1 tsp Seasame Oil
2 Green Onions, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds

Directions
Microwave onions, garlic, ginger and oil in a bowl - about five minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a slow cooker. Stir in broth and mushrooms. Season pork with salt and pepper and nestle into slow cooker.
Cover and cook until pork is fork tender - 7-8 hours on low or 4-6 on high.
To Finish and Serve:
Transfer pork to a cutting board, and using two forks, shred the pork into bite size pieces. Skim any fat off the top of the soup.
Stir in the instant ramen noodles, and spinach, cover and let cook for about 8 minutes. Stir in the shredded pork, miso, soy sauce, mirin, and oil and let it set until it's heated through. Serve.
Sprinkle each bowl with a few green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Mini Carmel Apple Crisps
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Nut Crumble:
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup old fashioned oats
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Cinnamon Apples:
3 medium Granny Smith apples
1/4 cup butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
whipped cream, ice cream, or vanilla yogurt for serving
Directions
To prepare the oatmeal crumble, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Add the oats, pecans, flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a large bowl. Pour the butter over the mixture and stir until well combined.
Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
Allow to cool before using.
To make the apples, peel and dice the apples into bite sized pieces.
Add the apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a medium skillet and cook, stirring often to coat the apples in the sauce, for 5 minutes over medium low heat.
Remove from heat and cool a bit before assembling the dessert.
Add a generous layer of oatmeal crumble to the bottom of each dish (2-3 tablespoons) and top with the cinnamon apples.
Top with a layer of whipped cream, ice cream, or vanilla yogurt. Sprinkle on a bit more of the crumble and drizzle any of the remaining caramel sauce from the pan of apples over the top. Serve immediately.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Vesting Ceremony

Let's talk fall outerwear. It can be difficult to judge whether to go with the trench, the denim jacket, or something entirely different: the vest. Today we're looking at the ultra-versatile puffer or quilted vest and it's a fantastic investment for fall.

JCrew Factory, Quilted Puffer Vest, $98
I really love this oatmeal color, it's a perfect base for a colorful cotton scarf.

Old Navy, Quilted Zip-front Vests, $34
The truly classic forest green. It's equestrian in color and style and so chic with flat brown boots.

This pattern is adorable and a statement for outerwear.

LandsEnd, Women's Down Vest, $59
How great is this pattern with chambray? And you know LandsEnd is quality when it comes to outerwear.

Before you grab the cotton coat or the trench, give the vest a try. It's easily layered and easily packed for weekend trips.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Look into the Crystal Ball

It's humpday, let's look at something shiny, something blingy. Let's look at some crystals. I love a crystal jewelry option because it's affordable but packs a punch.

A statement piece but with a delicate chain.

Stella and Dot, Urbane Bracelet, $34
How about something pretty but with a ball and chain twist?

J Crew, Crystal Feather Earrings, $38 (extra 25% with code SHOPFALL)
I love the shape of these earrings. They remind me of an ear cuff but so much more delicate.

BaubleBar, Crystal Mason Ring, $28
Sculptural but not heavy. A great combination for this conversation starter of a ring.

Crystal accessories make a big impact but because they're not a precious stone, they're easy on your wallet. For crystal bracelets, you can also layer on some colorful leather or fabric bracelets to the arm party.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Romp Around

I love layers. I really do. And as the weather gets cooler it becomes more and more about the layers. But what about a fall going out number that isn't layered. Something that says chic but season appropriate. Enter the long sleeved romper.

Loft, Floral Romper, $79
An absolutely lovely navy floral and pockets. Pockets for the win.

As a sucker for good polka dot, this had my Saturday with pink heels written all over it. 

Shoptiques, Paisley Printed Romper, $82
I think this is my favorite one. Picture this outfit at the vineyard on a 67 degree day. Grab your denim jacket just in case. 

Bloomingdale's, Vintage Havana Romper, $79
A simple monochromatic ikat print is so chic. I love the bootie option as well.

So before we dig out the heavy knits, show off those legs for a few more weeks with these sassy rompers.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, September 22, 2014

Pretty in Quilt

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a great weekend. Today I thought we would start the week off with something soft. A nice soft pink but with a twist- quilted. The quilted trend is really interesting because on one end of the spectrum you have the classic Chanel quilted look but on the other you have the casual sweatshirt style. I love this dichotomy. Let's look at some blush quilted picks.

H&M, Biker Jacket, $49
Not what you expected, am I right? Girly meets biker.

Forever 21, Quilted Knit Sweater, $19
This sweater can be dressed up with a button down and statement necklace or wear as is with bf jeans.
Slip on sneaks are all the rage this fall. These are a great neutral option.

A quilted cable pattern is different and the zipper detail makes this blush a little less feminine.

The quilted trend can run from the ultra-spendy tot he comfy sweatshirt and that is a trend I love. Anyone can get on board and in these blush hues, it's an easy mix in to your wardrobe.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, September 19, 2014

Friday Foodday

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

The Boca Shake
c/o Stir and Strain
Ingredients
1 ounce Licor 43
4-6 ounces Orange Crush soda pop
1 ounce heavy cream
Directions
In a highball glass filled with ice. Build the drink by pouring in the Licor 43. Add soda and cream. Stir to combine. 



Kolokythokeftedes
Ingredients

  • 2 cups zucchini, grated and squeezed
  • 1/4 cup of feta, crumbled
  • 1 splash ouzo (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 handful herbs (such as mint, dill and parsley), chopped
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ~1/2 cup flour (I used whole wheat)
  • breadcrumbs (I use whole wheat)
  • oil for frying



  • Directions

  • Mix the zucchini, feta, ouzo, garlic, green onion, herbs and egg and season with salt and pepper.
  • Mix in enough flour and breadcrumbs that you can work with the mixture to form balls.
  • Form the mixture into balls and dust in flour.
  • Fry in oil until golden brown and set aside to cool.



  • Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
    Ingredients
    1/2 cup butter, softened
    1/2 cup + 1/3 cup peanut butter
    1/2 cup white sugar
    1/2 cup brown sugar
    1 egg
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    1 cup quick cooking oats
    3/4 cup all-purpose flour
    1/2 tsp salt
    1/2 tsp baking soda
    1/4 tsp baking powder
    1/3 cup jelly
    Directions
    Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
    Begin by creaming the butters and sugars for the cookies. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
    In a small bowl mix together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix into the creamed butter and sugars.
    Mix in the oats and stir until combined.
    Drop teaspoonfuls (or use a small cookie scoop) of dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Make a criss cross with a fork to flatten the cookies.
    Bake for 10 minutes and allow to cool.
    When cookies are completely cooled, flip half of them over. Spread each cookie with peanut butter and jelly. Top with the remaining cookies.

    Thursday, September 18, 2014

    Lace Blues

    You know what's hard about lace? You immediately think white or cream and it's not exactly white lace season any longer. That doesn't mean lace is out of the game. Oh no, I've got you covered. Black and blue lace. Stay with me. It's professional, feminine, and perfect for day to night.

    What did I tell you? Scalloped hem to boot.

    The high waisted style of this skirt makes the bow grown up.

    Piperlime, Lace Pencil Skirt, $89
    Hits right at the knee for a perfect work skirt. I'd pair it with a teal blouse and a bright sandal.

    Ann Taylor, Tall Lace Pencil Skirt, $84
    I think my favorite detail might be the grosgrain ribbon waistband. 

    Lace isn't just for summer and these navy and black options are perfect for fall. 

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, September 17, 2014

    Brilliant Idea

    Sometimes I am chock-full of ideas for posts. Brimming with trends to try and sales to spoil. Sometimes I'm at a loss. And when that happens I often turn to The bf and ask 'what should I write about?' And sometimes he's helpful. Sometimes. And today is one of those times: let's look at some burgundy clutches.

    Banana Republic, Gemma Burgundy Box Clutch, $79 sold out but this one is on sale for $50 with code BREXTRA50
    Doesn't this remind you of something your gramma would have and in the best way possible?

    Dorothy Perkins, Oxblood Asymmetric Clutch Bag, $28
    How about a mixed media clutch with a wristlet option? Yes.

    Free People, Harper Vegan Clutch, $48
    I love the fold over detail and the pebbled leather of this oh-so-soft accessory.

    Yoox, Tantra Across Body Bag, $35 $27
    An envelope style with a little metal. Love it.

    Sometimes The bf has some great ideas and these maroon, burgundy, oxblood, whatever you want to call are a great addition to your fall collection.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Tuesday, September 16, 2014

    What a Stud!

    Let's get a little rock and roll today. A little wild from my usual prep-classic style. I'm talking studs. nothing offensive, but edgy. A little unexpected. And I love these studded skirts because I can balance them with a feminine silk tie blouse or keep it sassy with a jean jacket.


    Bloomingdale's, Studded Flare Skirt, $54 $47
    I'm starting with my favorite. The vertical studding lengthens the legs and the flare does exactly what it's supposed to do. 

    A sassy pencil option that is in a sturdy ponte fabric.

    Love this wrap with gunmetal studding. The back also features an exposed zipper.

    Not so much for this trend? How about the quietest of options that still fits the bill.

    The studded skirt is a fun way to inject some energy into your wardrobe. Whether you're a prep, rocker, or boho, anyone can pull off this trend.

    Be fabulous today!

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