Monday, September 26, 2011

Gold Details

Happy Monday lovebugs.  I don't know about you but this weekend seemed a day too short.  I hope yours was enjoyable!

Today I want to zero in on one of my favorite details- gold.  When I wear gold I feel like a lady because my mom always wore gold and growing up this metal is what I equated with maturity, class and elegance.

Gold jewelry would be an easy post, but I'm getting more specific.  Gold hardware. Belt buckles, buttons, etc.

Rebecca Minkoff, Brooke Sandal, $99
These gold buckles add just the right amount of bling to these otherwise sassy heels.


Wow.  The gold detail right by the shoulder, just wow.

Aldo, Teem, $55
Ok Aldo, this is Cole Haan meets Birkin meets Kors, well done.

Michael Kors, Light Brown Leather Studded Cuff, $53
Motorcycle hard and sophisticated chic.

I really love gold details because it grounds an outfit.  Gold details give any outfit the class that you always envy your mother for.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Friday Foodday

It's Friday! What are you up to this weekend? Hopefully you can use some of these recipes!

Baked Eggplant Sticks
c/o SkinnyTaste 
 Ingredients
10 oz eggplant
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
1/2 cup Italian Seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tbsp parmesan cheese
1 large egg white
oil spray
1 cup quick marinara sauce for dipping

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.

Cut ends off the eggplant. Slice eggplant in half, then into 1/4 inch thick slices. Lay each slice on the cutting board and cut into 1/4 inch strips. Be sure to cut all the strips the same size so they cook evenly.  Place eggplant strips in a bowl and season with olive oil, salt and pepper. Set aside.  Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a bowl, and egg whites in another.  Dip a few strips of eggplant at a time into the egg whites, then into the breadcrumbs. Using a fork, remove eggplant from crumbs and place on the baking sheets. Spray with more oil and bake 10 minutes in the middle rack.   Turn over and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until golden. Serve hot.

Thai Chicken Bites
c/o Stephanie Cooks
Ingredients
3/4-1 pound chicken tenders, diced in chunks
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
Vegetable oil for frying
1/3 cup sweet chili sauce


Directions
1- Pour oil into the bottom of a non-stick skillet, about 1/2" to 1" deep.
2- In a small bowl combine the flour, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3- In a separate bowl combine the egg and milk, beating well to combine.
4- Dip the chicken first in flour, than egg mixture, than flour. Repeat until all chicken is coated.
5- Lightly fry until all chicken is cooked. Drain on paper towel and season with salt.
6- Toss gently with the sweet chili sauce. Serve hot.

Bacon Wrapped Blue Cheese
c/o Lauren's Latest
 Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts {boneless, skinless}
5 slices hickory smoked bacon
1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
3 tablespoons BBQ sauce and  a splash of water to thin it out
 
Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cooling rack over baking sheet and spray lightly with non stick cooking spray and set aside.
On a large cutting board, slice bacon strips into 4 sections to get 20 small slices. Cut two chicken breasts into 20 bite-sized pieces.
To assemble, place a scant teaspoon of blue cheese on top of a piece of chicken. Place a strip of bacon on top of the blue cheese and stretch it around the piece of chicken, securing it with a toothpick. It’s fine if the bacon doesn’t stretch the entire way around! Place on baking rack, with the blue cheese facing up.
In a small bowl, mix bbq sauce with a little water to thin it out and baste the chicken bites. Place into preheated oven and bake 15 minutes. For crispier bacon, switch the oven to broil and cook until desired crispiness is attained. You may have to flip your chicken bites to crisp up all sides. Remove from oven and serve. 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Etsy Browsing

Hey lovebugs,
We haven't done an Etsy post in some time.  Let's see what lovely things are popping up there lately.

Sunshine and Carousels, Miss Joan Mustard Yellow Headband, $12
I really love this color for fall, and you don't even have to ask about the bow.

So cute, I love the sleeves and the polka dots are so flashy.

Old School Farm, Vintage Beaded Black Purse, $32
Wow, this is so special.  Like perfect special occasion bag or dress up your jeans.

Allison Mooney, Duzy Spirit Quarts Pendant, $85
This is going to look amazing with a sweater this winter.


What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?  I love browsing around there, especially around the holidays.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Peplum

I love a structure variation on a blouse, and peplum tops fit the bill.  I like them because they add flair without color or pattern, just by their design.

How fun is this top? I love this for a Friday night with a long lariat necklace.

Forever 21, Wrap Peplum Top, $17
Great pattern, I would also wear this under a suit.

Anthropologie, Tucked Peplum, Tank, $88
I'm picturing Michelle Obama in this top.  Just so classy!

I like the boho feeling of this blouse, something very airy about it.

Will you be trying the peplum top this fall?  I really like it because it's super feminine.

Be fabulous today!