Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Bringing Bow Back

It's no secret I'm a sucker for bows. And I'm so happy they're making their way to shoes. Big this season is the bow back trend on shoes. Today let's look at some heels that lay on the sass but with the sweetness that balances it all out.

Modcloth, Raise the roof heels, $42
Just, yes. Enjoy it. Stacked heel, purple bow back. Someone give me a black mini and tights and let's go out.

This bootie has a hidden platform and the sassy cutout is just to die for.

My girl Jessica has done it again. These rounded toe leopard print heels are fabulous. The tiny bow back is the perfect add on.

Alloy, Gabriella Mini Wedge, $32
A little wedge perhaps? These beauties are perfect for a cord mini.

The bow back heels are a bit pin up-y but in a sassy sort of way. I think pairing these with jeans or a mini make it perfectly appropriate for anytime.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Clutching on

A great trend this fall is the portfolio clutch. I love it because it's a little masculine, a little preppy and a lot chic. Take a look at these oversized clutches that are perfect for business or pleasure.

Here's the problem with Etsy, there's only one of these. One of these fabulous vintage clutches. Run.

The fold over fastener on this bag makes it so easy to grab and go, I love the neutral that will go with everything.

This clutch is a little boho with the patchwork leather, but the hard lines make it very clean and chic.

Coast, Serena Clutch, $80
Well hello oxblood portfolio clutch, I believe we've hit the fall trend trifecta!

How are you feeling about oversized portfolio clutches? You may have to slim down what you toss into your bag, but the overall look will be worth it!

Be fabulous today!

Monday, September 17, 2012

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.

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!

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, September 14, 2012

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
  • medium onion, chopped
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1  pound  ground beef
  • 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
  • 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

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.