Retro Wednesday

Hey there lovebugs,
I hope your humpday is going fabulously.  DC is expecting a bit of snow today, so cross your fingers for me!  Also- before I forget, who has got a recipe for me to feature? Any Super Bowl appetizers that you make every year? I would love to see them!

Today we're going to time warp a little bit.  Yesterday was all about the structured button down shirt, today let's loosen up a little bit.  I'm thinking retro, hippy, groovy, baby.  I like this trend because it's comfortable, it's affordable, and it usually let's me eat a lot without feeling trapped in my clothing.  Three very important things.

Boden, Retro spot tunic, $72

I love this print!!! It's so much fun! And it has 'retractable' belt loops so you can wear with or without the belt!  Genius.

Coldwater Creek, Matka jacket, $35

So Coldwater Creek isn't my favorite store, mostly because it's a little too country mom for me.  But I'm loving this cropped coat! The blend of colors is so chic.

Modcloth, Grand Prix necklace, $40

How adorable is this? The chain is extra long so it's perfect for a tunic of even a crewneck tee.

Gap, vintage flare jean, $69.50

I am loving these jeans.  They are dare I say, groovy?

Forever 21, Loose fitting silk top, $30

These colors are amazing, plus the seamless mix of patterns- it's downright joyful!

As you can see, the retro trend is beyond affordable and super playful.  It may need some accessory dressing up for the workday but for going out or weekend wear it is far out!

Be fabulous today!

The Classic Shirt

The classic white button down is one of the most important items in any wardrobe. Period.  Why? Let me count the ways.

1. It will stand the test of any trend, style, or passing fashion obsession
2. It is the definition of clean, crisp, and put together
3. It can be worn $300 suit OR a $30 pair of jeans
4. Do you really need more?

Every woman should have at least one standard button down in white.  The variations on this masterpiece are also something to experiment with.  Today I'm going to show you some of my favorite not-so-traditional button down whites.

Rugby, Skinny Ryder Shirt, $60

I love the detachable sash on this shirt and the french cuffs give it an extra bit of wow.

7 for all mankind, piecing top, $69

Like I said, sometimes you need a clean and crisp shirt for the weekend.  This is it.  

J Jill, pleated front shirt, $50

I LOVE this tuxedo pleat style.  Can you picture it with a bold pencil skirt? Yum.

Nordstrom, Tahari Tundra blouse, $59.50

Besides the fact that this model looks like she's about to sneeze; look at the great rouching and darting down the torso.  This is going to bring attention up from any problem mid-section areas and showcase your beautiful collarbone.

The white button down will serve so many purposes for you.  Work, play, dress up, relax, you name it.  The best part about it is your ability to have fun with it.  Metallic skinny belt it or go for a emerald green drop earring.  So many possibilities.

Also, for my more well-endowed friends out there.  You know who you are.  Fear not! The ultimate button down pucker solution!!!!!  No See 'ems I swear by 'em.

Be fabulous today!

Clutching

Hey lovebugs! Happy Monday to you.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Since last week we talked about your go-to bag, I wanted to give a little love to a night out bag, which for me it always a clutch.  I don't want anything over my shoulder, giving me a bicep work out while I'm out and about.  Clutches fit everything I need for a night out and they fit under your arm or on a table.

Here are my picks!

Urban Expressions, Sandra, $50

This one comes in lots of colors for you to choose.  I bet I could stuff everything I needed in there plus a camera.

Ralph Lauren, Acadian Clutch, $85

I'm loving the crocodile on this clutch, it's simple yet classic.

Fa2u, blue and white polka dots, $33

This is a handmade clutch with a silver clasp on the top.  I LOVE it for daytime weekend.

Angela Huse, Large clutch, $44

Love is an understatement with this pattern.  And it's an oversized clutch so put all you want in it!

BCBG, two way sequin clutch, $82

I love sparkle and I LOVE this bag with skinny jeans or an LBD.

So that's what I would like in a clutch.  You don't need a bottomless pit purse for evening, in fact, it kinda makes you look crazy.  Put the essentials in a feminine clutch and you will be set for the night!  The best part about this style is that the fabrics, trends, and options are endless! There is a style for everyone.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Hey lovebugs! It's Friday Foodday and have I got some great recipes for you this week!
Wanna get in on the love? Send me your recipe and I would love to feature it!

Chicken Parm

c/o Caycee 

Ingredients

2 tsp Olive Oil

1/2 cup White Onion

1 medium raw Green-bell Pepper

3 cloves Garlic Clove

2 tsp Oregano, Dried

28 oz Organic Crushed Tomato With Basil

1 tbsp Organic Tomato Paste

1/2 cup Panko Crumbs

1 tbsp Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese  

1/2 tsp Thyme, Dried

1 2/5 g Sea Salt

1/4 tsp Black Pepper

16 oz Chicken Breast

1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Note : I do not like Mustard, so I use egg!

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, part-skim, shredded

2 1/2 oz Organic Whole Wheat Penne

1/4 cup Basil, Fresh

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic and saute 3 to 5 minutes, until vegetables are soft. Add 1 tsp oregano and stir to coat. Cook 30 seconds, until oregano is fragrant. Add tomatoes and tomato paste and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, partially cover and simmer 20 to 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a shallow dish, combine panko, Parmesan, remaining 1 tsp oregano, thyme, salt and black pepper. Mix with a fork to combine. Brush both sides of each chicken breast with Dijon. Transfer each breast to panko mixture and turn to coat both sides. Arrange chicken on prepared baking sheet. Coat surface of chicken with cooking spray. Bake 20 minutes.

4. Top each chicken breast with 2 to 3 Tbsp tomato sauce and 2 Tbsp mozzarella. Return chicken to oven and bake 10 minutes more, until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Arrange pasta on a serving plate and top with remaining tomato sauce. Serve chicken with pasta on the side, garnishing both with basil.

Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry

c/o Annie Bakes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 medium Vidalia onion, sliced thin
1 large bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and pepper
2/3 cup sugar-free teriyaki sauce
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Directions

Heat a large nonstick saute pan over high heat. When the pan is hot, add the sesame oil.  Add the onion and asparagus, and sitr-fry until the vegetables are almost tender, about 6 minutes.  Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste, and add them to the pan.  Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often.  Add the stir-fry sauce.  When the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce is hot (after about 2 minutes), stir in the basil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired, serve.

Zucchini Fries

Ingredients

3 zucchini (1 lb.)

1/4 cup  KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 pkt. SHAKE 'N BAKE Chicken Coating Mix

1   egg

1/2 cup KRAFT Mayo with Olive Oil Reduced Fat Mayonnaise

1/2 tsp.  lemon zest

1 small garlic clove, minced (about 1/2 tsp.)

Directions

HEAT oven to 450ºF.

TRIM zucchini. Cut crosswise in half, then cut each piece into 1/4-inch matchlike sticks. Add cheese to coating mix in shaker bag; shake gently to combine. Whisk egg in medium bowl. Add zucchini; toss to coat. Use tongs to place 1/4 of the zucchini in shaker bag; close bag and shake to evenly coat. Spread onto baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Repeat with remaining zucchini.

BAKE 12 to 13 min. or until golden brown, turning after 7 min. Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients.

Hope you all enjoyed!!

Be fabulous today!