Weekender: California Dreaming

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It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies. I know, I know – how cliche. But I’m serious. Post-grad life is flying. Almost literally, too. I’ve been on more flights than I can count – to NYC and back again, California, Texas, Florida…the list goes on. I’ve started my first full time job (nearing my official one-year anniversary!), and work alongside some amazing people who I’m lucky enough to call my friends. Of course there are things I miss about college, but I’m overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude, hope and excitement.

If there’s anything I’m dreaming of this lazy Saturday afternoon, it’s my post-grad vacation to California with my mom. The trip was perfect – a celebration not just of my graduation from Notre Dame, but of a lifetime of support from my family, a history of special times in SoCal with my best friend (think Rory & Lorelei) and of course, a toast to all that’s to come.

Here are just a few snapshots from my trip, taken exactly one year ago. Time flies, yes, but thank goodness for our memories. :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cocoa & Lace

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Weekender

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Greetings, all! TGIF :)

As we head into the weekend, I wanted to share a hand-picked outfit rooted in one of my favorite colors – yellow. The bright hue never fails to put me in a good mood. Try out this polished look for a happy hour and/or night out with friends. Between a peplum waist, pointed-toe pumps and slimming jeans (these J Brand’s are the BEST – I have two pairs!), these pieces create an elongated, feminine silhouette that’s especially flattering.

Cheers to a great weekend!

xx Cocoa & Lace

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  1. Club Monaco: Jane Peplum Top
  2. Kate Spade: Bow Shoppe Collar Necklace
  3. J Brand (via Net-a-Porter): 901 Low-rise Leggings-style Jeans
  4. Tory Burch: Robinson Spectator Envelop Clutch
  5. KORS Michael Kors (via Cusp): Aberly Leather Pump, black

Get Dressed

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Get Dressed STRIPE

For those who know me, my affinity for dresses should come as no surprise. As we roll into spring, so too will Cocoa & Lace roll out a new feature – Get Dressed – honoring my favorite frocks of the season in all the trends you’ll love.

Happy Saturday!

xx Cocoa & Lace

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1 / Kate Spade

2 / Club Monaco

3 / J. Crew

4 / French Connection

5 / ModCloth

Weekender: Winter, Take a Hike

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It seems that with every weather report comes the increasing hope that a spring forecast will finally appear on the 7-day radar. Tell winter to take a hike by heading into the hills this weekend for some fresh, albeit chilly, air. My go-to uniform? Jeans, a boyfriend cut sweater and my black Burberry coat – it’s warm yet tailored so I don’t feel too much like a marshmallow. ;)

And don’t forget a pair of boots made for walkin’! If you haven’t already, invest in a comfortable pair of black or brown riding boots. I promise, you’ll go miles in what has become my staple shoe; they truly go with everything.

Here’s to a great rest of your week and fabulous start to March!

xx Cocoa & Lace

 

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photo location: Bedford, NY

Work Week Wardrobe: Follow the Tracks

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Happy Wednesday, everyone! Hope your week has been great so far. Dive into the second half with an outfit that combines comfort and a classic twist. I dressed up a comfy “Perfect Shirt” from J. Crew with a full skirt to make my flannel appropriate for the office. :) Pumps, a few low-key baubles and a vintage bag complete this look that’s versatile, polished, and fun.

Here’s to a fabulous rest of your week!

xx Cocoa & Lace

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Get the look:

Don’t miss the above outfit featured on CollegeFashionista.com!

Sweet Things: Be Mine Vanilla Cupcakes

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Well guys, what can I say. I’ve been hibernating. And then I looked at my calendar this weekend and realized that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Love it or hate it, Cupid’s very own holiday is a good excuse to bake. :)

Enjoy this ode to all things sweet, pink, and made with love.

xx Cocoa & Lace

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Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Buttercream frosting (see recipe here)
  • 1 package of M&Ms

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Directions:

  • Melt butter in microwave safe bowl; Whisk in granulated sugar. Add vanilla extract.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Make a well in the center and pour in liquid ingredients.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, to center of bowl, gradually whisking into liquid ingredients.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly, but do not over-mix.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Once cooled, spread vanilla buttercream frosting onto each cupcake. Layer with M&Ms (design as you wish!). Add another dollop of frosting to create multiple layers, as pictured.

Sweet Things: Vanilla Almond Stadium Pound Cake

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In honor of my alma mater’s upcoming appearance at the BCS National Championship, I whipped up this special stadium cake that’s deceptively simple to make.

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Ingredients:

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp. almond extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup ground almonds
  • 1/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Grease pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Combine butter (at room temperature – not completely melted) with sugars.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, to sugar/butter mixture.
  • Add vanilla and almond extracts to sugar/butter/egg mixture.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients.
  • Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour butter mixture into center of well and whisk together.
  • Add Greek yogurt to batter.
  • Pour batter into pan. Bake for approximately 1 hour (should be golden brown – toothpick inserted into center should come out clean).

Go Irish!

xx Cocoa & Lace