Thursday, April 30, 2015

Three Little Words

Hey there lovebugs,
Today we're getting really specific. I'm giving you an item that is going to be your go to this summer option for three reasons: its a classic shape, it's a print, and it's under $50. Today we're looking at printed shift dresses under $50.

I'm starting with my favorite. I love the color contrast and the size of this allover print.

Nordstrom, Carlson Woven Shift Dress, $34
Gotta love a simple stripe. Add a belt if you want to.

Just buy this dress. Pockets, short sleeves, florals, come on.

OK, maybe I'm ending with my favorite. I love this heart print with the detail in the long sleeves. 

A simple post that packs a punch but favors the wallet. I hope these options help your summer dress wardrobe.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Fringe Benefits

Let's talk fringe. Not hippie fringe. Not festival fringe. I'm talking about classy, chic, cool fringe. How can you take such an iconic style and translate it to a modern and updated look? Make it an earring of course! These fringe earrings are have movement, they make a statement, and they're under budget.

Rebecca Minkoff, Boho Fringe Front Back Earring, $58
Boom. Statement earring in the sleekest way.

House of Harlow, Sunburst Fringe Earring, $42
What a colorful and simple accessory to add on this summer. I love this yellow tone.

Rose gold rocker, anyone? Hello bad ass.

Reasons I love this earring: Baublebar describes it as a glam crystal baguette. Sold.

Embrace fringe and dress it up for work or play with these earrings. They are chic and easy to add to any outfit.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Don't Fear the Crop Top

Crop tops. They're here. They're not going anywhere. I'm sorry. I know. Let's try to embrace it. If I'm going to wear this trend it needs to do some work. I'm not cropping just for a tshirt. I want something with texture or structure. Give me a crop top that doesn't come up short on style.

Urban Outfitters, BDG Breton Crop Top, $29
I don't even need to hint at what to wear this top with because it goes with everything! 

Oh hi there sale, you will do just fine in my cart. 

Check out how delicate and fancy this top is and it's just another white top.

Barneys New York, Lace Crop Top, $69
I love some detail and this top brings it. Scoop neck, pleats on the neckline, and let's not forget this lace.

Don't count out the crop top. It's not just for the teens. Dress it up for date night or casual for brunch with some jeans.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, April 27, 2015

Over, Under, and through the Loop

Happy Monday lovebugs,
You all know I'm a sucker for bows so today I thought I would indulge a bit and look at some bows on shoes. I'm not talking a tiny ballet flat bow, I mean a statement bow. Let's make 'em stare.

Ok, well, these are already in my cart. I mean...come.on.

Joe Fresh, Flats in Tan, $59
These will be your go to work shoes for summer. I love the stark contrast with the tan and the black in the edged piping.

These look like bridesmaid shoes but stay with me. Picture these with seersucker crops, picture these with a pink sundress, picture these with..wait for it...bf jeans. Mind blown.

Topshop, Villa Bow Flats, $30
I'd expect nothing less from Topshop: bright, feminine, and under budget.

How are we feeling about these bow shoes? I'll take each one of them please!

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, April 24, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

I'm currently on vacation with The BF in Austin, but you know what's in Austin? Delicious food. So I give you some ideas for your own delicious food.

The Income Tax Cocktail
c/o The Kitchn
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces gin
1/4 ounce dry vermouth
1/4 ounce sweet vermouth
1 ounce orange juice 
1 dash Angostura bitters
Optional garnish: orange twist


Directions
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.




Creamy Bakes Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni or penne pasta
1 3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 ounces Gruyere, grated
6 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 small fresh tomatoes, sliced thinly
3/4 cups fresh white bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta for one minute less than package directions state. Drain.
Heat the milk and cream in a small saucepan, but don't let it boil.
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium sized pot and add the flour. Cook, whisking constantly, over low heat for 2 minutes.
Continue whisking and slowly pour in the hot milk and cream. Cook for another 2 minutes until thickened and smooth.
Remove from the heat and stir in the Gruyere, Cheddar, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Add the cooked macaroni and stir to coat.
Pour into a pie plate or other dish of similar size.
Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top.
Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and mix it with the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Sprinkle on top of the tomatoes.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the bread crumbs are brown and crispy.

Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons hot water
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions
Whisk or sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, beating until just combined. Add the hot water and vanilla and beat until combined. 

Add the flour mixture, in two batches, beating just until combined – be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Using a wooden spoon, fold in the chocolate chips and Rice Krispies. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer.

Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into a ball. Place all the dough balls on one baking sheet and chill at least 30 minutes. 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 

Remove the dough from fridge and place 12 balls on a cookie sheet, evenly spaced apart. Bake until the middle looks just set and the edges begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Don't overcook. Remove and let sit on the baking sheet for 1 minute. Move the cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough. 

Thursday, April 23, 2015

I'm Going in Circles

It's spring. Earlier this week we talked about rain gear because, well April. Now what do April showers bring? That's right, flowers. It is floral skirt season, and not just any skirt, the super feminine circle skirt.

Modcloth, Beg Your Garden Skirt, $49
How great is this floral? I love the size of the print and the color.

One size fits all is fine by me with this elastic waistband. 

Retro spring anyone? How fantastic is this skirt?!

The print on this skirt could be in a frame. It's got soft movement and a beautiful shape.

A floral skirt will be a dime a dozen this spring, that's why I'm looking for feminine styles with a shape that makes me want to twirl.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Clear Eyes, Open Bangles

Let's talk simple bangles. I love the open bangle because versatile and you can find it in any style that fits your personality. It doesn't make a huge statement but it stands out and compliments your outfit with a quiet confidence.

A simple accent piece under $15. You are welcome.


How simple and sweet is accessory?

Saks Off Fifth, Jeweled Open Vermeil Bracelet, $71
This bracelet was originally upwards of $250. Seriously, what a steal.

Neiman Marcus, Michael Kors Pave Open Cuff, $66 $49
What a stunning silver option. Simple and cool.

The open bangle bracelet is a simple addition to your everyday workwear or weekend style. Wear it alone or layer it with your usual arm party.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Dressed in Denim

A few weeks ago we looked at denim dresses. Today I thought we would continue the trend and look at a style that is weirdly adorable: the denim top. Not your standard chambray, I get that. It's soft and versatile. This is a true denim top. It's different and funky. Let's take a look.

Forever 21, Polka Dot Denim Shirt, $14
Gotta love the price and this breezy top is so laid back for the weekend.

Anthropologie, Washed Denim Tee, $68
This will be a closet staple. The touch of texture just adds to the simple construction of this tee. 

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Fade to Blue Denim Inverted Pleat Shirt, $79 $47
How unique is this top? I love the spread collar and simple sleeveless style.

Romwe, Bow Slim Denim Blouse, $26 $10
I may have saved my favorite for last. I love the long bow tails!

Who knew denim was this versatile? I mean I where my jeans multiple times a week but dresses and tops? You go denim.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, April 20, 2015

Bring It Rain

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. The weather in DC was phenomenal. Sunshine, breeze, and the perfect temps...and then the rain came. Par for the course in April. So today I thought we would look at some rain footwear that are not your standard wellies. Step up your rain game with these options.

There is something so cheerful about yellow in the rain. I love these skimmers for spring.

Brooks Brothers, Rubber Penny Loafers, $98
Alright Brooks Brothers, I see you. Preppy meets rain, win win.

Great price point on these modified wellies. I like this style recently because it reminds me of the Chelsea style boot from this winter. 

Even our girl Kate is getting into the skimmer game! You really can't go wrong with a punch of pink in the rain.

Don't let the rain bring you down with wet stilettos, slide into some rain flats, skimmers, and boots for some real style. 

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, April 17, 2015

Friday Foodday

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

The Absolut Maple Sour
Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces vodka
3/4 ounces maple syrup
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Lemon peel, to garnish
Directions
Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake until your hands are too cold to keep holding onto the tin. Strain into cocktail glass and garnish with lemon peel.
Creamed Spinach and Artichokes
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (low fat is ok), room temperature
  • 1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
  • 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped
  • salt, pepper and cayenne to taste


Directions
  1. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, add the onion and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
  3. Sprinkle in the flour, mix and cook for another minute.
  4. Add the milk and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add the cream cheese and parmesan and cook until they melt.
  6. Mix in the spinach and artichokes, cook until warmed and season with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste.

Cinnamon Sugar Shortbread Bars
Ingredients
2 cups butter, room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the flour and cornstarch until well combined.
Pat into an ungreased 10x15 rimmed baking sheet. Prick all over with a fork.
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the dough.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookie is set.
Cut into bars while still warm.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Would You Like A Crepe

Hey there lovebugs,
Today we define a term that we've heard used all of the time: crepe. It's a silk, wool, or synthetic fiber that is known for its crisp and crinkle appearance. Depending on the material, it can be stiff but that can be a blessing when you want a piece with a bit more structure. Let me show you what I mean.

OK, so unclear where this model is going in a blazer and her bellybutton but that aside this is a fantastic spring blush blazer.

A very relaxed pleat that has a casual cool vibe. 

Ann Taylor, Colorblock Crepe Tee, $59
I love a structured but not constricting top for work. This top is a great base or where as is with a statement earring.

I can't even with this beauty. It looks red carpet but when you feel it, its a cotton crepe. In a stunning merlot.

Crepe is an often discussed textile with no real understanding of what it is or when to wear it. I really like this material for spring because it's structured, ready for work or play, and it's is 99% of the time machine washable.

Be fabulous today!

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