Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Don't Spike It!

So I'm a girly girl. I keep a white ribbon in my purse at all times. I have trouble with the edgier trends like leather and spikes. Today I'm going to try to soften the bad ass-ness of the spike and try something a bit softer: the cone. I love the geometrical style of this look and it's great for any arm party.

Club Monaco, Double Pave Bracelet, $59
See what I mean? Gorgeous, noticeable, easy.

Madewell, Bluestone Cuff, $22
How about a cone gem? A lovely addition to a metallic arm party.

This is something that's a bit different because of the box chain. I like it and it's on sale.

And one more burst of color here. These translucent baubles are great to layer.

If you're not ready for spike, you might try cones. They're a bit architectural versus rocker.
Not that there is anything wrong with rockers. Go girls.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

I've Come Unbuttoned

Blazers are a great foundation of an outfit. They pull an outfit together. You can easily grab one to add on top of a dress, or a pair of jeans, or for the office. They come in so many shapes and styles and I promise there is one that will fit your lifestyle. Today I wanted to look at a more relaxed version of the blazer: the open front or draped blazer.

Don't you love this peachy blazer? Imagine it paired with some navy bling. Oh and those notched lapels. That's the stuff dreams are made of.


Dress this up, dress this down, add pearls or add spikes. This blazer does it all.

Nordstrom, Trouve Open Front Blazer, $98
For me, this is when you spend the $98. This piece will last you for years. This blazer is masculine in style but feminine in fit. The deep purple is perfect for the ox blood trend and the tuxedo style lapel is just stunning.

The title of this blazer is pretty spot on. It's essential. A simple navy, four season, just essential.

The open front blazer is a more casual version of the buttoned up look. It's cool and easy, but absolutely can be dressed up for any occasion.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Running with Scissors

Hi there lovebugs,
Did this weekend feel way to short? For me, one minute I was celebrating Friday with dinner on the roof and the next it was Sunday night laundry. Oh well, back to the grind. But before the grind let's look at some pretty things, yes? Great. Loafers really took off last year, and they're going to be big this year as well, but before we break out the velvet and tights, how about some cutout loafers? Perfect transition piece right now.

Anthropologie, Lydia loafer, $98
I love these pointy toe loafers. They come in four other colors and they have a great leather sole that will make them comfy and durable.

Modcloth, Terrarium Artist Flat, $32
A simple and sweet flat for those mid 60 degree weekend days when you run off to brunch.


DV by Dolce Vita, Gulliver, $55
A great punch of yellow makes these flats perfect for that little extra kick.

Modcloth, Olive Me Flat, $32
And how about these fabulously geeky loafers? I love them with denim, straight fit dress pants, or anything in between.

There are a ton of different styles of loafers out there but I think the cut out style is great for right now. A little breezy, a lot of impact.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, September 13, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!!

The Sweet Martini
Ingredients
1 ½ ounces dry gin
1 ½ ounces sweet vermouth
¼ ounce grenadine
Lemon twist, to garnish
Directions
Pour your gin, vermouth and grenadine into an ice-filled cocktail shake and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail or martini glass and add your garnish.


Banana Split Bars
c/o Skinny Taste
Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup quinoa, rinsed well
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups quick rolled oats (use gf oats for gluten free)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1-1/2 cups very ripe mashed bananas
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup raw honey (or pure maple syrup)
  • 1 tbsp virgin coconut oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries (or craisins)
  • 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
  • 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
Line a 9 x 13 baking pan with 2 pieces of foil or parchment paper, criss-crossing over so they fold over the pan; spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Combine the quinoa and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10 to 12 minutes or until liquid is barely absorbed. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 5 to 6 minutes, remove lid and fluff with a fork. Transfer to a medium bowl and let it cool completely.

Mix together the oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

Add mashed bananas, egg, honey, oil and vanilla to the cooked bowl of quinoa and stir until just blended. Add the banana mixture to the oats mixture and stir until just blended. Mix in dried cherries, walnuts and chocolate chips.Spread the batter evenly over the prepared pan.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. For best results, refrigerate 20 minutes before cutting.

Using the liner, lift the mixture from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars and refrigerate or freeze to store.


Buffalo Cheese Bread
c/o Emily Bites
Ingredients



Directions