Top Me Off

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I'm feeling ladylike this morning. Girly, flirty, and feminine. One fall bag trend that exudes lady is the top handle handbag. It's very Mad Men chic. Simple, elegant, and under $100.

Sole Society, Baylen, $49

This cognac beauty is fall. It's got an equestrian feel and the hardware is just subtle enough to blend in.

Shop Ruche, Summertime Stroll Bag, $64

A simple nude bag that you can carry into fall by adding a cool scarf.

DSW, Melie Bianco Annie Top Handle Crossbody Bag, $59

This colorblock vision also comes in a cobalt version but I love this for fall.

Modcloth, Cobalt Charisma Bag, $65

And speaking of cobalt how about this sharp number?

The top handle bag is a simple detail that to me adds just a touch of femininity to your look. Find it in your style and your color but enjoy it all the same.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! 
I'm off to South Carolina to spend the weekend with one of my best girlfriends. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Demerara Rose
c/o Fogged in Lounge

Ingredients

• 4 oz Demerara rum 
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz grenadine

Directions
Shake with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glasses. Makes two.








Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
c/o Cassie Craves

Ingredients
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons ginger root, peeled and grated
1 pound ground chicken 
4 tablespoons soy sauce 
1 tablespoon Sriracha or other hot sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 small can water chestnuts, chopped 
1/3 cup chopped peanuts 
1 head iceberg lettuce 

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add onion and saute about 2 minutes, then add garlic and ginger and saute another minute. Add ground chicken to frying pan and break apart, then add soy sauce and Sriracha. Cook until the chicken is brown and crumbling apart, and the sauce is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.

2. While chicken cooks, wash and chop cilantro. Remove the core end from lettuce and separate leaves

3. When chicken is done, add chopped water chestnuts, chopped peanuts, and chopped cilantro and cook 1 to 2 minutes more.

4. To serve, place chicken mixture on lettuce leaf and fold the leaf closed to make it easy to grab and eat.

Peach Cobbler Oatmeal

c/o Spoonful of Flavor

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups water
• pinch of salt
• 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 2 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg
• 2 large peaches, chopped
• 3-4 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans for garnish; if desired

Directions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add water and salt. Bring to a boil. Add oats, cinnamon and nutmeg and stir to combine.
2. Cook for 4 minutes, or until oatmeal thickens. Add peaches and brown sugar and cook one additional minute.
3. Serve immediately and garnish with pecans, if desired.

Stretch Your Legs

A few weeks ago we looked at elastic ankle pants. Those pants are casual but breezy and are perfect for summer casual office wear. Today we're going to step it up a bit: keep the elastic waist but open up the ankle a bit.

Anthropologie, Tuxedo Stripe Crops, $78  $39!

Picture this with a simple white tshirt and then picture it with a white oxford and black heels. Versatile and comfy.

Saks Fifth Ave, Ellen Tracy Wide Leg Pants, $21

That's right, $21. A delicate tiny dot/floral print makes these crops perfect for work or play because the print isn't distracting.

JCPenny, Wide Leg Soft Pant, $29 $23

A teeny diamond print that is work ready in no time.

Macy's, Vince Camuto Wide Leg Printed Drawstring Pants, $99 $74!

Hi, if you need me, I will be in these pants for the rest of forever. Oh I love them.

Airy comfort that your waist will thank you for. This is a trend I can absolutely get on board with. 

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Monogram Me

You know when you went back to school and your mom put your name in everything? Your lunch box, the tags of your sweater, your backpack, you name it. If your name was in/on it was all yours; and I feel like that was where my love of personalized things started. This monogram says this is mine, so there. Perhaps its childish or perhaps its stylish, or maybe, just maybe its the best combination of both. Today we're checking out some monogram necklaces.

Charm & Chain, Moon and Lola Acrylic Hartford Block Necklace, $60

How lovely is this piece? I love the light blue canvas.

BaubleBar, Acrylic Block Monogram Necklace, $48

I am a sucker for tortoise because you can wear it with anything. This necklace goes with a dress, a tee shirt, or even a suit.

Swell Caroline, Monogram Necklace Triple Letter, $48

How about this heavier option? I love the preppy style.

Nordstrom, Aregnto Vivo Small Three Letter Monogram, $98

And now for the classic option. This designed is exclusive to Nordstrom and the romantic script is perfect in silver or gold.

The monogram necklace is the stylish way to say this is all yours. Personalized jewelry make a great gift for a bride, grad, or yourself.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post