Opa's Accordion

I'm going to share a little family history today that will lead to one epic segue. I'm German so I have an Oma and Opa (gramma and grandpa). Whenever my family went to visit Oma and Opa in Buffalo we would have a delicious meal prepared by Oma and then we would retire to the living room where Opa would break out his accordion and my sister and I would dance around the room in circles. I remember this very clearly because the accordion has such a specific sound to it and that sound is created by a very unique squeezebox (yes that is the real term, look it up). So let's take a page from Opa and look at some beautiful accordion skirts.

American Apparel, Pleated Skirt, $52

I love the high waisted fit of this skirt because its a bit ballerina.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Robbi & Nikki Faux Leather Pleated Skirt, $69

A beautiful navy with a contrasting waistband is professional while still perfect for twirling.

Modcloth, Cupcake Liner Skirt, $32

A great contrast skirt that is a great length for 9-5 with tights and some booties.

Madewell, Mini Houndstooth Skirt, $98

The patterned mini is so unusual with this type of pleat. In my opinion this skirt is basically a neutral to be paired with any other color like merlot or forest green. 

One of my favorite things about the accordion skirt is the movement. It's flouncy and girly but paired with the right top or motorcycle jacket you can make it edgy.

Be fabulous today!

Big Bird

A trend that I am really trying to get behind is feathers. At first I was all, yeah I prefer not to look like something on Sesame Street, and then I was like eh, these are kind of sassy. Maybe its been seeing all of the holiday bling and edgy dresses that makes me feel like maybe I could work this trend. Here are some of my picks.

Piperlime, Sabine Chiffon Feather Skirt, $79

See? We could totally pull this off. It reminds me of a flapper-style in the best possible way.

Bebe, Strapless Feather Waist Dress, $70

I love the details of this dress. The sweetheart neckline, the lace hemline and of course the feather waist.

Nine West, West Otay Sandal, $79

Don't these remind you of Carrie Bradshaw? Oh I just love these, they are fun without someone wondering if something has nested on your foot.

Nordstrom, Press Faux Feather Miniskirt, $99

A fun mini that is perfect for a night out with some killer heels. The shaggy texture is so different that the beige option above.

So truth time, I have yet to purchase a feather item but I really think I can get behind this trend. It's delicate and feminine while having a bit of a wild side.

Be fabulous today!

Bossman

Hello lovebugs,
It's Monday and that means we are owning our 9-5s with a fresh start. It is also frigid in most of the country today and so I thought we would combine profesh and warmth. Enter tweed. The texture is beautiful and the fit comes in every shape and size.

Sole Society, Adelisa, $59

See how the pattern extends down the heel? Oh I just love this. You're going to own that meeting, girl.

Ann Taylor, Faux Leather Tweed Skirt, $89

This skirt is so versatile because you can tuck in a nice silk blouse and create a stunning hourglass shape, or pair it with a longer sweater and belt it to move the waistline up on the torso.

Nordstrom, T Tahari Ruby Colorblock Tweed Jacket, $94

I've been stalking this jacket for this blog for forever. The second it went on sale for under $100, I had to share it with you. Tahari knows jackets. The fit, the balance of tweed and leather trim, it just all works.

Macy's, Jessica Simpson Sleeveless Lace Metallic Tweed Dress, $72

And just to prove that tweed is not a stuffy, old man fabric, try this lace tweed dress that has hints of silver throughout.

A good tweed will never go out of style. Think of Chanel tweed. So classic. Try it in black and white, or look for a maroon, green, navy, or even a metallic!

Friday Foodday

Happy first Friday in 2014! Here are my favorite recipes for the week.

French Dip Cupcakes
℅ Emily Bites

Ingredients
12 oz deli roast beef, thinly sliced and chopped into pieces
4 Laughing Cow Light Swiss wedges, chopped
1/3 c Au Jus gravy (canned is fine)
16 wonton wrappers 
4 oz  reduced fat 2% shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
1.    Pre-heat the oven to 375. Lightly mist 8 cups in a muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
2.    In a microwavable bowl, combine the roast beef, cheese wedges and Au Jus sauce. Microwave for 2 minutes on high. Stir to combine until cheese wedges are melted and roast beef mixture is fully coated with cheese and Au Jus sauce.
3.    Push a wonton wrapper into the bottom of each of the eight sprayed cups in the muffin tin. Spoon about half of the roast beef mixture evenly amongst the wonton wrappers. Sprinkle about half the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each cup. Press another wonton wrapper on top and repeat the layering steps with the remaining ingredients.
4.    Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before removing from muffin tin. 

Hershey's Kisses Skillet Cookie
℅ Buns in My Oven

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3/4 teaspooon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup Hershey's Kisses (mixed variety is great here!)
ice cream and hot fudge, for serving, if desired

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In an 8 inch 8-inch Cast Iron Skillet
Heat the butter over low heat until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar with a wooden spoon. Let sit for 10 minutes to cool.
Add the egg and vanilla to the skillet and stir to combine.
Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt to the skillet and gently stir with a wooden spoon. Your skillet will be a bit full, so stir gently to avoid spilling. Once the ingredients are combined well, stir in the Hershey's Kisses.
Bake for 12 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with ice cream and hot fudge, if desired.

Orange Old Fashioned
℅ The Kitchn

Ingredients
1 sugar cube, or 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
3 dashes of orange bitters
Splash of club soda
Large peel of orange zest
2 ounces rye

Directions

In an old-fashioned, or short, glass place the sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon of sugar). Add the bitters and a splash of soda.

Use a muddler or a spoon to crush up the sugar until it is dissolved. I like to add the orange peel here too. Squeeze it to express the oils, run it around the rim of the glass and muddle it right in with the bitters and sugar. This gets the most fresh orange flavor into the cocktail.

Add ice and rye. Stir and enjoy.