Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Humpday Suede

Happy humpday lovebugs, we're getting there.

Today we're talking about suede clutches. Now that fall has really settled in, its time to bring out the suede accessories that have been tucked away during the warmer months. Take a look at these great smaller bags.

Pink, purple and turquoise. Are you kidding me? This is the most adorable suede color blocking clutch ever.

A little studding perhaps? This is the perfect going out bag.

I find this closure so interesting. And the colors are quite fall.

A great fold over bag that I would wear with jeans to run errands or meet a friend for coffee.

I have a mustard yellow suede clutch from Cole Haan that I got a few years ago after Christmas, it is my go to bag for fall because I can throw in my keys, phone and wallet and walk out the door. Keep your eyes open for a great suede clutch this season.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Everyday Black Tie

You know what trend I'm loving this season? Tuxedo pants for everyday. What a fabulous way to dress up any outfit. Take a look at these beauties.

A beautiful plum cropped pant with a great tux stripe.

You want sexy? Oh I'll give you sexy. This slim tux pant paired with a metallic peplum.  

Anthropologie, Crepe Tuxedo Trousers, $89
Leave it to Anthro to pull off a black and blue mix of pure perfection. I love the continuation of the blue on the waistline. 

Ok, these are my pick. A fantastic faux leather stripe mixes black tie and edgy and the vertical pocket, just the icing on the cake people.

Would you wear tuxedo pants to work or are they for going out only? I love the great fit of these pants, a nice slim cut that shows off the legs.

Be fabulous today!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Camel Toe

Hi there lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you. If you are sleeping in because of Columbus Day, I hate you. Not really, it's mostly jealousy mixed with the fact that I'd love to be under my covers right now. 

First things first, the giveaway winner. Congrats to Alli who won the Cove Necklace! I'll be email you shortly. And don't forget, free shipping ALL month at After Sunset with the code CAPITALBARBIE.

Alright, now the real question, why are we talking about camel toes. Well, they should be talked about, and if you spot one, you should tell that person, it's kind of like the bottom half version of spinach stuck in your teeth. Ok, but really, I'm talking today about camel flats. I love camel because it's such a creamy and easy neutral for any season and any outfit.

Alloy, Frida Loafer, $24
Such a great neutral for some bf jeans and a trapeze sweater.

The ballet slipper makes the studs a little less edgy.

Modcloth, Taupe Model Flat, $35
We all know I'm a sucker for a bow, and this camel flat with just a touch of bejeweled is perfect.

Nordstrom, Nine West Jeleena Flat, $78
Quite a chic flat, the metallic heel makes it for me.

See, camel toes are always a bad thing. But most of the time they are. On shoes though, full speed ahead.

Be fabulous today!

Friday, October 5, 2012

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! Don't forget to enter the cove necklace giveaway! I will announce a winner on Monday! 

Zucchini Pizza Casserole
c/o Lauren's Latest
Ingredients

4 cups grated zucchini
1/2 teaspoon salt + pepper, to taste
2 eggs
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided
2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup pizza sauce
any desired pizza toppings: pepperoni, sausage crumbles, olives, peppers, onions, etc.
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 9×13 glass dish with non stick cooking spray and set aside.
Grate zucchini and measure out 4 cups. Sprinkle salt over zucchini and let sit for 10 minutes. Ring out zucchini to remove any excess water and mix together with pepper, eggs, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and spread evenly into prepared baking dish. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven and top with pizza sauce, remaining cheeses and any desired pizza toppings. Bake 15 more minutes and remove. Cool 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Crack Dip
c/o Country Cleaver
Ingredients
1 8oz. Container Cream Cheese, softened
2 cups Marshmallow Fluff
2/3 cup Pumpkin Puree
1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice


Directions
In a stand mixer, or large bowl with a hand mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in marshmallow fluff and beat to combine. Beat in pumpkin puree and lastly add in pumpkin pie spice mix. Mix until evenly distributed.
Eat immediately with graham crackers and sugar cookies. Or refrigerate in a sealed container for an hour to chill.
Devour without abandon.


Dutch Apple Pie Cupcakes
c/o I Want to Be a Domestic Goddess
Ingredients
For the Cake
  • 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/4 cups packed light-brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Frosting
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon each of cardamon, ginger, and nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
For the Apple Pie Filling
  • 3 granny smith apples
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbs soft brown sugar
For the Brown Sugar Streusel
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
Directions
For the Cake
Preheat oven to 325°. Place cupcake liners in two 12-hole muffin tins.
In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the brown sugarsugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt and add in four parts to the sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and the lemon juice, beating well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest.
Divide batter among the liners. Bake until the tops spring back when lightly touched, about 20 to 22 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pans and cool completely on a rack before icing.
For the Frosting
Whip all ingredients on low until the mixture is crumbly. Then whip on high until frosting is fluffy. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top of each cupcake.
For the Apple Pie Filling
Peel, core and chop the apples, and place them in a saucepan. Add in the water and brown sugar over a medium heat for about 10 mins. Remove from heat and let sit until cool. Put 2-3 tablespoons of apple pie filling on top of the frosted cupcakes.
For the Brown Sugar Streusel
Mix flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in butter. Spread mixture on the bottom of a greased 8x8 baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and let cool. Once cool, crumble and sprinkle over the top of the apple pie filling on the cupcakes.