Olive You

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Continuing my Spring dress roll, I pulled this little number out of the closet. I really do LOVE OLIVE– truly a versatile neutral. Add some statement sunnies, a red lip, and heels and you’re ready to take on anything!

One great thing about neutral greens is that they are easily worn for any season, and easily dressed up or down. This dress would take on casual Saturday brunch with slip ons and a baseball cap like a champ!

I hope your week begins with wellness, wholeness, and general warm feelings! Happy Monday!

XX, Megan

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Blazer: Banana Republic (past season, similar, similar), Dress: Target (similarsimilar, similarsimilar, love this one, great option, or choose chino!), Shoes: Steve Madden (similar), Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength, Necklaces: Gorjana (knox, super star), Watch: Invicta, Bracelets: J.Crew, Lips: Stila Beso

Six Spring Dresses

7 Spring DressesI have been on a dress kick all week! Seriously, even when the weather has really been less than stellar I’ve tried to throw on a dress. In that spirit I rounded up some of my current favorite Spring dresses. Six of them, to be exact!

One thing that makes dresses fun in early Spring is the chance to layer them with different sorts of outerwear. We’ve talked about some of those outerwear options here on Refined + Rugged before.

But at the risk of banging the same drum over and over, if you want to throw on that frilly little lace dress and keep it weather appropriate layer a leather moto jacket over it. If you are hankering to put on your new gingham sundress pair it with a long anorak or utility jacket.

If you want to go full on boho but save yourself some goose bumps, bring out the jean jacket. You get the idea!

Welcome, Friday! And bring on the weekend!!!

XX, Megan

Dresses: White, Blue, Black, Stripe, Denim, Gingham

The Stripe

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The sun is out today, and temps are nearing 60. I said my piece about embracing winter, but gosh! the bright rays really make a girl feel good!

If you’ve followed along on my style journey here on Refined + Rugged you will already know of my penchant for The Stripe. I really truly do love stripes! Some people are a fan of the stripe, some people are not.

But regardless of your leaning– toward or away from stripes– there are few things as easy to throw on and look pulled together as a shift dress. Choose a solid color, floral pattern, or eclectic print if it suits YOU!!!

May your Thursday be filled with all of the best. TGIT!

XX,  Megan

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Jacket: Caslon (past, similar, similar) , Dress: J.Crew (past, similar), Shoes: J.Crew (past, similar, similar, similar), Sunglasses: Ray-ban, Necklace: Aldo, Lips: MAC Neon Orange

Turkey Meatloaf with Red Peppers and Parmesan

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This dish was a real hit with my family, and I hope it will be with yours! It’s another delectable recipe from The Scramble*.

I was able to make and BAKE the meatloaf during the day, and then reheated for dinner. I love the addition of the red peppers for extra vegetable goodness, and the option to use whole wheat bread crumbs gives you another opportunity to add whole grains.

It would be equally easy to sub almond flour or quick-cooking oats for the bread crumbs, as mentioned below, to make this meal gluten free.

I hope you have a fabulous Wednesday, and a delicious dinner whatever you’re serving!

XX,  Megan

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Ingredients

1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 lbs. ground turkey
1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (use wheat/gluten-free bread crumbs if needed), or use quick-cooking oats or ¼ cup of each
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard (use wheat/gluten-free if needed)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, or use 1/4 tsp. dried basil and 1/4 tsp. dried oregano

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat and sauté the bell peppers and onions until they are softened, 5 – 7 minutes. Remove them from the heat and let them cool for a minute or two.

In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the remaining ingredients and stir in the onions and peppers. Transfer the mixture to the center of the baking dish, and using clean hands, shape it into a rectangular loaf. Bake it for 45 minutes until it is firm and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165 degrees). (Meanwhile, prepare the Brussels sprouts and grits, if you are serving them.) Let it cool for 10 minutes or so before serving, or refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months (slice it before you freeze it!).

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*The Scramble is a meal planning service to which you can subscribe here. For a fantastic price you will receive 8 weekly meals which means 8 recipes (main course plus a side dish), complete grocery list, the ability to tweak the number of people you are making for, and full nutrition facts.

PLUS tips as to how best to PREP your meal beforehand, add a punch of FLAVOR, and how to SLOW COOK almost every recipe if you’re especially slammed that night. This wonderful service really does live up to it’s name. You can come home at 6 p.m. and be sitting down to a DELICIOUS, HEALTHY, HOME COOKED meal by 6:30 p.m. most nights.

Spring Buffalo

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From boho to sort of hipster barn wear. Is that a thing? LOL. Regardless, I was digging this outfit for another one of those bright but pretty cold days. That isn’t dandruff in my hair, it’s snow! Little tiny flakes that flurried just as we were snapping these photos.

I added black leggings to this outfit to go to dinner (and ditched the socks) the evening I wore this, and that outfit transition played out nicely, as well. Mark my words, you’ll be seeing more of this dress. I love it!

Light and easy, I can’t wait to wear it with simple sandals and lots more sunscreen come Summer! But I really loved this layered look with double the jackets. Perfect for keeping warm without looking too wintery.

Have you pulled out any of your Spring favorites yet? I’d love to know what you are looking forward to donning come warmer weather, or what you are currently wearing in your ALREADY warm climate!

Cheers to Springtime, buffalo check, and the impending sundress season! Have a wonderful Tuesday, friends. Thank you for visiting, supporting, commenting, and your overall enthusiasm for Refined + Rugged!

XX, Megan

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Leather Jacket: Zara (past season, similar), Jean Jacket: F21, Dress: Madewell, Bag: J.Crew, Boots: Madewell (similar), Socks: J.Crew, Sunglasses: Ray-ban, Necklace: Gorjana, Earrings: Kate Spade, Lips: NARS Cruising