Bows and Bandwagons

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Today I'm giving in to a fall trend that I've seen everywhere. Blogs, magazines, you name it. I'm talking about the lace up flats. Yep. At first I was like, 'but what's wrong with my normal flats?' but then I started to understand that bit of detail the lace adds. I like them because they can go from work to play easily. Now, let's look at options.

Boden, Lille Lace-Up Point Flats, $138 $41

Didn't expect this price, did you? Stunning. In navy or orange as well but I'm picking up the silver for holiday parties.

Asos, London Rebel Ghillie Lace Point Flat, $73 $51

Speaking of holiday shoes...these red flats. I'm pairing it with a sequin mini or black culottes for work.

Macy's, Steve Madden Eleanor Suede Lace Up Flats, $89

A beautiful neutral that works with black or brown.

Lord and Taylor, Anne Klein Ottilia Leather Flats, $79 $53

And a standard, beautiful neutral. I really like the d'orsay style of this flat.

Have you jumped on the lace up flat bandwagon? I'm really digging these flats for comfort and style.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

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

Wassail Punch
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
6 cups apple cider 
1 cup orange juice
4 cinnamon sticks, plus additional for garnish
6-8 whole star anise, plus additional for garnish
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch of allspice
Juice of one lemon
Bourbon or whiskey (optional, but highly recommended)

Directions

In a large dutch oven, bring all of the ingredients to a low boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for a few hours. Serve hot; spike with bourbon/whiskey, if desired. Garnish with whole cinnamon sticks and star anise.

Copycat Panera Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

c/o Jeanette's Healthy Living

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
  

  1 tablespoon organic butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sweet rice flour
• 6 cups or 4 cans (15 ounces each) diced organic tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon organic sugar
• 4 leaves fresh basil
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• pinch of ground cayenne
• ½ cup organic heavy cream
• Garnish:
• fresh basil leaves, julienned

Directions

Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery and carrot; saute until soft, but do not brown. Stir in flour and cook another minute. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Stir in cream. Transfer to a blender and puree (you will probably have to do this in two batches). Garnish with julienned basil leaves and serve.

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes
c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE CUPCAKES:

• 5 egg whites, room temperature
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, divided
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground ginger

FOR THE FROSTING:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cinnamon chips

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the egg whites with 1/4 cup buttermilk. Whisk together and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in dry ingredients and beat until combined. Slowly add in egg mixture. Beat in remaining buttermilk and continue beating for 2 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Line a cupcake tin with paper lines. Fill 2/3 full with batter and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 16-18 minutes. Cool 5 minutes in tin, and remove and cool completely on wire rack.
4. For the frosting, beat butter for about 3 minutes, until pale yellow. Add in sugar, cinnamon and milk and beat an additional 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Spread frosting on cooled cupcakes (or use a decorating bag with tip and pipe onto cupcakes). Add cinnamon chips immediately. ENJOY.

Seeing Spots

Sometimes a post is inspired by one item. You come across one item and you go, 'dang, that is amazing, I need to build a post around this.' Today that post begins with this stunning leopard heel. It is perfect. Now leopard is nothing new, but I needed to do a post with these heels so I am building  a post around unexpected leopard shoes. Something that adds a little extra.

Nordstrom, Halogen Marci Pointy Toe Pump, $59

Now 40% off. Mary Jane, leopard, just yes.

Asos, Pixie Pointed High Heel, $54

A suede trim put the perfect exclamation point on these heels.

Amazon, Wild Pair Leopard Boots, $24

A simple pop of pattern brings the chic to these otherwise neutral booties.

Lord and Taylor, Tonia Leopard Print Calf Hair Heeled Pumps, $47

What did I tell you? A little something different with leopard. 

A great leopard shoe is going to be a workhorse for your wardrobe. I promise you will not regret this purchase. So why not make it something unexpected? Play with leopard and you will always win.

Be fabulous today!

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Mini Bag, Major Impact

Let's start this post off right, Happy Veterans Day. Thank you to all who have and are currently serving and keep us safe. You are always remembered. Ok, with that in mind...

It's fall which means it's suede time. You've seen the suede skirts, the suede stilettos, but have you tried a suede bag? Now in the Monday through Friday grind, I have a standard larger sized bag that fits my entire life. But on the weekends, I shrink it down. I love a mini bag for play and I love it even more in suede.

Selfridges, Dune Evita Faux Leather Mini Saddle Bag, $83

This is my perfect going out bag. A great saddle shape and sleek mixed material.

Ann Taylor, Mini Suede Bucket Bag, $79

This bag looks so luxe. It also comes in black, deep red, or hunter green.

Urban Outfitters, Exote Sueded Chain Mini Crossbody, $44

This long fringe works with distressed jeans or an LBD. It is crazy chic.

Crew Factory, Suede Mini Bucket Bag with Tassel, $97

Olive is a great and often overlooked neutral. It works with plaid of any color, navy, red, you name it.

Suede is a soft and supple material which works great for bags. It looks expensive but you don't have to spend a lot to get in on this trend.

Be fabulous today!

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