All Frills

As we enter sweater weather I'm always on the hunt for a unique sweater that stands out from my staple crewnecks, turtlenecks, and cable knit. That's why I really love peplum. That's right. Peplum sweaters offer a bit of personality with a waist frill. And let's be honest, who doesn't want a little frill in their life.

Nordstrom, CeCe by Cynthia Steffe Pointelle Ribbed Peplum Sweater, $77

See what I mean? Simple, a little frill. Perfect.

Ann Taylor, Stitchy Peplum Sweater, $98

Usually I'm not about dropping this much for one item, but then I touched this sweater. And I needed to live in it, so you know, cost per wear. Oh my days the cozy.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Peplum Rib Knit Sweater, $98 $41

I'm pairing this perfectly crimson sweater with a statement necklace and skinny cords.

Lord and Taylor, 1 State Knit Peplum Sweater, $89

A really pretty mauve and a more understated peplum style. A beautiful sweater.

Peplum is one of my favorite shapes for tops, so I'm thrilled to see continue through winter with sweaters. As always, pair a contrasting button down or flannel underneath for maximum impact.

Be fabulous today!

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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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