Chevron On and On

Hey there lovebugs. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I thought we would give this week a theme and focus on something fun: this week we're going to look at patterns. Summertime is full of lovely fabrics, breezy pastels, but this week we're mixing things up and each day we'll look at a different pattern. Today we're starting with an old favorite, chevron.

Piperlime, Skies are Blue Chevron Skirt, $34

This is one fabulous mini. I love the shape and it's easy to pair with heels or flat metallic sandals.

Macy's, Michael Kors Chevron Lace Up Dress, $85

Because who doesn't need a wrap dress in their closet? 

Nordstrom, Halogen Gradient Chevron Scarf, $38

I'm having a hard time not putting this scarf in my cart. It's the perfect summer night scarf. A beautiful ombre coral and a pop of blue.

Loft, Chevron Open Stitch Sweater, $64

Speaking of summer nights, how about this gauzy open weave sweater. 

I love chevron as an all over print because it can be so bold with a thick stripe or it can be understated with a light color open stitch. You have so many options.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, here are my favorite recipes this week!

Breakfast Risotto
c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients
4-6 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter, divided
3 oz. pancetta, chopped
1 shallot, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups arborio rice
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped parsley, minced (optional)
Poached eggs for serving

Directions
Pour the broth into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat so the broth is at a simmer. 

In a heavy-bottomed skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the pancetta and cook until it has crisped and rendered its fat. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Melt the remaining butter into the pan, and then add the shallot. Cook until tender, then stir in the garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the rice, coating with the butter and toasting the kernels until they are translucent, about 2 minutes.

Add the wine to the pan. Scrape up any browned bits and allow nearly all of the wine to be absorbed by the risotto. Add a ladle-full of warm chicken broth to the rice. Stir frequently and do not add another ladle of broth until the first is almost completely absorbed. Continue to stir frequently, adding broth by the ladle, until the rice is creamy and has just a slight bite in the center when you try it. This will take about 25 minutes.

Off the heat, stir in the cheese and pancetta. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately with poached eggs on top.

Corn and Cotija Guacamole
c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup corn (~2 ears)
• 2 large avocados, mashed
• 1/4 cup cotija (or feta), crumbled
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (~1 lime)
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add the corn, toss and let it sit cooking until charred, about 6-10 minutes, mix it up and let it char again, about 6-10 minutes, and remove from heat.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients.
3. Mix everything and enjoy!

Banana Fudge Brownies

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
1 cup mashed overripe bananas (2-3, depending on size)
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cooking spray

Directions

1- Preheat oven to 350*F. Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2-In a large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
3-In a medium bowl, stir bananas, milk, oil, and vanilla until well-blended.
4-Add banana mixture to flour mixture, gently stirring until just combined. Add chocolate chips, folding gently.
5-Pour batter into prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Be careful not to over bake, otherwise the brownie may not be as fudgy). 

6-Move pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares to serve.

Hashtag This

We all know and we all love Twitter. It's probably overtaken Facebook for me. That's right, I said it. Power to Twitter. So today, I thought we would have some fun with hashtags.

C Wonder, Hashtag Delicate Chain Bracelet, $11

This bracelet is half sweet and half sass. It's also ready for an arm party.

Topshop, Hashtag Ring, $10

I would wear this ring on my index finger or thumb. It's a casual and quirky way to show your personality.

Singer22, Electric Picks Hashtag Necklace in Rose Gold, $79

A blinged out rose gold option is all business. Want to have some fun with it? Layer on a string of pearls.

Shoptiques, Hashtag Necklace, $48

I like this one because it's understated. Simple and delicate. 

So let's start trending. How are you wearing your hashtag?

Be fabulous today!

Skorts 101

Sometimes summer can get a little dress heavy. They're so easy to throw on and go, but what about the outfit? Don't let the hot weather be the death of the outfit. So today, we're looking at skorts. That's right, skorts. The part short, part skirt, all chic.

Lord and Taylor, Buffalo David Bitton Camille Geo Stripe Skort, $69

Not what you remember about skorts is it? Mature pattern, great length just yes.

Express, Metallic Leopard Asymmetrical Hem Skort, $59

A great animal print with pockets. Major win.

Nordstrom, Topshop Woven Wrap Skort, $60

Topshop knows what's up. How about this punchy number?

Bloomingdale's, Aqua Skort Wrap Front, $68

This is so chic. Simple, crisp and hello legs for days.

I dare you to try out the skort this summer. Dare you. You will not be disappointed.

Be fabulous today!