Monday, September 9, 2013

Reader Request: Music Festival

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Today's post is for a reader who is going to the Virgin Free Fest next weekend and needs some outfit help. While we can't control the weather let's hope for mid 70s and sunny.



Ok let me break this down. Jeans, obviously. A slight roll will keep the hems from dragging in unspeakable things. Speaking of stepping in unspeakable things, these shoes are $17 from Target. They're chic but you're not going to be upset if you spill on them. Working our way up. I love this top. It's got leather sleeves and a fabulous print, perfect for 'I'm not trying to hard but I also look amazing.' And accessories. These earrings are rocker but they also pick up the chevron shapes in the top. Finally the crossbody bag. It may look small but let's be honest, you don't want to be lugging a tote on your shoulder. Pack your essentials and have both hands free.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, September 6, 2013

Friday Fooday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

Blackberry Ginger Smash
c/o Kitchn

Ingredients
Lime wedges for garnish, optional
4-5 fresh ripe blackberries
2 ounces tequila
1 ounce ginger simple syrup (recipe follows)
1 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice


Directions

Moisten the rim of the glass with a lime wedge and dip the glass lightly into the crystallized ginger sugar to coat the rim. In the bottom of the glass, lightly muddle the fresh blackberries, then add ice.
In a shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice and shake until chilly. Strain the shaker into the glass over the blackberries and ice, and garnish with a sliver of crystallized ginger and a lime wedge.
Ginger Simple Syrup
Makes about 1 cup, enough for 8 to 10 drinks
Peel and slice a 4-inch piece of ginger. Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and the ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir until all of the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Let the ginger steep for about 20 minutes or longer if you want your cocktail spicier, then strain out the ginger and cool syrup completely. Syrup will keep, refrigerated, for about two weeks.
Biscoff Apple Pin Pie Pinwheels
Ingredients
1 Granny Smith Apple
1/2 cup Biscoff Spread, divided
2 tablespoons butter
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt
1 sheet Puff Pastry, thawed but cool
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 8 cavities in a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
Peel and dice the apple into small chunks.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the apples, cinnamon, and salt to the pan and stir to combine. Cook the apples for 2 minutes. Drop in 1/4 cup of the Biscoff Spread and stir to coat the apples. Remove from the heat.
Lay out your thawed puff pastry on a floured work surface. Dump the apples into the center of the pastry and spread them to the edges. Roll the pastry up like you're making cinnamon rolls. Slice with a sharp knife into 8 equal sized pieces.
Place one roll in each muffin cavity.
Bake for 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly in such a hot oven.
Let sit in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.
Add the remaining 1/4 cup of Biscoff Spread to the skillet you used to cook the apples. Heat over very low heat until the spread has just melted enough to drizzle over the pinwheels. Drizzle and serve immediately.

Grilled Corn Salad
Ingredients
7 ear of corn, shucked
2 avocados, cubed
2 cups (1 pint) cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/4 olive oil (I used a roasted onion flavored)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Directions
Grill the corn until starting to char. Allow to cool slightly then remove the kernels from the cob with a knife. Combine the corn, avocado, tomatoes in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Add to corn mixture and gently toss to mix. 
Serve warm.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Now You See Me

Camo is a trend that will be big this fall. It's dark, a bit masculine, but the good news is, it goes with just about everything. Funny thing about camouflage? It blends in with everything. Weird, I know. Let's start small with this trend. Flats.

Volatile, Women's Skye Flat, $89
Yes, these are expensive but look at the chic level here. Just simple and easy.


Piperlime, Qupid Pointer 36, $39
A great transition shoe for the chillier weather. Pair it with bf jeans.

I'm not going to lie to you, I've had my eye on these loafers for months. I just love the pop of neon.

Express, Toe Ankle Strap Flat, $27
I love the unexpected ankle strap on such a manly print. The gold accent is the perfect touch.

How are you styling camo this fall? I'm starting slowly with accessories and shoes, but I think I may take the plunge on a larger soon.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

It's a Cluster-Stud

In the past we've looked at cluster rings. I love them because they're fun, blingy, and always colorful. Today let's bring the attention up towards the face. Cluster earrings.

Gorgeous is an understatement here. It's kind of an artsy Gatsby look.

Not that you're surprised. Kate nails this. Perfect for jeans, or an lbd.

Tinley Road, Faceted Cluster Earring, $24
These have quite the industrial look to them but so glamorous.

Tinley Road, Cabochon Cluster Studs, $18
Can't be the price of these beauties. Perfect to bring out any eye color.

An interesting stud earring is always something to admire. Add a cluster earring to your wardrobe this fall and pair it for work or play.

Be fabulous today!