Get in Line

Lovebugs,
Yesterday we talked button downs and I thought we'd continue that trend with military inspired dresses that are so often detailed with buttons, grommets, and other bling.

J Jill, Military Sweater Dress, $35 (!!)

I love this outfit with a pair of flat boots.  And the price? Hello.

Canvas, Chambray Military Shirt Dress, $59

I never really got into the chambray trend but this dress with these suede wedges- perfect.

J Crew, Jane Dress, $69

The v-neck, the pockets, the sleeves, the price! Buy it.

Lutz & Patmos, Short Dress, $79

Now this is how you dress up the military trend.  Black silk and a deep drape neckline.

Military jackets will surely be seen this fall, but why not try military dresses? Great with flat knee high boots of suede lace-up wedges.

Be fabulous today!

Silk for Work

One of my favorite blouses to wear to work is a silk button down.  They are so cool and sleek and ultra comfortable for a long day at the office.

Drew, Steel Silk Crepe Blouse, $62

The roll-up sleeve is lovely for transitioning into fall.

Jenny Han, Smock Neck Blouse, $69

This pattern is over-sized and super graphic.  Beautiful.

Banana Republic, Teresa Floral Blouse, $79

I love the soft colors in this blouse.  I would belt it with an oversize bf cardi in the fall.

Old Navy, Women's Breezy Blouse, $29

Ok, so it's not perfect 100% silk but its got the same silhouette and movement.  And this pattern is to die for!!

I just adore the softness mixed with the traditional button down.  Mix in pattern or a pop of color and you're ready to go.

Be fabulous today!

Cherry Picking

Hey lovebugs,
How was your weekend?  Hopefully extra lovely and enjoyable.  The best part about coming out of a long weekend is coming into a short work week!  Am I right?

Today I thought we'd take a look at a color I'm loving right now: cherry.  Not just plain red, but something that is a little more saturated and juicy.

Modcloth, Homemade B-red Skirt, $43

Loving the breezy qualities of this skirt, but pair it with black tights in the winter and a metallic tweed cardi in the winter.

White House Black Market, Flowing Micro Pleat Dress, $89

I love the v-neck on this dress, perfect for bold earrings or a chunky bauble necklace.

Nordstom, Expressions NYC Woven Satin Clutch, $58

So sleek and perfect for happy hour or an LBD.

Nine West, Sheryl, $89

Expensive? Yes.  Classic and Worth it? Oh yes.

I'm really loving the luscious cherry tones right now because they pop in a piece of jewelry or in a dress.  You can wear it day or night.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday!

Hey lovebugs! Happy Friday Foodday!  Happy Labor Day! TCB will be back on Tuesday with fun fashion for you!

Sofrito Chicken Stew

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

For Sofrito:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 scallions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped fine
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 packet sazón or 1 tsp annatto seed powder

For Stew:

• 8 pieces chicken legs and/or thighs on the bone, skin removed
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 6 oz light beer
• 1 cup water
• salt to taste
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (or to taste)

Directions

Heat oil in a deep saute pan. Add scallions and garlic, sauté 2 minutes, add tomatoes and peppers. Season with salt, cumin, and sazón or annatto. Set aside.   Season chicken with salt and garlic powder; add to center of the pan allowing chicken to brown slightly on both sides. Combine chicken with sofrito, and add beer, water and cilantro, adjust salt if needed. Cover pan and simmer on low until chicken is cooked through, about 20-30 minutes. Serve over rice.

Spice Rubbed Shrimp with Spaghetti Salsa Verde

c/o Stephanie Cooks 

  Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti or angel hair pasta
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 finely chopped white onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup salsa verde
1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 cup sour cream

Directions

1- Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. Set aside.
2- Place chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper into a small bowl, stirring to combine. 
3- Pat the shrimp dry, then place in the spices and rub into both sides. 
4- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large, oven-safe pot over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink on both sides, about 3-4 minutes each side. 
5- Remove from pan and cover with foil until ready to serve.
6- In the now-empty skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking and stirring until tender, about 5 minutes. Add salsa, tomatoes, and sour cream, stirring to combine. Just before serving add cooled pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Top with the shrimp.

Jamaica Margaritas

c/o Cooking Light

   Ingredients

• 1 cup dried hibiscus blossoms (about 2 ounces)
• 3 cups water
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 cups tequila
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/3 cup Triple Sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
• 8 lime slices

Directions

• Place blossoms in a strainer; rinse under cold water. Combine blossoms, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Strain; discard blossoms. Cover and chill hibiscus mixture.
• Combine hibiscus mixture, tequila, juice, and Triple Sec. Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices.