Wednesday, September 30, 2015

High End Finishes

I watch a lot of HGTV. Like if someone I know is purchasing a home the first thing I say to them is not 'congratulations', it's 'have you applied to be on House Hunters yet?' It's a problem. I love to watch House Hunters for the token couple 'must haves' because they are always the same: double vanities, crown molding, hardwoods throughout, and marble/granite countertop. So today I thought we should play with marble. It's a great neutral stone that works beautifully for jewelry.

Such a cool statement stud that works for work or play. 

Forever 21, Faux Marble Bar Ring Set, $5
So stunning. These look like really expensive rings, but for five bucks, they're a must have.

Bloomingdale's, Argento Vivo Carn Pendant, $88
I'm loving the pendant trend this season. This one is different because it sits high on the neck versus a longer chain.

Picture these with your hair up and a cashmere sweater in a deep merlot. So stunning. 

Whether you are an avid HGTV viewer or not, a marble stone is perfect for your counter or your jewelry box. 

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Black, White, and Chic All Over

Today's post idea comes from The Bf. Get excited. He is on the hunt for a statement suit and has inspired me to translate it for women's. He is testing a windowpane print for a suit, so I thought we would try it for us. We've looked at this style in the past but I really like it for cooler weather.

Nordstrom, NYDJ Jacquard Cardigan, $98
This cardi is stunning and you are going to get a ton of wear out of it. Pair it for work with a silk tie neck blouse or throw it on with distressed bf jeans for the weekend.

You need these pants. I'm obsessed with them. Straight leg fit, pair with stripes or solids, these pants do it all, including being machine washable.

You're going to need flannel this year. This top is crazy versatile. My coworker just purchased it and plans to wear it alone or underneath a sleeveless denim dress. So cute.

JCrew, Windowpane Scarf, $49
This is a wool linen blend which is just perfect for fall. Use it with yesterday's jean jackets.

A great windowpane print is so different than a plaid or a stripe, it has a clean and crisp look that is so easy to wear. One of  my favorite black and white trends.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, September 28, 2015

Denim: A Do

Happy Monday lovebugs,
If you are an east coaster you noticed a distinct fall breeze this weekend. It took me a bit by surprise and I was searching for my jean jacket to layer on top of my outfit. This search was not a good one, not because my closet is a mess (it is) it's because I don't have a jean jacket. I know. So today, let's go shopping.

We've got to start with the classic. Levi's. You can't go wrong with this beauty.

Nordstrom, Halogen Denim Jacket, $29
Looking for a faded option? This one is on major sale.

Forever 21, Quilted Denim Boxy Jacket, $39
How about something totally different. Denim and quilted, so unexpected.

A very chic dark wash that you can wear with a jumpsuit on the weekends or a corduroy skirt.

I really love denim jackets for fall. They are easy, you can throw them in the wash, and they are great for layering. Have fun with a thin fringed scarf or grab some pins and add a quirky twist to your jacket.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, September 25, 2015

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Jungle Bird
c/o New York Times
Ingredients
½ ounce simple syrup
1 ½ ounces blackstrap rum, preferably Cruzan
¾ ounce Campari
1 ½ ounces pineapple juice, fresh or a high-quality brand
½ ounce fresh lime juice
Pineapple wedge, for garnish

 Directions
In a mixing glass three-quarters filled with ice, pour 1/2 ounce of simple syrup, the rum, the Campari, the pineapple juice and the lime juice. Shake until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over one large piece of ice. Top with pineapple wedge.

 Chicken Piccata with Lemony Pasta 
c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup half and half, plus more if needed
1 tablespoon drained capers
8 ounces spaghetti, angel hair or linguine

 Directions
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise. In a food storage bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and toss to coat.

Heat the butter and oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate.

Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the broth, wine and lemon juice, whisk and scrape the bottom of the skillet. Cook until the sauce is reduced by half. Add salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the cream and capers.

While the chicken and sauce are cooking, cook and drain the pasta. Toss the drained noodles with the sauce. Serve with slices of the chicken on top.

Cake Batter Blondies 
c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup dry yellow cake mix
1/2 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sprinkles

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Stir in the egg and vanilla. Stir in the cake mix, flour, salt, and sprinkles until well combined. Batter will be fairly sticky. Spread into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until tester comes out mostly clean. Cool before cutting and serving.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Boxed In

Let's play with pleats. There are so many types of pleats and they can be styled in so many ways. Today I want to focus on something super feminine and professional but paired with the right top, it's a bit Mad Men and a bit sexy. Let's look at some box pleat skirts.

I'm sure you're saying 'where in the world would I wear this?' Ok, crop top and heels for a fancy dinner or reception, fitted sheer sweater and tights, black leather jacket and a simple tank. This skirt is going to do it all. 

A ladylike a-line shape makes the horizontal stripe easy to wear.

Forever 21, Heathered A-Line Skirt, $19
Sweatshirt skirt? Count. Me. In.

Modcloth, Demure Galore Skirt, $79
This skirt is very First Lady. I would paid it with dot tights and kitten heels.

Styled the right way, the box pleat skirt is going to work for work and for dressier occasions. Pay attention to how the pleats lay on your midsection. It's better to size up then have a bubble situation going on. The pleats should lie perfectly flat so the skirt creates a long line from the torso to the hem line.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Excessive Celebration

Today we're going to pair accessories with varsity tees. It's football season and you may not have a team or a clue as to why they're throwing yellow flags, you can participate. You totally can. Bring the queso and try these sporty yet chic options.

Necklace: Forever 21
I love this combination because it's simple. This necklace is longer so you can layer it or leave as is. I also like the slub green tee. 

Top: Revolve
Necklace: Modcloth
I love this look. The 3/4 length sleeve is perfect with a denim jacket and this necklace. Well, do I even need to say anything?

Top: Target
Necklace: Baublebar
Pink, white, and black. Simple, crisp, and easy for any fall day.

Top: Swell
Necklace: JCrew Factory
I like the neutral style and the combination of the textural necklace with a soft cotton tee.

Dress up this weekend and turn some heads while looking the part! Pair a statement necklace with a simple and casual tee.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

You Don't d'Orsay

We all have come to know and love the d'orsay trend. It's simple, anyone can pull it off and it's modifiable to any budget. I love suede for fall and while I can't say I'll be sporting a full on suede skirt this season, these suede d'orsay shoes make me feel a part of the trend. Sorry Vogue, baby steps for this girl.

JCrew Factory, Suede d'Orsay Flat, $88
Picture these with bf jeans, picture them with culottes, picture them with a pencil skirt. They do it all. 

Sole Society, Jillian, $69
Looking for the perfect black wedge for the cold weather? Boom.

Urban Outfitters, Suede d'Orsay Flat, $49
This deep cherry reminds me of velvet. So luxe.

Nordstrom, Steve Madden Varcityy, $89
When you wear these beauties, remember shoulders down and back and look straight ahead. And werk.

Suede d'Orsay is so perfect for fall. I love both flats and pumps for any occasion. 

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, September 21, 2015

Bullseye

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Today I need you to focus. I need you to hone in on one store that is just crushing the handbag game right now. It's Target. I know, right? But seriously, I cannot get enough of these bags right now. Let me explain...

Oh hey there perfection under $50. This color isn't quite winter enough for hunter green but not spring enough for emerald. It's a happy fall medium.

Personally I'd tie a pop of orange or yellow to this bag in the form of a silk scarf. But then again, a simple polka dot is pretty chic for fall.

Ladylike, feminine, insert the adjective, it doesn't matter, this bag is gorgeous.

Target, Crossbody Handbag, $26
Very retro for fall which is quite hot right now. I love the mix of colors with the clean lines.

If you haven't been there recently, I suggest you get to your nearest Target asap. These bags and so many more are ready to live in your closet and not break your budget!

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, September 18, 2015

Friday Foodday

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

Citrus Margarita Spritzer
c/o Skinnytaste
Ingredients
  • 1 oz clear tequila
  • 1/2 oz Contreau (or Grand Marnier)
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 lime (2 tbsp) fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup seltzer/club soda
  • crushed ice

Directions
Combine the tequila, orange liquor, fresh squeezed orange juice, and fresh squeezed lime juice. Pour into a glass with crushed ice and top with seltzer.

Mexican Street Corn Nachos
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cups corn, fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup cream, half and half or milk
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 (14 ounce) bag tortilla chips
  • 1/4 cup cotija or feta, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons crema or sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • cayenne to taste
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions
  1. Melt the butter in a heavy bottomed pan over medium high heat, add the corn and let it sit until it starts to char a bit, mix it up and let it start to char a bit again before removing from heat and mixing in the mayo.
  2. Mix the cornstarch into the cream, bring just to a simmer, reduce the heat and mix in the cheese until it melts.
  3. Place the nachos on a serving dish, pour on the cheese, top with the corn, cotija, creme, cilantro and cayenne and hit everything with a few squirts of lime juice!

Snickers Cookie Cups
Ingredients

FOR THE COOKIES:

  • 1 roll (32 oz) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
  • 48 mini snickers candy, or about 6 full size snickers bars, chopped into 8 pieces

FOR THE FROSTING:

  • 3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 Tbsp milk
  • 2 Tbsp caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup peanuts
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Cut cookie dough into 48 pieces. Drop each piece into a mini muffin tin.
  3. Bake in oven for about 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned. Immediately press candy into center. Allow to cool in pan about 15 minutes. Remove and cool completely on wire rack.
  4. For the frosting, beat powdered sugar with butter, milk and caramel sauce for 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Pipe onto cooled cookie cups, and immediately sprinkle with peanuts and chocolate chips.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

No Sweatshirt

Let's get comfy today. Let's pull on a soft sweatshirt that says just how we're feeling. Sure, we can wear this sweatshirt with leggings and slippers, but these sweatshirts, these are #OOTD worthy. Let's layer to dress up these fun sweatshirts.

Banana Republic, Smart Cookie Graphic Sweatshirt, $39
BR has the right idea. take a preppy sweatshirt and pair it with a peter pan collar button down.

I'm pairing this with black jeans and statement earrings. And then getting some bubbles.

Wildfox has a ton of fun sweatshirts, but this one spoke to me.

Madewell, Arigato Sweatshirt, $75
Why thank you Madewell, this sweatshirt is so fall. I'm copying this look with a plaid button down and bf jeans.

Sweatshirts aren't just for lazy Sundays. These pieces offer comfort and style they're surprisingly versatile! 

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Era of Lace

The 'Victorian' style is very in this fall but what does that mean? I don't know about you but I don't plan on breaking out my corset anytime soon. Instead try brocade, velvet, and more lush feeling fabrics. Another way to try this trend is lace. These lace panel pieces look expensive and delicate but they will be a go to, hard working item in your closet.

Forever 21, Floral Lace Paneled Top, $27
This top is just beautiful. I love the scallop hem or the lace.

Have a fall wedding this year? This beauty.

How sweet is this top? I love it with leggings and lace up flats.

My Habit, The Cue Tina Lace Top, $54
This top screams romance. Soft, sexy, and subtle.

Trends will come and go and they will continue to test our patience, but the lace panel look is one that will be sticking around for a while.

Be fabulous today!

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