Wearing Chocolate

Last week in DC it was 70 degrees.  People were acting like it was Black Friday to get a table outside for dinner.  Now, we have 2 inches of snow.  Come on Mama Nature.  Just pick one.  I'm fine with either but let's make some decisions here!

On to some fashion.  Today I want to look at a great neutral that is so often overlooked because it's not as easy to wear as black.  That color is brown!  Brown is a great hue for almost everyone because it compliments your skin tone and it matches every color.  Seriously!

Nordstrom, Maggy London Belted Jacquard Sheath, $55

Look at this sheath! It's got a kimono-like quality with that wide waistband.  And the blue and brown pattern is so rich.

Modcloth, Railroad Romance Heel, $50

This old time classic shoe is perfect with a cord skirt or skinny jeans.  They're just so romantic!

Macy's, Rachel Roy skirt, $99

One word came to mind when I saw this leather pleated skirt: sassy.  This is a perfect addition to your spring wardrobe.

Forever 21, Oval Facet Bracelet, $11

This would be great with jeans.  It's got some weight to it which is nice as well.

Wearing brown, especially rich dark shades are so luxurious.  The color has a velvety quality to it that makes you feel 100 times sassier.  Try it!

Be fabulous today!

Mini skirt- long legs

Hey there lovebugs,
It was a long weekend for me and the Bf.  We got a new couch at Ikea (still attempting to build the thing) I purged my closet and will be donating all of it this week, and I did the taxes. Lots of of adult things, which makes me inspired to do something not so adult.

Mini skirt.  That's right.  Sometimes you just feel like long legs and a short skirt.  I'm feeling one right about now; but for me mini skirts don't have to be skin tight, in fact, I prefer more of an A-line effect on my short skirt because it created more of a flirty image rather than a hooker image.

Let me explain

J Crew Factory, Watercolor Potpourri Mini, $44.50

I just love the great structure of this skirt.  It sits lower on the waist so it give you a nice long torso.

Gap, Paintbrush stripe skirt, $37

Love this print, the heels, all of it!  

Modcloth, Striking gold skirt, $45

This skirt is perfect for Friday night.  I'm loving it with black sheer dot tights.

LuLu's, Grey pleated mini skirt, $41

I love the pleating on this skirt.  It is dangerously work appropriate.

Old Navy, Ruffle tiered chambray skirt, $19.50

It may not be time yet for chambray but how cute are these ruffles?!

Wearing a mini requires a little more attention then your normal slacks or jeans.  Look for a fitted waist band and follow the Catholic School rule of the hem touching your fingertips.  Have fun with it.  Get some heels and twirl!

Be fabulous today!

Date Night

Happy President's Day lovebugs!  I hope you have the day off from work, are sleeping in, and planning to relax all day long.  You deserve it.

On Saturday night The bf took me out to dinner to a swanky downtown restaurant called PS 7s.  It was delicious.  And that is an understatement.  We had a fabulous time.  I was thinking about what a gal should wear to this type of event.  It's not a first date, it's not a holiday, and it's not an anniversary; but it's not a dive bar or chinese food on the couch either.

I think the best idea is to go dressy but in an interesting way.  Try to not go standard super-dressy and call it a night; experiment with colors, patterns and maybe even mix them.  Surprise him with a new style for your date.

Anthropologie, Seaside fields dress, $70

I love the playfulness of the paisley mixed with the ruffle neckline.  The colors make it more adult and romantic.

Stella and Dot, gold leaf earrings, $39

Instead of a larger bib necklace, try a statement earring and pull your hair back!

Modcloth, pretty pleats skirt, $69

Want to make him watch you walk away to powder your nose? Try this eye catching, leg lengthening skirt!

Urban Outfitters, Cooperative Platform Square Heel, $68

Maybe you're heading to a swanky casual bar.  Try these beauties with wide leg trouser denim.

Now whether you're going out on the town, attending a boring work party, or staying home on the couch.  These items are sure to make you think:

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Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Friday Foodday is upon us.  Thank goodness.  Happy long weekend to everyone!


If you have a recipe you'd like featured, shoot me an email!


Hasslebeck Potatoes
c/o Annie Bakes

Ingredients
4 russet potatoes-washed, skin on
4 garlic cloves-sliced thin
4 tablespoons butter
coarse sea salt
3 tablespoons olive oil


Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Slice into the potatoes but not completely through them, maybe 8 slices per potato.  Slide garlic slices between potato slices.  You might need to shove them in since the potato will be pretty tight.  Just be careful not to tear the bottom.

Place potatoes on a baking sheet.  Generously rub the potatoes with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and top each with a pat of butter.  Drizzle with more oil.  Bake for 1 hour or until tender on the inside and crisp on the outside.  Remove the pan every 15 minutes to baste potatoes in the oil and butter in the pan.

When done, remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes.

**Top with any type of cheese, pesto, sour cream, etc.


Bacon Pirogie Bake
c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients
1 (16 oz) package frozen potato and onion pierogies
2 slices center-cut bacon, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup thin sliced green onions
1 small plum tomato, seeded, and diced
Pepper
Cooking spray


Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 400.
2- Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange the frozen pierogies in the dish.
3- In a medium saucepan, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan.
4- Add garlic to the drippings, cook for 30 seconds. Add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts. Add the broth, stir continuously until it's all incorporated.
5- Pour the sauce mixture over the pierogies. Top with the cheddar cheese.
6- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with the tomatoes and bacon, and return it to the oven. Bake for 5 additional minutes.
7- Remove from the oven sprinkle with green onions and black pepper. Serve hot.


Chocolate Chip Meringues
c/o Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients
2 egg whites, room temperature
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup regular or superfine sugar
6 ounces chocolate chips
1/4 chopped pecans or walnuts


Directions

Preheat oven to 300°F.


Beat egg whites until foamy. Add salt, cream of tartar and vanilla, and beat mixture again until it holds soft peaks. Add the sugar, gradually, beating the batter until it is stiff. 


Fold in the nuts and chocolate chips. Spoon batter onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake for 25 minutes. Undersides of cookies should be golden or lightly tanned.


Be fabulous today!