Spring Break Style: What To Pack

Here comes the sun! It will be here soon, I just know it. But if you can't wait for Mother Nature to cooperate, plan your escape from Winter right now. Spring break, for many, happens this month. What to pack? Here's some "sunspiration" from a sand -skimming maxi dress to perfect pedi- polishes. 

Here: 18 Perfect Pieces To Pack

Akris Tunic And Pants
Inspired by Russian artist Kazimir Malevich, a close up shows a very interesting abstract pattern in the voile top. I love the way Akris tailors their pants. They fit great and an ankle pant never goes out of style.
Nordstrom

T By Alexander Wang
Wear if you dare this wonderful white and black paneled mesh swimsuit. It's fully lined and just fabulous!
Net-a-Porter

Missoni Mare Sun Hat
You know you should wear a hat in the sun. This contemporary mix of straw, cotton and knit is just so fun. Versatile for everything from swimsuits to sheaths.
Stylebop

Jetsetter Jelly Sandals
Pool perfect and an essential for a tropical Vacay!
Henri Bendel

Rebecca Minkoff Cherish Tote
A proper pool bag! Made of PVC, which makes it safe for surf and sand. Now on sale and reduced by $85 at
Gilt

Charlotte Tilbury

'Supermodel Body' Slimmer Shimmer Shape, Hydrate And Glow
Now I can't promise that you will look like this after using this innovative product, but she sure does glow, doesn't she? This lotion acts like shapewear lingerie for the skin. I have to try this. Mr. "Shop This" agrees. :)
Nordstrom

DKNY Pure Faux Wrap Skirt
This would be a chic and comfy travel outfit. I love the DKNY Pure line. The fabrics are just lovely.
DKNY

Proenza Schouler D'Orsay Flat
The pointed flat - my favorite shoe style. These are just fun,
Zappos Couture

White Dove Lace Maxi
A cover up is a "must have" when staying at a fine hotel or resort. I love this piece. You can wear it as a cover up or as a maxi dress with the included nude slip.
Free People

Hugo Boss Kids
Spring Break is all about the kids. One of my favorite memories is shopping for a new season and vacations for my own daughter. If you are going somewhere nice, the kiddies better be dressed as good as you are! I think you'll love this line, especially for little guys.
Childrensalon

MILLY
Macrame And Fringe Jersey Coverup
Fringed & Fabulous: The Coverup you just may wear as a dress See it on the runway 
Saks Fifth Avenue 

White Hot Accessories
Barney's loves white for Spring so much, they have presented an entire edit of clean, fresh and minimalist accessories that go with everything. And yes, you can wear white before Memorial Day! 
Barney's New York

Miss Blumarine Jacket
A jacket on vacation is a "must pack." She'll love the look and feel of this imitation leather coverup.  She'll pair it with denim or even a fun floral skirt. Get the whole outfit at
Childrensalon

Palazzo Caftan Cover Up
Here's how to be sexy and still covered up. Love the status print. It's a perfect poolside piece.
Boston Proper

Carry On Personalized Spinners
I'm slightly obsessed with these stylish spinners.
Mark and Graham

Alexa Chung for AG Ruffled Dress

Crisp chambray always makes me think of Summer. A little bit retro and very cool. Cute as a mini dress, but also could be worn with leggings.
Anthropologie

Smith and Cult Nail Lacquer
Beach bound? You can't go without a pedicure! Meet my new favorite polish. I love the colors, and you will love the their names like Bridge and Tunnel, Shattered Souls, Bang The Dream and more.
Bigelow Chemists

Colorful Prada Sunglasses

Can you have too many sunglasses? I think not. 
Neiman Marcus

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Shape Up Stylishly!

Foodie Friday: Cooking Comforting Classics

Inslee Designs

Will this winter ever end? The one good thing about -20 below wind chills and endless mounds of snow, is that we are cuddling up, layering and laying low in our homes. Thank God it's not bikini season. So, this weekend, I highly recommend taking comfort in one of these winter warmers. 

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
As a child, my Mother comforted us with Hot Cocoa whenever we were cold.  We were treated to cups of "love" on Winter days after playing in the snow, and Summer evenings after swimming all day. I use to treat my own daughter as well. Mine was good, but it didn't begin with a pan of caramelized sugar and end with 10 ounces of finely chopped chocolate! I want some now.
Sugar Hero

Pork, Smoked Gouda And Mushroom Meat Cupcake
This recipe is really just a very fancy meatloaf. Even those who think they don't care for meatloaf will love this updated classic. Looks yummy!
Deal Peddler

Monte Cristo Sandwiches With Potato Crisps

I am not a sandwich eater, and it probably has been at least a dozen years since I had one. Just too many carbs for me. But this recipe might tempt me. Made with Sourdough Bread, these sammies look sensational!

Gourmet Traveller

Chocolate Pudding with Espresso Whipped Cream
If it's chocolate, I'm comforted. My Mom use to make a simple but delicious chocolate pudding, which I loved eating warm. Ours never even dreamed of being topped with espresso cream! Yum!
Bon Appetit

Smoky Three Cheese Fondue
Yes, Please! Build me a fire and melt some cheese, Now that's a the way to spend a wintry evening. Throw in buttered croissants and plenty of white wine, and I can get very comfortable!
Half Baked Harvest

Apple Tarte Tatin

In my view, a Tarte Tatin so much more appealing than your standard apple pie. I've included this recipe for my friend, Sara, who could be tempted by this recipe.

Gourmet Traveller

Chicken Pot Pies with Chanterelles

Boy does this ever remind me of my childhood. The difference is that mine was frozen and came 4 for $1.00. I have elevated my taste buds since then, and this rendition would warm any soul on a cold Winter's day.

Bon Appetit

Hot Buttered Rum
I have not actually had this drink before, but it always sounds so inviting. It's not for everyday, however. Oh! The calories! It is a very interesting recipe. Do click thru to see how to make this chic and comforting cocktail.
Not Without Salt

Penne with Garrotxa, Serrano Ham, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

From Melt: the Art of Macaroni and Cheese. This is the classic that has been really elevated. It is not a difficult recipe, but one that everyone will enjoy.

Huffington Post

Magnolia Bakery's Famous Banana Pudding
If you haven't had the chance to taste this beyond delicious banana pudding, you sure are missing out. But if your Grandma made it, like mine did, it tastes just like that but better. From the iconic bakery in NYC and now in Chicago, I promise you will love it. 
Pop Sugar

Beef Bourguionne Pot Pie
The perfect Sunday Supper! Made with brandy, bourbon, red wine and bacon, this recipe is sure to be off the charts!
Epicurious

Chicken And Waffle Sandwiches
This recipe is for "Mr. Shop This." My poor buddy has been jonesing for chicken and waffles for a long time. Leave it to Jonathan Melendez to create a waffle made of green onion. cheddar and bacon. I bet I will be making these this weekend.
Bon Appetit

Healthy Shrimp and Grits
I will start off by saying that this recipe would NOT be my comfort food of choice. But my family has its roots in the South, and every one of them would just love this dish. It's the perfect breakfast-for-dinner meal which can feel indulgent but doesn’t have to be.
Ashton Keefe

Three Cheese Lasagna
One of the all time most comforting foods, for me. I love to make this dish, though I haven't in a long time. It's ooey and gooey and layered with love. 
Donal Skehan

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This sure looks better than Campbell's! What could be more soothing for the flu or a nasty Winter cold? This recipe has a lengthy list of ingredients, but is super easy.
Handle The Heat

Turkey Sloppy Joe
I so remember looking forward to Sloppy Joe day once a month at school. What a treat! As an adult, this elevated version would be more to my liking. It's served in a Pretzel Bread Bowl. How fun. Take note that this recipe calls for "ground turkey." If you are watching your fat intake, use ground turkey breast instead. It will be just as flavorful.
Tablespoon

Overnight Oatmeal
Cozy. Hot. Filling. What a delicious way to start the day!  This recipe can also be made with rice and almond milk.
Goop

“Itai” Meatballs
Last weekend in NYC, we had the best snowy day brunch at a restaurant called The Meatball Shop. That little round ball of meat with its' special pesto sauce was, indeed, comforting and filling. I found the recipe on Heather Christo's website. It's Aida Mollenkamp's and looks divine.
Heather Christo

Chocolate French Toast With Panera Bread
This one is for you, Mollie. We were just having a family discussion, and the three of us decided that French Toast is our favorite comfort food. I recently made a version of this without the Panera bread. "Mr Shop This" is still talking about it. Next time, I'll try this.
Sprinkle Bakes

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Foodie Friday: Stay Warm With Breakfast In Bed

Jewelry That Makes A Statement

By Megan Hess

I'm back. Last Friday I escaped the Windy City, and landed in colder, snowier New York City! Who does that? Between a busy schedule, family bonding, and Internet issues, something had to give. I missed you all, and my daily therapy called "Shop This." So, did you all watch the Oscars? For me, the fashion was generally disappointing. All the usual players looked lovely but, I thought, safe. What grabbed my attention the most was the jewelry! Whoa! From Oprah's tassel bracelet to ScarJo's Versace jeweled collar, statements were made in accessories. Here's how to make your own.

HERE: 15 Pieces That Promise To Make A Statement

Vintage Stars
How fun! Now you can be the star with these one of a kind 1980'S jeweled pendant earrings. Perfect for adding a colorful pop to any outfit.
Etsy

Zad Statement Necklace
Colored glass beads and gold metal make a bold statement in turquoise, black or coral. This pretty pick is also very affordable. It's lovely on or off.

Zhush

Crystal Dandelion Drops

Love to sparkle? These make a neutral statement and would be fun to pair with your LBD or dressed up denim. I know you are going to love the price. 
Bauble Bar

Agate Cuff

Like all of the CC Skye's pieces, this beauty of a bracelet has an elegant edge.

CC Skye

Ben-Amun Crystal Chandelier Earrings
J Lo got my vote for best dress at the Oscars. She looked like a star! Here she is at The Golden Globes wearing massive earrings. You can get the look for much less.
Max and Chloe

The New Beacon Bracelet
From one of my all time favorite jewelry lines, this new cuff has an edgy art deco vibe. I believe it is layered over the new Rise Bracelet.
Lulu Frost

Drama Queen Collar 
Own that nickname! Look the part in this super statement making necklace without the super expensive price tag
Nasty Gal

Naga Double Coin Bracelet
Make some magic. This enamel bracelet features Red Sapphire, Orange Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire and African Ruby Eyes. All in Sterling Silver.
John Hardly

Sun Goddess Collar

A bold brass collar makes a feathery statement.
Free People

John Wind Uptown Girl Charm Bracelet
Nothing makes a smarter statement than your own initials. This updated and very Uptown charmer is just the loveliest and affordable gift! 
Max and Chloe

Erickson Beamon Stratosphere Ring
Faux everything adds up to a real statement maker.
Net-a-Porter

Alexis Bittar Multi Stone Vine Ring
White quartz/sodalite doublet, lapis, and chrysocolla. I haven't heard of some of those gems, but they sure are colorful. This is one accessory that really pops!
Neiman Marcus

Tory Burch Sawyer Watch
You don't see too many watches on a red carpet, but in real life, many of you might consider them a necessity. This one blends form, fashion and function.
Nordstrom

Natasha Sonja Drama Statement Necklace
Talk about drama? If this necklace was real and on The Red Carpet, it would cost at least a million!
Dillards

Viktor and Rolf Velvet Rock
This collaboration with Swarovski couldn't be hotter. The color red always makes a statement on or off the red carpet, but the collection also features jet black.  
Swarovski

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