Summer Style

I finally jumped on the chambray trend (again). I had a fantastic denim blouse from high school, but assu,Ed the trend was short lived, and donated it. Tragic mistake. Today I got a new on in the mail from Old Navy - and I'm OBSESSED. Most Stores and brands have been charging nearly $60 and I scored this one for a mere $20. The material is less denim like, which I think makes it way more versatile. It matches so many pairs of my printed shorts, I might be wearing several days a week. Here are a few ways you can incorporate chambray into your wardrobe!

Blank Denim flowered shorts, Hautelook, $25

 Michael Kors sandals, $40; Gap neon tie dye shorts $17 on sale

Various j. Crew denim skirts - coral colored and destroyed White

Jcrew factory shorts $34

Belted with Jcrew Belt paired with knit chevron maxi skirt from Victorias Secret

Paired with coral wool hacking blazer, white 7 For All Mankind jeans

Hope this inspires you to play with chambray in your wardrobe!

Embracing the Cuban

Tonight I cooked up a family favorite for me, Picadillo. Now, I hate olives with a passion, so I don't know that I can call this "authentic" but I can say this recipe is the one that my Cuban great grandmother used!

1lb ground beef

2 garlic cloves

1 onion, chopped

1/2 c raisins  

1 large can of tomatoes

1tbsp cumin

1/2 tsp pepper

1tsp salt

1/4 sliced olives (green, some suggest pimento stuffed)

1 tbsp vinegar

Rice

Some recipes call for green pepper and actual tomato sauce & paste. I don't use either but I imagine it would be good! I've also seen oregano & bay leaves used as well.

Sauté the garlic and onions in olive oil. Cook meat and drain. Add onions & galic and mix up. Add the rest of the ingredients and let it simmer for 20 min. A good indication it's ready is that the raisins are plump and look like little black beans! Serve over steamed rice.

I hope you enjoy my taste of Cuba!

Summer style

I recently relocated to sunny South Florida, and so far I'm loving it! Summer and Spring clothes are by far my favorite looks, and I'm thrilled that now I'll be wearing my sun dresses all year long! The best part of this time of year are all the clearance sales. While most stores are starting to clear out for fall styles, I'm grabbing up some great finds, that I'll continue to wear! 

So I'm a bit of a celebrity stalker, and one of my obsessions is that High School classic, Laguna Beach. So it's no wonder that I follow Kristin Cavallari on Twitter, Instagram, and now, Chinese Laundry! Her new shoe line is pretty stinkin' cute and here are my faves.

This shoe retails at about $129 (and unfortunately has not gone on sale) and can be purchase at zappos, amazon or www.chineselaundry.com. Kristin is often seen sporting this shoe and I believe she wore a version of it on her wedding day! The black and nude is my favorite (it goes perfectly with much of my wardrobe) but here in South Florida bright colors reign! I may have to splurge for both pairs!

Next up, we have the Songo wedge:

Currently on sale for $104 on www.chineselaundry.com, this shoe is a summer staple. It's thick ankle strap is right on trend and the manageable heel makes it great for a long day at work, and an evening out!

Last, but not least, I have the Letitia booty. I cannot resist a cute bootie, and the mesh on this one keeps the suede shoe from bring too "heavy" - and in Florida it's the perfect "winter" shoe.

This shoe is a $149, but a staple like this will definitely be worth it's purchase price!

That's all for now,