Guest Post: 21 Forever

Hi everyone! My name is Marisa and I’m so excited and honored to write a guest post for Kelsey’s blog! I’ll be honest, though I love love love reading TCB, the only thing that ever catches my eye is her Forever 21 picks! I’m beyond obsessed with that store (the result being every clothing item I own is from there), and since I’m 21 myself, I decided that it would be the topic of my guest post!

Forever 21 can be a hard store to navigate. Not only is the layout of their stores and changing sizing charts frustrating, but it often seems like they are hiding their gems among a lot of clothing that to be honest, very few people would want to wear to anyplace other than a costume party.

Below, I’ve come up with two fun summer outfits that won’t break the bank, and that will add articles to your wardrobe that are easy to mix and match so you can wear them again and again!

It’s not easy to find a white or cream dress that can be dressed up or down, but I think

this one just might be the perfect LWD. The square neckline, the delicate details, and the

barely there polka dots…I love it!

Satin Dotted Dress, $32.80

I’m a huge Sperry’s fan, but these metallic gold knockoffs are to die for. The best part,

they’re only 1/3 of the price – I’m adding a size six to my cart as we speak!

Metallic Leatherette Loafers, $22.80

If you want to class up the dress a little bit (to make up for the fact that you’re going to

wear flats), I love this simple necklace that will sit high enough on your neck to finish the

look.

Vintaged Floral Necklace, $5.80

I’d wear this outfit out on a dinner date or to grab drinks with friends, or maybe even

on the weekend I’m feeling a little snazzy. All together this ensemble costs only sixty

dollars, and when I look at each piece separately, I’m thinking of countless outfits that I

could include them in!

Is it just me, or does this look like the most comfortable shirt in the world?! I really

like the different tones of light pink on this, as well as the fluttery features of the longer

sleeves.

Muted Print Top, $17.80

I had originally picked a pair of chocolate shorts for this outfit, but I could not get these

out of my head! Teal is one of my favorite colors; and is rich enough to wear right into

the throws of early fall. It’s a done deal!

Cuffed Woven Shorts w/Belt, $17.80

Usually I just throw on a pair of black flip flops during the summer because they go with

everything, but I wouldn’t mind jazzing up even the most simple shirt and shorts combo

with these!

Bed Of Roses Flats, $16.80

This statement necklace is fun, and plays off of the Bohemian-chic look I love to play

around with. It’s set on a longer chain, so it really will help you make a statement even on

the most simplest of tops.

Beaded Statement Necklace, $8.80

This outfit brings together teal and light pink, which might sound like an unexpected combination. The importance is to maintain the continuity of the colors, which in this case are balanced between the shoes and the shirt and the shorts and the necklace.  I’d probably wear this on the weekends when the DC heat is really getting to me: the looseness of the shirt will help me stay comfortable, and the bright shorts will keep a smile on my face as I’m melting my way down the National Mall.

Forever 21 (the store and the age) can be overwhelming, but when you find something you love, all of your time will suddenly seem worth it. I hope you enjoyed my picks for today!

xoxo,

Marisa

Guest Post: When Anything Works at Work

Hi everyone! I am Ashley from A Fashion Fixation and about two months ago (gosh, time flies) I left my corporate job and my business casual style to work in a doctor's office where pretty much the dress code is anything goes. It has been an adjustment to say the least but I have been trying to incorporate some dressier pieces that I used to wear and make them more relaxed...here are some of my favorites.

THE BLACK SKIRT

Now:

Then:

THE STRIPED SKIRT

Now:

Then:

THE BLACK CARDIGAN

Now:

Then:

Thanks to The Capital Barbie for letting me share some of my favorites!

Guest Post: Beach Coverups

Erika here, while Kelsey is off to New England, likely to return with a few blog posts on Vineyard Vines, yacht attire and delectable seafood recipes. Assuming you're not also on a beach/boat/porch but instead reading this in your office/cube/class, let's play make believe and talk beach coverups!

Target, Xhilaration® Juniors Ruffle Smocked Strapless Coverup Dress, $17.99

Usually I'm not a huge fan of strapless because I worry about it falling down but this kind of beach coverup has never failed me - and feel like I can walk straight into a (beach) restaurant as if I'm wearing a dress. I own one similar and wear it all the time - even away from the beach, around my apartment in this DC humidity.

Victoria's Secret, Tank Dress Cover-up, sale $28

I love the idea of this. It's so light and effortless. Great mix of feminine and, dare I say, athletic? 


But as someone with the palest skin known to man (like Edward from Twilight, I'm basically monochrome), the next few are what I'd choose if I'm not wearing any spf.

Asos, O' Beach Tamarin Sequin Kaftan, $41.37

This is just so fun, flashy and bright that it's hard to say no to. What I like about the kaftan is that you can cover your shoulders but still show a little of your swimsuit. 

Zappos, Lole Dreamy Shirt, $60

So this is a little pricey for a beach coverup but it's so cute that it could double as a shirt. Cute for the beach but also imagine pulling on some wide leg work slacks and tucking this baby in. Yes please!

Asos, Cotton Beach Shirt, $34.48

Sometimes less (skin) is more. I mean, how sexy is this?! Complete coverage from the sun, it's not too flashy and I would be totally comfortable in this.

What do you think? A bunch of different styles here. Although they all are meant for the beach or pool, I'm not one to discriminate. I can see myself slipping on shorts with these or wearing them as a dress during these hot DC summers. Okay, make believe is over - back to work.


Extra: Who in their right mind considers this a coverup?!?! No thank you. 

Friday Foodday!

Hey lovebugs!
Happy Friday!  I'm especially excited today because I leave on my family vacation on Sunday for a week!  But don't worry, TCB will still be here for you everyday next week with some fabulous guest bloggers!  Until then, enjoy these great recipes!

Siracha Chicken Strips
c/o Budget Bytes

Ingredients

 2 boneless chicken breasts

1/3 cup  Siracha hot sauce

1 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 inch peeled and grated ginger

1 clove garlic

1 large egg

1 cup flour

1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs

a pinch of salt and pepper

Directions

STEP 1: In a resealable container combine the Sriracha, rice vinegar, minced garlic and grated ginger. Slice the chicken breasts diagonally into 6 strips each and mix to coat in the Sriracha marinade. Cover the container with the marinade and chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

STEP 2: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Set up your dredging station by getting three bowls. Fill the first with the all-purpose flour, in the second whisk the egg and 1 Tbsp of water and in the third bowl place the panko bread crumbs. Also get a clean plate or dish ready to hold the breaded chicken strips.

STEP 3: Taking one chicken strip from the marinade at a time, wipe off the excess Sriracha then dip to coat in the flour, then the egg and lastly the panko crumbs. Make sure all surfaces of the chicken strip get covered with each. Gently place the breaded strip on the clean plate and move on to the next one. This is messy and your hands will get coated so make sure you won't get interrupted before you begin.

STEP 4: Once all of the strips are breaded, place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. After 20 minutes, turn the oven on to broil and broil for about 5 minutes on each side. Watch the strips during the broiling process. When they get golden brown, pull them out, flip them and wait for the second side to get golden (about 5 minutes each side). Let the strips cool slightly before serving!

Chicken Stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta

c/o Great Eats with Petes

Ingredients

Olive oil
1 bag of fresh spinach
1 garlic clove, minced and 2 garlic whole and peeeled
Salt
Pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup ricotta
1/4 cup grated cheese
Toothpicks
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add in garlic and spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Stir around the spinach until it is coated. Cover the pan and allow the spinach to cook turning it every so often. Once spinach has wilted remove from pan and set aside.
In a medium size bowl mix together the ricotta and grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Cut a slit in the chicken breasts to create a pocket. Don’t go all the way through the chicken. Stuff the ricotta mixture inside the slit. Then stuff it with the spinach. You can mix the spinach in with the ricotta too but I wanted a separate layer of spinach. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Place the egg mixture into a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish place the breadcrumbs. Dredge the chicken in the egg mixture and coat on all sides. Dip the chicken with the egg on it into the breadcrumbs and coat on all sides. Close the pocket up with some toothpicks by placing them in at an angle. Repeat for each piece of chicken.
In a large sautée or fry pan that is oven proof add in the garlic and about 1/4 cup of oil. Turn the heat to medium. When the oil is hot add in the chicken. Brown on both sides. If needed add more oil to the pan. Once browned place the pan in the oven and cook 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Southwestern Black Bean Salad
c/o Skinny Taste

  Ingredients
1 15.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
9 oz frozen corn, thawed
1 tomato, chopped
1 small hass avocado, diced
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1 scallion, chopped
1 lime, juice of
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp cilantro
salt and fresh pepper

Directions
Combine beans, corn, tomato, onion, scallion, cilantro, salt and pepper. Mix with lime juice and olive oil. Marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes. Add avocado before serving.