Shifting Gears

Shift dresses are the epitome of simple. They can be boxy, which is a great look paired with some stacked heels, or you can belt the dress to accentuate the waist. So many of these dresses are sleeveless though, and that's not always work appropriate. Today let's look at some shift dresses with short sleeves.

Loft, Placed Floral Print Dress, $79
I love this cascading floral pattern, I would dress it down with a denim jacket.

Express, Short Sleeve Colorblock Shift, $29
These peachy colors are perfect for spring. It also comes in a navy hue!

Modcloth, Camp Get Enough, $89
Check out this adorable graphic landscape! This is just asking for a skinny braided belt and some flat sandals.

The Limited, Colorblock Dress, $79
A work appropriate shift that is needing some red pumps. I love placement of the black band.

Shift dresses can be styled to fit any shape or size. The short sleeve adds just a bit of class vs the sleeveless option.

Be fabulous today!

The Quirky Animal

Yesterday we did girly, today, we're going on safari. Leopard print is always an easy go to, even zebra. But what about giraffe? Yep, you heard me, that not so graceful, awkward and gangly animal that has a fantastic big print. Not sold? How about we ease you into it with some jewelry?

Fossil, Giraffe Pendant, $58

How cute is this? A little blingy, a lot unique. Perfect for layering.

Kohl's, Apt. 9 Simulated Crystal Giraffe Doorknocker Stretch Bracelet, $12

OK, you can pay $99 for a similar bracelet here or $12 for this one.

Etsy, Apple Latte Giraffe Ring, $15

Sweet, simple, easy, and quirky.

Dogeared, Stand Out From the Crowd, $48

This tiny pendant is a great gift or a great add on for your weekend outfit.

See? Giraffes are sweet! They're lovely creatures so why not try them? Also, fun fact, giraffes sleep approximately 30 minutes per day. You're welcome.

Be fabulous today!

Lace Up!

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. With spring around the corner, I wanted to take a look at some great light and girly pieces. And since I'm not that much for pastels, I look for other ways to integrate the pretty into my outfit. Today we're looking at lace trim.

Forever 21, Boxy Lace Trim Top, $24

This top is perfect for under a suit blazer or with bf jeans. The horizontal lace is something new and different. 

Charlotte Russe, Belted Lace Trim Chiffon Shirt Dress, $28

The belt and collar on this dress take it from maybe-nightgown to night on the town.

Dillard's, Cremieux Silvia Striped Lace Tee, $41

How sweet is this tee? A great scalloped hem with a wide boatneck, just perfect for spring.

Loehmann's, Soprano Lace Trim Chiffon Ponte Dress, $34

The price of this dress really speaks for itself. I lovely sleeveless dress that is easy to layer up for winter or wear alone for warmer weather.

Adding the girly to my wardrobe is easy to do with accessories, but sometimes I like to throw in a little lace to really step it up. Try to look for lace that isn't simply black and white. Add some neon trim!

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Spicy Sausage Dip

c/o Cassie Craves

Ingredients

1 pound spicy/zesty sausage
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese
Hot sauce, to taste

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the crumbled sausage until browned. Drain off any excess fat.

2. Reduce the heat to medium and mix in the tomatoes, cream cheese, and hot sauce. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is warmed through and the ingredients are well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve warm.

Bacon Pierogie Bake

c/o Stephanie Cooks Blog

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) package frozen potato and onion pierogies
2 slices center-cut bacon, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup thin sliced green onions
1 small plum tomato, seeded, and diced
Pepper
Cooking spray

Directions

1- Preheat the oven to 400.
2- Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange the frozen pierogies in the dish.
3- In a medium saucepan, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan.
4- Add garlic to the drippings, cook for 30 seconds. Add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts. Add the broth, stir continuously until it's all incorporated.
5- Pour the sauce mixture over the pierogies. Top with the cheddar cheese.
6- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with the tomatoes and bacon, and return it to the oven. Bake for 5 additional minutes.
7- Remove from the oven sprinkle with green onions and black pepper. Serve hot.

Skinny No Bake Peanut Butter Pie

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 5 oz reduced fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/3 cup Peanut Butter
• 8 oz fat free frozen whipped topping, thawed 
• reduced fat graham cracker pie crusts
• 3 tbsp Hershey's chocolate syrup

Directions

Beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar together in a medium bowl.  Mix in Better 'n Peanut Butter and beat until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.

Spoon into graham cracker pie shell; cover, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2-3 hours. Drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving.