So Not the 90s

Hi lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you! Are you buried in snow? DC is trying to decide what it wants to do between slush and snow. I'm hoping for a snow day but in the meantime let's talk jewelry. There is a really interesting trend in necklaces right now that is edgy but depending on how you wear it can still be feminine: the choker. This 90s grunge accessory has been updated from what you knew. It's sleek and sexy, let's take a look.

BaubleBar, Gemini Pearl Choker, $36

How about this? Asymmetrical pearls would look great with a suit or have some fun with a silky blouse. There is also a similar option in silver.

Pink Mascara, West Coast Wardrobe Silver Lace Choker, $32

Quite a modern a cool look that would be fun with buffalo plaid.

Asos, Warehouse 3D Triangle Choker, $26 $18

This is very Cleopatra and I love it. 

Forever 21, Rhinestone Choker, $10

Just simple. Nothing wild, nothing screaming 'look at me', just a beautiful line of sparkle.

Thoughts? Chokers are certainly not what they used to be. Quite an upgrade if you ask me.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

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

The XYZ Cocktail
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces rum
3/4 ounces orange liqueur
3/4 ounces lemon juice

Directions

Combine all the ingredients in a Boston shaker or cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain the contents into a chilled cocktail glass.

Brussel Sprout Hash with Sweet Potato and Bacon

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 4 strips bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small sweet potato, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 eggs

Directions

1. Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat and set aside.
2. Add the onion and sweet potato to the pan and saute until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
4. Add the brussels sprouts, saute until tender, about 5 minutes, let sit until the bottoms start to caramelize, about 5 minutes, mix everything up, let sit for 5 minutes and mix it all up.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Create 4 small wells in the hash, add the eggs and cook until the desired level of done-ness.

Red Velvet Biscotti

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

for the biscotti

• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg
• 3 Tbsp BAILEYS Red Velvet Cupcake Coffee Creamer (or heavy cream)
• 2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp red gel food coloring
For the glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 Tbsp BAILEYS Red Velvet Cupcake Coffee Creamer (or heavy cream)
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with granulated sugar. Add cocoa powder and egg to the mixture, beat until combined. Add in the creamer, and mix until fully blended. Add flour, baking powder, and food coloring and mix until combined. 
2. Line a 15inch x 10inch x 1inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide dough in half. With hands, pat dough into 9inch x 2 ½ inch rectangles. You will have TWO rectangles. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes. Remove biscotti from oven. Slice each rectangle of dough into 9 even slices. Tip each slice onto one side and return to oven. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and flip biscotti to opposite side. Bake an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. 
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream cheese and creamer until smooth. Spread a generous amount of glaze onto each slice of biscotti. Add mini chocolate chips, if desired. Allow glaze to set, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container for up to one week. ENJOY.

Outerwear Your Ears

The latest trend in earrings: the ear jacket. Seriously. I think it's more wearable than the ear cuff but a bit more unexpected than your normal stud earring. The ear jacket is part stud and part drop earring.

BaubleBar, Pearl Arc Ear Jackets, $28

Step up your normal pearls for these whimsical accessories. You can also vary the length of the earring with adjustable holes for the stud.

Bloomingdale's, AQUA Paige Bar Ear Jacket, $20

A little door knocker and a little hoop. This is going to look great with a suit. 

Piperlime, Rebeca Minkoff Crystal Earring, $58

Got a special occasion or an LBD that need a boost? These babies. Elegant and interesting.

Stella and Dot, Crescent Ear Jacket, $49

I saved my favorite for last. These have four different way to wear them. Wear just the studs, switch out the stud and just enjoy the compliments.

I'm loving this trend. I think it's different without being isolating to us 9-5 folks. 

Be fabulous today!

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Split Down the Middle

What is it about the slightest details that transforms the entire look of a skirt? Texture, shape, movement, or as we will see today, the slit. What we think of when we think of a pencil skirt is a back slit. Turn it around and you have a completely different look. Something powerful, corporate, and sexy. I give you the front slit skirt.

Asos, Midi Pencil Skirt with Front Split, $34

Here we have a stunning midi that has a slim cut and hugs in all of the right places.

Max Studio, Stretch Suiting Pencil Skirt, $98

Let's talk beige. This effortless and cool shade is oozing confidence.

Jones New York, Black Pencil Skirt with Front Slit, $64 $39

Simple, elegant, and work ready. This skirt is understated and yet show stopping.

Topshop, Premium Utility Midi Skirt, $95

Asymmetrical front slit. This skirt has structure and movement at the same time.

The front slit is such a simple switch but totally changes the silhouette of the outfit.

Be fabulous today!

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