Digital Getdown

Ok lovebugs,
Hold onto your headbands. It's Cyber-freakin'-Monday. No introductions needed, here's what I'm loving.

H&M extra 40% off sale items with code 4040

Ann Taylor has 50% off everything. Sorry, is this thing on? I said EVERYTHING! Use code CELEBRATE

Anthropologie has 25% everything. Just be sure to use code SHOPTOIT

The lovely Design Darling is offering 20% off everything using code THANKFUL

Do something good and buy through Threads for Thought using code T4T40CM for an extra 40% off

Best for last? Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic has 40% off everything using code BEST CYBER

Gifts for mom, bff, a hostess, or hey, yourself! These deals cannot be beat! 

Be fabulous today!

Happy Day After Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

[to buy]

Travel Wednesday

On this busy, busy travel day, I just want to say...

Safe travels and have a wonderful week!

image source

Vivacious in Velvet

It's holiday time. Don't try to hide from it. It's here. And while most Friday and Saturday nights will require a sassy cocktail dress and tights, what about the work week soirees and happy hours? I give you the velvet pant. It's looks luxe and festive but it doesn't break the bank.

Gap, Side Zip Pull on Legging, $59

So gorgeous. So expensive looking. Gap, you win.

Ann Taylor, Kate Velvet Skinny Legging, $89

A beautiful slate gray means these pants are going to work with everything in your closet.

Kohl's, LC Lauren Conrad Velvet Cigarette Pants, $36

I love this tiny zipper hem detail on these crimson pants.

Zara, Velvet Trousers, $69

I had to throw in a bootcut version. Love these pants for the look of extra long legs.

Velvet is perfect for the holiday season and why not try a pair of pants that you can mix with a silk blouse, cashmere card, anything else in your closet. 

Be fabulous today!

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My Holiday Uniform

It's Thanksgiving week. I thought I'd pull together an outfit that I plan on living in at home this week in Pennsylvania. It's cozy, it's comfy, and it's affordable.

waffle-knit legging/oversized sweater/slippers

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
I am in Orlando at a work conference but I'm still picking out my favorite recipes for this week.

Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail
c/o Completely Delicious

Ingredients

• Ice
• 1 heaping tablespoon cranberry sauce
• 1 ounce (30 ml) gin
• 1 ounce (30 ml) orange liqueur, such as triple sec or cointreau
• Club soda or sparkling water
• Orange slice, for garnish
• Rosemary sprig, for garnish

Directions

1. Add the ice, cranberry sauce, gin and triple sec to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Pour into a tumbler class and top with club soda or sparkling water. Garnish with orange slice and rosemary sprig.

One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

c/o Skinny Taste

Ingredients

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 large white onion, sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups less-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (10-oz) can Mild Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles
• 7 oz pasta (use gluten-free pasta for GF)
• 1/2 cup light sour cream 
• 1 scallion, diced 
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 4 oz diced avocado (from 1 small)

Directions

Season chicken with 3/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp chili powder and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. In a large deep nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over high heat. When the oil is very hot, add the chicken and cook until browned, stirring about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet. When the oil is hot, add the onions, bell peppers, and remaining 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp chili powder and 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic, and stir until fragrant and well combined, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and transfer to the plate with the chicken.

In the same skillet, add the broth, diced tomatoes and uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. Add the chicken and veggies back into the skillet and stir to combine until heated through, about 2 minutes. Mix in the sour cream and top with scallions and cilantro. Serve with avocado on top.

Dulce de Leche Apple Pie

c/o Closet Cooking

Ingredients

• 6 cups of apples (cored, peeled and sliced)
• 1/2 cup dulce de leche
• 2 tablespoons apple cider
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• pinch of salt
• 2 pie crusts
• 1 egg white mixed with 1 teaspoon of water

Directions

1. Toss the apples in the dulce de leche, cider and vanilla,
2. Mix the sugars, cornstarch, spices and salt in a large bowl.
3. Mix the wet and dry ingredients.
4. Fit one of the pie crusts into a 9 inch pie plate and pour the apples in.
5. Fit the remaining pie crust on top and brush with the egg white mixture.
6. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 400F/200C oven for 40 minutes.
7. Reduce to 375F/190C, remove the foil and bake until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.
8. Let cool completely.

Dirty Hair, Don't Care

I have recently cut off five inches of my hair so I'm having some ponytail envy. I thought I would treat myself to some window shopping with some great ponytail holders. Who needs a regular elastic when you can dress up your hair with these affordable accessories.

Loft, Metallic Cuff Ponytail Holder Set, $14

What a fun gift idea for a Secret Santa or for yourself. Pick from this yellow and rose gold combo or the silver set which is on sale for $9.

Nordstrom, Tasha Leather Bow Ponytail Holder, $12

A leather bow. I love it. Choose from five fun colors.

Saks Off Fifth, Natasha Tortoise Ponytail Holder, $14

60% off right now! This accessory is a classic.

Forever 21, Fuzzy Ball Hair Tie, $2

With this price, I'm getting the pink version as well.

Sometimes ponytails mean dirty hair day (don't lie), so why not dress up your quick hair day with these hair ties?

Be fabulous today!

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Ruff Around the Edges

I love dogs. As you can probably tell from my Instagram account, I'm pretty obsessed with my main furball, Norman. So when I start to see the quirky graphic pet sweaters, you know I have to do a post.

Amazon, French Connection Sausage Dog Sweater, $44

Sausage dog. I love this. So chic!

JCrew Factory, Intarsia Scottie Dog Sweater, $52

Love. Just simple. I'm pairing this with a classic buffalo plaid flannel button down. 

Dorothy Perkins, Grey Pom Pom Sausage Dog Christmas Jumper, $39

Just added this adorableness to my cart and I'm not even sorry. That dog is wearing boots.

Prefer a pug? I've got you covered.

JCPenny, I Heart Ronson Dog Sweatshirt, $34

Just happiness. I love this casual and simple top that I can easily dress up or down by layer the right blouse or jewelry.

So show some personality when shopping this season and if you're a dog lover. Show it.

Be fabulous today!

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All Frills

As we enter sweater weather I'm always on the hunt for a unique sweater that stands out from my staple crewnecks, turtlenecks, and cable knit. That's why I really love peplum. That's right. Peplum sweaters offer a bit of personality with a waist frill. And let's be honest, who doesn't want a little frill in their life.

Nordstrom, CeCe by Cynthia Steffe Pointelle Ribbed Peplum Sweater, $77

See what I mean? Simple, a little frill. Perfect.

Ann Taylor, Stitchy Peplum Sweater, $98

Usually I'm not about dropping this much for one item, but then I touched this sweater. And I needed to live in it, so you know, cost per wear. Oh my days the cozy.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Peplum Rib Knit Sweater, $98 $41

I'm pairing this perfectly crimson sweater with a statement necklace and skinny cords.

Lord and Taylor, 1 State Knit Peplum Sweater, $89

A really pretty mauve and a more understated peplum style. A beautiful sweater.

Peplum is one of my favorite shapes for tops, so I'm thrilled to see continue through winter with sweaters. As always, pair a contrasting button down or flannel underneath for maximum impact.

Be fabulous today!

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Bows and Bandwagons

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Today I'm giving in to a fall trend that I've seen everywhere. Blogs, magazines, you name it. I'm talking about the lace up flats. Yep. At first I was like, 'but what's wrong with my normal flats?' but then I started to understand that bit of detail the lace adds. I like them because they can go from work to play easily. Now, let's look at options.

Boden, Lille Lace-Up Point Flats, $138 $41

Didn't expect this price, did you? Stunning. In navy or orange as well but I'm picking up the silver for holiday parties.

Asos, London Rebel Ghillie Lace Point Flat, $73 $51

Speaking of holiday shoes...these red flats. I'm pairing it with a sequin mini or black culottes for work.

Macy's, Steve Madden Eleanor Suede Lace Up Flats, $89

A beautiful neutral that works with black or brown.

Lord and Taylor, Anne Klein Ottilia Leather Flats, $79 $53

And a standard, beautiful neutral. I really like the d'orsay style of this flat.

Have you jumped on the lace up flat bandwagon? I'm really digging these flats for comfort and style.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday Foodday

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

Wassail Punch
c/o The Kitchn

Ingredients
6 cups apple cider 
1 cup orange juice
4 cinnamon sticks, plus additional for garnish
6-8 whole star anise, plus additional for garnish
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch of allspice
Juice of one lemon
Bourbon or whiskey (optional, but highly recommended)

Directions

In a large dutch oven, bring all of the ingredients to a low boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for a few hours. Serve hot; spike with bourbon/whiskey, if desired. Garnish with whole cinnamon sticks and star anise.

Copycat Panera Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

c/o Jeanette's Healthy Living

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
  

  1 tablespoon organic butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sweet rice flour
• 6 cups or 4 cans (15 ounces each) diced organic tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon organic sugar
• 4 leaves fresh basil
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• pinch of ground cayenne
• ½ cup organic heavy cream
• Garnish:
• fresh basil leaves, julienned

Directions

Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery and carrot; saute until soft, but do not brown. Stir in flour and cook another minute. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Stir in cream. Transfer to a blender and puree (you will probably have to do this in two batches). Garnish with julienned basil leaves and serve.

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes
c/o Shugary Sweets

Ingredients

FOR THE CUPCAKES:

• 5 egg whites, room temperature
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, divided
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground ginger

FOR THE FROSTING:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cinnamon chips

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the egg whites with 1/4 cup buttermilk. Whisk together and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in dry ingredients and beat until combined. Slowly add in egg mixture. Beat in remaining buttermilk and continue beating for 2 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Line a cupcake tin with paper lines. Fill 2/3 full with batter and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 16-18 minutes. Cool 5 minutes in tin, and remove and cool completely on wire rack.
4. For the frosting, beat butter for about 3 minutes, until pale yellow. Add in sugar, cinnamon and milk and beat an additional 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Spread frosting on cooled cupcakes (or use a decorating bag with tip and pipe onto cupcakes). Add cinnamon chips immediately. ENJOY.

Seeing Spots

Sometimes a post is inspired by one item. You come across one item and you go, 'dang, that is amazing, I need to build a post around this.' Today that post begins with this stunning leopard heel. It is perfect. Now leopard is nothing new, but I needed to do a post with these heels so I am building  a post around unexpected leopard shoes. Something that adds a little extra.

Nordstrom, Halogen Marci Pointy Toe Pump, $59

Now 40% off. Mary Jane, leopard, just yes.

Asos, Pixie Pointed High Heel, $54

A suede trim put the perfect exclamation point on these heels.

Amazon, Wild Pair Leopard Boots, $24

A simple pop of pattern brings the chic to these otherwise neutral booties.

Lord and Taylor, Tonia Leopard Print Calf Hair Heeled Pumps, $47

What did I tell you? A little something different with leopard. 

A great leopard shoe is going to be a workhorse for your wardrobe. I promise you will not regret this purchase. So why not make it something unexpected? Play with leopard and you will always win.

Be fabulous today!

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Mini Bag, Major Impact

Let's start this post off right, Happy Veterans Day. Thank you to all who have and are currently serving and keep us safe. You are always remembered. Ok, with that in mind...

It's fall which means it's suede time. You've seen the suede skirts, the suede stilettos, but have you tried a suede bag? Now in the Monday through Friday grind, I have a standard larger sized bag that fits my entire life. But on the weekends, I shrink it down. I love a mini bag for play and I love it even more in suede.

Selfridges, Dune Evita Faux Leather Mini Saddle Bag, $83

This is my perfect going out bag. A great saddle shape and sleek mixed material.

Ann Taylor, Mini Suede Bucket Bag, $79

This bag looks so luxe. It also comes in black, deep red, or hunter green.

Urban Outfitters, Exote Sueded Chain Mini Crossbody, $44

This long fringe works with distressed jeans or an LBD. It is crazy chic.

Crew Factory, Suede Mini Bucket Bag with Tassel, $97

Olive is a great and often overlooked neutral. It works with plaid of any color, navy, red, you name it.

Suede is a soft and supple material which works great for bags. It looks expensive but you don't have to spend a lot to get in on this trend.

Be fabulous today!

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