Fashion, Outfit of the Day

Side Zip Trousers and a Pop of Yellow

“Summertime” in San Francisco is quite different from the typical summer season. Although 10 months out of 12 it is at least 65 degrees and sunny, historically June and July are “cold.” When the rest of the country is in shorts and tanks soaking up the Vitamin C, San Franciscans are often in pants and sweaters. While you probably think I am being dramatic, a windy and foggy 50 degrees feels cooler than you’d think! It is something about the biting air whipping off of the bay. For that reason alone, the outfit below is a good choice for a summer day in San Francisco.     If you cannot already tell, I am mildly obsessed with printed pants – specifically printed trousers. They are so easy to dress up and way more interesting than standard khakis or black slacks. Naturally, when I came across this pair of side zip paisley trousers, I had to have them. Aside from the comfortable stretch material, the neutral color scheme makes for simple matching and all-year-round wear. To balance out the hip-hugging fit, I went with a beige oversized tunic sweater this time around, although I am already envisioning them with an orange tunic […]

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Food, Recipes

Skinnier Chess Squares

If you have any interest in dabbling in a few southern delicacies this summer, begin with one of my all time favorites, chess squares! These delectable sweet treats are lip-smacking good and are a great alternative to a traditional chocolate brownie. Rich and succulent, soft and creamy, your guests will love them and they’ll be begging for more. Aside from the all-around goodness, no baking experience is required. Whip up a batch of chess squares in an hour or less (baking time included)!   Add the following ingredients to your shopping list: 1 package yellow cake mix 1 8 oz package cream cheese 2 handfuls chocolate chips or chopped pecans 2 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup butter 2 eggs   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. While oven is heating, mix cake mix, egg, melted butter, and 2 heaping handfuls of chocolate chips. Grease a 9 inch round pan and pack mixture into the bottom of pan. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and egg until smooth. *Tip soften cream cheese in microwave on 30 second intervals Pour cream cheese concoction over prepared crust and bake for 35 minutes. Cool in pan before cutting into squares.   […]

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Fashion, Outfit of the Day

When You Find a Fuchsia Hat

When you come across a colorful hat, and it actually fits your head, do yourself a favor and purchase it! Just like a marvelous scarf, the addition of a hat is another great way to transform a bland outfit into a fashion masterpiece in a matter of seconds! When I came across this fuchsia floppy hat at American Apparel, I got really excited. Not only was the color perfect, but it was a good fit and it did not break the bank. Don’t be surprised if this pretty little thing makes an appearance more than once on KK and GG!     While venturing out near Rio Vista, CA (aka the wind turbine capital!) for a summer soirée with relatives, it seemed like a rather fitting occasion to break out my fabulous find! The rest of my outfit consisted of what I like to call my “uniform.” Just like anything else in life, when you find something that works, take it and run with it. For me, that is a pair of jeans, a blouse, a statement necklace, and a blazer. In the ensemble below I styled a pair of mauve distressed skinny jeans. These chic pants can easily take […]

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Fashion, Wish List Wednesday

Wish List Wednesday: Charming Clutches

With a handful of social functions on the calendar, and one black tie affair, I have been eyeing a few stylish clutch purses that I figured I’d share with you this Wish List Wednesday!   Add some Jazz (literally and figuratively) to your happy hour ensemble with the addition of this retro purse. Constructed out of faux wicker and available in a variety of colors, get ready for the compliments to roll in while you rock this thing.     Looking for a dainty handbag? The Pont d’ Arcades Clutch is perfect for your gala essentials. Easily store your credit card, lipstick, and a compact mirror inside of this gem. Embellished in glass beads and pearls, this sweet little thing will pair nicely with a neutral dress or a bridal gown.     This pearl and bead embellished box clutch is a great way to dress up your little black dress – the contrasting dark and light beads will provide a nice pop. Resembling the feathers in a peacock’s plum, when you’re not in black, style this pretty with your fav jewel tones and jeans.     Last but definitely not least, the Fluffy Framed Clutch is just too cute for words! This Ultra feminine accessory will add a […]

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Fashion, Outfit of the Day

A Crop and a Midi

If you have not yet read my post The White Textured Shirt, then head on over there to get some background info, before you continue reading this post. Anyway, with a busy month coming up, and many social functions already on the calendar, it is time for me to start planning outfits. The minute my hubby sends me an iCal invite, my mind begins to roll with outfit ideas. Planning ahead will undoubtedly save you time, but it will also alleviate stress. Coordinating outfits should be anything but an aggravating experience so don’t let it come to that. Meet my new favorite Wrap Skirt from Nichole Ciotti’s collection for the one and only Kingdom & State!     I had the hardest time finding an ivory or white crop top that would do this skirt justice. When you are working with a gorgeous statement piece like this wrap skirt, you cannot just throw on a cotton-knit sleeveless shirt and call it a day. While it took a little bit of digging, when I came across the Nyella Banded Bra Top at BCBG, I knew it was a winner! I love how clean cut it looks yet the banded crisscross front […]

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