Summer Clutch

Random fact: I have not purchased one single handbag in 10 years. Yep! You might be thinking, "How is that possible, especially being a stylist?" I guess I'm just not that girl that gets obsessed over shoes and handbags. I have big feet and I'm too lazy to always change purses. BUT one type of "handbag" I don't own yet is an over sized clutch. I love how they are big enough to hold your cell phone, wallet, keys and makeup, but not bulky enough to wear your shoulder out. Plus, they transition well from day to night.

So, here are some of my top picks for summer clutches:

1. BCBG Harlow Laser Cut Clutch - I love this clutch because it embodies the summer trend of white lace. It's something that you can wear with a sun dress, cocktail dress or even jeans. It retails at $128, but if that's too steep for you, try the BCBG Harlow Clutch in gold for only $51.00.

2. Metallic Linen Clutch - Linen is obviously a summer fabric. With the addition of a metallic sheen and a tassel, this over sized clutch screams summer trendsetter. Just like bag #1, this clutch would go with everything, but is perfect for someone who likes things a bit less feminine. $72.00

3. Black and white stripes - This Kate Spade bag is timeless and memorable. It's a bit pricey retailing at $268, but if you really want to invest in a show stopper this is a good choice.

4. Blush envelope clutch - Blush is still popular, and will remain as a neutral in a woman's color palette. Pastel colors in general had a huge breakout this year, so you can count on them remaining in 2013. This clutch is only $32.50, so why not invest in a hot trend at such a low price?!

5. Glitter clutch - Who doesn't love a good pop of glitter? Add it to your t-shirt and jeans ensemble for a wow factor or make it the icing on the cake with your New Year's outfit. Not to mention gold is here to stay. So, while you may have already stocked up on plenty of silver glittery things, you might want to make room for golden hues too.

Beautiful Back

I think a woman's back can be one her most beautiful attributes, and designers seem to think so too!

There's a bit of a micro-trend happening with showing off your back. From scoop backs to criss-cross backs to sheer backs...It gives a whole new meaning to, "Bringing sexy back."

Even though I'm completely in love with this trend, it unfortunately is just not practical if you need to wear a bra. Granted you can wear backless-strapless bras that stick on, but unless it's for a special occasion, shirts with these cuts are out of the question.

If you don't have much going on in the front, then by all means take advantage of this trend now!

Photo Sources: Stones, Influenced by Sunshine,  Magnifique, Pinterest.

Pinterest Meals Part 4

My journey as a chef in the Evjen house hold continues with success thanks to Pinterest. Seriously, I hated cooking until I started cataloging great recipes using this social media tool. For some reason, the recipes that find their way onto Pinterest turn out yummy 9 times out of 10. Here are some of my latest finds and successes:

1. Broccoli, grape and pasta salad - It's the perfect summer side dish! The grapes give it a sweetness that balances the salty flavor of the bacon. It's TASTY without a doubt.

2. Arugula salad with mango, avocado and macadamia nuts - OH MY GOSH! This salad is one of the best I've made. I didn't use the macadamia nuts because my hubby is allergic, but I'm sure that addition takes it over the top. It's very easy and fast. Another great summer meal.

3. Broccoli Quinoa Casserole - This was my first attempt at cooking quinoa, and it was a huge success. Casseroles are always a comfort food, but with the healthiness of quinoa, low-fat mayo and reduced-fat cheese this yummy side dish is only 199 calories per serving. I sure do love great tasting, low-calorie options. I would make this with cream of broccoli and cheddar cheese even though the recipe leaves it up to you.

4. Portobello Mushroom Pizzas - This recipe is another tasty, low-calorie option for dinner or snack time. These portobello mushroom pizzas only took me five minutes of prep work, 20 minutes of cooking time and equal only 115 calories per serving (one portobello). Two of these babies is plenty to fill me up at dinner time. Definitely make sure to use a pan with a lip because juices do pour out of those suckers.

5. Apricot Basil Chicken Salad - I will forever put apricots in my chicken salad. The combination is delightful and I prefer them to grapes. This salad is SO fresh tasting and a healthier alternative to the recipes loaded with fat. Definitely make this for the 4th of July coming up. It's perfect for a party or picnic.

Follow me on pinterest and find more tasty recipes to try!

Featured on Ruffled

Happy Monday! Today I'm sharing with you a project that I started working on last year, was shot this past spring and has finally been reveal on Ruffled - a gorgeous vintage wedding inspiration blog.

I have done several bridal inspiration shoots, but this is the first one where the inspiration was derived from a poem. I think that's what intrigued me most about the project. The Owl and the Pussycat is a poem I remember reading as a kid, and is about an unlikely pair falling in love. What a great premise, no?

Given the characters are animals and the poem sets the pair in a canoe, the wedding was photographed outdoors among water and trees at the Rio Salado Habitat and Restoration Area.

Below is the list of talent that contributed to making this happen:

Photography: Melissa Jill Photography Concept, florist & table/props: Amanda Johnson of Butterfly Petals Invitation & paper suite: Kelly Ashworth Design Stylist: Alex of AVE Styles Dress: Ian Stuart provided by Mariee Gallery Venue: Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area Models: Cody & Jessica Helgeson Makeup: Ashley Nicole Hair: Kim Cornwell

My thoughts by behind the fashion can be summed up in one word, "retro." All of the decor was made up of an eclectic mix of retro pieces, so a skinny black suit, a short wedding dress, cat eye liner and a bouffant hairstyle was a great complement.

You'll also find current popular trends thrown in with the old consisting of coral lips, coral finger nails, colored socks and a tie clip.

I hope you like it. To see more photos from the shoot check out the feature on Ruffled and check out Melissa Jill's blog.

Father's Day Gifts for the City Guy

Father's Day is just around the corner and you may or may not have figured out what to get your hubby or dad. This is Ryan's first "Father's Day." Granted, our bundle of joy isn't quite here to hold in our arms, but in my opinion we're already playing the role of parents doing as much as we can to prepare and protect this baby girl that is growing in my tummy. But here's the deal...Even though I personal shop for people on a regular basis, I ALWAYS struggle with what to get  a guy for a gift (birthday, Father's Day, Christmas, etc.). Why? Well, most of the suggested gifts tend to play off of "manly man" stereotypes, and my guy doesn't fit into that category. He could care less about sports, and instead loves great micro brews, bourbons and hip restaurants. He's a city guy. So, I thought I would make a gift guide featuring items that fit with that lifestyle. Some of them might be a bit pricey, but use them as inspiration to find something similar at an affordable price.

Collar Stiffiners - Chances are the men in your life are bound to wear a button-up shirt from time to time or even daily. Ryan mainly wears these types of shirts or polos. One of the downsides to this style of shirt is that the collar points tends to get worn. Can't have that! So, make sure they have plenty of collar stiffiners. You can buy plastic ones or nice silver or even gold ones and engrave them with something like, "I love you," or the names of your kiddos.

Unique Bottle Openers - Like I mentioned earlier, my guy loves a great Pale Ale. So, a cool bottle opener and a six pack of their favorite specialty beer would be just the ticket.  This opener that is made out of a 50 Caliber bullet is as pretty unique as they get.

Tie Clip - There aren't too many accessories men feel comfortable sporting, but one that is not only a-okay, but is also incredibly stylish is a nice tie clip (see example above). You can also personalize this gift with their initials, the date of your child's birth or your wedding date. It's something that they will have forever and use daily or on special occasions. Take the gift to another level by buying a tie to go with it too. =)

The Man Bag - For some reason my husband loves a good backpack, satchel, briefcase...Any type of man bag. haha. I don't know why, but he always has. I mean, the man is really excited his own diaper bag right now. Who knew?! So, if the special dad in your life is anything like mine, a weekender or a Sketchbook backpack might be just the ticket. To go the extra mile, maybe you can stick a card in the bag with a receipt for a one night stay at a cool hotel.

Watch - Who doesn't love a great watch. For something that always tell the time, it's ironically a timeless accessory. Right now the trend in watches is back to a chronograph face and a simple leather band. Clean and classic. I adore the watches that Uniform Wares offers. They are a bit pricey starting around $200, but they sure are gorgeous.

Sun Glasses - In Arizona you can't live without them. Well, I guess you can if you want to go blind early, but I seriously cannot drive anywhere without eye protection. These unique, wooden sunglasses are head turners for sure! SHWood makes them in all types of styles, so you're bound find a pair that fits his face perfectly.

iPhone Case - Whether they are a full fledged nerd or a hipster with an mac obsession, you can't go wrong with accessories for your computer or cell phone. I love this wooden iphone skin so much. It's modern and masculine in one.

Good luck shopping! Need more menswear inspiration? Don't forget to follow my menswear pinterest board.

Image Sources (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3, photo 4, photo 5, photo 6, photo 7)