Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Collared Up

I wore a school uniform from preschool until I graduated from high school, so I have a special place in my heart for collars. Right now it seems that they are coming back! Maybe not in an oxford style but a peter pan collar and even removable collars. Let's take a look.

Modcloth, Academic Achievement Top, $57
Great rounded collar, small pattern and silky sophistication.

Short sleeved and sweet as pie, don't you think?

Ann Taylor, Shawl Collar Blouse, $88
Ok, well the color is fantastic. But the faux wrap effect of this top is so breezy and light; great for a suit jacket of belted.

This model is way too thin for my liking but the dress is beautiful-great impact color dress.

See, collars don't have to be so prep school- they can be sweet and sexy.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Chevron

Hey lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you! Can you believe March is almost over? Spring is coming and one pattern that I'm really loving for the warmer weather is chevron.

Tinley Road, Chevron Dress, $59
Great colors, great price and the sleeves are perfect for the transition to warmer weather.

Forever 21, Chevron scarf, $7
I'm picturing this with a beat up denim jacket for coffee on weekend.

Loving the hemlines on this piece great change of pattern direction.

Neiman Marcus, Nara Pave and Quartz Studs, $85
I really like the idea of a single chevron on a simple stuff earring, kind of rocker.

How are you styling chevron right now? I think it's a great pattern to mix with any color, something different than your normal stripe.


And the winner of the Purple and Lime Giveaway is.....
Katie V! Katie email me with your contact information!


Be fabulous today!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Friday Foodday

You guys finally. Friday. Don't forget to enter the giveaway today and tomorrow! Winner will be announced on Monday.


Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Mozzarella and Pesto
c/o Stephanie Cooks
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts
1 cup balsamic vinegar
2-4 thick slices fresh mozzarella
Pesto



Directions
1- Place the chicken and 1/2 cup of the balsamic vinegar in a large bag or bowl and marinade for 1 hour. (Do not marinade over night- the acid in the vinegar can affect the texture).
2- When ready to cook, heat a grill pan and grill the chicken until cooked through.
3- Meanwhile, pour 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small sauce pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for about 15 minutes, until reduced and thickened.
4- When the chicken is cooked top with the slices of mozzarella and place it under the broiler until the cheese melts. Top with a spoonful of pesto and drizzle with the balsamic reduction.



Cinnamon Bun Popcorn
c/o Lauren's Latest
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
a few dashes of salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon, or more if desired
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon half & half



Directions

In a small bowl, mix butter and cinnamon together. Set aside. In a separate small bowl, mix powdered sugar with half & half until smooth. You may have to stir in a little more half & half to get it to drizzling consistency. Set aside.
Place oil and popcorn kernels into a large pot. Cover with tight fitting lid or foil. Place pot over high heat. Shake pot back and forth over hot burner to heat kernels evenly. Continue shaking the pot until the popcorn starts to pop. After a minute or two, the popping will slow right down and you’ll have a pot full of popcorn. Dump the hot popcorn onto a baking sheet and drizzle with cinnamon butter immediately. Stir to coat. Drizzle the icing over the top and toss to coat as well. Serve warm, or let it cool so the icing can harden up a bit.
Recipe notes: It’s important to keep the pot moving the entire time its over the heat–this ensures the kernels don’t ever burn.
Homemade Garlic Hummus and Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
1 15. oz can of garbanzo beans, reserve the liquid
2 large garlic cloves, cut into smaller pieces
2 tbsp. tahini (recipe below)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
Large pinch of cayenne, more to taste
Salt, to taste
Olive oil
Dash of paprika for garnish
Directions
  1. In a food processor add the beans, garlic cloves, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, cayenne, salt, a couple tbsp. of reserved liquid, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Process until well pureed. If it doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere, not getting pureed, drizzle in more olive oil and thin it out with the reserved liquid.
  3. When ready to serve, spoon into a small dish/bowl and sprinkle paprika on top. Serve with pita chips, olives, anything you want!
  4. This can be covered and refrigerated for 1-2 weeks.



Thursday, March 15, 2012

Khaki- Don't Run!

Stay with me guys, khaki isn't always bad! For the men, avoid pleats, for ladies, avoid bell bottoms, but when you take the color khaki, you have so many more options!

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Long Chiffon Trim Cardigan, $79
The ivory trim with the khaki is stunning. 

Modcloth, You Tan Do It, $57
Oooo how sweet is this? The hem line, the sleeves, the pattern! 

Gap, Military Jacket, $98
This is such a great Spring jacket, blousy and easy to throw on for the weekend.

Banana Republic, Allover Lace Shell, $45
Beautiful details, light and airy, perfect for layering.

See? Was that so painful? Embrace the khaki. It matches with everything and it comes in so many shades: tan, nude, you name it. 

Be fabulous today!