Hear Crystal Clear

Let's talk crystal. It's a great jewel to pair with prints and patterns and colors because it has a quiet elegance. Let me explain.

BHLDN, Ombre Chandeliers, $60

Simple and elegant, these crystals are quiet yet classic.

Ann Taylor, Round Crystal Chandelier Earrings, $49

Stunning. Perfect with a solid maxi and a night out.

JCrew, Venus Flytrap Earrings, $50

I love the faceted crystals on this earrings. Simple and fresh.

Baublebar, Crystal Arc Ear Jackets, $28

I recently took the ear jacket plunge and I'm having trouble not wearing them daily. These would be no different.

So when you're looking for an earring to compliment a great outfit, go for crystal. It's a bit of bling without being standout busy.

Be fabulous today!

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Home of the Brave Clothing

It's a short week for most of us because it's Fourth of July weekend. Still can't find anything to wear? I've got you covered. I'm not talking about red shorts and a chambray top. No, I'm celebrating America. Hard. This is land of the free and home of the brave clothing.

Old Navy, Patterned Espadrilles, $22

Just when you thought you only go to Old Navy for your flag tees.

Macy's, Rag Flag Print Tank Top, $29

Understated but still a statement.

Forever 21, American Flag Bow Barrette, $3

Put it in your hair, on your purse, or on your dog's collar. 

Shoptiques, PRIM Flag Scarf, $18

This scarf is great with white jeans or a white eyelet dress.

Stars and stripes, there's no shame in wearing them all day everyday, but I hope these pieces add a little something special to your weekend attire this week. 

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Beer-Jito

c/o Five O'Clock Cocktails

Ingredients

1 ounce Akvinta Vodka

5 ounces Red Stripe

2 lime wedges

6-8 mint leaves

Pinch of sugar

Lime wedge and/or mint sprig, to garnish

Directions

Muddle lime, mint and sugar in the bottom of a Collins glass. Fill glass with ice. Add vodka, then beer. Garnish.

Green Scallop Tacos

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

For the green herb salsa:

• 2 garlic cloves, skin left on
• 2 small jalapenos
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large bunch fresh cilantro, leaves only
• 1 large bunch parsley, leaves only
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced small
• 1 medium haas avocado
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 to 2 tbsp water as needed

For the taco:

• 16 fresh scallops (about 1 lb)
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
• 2 tsp oil
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 8 corn tortillas

Directions

Toast the garlic and jalapeños in a dry skillet until golden. Remove from heat, peel garlic and seed the peppers. Combine with olive oil, cilantro and parsley in a small blender with just enough water to blend. Place in a bowl and combine with diced cucumber and avocado.

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a medium skillet over high heat, add 1/2 teaspoon oil and cook the scallops 4 at a time for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they become caramelized and the center is  – do not overcook. Set aside and repeat with the others.

To serve, heat the tortillas on a separate skillet about 30 to 60 seconds on each side, top each with 1/4 cup sauce and 2 scallops. Squeeze some fresh lime juice on top and eat right away.

The Perfect Tan

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

• 4 cup vanilla ice cream
• 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
• 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
• whipped cream and cherry for garnish

Directions

1. In two large glasses, drizzle chocolate syrup around the insides of glass. Set aside.
2. In a blender, process the vanilla ice cream with Baileys, until smooth and creamy. To make thicker, add more ice cream. To make thinner, add more Baileys.
3. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and cherry. ENJOY immediately!

Maximum Cuts

I love maxis. I really do. They are no fuss, easily packable, and they are throw on and go. This summer you've seen printed maxis, dressy maxis, how about cutout maxis? A strategically placed cutout takes these maxis to the next level.

Asos, Paisley Cutout Maxi, $99

I'm starting with my favorite. How beautiful is this dress? I love the colors, the material, and the fact that it is machine washable.

Missguided, Crepe Bralet Maxi Dress, $90

Ready for date night, ready for the vineyard, ready for anything. Gorgeous.

Swell, Billabong Hold On Me High Neck Maxi, $59

This is a great vacation dress. The print is playful and bright and I love the high neckline.

Shoptiques, Mustard Seed Red and White Maxi, $45

A beautiful halter option that I think would be perfect for a Fourth of July party. Dress it down for daytime with flat sandals (see Monday's post) and dress it up with a drop earring and heels.

When it's maxi season you need any excuse to add just one more to your closet. I love the cutout maxi because it's not overly sexy and it's perfect for summer.

Be fabulous today!

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