Quilting for the Modern Woman

Happy Monday lovebugs,
How was your weekend? I had a lovely time at home with my family. But now its back to the grind, and with this cooler weather means an extra layer when you step outside. One coat that is always my go to for fall is the quilted coat. It's simple, a bit preppy and easy to throw in your bag. But don't worry, I know not everyone is as preptastic as I am, so let's mix in some edge. Yes, edgy quilted.

Bluefly, Members Only Black Quilted Faux Leather Hooded Jacket, $47

Well, did I deliver? A stunning hooded motorcycle jacket that has a great quilted detail. I can picture Nikki in this jacket! 

Gap, Quilted Belted Jacket, $98

Gap nailed it here. The belt is a great way to define a waist to an otherwise masculine coat.

Dillard's, Guess Asymmetric Faux Leather Quilted Jacket, $99

I really love the color of this coat. The fold over collar is something different as well as the off center zipper.

Lord & Taylor, Weatherproof Satin Quilted Jacket, $99

If you don't want a belt, look for a coat with a beautiful waistline like this one.

See? Quilted doesn't have to be stuffy. You can mix in leather, a hood, and color. Something for everyone.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

We made it! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I will be spending mine at home in PA for some good old family time.

Crockpot Cilantro Chicken
c/o Stephanie Cooks 

 Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
Juice from 2 limes
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn
2 minced garlic cloves
1/2 red onion, chopped 1/2 cup chicken broth
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp cumin
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Option One: Regular preparation

1- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Option Two- Freezer meal
1- Place all ingredients in a resealable gallon-sized freezer bag. Mix together and zip bag closed.
When ready to eat, remove from freezer and thaw in fridge for 24 hours. 

2- Cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours). 

Serve with tortillas and toppings such as with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cheese.

 

Garlic Sweet Potato Mash

c/o Skinny Taste

 Ingredients

• 2 lbs (4 medium) sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 cup 1% milk
• 2 tbsp light sour cream
• salt and fresh cracked ground pepper, to taste

Directions
In a large pot boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, drain in a colander.

Meanwhile, melt butter and sauté garlic until lightly golden. Return potatoes to the pan, add milk and sour cream; mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.


Great Grandma's Pasta Sauce

c/o Table for Two

 Ingredients

1 lb. 80/20 ground beef

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

6 oz. water

1 24 oz. jar tomato puree

5-6 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. granulated sugar

Pinch of dried oregano

Pinch of onion powder

Pinch of garlic powder

Handful of fresh basil, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a large stockpot, saute garlic until soft and fragrant in 2 tbsp. of olive oil, about 2 minutes.
2. Throw your meat in with the garlic and brown until meat has been thoroughly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour in the tomato paste, tomato puree, and seasoning, including the fresh basil. Stir to mix well. With the 6 oz. can from the tomato paste, fill that with water and pour it in the stockpot as well.
4. Let mixture simmer, uncovered, for 2 or more hours (the longer the better, but minimum 2 hours), stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot over fresh pasta.

 

Sweater Leather

Leather can be scary. But why not soften it by wearing leather with something softer? Like pairing leather with a sweater. Leather trim to be exact.

Nordstrom, Trouve Sweater with Faux-Leather Trim, $53

This slouchy sweater is dressed up with a great neckline that gives some edge to something comfy.

Calvin Klein, Contrast trim chevron lambs-wool sweater, $49

A fabulous 3/4 length sweater from lambswool. A great chevron print with leather trim!

 

 Urban Outfitters, Reformed by the reformation pieced leather sweater, $79

It's hard to see here, but the sleeves have a great leather argyle pattern.

 

  Piperlime, Greylin neo faux leather hi-low pullover, $99

Warm, chic and a touch of leather around the neck!

 

This is my kind of leather. Very subtle. What are you thinking? Big and bold or trimmed and tiny?

 

Be fabulous today!   

The Future is So Bright

Happy humpday lovebugs! We're getting there! Today we're going to look at some cords, but not a particular style, rather a color. We're looking at brights! Who says cords need to be in black or chocolate? Let's have some fun!

Nordstrom, KUT Diana skinny cords, $69

Woo! Sunglasses please! I love these bright orange cords, and the price!

Free People, Skinny Corduroys, $44

Thinking pink? Can't go wrong with there skinnies. 

Target, Mossimo Supply Corduroy Pant, $22

I've posted them before and I'll probably do it again. Under $25 these would be perfect with black or brown boots.

Lands End, Fit 1 Slim Ankle Cord, $49

A great saturated green is perfect for fall.

Where are you finding the best cords this season? I love my chocolate brown cords, but sometimes you have to throw in the unexpected!

Be fabulous today!