Patterned Pleasures

Happy Monday lovebugs! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I don't know how the weather is around you but here in DC it is stunning. You can walk to work and not be in a full sweat by the time you get the office. You can even layer on, dare I say it? A cardigan! Today we're taking a looking at some fantastic graphic cardigans that are perfect to wear right now.

Madwell, graphic songstress cardigan, $88

How about this fantastic zig zag pattern, perfect for work or play.

Nordstrom Rack, BP Shawl Collar Cardigan, $48

Hello prep central! I love this shawl collar cardi. Wear it open and belt it or button up and head out!

Loft, Blurred Spot Cardigan, $54

So while I'd love to post a Kate Spade cardigan on here given that they are rocking the dots this fall, it's not exactly in the budget, so how about this fantastic blurred spot cardigan from Loft? It comes in two colors.

Anthropologie, Sedimentology Cardigan, $29 (!!)

Obsessed with this 50s inspired cardigan. The colors are so cheery and the extended short sleeve is perfect for fall!

Cardigans are one of my all time favorite items to have in my closet because they work for everything. You will see a lot of them on TCB this fall and winter. Graphic cardigans are a great way to mix in some patterned interest to your outfit.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! Here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Parmesan and Garlic Linguine
c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients
1/2 pound linguine pasta
2 tablespoons salted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 clove garlic, finely minced 
lots of salt & pepper, to taste
1/2 cup reserved cooking liquid from pasta
3/4 cup freshly grated parmigianno reggiano
fresh parsley, for garnish {optional}

Directions
Bring large pot of water up to boil. Sprinkle in a generous amount of salt and stir in pasta. Cook linguine until al dente and drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Place linguine back into hot pot and stir in butter, cream, garlic, salt, pepper and cheese until butter and cheese start to melt and create a sauce. Pour in some pasta water to get the sauce to the consistency you want. {I only used about 3 tablespoons.} Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly. Pour onto serving platter and top with fresh parsley and more grated cheese.

Cheeseburger Skillet Pie with Tomato Salad
c/o Real Simple

Ingredients

• 4  tablespoons  olive oil
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1  pound  ground beef
• 1  14.5-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 1/2  cups  biscuit mix, plus required ingredients
• 4  ounces  Cheddar, grated (1 cup)
• 1 1/2  pounds  assorted fresh tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1  small shallot, thinly sliced
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2  tablespoons  red wine vinegar

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and ½ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring frequently, until beginning to brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juices) and cook until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes more.
2. Prepare the biscuit mix according to the package directions. Drop 8 mounds of the dough onto the meat mixture in the skillet and sprinkle with the Cheddar. Bake until the biscuits are golden and cooked through, 18 to 22 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the fresh tomatoes, shallot, parsley, vinegar, the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Serve with the cheeseburger pie.

Bacon Jam and Guacamole Quesadilla with Fried Egg with Bacon Jam Vinaigrette Drizzle

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 (10 inch) tortilla
• 1/2 cup cheese such and cheddar and/or jack, shredded
• 2 tablespoons bacon jam
• 2 tablespoons guacamole
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon bacon jam vinaigrette (see below)
• 
  
• Directions
• 1. Place the tortilla in the pan, sprinkle half of the cheese over half of the tortilla, top with the bacon jam and guacamole and the remaining cheese.
  2. Fold the tortilla in half coving the filling and cook until the quesadilla is golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted, about 2-4 minutes per side.
  3. Fry the egg and serve on top of the quesadilla with a drizzle of bacon jam vinaigrette.
  
  
  
  
  bacon jam vinaigrette 

  Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons bacon jam
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

  Directions

  1. Mix everything well.

 

Start with a Shell

You know what's awesome about fall? So many things; football, apple cider, jeans, crock pots, football, but you know, one of my favorite things about fall is layering.  Adding more pieces to an ensemble. And the basis of layering it a sleeveless shell. This can sound boring, but add some collar detail or some  jeweled notes and you have a perfect canvas to just walk out the door or add a cardi, a blazer, a jean jacket, you name it!

Topshop, Embellished Collar Peplum, $64

The best part about this top is...everything. You can wear this with dark denim, a bright orange mini, you name it, it's going to work!

Forever 21, Rhinestone A-line tank, $22

This tank is very simple, a great going out top or add a bright blazer to it.

The Limited, Jeweled Halter, $14

I love this bubble hem and the color is such a stand out!

Loft, Rhinestone and Sequin Bib Shell, $49

Great bib, great pleating and great neutral color. This will work for so many occasions.

A great shell is the perfect start to any outfit. Add layers or go simple. Either way, these embellished shirts are sure to please.

Be fabulous today!

The Tortoise and Your Ear

Happy humpday lovebugs,
Today I wanted to talk about some tortoise. We all know and love tortoise sunglasses, but recently, I'm really loving the casual cool of tortoise earrings. There is something very classy yet no frills about it.

Tory Burch, Walter, $78

Tory knows simple and chic and these studs do just that. I love the gold accents.

Macy's, Ralph Lauren Tortoise Hoop Earring, $40

I'm picturing these with a tweed blazer and jeans, super library cool.

Banana Republic, Tortoise Stud Earring, $29

Doesn't get more everyday wear than this. Use these for suits, shorts, jeans, or dresses.

Macy's, Kenneth Cole Gypsy Hoop Earrings, $32

I love these because they're so artistic. Eye catching and unexpected.

Tortoise is timeless and seasonless so find a piece that you love and spend a little bit more on it so you can have it forever. I promise they will be one of your go to signature items.

Be fabulous today!