The Capital Barbie

Monday, April 15, 2013

Guest Post: Blue Dog Belle

Hello Capital Barbie readers! I'm Emily from Blue Dog Belle and I'm so happy to be with y'all today! As a fellow DC girl TCB is my daily go-to for district style, so I was thrilled when Kelsey asked me to put together my perfect Saturday outfit.

Normally on a Saturday you will find me running around town catching up on errands, spending time at eastern market or maybe a baseball game. I'm all about comfort during the weekend, but that doesn't mean you can't still look cute.

My first rule is to leave your contacts in the case and give your eyes a rest. I'm loving these Warby Parker

Warby Parker, Percey Eyeglasses, $95

Now since springtime has finally arrived, add in some color. It's clear that the color blocking and neon trends are just as hot this year, so why not embrace it? I normally go for a comfy tee shirt, and these v-neck gap ones are so soft and not too tough on the wallet. Pick one up in every color.

Gap, Neon V-Neck Pocket T, on sale $8

I love to pair a jersey skirt with a tee for running around town. It's more chic than your average pair of shorts, but just as easy.

Nordstrom, Top Shop High Waist A-line Skirt, $68

Then, who doesn't love a bit of sparkle on the weekend? I'm loving that it's full on sandal weather again, and these Steve Maddens are definitely on my wishlist.

Macy's, Steve Madden Bonkerz Flat Sandal, $69

Thanks for having me Kelsey!

Friday, April 12, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Corn Avocado and Tomato Salad

c/o Dough See Dough

Ingredients

11 ears corn, cooked and kernels cut off
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 avocados, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup red onion, diced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 lime, zested
2 limes, juiced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Combine the corn, tomatoes, avocado, and onion in a large glass bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over vegetables and toss gently to combine.

Shells with Sausage and Broccoli Pesto

c/o Laloosh

Ingredients

8oz whole wheat pasta shells

6 oz chicken sausage, casing removed, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup parsley leaves

1/2 cup water

3 cups basil leaves

3 cups broccoli florets (1 ½ cups steamed)

5 garlic cloves

2 medium zucchini, diced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

Prepare pasta according to package directions, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Pulse together the 1 ½ cups steamed broccoli, parsley, basil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. With the machine running, add the oil and 1/2 cup water, process until smooth.

Spray a medium sized non-stick skillet with non-fat cooking spray and set over medium high heat. Add in sausage and remaining 1 ½ cups un-steamed broccoli, and zucchini and cook until sausage is well browned and broccoli and zucchini are crisp/tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the pesto, sausage, and ¼ cup of the reserved cooking water to the pasta and toss to coat (adding more cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce). Season with additional salt and pepper as desired.

Mini Maple Pancake Muffins

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 egg
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar in a medium bowl. Sift together with a wire whisk.

In another bowl, stir buttermilk, egg, maple syrup and melted butter until just combined.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until combined.

Stir in chocolate chips. Reserve a few chips to sprinkle on the tops.

Bake for 8-9 minutes.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Reader Request: Red Blazer

Today's post is brought to you by a great question from one of our readers. What do you wear with a red blazer. I'm going to give you a couple of options, one print, one pastel, and one saturated.

First let's pick a blazer.

Nordstrom, Carlson Roll Sleeve Knit Blazer, $59

Do yourself a favor and click this link. This blazer comes in 12 colors and prints, and it's under 60 bucks.

White House Black Market, Fitted Gingham Bodice, $88

Here's the printed option. And really any black and white print would pop with a red blazer. I like this one because of the piping.

Old Navy, Lace Crochet Lace Trim Tee, $15

I actually just bought this top myself last weekend and I can't wait to wear it. This is your bright/pastel option.

Nordstrom, Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Ruched Faux Wrap Dress, $98

Fun fact, I also own this dress and I love it. It's got a deeper plum color than this picture shows, which makes it a perfect base for a bold red blazer.

In my opinion, as long as you avoid looking like the Fourth of July or Christmas, you can pair your red blazer with just about anything!

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Getting Your Feathers Ruffled

Happy humpday lovebugs, I hope your week is going well. And if it's not, you know what will cheer you up? Ruffles. Ruffles always cheer me up. They're so much fun I guarantee wherever you shop, you will be able to find some ruffles.