Blue Jean Baby

Let's talk workhorse items in your closet. Denim. An easy weekend piece that you can dress up or down and the options for wash, fit, and style are endless. Today we're looking at your more casual denim, a little faded, maybe some distressing, but always fitted. Even a bf jean needs to accentuate your best curves. So let's see what we've got for under $100.

Gap, Authentic 1969 Best Girlfriend Jean, $69 $48

How classic. A little roll, a slide fade but an overall dark wash. Just perfect.

Nordstrom, Blanknyc Hotel Distressed Skinny Jean, $88

With more than 50 five star reviews, you really can't question the awesomeness of these jeans.

Old Navy, Mid-Rise Rockstar Jean, $30

I love Old Navy Rockstar jeans. I've tried the more expensive labels, but I always come back to these. They first beautifully and they're so comfortable.

Banana Republic, Medium Wash Skinny Ankle Jean, $110 $49

A simple and sleek jeans that you can wear lace up heels or slip on sneakers to dress up or down.

A great denim serves multiple purposes. In my closet, I need my jeans to work for daytime and nighttime so I'm always looking for a snug pair of jeans that I can swap out some heels and accessories and go out with my girls.

Be fabulous today!

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Coming Up Flowers

Happy Monday lovebugs,
This weekend in DC was full of 65 degree weather and outdoor fun. By fun I mean happy hour, dinner, shopping, and magazine reading. Just in case you were wondering if I ran or bicycled (word?) or something.

This weather is making me feel inspired. Last week we looked at floral pencil skirts and today I thought we would continue the floral trend with some heels. Perfect for spring and colors for days.

Express, Skinny Strap Sleek Heeled Sandal, $79 $40

Half off and dying for a night out. Come on, $40 with some white jeans and a silk blouse, yes.

Nordstrom Rack, Ivanka Trump Indico Floral Pump, $119 $69

Planning  to wear any white eyelet this summer? These are going to be your go to.

Ann Taylor, Eryn Floral Kitten Heels, $98 $49 and free shipping with code CYBER50

I feel it's only fair to tell you when I buy things that I blog. This is one of those times. $49. Free shipping. Hello.

Bloomingdale's, Vince Camuto Kain Floral Print Pointed Tow High Heels, $98

These shoes are made for strutting. A real statement maker during wedding season too!

Spring means florals and I love to see them pop on heels, especially when the pattern continues all of the way down the heel. A small detail that makes a difference.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Strawberry Basil Margarita
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate
10 strawberries (or 12 if you're using smaller ones from the farmer's market or your backyard.)
8 basil leaves
2 to 2 1/2 cups tequila 

Directions

Empty the limeade concentrate into a pitcher. Add 2 1/2 cans of water and 1 1/2 (18 ounces, or 2 1/4 cups) cans of tequila (or a bit less, if you don't want your drinks to be quite as strong).

Hull the strawberries, slice lengthwise, and add to the pitcher. Crumple the basil a little in your hands (this will help the basil flavor release into the drink) and add it to the pitcher, too. Place the pitcher, covered, in the fridge overnight, or for at least four hours.

When you remove the pitcher from the fridge, your margaritas will be a lovely pale pink color. Now all you have to do is serve them and wait for the compliments to pour in

Barbecue Chicken Rice Skillet

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup rice
• 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, divided
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar
• 2 tablespoons diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons diced cilantro

Directions

1. Heat large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken, broth, rice, and 1/4 cup barbecue sauce to skillet. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook on low for 20 minutes or liquid has been absorbed and rice is cooked through.
3. Remove lid from pan and stir in cheese.
4. Drizzle remaining barbecue sauce over the top and sprinkle on onion and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Caramel Apple Bundt Cake

c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 cup milk

FOR THE FILLING:

• 2 cup diced Crunch Pak apples (about 25-30 slices, or 3 apples, peeled)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp cinnamon

FOR THE GLAZE:

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 6 Tbsp milk, divided
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. For the cake, grease and flour bundt pan (or use a generous amount of baking spray). Set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add in softened butter and beat until crumbly. Beat in eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and milk. Beat for 3-4 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar and cinnamon. Fold into cake batter.
4. Pour cake mixture into prepared bundt pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes until browned. Allow to cool in pan for about 10 minutes, then flip onto a cake plate and cool complately.
5. For the glaze, add brown sugar, butter and 4 Tbsp of milk to a small saucepan. Heat over medium until boiling. Stirring constantly, boil for 2 full minutes. Remove from heat. Add in vanilla extract. Allow to cool 15 minutes.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cooled sugar mixture, powdered sugar, and remaining 2 Tbsp milk. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth. Pour over cooled cake and allow to set (about 10 minutes). Slice and enjoy. Store at room temperature, covered, for freshness.

Shake Your Pom Pom

Happy Friday eve. We are so close lovebugs. For what it's worth it's apparently festival season. Coachella and stuff, it's happening. While I'm not all about this scene I do love some of the fashion (please note some). One trend that I really love is the pom pom for a bag. It's quirky and believe it or not it can be worn outside of Cali. Today I'm going to give you two festival-ish options and two work appropriate options.

Asos, Moyna Embroidered Jute Clutch, $89

I mean, come on. Colorful, playful, just yes. 

Forever 21, Hiptipico Noho Zig Wristlet, $49

A great zig zag pattern that holds all of your essentials. 

Dillard's, Gianni Bini Plate Pom Flap Satchel, $99

Work ready? Oh heck yeah. Black, white, and neon.

Nordstrom, BP Faux Leather Crossbody Bag, $38

An urban crossbody that's easy for errands on a Saturday or a night out dancing.

When I think of festival style I don't get too excited. But these poms are sweet and catchy and on a bag I think they add a pop of personality.

Be fabulous today!

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