Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Guest Post: Capital Style

Hey there everybody! It's Emily Kate from Capital Style here. Kelsey asked me to keep you company while she's on vacation, so here I am. Now, when I sat down to think about my perfect weekend outfit (the subject Kelsey asked me to write about), I realized I don't so much have a perfect outfit, but a perfect piece that I've been using over and over this spring to make many perfect weekend outfits. Sooo, I hope she doesn't mind, but I took a little creative license with the post topic and am writing about my perfect weekend piece - my utility jacket! Utility Jackets
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
The weather has been all sorts of annoying so far this season. One day it's in the 40's, the next the 80's and sometimes, it's both in the same day. My jacket (which happens to be the 3rd from left above sans belt) has been the perfect compliment to a wide range of looks for a wide range of activities/events/life. From grubby "throw on a t-shirt, jeans and flip-flops and drag myself out for coffee" to want to look nice for a day of brunch and shopping to it might be cold at the baseball game tonight - I've worn similar version of all these looks (except for the shorts one) over the last few weeks.
Utility JacketUtility Jacket
Utility CoatUtility Jacket
You can pair it with just about anything - skirts, shorts, dresses... This one is a Mural Utility Jacket available at Nordstrom ($59) and the rest of the outfit details are available HERE. So how about you? Do you have a perfect weekend outfit or do you have a piece that compliments lots of options?

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Guest Post: Rosa Loves DC

Hello Capital Barbie readers, I'm Rosa Loves DC and I am so excited to share with you about my perfect Saturday outfit. 

I basically run errands on Saturday mornings: a trip to the grocery store, a stop at the farmers market, a visit to the vet with my Chihuahua Lola, a doctor's appointment, you name it. Of course a date lunch with friends or my husband is pretty much on my Saturday agenda as well. So my perfect outfit consists of skinny jeans, a blouse, and comfortable flats. I also love to add a little sparkle with a necklace. You can say that comfort is always on my mind when thinking about outfit options on Saturday.
Thank you Kelsey for inviting to guest post here on your fabulous blog. 

XO 
RosaLovesDC

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. 

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. 

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
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
  1. Combine the corn, tomatoes, avocado, and onion in a large glass bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
  3. 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
    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.