Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Be Brave

Though the holiday parties may be winding down, I believe that the extra bit of fashion courage you get during holiday parties should carry into the new year. Add that extra high heel, a little more bling, or that patterned skirt that sits in the back of your closet. Today, we'll focus on the bling. Big bling is perfect for sweater weather. A great sweater is the perfect canvas for a great necklace.

BaubleBar, Carmen Miranda Bib, $42
This is what I like to call a Monday through Sunday piece. I say this because you can make it work for absolutely any occasion. Put this with a black suit for work, pair it with bf jeans for the weekend, and add it on with a deep v-neck lbd for the evening.


You know what? You go Target, way to nail this statement necklace for under 25 bucks.

Charming Charlie, Candy Mosaic Necklace, $18
I chose this necklace because they describe the gems as baguette crystal rhinestones. Any necklace that incorporates carbs into the description is fine by me.

H&M, Short Necklace, $14
Pretty pink gems are offset perfectly with the gold chains.

My dog Norman is pretty much afraid of everything, and when he gets into a terrifying situation - such as someone wanting to pet him - I always say, 'be brave Norm'. So I say harness that holiday outfit bravery and wear those statement pieces all year long.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Party in the Back

It may come as a surprise but I love a good bow. There is something special about a bow, something feminine and dressy. And I am loving this bow back trend. It's unexpected and sassy. Here are some bow back dresses that are holiday party worthy.

Lulu's, Bow Do You Do?, $41
What did I tell you? Unexpected, gorgeous, and an amazing color.

This sweet chiffon dress is ready for a night of dancing. Also comes in pink.


Modcloth, Cocktail Club Dress, $47
Here is an understated yet eye catching dress that is great for drinks with the girls.

Leave it to Betsey to nail the lipstick red bow dress and make it look so freaking chic.

A good bow goes a long way in my book. It's playful and simple, paid it with some bling or some killer heels (see Betsey image above) and you're party ready.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, December 16, 2013

The December Print

You now what goes hand and hand with December? Tartan. One look at the pattern, the colors, the texture, and you are reminded of fireplaces, snowmen, and hot cocoa. You can style it preppy, classic, or rocker. It's the do it all for December.

Not your standard mini skirt. Check out how the pattern falls with the asymmetrical lines.

Anthropologie, Tartan Tights, $24
This is a perfect holiday tight with a red mini dress and heels.

Not all tartan is sweet, try this relaxed moto jacket.


Modcloth, Footwork and Play Flat, $98
Safe to say these are my new favorite holiday shoes.

Tartan is surprisingly versatile as one of the bolder prints out there. Pair it with black, but think outside of the box this time of year and maybe pair it with black sequins!

Be fabulous today!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite holiday cookie recipes!

Candy Cane Crinkles
Ingredients
3 whole candy canes, crushed
½ cups Butter, Softened
1 cup Granulated Sugar
½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1 whole Egg
¼ teaspoons Salt
¼ teaspoons Baking Powder
⅛ teaspoons Baking Soda
1-½ cup All-purpose Flour
½ cups Powdered Sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease light colored baking sheets with non stick cooking spray, line with parchment paper or use silicone baking mat and set aside.
Place candy canes into a plastic food storage bag and crush using a rolling pin. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Whip in vanilla and egg. Scrape sides and mix again. Stir all dry ingredients together in a small bowl and then in pour into mixer and slowly mix until just combined, excluding the powdered sugar. Scrape sides of bowl and mix again briefly. Stir in crushed candy canes. Pour powdered sugar onto a large plate. Roll a heaping teaspoon of dough into a ball and roll in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.
Bake for 9-11 minutes or until bottoms begin to barely brown and cookies look matte {not melty or shiny}. Remove from oven and cool cookies about 3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Chocolate Milk Cookies
Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon baking soda 
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened 
1/2 cup granulated sugar 
1/2 cup chocolate milk powder 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons chocolate milk
Red and green sugar or sprinkles for decorating, if desired

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. In a large bowl, mix butter, sugar, chocolate milk powder, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Gradually add in flour mixture and mix until thoroughly combined.

3. Drop by teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten cookies with the back of a spoon.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Combine powdered sugar and chocolate milk. Glaze cooled cookies, then garnish with red and green sugar or sprinkles if desired.

Chocolate Peppermint Patty Cookies
Ingredients
1 box devil's food cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
18 peppermint patties (the small ones)
powdered sugar, for sprinkling
Directions
Beat together the cake mix, eggs, and oil until well combined and a sticky dough forms.
Place dough in the fridge for 20 minutes to chill. If you skip this step, the dough will be very hard to work with, but if you're in a hurry just make sure your hands are cold by running them under cold water after you shape each cookie.
Grab a golf ball sized ball of dough, roll into a ball, and flatten it into a disc.Place a peppermint patty in the center and bring the excess dough up and around the patty to cover it.
Repeat with remaining dough and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet 2 inches apart from each other.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 9 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle on powdered sugar.
Cool on a wire rack.