Bring It Rain

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. The weather in DC was phenomenal. Sunshine, breeze, and the perfect temps...and then the rain came. Par for the course in April. So today I thought we would look at some rain footwear that are not your standard wellies. Step up your rain game with these options.

Zappos, Chooka Solid Duck Skimmer, $55

There is something so cheerful about yellow in the rain. I love these skimmers for spring.

Brooks Brothers, Rubber Penny Loafers, $98

Alright Brooks Brothers, I see you. Preppy meets rain, win win.

River Island, Black Glitter Ankle Rubber Boots, $40

Great price point on these modified wellies. I like this style recently because it reminds me of the Chelsea style boot from this winter. 

Nordstrom, Kate Spade Jove Jelly Skimmer, $73

Even our girl Kate is getting into the skimmer game! You really can't go wrong with a punch of pink in the rain.

Don't let the rain bring you down with wet stilettos, slide into some rain flats, skimmers, and boots for some real style. 

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

The Absolut Maple Sour

c/o Five O'Clock Cocktails

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces vodka

3/4 ounces maple syrup

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Lemon peel, to garnish

Directions

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake until your hands are too cold to keep holding onto the tin. Strain into cocktail glass and garnish with lemon peel.

Creamed Spinach and Artichokes

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese (low fat is ok), room temperature
• 1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped
• salt, pepper and cayenne to taste
• 
  

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, add the onion and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
3. Sprinkle in the flour, mix and cook for another minute.
4. Add the milk and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the cream cheese and parmesan and cook until they melt.
6. Mix in the spinach and artichokes, cook until warmed and season with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste.

Cinnamon Sugar Shortbread Bars

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

2 cups butter, room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the flour and cornstarch until well combined.
Pat into an ungreased 10x15 rimmed baking sheet. Prick all over with a fork.
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the dough.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookie is set.
Cut into bars while still warm.

Would You Like A Crepe

Hey there lovebugs,
Today we define a term that we've heard used all of the time: crepe. It's a silk, wool, or synthetic fiber that is known for its crisp and crinkle appearance. Depending on the material, it can be stiff but that can be a blessing when you want a piece with a bit more structure. Let me show you what I mean.

Forever 21, Shawl Collar Crepe Blazer, $34

OK, so unclear where this model is going in a blazer and her bellybutton but that aside this is a fantastic spring blush blazer.

Nordstrom, Chelsea28 Pleated A-Line Skirt, $78

A very relaxed pleat that has a casual cool vibe. 

Ann Taylor, Colorblock Crepe Tee, $59

I love a structured but not constricting top for work. This top is a great base or where as is with a statement earring.

Urban Outfitters, Band Of Gypsies Grecian High-Neck Crepe Maxi Dress, $79

I can't even with this beauty. It looks red carpet but when you feel it, its a cotton crepe. In a stunning merlot.

Crepe is an often discussed textile with no real understanding of what it is or when to wear it. I really like this material for spring because it's structured, ready for work or play, and it's is 99% of the time machine washable.

Be fabulous today!

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Fresh Squeezed

Let's sweeten up this hump day with some cheery color. I walked passed a lovely lady this week and did a double take on her dress. It wasn't yellow, it wasn't even a buttercup, it was lighter yet sweeter, I decided it was lemon. Lemon is the color today. It's light and sunny but not as saturated as your standard yellow.

Bloomingdale's, AQUA Skirt Eyelet Pleated Midi, $78

Starting strong with this eyelet beauty. I love the ivory contrast behind the lemon.

Modcloth, Cheer Comes the Sun Dress, $59

Perfect brunch dress. I love the neckline and the peek-a-boo sides.

Target, Women's Lemon Print Infinity Crinkle Scarf, $11

Oh come on, I had to include this sweet lemon print scarf. I'd pair this with a denim jacket for a cooler spring day.

JCPenny, Peplum Cardigan Sweater, $24

A peplum cardi? Excellent work JCPenny. And the price point is spot on.

A beautiful lemon for this midweek post. It's cheery, almost pastel, and it's bound to brighten up your closet.

Be fabulous today!

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