Pop Quiz, Bro

Pop vocabulary quiz. Brocade. What does it mean. [insert Jeopardy music here] Ok, time's up. Brocade come from the Italian broccato meaning "embossed cloth". It often uses silver and gold thread and packs the pattern punch. Now a pattern like brocade can sometimes be heavy, old fashioned, and not necessarily spring-weather ready. The way we can warm up this style is brighten the color, use metallics to our favor and, well, let's take a look.

Nordstrom, Kensie Retro Brocade Shorts, $69

The lime color here is perfectly citrus and lightens up the floral-inspired pattern.

J Crew Factory, Gilded Jacquard Top in Brocade, $79

The rounded hemline is the least awesome thing going on here and that's saying something. The cut, the color, you really can't beat this minty emerald canvas.

Modcloth, Debut Dramatist Dress, $54

Another way to lighten up this pattern is to mimic the pattern on a simple cotton maxi. This oversized pattern balances perfectly with the longer length.

BB Dakota, Joss Jacket, $30

A cute baseball jacket is perfect to layer on with a tee. Unclear why this model is giving us the stink eye.

Brocade is easy to wear in the winter month, Brighten up the colors and find light fabrics to wear it in the warmer months.

Be fabulous today!

Rub You the Wrong Way

It's Monday, which is a huge bummer but it also ankle strap sandal day here on the blog, and if that doesn't blow your dress up, I don't know what to tell you.

The ankle strap style is a classic and one that you will see year round on a stiletto, a flat, or even a flatform. The key to a comfortable ankle strap is the width. You don't want it cutting off your circulation, but you also don't want it to rub. Look for a strap with a substantial width. This will give you a nice balance of style and comfort.

Victoria's Secret, Ankle Strap Mid Heel Sandal, $78

Let's talk about this sandal for a moment. The color is one that can be paired with everything from white to cobalt (yes, cobalt), the mid heel height means its the perfect shoe for a wedding where you know you'll be dancing a lot. The kicker? Where these with a relaxed bf jean and a roomy top on Friday night. 

Zara, High Heeled Sandal with Ankle Strap, $59

Hello. I mean. Wow. Nice wide lines on this shoe. And the color really does the talking.

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger Olena, $79

Check out the quilted pattern on that wedge. Don't see that everyday. The two tone gold and camel are perfect for spring. with a flowy maxi dress.

Loft, Alissa Colorblocked Heel, $89

This reminds me of a great piece of modern art. Sleek and sexy.

The ankle strap sandal is a great choice to add to your closet this season. You can wear them to work or to the 783 weddings you have to attend this year.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Mexican Chorizo Hash
c/o Cooking Light

Ingredients

2 ounces raw Mexican chorizo

1 cup prechopped onion

1/4 cup coarsely chopped bottled roasted red bell peppers

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 (6-ounce) package baby spinach

2 teaspoons olive oil

4 large eggs

2 1/2 cups refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo to pan; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Add onion, bell peppers, salt, and black pepper; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach; stir until spinach wilts. Remove sausage mixture from pan. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add potatoes; cook 8 minutes or until bottom is crisp. Stir in sausage mixture. Make 4 egg-size spaces in pan with a spoon. Crack 1 egg into each space. Cover and cook 4 minutes or until egg yolks are slightly set.

Power of Love
c/o There Will Be Bourbon

Ingredients
¾ oz. Bourbon
¾ oz. Meyer lemon juice
¾ oz. Sweet vermouth
¾ oz. Ginger simple syrup
Egg white

Directions

Shake all ingredients together with ice and strain into a coupe glass.

Irish Soda Bread
c/o Real Simple

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the work surface
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
• 1 1/3 cups buttermilk

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. With your hands or a pastry cutter, cut in the butter until the mixture is the consistency of coarse crumbs. Add the raisins and caraway and mix to combine. Add the buttermilk and mix just until the dough comes together but is still slightly shaggy.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and gently knead 8 to 10 times until a uniform dough forms. Shape the dough into a 7-inch round, about 1½ inches thick. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and score a large X in the top, about ¾ inch deep. Bake, rotating once, until the bread sounds hallow when tapped on the bottom, 55 to 65 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Get to the Point

On Monday we looked at heeled sandals and now lets look at a more casual option, something for everyday that will brighten your outfit. I'm talking about the patterned flat and today we're looking specifically at the pointed toe option. Chic, casual, and easy to wear.

Gap, Printed Pointy Toe in Navy Polka Dot, $39

What did I tell you? Fun and fresh and ready for spring!

Modcloth, First Course Flat, $32

I really like these flats because while the patten is bold the color combination is quiet which means you can pair it with jeans, shorts, or even a red skirt.

Charlotte Russe, Striped Patent Pointy Toe Flat, $22

A sassy stripe that is right on trend with the black and white.

Nordstrom, Bonita Flat, $98

And speaking of black and white, how about a little Aztec print to mix things up?

Pointed toe flats mean business. You can find them in a slew of styles including the popular d'orsay. For me, a printed flat will always get you a 'oh my gosh I love your shoes' and they should because they're something different and fun.

Be fabulous today!