I am a young women, youth leader. Tonight we had one of the young women's uncles, who is a fashion writer, come speak to them about how to stay modest while keeping with current fashion trends. Of course we needed treats, because its not a party without cake! This is our favorite chocolate cake recipe adapted from the Oh She Glows cookbook. I used all white instead of part wheat and used real butter. We are eating cake, right? I also increased the proportions for the frosting because we love our frosting! Bryan raves about this recipe, and we try to think of any excuse we can for cake. I love Jane's little chocolatey fingers in the picture above. You can tell it is not her first.
2 cups almond milk (or milk of choice)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup melted coconut oil
2 tablespoons vanilla
3 cups flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup butter
pinch of salt
2 tsps vanilla extract
4 to 4 1/2 tablespoons almond milk
Mix the milk and vinegar and set aside. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and beat until smooth. Bake at 350 for 21-25 min if making cupcakes and 30-35 min for a cake with two 8 inch round pans. Mix all frosting ingredients except the milk, then stir in milk a little at a time.
The fashion writer told us about some Spring 2016 trends. He said all Eras were in, but the 70s are the most relevant right now. Ani McGraw in Love Story is one of the biggest inspirations in the current fashion trends. Some of these trends include fringe, polyester, straight middle parted hair, leather, bell bottoms, faux fabric (denim that looks like silk and cotton that looks like denim).
Other tips he gave:
- Everyone needs a full length mirror. Guess standing on my bath tub doesn't cut it!
- If you are going to wear oversized clothing, get men's clothing because it is edgier. Guess Lauren knows what is up!
- 3 essential items in a wardrobe are a trench coat cinched at the waist, a killer handbag, and killer heels.
- Anyone looks on trend with a trench coat, red lips and dark sunglasses.
- Black and white is always classy
- Nude nails and makeup are in.
- First gratitude for your clothes, then attitude, wear with confidence
- Your style represents where you are or want to be.
- Dress for yourself, not anyone else!
Now I need to watch Love story for fashion inspo. Several of the girls said they wore baggy shirts, big coats or basketball shorts every day. He tried to convince them to develop their style, and that it doesn't have to be expensive. He motivated me to improve my "mom style" of hair pulled into a braid or a bun and whatever comfy leggings and shirt I find first. Trench coat, red lips, dark sunglasses here I come! Too bad that's not realistic for toasty, humid Texas.
