White Out

Winter white is always beautiful to wear this time of year. I really love it in cashmere or a sleek wool pant, but what about accessories? Today we are looking at some beautiful white drop earrings that are dressy and feminine.

Saks off Fifth, Funky Shape Drop Earrings, $14

These have got some movement. I love the multiple teardrops in different tiers and sizes.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Lydell NYC Marquise Crystal Studs, $16

These are a little showgirly and I love them. Can't beat the price!

Nordstrom, Jenny Packham Wanderlust Drop Earrings, $88

How about these beauties? A bit of an antique feel to them.

BaubleBar, Fatima Drops, $38

Gotta round it out with BaubleBar. They know statement earrings.

Winter white doesn't have to be for your wardrobe. Play with accessories that frost you!

Be fabulous today!

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Be Kind and Be Smart

It's been a tumultuous first week for our country. I thought we should take today to express how many of us feel and showcase some pretty epic political wear.

Etsy, Nasty Woman Necklace, $24

Simple statement piece and it supports small business.

Amazon, Mt Nasty Shirt, $16

I mean, come on. Get in formation, ladies.

Etsy, Feminist AF Sweatshirt, $24

A little more in your face but those who need to know, will know.

Topshop, Girl Power Choker Necklace, $15

How about a choker necklace that says how every Spice Girl feels?

Bottom line, no matter how angry you might be right now, try to remember to be kind. Being kind is the only way we are going to get through this.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Grapefruit Mimosas
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
3 cups unsweetened grapefruit juice, chilled
One (750-milliliter) bottle dry sparkling wine, chilled
8 to 10 kumquats

Directions

Fill a champagne coupe or flute about 1/2 full with grapefruit juice, then top off with dry sparkling wine and stir lightly.

Make a slit lengthwise in a kumquat and slide it on the edge of the glass. Serve (and sip) immediately.

Chicken Shitake and Wild Rice Soup

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter

1 small onion

1 tbsp flour

6 cups less-sodium chicken broth (Swanson)

3 cups water

2/3 cup chopped carrots

3 garlic cloves

2 celery stalks

14 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs

4.5 oz long grain rice & wild rice combo (I used Carolina)

1/2 cup brown rice

4 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced

2 tbsp light sour cream

salt and fresh pepper, to taste

Directions

Melt butter in a large pot on medium heat, add onion and saute until soft but not browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Add flour and saute another minute.

Add chicken broth, water, carrots, garlic, celery, brown rice and chicken thighs, cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Add wild rice mix along with it's seasoning packet, long grain rice and mushrooms and simmer on low, covered 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks, return to pot, add sour cream and more water if too thick, adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed and serve.

Slow Cooker Pecan Pie

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup maple syrup (or honey or golden syrup)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Place the pie crust in the bottom of a foil lined slow cooker, fill with the mixture of the remaining ingredients and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The crust will be nice and golden brown!

Half Way There

Friday eve lovebugs, let's have some fun. A bootie is nothing new for this season, but what about a mid calf bootie. You can style it a million ways with a skirt, with pants over, you name it. I've picked out a few that have personality for days.

Shopbop, Steve Madden Steven Wes Booties, $74

These are amazing. Not quite disco, but certainly not nude. Something dangerously in between.

Lord & Taylor, French Connection Rowdy Suede Ankle Booties, $52

A sleek stiletto with a pointy toe. Can't beat it.

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger Natalai Ankle Bootie, $139 $34

$100 off? Yeah, I'd buy that.

Macy's, Franco Sarto Pisces Back Tie Booties, $89

A great block heel with clean lines in black.

A mid calf bootie is versatile and great for winter. Play with toe box style and heel to match it to your unique look!

Be fabulous today!

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Give Me A Twirl

A great skirt is essential for your Monday through Friday domination. Might I recommend an accordion skirt that has movement and grace. It's a skirt that will work for all seasons and all weather. Pleats and all.

JCPenny, Worthington Solid Woven Pleated Skirt, $17

I dare you to find a better deal. Also comes in merlot or black.

Everlane, The Pleated Skirt, $88

Pick your staple color: navy or black. This is a workhorse skirt.

Loft, Shimmer Pleated Skirt, $12

I kid you not. This price. Also comes in a steel shimmer.

Lord & Taylor, Wild Hearts Pleated Skirt, $99

Ok, is it a splurge? Maybe. But look at the fit and the movement and the tiny black detail hem!

A great pleated skirt is perfect for twirling, I mean the office. It's sophisticated and chic while also being perfectly playful.

Be fabulous today!

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Wrap and Roll

When you're looking for a top that isn't a button down for work, where do you usually turn? Sure, you can go for a bow tie blouse but that usually requires ironing. I love the wrap top because it is is easy and usually machine washable, which let's be honest, is all I really look for in a work blouse.

Lord & Taylor, Plaid Wrap Blouse, $37

I love this top for work or play. Dress it up with a pencil skirt and dress it down with ripped jeans and boots.

Anthropologie, Marceau Wrap Top, $54

A beautiful mossy green that is quiet and comfortable.

Topshop, Flower Wrap Blouse, $65

A cheery and floral print that I love to wear with a pair of pencil pants or under a suit jacket.

Mango, Wrap Blouse, $59

This top is divine. The waist has elastic in it so it fits perfectly to your torso.

Playing with silhouettes using a wrap blouse is great for work or play. Stock up on solids and I promise you will wear them (and wash them) to get your moneys worth.

Be fabulous today!

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Nasty Woman

It's Monday, and I'm feeling like a nasty woman. I thought we should celebrate with leopard. A leopard sweater that is snug, fitted, and sassy.

JCrew Factory, Teddie Sweater, $41

See? Simple, classic, affordable.

Loft, Turtleneck Sweater, $69

I love this sweater. It's a little boxy which is fun to balance with some neon earrings.

Bloomingdale's, Foxcroft Leopard Print Cardigan, $89

A leopard cardigan is a beautiful and simple way to add some pizazz to a pencil skirt.

Asos, Sweater in Leopard, $43

A great transition piece with 3/4 length sleeves. 

So lean in and make a statement with some leopard. Play with fit and style and make it work for you.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

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

Rosemary Honey Gin Rickey
c/o Bren Did

Ingredients

Rosemary Honey Simple Syrup Ingredients (for 6 drinks)

• 2 tbsp raw honey
• ¼ cup fresh rosemary leaves (loosely packed)
• 1/2 cup boiling water

Honey Rosemary Gin Rickey Ingredients (for 1 drink)

• 1-1 1/2 oz Gin (2-3 Tbsp)
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice (2 Tbsp)
• 1 oz Rosemary Honey Simple Syrup (2 Tbsp)
• 1/2 cup San Pellegrino Sparkling Water or Club Soda
• Ice

Directions

Rosemary Honey Simple Syrup Directions

1. Wash the rosemary and remove the leaves from the stems.

2. Place rosemary and honey in a heat proof cup or bowl. Pour boiling water over the rosemary and stir until honey is dissolved. Allow to steep for 20 minutes. 

3. Strain out rosemary and store in refrigerator for up to one week or freeze into ice cubes for several months. 

Honey Rosemary Gin Rickey Directions

1. In a short cocktail glass or small Mason jar combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir lightly.
2. Top with ½ club soda and ½ cup ice.
3. Garnish with lime and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Smoked Sausage Chilaquiles

c/o Emily Bites

Ingredients

• 5 (6 inch) corn tortillas (I used Mission Extra Thin Yellow Corn tortillas)
• 8 oz turkey smoked sausage, chopped (I used Hillshire Farm)
• 3 cups chunky salsa
• 1 cup reduced sodium fat free chicken broth
• 4 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar, shredded (I used Cabot)
• 1 medium avocado, cut into cubes (to keep these from browning you can toss them in a bit of lime juice)
• 6 lime wedges
• Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350. Cut your tortillas into strips (mine were about 1” by 3” strips). Spread the tortilla strips onto a large baking sheet and lightly mist with cooking spray. Bake for 13-15 minutes until crisp. Set aside.
2. Mist a large skillet with cooking spray and bring over medium heat and add the chopped sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the sausage pieces are a bit browned. Remove sausage to a side plate.
3. Keep the skillet over medium heat and add the salsa. Bring to a simmer. Add the broth and stir together. Return to a simmer and simmer uncovered for 2 minutes. Add the browned sausage pieces and stir together. Add the baked tortilla strips and stir until well combined. Return to a simmer and simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes until the tortillas soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and sprinkle with the shredded cheddar while the mixture is still hot Top with the chopped avocado and cilantro if using. Serve with a lime wedge to squeeze over top.

Nutella Hot Fudge

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/4 cup Light Corn Syrup
• 3/4 cup Nutella
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 2 tsp Kahlua or coffee liqueur

Directions

In a medium sauce pan, whisk together the heavy cream and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, and whisk in the nutella. Whisk the nutella into the mixture until it has completely dissolved. Turn the heat off, and stir in the vanilla and Kahlua.

Let the mixture cool completely and store in an airtight microwave safe container in the fridge.

To reheat, remove the lid from the container, and microwave the fudge for 30-45 seconds. Stir the hot fudge to ensure that it is smooth and pourable. If needed, microwave for an additional 15 seconds. 

Proper Pleats

Some people despise shopping for work, I love it. I think it's like playing dress up. Corporate barbie, casual cool, or fashion forward. I especially love trying something out of the box that shouldn't work but it does; like pattern mixing, culottes, or pleats! Today let's look at some super chic pleated pants that will turn heads for all of the right reasons at the office.

Macy's, Calvin Klein Pleated Trousers, $64

Command the room in these sleek pants. Picture it with a silk blouse.

Nordstrom, Topshop Peg Leg Trouser, $48

I'd mix these casual pants with heels and a neck scarf.

Brooks Brothers, Wool Drawstring Pants, $148 $44

Tell me where else you find a wool trouser for under fifty bucks. Gorgeous.

Banana Republic, Avery Fit Jacquard Pleated Pant, $98 $48

A great cropped pant that is fantastic for warmer weather and even through fall. 

A pleated pant has such an old-school professionalism vibe that you can't help but feel a little Mad Men in them.

Be fabulous today!

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Legs for Days

I love patterned tights because they give personality to an otherwise demure accessory. Colors, prints, not always my thing, but a great pattern, and I'm talking beyond fishnet, is so much fun for work.

Nordstrom, Commando Colette Tights, $36

Hello glamour. 

Express, Polka Dot Full Tights, $10

You know I love some dots and I love the price even more.

Ann Taylor, Scalloped Tights, $20

A great scallop hem is so sweet, I love it even more with tights!

Lord & Taylor, Zac Posen Stripe Patterned Tights, $13

A great stripe that will look even better with a wool pencil skirt.

Dress up your legs this winter with a fun pattern that makes your outfit stand out! Try dots, stripes, lace, anything that catches your eye.

Be fabulous today!

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Beautiful Boucle

It's still sweater weather and about this time of year I need a refresh on my closet. I love my sweaters, but midway (hopefully) through winter I need to add a couple to reinvigorate my drawers. Right now I love boucle sweaters. They are a fun throwback that are so ridiculously comfortable that you can't not love them.

Uniqlo, Women Boucle Crewneck Sweater, $19

A cozy throwover sweater for under twenty bucks? Sign me up.

Loft, Lou & Grey Easy Boucle Sweater, $54

Great relaxed neckline makes this sweater easy to dress down with jeans or leggings.

Gap, Slouchy Boucle Sweater, $34

Could this girl be more casual cool? I think not. And this sweater is half off.

Asos, Warehouse Boucle Crew Sweater, $57

And now for a baby blue. So soft and sweet. I love this with plaid.

Boucle's long loops give it a cozy, almost chenille texture. This makes for maximum comfort. 

Be fabulous today!

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