Crushed It

Winter is the time for cozy fabrics like cashmere, wool, tweed, and velvet. Today we're going to look at the latter but have some fun with it. Velvet shoes. What? Yes.

Kohl's, LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection Velvet High Heels, $49

Dang girl. Those are some heels. 

Asos, Missguided Velvet Block Heel Boot, $77

So chic. I weirdly LOVE the square toe on these boots.

Modcloth, Vision in Velvet Heel, $67

How about something dressy in velvet? These beauties are perfect for an LBD.

H&M, Crushed Velvet Ankle Boot, $29

These sassy boots are on super sale right now. I love that they continued the velvet down the heel.

Velvet is great for the dark days of winter. It's decadent looking without breaking the bank.

Be fabulous today!

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Pretty in Plaid

Yesterday we played with some quirky prints. Today let's keep it going but with a print that's a bit more mid-winter: plaid, more specifically tweed plaid. I'm talking heavy material with a classic but versatile print. These pieces look expensive and will keep you cozy.

Banana Republic, Lace Trim Tweed Top, $82

How brilliant is this? Plaid, tweed, wool, and lace.

Old Navy, Plaid Wool Blend Bomber Jacket, $29
This was originally $64. Such a steal right now. I love the athletic rib knit cuffs.

Boden, Heritage Check Coatigan, $99

Oh yes they did: a coat, a cardigan, its a coatigan. Also available in a beautiful navy and red.

Nordstrom, Halogen Zip Pocket A Line Skirt, $39

Yes you read that correctly...$39. Run. I mean look at that pocket piping detail! Under $40.

Plaid is nothing new for winter, that's why I look for unexpected colors and fabrics. Tweed, wool, pink, you name it, try something eye catching. Feeling extra bold? Pair it with a striped button down with similar colors.

Be fabulous today!

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Anything but Quiet

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Let's kick off this week with a bang. I want to wake up this week with prints. Quirky, interesting, and unexpected prints. We are going beyond stripes and dots, I want to pull from the 70s style and artistic prints. Let's grab some attention with pieces you already wear daily.

Dorothy Perkins, Camel Geo Print Blouse, $44

Something a bit more retro but is completely easy to pair with pants, skirts, and the items in your closet.

Modcloth, Practitioner Makes Perfect, $89

When I think quirky prints, I think Modcloth and this dress does not disappoint!

Forever 21, Medallion Print Tapered Leg Pant, $14

These pants are going to be in rotation all year round. Picture it with a chunky oversized knit for now or a trapeze blouse for summer.

H&M, Blouse with Standup Collar, $17

So chic and breezy. I love this for work with a pencil skirt or wide leg slacks.

Prints are always eye catching but take them to the next level with 70s inspired, tribal, or more mod and you have a completely different look. 

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Aged Brandy Apple Cider Hot Toddy

c/o Country Cleaver

Ingredients

4 Ounces Fruit Aged Brandy 

1/4 cup Aged Fruit from Aged Brandy

3 cups Apple Cider

1/8 tsp Cinnamon

Directions

In a saucepan, heat apple cider, and aged fruit cake until simmering. Add in cinnamon and stir to combine. Pour into mugs, and top with two ounces of aged brandy. Serve immediately.

Chicken Curry with Potatoes, Carrots, and Pear

c/o A Taste of Home Cooking

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 chicken breasts or 4 chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces  
salt and pepper 
1 medium onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
3 teaspoons yellow curry powder
2 cups chicken broth, divided 
4-5 small gold potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
3 carrots, cut into bite-size pieces
1 can chick peas, drained and rinsed
Juice of one lime
1 teaspoon fish sauce  
1 can coconut milk
Optional: sriracha or hot sauce, to taste 
Minced cilantro, for serving 

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the hot skillet. Cook until browned but not cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. Add the onion, garlic and ginger to the skillet. Season with a little salt and pepper, then cook until the onions are softened. 

Add the other tablespoon of olive oil and the curry powder. Let the curry powder toast for about one minute, then add the potatoes, carrots, and chick peas. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, then stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. 

Cover and cook until the potatoes and carrots are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the rest of the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan again. Bring to a boil and simmer for another 5 minutes. 

Add the chicken and any accumulated juices, coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and sriracha (if using) to the pan. Simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly (it will continue to thicken as it sits). 

Serve over basmati or jasmine rice topped with chopped fresh cilantro.

Maple Bourbon Bacon and Pecan Butter Tarts

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust pastry, chilled
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions

1. Roll the pastry out to 1/8 inch thick and cut out 12 4-5 inch circles, pressing them into the holes in a muffin baking pan.
2. Chill the muffin pan in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, mix the egg, brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, salt, pecans and bacon and pour the mixture into the tarts.
4. Bake in a preheated 350F oven and bake until set, about 15-25 minutes.