Striped Dresses

Happy Hump Day lovebugs!

Are you hanging in there? Chugging along? Keep your head up because you look gorgeous today!

Today I wanted highlight a great pattern to add to your spring dress collection.  Stripes! They're an easy way to add interest to a dress without going overboard with a pattern.  Take a look.

The Limited, Green striped dress, $89

This is just gorgeous.  Reminds me of a Kate Spade dress.  Great pleating, great structure.

Olive and Oak, Front and Back Striped Dress, $35

I like the slouchiness of this dress.  Super casual.

Free People, long sleeve striped maxi, $88

Maxi dresses are all the rage again this spring, I like this one because it's not super form fitting.  

Ann Taylor, knit striped flutter hem dress, $98

This dress is described as 'confident' I love that.  For a more casual look, I would add a belt.

Don't fear stripes! They look fantastic and they are great way to add interest to an outfit!

Be fabulous today!

Daisy Dos!

Daisies! How cheery and light.  They are one of my favorite flowers! How about wearing them?

Kate Spade, Daisy Stud Earring, $45

Oh Kate! I love you and your fabulous earrings!

Nordstrom, Halogen Flower Applique, $40

3/4 length sleeves make this cardi perfect for spring.

Forever 21, Retro daisy skirt, $18

This skirt is beyond adorable.  Great A-line, great pattern.

Topshop, green scribble daisy, $32

Are you ready for summer when you look at this top? It's almost a piece of graffiti art! And the scalloped hem is lovely.

What are your fave florals to wear? Get ready, Spring is coming, I promise!

Be fabulous today!

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!