Cutting It Short

This weekend I went to see the Dixie Chicks with some girlfriends and we got to talking about summer weddings and what we're wearing. One fabulous lady in particular wants to try out a midi skirt with a crop top but all of the tops seemed to be too casual and loose. So of course, it's quest time. I give you, the structured crop top.

Nordstrom, Eliza J Floral Print Faille Crop Top, $108 $64

Starting strong. Pair this top with a purple accordion pleat midi skirt.

Saks Off Fifth, Geometric Chain Print Crop Top, $34

I love the sleeves on this top. It makes this sassy top a bit more classic.

Topshop, Button Back Crop Top, $66

A simple pastel allows you to play with print on the bottom.

Asos, Ariana Grande for Lipsy Lace Crop Top with Scalloped Hem, $62

I just love the scalloped hem on this top. It is feminine and summer-ready.

Crop tops are not just for outdoor concerts, dress them up with a flowing skirt or culottes. Look for a top that skims your torso and hits just where you want it to. If you're wearing it for an event, why not size up and take it to a tailor to get it to fit just the way you want?

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Stars and Stripes

Happy Monday lovebugs! I hope you are gearing up for an epic long weekend. It may be the last few days to find something red, white, and perfect to wear so that's what we're talking about today. Do you go casual with jeans and a white tee or full blown star spangled awesome?

Etsy, Unicorn. Patriotic. Patriotic. Shirt., $19

I mean, you're welcome. 

Shoptiques, Mon Ami Patriotic Sleeveless Jumpsuit, $36

Who has time to put together an outfit? Jumpsuit, FTW.

Kohl's, Levi's Patriotic Stars Tank, $14

Simple and easy. Pair with white jeans or red shorts.

Target, Stars and Stripes Jean Shorts, $27

If you're really goin' for it, then these are your shorts. America.

BBQs, fireworks, cornhole, what are your plans for the holiday? We will be in Memphis with some pretty fantastic people, and I can't wait for the sun and some cold beers.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Red Wine Gin Sour
c/o Hummingbird High

Ingredients
For the Red Wine Gin Sour:
(makes 1 cocktail, but easily scales up)
1.5 fluid ounces London dry gin
0.75 fluid ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
0.75 fluid ounce simple syrup 
0.75 fluid ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 large egg white
0.75 fluid ounce Italian red wine

Directions

1. Combine the gin, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and egg white in a metal cocktail shaker. Shake with the metal coil from a Hawthorne strainer for 15 to 20 seconds.


2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for another 15 to 20 seconds. Strain into an empty shaker with no ice and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds more.


3. Transfer the mixture to a tall glass with ice, and finish the drink off by pouring red wine over the back of a bar spoon over the center of the glass. Given its weight, the wine will automatically sink below the foam to create that pretty ombre layered effect. Serve immediately.

Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Kebabs

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 clove garlic

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste 

3 tbsp olive oil

1-1/4 lbs skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

24 cherry tomatoes

16 wooden skewers

Directions

In a food processor pulse basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper until smooth. Slowly add the olive oil while pulsing.

Combine the raw chicken with pesto and marinate a few hours in a bowl. Soak wooden skewers in water at least 30 minutes (or use metal ones to avoid this step). Beginning and ending with chicken, thread chicken and tomatoes onto 8 pairs of parallel skewers to make 8 kebabs total.

Heat the outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat until hot. Be sure the grates are clean and spray lightly with oil. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook about 3-4 minutes; turn and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Strawberry Sauce

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

2 pounds strawberries, sliced (~4 cups)
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice (~1/2 lemon)
1/4 cup water

Directions

1. Bring everything to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens a bit and gets syrupy, about 5-10 minutes.

Straw Poll

This week's posts have been all about summer favorites. Today we're finishing strong with the straw clutch. I love this medium because it's beachy but structured in shape. It works great for a Saturday dinner al fresco or a destination wedding. The style is so versatile.

Banana Republic, Dot Straw Clutch, $58

How great is this bag? Polka dots in straw? Count me in.

JCrew, Rattan Clutch, $88

This is a strong clutch. It's sturdy, leather closure, and perfect beads to stand on.

Anthropologie, Wittenberg Crossbody, $88

Leave it to Anthro to crush the straw pattern game. The stripes, texture, color!

H&M, Braided Clutch Bag, $17

Simple, under $20, can't go wrong!

Accessorizing for summer is so easy with a straw clutch. Grab your phone, keys, cards, and lipstick and walk out the door.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post