Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Size Doesn't Matter

Earlier in the week we looked at bucket bags and I mentioned that we would talk the other bag trend: the mini bag. Now for me, the mini bag isn't a problem because I'm a minimalist when it comes to what's in my bag. For other women I know it can be a struggle, so I recommend using this bag for weekends when you can throw it on as a cross body with the essentials and go. The other reason I love this trend is with a small bag, you can afford a large label.


Bloomingdale's, Michael Kors Crossbody Jet Set Leather, $128 $89 
What did I tell you about the label. The man, the legend, Michael Kors. This is your do it all bag.

Diane Von Furstenberg, Sutra Micro Mini Tortoise PVC Crossbody Bag, $165 $82
That's right, DVF. DVF. Double digit DVF.

Barney's Warehouse, Deux Lux Blake Mini Messenger Bag, $69
These colors make me so happy. The pops of yellow in the leather weave and then a yellow zipper. You can't get much happier than this.

Sole Society, Cody, $29
And a nice canvas option that is what I'd pair with a sundress or a jean jacket.

Mini bags make a major statement whether you find a neon color or a big label. It's a trend that works for any style and any season.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Heck Yeah I'm Wearing Flowers

So I got you flowers. I know! For no special reason at all, which in my opinion is the best reason to give and get flowers. Today I got you big flowers, oversized flowers that are a great way to hold onto summer.

Urban Outfitters, Cameo Lift Off Bomber Jacket, $228 $99
Feminine meets moto chic. I love this mix and these colors.

I love this layered tank that is so delicate and yet machine washable!

No surprise here that Nordstrom nails it with this transition floral sweatshirt.

Neon pink with pops of black is the exact contrast that you can pull off with floral.

Big flowers, I mean oversized, in your face, heck-yeah-I'm-wearing-floral prints are a great trend. Try it! I'm telling you, the compliments will be blossoming. See what I did there?

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, August 11, 2014

Bucket List

Happy Monday lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I've started to get my September fashion mags and I thought we would start off the week with a trend I'm seeing everywhere: the bucket bag. Now you may be thinking, beach bag or Limited Too but stay with me, these are the adult bucket bags with beautiful fabrics and colors.

This is a versatile and casual bag that is great for farmers market mornings and brunch with friends.

Oh hi there perfect transition color for summer to fall.

This bag was originally $232. It is now 70% off. Just go.

Mango, Pebbled Bucket Bag, $39
This is a great bag to grab and go. Phone, wallet, keys, lipstick. It hits on two trends, the bucket bag and the mini bag (which we'll cover later this week). A two for one under $40.

Bucket bags are far from what your remember as a kid. Think leather, embroidery, saturated colors and more. These are great solder bags or double the strap and carry them.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, August 8, 2014

Friday Foodday

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

Egg and Tomato Breakfast Melt
c/o Skinny Taste
Ingredients
  • 2 whole grain English muffins, split
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 8 egg whites, whisked
  • 4 scallions, finely chopped
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 2 oz (about 1/2 cup) reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, grated
  • 1/2 cup grape or cherry heirloom tomatoes, quartered

Directions
Preheat the broiler on high. Place muffins, cut side up, on a baking sheet and broil for 2 minutes or until beginning to lightly brown on edges. (Or you can do this in your toaster oven)

Heat a medium skillet on medium heat. Add oil and sauté 3 of the scallions about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg whites, season with salt and pepper and cook, mixing with a wooden spoon until cooked through. Divide on toasted muffins and top with tomatoes, cheese and remaining scallions. Broil for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until cheese has melted, careful not to burn.


Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Ingredients
8 ounces Farfalle pasta, or any small shape
8 ounces ribeye
6 tablespoons butter, divided
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1/2 sweet onion
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, slice the steak into thin strips. Set aside.
Slice the onions and peppers into thin strips as well.
Heat a large skillet over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the onions and peppers and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring often, until browned and peppers are tender-crisp. Add the onions and peppers to a large bowl and set aside.
Add another 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet and toss in the sliced steak. Sprinkle on the seasoned salt. Cook, stirring often, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the heat and add to the bowl with the vegetables.
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter with the flour. Whisk constantly and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and continue cooking until thickened, like a gravy. Remove from the heat and stir in the Swiss and Monterey Jack cheese. The sauce will be very thick.
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Toss the pasta in the cheese sauce and thin as needed with the pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Mix the steak and veggies in with the pasta, toss, and serve.

Triple Cheese and Corn Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Ingredients
8 baby Portobello mushrooms, cleaned with stems removed
2 tablespoons olive oil, drizzled
4 ounces cream cheese, very soft 
1/2 cup corn-based salsa 
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
salt and pepper, optional and to taste
pinch chili powder or cayenne, optional and to taste
about 1/2 cup loosely packed mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat, parchment, or foil; set aside.
  2. Place mushrooms on baking sheet, gill side up.
  3. Evenly drizzle with olive oil. Whatever oil collects on baking sheet, slide the mushrooms through it so the cap sides are lightly oiled too; set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, corn salsa, and stir to combine.
  5. Add the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, optional salt and pepper, optional chili powder or cayenne, and stir to combine.
  6. Evenly distribute the mixture among the mushrooms, filling the center cavity of each mushroom with about 1/4 cup of filling.
  7. Evenly top each mushroom with a generous pinch of mozzarella, about 2 tablespoons each.
  8. Bake for about 15 to 17 minutes, or until cheese has melted, is bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately. Mushrooms are best warm and fresh, but will keep airtight for up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat gently if desired.