How Original

Florals for spring, how original. But hang on, florals have changed. They've been upgraded. Florals are not just Easter Sunday or pretty cupcake prints anymore, oh no. They're oversized, unexpected colors, and nothing you'd expect. Today we're taking on florals in work-ready pencil skirts.

Nordstrom, Cascade Detail Floral Print Pencil Skirt, $78

See what I told you? Didn't see this one coming. So crisp and fresh for spring.

River Island, Orange Floral Print Pencil Skirt, $20

A little That 70s Show but pair it with a silk bow blouse and you're ready for 9-5.

Ann Taylor, Curvy Hibiscus Pencil Skirt, $89

This skirt is going to hug your hips and slim your waist. 

TJ Maxx, Printed Scuba Pencil Skirt, $16

Can't beat the price! This is something out of an adult coloring book and I love it.

Don't pass on floral this spring. I promise you can find something that is going to work with tops that are already in your closet. Play with stripes or dots on top to really add a punch.

Be fabulous today!

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Drop it Like it's Hot

Let's dress up the standard t-shirt. It can get tired even in all of its cotton comfort. I'm mixing it up but adding in a drop shoulder. It's got a casual cool of a girl who walks into a party and everyone thinks 'effortless'. That's what these tees have.

Everlane, The Cotton Drop Shoulder Tee, $22

On the white tee hunt? I beg you to try Everlane. They are the go to for basics and they last.

Shopbop, Cupcakes and Cashmere Jackle Engineered Stripe Top, $90

This is going to be with you from now until September. A light linen with an unexpected back vent. Simple to wear on its own or layered on a chillier summer night.

Boden, Long Lightweight Drop Shoulder, $44

This adorable top comes in a half a dozen colors and they are all cotton jersey. SOFT!

Loft, Lou & Grey Slouchy Linen Tee, $24

A slub linen? Who knew?! Lou & Grey did and now they're treating us.

A drop shoulder detail adds a touch of 'ahh' to a tee. Not like scary movie aaah! more like breath of fresh air ahh. Get it?

Be fabulous today!

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Don't Make Me Blush

The calendar says it's spring. The thermometer may not agree but I'm ready to break out the sandals and pastels. Maybe its a few weeks early for open toe shoes but bring on the spring with pinks and light blue hues. Today we're looking at some perfectly spring blush bags. They feel like May even when you feel like October.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Metallic Trim Faux Leather Bucket Bag, $100 $45

Hello pinch me pink. This bag is easy to wear to work or tie on a short scarf for play.

Old Navy, Faux Leather Tassel Saddle Bag, $34

Didn't think Old Navy was this chic, did you? 

Ann Taylor, Signature Crossbody Bag, $98

Blush with a pebbly finish, what a simple extra oomph for a ladylike bag.

Modcloth, Worth the Tassel Bag, $59

Doublesided tassel and an adjustable shoulder strap. All under $60!

Spring means pastel and sunshine and while I can't guarantee the latter, I love blush for spring especially in something as easy as a new bag.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

The Prado
c/o Cocktail Chronicles

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces tequila (blanco or reposado – your call)
• 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur
• 1/2 egg white 

Directions

Shake like hell without ice — maybe with a strainer coil in the shaker to help mix things up — then fill with ice and go at it again for 10 seconds or so. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Korean Beef Rice Bowls
c/o Skinnytaste

Ingredients

For the beef:

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce*
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• cooking spray
• 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

For the bowls:

• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 small sliced cucumber, skin on
• 2 tablespoons Gochujang, or more if desired*
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds, plus more for topping
• 2 sliced scallions, white and green parts

Directions

Combine the soy sauce, 2 tablespoons water, brown sugar, sesame oil and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.

Heat a large deep nonstick skillet over high heat, spray with oil and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute. Pour the sauce over the beef, cover and simmer on low heat 10 minutes.

To assemble the bowls, place 3/4 cup rice in each bowl, top with scant 2/3 cup beef, cucumbers, Gochujong, sesame seeds and scallions.  

Chocolate Cobbler

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups hot water
• vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

Directions

1. To make the cobbler, pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place the butter in an 8x8 baking dish and put inoven while it preheats until butter has melted.
3. Mix together dry ingredients.
4. Whisk milk and vanilla into dry ingredients until well combined.
5. When butter has melted, carefully spoon the chocolate mixture over the melted butter evenly.
6. To make the topping, mix together the dry ingredients with a whisk. Sprinkle over the top of the chocolate cobbler.
7. Slowly and carefully pour the hot water over the top, being sure to cover the topping with water.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top has firmed up, but the cobbler is still quite jiggly in the middle.
9. Serve warm with either vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.