Put a Bow on It

Hi lovebugs,
It's Monday, so I'm going to keep this pretty short and sweet. It's cardigan season, it's also layering season, which means it's also belt season. Today we're looking at bow belts. These are an easy and chic accessory that you can pair over you cards, add a waist to a dress, put over your coat, do I need to go on?

Target, Mossimo Bow Belt,$14

This shade of brown looks so rich. I'd pair it with a navy sweater dress.

Nordstrom, Kate Spade Lace Print Skinny Belt, $46

A beautiful lace that would add the perfect pop to a bridesmaid's dress or a suit.

Bluefly, Ivanka Trump Teal Embossed Faux Leather Bow Belt, $24

Ok how about a crisp white oxford with this pop of teal? Oh yes. I love it!

White House Black Market, Red Silverstone Skinny Bow Belt, $44

I like this skinny red option for a bold print. It adds a pop of wow to big pattern.

I love layering season and I love accessorizing in unexpected ways. These feminine belts can work with a trench coat, tunic, dress, you name it.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
Here are my favorite recipes this week. 

Fort Washington Flip
c/o Serious Eats

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces applejack
• 3/4 ounce Benedictine
• 1/2 ounce maple syrup
• 1 fresh egg

Directions

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker; add the egg, fill with ice and shake very vigorously for at least 10 seconds. Strain into chilled cocktail glass; garnish with a grating of fresh nutmeg.

Buffalo Roasted Cauliflower

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping

Directions

1. Toss the cauliflower florets in the oil, salt and pepper, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated 400F oven until lightly golden brown, about 20-30 minutes.
2. Toss cauliflower in the hot sauce and enjoy warm with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping and celery sticks on the side.

Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies

c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons hot water
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

Whisk or sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, beating until just combined. Add the hot water and vanilla and beat until combined. 

Add the flour mixture, in two batches, beating just until combined – be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Using a wooden spoon, fold in the chocolate chips and Rice Krispies. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer.

Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into a ball. Place all the dough balls on one baking sheet and chill at least 30 minutes. 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 

Remove the dough from fridge and place 12 balls on a cookie sheet, evenly spaced apart. Bake until the middle looks just set and the edges begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Don't overcook. Remove and let sit on the baking sheet for 1 minute. Move the cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough. 

Metamorphosis

What is the cocoon coat? What does that even mean? Well I will tell you because I had to look it up. Picture the butterfly cocoon. It is a straight-down, unstructured, masterpiece. You don't need to admire it's curves, it's straightforward and simple. How does this translate to fashion? This coat has a lack of shape, embrace it. There is no need to belt it, there is no need to define a waist. It's a cocoon. Own it.

Mango, Minimal Cocoon Coat, $89

How airy and simple is this coat? I'm obsessed with this pink.

Asos, Fluffy Cocoon Coat, $79

Keyword: fluffy. Comfort meets warmth in this perfect go to coat.

Forever 21, Pleated Funnel Neck Cocoon Coat, $44

Ok chic Forever 21, I see you!

Missguided, Lena Cocoon Coat, $75

Oh mustard, how I love you.

So what are we thinking on the cocoon coat? Pretty great, right? Agreed. A great addition to your coat closet that is casual and chic.

Be fabulous today!

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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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