Don't Fear the Ankle

Sometimes fashion can be scary. You're not sure if the trend is going stick and if it does, can you pull it off? Remember when we feared color blocking? How about jeggings? Exactly, sometimes we have to embrace change and tailor the trend to work for us. 

What's today's 'can I really wear this' trend? The cinched ankle pant. Not full on harem, not sweats, a comfortable day to night dress pant that I think we can all wear. 

JCPenny, Bisou Bisou Ankle Zip Smocked Pants, $21

A great geometric print that is more streamlined with a pair of black stilettos.

Macy's, American Rag Printed Harem Pants, $39

I really like the contrasting waistband that dresses up this pick.

White House Black Market, Tapered Crepe Pant, $49

This is the best version of a day to night option. Simple, chic and with the change of a shoe or earring you're ready for date night.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Greylin Pull On Wide Graphic Print Satin Pants, $89

Another great geometric print that can be worn during the day with metallic flat sandals and in the evening with a pair of heels.

If you're still on the fence, I totally get it. Look for a fabric that you feel comfortable in. Something with a little more weight to them, Try drawstring, try zip up, try solid, try print. Find what works for you.

Be fabulous today!

Short Story

Hey there lovebugs,
Usually I am pretty good at coming up with post ideas, but sometimes I get some help from friends, reader requests or family. Today my dad will spotlight because I can't not share his intro with you. It's downright poetic. Without further ado, I give you TCB's dad...

"Just in time for Spring. Don’t these colorful shorts look like Spring flowers? Face it, it’s been a long winter. We need to add some brightness into the world. Ladies, it’s time to shave those legs and make a statement with these casual and essential shorts that can be paired with almost any top, to be worn anywhere, at any time. And don’t forget those sublime belts to add an extra splash of the palette."

And now let's talk bright, spring shorts.

Ruche, Maisie Scalloped Shorts, $42

Oh hey there spring! Scallops anyone? These shorts are adorable. Dress them down with a waist tied button down or dress them up with heeled sandals and a silk blouse.

Vince Camuto, Foiled Silver Shorts, $89

I love the length on these shorts. The are dressy and downright spunky with the allover metallic and a bow.

Mango, Floral lightweight shorts, $49

How about a colorful floral? Switch out the camel belt for something metallic and dress them down with a lightweight sweatshirt.

Anthropologie, Pleated Twill Shorts, $68

A little menswear-inspired but punched up with this sunshine yellow.

We'll be talking shorts a few times this spring and summer but I would like to thank dad for kicking things off. I hope you enjoy these picks and treat yourself to a bright new pair.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,

Here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Strawberry Greek Yogurt Banana Bread

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 large over-ripe bananas (mashed)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced

Directions

1. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
2. Mix brown sugar, bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, yogurt and strawberries in another large bowl.
3. Mix the dryy ingredients into the wet ingredients.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
5. Bake in a preheated 350F oven until golden brown and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean, about 60 minutes.

Avocado Chicken Salad

c/o Emily Bites

Ingredients

• 4 slices center cut bacon
• 1 medium avocado, cubed
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• 2 cups cubed cooked skinless chicken breast
• ½ a medium cucumber, diced
• 2 tablespoons low fat mayonnaise
• 2-3 tablespoons minced cilantro
• 2 scallions (greens only)

Directions

1. Cook the bacon according to package instructions and then lay on paper towels to drain. When cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. Combine the avocado chunks and lime juice in a large mixing bowl and gently stir to coat. Add the chicken, cucumber, mayonnaise, cilantro and scallions stir gently (so as not to mash the avocado) until well mixed.

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent dough sheets
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
In the bowl of a mixer, beat together the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Place one sheet of crescent dough in the prepared 9x13 pan. Spread cream cheese mixture over the dough and top with the remaining sheet of dough.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix with a fork until combined.
Drop small pieces of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the dough.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the dough has puffed and turned golden. Remove from the oven and cool before serving. (Optional: drizzle honey over the bars before serving.)

Crop Dusting

Last week we looked at some simple and solid gray dresses. Today I think we should go a similar route and take a look at some standard yet essential black crops. You can wear them for work or play and they are all machine washable.

Gap, Slim Cropped Pants, $54

Almost 800 people have reviewed these pants on gap.com. I think they're doing something right.

Loft, Marisa Doubleweave Cotton Cropped Pant, $59

True story, I bought these pants last week. They fit like a dream. Flats, heels, sandals, get ready closet. These pants have plans for you.

Banana Republic, Hampton Fit Sateen Pant, $79

These pants have a bit of a sheen to them which makes them very Audrey Hepburn.

Nordstrom, Vince Camuto Skinny Ankle Pant, $79

Let me tell you something about Vince's pants. You are going to wear the crap out of them. They will be your go to pant for work and for Saturday night.

Not every post can be polka dots and sequins, today we focus on a staple. Try a few fits and styles, you will never regret buying a great pair of black crops.

Be fabulous today!