Get Off the Shoulder

Ok lovebugs, I have a confession to make. I don't love the off the shoulder trend. I have no great reason other than, it just doesn't do it for me. That being said, when the weather gets hot. Not just sweating on your way to work hot, but holy crap do I have to leave the house hot, these light, sometimes skimpy, tops are perfect. So let's look at some off the shoulder tops.

Shopbop, Free People Ripple Off the Shoulder Priscilla Top, $78

See what I mean? Think of all the ways you could style this top. Printed soft pants, a sequin mini, jeans, a slim midi skirt, the list goes on. The swing pleats offer just enough movement.

Forever 21, Abstract Dot Off the Shoulder Top, $15

This top is the definition of flounce. Easy, feminine, and fun.

Asos, Villa Off the Shoulder Top, $51

This top is very super model to me. So effortless and so beautiful.

Modcloth, Countless Compliments Top in Navy, $20

You can't beat the price on this top. I love that its a dark navy instead of a harsher black stripe.

Off the shoulder trend can be overly hippie or overly sexy, but you can also find styles that work with the rest of your closet. Look for patterns that you already love or pair a statement necklace with a solid option.

Be fabulous today!

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Nip and Tuck

Let's talk details. A simple detail that completely changes the look of an item: the pin tuck. It is such a quiet feature that today we will look at not on pants where you expect to see a pleat, but rather tops. A pin tuck detail on a blouse elevates a print or a solid with just a touch of something extra.

Anthropologie, Fluttered Maya Blouse, $59

What a beautifully organic print on this blouse. I love the flutter sleeves and it's machine washable.

Saks Off Fifth, Michael Stars Pintucked Silk Blouse, $53

And here we see a solid option. The tiny pleats are very delicate on this silk top.

Nordstrom, Oat + Fawn Animal Print Blouse, $68

Welp, this is already in my cart. Zoom in. Yes, those are tiny pugs.

Modcloth, Profesh of Both Worlds Top, $39

This is the kind of top you keep around for all of your printed pant/skirt options. It's quiet but still has a lovely fitted look.

I don't think I need to say much about this trend. It's simple, works for any print or color, and it easy to find in any style.

Be fabulous today!

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All In: Happy Summer

Happy June lovebugs. It's the first Monday of the month which means it's All In day. Let's build a fun summer outfit - all in - for under $100. I'm loving Lauren Conrad's small collection at Kohl's right now. It's inspired by the always chic, Minnie Mouse. That's my base for today's outfit.

dress/shoes/necklace/clutch

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Friday Foodday

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

Rose Champagne Cocktail
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
1 sugar cube
8 dashes Angostura or other aromatic bitters
Chilled rosé Champagne

Directions

Cut the sugar cube in half using a serrated knife or a sharp, thin knife. You will lose some sugar granules during cutting but that is ok.

Place one half of the sugar cube on the bottom of each champagne flute. Add 4 dashes of bitters over each sugar cube and then fill the glasses with Champagne.

Vegetarian Pesto Quesadillas

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients
2 large flour tortillas
1/2 cup prepared pesto
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small zucchini, sliced into thin discs
1 baby eggplant, sliced into thin discs
2 teaspoons butter, divided

Directions
In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and saute zucchini and baby eggplant until crisp tender, 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and return to heat. Spread pesto evenly on two tortillas. Sprinkle cheese over top of pesto and then line cooked vegetables on half of the tortilla. Melt 1 teaspoon of butter in skillet and place open quesadilla into hot pan. Cook until bottom of quesadilla has browned and cheese has melted. Fold tortilla in half to cover the veggies and press down lightly to press them into the melted cheese, so they stay in place. Repeat with other tortilla. Serve warm.

Strawberry Pretzel Bars

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE CRUST:

• 2 1/2 cup pretzels
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

FOR THE TOPPING:

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
• 4 cup sliced, fresh strawberries

Directions

1. In a large food processor add pretzels, pecans and sugar. Pulse a couple times until pieces are broken and combined (not fine crumbs). Add in melted butter and mix with a fork.
2. Press mixture into the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, condensed milk and lemon juice. Beat for about 4-5 minutes, scraping down sides as necessary. Should be fluffy and smooth. Fold in Cool Whip until fully combined. Spread over pretzel crust.
4. Top with sliced strawberries. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. ENJOY!