Instagram Round Up - 3 Days of Work Fashion

Long time since an update! Since I will be on vacation this weekend to see my parents, I figured it was best to post my Instagram round up! 

I really wish I can find this dress I wore Monday online, but it was only available at my local Banana Republic store. The necklace is also sold out entirely! Piperlime went out of business... so unfortunately I have no idea where to find this. I linked to Baublebar as an alternative.

I love the classiness of a black/grey dress. It's so timeless. I know a lot of people don't want to wear color. If that is you, just invest in a lot of black, grey and white. It will never go out of style and is always classy.

Dress  Banana Republic: Mesh Insert Dress (on sale!)

Necklace  Piperlime: Pearl Necklace (similar)

Shoes  Ann Taylor: Kylie Pumps

J Crew Factory had amazing Memorial Day sales. I bought a ton of stuff, but mainly bought two gingham printed button downs. This one is in a pale green, but I also bought a pink one (will be worn soon). I am just obsessed with gingham. 

I really think with DVF, this has become the print of the summer! Not only that... but it's SUPER work appropriate! 

I wish my flats were still available. I will tell you guys, Marc by Marc Jacobs flats are literally the most comfortable pair of flats ever made. I have tried Tory Burch, Ferragamo, etc... and these are my favorite. Unfortunately, my black ones been worn to death, so I am trying to take better care of my tans flats.

Flats  Marc by Marc Jacobs: Tan Flats (similar)

Shirt  J Crew Factory: Gingham in Green

Skirt  J Crew Factory: Navy Pencil Skirt

Ring  Forever 21: Gold Midi Ring Set

My favorite outfit this week! The craze these days are drapey pants. They have an elastic band and are made out of a silky fabric. You can buy them from Banana Republic, J Crew, etc...

I am so obsessed with these! With my new job I really can't pull off the "leggings looks"anymore... This is now my version of leggings. I am about to order the black and green. They literally feel like pajamas, but look so chic!

Ring  Forever 21: Gold Midi Ring Set

Necklace  Kendra Scott: Rayne Necklace

Cardigan  J Crew Factory: Navy Cardigan

Pants  Banana Republic: Drapey Pants

Shoes  Nine West: Flax Pumps (similar)

Tank  LOFT: Rib Tank

Cobalt & Black

I love cobalt & black as much as I love cobalt & white. It's a great color combo. I wore this outfit two ways. One with peeped-toe booties and one with sandals.

My favorite piece to this outfit is my pineapple ring! Isn't is cute? Pineapples seem to be a continuous trend these days. I love adding a bit of color with this ring and my staple Kendra Scott Rayne necklace.

Shorts  J Crew Factory: Cobalt Shorts (similar)

Shoes  Nine West: Peep-Toe Booties (similar)

Sandals  Tory Burch: Miller Sandals

Ring 1  Forever 21: Gold Midi Ring Set

Ring 2  Forever 21: Pineapple Ring

Necklace  Kendra Scott: Rayne Necklace

Tank  LOFT: Rib Tank

Recipe: Kale and Apple Salad

My boyfriend has started his annual garden. Filled with herbs and growing vegetables. This year we are trying tuscan kale. Right now, we had enough to harvest to make this amazing salad. Is it weird that fresh vegetables from the garden taste so much better?!

This recipe is so simple, yet so flavorful!

Direction/Ingredients

1 medium granny smith apple, stripped with a mandolin or julienne peeler
10-15 kale leaves, sliced long (medium sized)
1 handful of roughly diced walnuts or pecans

Dressing

2 tbs olive oil
1 tbs apple cider vinegar
1 small lemon, juiced

Add the kale and apple in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and mix. Add all the dressing ingredients in a bowl, mix with a whisk, and add to the salad. Toss and then add some freshly cracked pepper! Top with pecans and/or walnuts. I love the extra crunch it gives!

Recipe: Coodles with Organic Turkey Bolognese

I love trying to eat healthy and "paleo". Coodles are my go-to these days! I feel like zucchini noodles get a little too watery. Coodles are sweet and just hold up better!

I have found many turkey bolognese recipes, but the flavor always falls short. I have finally concocted my own seasoning that makes excellent bolognese

Recipe

2 lbs of ground turkey
3 packs of Pomi Tomato Sauce
2 medium onions, diced
1 large carrot, diced
4 garlic cloves, diced small

Seasoning 

1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt (add more if needed)
1 tsp italian seasoning
1 tsp crushed red pepper (add more or less)
1/2 tsp ancho powder
1 tsp aleppo powder (or crushed)
1 tsp granulated onion powder
1 tsp granulated garlic powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp all spice
1/2 tsp red bell pepper powder (can be purchased at spice shop, optional)
1/2 tsp spanish chorizo seasoning (can be purchased at spice shop, optional)

Mix all of these in a small bowl.

3 basil leaves, torn
1 tsp worcestershire sauce

Directions

In olive oil, cook the onions, carrots, and garlic until the onions are translucent. Add the turkey and 1/2 of the seasoning blend till browned.

Once browned, add the tomato sauce, worcestershire and remaining seasoning blend. Simmer for 20 minutes and then add the torn basil leaves. If you feel as if you need more tomato sauce, add some! It's all preference.

Simmer for another 10-20 minutes.

Coodles

I used a julienne peeler for the coodles. Mix coodles in with the sauce for the "pasta" to get warm. Toss for about 10-20 seconds and serve immediately.

Lilly Pulitzer - Floral & Color

Like Mara Hoffman, Lilly Pulitzer dresses are my go to during these warm months! I don't like the crazy beachy prints as much as the simpler, solid colors and the bright, vibrant prints. 

This dress is from last season, but I linked the same style in different prints pertaining to this season! I hope you guys find some great options. I highly recommend this dress. It's bright, fun, and perfect for any outing. 

Dress  Lilly Pulitzer: V Neck Palmetto Dress (similar)

Flats  Marc by Marc Jacobs: Logo Flats (similar)

Bold Prints for the Summer

I love Mara Hoffman! I recently wore a knee length dress from Mara Hoffman and today I am wearing a maxi dress from a previous year Mara Hoffman collection.

I don't have any links for this dress, but going on marahoffman.com you can find tons! I just love vibrant colors during the spring and summer months. Working at a professional work environment, it's hard to add color. During the weekends, I love wearing Lily Pulitzer and Mara Hoffman.Vibrant. Colorful. Fun!

Hump Day Fashion Roundup!

Sorry for the late posts! I have been so busy at work that I haven't had the time to update the blog. I just wanted to post a round-up of everything I have worn this week.

I wanted to start off by saying that my floral maxi dress from the wedding I attended Sunday is unfortunately sold out. Whomp whomp. I got it from Asos and recommend checking that site periodically to see what pops up. This dress was around $400 and I got it for $87! Constantly checking websites is a great idea to find fashion steals!

My first outfit is a dress I recently purchased at Forever 21 with a multitude of accessories. To be honest, i don't wear a lot of rings, so I like to buy cheap cocktail and midi rings because it's not an investment piece in my eyes. This dress is so comfortable and can be worn casually with sandals or dressed up with a blazer. 

Dress  Forever 21: Floral Dress

Blazer  J Crew Factory: Black Blazer

Ring 1  Forever 21: Emerald Cocktail Ring

Ring 2  Forever 21: Gold Midi Ring Set

Shoes  Tory Burch: Sally Wedges

This top is actually super old from Zara. I love the peter pan collar and print. So cute! The biggest star with this outfit is my Zara leather jacket. A leather jacket is a such a great staple piece! I recommend getting a moto style one as it gives outfits that edgy look. But it's really all preference!

Shirt  Zara: Peter Pan Shirt (similar)

Jacket  Zara: Leather Jacket

Pants  Banana Republic: Sloan Pants

Shoes  Ann Taylor: Kylie Pumps

I love a great pleated leather skirt. This is super old from Ann Taylor so I am unsure if it is still available. I will link similar skirts. I particularly love these Aztec style bracelet. Forever 21 find and they were less than $7!

Blazer  J Crew Factory: Navy Blazer

Skirt  Ann Taylor: Leather Pleated Skirt (similar)

Necklace  LOFT: Gold Statement Necklace

Top  Banana Republic: Silk Tank (similar)

Bracelets  Forever 21: Bracelet Set (similar)

Rings  H&M: Midi Ring Set (similar)

Shoes  Nine West: Flax Pumps (similar)

A Dash of Cobalt

Cobalt blue is just a pretty color for the spring and summer! Since the color is so bright, my preference is usually to wear them with an all white or all black palette. If I am not going to work, and want to try something trendy, i'll pair it with florals, hot pink, and/or neon yellow.

I love the sleekness of this outfit. It's so classy yet colorful and fun at the same time. 

Shoes  Ralph Lauren: Pumps (same color - diff style)

Necklace  Baublebar: Pearl Tassel Lariet Necklace

Blazer  The Limited: Cobalt Blue Blazer

Blouse  Express: Portofino Shirt

Pants Loft: Marissa Fit White Pants

Garden of Eden

I have shared my love for Mara Hoffman in a previous post as my go-to brand for purchasing outfits with colorful print. I wanted to share my other favorite brand for prints: Clover Canyon. Clover Canyon, delivered and produced in Los Angeles have great fabric with colorful prints.

The dress I have on is from last season, but the website has so many similar prints and options. It's great to wear to work since a lot of their dresses have less spandex than Mara Hoffman. The garden print is so gorgeous and colorful on. I think Mindy Kaling wore the same print in a different style before.

Blazer  Banana Republic: Black Blazer

Dress Clover Canyon: Garden Sheath Dress

Shoes  Tory Burch: Sally Wedge

Necklace  Kendra Scott: Rayne Necklace

Military Green & Navy

I absolutely love my Banana Republic Sloan Pants in olive green. I actually wore these pants with a camel blazer, which I love, but wanted to do something differently. 

Navy is a great color combination with olive green. I kept this outfit simple since I had a networking event tonight.... but wanted to jazz it up with my leopard pumps. In love! In my mind, I still consider this a neutral palette since the the colors are darker and muted. Because of this, I love mixing in leopard, and finish it off with a nice gold statement necklace (which is on sale for 40% off BTW). Pair with a dark red lipstick, and you are good to go! 

Side note: I'm dreading this warm southern heat! Let's just say that dressing business professional in this heat is just not ideal! Hope everyone keeps cool with mojitos and tons of water!

Blazer  J Crew Factory: Navy Blazer

Blouse  LOFT: Trim Rib Tank 

Pants  Banana Republic: Sloan Pants

Necklace  LOFT: Gold Statement Necklace

Shoes  Nine West: Leopard Flax Pumps (similar)

Lips  MAC: Diva Lipstick

Nautical Tuesdays

One of my all time favorite outfit combinations are red, navy and white. It's super patriotic and very nautical. Timeless style and great color staples for any wardrobe!

I bought this red skirt last week from The Limited for $17! What a steal. I bought the 00P (my waist is 24.5). It was a little tighter around my behind, but the blazer covered everything for a more professional attire. The price increased, but keep an eye out for sales. They happen so frequently.

The real star of this piece is my necklace! I am just loving pendant chain necklaces. This is from Baublebar (I got it during their 30% off sale) and it is going to be my new staple (along with my Kendra Scott necklaces). I love statement necklaces, but for some outfits, the simplicity of a long pendant is just more fitting.

I tied my outfit together with leopard pumps. I love leopard and a nice print, so I tend to wear these pumps with a lot of solid colored outfits. If you want something more demure, wear a nude heel.

Necklace  Baublebar: Pearl Tassel Lariet Necklace

Skirt  The Limited: High Waisted Pencil Skirt

Shoes  Nine West: Leopard Flax Pumps (similar)

Blazer  Banana Republic: Navy Blazer (similar)

Blouse  Loft: White Blouse (similar)

Floral Blazers? Yes, please!

I am all about great deals! I wrote a post before about "Asian Brands", as a lot of Asian manufacturers have created online websites to sell clothing at a mass discount. The only catch is that the sizing runs very small for American women. However, if you are petite, like myself, these brands are perfect for you! I wear about the same size as I normally do and it fits perfectly!

I found this blazer from Amazon. Amazon functions as a third party retailer for a lot of these Asian websites. I use Amazon over the others (not that I have ever run into any problems) only because I trust them and if I have any returns, it will be much easier to process through Amazon than somewhere in China.

This floral blazer is a steal at $22. I is so lightweight and perfect for the spring and summer months. It is so vibrant and gorgeous with a white dress (as pictured) or over a nice blouse. Highly recommend!!

Dress  Zara: White Puffed Sleeve Dress (similar)

Shoes  Ralph Lauren: Pumps (same color - diff style)

Necklace  Kendra Scott: Rayne Necklace

Blazer  She Inside: Floral Blazer

Fashion Roundup

If you all couldn't tell, I love all the Kendra Scott Rayne Necklaces. Kendra Scott does something genius on their site.... almost all of their jewelry can be custom-made with a different colored gem and base (gold/silver). It's genius, and it allows someone picky like me to design my own necklace!

My first outfit is by Mara Hoffman. If you haven't heard of Mara Hoffman, you must! All of her clothing feature colorful, tribal prints, which are perfect for the spring and summer months. This dress is from last years collection, but her website (as well as Bloomingdales and Nordstroms) carry her clothing. Each and every piece has personality!

Dress Mara Hoffman (sold out)

Sandals  Tory Burch: Tan Thongs (similar)

Necklace  Kendra Scott: Rayne Necklace

I have worn a variation of this outfit below before, but I am so obsessed with pastel blue. It's the perfect color of this season and looks great with practically everything! It's actually a great look with or without the cardigan (I had to wear one because of work dress codes). The pink really makes this outfit pop, and my Vince Camuto caged heels are so comfortable. Highly recommend you all to purchase this or a similar one (I linked below!)

Top  Target: Lace Shell

Necklace  Kendra Scott: Rayne Necklace

Shoes  Vince Camuto: Effie Sandals (similar)

Pants Loft: Marissa Fit White Pants

Top  Loft: Pastel Blue Tank

Recipe: Chicken Pozole

My boyfriend love "Diners, Dives, and Drives". We basically spend most of our weekend nights watching it in bed trying to find recipe ideas or vacation food spots.

Today they aired an episode where pozole was featured in cooked. We didn't have hominy, so we basically made our own variation

Chicken Pozole Recipe

Ingredients

1 tbs mexican oregano
1tbs cumin
1 tbs dried hatch chili (optional)
4 chicken breasts
4 32oz of chicken broth
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, diced
1 tbs of canola oil
2 cans of corn
3 small russet potatoes, diced (optional - but so good)

Sauce

1 lb of tomatillos,
1 dried chipotle pepper, rehydrated (basically means bringing it back to life in boiling water)
2 poblano peppers, grilled
3 jalapenos, grilled (optional, can add less or more)
2 small onions, grilled
1 handful of cilantro sprigs
2 romaine lettuce leaves

Get a stockpot hot, add canola oil and wait till it becomes hot. Once sizzling, add your onions and garlic with all the dried seasonings until translucent. Add the broth and uncooked chicken breasts. Let the chicken breasts boil (probably 20 minutes, but this depends on your stove, so keep checking until they are boiled completely) Once, the chicken is cooked, remove them from the soup, shred, and toss back in.

Meanwhile, blend the sauce ingredients until it has a salsa consistency. Put the sauce aside, and get two cans of corn, drained to be put in the soup.

This is optional, but we also diced 3 small russet potatoes (peeled). It adds a great consistency to the soup and makes it heartier (since there aren't any beans in it)

Add the corn and potatoes with 2 tbs of the sauce. Let cook for 10-15 minutes and then add the remainder of the sauce. We added 3 jalapenos because we like our food spicy, but it's really all about preference. Add a dash of salt and pepper and let the soup summer for another 10-15 minutes.

Garnish

1 radish, thinly sliced
1 handful of cilantro
1 avocado, diced
1 slice of lime

Once the soup is done, pour into a soup bowl and add the garnishments. Serve immediately.

Recipe: Avocado Chicken Salad in Romaine Cups

I'm not the healthiest eater, but when I go to the gym, I need to eat something healthy to feel that my workout made a difference. I wasn't sure what I wanted to make today, but saw my rotisserie chicken in the fridge and decided on avocado chicken salad.

A lot of people ask me if it's as creamy as mayo and/or yogurt. If you get a well ripened avocado, you should have no problem reaching that consistency.

Avocado Chicken Salad

Ingredients - makes about 8 romaine cups

1/2 avocado
1 1/2 cup of chopped rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 handful of cilantro
1/2 lime
1/2 jalapeno, deseeded and diced
1/2 tsp of red onion, diced
1 celery stalk, diced small
Dash of salt and pepper to taste
8 romaine lettuce leaves

Directions

Add all of these ingredients (sans romaine) in a bowl and mix well! I tend to use my hands to get all the avocado mixed in well with the chicken. Lay out each romaine lettuce leaf and add a spoonful of chicken salad. I rolled my lettuce to eat like a wrap. Way less messy!

Floral Power!

Is anyone else as ready for the weekend as I am? One more day!!

Today's look highlights how floral print can be work appropriate! It's my favorite to wear during the spring and summer months (gingham is a close second!) A great trend is mixing floral prints together. However, since I work in the world of conservative accounting, I pair my floral with a neutral color.

This skirt is actually from LOFT and quickly getting purchased with all their recent sales. I wore my outfit with a blazer, but you can pair it with a cardigan or nothing at all! It's about 80 degrees in Charlotte, and I will tell you one thing.... that blazer gets super hot! For a "going out" look, pair this outfit with a leather jacket, ankle strap sandals and/or caged booties.

Skirt LOFT: Petite Paradise Skirt (40% off!)

Tank  Ann Taylor LOFT: Petite Rib Tank

Blazer  Express: Black Blazer

Shoes  LK Bennett: Shilo Pumps (similar)

Necklace  J Crew Factory: Black Jeweled Necklace

I ended up wearing a boyfriend fitted blazer (much more looser) than the Express one. Felt a little lazy and paired it with my Sally Wedges from Tory Burch. Gives it a relaxed look, but still work appropriate. The heel height on the Sally's are perfect! I own them in tan too.

Also decided to wear my Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace. I have it white and pink now, and it is so versatile. If you have been reading trends, the delicate necklaces and statement pendants are making a comeback!

Necklace  Kendra Scott: Rayne Necklace

Blazer  Zara: Boyfriend Blazer

Shoes  Tory Burch: Sally Wedge

Business Attire - with a pop of color!

I am sure you have all noticed how most of my outfits these days are work appropriate. The next two outfits pictured is a perfect example of how a pop of color can go a long way. Being "office professional" doesn't mean black suit and white button down anymore. It's springtime and I love the fact that I can incorporate color into my work wardrobe.

I love colorful pants. The Banana Republic Sloan Pants are my absolute go-to (the winnie/minnie J Crew pants are a close second). They are so comfortable, but look so sleek! I have sung their praises when writing previous blog posts, so I won't bore you all with the details. These purple pants are still available on the site. There are always sales at Banana Republic, so don't feel obligated to buy these full price.

I wear a Petite 00, to get the perfect fit. If you are petite, tall, regular, this pair of slacks are for you!

Pants  Banana Republic: Sloan Pants

Shoes  Nine West: Flax Pumps (similar)

Blazer  J Crew Factory: Camel Blazer

Necklace  Tory Burch: Multistrand Necklace

Blouse  LOFT: Trim Rib Tank ($25!!)

My other outfit is more professional. Great for an interview when you have to be slightly conservative. The green top is an old silk blouse from Ann Taylor, and looks so classy with the black suit. Wearing a delicate gold/silver chain and studs are recommended to keep the look clean.

During a professional interview, I don't recommend wearing prints. It's just too loud and may distract interviewers. Stick with solid colors. Jeweled tones and/or pastels look great with a suit. I prefer to wear a black suit during interviews, but navy and grey are also appropriate.

Suits  Banana Republic: Skirt and Blazer Set

Blouse  Ann Taylor: Green Silk Blouse (similar)

Earrings  Tory Burch: Large Logo Studs

Necklace  H&M: Delicate Necklace (similar - $3.95!)

Shoes  LK Bennett: Shilo Pumps (similar)

All Black Attire

I love the sleek, classy look of an all black suit for work. Paired with nude pumps and a bright red lip, it is easily transferable for a night out on the town!

The best thing about an all black ensemble is how neutral the palette is. You can really pair it any colorful accessory (from lips, purse, and/or shoes) to give it the vibe you want!

Lipstick  YSL: Rouge Pur Couture (N55)

Blouse  Banana Republic: Black Silk Blouse (similar)

Blazer  J Crew Factory: Black Schoolboy Blazer

Necklace  Kendra Scott: Rayne Necklace

Pants  Banana Republic: Sloan Pants

Pumps  Ann Taylor: Kylie Pumps