Baking Inspiration: Superbowl

Who's ready for the Superbowl!!?? I am because it gives me an excuse to bake! Do I know who will be playing? No, but I'm excited to get creative.
One of the top reasons I love baking over cooking is that it allows me to use my creativity. In my opinion, a dessert is only as good as it looks. I've gathered a few cute ideas if you happen to be baking as well. Stay tuned next week to see what I came up with! What are some of your go-to football snacks/treats?

Truffle Cupcakes // Rice Krispies // Cake Pops // Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Happy Baking!

Best and Worst Dressed: SAG Awards 2013

Last night at the SAG awards, we saw plenty of navy and black gowns, definitely a lack of color, but worn by beautiful women nonetheless. I'm looking forward to seeing more daring looks at the Grammys since the SAG's are a bit on the conservative side.

Best Dressed

One of the trends I loved, which we also saw at the Ferragamo Presentation this past week, was wearing black on black incorporating various textures. I particularly loved these four black gowns below because of their cuts and subtle details.

Jaimie Alexander // Anne Hathaway // Julie Bowen // Kelly Osbourne

Katrina Bowden // Marion Cotillard // Naomi Watts // Jennifer Lawrence

Worst Dressed

I was about to forgo the worst dressed section for these awards until I saw Kaley Cuoco's dress. None of thedresses were outrageously awful in my opinion, maybe ill-fitting, but not awful. Kelly Cuoco wore a gorgeous Romona Kaveza gown, but the hem could’ve beena few inches longer or a few inches shorter. Sofia Vergara wore the same sweetheart neckline we've always seen her in, but this time it appears the dress is held in place by that one strap. Freida looked very aged in this dress and I loved Jane's dress but the accessories were too matchy in my opinion. These women were unfortunately on my worst dressed list.:

Kaley Cuoco // Sofia Vergara // Freida Pinto // Jane Krakowski

What were your top picks for best and worst dressed?

xoxo

Mona

Currently Obsessing

Louis Vuitton 'Daisy' Sunglasses

Prabal Gurung for Target

Target's next designer collaboration is with Prabal Gurung. The collection is set to release on February 10, right in time for Valentine's Day! The colorful pieces will be perfect additions to your spring wardrobe. Target's last collaboration did not do so well as the pieces were on sale 2 weeks into the release. Here's to hoping for higher success and more reasonable price points.

Some of my favorite looks and pieces from the collection:

Happy Friday!

Style Spotlight: Lily Alderidge

Lily Aldridge brightens up her winter wardrobe with yellow! She paired an Alexander Wang crepe top with pleated details with leather leggings. I love this combination of feminine and edgy.

Lucite

I first started noticing lucite when I saw this gorgeous watch on a cashier at Zara. It caught my eye because it can easily be dressed up or down - perfect for daytime or evening.  

Michael Kors watch

With spring around the corner, I've seen a lot more lucite popping up! This lightweight material is a great alternative to wearing heavy metals in the warmer months. I'm loving lucite paired with bright colors. 

Alexis Bittar Necklace // Kate Spade Bangles // Kate Spade Pumps // Lanvin Wedge // Alexis Bittar Earrings // Kate Spade Belt

A Weekend of Celebrations

I'm always thrown off on my days when I travel, which is why my weekend post is a day late. My hubby and I spent the weekend in Atlanta - the city he calls home. Besides the weather being more favorable than Chicago, it was a good weekend all around.

There were a handful of occasions to be celebrated from birthdays to anniversaries to football. Yes, I said football.  The Texans (my home team) lost but the Falcons won which means they will be playing next Sunday to determine if they end up in the Superbowl.  Do I really care who eventually ends up winning? Not really...but it will determine hubby's mood Sunday night and the remainder of the week.

Here's my weekend in pictures:

Mother in law's anniversary dinner

Lunch at Neiman Marcus Cafe

Celebrating niece's 6th birthday early by painting pottery

 Falcons playoffs party

 Falcon's victory against Seattle

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Best and Worst Dressed: Golden Globe Awards 2013

 The Golden Globes were a bit of a disappointment for me this year. While there were some note-worthy dresses on the red carpet, nothing stood out in my mind as opposed to past Golden Globe looks. I've compiled my list of best and worst dressed from last night's awards.  I can't wait to hear to the verdict from E!'s Fashion Police tonight.

Best Dressed

These 8 ladies made my best dressed list.  Some of the top trends we saw were plunging necklines, mermaid style gowns, black and white, and several shades of red including bourdeaux. I'm hoping to see more intricate gowns in the upcoming shows.

Jennifer Garner // Lea Michele // Naomi Watts // Nicole Ritchie

Jessica Alba // Kristen Bell // Kate Hudson // Julianne Hough

Worst Dressed

Sienna Miller // Alyssa Milano // Jessica Chastain // Mayim Bialik

Best and Worst Dressed: People's Choice Awards 2013

It's my favorite time of the year...awards season! I can't wait to see what the red carpet will bring this year. The People's Choice awards kick started the season. While the critics are standing by to comment on red carpet fashions, I've still compiled a list of my best and worst looks of the night.

Best Dressed

 Taylor Swift // Brittany Snow // Lea Michele // Regina King

 

Worst Dressed

 Sandra Bullock // Naomi Watts // Paris Hilton // Katy Perry

Celebrity Spotlight: Olivia Palermo

It's no secret that I've been obsessed with Olivia Palermo since her debut on MTV's The Hills.  Aside from her beauty and flawless hair, she possesses an amazing sense of style.  There's no doubt she's become a fashion icon in my books.  Her style is very simple yet feminine.  I particularly love her sense of mixing prints by adding a patterned accessory to complete the outfit.

Here's some of my favorite looks below:

 

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

The holidays may be over, but this frigid weather makes everything peppermint flavored still enjoyable. This cupcake combination has become a winter favorite for me this year, especially since the frosting is made of cream cheese.  Enjoy!

Cream Cheese Peppermint Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened

8 oz. cream cheese 

1 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract

3-4 cups powdered sugar 

Beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add peppermint extract.  Slowly start adding the powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Currently Obsessing

Valentine's Day is slowly approaching and these booties are at the top of my covet list.  What are some things you've been eyeing for a while?  As Valentine's Day nears, I'll be posting some gift guides to help you shop for your loved ones.  Hope you're staying warm...Happy Sunday!

 

Christian Louboutin booties

A Pop of Color

I'm already in a spring state of mind with all the bright colors I've been seeing around lately. Need something fun to add to your dull winter wardrobe? These vibrant pieces can add a pop of color and easily transition into spring.

Echo scarf // Matthew Williamson clutch // Loft necklace // Ben Amun earrings // Kate Spade flats // DVF blazer