Oh-So Ruffled

☆ Ruffled Skirt - Topshop ☆ Cashmere Cardigan - Rita's Rags ☆ Tank Top - H&M ☆ Desert Boots - Clark's ☆ Necklace - Julieri ☆

Ruffles are timeless. Just so happens, muted and monochromatic colors are also timeless. So, when you put them together, you get an ultimately sophisticated look. I'm normally all about as much color I can get, but in this case, there is something romantic and playful about a completely neutral outfit. I added a small, gold necklace to complement the look! I'm feeling a ruffle trend coming on! xox

Fur-ocious

☆ Fur Vest - Forever 21 ☆ Long Sleeve Tee - Peek ☆ Leggings - Uniqlo ☆ Boots - Steve Madden ☆ Bracelets - Lucky Brand ☆ Ring - Vietnam ☆

Large, faux fur coats have always been a fetish of mine because of their fuzziness and their sophisticated vibe. While I love them, I don't think that they are as playful as, say, fur earmuffs, a fur vest, or fur booties! That's why I love my fur vest. It has the ability to be playful and to be sophisticated at the same time! The fur vest is the showstopper in this outfit, so I selected basics to go with it. 

Power-Puff Girl

☆ Puffy Vest - Zara ☆ Polka Dot Blouse - Zara ☆ Boyfriend Jeans - Zara ☆ Velvet Flats - Steve Madden ☆

I know that this stylish, puffy vest will become a staple for me in months to come. As I show here, you do not have to wear this vest when the weather is frigid! It looks great as an accessory during warm and bright weather. Because this vest is form-fitting, boyfriend jeans complement it perfectly. The blouse and flats are both professional and all-around items, so of course they go with this urban-meet-dainty outfit! xox

Insta8

Insta8 is here! Insta8 is a compilation of photos (taken and edited by me) that are spunky and playful! Each and every month, I will post an Insta8! "Drumroll Please..." Here is the first! xox

Forever Plaid

☆ Plaid Shirt - Uniqlo ☆ Ripped Jeans - Hudson ☆ White Shoes - Converse ☆

This laid back outfit is perfect for school or just for running errands. My shirt has bright colors which have a tendency to only be worn in spring or summer, but I changed it up and wore these colors in the winter! The ripped jeans add a bit of a boyfriend style, while the shoes add a clean and stylish touch! xox

Welcome To The Jungle

☆ Tortoise Shell Glasses - Warby Parker ☆ Sweater - Senes Paris ☆ Jeans - Abercrombie Kids  ☆ Leopard Socks - H&M ☆ Leopard Coat - H&M ☆ Desert Boots - Clark's ☆

Whomever decided to recreate leopard print was a complete and total genius. I mean, how can you not love it? I would say that about a quarter of my closet is leopard print! (just kidding...maybe not). As Diana Vreeland once said, "I've never met a leopard print I didn't like!" This leopard coat looks great on top of skinny jeans or leggings. It has wonderful leather detailing on the sleeves and so I paired it with a sweater that has leather elbow patches! The desert boots compliment the outfit perfectly especially because of their color! xox

Lemony Blueberry Muffins

It's always nice to bake fresh muffins when you have the time! The smell wafts out of the oven and that smell is so wonderful, you just know what's baking! These lemon blueberry poppyseed muffins are scrumptious and delightful to bite into. They are quite easy and the outcome is worth the time it takes to make them! 

Recipe Credits: Joy the Baker

makes 12 muffins

7 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/3 cup whole milk

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

For the Topping:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1. Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Line a muffins pan with paper or foil liners, set aside.

2. To make the muffins:  Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Keep an eye on the butter.  It will melt, froth, and begin to crackle.  That’s the water cooking out of the butter.  The crackling will subside and butter will begin to brown fairly quickly.  Remove from heat when butter solids become a medium brown color and butter smells slightly nutty.  Immediately pour hot butter into a small bowl, or the butter will continue to cook in the hot pan.  Allow to cool slightly.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, egg, yolk, and vanilla until combined.  Add browned butter and whisk to combine.

4. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.  Add milk mixture all at once to the flour mixture and stir gently to combine.  Gently but thoroughly fold in the lemon zest, poppy seeds, and blueberries.  Divide batter among prepared muffin cups.

5. To make the topping: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and rub together with clean fingertips until crumbly.  Sprinkle topping evenly over the muffin batter in cups.

6. Bake muffins 18 to 20 minutes until golden and crisp and a skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.  Cool muffins in the pan for 15 minutes before removing.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

Extra Tip! Muffins will last, at room temperature in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.  I like them best the day they are made.