Black, White, and Chic All Over

Today's post idea comes from The Bf. Get excited. He is on the hunt for a statement suit and has inspired me to translate it for women's. He is testing a windowpane print for a suit, so I thought we would try it for us. We've looked at this style in the past but I really like it for cooler weather.

Nordstrom, NYDJ Jacquard Cardigan, $98

This cardi is stunning and you are going to get a ton of wear out of it. Pair it for work with a silk tie neck blouse or throw it on with distressed bf jeans for the weekend.

Landsend, Wear To Work Trouser Pants, $34

You need these pants. I'm obsessed with them. Straight leg fit, pair with stripes or solids, these pants do it all, including being machine washable.

Old Navy, Boyfriend Windowpane Flannel Shirt, $27

You're going to need flannel this year. This top is crazy versatile. My coworker just purchased it and plans to wear it alone or underneath a sleeveless denim dress. So cute.

JCrew, Windowpane Scarf, $49

This is a wool linen blend which is just perfect for fall. Use it with yesterday's jean jackets.

A great windowpane print is so different than a plaid or a stripe, it has a clean and crisp look that is so easy to wear. One of  my favorite black and white trends.

Be fabulous today!

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Denim: A Do

Happy Monday lovebugs,
If you are an east coaster you noticed a distinct fall breeze this weekend. It took me a bit by surprise and I was searching for my jean jacket to layer on top of my outfit. This search was not a good one, not because my closet is a mess (it is) it's because I don't have a jean jacket. I know. So today, let's go shopping.

Levi's, Classic Trucker Jacket, $59

We've got to start with the classic. Levi's. You can't go wrong with this beauty.

Nordstrom, Halogen Denim Jacket, $29

Looking for a faded option? This one is on major sale.

Forever 21, Quilted Denim Boxy Jacket, $39

How about something totally different. Denim and quilted, so unexpected.

JCPenny, Joe Fresh Long Sleeve Denim Jacket, $35

A very chic dark wash that you can wear with a jumpsuit on the weekends or a corduroy skirt.

I really love denim jackets for fall. They are easy, you can throw them in the wash, and they are great for layering. Have fun with a thin fringed scarf or grab some pins and add a quirky twist to your jacket.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Jungle Bird
c/o New York Times

Ingredients
½ ounce simple syrup
1 ½ ounces blackstrap rum, preferably Cruzan
¾ ounce Campari
1 ½ ounces pineapple juice, fresh or a high-quality brand
½ ounce fresh lime juice
Pineapple wedge, for garnish

 Directions
In a mixing glass three-quarters filled with ice, pour 1/2 ounce of simple syrup, the rum, the Campari, the pineapple juice and the lime juice. Shake until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over one large piece of ice. Top with pineapple wedge.

 Chicken Piccata with Lemony Pasta 
c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup half and half, plus more if needed
1 tablespoon drained capers
8 ounces spaghetti, angel hair or linguine

 Directions
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise. In a food storage bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and toss to coat.

Heat the butter and oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate.

Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the broth, wine and lemon juice, whisk and scrape the bottom of the skillet. Cook until the sauce is reduced by half. Add salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the cream and capers.

While the chicken and sauce are cooking, cook and drain the pasta. Toss the drained noodles with the sauce. Serve with slices of the chicken on top.

Cake Batter Blondies 
c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup dry yellow cake mix
1/2 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sprinkles

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Stir in the egg and vanilla. Stir in the cake mix, flour, salt, and sprinkles until well combined. Batter will be fairly sticky. Spread into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until tester comes out mostly clean. Cool before cutting and serving.

Boxed In

Let's play with pleats. There are so many types of pleats and they can be styled in so many ways. Today I want to focus on something super feminine and professional but paired with the right top, it's a bit Mad Men and a bit sexy. Let's look at some box pleat skirts.

Asos, Closet Box Pleat High Low Skirt, $97

I'm sure you're saying 'where in the world would I wear this?' Ok, crop top and heels for a fancy dinner or reception, fitted sheer sweater and tights, black leather jacket and a simple tank. This skirt is going to do it all. 

Saks Off Fifth, The Vanity Room Striped Pleated Skirt, $39

A ladylike a-line shape makes the horizontal stripe easy to wear.

Forever 21, Heathered A-Line Skirt, $19

Sweatshirt skirt? Count. Me. In.

Modcloth, Demure Galore Skirt, $79

This skirt is very First Lady. I would paid it with dot tights and kitten heels.

Styled the right way, the box pleat skirt is going to work for work and for dressier occasions. Pay attention to how the pleats lay on your midsection. It's better to size up then have a bubble situation going on. The pleats should lie perfectly flat so the skirt creates a long line from the torso to the hem line.

Be fabulous today!

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