Carefree Kimono

Let's play with sleeves today. Something a bit different than your regular short, long, 3/4 length. Let's look at kimono sleeves. They give tops a relaxed feel with a elegant touch. A blousy feel that is great for any season, any time.

Macy's, ECI Kimono Sleeve Tie Waist Blouse, $48

How beautiful is this blouse? It's professional and eye catching. Play with the belt and mix in your own.

Amazon, Vince Camuto Wrapfront Kimono Sleeve Blouse, $25

Looking for a staple work piece? You've got to get this crisp white top.

Asos, Closet Tie Front Dress with Kimono Sleeve, $73

And speaking of work staples...this navy dress. Tell me this doesn't go from boardroom to cocktails.

Loft, Nautical Kimono Jacket, $49

And now for something  little more casual. A beautiful and cozy option as the weather starts to cool off (eventually).

Such a small detail can make a major impact. I love the kimono sleeve because it is graceful and feminine but it can translate from lounge to professional so easily.

Be fabulous today!

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All In: Holding onto Summer

Happy Monday lovebugs,
It's the first Monday in August, which means it is All In Day. That's right. Let's build a fantastic outfit all in for under $100. It's ridiculously hot here in DC so today's outfit is based on a cool summer romper that is great for a night out when paired with heels or a day at the winery with your girlfriends when paired with sandals.

Romper/Sandals/Earrings/Clutch

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Sparkling Watermelon Sangria
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
4 cups watermelon, cubed and cold
3/4 cups dry white port, such as Churchill's
1 lime, sliced thin
750ml bottle Moscato, chilled
3 cups lime seltzer water, chilled

Directions

In a pitcher place 3 cups of the watermelon cubes (saving some for garnish) and white port. Be sure these are cold as they can become mushy when room temp. (You can even freeze them for 30 minutes first.)

Add 8 to 10 slices of lime.

Add the Moscato and seltzer water. Stir with wooden spoon to mix.

Pour into ice-filled glasses and top each glass with a couple pieces of watermelon and a lime slice.

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

4 cups cauliflower crumbles (the sell this in stop and shop now)

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 medium onion, finely diced

2 medium plum tomatoes, small dice

1 jalapeno, seeds and membrane removed, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

½ teaspoon cumin

¼ smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

chopped cilantro

Directions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  When hot, add the onions, tomatoes and jalapeno and sauté until just tender, about 2-3 minutes.  Add the garlic and cauliflower, sauté until the cauliflower is just tender, 2 minutes.

Add the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper.  Stir to evenly coat the vegetables and cook for 1 minute or until heated through. Add chopped cilantro and serve.

Fresh Strawberry Bread

c/o Lemon Tree Dwelling

Ingredients

• 2½ c. all purpose flour
• 1 c. sugar
• 3½ tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 c. milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1½ c. fresh sliced strawberries

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; fold in fresh strawberries.
2. Pour into greased loaf pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-65 minutes or until top is golden brown and completely set.
4. Cool slightly, then loosen sides of loaf from pan and remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Mule Over Buddy

While espadrilles and flip flops are the shoes for summer, sometimes you have to dress it up a bit. You don't have to go digging for your stilettos though. Try mule sandals. They are cool, versatile, and pretty simple. I like them to dress up with a skirt or down with a romper. Very easy and very affordable.

Toms, Sandstorm Nubuck Perforated Mules, $98

See what I mean? You can pair this a culotte for work or shorts for the weekend!

Nordstrom, Bella Vita Savona Open Toe Mule, $73

Hello lipstick red perfection. 

Macy's, White Mountain Datenight Slide Mule, $55

Do you love these? Because I love these. I love these even into early fall with bf jeans.

Selfridges, Office Assume Suede Heeled Mule Sandal, $58

And why not some suede? For under $60!

A great stacked heel, chunky look, but with the right outfit and the right strut, the perfect summer shoe.

Be fabulous today!

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