Play the Accordion

Earlier this month we looked at some great printed maxi skirts. They are playful, elegant, and versatile for summer into fall. Today I thought we would look at some great pleated maxi dresses that scream summer but transition well to fall with the right jean jacket or cardi.

Nordstrom Rack, Garcia Accordion Pleated Colorblock Maxi Dress, $59

The fiancé and I have a 'no spend August' thing going on this month. If we didn't...this would already by in my closet. I love the contrasting colors, trim, and lines!

Asos, Pleated Maxi Dress in Dip Dye, $27

The price on this is unbeatable. Throw on some of yesterday's beaded earrings and you are ready to go!

Buckle, Hyfve Pleated Maxi Dress, $39

Have a warm weather fall wedding to attend? This is your go to dress.

JCPenny, Rebecca B Ombre Sleeveless Pleated Maxi, $59

Warm night, sunset party/date/wedding? Yes. 

Maxi accordion pleats are one of my favorite styles for warm weather. I think they are easily dressed up or down with minimal effort. Play with colors, patterns, or solids to really have some fun.

Be fabulous today!

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Big Business Beads

Remember when you were 11 and decided you were going to make a living off of bead jewelry? You had the knack, expertise, and dedication to string those beads into one of a kind bracelets and anklets. How is that going for you? Yeah, me too. Luckily there are some people who did commit to this artistry and we can all benefit. Here are some truly lovely beaded earrings.

 The Outnet, Silver Tone Bead Earrings, $45

These beauties are 50% off right now and they will make your white dress pop and then make your navy blazer a bit more playful this fall.

Anthropologie, Jima Hoops, $98

I really love the mix of colors in this earring. That blue really stands out.

Gilt, Teardrop Earrings by Cara Couture, $20

I love Gilt for jewelry. Its a great place to find gifts because the designers are not what you find in your everyday department store.

Lord & Taylor, Beaded Chandelier Earrings, $19

How about these swingy earrings? They also come in white/gold.

So we didn't make it big with friendship bracelets or bead jewelry, but we can still enjoy the detailed perfection with these beaded earrings.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!

Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Spicy Watermelon Margarita
c/o Cookie and Kate

Ingredients

Watermelon juice

• 1 small seedless watermelon, or half of a larger watermelon

Chili-salt rims

• 1 part kosher salt
• 1 part ancho chili powder or regular chili powder
• Lime wedges

Ingredients per margarita

• 2 ounces fresh watermelon juice
• 1½ ounces tequila, preferably 100% agave silver or blanco tequila
• ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
• ½ ounce fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon agave nectar or simple syrup, more to taste
• 1 thinly sliced jalapeño round (1/4th inch wide, a little goes a long way!)
• Optional garnish: 1 tiny watermelon wedge

Directions

1. To make the watermelon juice, scoop the watermelon flesh into your blender and blend until it has turned into a smooth juice. Depending on your watermelon, you may or may not need to strain out the pulp (if it's too pulpy for your liking, pour it through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the liquid through with a big spoon).
2. To prepare your margarita glasses: On a small, rimmed plate, mix together equal parts salt and chili powder. I like to use my fingers to rub the chili powder into the salt (be sure to wash your hands afterward). Run a wedge of lime around the top of each glass. Dip the top of the glass into the salt blend at a 45-degree angle and roll it from side to side to catch the salt. Add ice cubes to your glass and set it aside.
3. To make margaritas (feel free to make multiple margaritas at once): Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, orange juice, agave nectar and top with a jalapeño slice.
4. Secure the lid to the shaker and shake for 30 seconds. Taste and add additional sweetener if necessary. Strain the liquid into your prepared glass(es). Cheers!

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

4 portobello mushroom caps

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 

1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoons olive oil 

1 tbsp chopped rosemary

1-1/2 tsp steak seasoning like Montreal Steak Grill Mates

4 thick slices red onion

4 oz reduced fat Swiss

4 thin slices tomato

1/2 avocado, sliced thin

baby spinach

4 whole wheat low calorie buns

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, oil, rosemary, and Montreal steak seasoning. Place the mushroom caps in the bowl and toss with sauce, using a spoon to evenly coat. Let stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, turning a few times.

Heat the grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat. When hot, brush the grate with oil or lightly spray the grill pan. Place the mushrooms on the grill, reserving marinade for basting. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until tender, brushing with marinade frequently. 

Top the mushrooms with cheese during the last minute of cooking. While the mushrooms cook, grill the onions about 1 minute on each side and grill the buns until toasted.

To finish, place the spinach and grilled portobello mushrooms on the buns and top with the grilled onions, sliced tomato and avocado.

Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

c/o Buns in My Oven

Ingredients

• 1 recipe chocolate chip cookie dough, made with mini chocolate chips
• 1 box refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
• chocolate syrup

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Prepare cookie dough as directed, substituting mini chocolate chips for the regular chocolate chips.
3. Roll cookie dough into 18 small cookie balls.
4. Roll out pie crust and use a 3 inch diameter round cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough. Re-roll the dough as needed to end up with 12 circles.
5. Place the pie crust in a muffin tin. Place a ball of cookie dough in each crust.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until crust is golden and cookie dough is mostly cooked through, though still slightly gooey.
7. Drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving.
8. Place remaining 6 cookie dough balls in a freezer safe bag to save for baking another day, or bake immediately at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Vacation Ti Amo

My good friend is going to the Amalfi Coast on vacation. I know, hate away. So unfair and so jealous. But also a bit inspiring when it comes to fashion. I thought I would live vicariously through her with some Mediterranean feeling pieces.

Ann Taylor, Amalfi Button Skirt, $64

Getaway ready with a beautiful sleeveless blouse. Perfect for a late night dinner.

Madewell, Positano Ti Amo Tee, $45

Not your average tee. The graphic is actually embroidered. So special and different.

Nordstrom, BaubleBar Majorca Lariat Necklace, $48

Obsessed with this color and style. Casual but eye catching.

Athleta, Ibiza Mesh Shopper, $72 $24

Major sale on this effortless beach bag. Also comes in navy or brown.

Whether your jet setting in the near future or just have some wanderlust, these Mediterranean inspired pieces are just perfect. 

Be fabulous today!

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