Shop The Look

Dress: Banana Republic (shop similar here + here) // Flats: Zara (shop here + similar here) // Bag: Kate Spade (shop here + similar here) 

Irish Car Bombs anyone!?  St. Patrick's Day is my favorite holiday and I'm SO excited to jet to the nearest Irish pub after work to celebrate!  In good old St. Patrick's Day tradition, I'm not skipping out on wearing some form of green because duh, I don't want to get pinched!  I just bought this olive green Banana Republic t-shirt dress last week and it's already my favorite Spring closet item.  It's super comfortable and love that it's hi-low as well! Another one of my favorite Spring item's are these Zara flats I bought about a month ago.  I had been eyeing lace up flats and never got around to actually purchasing a pair, so I'm sure these flats will be on repeat all Spring and Summer long.  Anyway, have a great St. Patrick's Day and don't forget to wear green!

xo..Brocade Closet

Reversible Table Runner

Hello and happy Tuesday!  I've been away for a little while taking care of school and juggling with finding the perfect balance, womb womp.  It's life but you guys know me, I always come back to my little blog.  Anyway, I've been meaning to make a simple table runner for a while now but couldn't figure out the best time until now!  I love Spring and figured it would be super fun to whip out those pastel fabrics and add some color to the kitchen, but then I also really wanted to see Easter come to life in our kitchen as well sooo.....reversible table runner it is! Let's go over the materials :)

You'll Need

-2 yards of two different fabrics (depending on your table length)

-Matching thread

-Pins

-Scissors

-Measuring Tape

Steps

1. Leave both fabric pieces folded in half lengthwise and cut along the folds

2. Set both fabrics on top of each other making sure the right sides are facing one another

3. Pin all around the edges and leave a six inch gap towards the top 

4. Sew a basic stitch about an inch off of the raw edges, making sure to not forget about the six inch gap

5.  When you've stitched all along the edges, cut off any extra fabric

6.  Begin to flip the table runner inside out through the six inch gap

7.  Finally, locate the gap and run a basic stitch to close the runner.

Valentine's Day Wishlist | Gift Guide

Hey guys, happy Friday!  With Valentine's day just around the corner, I'm sure so many of you are completely lost and struggling with V-Day gift ideas.  Valentine's Day is always that one holiday where you almost expect what you'll get..ahem, roses and chocolates..and if you don't get either of these, you actually feel a little sad haha!  Unless you don't want to give the usual roses this year, I suggest you guys put a little thought into your gifts and make a huge impression with your Valentine ;) I made a quick wish list of my top five items I would LOVE to receive this year (I hope you're reading B!) just in case you guys need a little inspiration.  All items are from savvy boutique, Spring which I am so happy to have recently discovered.  I mean, who doesn't love an online boutique that offers hundreds of brands and not to mention a killer accessories section like this one!?  Check out my coveted items below, have a wonderful weekend chat with you all super soon!

Xo..Brocade Closet

Spring might be coming a little early with these pink and gold shades!  Get a head start on all your warmer season accessories and shop these Porto Cervo glasses here!  

This long sleeve, open shoulder romper has everything I'm looking for.  I'm a huge fan of its weightless fabric and minimal detail that makes it so effortlessly chic.  This Floaty Cold Shoulder Ecote Romper definitely makes for a great long sleeve even during the warmest Summer day.  Click here to look at more pictures and for pricing information.

Does this Luv AJ belt not scream festival season?? Wrap the belt over distressed jean shorts, bikini bottoms or around your waist this summer for a total bohemian/Stevie Nicks look.  The best part of this belt is it's on sale right now for only $40 (original price: $130)

SUMMER TIME FINE!  It's never too early to start thinking of all sunny season activities right?  This one piece Mara Hoffman suit is a total stunner not to mention unique as well.  I love the navy color and peach/pink details that blend so perfectly! Click here to shop this suit.

This Karen Zambos Makenna Dress has me dreaminnnnng of Spring! It's the perfect Spring, Summer and Indian Summer dress, not to mention festival dress as well.  I'm a huge fan of open backs and this dress has an extremely stylish one.  Click here to shop the Makenna Dress and to view more pictures.

Baked Skinny Mac & Cheese

Let's start the New Year right with a wellness note!  Last year I became a HUGE fan of non gmo, locally sourced, all organic EVERYTHING.  I went crazy over this lifestyle and I am seriously so proud to say that I have medical records indicating my top notch health.  I'm one of those crazy people that stresses about health all the time and I'm constantly living in fear of coming down with some type of deadly disease (lol I know it's pretty dramatic!).  I came across a quote a while ago that read, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" and it has pretty much become a huge inspiration to my current lifestyle.  My biggest cloud of inspiration revolves around an all organic lifestyle and I truly truly truly hope this new Wellness tab will inspire you all to live this life with me! So, with that said, this new tab will feature all amazing recipe's I've cultivated in the last year, along with other wellness topics :)  I can't wait, let's get started with a Baked Skinny Mac & Cheese dinner!

 

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups of whole wheat pasta

• 1 1/2 tbsp butter

• 1/4 cup minced onion 

• 1/4 cup flour

• 2 cups milk of your choice

• 8 oz (2 cups) reduced-fat sharp cheddar

• Pink salt

• 12 oz fresh broccoli florets

• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs 

• cooking spray

 

Instructions



1. Begin with cooking both the pasta and broccoli in a large pot of water.
2. In a skillet, melt your butter over medium heat and add in the onion for about a minute.  Add the flour and cook for another minute until it reaches a golden brownish color.  The flour will eventually look like blotches, but don't worry this is normal :)
3. Add milk into the skillet and whisk.  Raise the heat up a bit and let the milk boil until it becomes a creamy sauce.
4. Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat and season it with your pink salt and add in the cheese.  Mix well until the cheese is melted.
5. Meanwhile, spray your baking dish with cooking spray and pour in the pasta.  Directly over the pasta, pour in the cheese sauce and stir lightly until the entire dish is covered.  
6. Finally, sprinkle your bread crumbs over the pasta and bake for 15-20 minutes.