Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Chain Link and Confident

Sometimes hardware can be just that: hard.  But sometimes it can offer a certain sense of weight that gives an accessory a confident presence.  We see this most often with large jewelry- take for instance the larger masculine style watches that are in right now.  When you look at them, they seem hefty, but still sleek and sophisticated on a woman.

Today I want to feature a similar situation with a type of jewelry style that is popular right now: chain link.

SO sophisticated.  But it demands some confident attention. 

I really like the mix of metal here, makes the piece eye catching.

Juicy Couture, Convertible chain bracelet, $30
I really love this double duty necklace/bracelet! So fun with jeans or a white button down.

Banana Republic, Fringed link earring, $35
These are so feminine but in a 'I just threw these on' kind of way.

Some jewelry is meant to be delicate while other styles aim to make a harsher statement.  Chain link style is definitely making that a priority.  Try mixing it with silk or softer colors to contrast the metal.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Ikat's Meow

Ikat.  What is it? Well it's weaving pattern that uses resist dyeing similar to tie dye.  It probably originated in Central America but now we are seeing a similar type of pattern pop up in today's styles.

This pattern is busy, colorful, and just beautiful.  Take a look!

Macy's, Cha Cha Vente dress, $68
Some of my favorite colors and a great kimono sleeve.  I love this with gladiator sandals.

Forever 21, Ikat romper, $11.50
Ok, I'm still not sure if I can pull off a romper- but for $11 it's worth a shot!

Ann Taylor, Feline ikat print shell, $78
This ruffle necline is beautiful and I really like this pattern for under a suit or with skinny jeans.

Just gorgeous.  A little bohemian, a little dressy, perfect.

Anthropologie, Liquid Rhombus Scarf, $19.95
Great spring piece to add to your collection.  Comes in two other colors as well.

I'm really loving the ikat style print for spring and summer.  It feels very sunny and breezy.  And the jewelry is versatile.  

Be fabulous today!

Monday, April 25, 2011

My Very First Giveaway!

I don't think you understand how excited I am for this.  I consider a giveaway to be one of the few signs of a legit blogger.  So please enjoy this fantastic giveaway from Rosy+Tart




Have you guys checked out Rosy+Tart? She just opened a beautiful Etsy shop and has graciously agreed to do my very first giveaway on the blog!!!!  I chose this shop because I have a love for handwritten cards.  They are such a fabulous way to brighten someone's day and these cards are bright and sassy.  

Here's how to play:
Visit the Etsy shop and pick out your favorite card set.  Let me know which one you'd like in the comment section below!

Extra Entries (please comment a new time for each one you do!):
-Follow Rosy+Tart blog on Google Friend Connect
-Follow The Capital Barbie on Google Friend Connect
-Follow Rosy+Tart on Facebook


Contest ends on May 2 so get to it!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Friday Foodday

Its that time lovebugs! Friday Foodday.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  And if you're celebrating, Happy Easter to you!


The Humble Cupcake
Ingredients
Banana cupcake

4 ripe bananas, mashed
2-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup canola oil
1-1/2 cups milk
3 cups flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons salt

Peanut butter cream cheese frosting
     1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
     4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
     1 cup creamy peanut butter
     1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

     Directions
Cupcake
 Preheat oven to 350°. Line enough muffin tins with paper liners for 30 cupcakes.  Mix the ingredients in the order listed in a large bowl, starting with the wet ingredients and moving to the dry ones.  Bake for twenty minutes, rotating the pan mid-way.

     Frosting
     Beat the cream cheese and the butter together. 
     Add the peanut butter and vanilla and continue to mix well.   
     Slowly add the sugar and beat until incorporated.  Pipe on to cupcakes


Bruschetta Pizza
     c/o Stephanie Cooks
 Ingredients:
1 batch of pizza dough
1/4 cup pesto sauce
3 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 tbsp. chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
1- In a small bowl combine the tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Season with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Set the bowl in the fridge and allow it to marinade for at least an hour.
2- Preheat the oven to 450. Place your pizza stone in the oven while it preheats.
3- Prepare your dough (either on parchment paper or on a cookie sheet/pizza peel coated with corn meal).
4- Top the dough with the pesto sauce, spread evenly.
5- Top evenly with the bruschetta mix, careful to drain the tomatoes from the olive oil/vinegar to prevent the pizza from being too moist.
6- Sprinkle the mozzarella over the pie, until evenly covered (about 1/2-3/4 of a cup of cheese).
7- Transfer to the pizza stone and bake 10-12 minutes, until golden.



     Tortellini Lasagna 
     c/o Annie Bakes
 Ingredients:
     1 package fresh tortellini
     2 tablespoons olive oil
     1/2 onion-chopped
     2 cloves garlic-minced
     1 1/2 pounds beef
     1-28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
     1 fresh mozzarella ball-sliced thin
     Parmesan cheese-grated

Directions
     In a large sauce pan bring water up to a boil and boil the tortellini as directed.  
     Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees.  
     In a large skillet, heat oil to medium-high and saute the onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes.  
    Add the beef and brown.  Add the tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  
    Spray the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.  
    Add the cooked tortellini, pour the sauce over the top and layer with slices of mozzarella.  
    Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  
    Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.