Tee Up

There is something very elegant about a t-strap shoe. It has a dancer-esque feel to it and elevates any outfit to another level of class. Here are some of my favorite t-straps in a variety of colors and textures.

Anthropologie, Crysanth t-strap, $79

These party ready heels also come in emerald. I love the pom on the toe, what a burst of energy.

Lord & Taylor, Helkie Jones New York, $99

Well hello! A little snakeskin print mixed with an elegant black suede! Perfect for an LBD or jeans.

Modcloth, No Need to Spree Heel, $34

These heels are perfect to wear with any print. Floral, baroque graphic, you name it they will blend in but provide perfect stylistic support.

Lord and Taylor, Nine West Blonsky, $89

These shoes, oh these shoes, there is something architecturally satisfying about them. I love the zipper in the back.

What is it about the t-strap that is so enticing? I think it's a great alternative it you don't love a heel with an ankle strap.

Be fabulous today!

Drop that Waist

Happy Monday lovebugs! How was your weekend?

This week I'm celebrating my 25 month blogiversary, and on Wednesday there will be a special giveaway!

Today we're looking a great trend to wear from summer into fall; drop waist dresses. Wear them now with some great accessories and then pair them with tights and a belted cardigan in the fall.

Loft, Grid Print Drop Waist Pleated Skirt Dress, $98

This great print is perfect for the office, and the boatneck is a beautiful addition.

Asos, Summer dress in spot print, $14

An adorable jersey dress that is perfect for August. This also comes in white and green.

Piperlime, Chandi and Lia Drop Waist Printed Dress, $59

I'm loving this tiny bird print all over this dress, I would pair it with some white baubles.

Max Studio, Sleeveless Dress, $78

A perfect example of warm to cool. Pair this dress with a tissue turtleneck and you're ready for fall!

Drop waist isn't for everyone, but it's definitely worth a try in the dressing room. It's a great addition to an a-line filled closet.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Can we talk about how it is almost mid-August? Goodness. Now here are my favorite recipes for the week.


Baked Zucchini Tots
c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 1 cup zucchini, grated
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 medium onion, diced
• 1/4 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• salt and pepper to taste
• cooking spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°.  Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.

Grate the zucchini into a clean dish towel.  Wring all of the excess water out of the zucchini. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fill each muffin section to the top, pushing down on the filling with your spoon so it's nice and compacted so they don't fall apart when you take them out of the tin.

Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden.

Use a plastic knife or rubber spatula around the edges of each tot to remove them from the muffin tin. Enjoy!!


Pineapple Gimlet 
c/o Five 'o Clock Cocktail Blog

Ingredients
1/2 ounce triple sec
3/4 ounces freshly squeezed pineapple juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/2 of the raw white of a large egg
Confectioner’s sugar, for the rim
Lime slice, to garnish

2 ounces Akvinta Vodka

Directions
Rim a cocktail glass with confectioner’s sugar and set aside. Pour all liquid ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds (aka, a dry shake). Then fill with ice and do so again. Strain into your glass and add garnish.

Blackberry Yogurt Muffins

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

3 tablespoons coconut oil/butter
3 tablespoons softened butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup non-fat plain greek yogurt
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 cup fresh blackberries


Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12 muffin tin cups with paper liners and set aside.

In large bowl, mix coconut oil and butter together. Cream with sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla, eggs {1 at a time}, yogurt and milk. Scrape edges and mix again until smooth. Pour in all dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Scrape edges and mix by hand to ensure batter is evenly mixed. Stir in blackberries gently. Scoop by the tablespoon into prepared muffin tins evenly.

Place into preheated oven and reduce temperature to 325 degrees. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Cool 10 minutes and serve.

Let's Not Go Camping

I hate camping. I hate being outdoors in general for extended periods of time. But there is one thing that combines that dreaded word and fashion: the camp shirt. I love this style, it is so easy to throw on and go, work, play and everything in between.

Ann Taylor, Silk Cotton Button Down Camp Shirt, $59

This 'lime pop' color is just gorgeous. It also comes in a beautiful teal.

Lord and Taylor, Anne Klein Zebra Printed Camp Shirt, $59

As Lord and Taylor describes this shirt: utilitarian chic. I couldn't agree more. An eye chatting pattern in a great silk blend.

Old Navy, Collarless Chiffon Camp Shirt, $12

Yeah, you read that right, $12. Thanks Old Navy, you really rock this season.

Calvin Klein, Silky Sleeveless Pebble Print Top, $29

I like the side slits on this blouse that give the hem a rounded edge. The pebble pattern is busy but I'd pair it with some bright bottoms.

Camping blows. Camp shirts do not. They are light, breezy and affordable.

Be fabulous today!