Going Nude

It's summertime, which means flip flops and sandals and sometimes that can get a a bit too casual and lazy. I like to mix in some dressier sandals with shorts and dresses to step up the 24/7 cotton I'm living in. Today I've pulled some tan and nude peep toe sandals that are going to go with almost everything in your closet without blowing the budget.

Missguided, Laser Cut Block Heel Peep Toe, $56

These shoes are going to work with any sundress. Any of them!

Nordstrom, Hinge Drea Peep Toe Leather Sandal, $89

How about a little lace up? A touch sporty but balanced with a block heel.

Macy's, Madden Girl Remie Huarache City Sandals, $59

Great woven details and for under $60, you can't beat it.

Saks Off Fifth, Kenneth Cole Shay Cutout Leather Sandals, $190 $39

This sale price. You guys. This sale price.

These nude sandals are not your average bridesmaid shoe. They bring the style and will dress up any summer look.

Be fabulous today!

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Beautiful Lengths

My sister recently donated her hair to Patene Beautiful Lengths and now that she has a great cut and style she's wearing her hair down more and that means less earring and stepping up the necklace game. So today's post features some fantastic statement and longer necklaces that will work with a great shorter cut.

Kate Spade, Queen Bee Delicate Triple Strand Necklace, $78

How sweet is this layered necklace? I love the bee and compliments flower pendant .

H&M, Long Necklace, $9

I'm a sucker for a great horseshoe pendant. This one is easy to wear all year round.

Nordstrom, The Giving Keys Classic, $49

There is something really good happening with this necklace. Through a partnership with the nonprofit organization Chrysalis, The Giving Keys employs individuals who are transitioning out of homelessness, providing opportunities for them to move to permanent housing.

BaubleBar, Mauritius Pendant, $38

A longer but colorful option that works amazingly with a crisp button down, chambray, or a tee.

Looking to add some bolder necklaces to your closet that aren't collar statement options? Try a longer pendant that matches your style.

Be fabulous today!

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Cutting It Short

This weekend I went to see the Dixie Chicks with some girlfriends and we got to talking about summer weddings and what we're wearing. One fabulous lady in particular wants to try out a midi skirt with a crop top but all of the tops seemed to be too casual and loose. So of course, it's quest time. I give you, the structured crop top.

Nordstrom, Eliza J Floral Print Faille Crop Top, $108 $64

Starting strong. Pair this top with a purple accordion pleat midi skirt.

Saks Off Fifth, Geometric Chain Print Crop Top, $34

I love the sleeves on this top. It makes this sassy top a bit more classic.

Topshop, Button Back Crop Top, $66

A simple pastel allows you to play with print on the bottom.

Asos, Ariana Grande for Lipsy Lace Crop Top with Scalloped Hem, $62

I just love the scalloped hem on this top. It is feminine and summer-ready.

Crop tops are not just for outdoor concerts, dress them up with a flowing skirt or culottes. Look for a top that skims your torso and hits just where you want it to. If you're wearing it for an event, why not size up and take it to a tailor to get it to fit just the way you want?

Be fabulous today!

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Stars and Stripes

Happy Monday lovebugs! I hope you are gearing up for an epic long weekend. It may be the last few days to find something red, white, and perfect to wear so that's what we're talking about today. Do you go casual with jeans and a white tee or full blown star spangled awesome?

Etsy, Unicorn. Patriotic. Patriotic. Shirt., $19

I mean, you're welcome. 

Shoptiques, Mon Ami Patriotic Sleeveless Jumpsuit, $36

Who has time to put together an outfit? Jumpsuit, FTW.

Kohl's, Levi's Patriotic Stars Tank, $14

Simple and easy. Pair with white jeans or red shorts.

Target, Stars and Stripes Jean Shorts, $27

If you're really goin' for it, then these are your shorts. America.

BBQs, fireworks, cornhole, what are your plans for the holiday? We will be in Memphis with some pretty fantastic people, and I can't wait for the sun and some cold beers.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Red Wine Gin Sour
c/o Hummingbird High

Ingredients
For the Red Wine Gin Sour:
(makes 1 cocktail, but easily scales up)
1.5 fluid ounces London dry gin
0.75 fluid ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
0.75 fluid ounce simple syrup 
0.75 fluid ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 large egg white
0.75 fluid ounce Italian red wine

Directions

1. Combine the gin, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and egg white in a metal cocktail shaker. Shake with the metal coil from a Hawthorne strainer for 15 to 20 seconds.


2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for another 15 to 20 seconds. Strain into an empty shaker with no ice and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds more.


3. Transfer the mixture to a tall glass with ice, and finish the drink off by pouring red wine over the back of a bar spoon over the center of the glass. Given its weight, the wine will automatically sink below the foam to create that pretty ombre layered effect. Serve immediately.

Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Kebabs

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 clove garlic

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste 

3 tbsp olive oil

1-1/4 lbs skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

24 cherry tomatoes

16 wooden skewers

Directions

In a food processor pulse basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the olive oil while pulsing.

Combine the raw chicken with pesto and marinate a few hours in a bowl. Soak wooden skewers in water at least 30 minutes (or use metal ones to avoid this step). Beginning and ending with chicken, thread chicken and tomatoes onto 8 pairs of parallel skewers to make 8 kebabs total.

Heat the outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat until hot. Be sure the grates are clean and spray lightly with oil. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook about 3-4 minutes; turn and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Strawberry Sauce

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

2 pounds strawberries, sliced (~4 cups)
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice (~1/2 lemon)
1/4 cup water

Directions

1. Bring everything to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens a bit and gets syrupy, about 5-10 minutes.

Straw Poll

This week's posts have been all about summer favorites. Today we're finishing strong with the straw clutch. I love this medium because it's beachy but structured in shape. It works great for a Saturday dinner al fresco or a destination wedding. The style is so versatile.

Banana Republic, Dot Straw Clutch, $58

How great is this bag? Polka dots in straw? Count me in.

JCrew, Rattan Clutch, $88

This is a strong clutch. It's sturdy, leather closure, and perfect beads to stand on.

Anthropologie, Wittenberg Crossbody, $88

Leave it to Anthro to crush the straw pattern game. The stripes, texture, color!

H&M, Braided Clutch Bag, $17

Simple, under $20, can't go wrong!

Accessorizing for summer is so easy with a straw clutch. Grab your phone, keys, cards, and lipstick and walk out the door.

Be fabulous today!

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I Feel Like Bustin' Loose

Let's spice up this hump day with a really sassy dress. The bustier or fitted bodice dress is equal parts sexy and feminine. I think the fit is daring but spot on for those nights that you need to really make a statement.

Amazon, Jessica Simpson Madelynn Bustier Dress, $48

Starting sweet with this floral number that is great for an evening outdoor wedding.

Shoptiques, Lucca Couture Pleather Chiffon Dress, $79

This dress is the new platinum blond Taylor Swift dress. Edgy but girly.

Modcloth, Blockbuster Party Dress, $59

Two things that make this dress extra awesome: a bow and pockets.

Asos, Rare London Lace Bodice Dress, $89

This is a special dress. Pull out this weapon when you to make an entrance or make someone very, very jealous.

The fitted bodice dress is a silhouette that demands attention. It's dramatic and photo worthy for so many summer occasions.

Be fabulous today!

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All Tied Up

It's the second day of summer, I'm assuming your toes are looking painted and pretty? Ok good, because I need show you these shoes. Lace up gladiator sandals. Gladiators aren't anything new, and for me, they're quite the statement shoe. Like, whoa girl that's a lot of shoe, statement. These are a bit softer, easier to pair with items already in your closet.

Soludos, Braided Gladiator Lace Up Sandal, $99

Right?! These remind me of this month's pom post but next level. 

Kenneth Cole, Zoom In Lace Up Gladiator Sandals, $44

This is your new neutral sandal. Subtle gold that goes with jeans, shorts, patterns, chambray, you name it.

Bloomingdale's, Vince Camuto Tany Snake Embossed Gladiator Lace Sandal, $98

These sandals are vacation ready. Like bring me something fruity cabana boy shoes.

South Moon Under, Lucky Brand Collette Lace Up Gladiator Sandals, $69

Rose gold, anyone? Yeah, I thought so.

These fun sandals are a little less intimidating than a full blown gladiator shoe and they are more versatile for your summer shoe game.

Be fabulous today!

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Beggars Can't Be Choosers

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. The weather in DC was fantastic and it is really starting to feel like summer. Today's topic is a truly summer top - the peasant top is perfect for warm summer days because of it's loose and breezy fit. This style of top comes in so many colors and styles, I'm fond of the embroidered ones with that extra piece of detail.

Lord & Taylor, Miss Selfridge Peasant Top, $52

This top says summer. Simple with pops of color.

South Moon Under, Patrons of Peace Embroidered Peasant Top, $69

A big scoop neck is casual and dramatic. 

Dillard's, Bobeau Tassel Embroidered Peasant Top, $44

Great color combination and I love that even with a busy pattern, you can still wear a necklace.

Lord & Taylor, Lucky Brand Embroidered Peasant Top, $32

How about a patterned top? What a great way to play with prints.

Peasant tops have come a long way from your hippie Aunt's closet. I think the embroidered options really stand out from the rest.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Raspberry Vodka Collins
c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 4 ounces sweet and sour mix
• 2 ounces vodka
• 2 ounces club soda
• 1/4 cup raspberries, plus more for garnish
• lemon slices

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
2. Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with extra raspberries and lemon slices.

Jalapeno Popper Hot Dog

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

4 All Beef Hot Dogs

4 High Quality Stadium Buns

4 Tbsp butter, for toasting hot dogs

6 ounces Cream Cheese, softened

12 Frozen Jalapeno Poppers, prepared according to package directions

Jalapeno Kettle Chips, crunched up

4 Fresh Jalapeños

Directions

Prepare jalapeno poppers according to package directions. When slightly cooled, sliced into large chunks.

While the poppers are baking or frying, prepare hot dogs on a preheated grill, that has been reduced to medium-low. Grill until cooked through. While the hotdogs are grilling, on the other side of the grill, roast the fresh jalapenos until blistered on the outside and slightly soft. Remove from grill to rest.

During the last few minutes of the grilling process, butter the hot dog buns, and toast on the grill until golden brown.

To assemble::

Spread cream cheese over the toasted buns. Place the hot dogs into the buns. Top hot dog with chopped up jalapeno poppers. Top with crunched up jalapeno kettle chips.

If desired, slice up fresh roasted jalapenos for an added kick. Remove as many seeds as possible to reduce the heat - or if you are bold, leave them in! Good luck!

*WASH HANDS thoroughly after handling the jalapeños!*

Black and White Chocolate Chip Clouds

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

3 large egg whites (room temperature)

1/8 tsp cream of tartar

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

Heat oven to 300°F. Cover cookie sheet with nonstick silicone pad or parchment paper.

Using a mixer, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together in large bowl at high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar a little at a time, then vanilla, beating well after each addition until you get stiff peaks, the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is glossy.

Fold in chocolate chips. Drop mixture by tablespoons onto cookie sheet.

Bake 35 to 45 minutes or just until dry. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely on wire rack. Store covered, at room temperature. Makes about 30 cookies.

Split Decision

I love a simple top that requires no ironing and no thought when I just need to get out the door. Split neck tops are those tops for me. The have a great neckline, they are blousy, but also ladylike. They come in a slew of colors, patterns, and most importantly, price points.

Loft, Gingham Split Neck Shell, $54

See? Simple. Add on if you want, or walk out the door and look great.

Nordstrom, KUT from the Kloth Sadie, $68

Let's talk about these colors together. The floral, the stripes, just perfect!

Ann Taylor, Seashell Split Neck Shell, $39

So easy to pair with shorts for the weekend or wear it with a suit.

Forever 21, Floral Flutter Sleeve Top, $17

While I don't think these shorts are for me, this top definitely is.

Don't overdo it on the days when you just need to get out the door. Throw on a go to top that completes an outfit and just do it! You look great.

Be fabulous today!

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