Katie Ermilio Fall 2011

 

 

 

Katie Ermilio is one of my favorite designers (seen before here). Her newest collection has a stunning mix of masculine and feminine details and bold gorgeous colors. Katie's designs are timeless and classic. I love that even when dressed in head to toe pink the Katie Ermilio girl looks polished and not tacky. I would die to have any of her pieces in my closet. She's such an inspiration. Plus, the fact that these photos were taken by the incredibly talented Jamie of  From Me to You  is like the cheery on top of the sundae!

{pics photographed by Jamie of  From Me to You}

{Easy Peasy} Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar

I've never been one for patience especially when it comes to making desserts. I enjoy an amazingly decadent treat but usually it takes me way too long. When it doesn't come out I'm left with tears and nothing but a mess. That's why I always have chocolate and peanut butter on hand. I know that if all else fails I can whip up this delicious and healthy chocolate bar with ease.

There is nothing fancy about this. It's just two healthy ingredients. I melt them, refrigerate and eat. That's it! I use dark chocolate and natural peanut butter so that it's guilt free*. The creamy peanut butter works as a great balance to the bitter chocolate.If you don't like dark chocolate you can use milk chocolate. Easy peasy!

Ingredients: 
3/4 cup dark chocolate (I use Whole Foods Dark Chocolate Squares and I don't measure)
1 large spoonful peanut butter

Directions: 
1. Using a small sauce pan melt the chocolate on low heat.
2. Once chocolate begins to melt add the peanut butter.
3. Stir continuously until chocolate is fully melted.
4. Pour chocolate onto a sheet of wax paper (try to keep it thicker so your bar isn't too thin).
5. Refrigerate for an hour or two or overnight.
6. Enjoy a healthy and yummy treat!

*This is guilt free unless your like me and eat the entire thing in one sitting!

Shine On

Blazer & Top-H&M, Pants-Urban Outfitters, Belt-Ralph Lauren, Shoes-Cathy Jean (similar here), Clutch-Club Monaco (similar here), Watch-Urban Outfitters, Ring-vintage (my grandmother's)

I love glitter. That's pretty obvious by now (hello...my new website is called Glitter Guide). However, my love for sequins and sparkles stops when it becomes tacky and over the top. I enjoy bedazzled jewelry on the wrist, glittery stilettos, a sparkly top with a pair of sleek slacks, a classic vintage sequin dress or a shiny blazer with a button up. This blazer was one of my favorite purchases last year. When I slip it on, no matter what I'm wearing, I feel happy and bright. It took my masculine outfit and gave it a little feminine pizazz.

Sylvana Ward Durrett's Style

You know that feeling when you come across someones style and your stomach gets those excited butterflies? That's how I felt when I saw Vogue's Director of Special Events, Sylvana Ward Durrett, on their website today. I relate to her feminine and classic style. I first came across her style on The Coveteur and loved her collection of sparkly Miu Miu sandals and bright pink Manolo Blahnik pumps!

Sylvana keeps each look simple but adds something pretty and eye-catching to every look. I practically jumped out of my chair over that bright blue Givenchy! I agree with Sahsa from Everything Fabulous-- I plan to print these all out as daily inspiration.

{images found via Everything Fabulous,  Vogue.com photographed by Marko MacPherson}

Bits of My Weekend

Last weekend was picture perfect. It was fun and overflowing with family and friends. Since I was laid off from work last November I've paid close attention to things that really matter--passion, health, friends and family. All are essential to my happiness. Each day I'm working tirelessly at my passion and I've never been more terrified and thrilled at the same time. I'm actually quite surprised at how I'm handling the fear of the unknown and that dreaded word...failure. I think most struggling entrepreneurs build a defense mechanism that allows them to feel utterly prettified and yet still feel invigorated to move forward everyday. Otherwise, they would never get anywhere. I focus on positive words, healthy food for my body and mind (with the occasional splurge), exercise, friends and family. Whether or not I succeed down the road does not mean as much as knowing that I worked hard at everything that is important to me--maybe that's the real secret to success.

Mr. Maxi

Blazer-Zara (seen here), Dress-c/o Lulu's, Handbag-c/o Foley and Corina, Shoes-c/o Lulu's, Sunglasses-Karen Walker, Necklaces-c/o EmersonMade & House of Harlow 1960, Bracelets-Forever 21 and vintage, Ring-vintage 

My style is very feminine but I prefer to mix it up with masculine pieces to keep it from looking overly saccharine. That's why a chic men's inspired blazer is a huge staple in my closet. I have them in navy, black, cream, tan, pastel pink, and gray. I love the contrast that this blazer gives to this romantic dress and my Foley and Corina handbag adds a nice bold pop of color!

Kale Chips

I love chips.What I don't love is feeling guilty after I've consumed an entire bag to myself. So when I heard that kale chips actually taste good I knew I had to try them immediately. They are very easy to make and taste like a mix between popcorn and baked chips. They don't have that bitter kale taste and are highly addictive. I used a recipe from Gwyenth Paltrow's cookbook but added some "Slap Your Mama" Cajun spice!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 bunch of kale
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt (and any other seasoning) to sprinkle

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Discard kale stems and wash thoroughly
3. Dry kale in a salad spinner or with paper towels
4. Tear kale into 1.5 inch pieces
5. In a large bowl mix dry kale with olive oil and sprinkle salt (just a pink or two- it's easy to over salt them) and mix
6. Spread kale out on two baking sheets
7. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned
8. Eat and enjoy