Pattern Pencils

I love to wear a pencil skirt to work because it comes in so many colors and you can match with essentially anything. Right now, patterned pencil skirts are very popular and just like patterned shorts and crop pants, this is going to be huge.

Ann Taylor, Caliente Muses Print, $88

Does this skirt scream spring or what? I would love to add an unexpected color on top like a silk khaki colored shirt or maybe a nice jewel tone.

Target, Gray print skirt, $18

Who doesn't need a ready to wear to work pencil skirt for UNDER $20?

Talbots, Flower garden print skirt, $79

The mix of pink and orange petals is just beautiful in this micro-print.

Banana Republic, animal print pencil skirt, $69

I love the big print on this skirt, it's graphic and fun and great to spice up your 9 to 5.

Are you wearing brights, patterns or both this spring? How do you style your pencil skirt?

Be fabulous today!

Reader Request: Destination Wedding

Hi lovebugs!

How was your weekend? Did you hit any great sales? I stopped by Macy's on Thursday and got a couple of great Ellen Tracy pieces.

Today we're looking at a reader request from one of my friends, Stephanie. She is going to a destination wedding (yes, I know, we hate her) and she is looking for a dress to go from day to night and it has to have color. Here's what we came up with.

J Crew, Leona, $89

What a great color for a wedding, the light and breezy feel to this dress is perfect for a day wedding and add some bling and heels for night.

Modcloth, Sunset Seeker Dress, $99

A little drama, a little sexy and a whole lotta tangerine!

Zara, open back dress, $59

A very interesting print and cut. This dress is just dying for a photo op.

...and drumroll please...the winner is...

Nordstrom, Donna Morgan strapless silk chiffon dress, $99

This dress hit all of Stephanie's must have items: color, dance-able, and day to night.

Are you hitting one or 16 weddings this season? What will you be wearing?

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Oh thank goodness lovebugs, we made it. Happy Friday. Here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Cowboy Hash Skillet
c/o Table for Two Blog

Ingredients

3 large potatoes, washed and cut into 1/2 inch cubes (it’s up to you if you want to peel them, I didn’t because it gives it a more rustic look)

1 medium green pepper, diced

1 medium red pepper, diced

1 small onion, diced

1 lb. chorizo sausage, casings removed

4 large eggs (one egg for each skillet hash)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large skillet, cook the potatoes with 2 tbsp. of olive oil for 5-7 minutes until they start to get soft and the outsides are starting to brown. Then add in the green pepper, red pepper, and small onion. Cook until they’re soft.

Add in the chorizo and cook until the meat is thoroughly cooked through and veggies are completely soft, about 10 more minutes. Make sure to mix and stir all the ingredients together so they get coated with the spicy chorizo. Salt and pepper, to taste.

While the chorizo is cooking with the veggies, cook an egg sunny side up or however you like it. I cooked mine sunny side up because I liked the runny yolk atop of the hash. Set aside.

Once all the veggies and chorizos are done cooking, plate them in a large bowl or individual skillets (if you have them). Top the hash with your eggs.

Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Pasta
c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients
2 whole red bell peppers
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fat free half & half
4 oz. garlic & herb goat cheese
2/3 cup grated parigiano reggiano cheese
1/2 cup artichoke hearts (optional)
1/2 lb. linguine, cooked to al dente
salt & pepper, to taste



Directions
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Place red peppers on baking sheet and bake 20-30 minutes until peppers are charred. Remove from oven and cover with foil 10 minutes.
In the mean time, saute onions and garlic in olive oil 7 minutes or until tender. Pour in half & half, goat cheese, salt & pepper. Stir to melt goat cheese into sauce and keep warm over low heat.
Uncover peppers, peel off skin and remove stem and seeds. Chop into large pieces and place into sauce along with parmesan cheese. Stir to melt cheese and remove from heat. Pour sauce into food processor and puree, or use an immersion blender. Place back into hot pan and toss with cooked pasta. Taste and adjust seasonings. Top with more parmesan cheese, pepper, salt and parsley, if desired.



Grilled Garlic Dijon Herb Salmon
c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried Herbs de Provence
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• olive oil spray (I used my misto)
• 4 (6 oz) wild salmon fillets, 1" thick (if frozen, thaw first)
• salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
• 4 lemon wedges for serving

Directions

In a mini food processor, or using a mortar and pestle mash garlic with the herbs, vinegar, oil, and Dijon mustard until it becomes a paste. Set aside.


Season salmon with a pinch of salt and fresh pepper. Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat until hot. 


Spray the pan lightly with oil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Placethe salmon on the hot grill pan and cook without moving for 5 minutes.  

Turn and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes spooning on half of the garlic herb mustard sauce.

Turn and cook 1 more minute spooning the other side of the fish with remaining sauce. Turn once again and let the fish finish cooking about one more minute. Note: the fish should have a total cooking time of about 9-10 minutes per inch. If your fish is thinner, reduce the total cooking time.

Transfer the fillets to plates and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Pattern Purse

Yesterday we looked at some great red clutches, today let's stay with the purse topic and look at some great patterned bags!

Gap, Ikat Canvas Tote, $44

Loving the double strap on this tote. And the color and pattern combination is very casual and chic.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Turn-lock cross body sequin bag, $80

So many great things going on here, sequins, color, pattern, hardware. Great little bag for the weekend.

Macy's, Red by Marc Eko Handbag Wound Up Tote, $49

A mutli color chevron tote! How great for spring?

Nordstrom, Tasha Caged Minaudière, $88

This clutch is downright tropical but in a great dressy way. The bamboo inspired closure is a great added detail.

Pattern is always fun to wear, especially when its with an accessory like a bag or scarf. 

Be fabulous today!