Pleated Please?

Morning lovebugs!
Happy Monday to you.  Did you have a good weekend? I sure did.  Relaxing, a little bit lazy, a little bit social- just my kind.

Today I want to talk about a great detail to add to your wardrobe.  When done correctly it is super chic and preppy, when not....balloon-like.  Pleats!

Tommy Hilfiger, Chambray pleated skirt, $36!!!

Chambray (denim) is huge for Spring and Summer! Add pleats and adorable pockets and you've got your go-to item for the season.

Topshop, pleated frill dress, $90

I'm loving this swingy, airy dress for Spring.  Great color and the pleats add dimension to the silk.

Macy's, Shutter pleat cardigan, $60

This detail is quiet and sophisticated.  Perfect for work or pink heels!

Yoox, Adam by Lippes, $29

Let me be clear: I don't approve of pleats on shorts or pants unless you try them on; because 9 times out of 10 you will look like you're going to take flight.  However, if you find silky, soft shorts that are pleated, like above- snag them.  They're gorgeous.

Nordstrom, Halogen double pleat blouse, $58

I love this flowy top for work or play.  The color and pattern is so interesting and the pleats make a unique neckline.

So when you buy pleats, think two opposites: very flowy and light or very structured and preppy.  The inbetween will give you an extra 10 pounds!

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

It's Friday Foodday lovebugs!

Do you have a great recipe you want to share? Shoot me an email and I'd be happy to post it!

Sauteed Portabella Mushrooms in a Balsamic Glaze and Butter Sauce
c/o Kitchen Bellicious

Ingredients

1 lb of sliced portabella mushrooms or 2 large portabella mushrooms sliced 

1 garlic clove, minced

3 TBSP butter

1 TBSP olive oil

2 TBSP balsamic vinegar

1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp salt and pepper each

1/2 tsp cayenne

1/2 tsp paprika

1 tsp parsley, chopped

Directions

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pace 2 TBSP of olive oil and 3 TBSP butter. Add the mushrooms and garlic, toss a few times. Allow to cook for approx 8 minutes until the mushrooms have released their juices and are becoming tender. Add the Worcestershire, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper and 1/2 tsp paprika. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for another 4-5 minutes and remove from heat. Plate and garnish with fresh parsley.

Fire Island Ziti

c/o A Taste of Home Cooking 

Ingredients

1 15oz can diced tomatoes, juice reserved
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
8 ounces uncooked ziti
2 broccoli crowns cut into florets
1 pound Italian sausage links, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Cook ziti according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage in oil until no longer pink. Add pepper flakes; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes with the juice and heat through.

Drain ziti mixture; toss with sausage mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.

Unrolled Rollatini

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

1 pound box breaded eggplant cutlets
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg white
1 tsp. Italian seasonings
1 tsp. garlic powder
1-1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1-2 cups marinara sauce

Directions

1- Preheat the oven to 350. Cook the breaded eggplant cutlets according to packaging instructions and set aside.
2- In a bowl combine the ricotta, egg white, Italian seasonings, and garlic powder. Stir well.
3- Cover the bottom of an oven safe dish with marinara sauce. Add a layer of eggplant cutlets. Top with a generous layer of the ricotta mixture. Add some marinara and spread it over the eggplant. Sprinkle with parmesan and 1/2 cup of mozzarella.
4- Repeat step 3, layering eggplant/ricotta/sauce/parmesan/and mozzarella. The top layer should be just eggplant with sauce and some mozzarella.

5- Bake for 30 minutes, until the sauce starts to bubble. Serve hot.

Be fabulous today!

The It List!

Happy Friday everyone! The weekend is finally upon us, I know I am ready!  Take some time to check out these awesome links... 

• shen dove style styles one dress two completely different ways. I just love it when bloggers flex their creativity like this. Check out both outfits! (find shen dove style on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy is suffering from the end-of-winter blues (I second that!) until she finds Chanel's 2011 Spring nail polish line. So gorgeous - this will instantly brighten your mood. (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style rounds up gorgeous rose gold pieces, a popular trend these days for sure. My favorite is this "smooch" necklace! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• rosy + tart has a ruche gift card giveaway on her site... it ends today so hop on over! I am loving this pink scarf from ruche - perfect for spring! (find rosy + tart on twitter!)
• second street east is scheming up a greek key dresser diy - I absolutely can not wait to see her finished product because the inspiration is swoon worthy! (find second street east on twitter!)
• a spoonful of dish features this sweet bicycle print that definitely has words to live by.  I just love the idea here! 
• undeniable style is giving away an absolutely gorgeous dress from Shabby Apple - you must pop by and enter this giveaway! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• daily crush is headed off to Ireland - ahem, just in time for Saint Patricks Day, ay?  I will be stalking her blog for a trip recap!  Go give her a little 'bon voyage'! (find daily crush on twitter!)
• keep collected is rocking the look I am totally coveting for spring - a maxi dress with lots of layers!  Check out her look for inspiration! 
• the capital barbie rounds up gorgeous wallets.  I am loving this simple Kate Spade number in robin's egg blue. Perfect for spring! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• rose a la mode is giving away a gorgeous Kate Spade bag that is just screaming warm weather. Stop by her blog for a chance to win! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
• thought and musing is totally killing this sequin-by-day look. I absolutely love it when tops can pull double duty like this.
• jewelscapes brilliantly pairs bright blue with turquoise accessories. I just love these two colors together, it reminds me of the beach!
• good tots tracked down the most precious wood and fabric handmade toys on etsy. If you have a friend that is expecting a baby you just have to give some of these as a gift, what a great keepsake!
• good life for less is smitten with red for spring... and especially these bright shorts!  They were a fan favorite and for good reason! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the it list is produce by jill of good life for less for more information on how you can be involved, click here!

Love your lobes

Hey lovebugs!
Today I'm feeling like accessorizing.  Specifically, earrings.  I feel like earrings are sometimes an afterthought to outfits, and really, they shouldn't be.  They're the closest thing to your face, which, hopefully, is the first thing people are looking at- so why not give your lobes some love?

Cherry and Violet, Midnight Earrings, $26

This amazing Etsy seller donates 5% of her proceeds to the American Cancer Society.  How can you feel guilty about shopping?

Stella and Dot, Pearl bouquet earrings, $39

These look gorgeously antique.  I just think they are dainty in the best kind of way!

Banana Republic, Goldfinch hoops, $27

I'm digging the bohemian vibe of these earrings.

MARC by Marc Jacobs, colorblock hearts, $42

Color blocking is huge for Spring- how about it in earrings?! 

Kate Spade, All Wrapped Up, $45

These also come in gold.  Perfect for weekends!

I just love the fun you can have with earrings.  Dress up, dress down or go from day to night.  This (usually) inexpensive accessory is easy and fun to try something new often.

Be fabulous today!