Give Me A Twirl

A great skirt is essential for your Monday through Friday domination. Might I recommend an accordion skirt that has movement and grace. It's a skirt that will work for all seasons and all weather. Pleats and all.

JCPenny, Worthington Solid Woven Pleated Skirt, $17

I dare you to find a better deal. Also comes in merlot or black.

Everlane, The Pleated Skirt, $88

Pick your staple color: navy or black. This is a workhorse skirt.

Loft, Shimmer Pleated Skirt, $12

I kid you not. This price. Also comes in a steel shimmer.

Lord & Taylor, Wild Hearts Pleated Skirt, $99

Ok, is it a splurge? Maybe. But look at the fit and the movement and the tiny black detail hem!

A great pleated skirt is perfect for twirling, I mean the office. It's sophisticated and chic while also being perfectly playful.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Wrap and Roll

When you're looking for a top that isn't a button down for work, where do you usually turn? Sure, you can go for a bow tie blouse but that usually requires ironing. I love the wrap top because it is is easy and usually machine washable, which let's be honest, is all I really look for in a work blouse.

Lord & Taylor, Plaid Wrap Blouse, $37

I love this top for work or play. Dress it up with a pencil skirt and dress it down with ripped jeans and boots.

Anthropologie, Marceau Wrap Top, $54

A beautiful mossy green that is quiet and comfortable.

Topshop, Flower Wrap Blouse, $65

A cheery and floral print that I love to wear with a pair of pencil pants or under a suit jacket.

Mango, Wrap Blouse, $59

This top is divine. The waist has elastic in it so it fits perfectly to your torso.

Playing with silhouettes using a wrap blouse is great for work or play. Stock up on solids and I promise you will wear them (and wash them) to get your moneys worth.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Nasty Woman

It's Monday, and I'm feeling like a nasty woman. I thought we should celebrate with leopard. A leopard sweater that is snug, fitted, and sassy.

JCrew Factory, Teddie Sweater, $41

See? Simple, classic, affordable.

Loft, Turtleneck Sweater, $69

I love this sweater. It's a little boxy which is fun to balance with some neon earrings.

Bloomingdale's, Foxcroft Leopard Print Cardigan, $89

A leopard cardigan is a beautiful and simple way to add some pizazz to a pencil skirt.

Asos, Sweater in Leopard, $43

A great transition piece with 3/4 length sleeves. 

So lean in and make a statement with some leopard. Play with fit and style and make it work for you.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

Friday Foodday

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

Rosemary Honey Gin Rickey
c/o Bren Did

Ingredients

Rosemary Honey Simple Syrup Ingredients (for 6 drinks)

• 2 tbsp raw honey
• ¼ cup fresh rosemary leaves (loosely packed)
• 1/2 cup boiling water

Honey Rosemary Gin Rickey Ingredients (for 1 drink)

• 1-1 1/2 oz Gin (2-3 Tbsp)
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice (2 Tbsp)
• 1 oz Rosemary Honey Simple Syrup (2 Tbsp)
• 1/2 cup San Pellegrino Sparkling Water or Club Soda
• Ice

Directions

Rosemary Honey Simple Syrup Directions

1. Wash the rosemary and remove the leaves from the stems.

2. Place rosemary and honey in a heat proof cup or bowl. Pour boiling water over the rosemary and stir until honey is dissolved. Allow to steep for 20 minutes. 

3. Strain out rosemary and store in refrigerator for up to one week or freeze into ice cubes for several months. 

Honey Rosemary Gin Rickey Directions

1. In a short cocktail glass or small Mason jar combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir lightly.
2. Top with ½ club soda and ½ cup ice.
3. Garnish with lime and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Smoked Sausage Chilaquiles

c/o Emily Bites

Ingredients

• 5 (6 inch) corn tortillas (I used Mission Extra Thin Yellow Corn tortillas)
• 8 oz turkey smoked sausage, chopped (I used Hillshire Farm)
• 3 cups chunky salsa
• 1 cup reduced sodium fat free chicken broth
• 4 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar, shredded (I used Cabot)
• 1 medium avocado, cut into cubes (to keep these from browning you can toss them in a bit of lime juice)
• 6 lime wedges
• Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350. Cut your tortillas into strips (mine were about 1” by 3” strips). Spread the tortilla strips onto a large baking sheet and lightly mist with cooking spray. Bake for 13-15 minutes until crisp. Set aside.
2. Mist a large skillet with cooking spray and bring over medium heat and add the chopped sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the sausage pieces are a bit browned. Remove sausage to a side plate.
3. Keep the skillet over medium heat and add the salsa. Bring to a simmer. Add the broth and stir together. Return to a simmer and simmer uncovered for 2 minutes. Add the browned sausage pieces and stir together. Add the baked tortilla strips and stir until well combined. Return to a simmer and simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes until the tortillas soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and sprinkle with the shredded cheddar while the mixture is still hot Top with the chopped avocado and cilantro if using. Serve with a lime wedge to squeeze over top.

Nutella Hot Fudge

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/4 cup Light Corn Syrup
• 3/4 cup Nutella
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 2 tsp Kahlua or coffee liqueur

Directions

In a medium sauce pan, whisk together the heavy cream and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, and whisk in the nutella. Whisk the nutella into the mixture until it has completely dissolved. Turn the heat off, and stir in the vanilla and Kahlua.

Let the mixture cool completely and store in an airtight microwave safe container in the fridge.

To reheat, remove the lid from the container, and microwave the fudge for 30-45 seconds. Stir the hot fudge to ensure that it is smooth and pourable. If needed, microwave for an additional 15 seconds.