I'll Have the Scallops

Last week we looked at some great bling as one way to add interest to your outfit. Another way to dress up the wardrobe is to look for pieces that have a little extra detail. I'm talking about a sweater with embroidery, or a skirt with a nubby tweed. Something that makes the piece stand out from all the others. Something that makes it special. Today, I want to focus on scallops. Simple, quiet, and yet great impact.

Chicwish, Neon Yellow Scrolled Trim Bud Skirt, $33

A bright pop of yellow is perfect for now with plum tights and for later with a sleeveless white lacy blouse.

Loft, Pointelle Yoke Scalloped Ruffle Sweater, $49

Kind of obsessed with this sweater. Like I almost bought it while writing this post. I love the touch of wool that makes it extra cozy, the variation on the stripe with these scalloped edges, and this cool mint color that is perfect with everything.

Free People, Scalloped Lace Skort, $78

Talk about details. The lace pattern here is feminine and delicate mixed with this deep emerald. I would wear this now with black tights and booties and later when my legs aren't so translucent. 

Bloomingdale's, Kate Spade Scallop Front Tights, $22

A great variation on your standard black tight without being super crazy patterned. These also come in beige.

So you see its not always about the bling or the shoes or the lipstick, sometimes that sweater/skirt/skort does that work for you. Embrace the scallop.

Be fabulous today!

Chunkster

It's freezing on the east coast. Like wear tights under your pants and then add the wool socks cold. When you walk outside it feels like you just got slapped across the face. You know what you need when it is this cold? Chunky knits. Lots of them. All of them. Get cozy.

Wallis, Cream Chunky Jumper, $49

A cozy cream will go perfectly with coated denim or a structured legging. I also love the big cowl neck.

Bloomingdale's, Calvin Klein Chunky Cowl Neck Sweater, $89

A great pattern that has a lot of movement for those days when you want to do absolutely nothing.

Need Supply, Cowl Neck Sweater, $68

Oversized, drapey, thick and relaxed. Add some mulled wine and call it a night.

Dorothy Perkins, Blush Embellished Sweater, $21

A lovely knit with just the right amount of detail right by the face. No necklace needed.

When the temperature drops, its all about the chunky knit. Layer on an infinity scarf and find some comfy slippers. 

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

It's Friday everybody! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Chicken Pad Thai Nachos
℅ Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon tamarind concentrate or 1/4 cup lime juice
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce or to taste
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)
• 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1 (14 ounce) bag tortilla chips
• 1 cup cheddar, shredded
• 1 cup monterey jack, shredded
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Simmer the tamarind, fish sauce, sugar, chili sauce and peanut butter over medium heat until the peanut butter melts into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes, before mixing in the chicken.
2. Spread the nachos out on a baking dish, sprinkle on the chicken and sauce mixture, bean sprouts, carrots and green onions followed by the cheese and broil until the cheese has melted, about 2-4 minutes, before topping with peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Black Velvet

℅ Paste Magazine

Ingredients

1/2 glass Stout
1/2 glass Champagne

Directions

Fill 1/2 a collins glass with a stout and gently top with champagne.

Cinnamon Roll Pretzels

℅ Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

4 heaping cups of pretzels
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup vanilla candy melt or white chocolate

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, toss pretzels with melted butter. Stir sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl before tossing with buttered pretzels. Spread in an even layer on prepared baking sheet and bake 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes.

In a small bowl, melt vanilla candy melts until smooth. Pour into a squeeze bottle and drizzle over pretzels. {Or drizzle with a spoon.}

After about 5 minutes, the candy melt should harden and you can serve!

Sweating Dots

Ok lovebugs, we're getting really specific today. We're taking my favorite print - the polka dot - and the most popular cozy item this season - the sweatshirt. Girly, flirty, comfy, and adorable. Let's have some fun!

Gap, Dot Sweatshirt, $26

This slight scoop neck sweatshirt is perfect for layering and the hi low hem is casual and unexpected.

Nordstrom, Halogen Burnout Dot Sweatshirt, $58

Look closely, that's pink on pink ladies. That's right. Game changer. Add on a bauble and you've got one heck of an outfit- oh don't forget pants though. 

Delia's, Zip Dots Sweatshirt, $29

Remember Delia's? Well they are still adorable. Check out this cropped sweatshirt with a great exposed zipper detail.

Mango, Polka Dot Sweatshirt, $19

A comfy cotton blend that you can wear with jeans or maybe black cigarette pants. Or feeling brave? Try it with this merlot pencil skirt and a skinny belt.

I am loving the sweatshirt trend and I think with the right accessories you can dress it up for 9-5. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a sassy polka dot?

Be fabulous today!