Queen of the Empire

Let's talk ridiculously flattering shapes. I'm talking about my go to, your favorite and mine, the empire waist. It's universally forgiving and it's my favorite cut for a dress. Because it's summer aka maxi season let's look at empire cut maxi dresses.

Nordstrom, Felicity & Coco Empire Waist Maxi, $98

I don't often post pieces close to $100 but when I do I like to give an explanation. This dress is worth every single penny. All over saturated cornflower blue with a stunning neckline. This is your go to summer dress. Add a jeweled belt, try chandelier earrings, or throw on a jean jacket and go.

Asos, Traffic People Silk Maxi Dress, $91

Polka dot and floral? Count me in. 

Kohl's, Milly Print Empire Maxi Dress, $54

Last week we looked at the Milly for Kohl's line and you guys went wild. This maxi still works and it comes in four colors.

Old Navy, High Neck Maxi Tank Dress, $35

Ok, real talk, summer means sweat-city. I love Old Navy for cotton dresses that I don't feel about living in because I toss them in the wash.

The empire waist is a staple in my closet and that includes these maxi dresses. The cut makes the torso look long and lean. Solid or print, it's a win.

Be fabulous today!

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Matchy Matchy

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Hopefully you are looking forward to a long Memorial Day weekend. That is what is getting me through today. Hang in there. Today is a post I've wanted to do for a while but I haven't been able to find the options I liked. Matching skirt sets. This trend is so much fun because it's allover pattern but broken into a top and bottom.

Missguided, Ania Contrast Floral Print Monochrome, $20

This skirt set is so simple and yet such a visual punch. 

Topshop, Sunrise Floral Print Midi Skirt and Top, $90

What a sunny outfit. I love the large floral print and this top is cut beautifully.

Asos, Co-ord Scuba Maxi in Floral with Organza Overlay, $81

Need a dressy wedding guest outfit that is going to turn heads? Look no further. The matching top is on sale for $28.

Shoptiques, L'atiste Textured Skirt Set, $90

And for a more adventurous but still T Swift approved (no belly button) how about this baby pink option?

I really love this trend because it makes a statement but you can also break up the pieces for endless outfit options.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

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

Pok Pok's Rhubarb Blush Cocktail

c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients

1 ounce London Dry gin
1 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 ounce Aperol
1 to 2 dashes Fee Brothers Rhubarb Bitters
Orange or lemon twist for garnish

Directions

In a cocktail shaker filled half way with ice, combine the gin, lime juice, Aperol and bitters. Shake until well-chilled. Pour both cocktail and ice into a glass and garnish with an orange twist.

Million Dollar Pasta

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar pasta sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, brown the hamburger meat in a medium skillet, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain the fat and return to the pan. Stir in the pasta sauce and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, beat together the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper with an electric mixer until well combined.
4. Drain the pasta when it's finished cooking and return to the pot. Stir in the cream cheese mixture and the meat sauce until well coated.
5. Serve immediately.

Lemon Crumb Cake

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup milk

FOR THE FILLING:

• 1 package (8oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 lemon, zested

FOR THE STREUSEL:

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

FOR THE GLAZE:

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp milk
• 
  

Directions

1. For the cake, grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt on low until combined. Beat in softened butter until crumbly. Add in eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice and milk. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Pour into prepared pan.
3. For the filling, beat cream cheese with sugar, egg and lemon zest for about 4-5 minutes. Pour over cake layer, being careful to not let it touch the sides of the pan.
4. In a small bowl, combine streusel ingredients with a fork. Sprinkle over top of cake. Bake in a 325 degree oven for about 38-42 minutes. Cool completely in pan. When cooled, remove from pan and place on a serving plate.
5. Whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake. Serve and enjoy!

Working for the Weekend

Tis almost the weekend lovebugs. Let's celebrate. I love a great graphic top and who doesn't love the weekend? Here are some fun graphic tops that celebrate just that.

Ily Couture, Weekend Eco-Grey Sweatshirt, $58

The perfect relaxed top for the best two days of the week.

Nordstrom, BP Graphic Rolled Sleeve Shirt, $32

Simple sentiment, major comfort.

Modcloth, Life in the Breakfast Lane Tee, $29

Yes they really are, Modcloth.

Lord and Taylor, I Love Sundays Fleece Pullover, $58

When the AC is on high and you want to keep your under the covers cozy going, slip into this and some leggings.

Who doesn't love a graphic top, especially when they celebrate the best days of the week?

Be fabulous today!

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