Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Dynamic Denim

Last week my mom came into town for some wedding planning. We were walking around town and she mentioned that she's been on the hunt for a denim jacket as a transition jacket for summer nights into fall. This one's for you, mom.

Let's start with the classic. Levi's. You can't go wrong on the fit, quality, or price.

Uniqlo, Women Denim Jacket, $39
And speaking of great prices. Under $40? Yep.

I love this brand for denim. It lasts forever and they have some great washes.

American Eagle, AEO Denim Jacket, $59 $29
Looking for something a little more distressed? Try this option at 50% off!

A denim jacket is going to be a workhorse piece in your closet from now until November. Find one that goes with your style so its easy to throw on top of anything.

Be fabulous today!

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Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Knot for Nothing

I often talk about details. Polka dots, hemlines, exposed zippers. Such small attention to detail points that can change the look of a piece. Today let's talk about knots.

Nordstrom, Halogen Knot Front Tee, $23
I love this tee. It's so cute and casual. It also comes in five other colors!

Simple but better than your average tee!

I'm scooping this up for fall asap. Sweatshirts are coming back and this one is amazing.

Joe Fresh, Knot Tee in Light Blush, $19
Great fit on this tee. It hugs but you can still enjoy Taco Tuesday.

Spicing up your tee is easy with accessories, but I like the idea of a tee that does the work for you! Try a knot for some simple spunk in your casual wear.

Be fabulous today!

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Monday, August 29, 2016

Little White Dress

It is the final week of August. What happened? I hope you have some fantastic Labor Day weekend plans, and if you follow those fashion rules, I hope you wear all of your white before next Monday. And that is just what we are talking about today. Little white dresses. Grab these for Labor Day weekend party and you will shine.

Such a beautiful dress. Textured and eye catching in all white.

Something classic and preppy? And under $60!

Neiman Marcus, Hiche Crochet Lace Flounce Dress, $245 $85
Try to beat this sale price. I dare you. Such a statement dress with the flutter torso details.

And now for something casual and effortless.

Whether you follow the no white after Labor Day rule or not, anyone can enjoy a simple LWD. These options are easy on the wallet and perfect for the end of summer.

Be fabulous today!

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Friday, August 26, 2016

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday! Here are my favorite recipes this week.

Blackberry Basil Tequila Cobbler
c/o Bit By a Fox
Ingredients
2 oz Tequila
1/2 oz Amontillado Sherry
7 fresh basil leaves + more for garnish
3/4 fresh lime juice
6 ripe blackberries (1/2 for garnish)
1/2 ounce agave syrup
soda water

Directions
Muddle blackberries, basil, lime juice and agave in a mixing glass. Add tequila and sherry, gently stir. Add ice and stir again. Fill rocks glass with crushed ice and strain cocktail into glass. Top with a splash of soda water and stir. Add more crushed ice, basil and blackberries for garnish.
Dina's Tossed Mushrooms

Ingredients
  • 1 pound white button mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1⁄4 cup dried Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, minced
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil to drizzle
  • olive oil spray

  • Directions
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Slice off the bottom of the stems; then, use a moist paper towel to gently remove any dirt from mushrooms.
  • Quarter or halve the mushrooms, depending on the size.
  • Sprinkle water in the bottom of a 13 x 9 baking dish then place mushrooms in a single layer on top of the water.
  • In a small bowl combine next six ingredients: breadcrumbs through salt/pepper. Sprinkle mixture evenly on top of the mushrooms.
  • Drizzle evenly with olive oil then spray the top with olive oil spray so it's evenly coated. Bake uncovered until the mushrooms are golden, about 20 minutes. Serve hot or warm.

  • Peach Cobbler
    Ingredients
    • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
    • 3 ripe peaches (1 pound whole peaches)
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (divided use)
    • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 cup half and half
    Directions
    1. Preheat the oven to 350.
    2. While the oven is preheating, place 1 tablespoon of the butter in each of two 10-ounce ramekins. (You can also bake this in a dish that holds 2 cups of liquid).
    3. Place the ramekins in the oven while it preheats, but keep an eye on it--don't let the butter brown.
    4. Meanwhile, peel, halve, and pit the peaches.
    5. Stir together the peaches, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, the lemon juice, cinnamon and vanilla in a bowl, and set aside while you make the rest.
    6. Whisk together the flour, the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, and the baking powder. Lightly stir in the half-and-half---small lumps are okay.
    7. Spoon the batter over the melted butter in each baking dish, and DO NOT STIR.
    8. Evenly pour the fruit mixture on top in each ramekin.
    9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

    Thursday, August 25, 2016

    Old Faithful

    Sometimes its about staples. Not the bold print, the cutting hemline, its about the perfect base that fits beautifully, and never lets you down. Today that is the black ankle pant. Not a legging, not a jean, a fitted, structured, black ankle pant.


    It's not shocking that Vince Camuto makes a stunning pair of black pants. This pair is simple perfection.

    Look at these great long lines. Clean and simple.

    You don't have to spend a bundle to get a great pair of pants. I love Old Navy pixie pants.

    A little bit of ponte adds the perfect amount of stretch with structure.

    While I love talking about dots, stripes, florals, and color blocking, sometimes you just need a great pair of black pants. These four won't do you wrong.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, August 24, 2016

    Pumped Up Kicks

    A great casual sneaker is a must this season. They allow you to go all day with comfort and style. I really love some low top lace ups because they come in every color and style.

    Simple slip ons that also come in white, black, or charcoal.

    September (important) baseball is upon us, so I love to show my pride with these Keds! Even though they don't have Nationals sneakers...

    We have unicorns, I repeat, we have unicorns.

    Forever 21, Inkkas Slate Low Tops, $72
    This colorful pattern is hand-sewn in South Africa. Beautiful and casual.





    Tuesday, August 23, 2016

    Jumpin' Jumpin'

    Yesterday we talked summer sales on shorts and today we're doing the same with jumpsuits. If you haven't gotten on the bandwagon yet, now is the time because they're on major sale. I prefer a printed jumpsuit because I think they look a little less pajama-y. So let's look at some eye-catching jumpsuits you can snag and wear before summer is over.

    If you look up fancy pants in the dictionary, this is what you will find. Half off right now.

    A great allover geometric print with an exposed gold zipper for a little bling.

    This is not a dress. This is a ridiculously flowy jumpsuit is perfect for an end of summer wedding.

    Ok, so is this one on major sale? No. But I saw it and I loved it and I had to tell you about. Sorry I'm not sorry.

    Jumpsuits are the new dresses. The throw on and go look that is beautiful and playful. Try some on end of season sale before we bundle up for sweater weather, which still seems ages away.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Monday, August 22, 2016

    Summer Saving Shorts

    Happy Monday lovebugs,
    It's nearing the end of summer...thank goodness. While this means triple digit heat is hopefully behind us, its still hot. Good news though, end of the season sales. I'm loving the tie waist shorts right now because they're playful, effortless, and on major sale. In fact all of these options are under $35!

    A deep navy and white stripe will look great with a tank top and throw on a denim jacket in the evening. 

    This is how you dress up shorts. Some heels, a great clutch, and confidence.

    Missguided, Tie Waist Detail Short, $32
    Who isn't sick of cobalt? Right. It's awesome. And check out the paper bag waistline detail.


    Date night, drop jaw look. Also comes in black.

    So don't think summer shopping is over just yet! Now is the time to score some major deals on some great staple pieces like a tie waist short for under $35.

    Be fabulous today!

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    Friday, August 19, 2016

    Friday Foodday

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

    Blood Orange Mezcal Margarita
    c/o Jojotastic
    Ingredients
    • 8 ounces mezcal
    • 3 ounces cointreau
    • 6 ounces lime juice
    • 4-5 blood oranges (pealed and sliced or cut in segments)
    • 2.5 ounces agave syrup
    • 2-3 cups ice
    Directions
    Peel and slice the blood oranges, then freeze overnight. This step isn’t necessary, but helps on a hot day!
    Add all ingredients to a blender filled with ice. Pulse until the ice is roughly chopped, then blend until smooth. If your blender get stuck, you can add a little water or juice and continue blending.
    Pour or scoop into cups and garnish with lime wheels

    Ham and Cheese Quiche with Hashbrown Crust
    Ingredients
    For Hashbrown Crust::
    • 2 Idaho Russet Potatoes, peeled and grated into bowl of cold water
    • 2 Tbsp Butter
    • 4 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
    • 1 tsp Salt
    • 1/4-1/2 tsp Ground Pepper, to taste
    For Ham and Cheese Quiche ::
    • 8 ounces Smoked Ham, diced
    • 1 cup Shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar Cheese
    • 6 Eggs
    • 1/2 cup Cream
    • 1/4 cup Milk
    • 3 Tbsp Flour
    • 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
    • 1/2 tsp Salt
    • 1 Clove Garlic, minced
    Directions
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    Shred potatoes into a large bowl filled with cold water. Let the potatoes sit for 10 minutes to remove excess starches that come out while shredded. Drain and rinse potatoes until the water runs clean. Drain well. Lay out several paper towels onto a clean surface. Pour drained potatoes onto the paper towels and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    In a large non-stick skillet, heat oil until shimmering over medium-high heat. Pour the potatoes into the bottom of the non-stick pan and press potatoes into the bottom of the pan forming a skillet sized potato pancake. Let the hashbrowns simmer until they turn crispy and golden brown. Using two oven mitts and a large plate, very carefully invert the hashbrown onto the plate. Place skillet back onto the burner and slide uncooked side of the hashbrown into the skillet to cook on the other side until crispy and golden brown.
    Remove from the burner and slide hashbrown into a pie pan.
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, garlic, cream, milk, flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in diced ham and cheese until evenly distributed.
    Pour into the prepared hashbrown crust. Place in oven and bake until the center is set - about 45 minutes for a standard pie plate. Check after 35 minutes to ensure it does not over cook.
    Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

    S'mores Monkey Bread
    Ingredients
    • *Ingredients listed are for a small (6 c.) bundt pan. Double ingredients for a large (12 c.) pan.
    • 1 (16 oz.) tube refrigerated biscuits
    • ⅓ c. granulated sugar
    • ⅓ c. graham cracker crumbs
    • 1 c. mini marshmallows
    • ½ c. chocolate chips
    • 2 graham crackers, broken into small pieces
    • 6 Tbsp. melted butter
    • For topping:
    • ⅓ c. heavy cream
    • ⅔ c. chocolate chips
    • ¼ c. mini marshmallows
    • 1 Tbsp. graham cracker crumbs

    Directions
    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Remove biscuits from package and cut into sixths.
    3. In a large Ziplock bag, combine ⅓ c. sugar and ⅓ c. graham cracker crumbs.
    4. Add biscuit pieces and shake to coat.
    5. To the same bag, add 1 c. mini marshmallows, ½ c. chocolate chips, and graham cracker pieces.
    6. Shake until ingredients are evenly distributed, then pour into a small (6 c.) greased bundt pan.
    7. Drizzle with melted butter.
    8. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.
    9. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then carefully loosen edges and invert onto a plate.
    10. Prepare chocolate ganache topping by heating ⅓ c. heavy cream until simmering; stir in chocolate chips and mix until smooth.
    11. Drizzle ganache over bread, then top with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.

    Thursday, August 18, 2016

    In Full Bloom

    It's the last of the season for one of my favorite flowers - hydrangea. I love their fullness and bright colors. Believe it or not they also appear in fashion. This pretty floral makes a greta print!

    Scarves are going to be big for fall and I like this one in particular because it's not big. It's skinny, manageable, and great for work.

    Loft, Ruffled Maxi Dress, $98
    Oh hello great addition to my summer/fall closet!

    Lord & Taylor, Dooney & Burke Lexi Crossbody, $72
    The perfect summer bag for any outfit.

    Such a delicate waterfall of flowers. Almost watercolor-esque.

    A great hydrangea is lush and aromatic. These picks will remind you of spring and summer all year long!

    Be fabulous today!

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    Wednesday, August 17, 2016

    Cool Hand Lady

    It's hot as crap outside. I know, excuse my language, but really, even my dog can't even right now. So I thought we would take it back to basics. Neutrals that are versatile and will keep you cool Take a look at these scoop back tops that show a little skin but go with just about everything.

    Asos, Scoopback Cami Top, $17
    Something so simple yet so beautiful. 

    Forever 21, Scoop-Back Top, $10
    If this V was diving I would give it a 10. Nailed it.

    I don't think heather gray gets enough credit. It looks so effortless and yet isn't a solid.

    One more from Asos. What a lovely a ladylike tank.

    If you have to stay cool in this heat wave, you should look good doing it. These deep v, scoop back tops are as beautiful as they are cool.

    Be fabulous today!

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