Choke Hold

Let's have some fun with an unexpected trend that is making quite a return: the choker necklace. Who knew? I like this trend because it offers a nice variation to the big bauble and statement pieces that we know and love.

J Crew, Shaped Choker, $98

This sculptural beauty is on my Christmas list. 

BaubleBar, Gemini Pearl Choker, $36

These asymmetric pearls are so not your gramma's pearls. I love the mix of gold with gray.

Lord and Taylor, House of Harlow Herringbone Double Choker, $88

Leave it to Nicole Richie to create this beauty. A bold herringbone pattern is perfect.

Topshop, Draped Stone Choker, $28

Teeny tiny stones give this necklace such detail for such a low price. The draping make this almost victorian looking.

So mix up your collar and statement necklaces with these chokers. They offer a bold but cool look that is pretty effortless.

Be fabulous today!

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So NBD

Let's talk faux fur. A couple of years ago the faux fur vest came on the scene and people were nervous  about looking too boho, too rocker, too whatever. Now this look is no big deal, it's a not even a trend, it's totally normal, and thank goodness, because this is fall look I'm loving.

Lord and Taylor, Tinsel Faux Fur Vest, $75

I love this color combination because it goes with anything. Absolutely anything.

Forever 21, Open Front Faux Fur Vest, $37

Effortless, just chic and easy.

Choies, Variegated Peacock Striped Faux Fur Waistcoat, $31

A very different look for faux fur. A feathery style that is easy to belt.

Target, Women's Faux Fur Vest Black, $34

Even Target is getting in on it. A lovely longer option that has pockets.

So this non-trend is back and affordable. Are you wearing it? For me, this item is one I pick a color/style and that's it. This isn't a pair of jeans that I have 3, 4...7 pairs. This is a one and done and fantastic.

Be fabulous today!

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All In: Saturday Style

It's All In day. And this outfit isn't my usual. It's something that is super fall. It's not preppy, it's not super fitted, but to me it says Saturday in fall. Cozy, chic, colorful, comfortable. Oh and you will NEVER guess where these booties are from.

Sweater Poncho/Ponte Leggings/Booties/Necklace

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
Here are some spooky recipes for your Halloween.

Vampire Punch
c/o Real Simple

Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup Campari 
1/2  cup gin
1/2 cup orange juice 
3 cups club soda, chilled  
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1 orange thinly sliced

Directions

1. Combine the sugar and ¼ cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar has completely dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Let it cool.
2. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the Campari, gin, orange juice, and sugar syrup; chill for up to 12 hours. Just before serving, add the club soda, pomegranate seeds, and orange. Serve over ice.

Sour Cream and Chive Crackers 

c/o SP Cookie Queen

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper (optional)

1 cup shredded fontina cheese

4 tbsp. butter, cold, cut in 1/2" pieces

2 tbsp. chopped fresh chives

1/4 cup sour cream

Small amount of black sesame seeds

Directions

In the bowl of a food processor place flour, salt, pepper (optional if your little ghouls don't like any spice), and the cheese, pulse one or two times.  Add butter and pulse a couple more times until mixture is looking crumbly.  Add chives and sour cream and pulse until the mixture is starting to ball up.

Substitution:
I used fontina cheese, but parmesan or white cheddar would also work well.

Place cracker dough in a covered bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

On a lightly floured surface roll dough to 1/4" thick and cut out with small ghost shaped cutter and place them 1/2" apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silpat.  Place two black sesame seeds for eyes and one for the mouth.  I love mini cutter sets such as these, your local craft store is a good source too.

Bake 13-15 minutes.

Spooky Brookies

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

For the brownie layer:

1 box (18.75 oz) Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme Brownie Mix (makes an 8x8inch pan)

1/4 cup water

1/3 cup oil

1 large egg

For the cookie layer:
• 16 Halloween Oreos
• 1 pkg (16.5oz) Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (in the refrigerated tube)
• 1/2 cup Ghirardelli milk chocolate morsels
• 32 candy "eyes"

 Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8 or 9inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Mix ingredients for brownies in a large bowl using a whisk. Mix until just combined. Pour into bottom of baking dish, spreading so batter goes all the way to the sides.
3. Top with 16 Oreo cookies.
4. Breaking the chocolate chip cookie dough into chunks, drop by tablespoons onto the brownie/Oreo layer. Continue until all cookie dough is used, and brownies are nearly covered.
5. Top with extra milk chocolate morsels (optional).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Press "eyes" onto melted chocolate chips. Allow brookies to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, cover with foil and refrigerate for 2 hours (or overnight). Cut into 16 bars. ENJOY.