Ikat Got Your Tongue

We've made it to humpday of a week of prints. Monday we did chevron and yesterday was paisley. Today let's have some fun with ikat.

C Wonder, Paisley Ikat Georgette Halter Top, $98

This is such a beautiful top. Great colors and a jeweled neckline.

Lands End, Ikat Triangle Scarf, $18

A triangle scarf is such a versatile one because you can tie it in so many ways. I love the tassel detail on this.

Macy's, American Rag Spaghetti Strap Ikat Jumpsuit, $34

If you're feeling adventurous, this jumpsuit is just stunning. And for under 40 bucks, it's also a steal.

J Crew, Popover in Watercolor Ikat, $89

There's not much better in life than a beautiful cotton top. This is versatile, it's machine washable and it's a beauty.

Ikat is always a fun print no matter what season it is. It's a pattern that hasn't been corrupted and labeled as preppy or goth, it is what it is.

Be fabulous today!

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Paisley Please

The patterns continue today with paisley. Now stay with me. There will be no bandanas featured today and no mom-ish looking one piece bathing suits. Today we're looking at a casual paisley that is sweet and subtle.

Gap, 1969 Western Paisley Dress, $64

Picture this dress with a stand out drop earring and some sandals. Dress it up or down. 

Nordstrom, Print Kimono Jacket, $52

You can wear this kimono so many ways. Leave it long and open, belt it, or tie the ends for a shorter look.

Macy's, Lucky Brand Paisley Tie Front Blouse, $69

This is summer weekend in a blouse. Breezy fabric, tie front, great print.

Modcloth, Paisley at the Party Dress, $40

Yes $40. Go, buy, enjoy. 

Embrace the paisley. It doesn't have to scream western or pastel preppy, it can be styled to fit your taste. Find pieces that can pair with your neon belt or studded skirt.

Be fabulous today!

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Chevron On and On

Hey there lovebugs. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I thought we would give this week a theme and focus on something fun: this week we're going to look at patterns. Summertime is full of lovely fabrics, breezy pastels, but this week we're mixing things up and each day we'll look at a different pattern. Today we're starting with an old favorite, chevron.

Piperlime, Skies are Blue Chevron Skirt, $34

This is one fabulous mini. I love the shape and it's easy to pair with heels or flat metallic sandals.

Macy's, Michael Kors Chevron Lace Up Dress, $85

Because who doesn't need a wrap dress in their closet? 

Nordstrom, Halogen Gradient Chevron Scarf, $38

I'm having a hard time not putting this scarf in my cart. It's the perfect summer night scarf. A beautiful ombre coral and a pop of blue.

Loft, Chevron Open Stitch Sweater, $64

Speaking of summer nights, how about this gauzy open weave sweater. 

I love chevron as an all over print because it can be so bold with a thick stripe or it can be understated with a light color open stitch. You have so many options.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, here are my favorite recipes this week!

Breakfast Risotto
c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients
4-6 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter, divided
3 oz. pancetta, chopped
1 shallot, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups arborio rice
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped parsley, minced (optional)
Poached eggs for serving

Directions
Pour the broth into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat so the broth is at a simmer. 

In a heavy-bottomed skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the pancetta and cook until it has crisped and rendered its fat. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Melt the remaining butter into the pan, and then add the shallot. Cook until tender, then stir in the garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the rice, coating with the butter and toasting the kernels until they are translucent, about 2 minutes.

Add the wine to the pan. Scrape up any browned bits and allow nearly all of the wine to be absorbed by the risotto. Add a ladle-full of warm chicken broth to the rice. Stir frequently and do not add another ladle of broth until the first is almost completely absorbed. Continue to stir frequently, adding broth by the ladle, until the rice is creamy and has just a slight bite in the center when you try it. This will take about 25 minutes.

Off the heat, stir in the cheese and pancetta. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately with poached eggs on top.

Corn and Cotija Guacamole
c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup corn (~2 ears)
• 2 large avocados, mashed
• 1/4 cup cotija (or feta), crumbled
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (~1 lime)
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add the corn, toss and let it sit cooking until charred, about 6-10 minutes, mix it up and let it char again, about 6-10 minutes, and remove from heat.
2. Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients.
3. Mix everything and enjoy!

Banana Fudge Brownies

c/o Stephanie Cooks

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
1 cup mashed overripe bananas (2-3, depending on size)
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cooking spray

Directions

1- Preheat oven to 350*F. Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2-In a large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
3-In a medium bowl, stir bananas, milk, oil, and vanilla until well-blended.
4-Add banana mixture to flour mixture, gently stirring until just combined. Add chocolate chips, folding gently.
5-Pour batter into prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Be careful not to over bake, otherwise the brownie may not be as fudgy). 

6-Move pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares to serve.