Paint Me Pastel

Last week we looked at a blush pastel dress that works for summer without looking like a bridesmaid. Today let's look at some pastel options in bags. Pastel colors are prefect for summer because like the weather they're sunny and you can throw them on with just about any print or color you can think of. Think of a pastel as that person you could talk to at a party all night without looking at your watch.

Asos, Pastel Box Clutch Bag, $57

Just yes. You know in Forgetting Sarah Marshall when Paul Rudd tells Jason Segel to do less when he's surfing? This is that in a bag. And it works. Do less. It works. Oh so well.

Dillard's, Fossil Erin Shoulder Bag, $68

You know who makes a solid, timeless bag? Fossil. They always seem to capture the utility and the style of right now. Oh and it's $30 off.

Nasty Gal, Sabrina Tote, $45

If you looked up Adorable in the dictionary this would be the accompanying image. The white piping is so mod and not pictured is the shoulder strap.

Aldo, Shields, $45

A chic and feminine mix of colors with a great gold accent. This is sundress ready.

Pastels are an obvious choice for warmer weather, but instead of jewelry or blouses, try it in a bag!

Be fabulous today!

Cracking A Window

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Monday. I hope you had a lovely weekend. Now that we're back into the Monday-Friday, I thought we'd think inside the box. More specifically the windowpane. I love this geometric trend because its a great balance to all of the spring florals, pastels etc.

Ann Taylor, 3/4 sleeve windowpane cardigan, $59

This is a great cardigan for now and for winter. You can throw this on at work or layer it with skinny jeans and a statement earring in November.

Nordstrom, Leif Windowpane Scarf, $28

This is the summer scarf you've been searching for. I love this mix of green and peach.

Macy's, Glitterings Turquoise Windowpane Ring, $20

For $20 this is a perfect statement ring for summer. This turquoise is perky and sunny.

Shoptiques, Ivory Windowpane Skirt, $45

Oh hi there office chic that will turn some heads. This is a great canvas for a colorful blouse. Preferably one that does not show off your awesome belly button.

Windowpane is a great print for summer that is a little more straightedge. You can balance this harsher print with a floral necklace or a colorful sandal pump.

Be fabulous today!

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! And a happy six year anniversary to The bf. Here are some of our favorite foods.

Applejack Rabbit
c/o Serious Eats

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce fresh orange juice
• 1/2 ounce maple syrup

Directions

Add apple brandy, lemon juice, orange juice, and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds, and strain into a chilled coupe.

Chipotle Chicken Pasta
c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

2-3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)

1/4 cup lime juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped

1 tsp ancho chili powder

1 tsp salt

2 T olive oil

1 lb farfalle pasta

1 large red bell pepper, diced

1 large green bell pepper, diced

1 onion, diced

1 chipotle pepper + 1 T of adobo sauce, minced

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup light cream

Directions

1- Cut chicken breasts and cut into bite-size pieces.  Combine lime juice, 1/2 of minced garlic, 1/2 of cilantro, chili powder, and salt and mix together.  Pour over chicken to coat and marinate chicken about 30 minutes. 

2- Heat a large pot of water to boiling.  Add generous amount of salt and add pasta.  Cook according to package directions until al dente.  Drain and set aside.  

3-Meanwhile, add olive oil to large saute pan and heat over medium heat.  Add chicken, bell peppers, onions and remaining garlic and cook about 6-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are softened.  

4- Add chicken broth and chipotle pepper and adobo sauce and cook until stock is reduced by about 1/3.

5-  Reduce heat to low and add cream.  Stir to combine and return pasta to sauce pan and toss to evenly coat with sauce.  Cook about 5 minutes and top with remaining cilantro and serve.

Jalapeño Artichoke Dip

c/o Lauren's Latest

Ingredients

1 cup marinated & drained artichoke hearts
1/2 cup grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
4 oz. cream cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
salt & pepper, to taste
splash of water
1-2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeños

Directions

Place artichokes into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Add in parm, cream cheese, mayo, salt and pepper. Pulse in short bursts or until everything starts to blend. I added in a splash of water to get things going at first. Make sure to leave the dip slightly chunky, so it has a good texture. Spoon dip into bowl and stir in chopped jalapenos by hand. Serve with pita, crackers, tortilla chips, veggies, or anything else lying around.

Mini Party

Warm weather calls for shorter skirts. Outdoor parties, late night cocktails and general happiness. Today we're going to look at some mini skirts that scream party. They are chic, bouncy and all under $75. Oh and did I mention they're striped? Let's have some fun.

Piperlime, Pim + Larkin Striped Pleated Skirt, $34

This skirt will get you all of the compliments. It stands out without screaming and you can pair it with just about anything.

Milly, Pleated Skirt, $74

These harsher pleats give this mini some great structure. 

Romwe, Green White Striped Elastic Pleated Skirt, $20

I love this skirt. It's a bit tennis inspired and the elastic waist is pure comfort.

Asos, Stripe A-Line Skrit in Scuba, $60

High waisted and some bold contrasting. This mini is a standout.

A party mini skirt is a fun piece that is absolutely worth adding to your closet. These striped options offer some sassy pattern and color.

Be fabulous today!