Plaiding Ahead

It's almost November, which means it's almost full on winter, which means it's time to think plaid. Yep, I'm not holding back, I'm thinking ahead and getting my picks in now for plaid cropped pants. Not your wide leg or bootcut black and white plaid, and not your standard windowpane. I'm talking colorful, fitted, plaid.

LandsEnd, Fit 2 Twill Tartan Slim Leg Pant, $89

I'm going to need these pants. Styled perfectly with a casual chambray as seen above, or add a navy silk blouse for your company holiday party.

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger Plaid Cropped Pant, $79

I don't love the shoe pairing but this could very easily be swapped out with suede stilettos (PS going to need these shoes).

Anthropologie, Plaid Ponte Leggings, $89

Ok, these are technically leggings, but they have back pockets so they count. Plus leggings at holiday eating time? Don't hate that.

Gap, Tailored Crop Plaid Wool Pant, $59

Wool with a touch of spandex? Yep and yep.

Are you brave enough for a plaid pant this winter? I can promise you the compliments will be abundant. 

Be fabulous today!

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In the Hood

As you know, The Bf sometimes gives some guidance for topics on the blog. Sometimes they're horrible, and sometimes he's got a good point. Lucky for you today is the latter. He has a thing for Made in the USA products and companies, and who doesn't? One of his favorites is American Giant. Have you heard of them? Well they make some high quality items and one of them has inspired the post for today: the women's zip up hoodie. Comfort meets style.

American Giant, Heavyweight Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt, $89

68 people have given this a five star review. That's like Yelp on steroids, they must be doing something right.

Gap, Arch Logo Zip Hoodie, $44

While not necessarily made in the USA, this is logo is an American clothing icon. This hoodie will never go out of style.

Singer 22, Monrow Long Zip Hoodie, $79

How about a relaxed fit longer version. Perfect with a ponte knit pant and a simple tee.

American Apparel, Unisex Flex Fleece Zip Up Hoodie, $48

Made in the USA goodness in about a million colors.

Simple, soft, and so comfy. Layer it with a scarf, dress it up with a statement necklace. Just have fun with it.

Be fabulous today!

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Bootie with Personality

Welcome back to the week lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I sure did. I spent the weekend in New Hampshire with my family. Now it's back to business and I'm kicking things off with booties. I know, I know, it's like an overplayed Taylor Swift song (jk, that's impossible) but today we're looking at some booties with personality, a little cut out with a peep toe, perfect for fall.

Urban Outfitters, Seychelles Discovery Cutout Peep Toe Heel, $79

Suede, stacked heel, metallic adjustable ankle strap. Enough said.

Target, Mossimo Kacie Peep Toe Bootie, $34

Alright Target, you can get in on this action. I love this blush bootie!

Express, Ankle Strap Heeled Runway Clog, $41

I have a special place in my heart for a padded footbed. Extra comfort and no one knows.

Modcloth, Make it Strappy Bootie, $54

These are sexy but in a bf jeans and floppy hat kind of way. In a Jessica Alba kind of way.

Enjoy these cutouts while your toes can still stand the chill. You're going to look great.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

We made it! Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

The Gushing Groom

c/o Five O Clock Cocktails

Ingredients

1 ounce Single Malt Scotch Whisky

1/2 ounce Aperol

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Ginger ale to fill

Directions

Combine Scotch, Aperol and bitters in an ice-filled mixing glass and stir briskly. Strain into ice-filled double old-fashioned glass. Top with ginger alge.

Skillet Roasted red Pepper Artichoke Dip

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

1 Package (9 rolls) Frozen Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls, thawed and each roll cut in half

1 package Frozen Spinach, thawed and squeeze of excess water

1 package Frozen Artichokes, thawed and squeezed of excess water and chopped

1/2 cup Chopped Roasted Red Pepper

2 cloves Garlic, minced

1 8-oz Brick Cream Cheese, softened

1 cup Sour Cream

1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In the middle of your skillet - or in a mixing bowl - stir together cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Break apart drained spinach, artichokes, roasted red pepper, garlic and shredded cheeses. Stir together until combined. (If using a mixing bowl, pour into a skillet or other baking dish)

Bake the dip for 15 minutes, until bubbly. While the dip is baking, cut the thawed rolls in half. When the dip is done, remove from oven and place the rolls cut side down on top of the dip. Place the dip back in the oven and continue to bake until the rolls are baked through and golden brown on top.

Remove from oven and let cool for ten minutes prior to serving.

Carmel Apple Blondies

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt
1 cup mini Caramel Apple Milky Way candy bars, unwrapped

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 baking dish with foil or parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir in the egg until well combined.
Add the flour, cinnamon, and salt to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined. Gently stir in half of the candy bars. The batter will be thick and sticky.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Press the remaining candy pieces all over the top.
Bake for 20 minutes. The center should be barely set.
Cool before cutting.