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#Throwback – Dope 90s Fashion

90s-fashion-collage-1A few outtakes from my 90s-inspired Pinterest mood board….

As soon as I saw the trailer for Dope (The Movie), I was immediately hooked and knew that I’d be making a beeline to see it on the big screen. The movie centers on the story of Malcolm, an inner city teen who is obsessed with 90s hip-hop culture. Although he’s a bright, straight A student, the odds are definitely stacked against him as he navigates life in a tough Los Angeles neighborhood while juggling college applications, academic interviews, and the SAT. Two things that drew me to the movie were the fact that I could totally relate to the protagonist and the fact that 90s fashion is having a major moment, and I can’t wait to see the film’s treatment of that era with a modern spin!

While there are a select few 90s trends that I personally think would be better left in the past (goth makeup, combat boots, and overalls with the strap undone are just a few things that come to mind) there are a whole slew of others whose return I’d embrace with arms wide open – namely, dark berry-stained lips, chokers, and bold, colorful Versace-inspired prints!

Speaking of 90s fashion…

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As someone who attended high school during the 90s, I can’t help but have both fond and somewhat cringe-worthy memories of my own personal style during that time period.

Case in point…

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You can’t really tell by these photos, but I was heavily influenced by the Cher and Dee’s fashion sense in Clueless. And yes, I even had the fluffy pens and coordinating argyle outfits to match!  While the kids in Dope seem to take their cues moreso from the urban and street-style trends of the 90s, I have no doubt that it’ll be fun to watch and reminisce all the same. In fact, as a die-hard Denise Huxtable fan, I’m super excited to see Zoe Kravitz in this film.

Dope officially hits theaters on June 19th, but be sure to check back here this weekend for my review. In the meantime, visit www.youaredope.com for more information.

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Lifestyle Product Reviews

3 Lessons from My Dad – A Father’s Day Memoir + Nautica Voyage Giveaway

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NauticaforDad #CollectiveBias

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Even though my parents separated when I was very young and I grew up living with my mom, my Dad and I have always had a close relationship. I can honestly say that he’s been one of my biggest fans and supporters throughout my entire life. Our personalities are alike in so many ways, and I’m really coming to appreciate the advice and words of encouragement he’s given me over the years.

I’m usually not much for sappy sentiments, but with Father’s Day approaching this weekend, I wanted to share with you all some of my favorite pearls of wisdom I’ve received from dear old dad…

  1. Don’t give a damn what other people think about you. My dad has never been on to mince words (a trait I think we all inherited from my grandmother), and one of the most valuable pieces of advice he’s given me over the years has been to march to the beat of my own dream regardless of what other people think. In his eyes, as long as you’re being true to yourself and not hurting anyone else in the process you should always live and enjoy life in a way that makes you happy.
  2. Always keep a positive outlook. Life isn’t always peaches and cream, but sometimes you just have to pick your chin up and do the best you can. I remember calling my dad nearly in tears after moving into my first apartment after graduation and being met with a serious roach infestation (word to the wise – NEVER pick up furniture off the street… it’s probably there for a reason). His exact words to me were “Well… at least you’re in New York City, baby!”
  3. Dress for success and cook to impress. Ironically, my love for cooking and dressing well came from a different parent than you’d typically expect. My mom was always a tomboy growing up and had little interest in fashion. On the other hand, my Dad and uncles always liked to look “sharp”, and it’s a quality that I’m glad was passed down to me. My Dad is also a whiz in the kitchen and can bake and barbeque like nobody’s business.

I’m a notorious last-minute shopper, but this year I’ve come out ahead. For Father’s Day, I’m treating my dad to a Nautica Voyage gift set that I picked up at Macy’s in Herald Square earlier this week.

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If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect gift for father figure in your life, then Nautica Voyage could be the perfect choice. It has a crisp, light, woodsy scent that’s perfect for dads of all ages. The gift set shown above is available at Macy’s for just $65.00.

But wait… there’s more!

Nautica is graciously offering to help one lucky reader celebrate the dad in their life with a an all-expense-paid cruise! The Grand prize is a $4000 Cruise Vacation package, and there will also be 5 second place winners that will receive a Nautica Voyage gift set. See entry details below for your chance to win.

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Good luck, and have a Happy Father’s Day! Click here to see other #NauticaforDad moments.

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Product Reviews Recipes

A Sweet Little Recipe: Caramel Walnut Brownies {#BKCreamery}

caramel walnut brownie recipe

I recently shared with you guys that I’d be testing out a new product from Brooklyn Creamery. I trekked out to the ‘burbs to watch a product demo, gorge on free samples, and procure my own my stash. Well folks, the final verdict is in: Extra Thick Double Cream absolutely rocks!

In general, I try to keep my sweet tooth at bay. However, if I had to name my personal vice, it would definitely be salted caramel… and chocolate chip cookies… oh, and warm apple pie! But I digress…

I decided the perfect way to put Brooklyn Creamery’s Double Cream to the test would be to make a good old fashion caramel sauce. But what good is a batch of warm, sticky, ooey-gooey deliciousness without a rich decadent chocolate brownie to go with it? Amiright? Of course, I am!

Here goes the full recipe. Let me know what you think in the comments.

INGREDIENTS

Brownies

  • 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts
  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • 5 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 egg yolks
  • kosher salt
  • pinch of maldon salt (optional)

Salted Caramel Sauce

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup Extra Thick Double Cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Roughly chop walnuts
  3. Grease insides of 4 ramekins, and set aside.
  4. Separate egg yolks, and set aside 4 tablespoons chocolate chips for stirring in whole.
  5. Melt 8 tablespoons of butter in a large microwavesafe bowl for about 30 seconds, or in a small pot over medium heat. Add remaining chocolate chips and stir until melted.
  6. Add espresso, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolks. Stir to combine well.
  7. In a separate medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  8. Add chocolate mixture to bowl with flour mixture and stir just to combine and flour is no longer visible.
  9. Gently stir in walnuts and reserved 4 tablespoons chocolate chips.
  10. Divide batter evenly between ramekins. Place on a baking sheet and bake until set, about 20 minutes. Begin making caramel sauce while brownies bake in the oven.
  11. Add sugar to a small sauce pan and cook over medium-high heat until melted.
  12. Once sugar reaches a deep brown color, add all the butter and stir until completely melted.
  13. Add vanilla and double cream, and whisk until you have a consistent sauce.
  14. Stir in salt, and set aside to cool.
  15. Remove brownies from oven and allow to cool slightly, about 3 minutes.
  16. Carefully invert ramekins onto plates to remove brownies, and immediately sprinkle over caramel sauce and Maldon salt. Serve warm.

I made these the other day, and they disappeared immediately. The brownies have a unique light, slightly crumbly texture and pair so well with the caramel sauce. You can also store any remaining sauce in the fridge for up to two weeks (though I doubt it will last that long!) and serve it over icecream, pancakes, or waffles… YUM!

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This post was written by me as part of an ongoing sponsored collaboration with Brooklyn Creamery and Sverve. All opinions expressed are my own. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that help make Closet Confections possible.

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