Monday, October 31, 2016

Be A Tassel Tale

Let's talk booties. Not J Lo booties, but rather shoe booties. The kind of bootie that is going to work all day long (well I suppose that could be either type as well). Anyway, it's time to tassel it up. An extra detail that adds a kick to your shoe game.

American Eagle, Tassel Heeled Bootie, $44
Hello soft and comfy beauty. You are coming home with me.

Modcloth, Sleek Dreams Bootie, $59
The best color bootie because it goes with black, brown, and denim.


Sole Society, Black Tassel Bootie Rumi, $99
Are these expensive? Yes. But think of the compliments. A simple rounded toe is perfectly balanced with a wrapped tassel.


Originally $175, these pointy toe lovelies are made for a good night out.

A bootie is a great cold weather investment because you will wear them everywhere. Whether they are flat, heeled, tasseled, or tie, grab some that work for your style and you will shine.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, October 28, 2016

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Black Velvet
c/o Real Simple
Ingredients
3 ounces of a stout beer
3 ounces of dry sparkling wine

Directions
  1. Pour stout into a large champagne flute. Slowly top with sparkling wine and stir gently.












Cheesy Buffalo Mushroom Poppers
Ingredients
  • 1 pound button or cremini mushrooms, stems removed and reserved
  • 3 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon jalapeno, finely diced
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs or breadcrumbs (gluten-free for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup flour (rice flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • buffalo hot sauce to taste
  • ranch or blue cheese dressing to taste


Directions
  1. Chop the mushroom stems, mix with the cheeses and jalapeno and stuff the mixture into the mushroom caps rounding the filling off so that it and the mushroom form a complete and smooth ball (about 1 teaspoon per mushroom).
  2. Dredge the mushrooms in flour, coat in egg followed by the breadcrumbs.
  3. Heat enough oil to cover the mushrooms in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the them until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, before setting aside on paper towels to drain.
  4. Enjoy with buffalo hot sauce and ranch dressing!


Banana Bread Donuts
Ingredients
  • 2 bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat together the bananas, sugar, egg, vanilla, and melted butter until well combined.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Spoon the batter into the donut pan and bake for 13 minutes.
  6. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
  7. While the donuts are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk.
  8. Drizzle glaze over cooled donuts.
  9. Serve immediately.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Riding My Pony

There are certain days of the week when I've slept on wet hair, or should have washed it the night before and it's just not looking... as they say... on fleek. So I turn to a ponytail, but why go with a boring hair tie? Dress up your tough hair day with a pony holder that shines.

Anthropologie, Bow Tied Pony Holder, $12
Just wow. Simple, feminine, and a touch decadent.

Its the simple things that make this unique. I'd get both gold and silver.

Feeling sassy? I'm planning to strut into the office on a Monday with this bad boy on.

Mark and Graham, Tortoise Ponytail Holder, $29
Preppy, classic, and personal.

So don't fret those bad hair days. Have some fun with them with these beautiful hair ties.

Be fabulous today!

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Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Capturing My Attention

Call me crazy but I think cap toe is making a comeback. Of course there is the classic Chanel ballet flat.  But the modern cap toe is sleek and it's modern. If that doesn't sell you, it's a comfortable flat, how can you say no to that?

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Gretchen Pointed Toe Flat, $76
Let's just take a moment to breathe in these flats. Pair it with pearls and call it a day.

This shoe is Pink Ladies meets T Birds and that's fantastic.

Tommy Hilfiger, Pointed Cap Toe Flat, $54
Such a beautiful fall shoe. I love the mix of deep merlot and gray.

Quilted and a patent toe? Sign me up.

Playing with the cap toe trend is so much fun because you can pair a typically 'buttoned up' shoe with bf jeans or suede pants.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Cowl It Whatever You Want

Let's talk cozy. Let's talk cowl. The cowl neck is a classic style that can be dressed up or down and made to fit any style. From a black tie formal gown to a simple tee, the cowl neck can do no wrong.  In fact, the original cowl neck dress was made by Madeleine Vionnet who designed it for celebs like Katharine Hepburn. Today I thought we would scale it back.

As I said, the cowl neck can go from classy to casual and today we're looking at casual cozy. The cowl neck sweater is comfort to the max.

Modcloth, Cowl to Action Sweater, $79
Cozy. What did I tell ya? Pair it with a plum long sleeve tee for a pop of color.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Sweet Romeo Cowl Neck Sweater, $59
So sleek. I'd pair this with leather leggings for a fun but comfortable night out.

This might be my favorite. I love how the cable knit falls over the shoulders.

Shoptiques, Umgee Poncho Cowl Neck, $59
Part poncho, part sweater, all comfort. Pair it with booties and then slippers when you get home.

Sweater weather is upon us and I'm stocking up on comfy cowl necks that will be the most versatile style in my closet this winter.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, October 24, 2016

Lucky I'm in Leopard

It's Monday, major bummer. Let's have some fun with leopard. These ankle strap detail leopard flats are comfortable and eye catching.

Boden, Florence Flat Point, $82
So chic. I love the tassel detailing.

A tiny heel never hurt any one! These rounded toes are so sweet.

Simple. Looks great with jeans, a skirt, or cropped chinos.

Zappos, Steve Madden Sunshn, $79
These are my favorite. A great print and color. 

Leopard flats are bound to brighten your Monday. Right? Right.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, October 21, 2016

Friday Foodday


Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Apple Pie Sangria

Ingredients
1 750 ml bottle dry white wine (I used sauvignon blanc)
1 c. apple cider (I used unfiltered)
½ c. whipped cream flavored vodka
½ c. apple liqueur
½ c. cinnamon simple syrup (recipe below)
1-2 apples, sliced
cinnamon sticks
Cinnamon Simple Syrup
½ c. water
½ c. sugar
4 cinnamon sticks

Directions
  1. Prepare simple syrup by combining water and sugar in a small sauce pan.
  2. Bring water to a boil, add cinnamon sticks, remove from heat, and cover sauce pan.
  3. Set aside to cool.
  4. Prepare sangria by combining wine, apple cider, vodka, apple liqueur, and cooled simple syrup in large pitcher.
  5. Add sliced apples and cinnamon sticks.
  6. Chill until ready to serve.


Eggplant, Prosciutto and Mozzarella Stacks
Ingredients
1 large or 2 small eggplants
salt 
3 eggs
1 cup flour 
vegetable oil, for frying 
extra virgin olive oil
1 slice prosciutto per stack (approximately 14 slices)
1-lb fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Pecorino cheese, grated

Directions
Cut both ends off the eggplant, the peel the skin. Slice each eggplant into thin rounds (make sure you have an even number of slices). Place a clean kitchen towel on a baking sheet. Lay the eggplant slices on top, then sprinkle with salt. Flip over and salt the other side. Top with another clean kitchen towel and let sit for at least an hour. When ready to cook, pat the eggplant slices dry with the top towel. 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pour 1/2" of vegetable oil into a medium skillet and heat over medium-high heat. 

While the oil is heating, whisk the eggs in a wide, shallow bowl or pie plate. Spread the flour in an even layer in a separate wide, shallow bowl or pie plate. Dredge the eggplant slices in the flour, shaking the excess off. Dip the floured eggplant into the egg mixture, turning well to coat both sides evenly.

Add as many of the coated eggplant slices to the pan as will fit without touching. Cook, turning once, until golden on both sides. Drain on a rack set over the same baking sheet you used to salt the eggplant. Repeat the process until all the eggplant is cooked.

Remove the rack from the baking sheet. Lightly oil the baking sheet with the extra virgin olive oil. Place half the eggplant slices on the sheet. Top each slice with one piece of prosciutto and one slice of mozzarella. Top with another eggplant slice.  

Bake for about 15 minutes, until cheese is melted. Top with some grated cheese. These can be served warm or at room temperature.

White Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup sifted all-purpose flour (for GF Bob’s Red Mill all-purpose GF)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar  
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oat* 
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp 1% milk
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 5 oz white chocolate, melted (you’ll only use 2.5 oz)
  • 1/4 cup colored sprinkles

  • Directions
    Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with Silpats; set aside.
    In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and oats; set aside.
    In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine melted butter, milk, honey, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix to combine.
    Drop 1 level teaspoon of batter onto prepared baking sheets leaving space in between, placing only 12 cookies on each sheet because the cookies will spread in the oven.
    Bake for 7-9 minutes. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes. Carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.
    Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe mug 30 seconds, stir then repeat another 30 seconds at a time until the chocolate is melted. Careful not to overheat to prevent scorching.
    Dip 1/3rd of the cookie into the melted chocolate, then into the sprinkles. Place on a tray lined with wax paper to harden.

    Thursday, October 20, 2016

    Vote for Fun

    It is almost Election Day. Don't worry, I am not going to talk politics here, but I thought we could have some fun with voting and fashion. No matter who you are voting for, do your research, make good choices, and wear these great tees.

    My kind of party.

    Modcloth, Shell Me on the Idea, $29
    I mean, Election Day does fall on Taco Tuesday.

    Express, Vote Vodka Tee, $24
    From the voting booth to the bar stool.

    Nordstrom Rack, Signorelli Vote Wine Party, $22
    No matter who wins, it's glass half full in this tee.

    Yes, this election is a huge deal. Yes, I live in DC and breathe it everyday. Yes, we should still smile and be nice to one another.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, October 19, 2016

    It's A Wrap, It's a Scarf...

    It's fall, which means it is blanket scarf season. Instead of fighting it, let's just dive in. Embrace the cozy, casual, and effortless nature of this accessory. It's a good one.

    The loveliest autumn mix with this scarf. You need a basket of apples and some boots.

    Nordstrom, BP Autumn Plaid Scarf, $29
    This scarf is called 'autumn' it's perfect to pair with a denim jacket.

    A great monochrome option for an all black outfit.

    Some green and brown hues are great but even better with the pops of red and blue!

    Whether you are new to blanket scarves or have more than you'd like to admit, there's no doubting they are a great fall accessory.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Tuesday, October 18, 2016

    Halloween 2016

    Fun fact: I despise Halloween. We talk about this each year. I just don't see a point in spending money on something you wear once. So once again, I'm pulling together some easy costumes that can be broken up to wear again.







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    Monday, October 17, 2016

    Well I Heard You Were A Wild One

    Happy Monday lovebugs,
    I don't know about you, but I had a fantastic weekend when a friend from college and her fiancé came to visit. Great weather, good girl talks, and late nights. Pretty perfect.

    Today I thought we would look into some fall jackets. It's mid-October and while some days are still hitting 70, the mornings are chilly. A classic coat is the motorcycle jacket. It is chic and timeless in the same way as a pearl necklace, but not so sweet around the edges Believe it or not, these jackets can be found for under $100.

    Max Studio, Designer Leatherette Moto Jacket, $118 $58
    I like this jacket because of it's boxy silhouette. It's got more of an urban cool feel.

    Gilt, Cotton Motorcycle Jacket, $177 $89
    How about a cotton moto jacket? So different!

    Gotta love Uniqlo for delivering the trends without the price tag.

    Think moto isn't feminine. Boom.

    Think twice before you spend an arm and a leg on a motorcycle jacket. There are great options in the double digits that will keep you stylish and warm.

    Be fabulous today!

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