Author: KnowlesMalinda

Perfect for a Garden Party: Max Mara Dress

Hey there folks! How are you doing? I recently went to Palm Beach and grabbed a beautiful Max Mara dress from their shopping district. It is perfect for that garden party or brunch with the girls. There are sewn-in silver and sparkly brooches to make the perfect accent. And, there are pockets! I just love the dress and will definitely be wearing it as it is somewhat a classic piece. What dress have you been wearing in these last summer days?

Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles    

Naomi Osaka’s Nike x Ambush US Open Outfit

In a nod to Japanese culture, Naomi Osaka hit the US Open in style with a Nike x Ambush green outfit. Bows, tulle and ruffles were designed for the tennis star and she absolutely glowed and made quite the fashion statement. The outfit had a removable tutu and windbreaker that she took off to reveal a green tennis ensemble. She was returning to the court after a break for her mental health as well as a pregnancy. Check out more of the tennis champs’ look and original sketch below.

Photo Credit: Mike Stobe; Robert Prange/Getty Images

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles

Bohemian Sisterparty

So what’s going on? I stumbled upon this brand Sisterparty fishing around on instagram and really enjoy their sets. Some of the items are very sexy and bold but a woman should feel sexy, right? Anyway, peep this new orange set I found on their site. I wore them with my Good American clear heels (similar here) and some gold jewelry. It’s so hot this summer that the set is perfect to stay cool but look cute at the same time. Check out the outfit below.

Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles  

Bargain Shoppers

Hey y’all, how are you doing? So I’ve been working at the outlet mall and notice so many people bargain hunting and even looking for Christmas presents early. A lot of folks come to the outlet mall looking for a deal, duh. But, with inflation hitting a high of 9.1% in July, many shoppers are doubling down on their expenses and looking to alternatives. 

According to Women’s Wear Daily, consumers “with issues paying their monthly bills has increased 2 percentage points to a high of 23 percent” while the share of consumers living paycheck to paycheck without issues paying their monthly bills “is currently 40 percent — the same as July 2023 but a notable drop from 44 percent in May 2024.” This truly reflects the number of families stepping into the store looking for quality merchandise at a discount. Everything in the store is almost always discounted at at least 20% percent but honestly, it is a pricing model to get consumers to feel as though they are getting a sale instead of just lowering original prices.

In any case, the outlet mall might receive more or at least the same amount of traffic as the Gardens Mall (25 minutes north of outlet mall) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I am not sure. What about you, have you been spending on clothing and accessories at full retail price or bargain shopping as well?

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles

Dr. Jill Biden’s Sequined Democratic National Convention Dress

So, regardless of your politics, there are some very interesting and some great, historic moments from the Democratic National Convention and even the Republican Convention. I just had to ask, did you see Dr. Jill Biden’s sequined periwinkle dress last night at the Democratic National Convention? I thought it was the perfect serve of fashion, style and politics for the first night of the convention. Supposedly it was made for the first lady by Ralph Lauren. What did you think of it and are you registered to vote? If you’re not registered, make sure you sign up (click here).

Photo Credit: AFP

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles

Cinq à Sept Summer Suit

Happy Monday! Time to throw on that work gear, be productive and make some money. I recently copped a light baby blue Cinq à Sept summer shorts suit (blazer and similar shorts here) that is perfect for this heat. I paired it with some Dolce & Gabbana floral print heels and my Marc Jacobs blue handbag. I’ve been in financial services since 2006, working independently now with Knowles Financial Group.

Who says work clothes have to be boring? With a statement necklace and shoes, you can really jazz up a suit. Anyway, what have you been wearing to work?

    

Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Frances Knowles

Kiss & Ride Monokini

This has to be one of the hottest summers on record. It’s been so hot here in South Florida that I’ve had to take multiple showers quite often during the course of one day. This God Save Queens Kiss & Ride Monokini is perfect to cool off in a pool or at the beach. I just love the design and the purple snaps that connect the chest. Down here in Florida, it probably won’t cool off for a while. But if you are up north, enjoy the last dog days of summer and go to a pool near you in this monokini. I’ve collected many bathingsuits living here in Florida and this one just might be one of my favorites. It makes me feel fashionable and sexy at the same time.

Where have you been getting your swimwear this summer? And, which is your favorite?

Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles   

BBQ Chickpea and Cauliflower Avocado Mash Flatbread and Greek Tomato Salad

Hey everyone! So the summer is so extremely hot that it makes me want to eat pretty light sometimes. And, although I’m not vegan, I enjoy eating vegetarian and vegan food occasionally. Ever since I was introduced to Greek tomato salad at Milos restaurant in Manhattan, New York, I’ve made it myself and it’s absolutely delicious. The combination of salty feta cheese, kalamata olives and fresh tomatoes sends me over the roof!

Recently, I’ve been pairing it with BBQ Chickpea and cauliflower avocado mash. This is also a delicious vegan recipe. Don’t worry, sometimes it’s okay to go without meat. You make these and you’ll probably love it too.

What have you been eating this summer?

Greek tomato salad

Ingredients

  • Feta cheese
  • 4-6 fresh tomatoes on the vine
  • one red onion
  • splash of red wine vinegar
  • dried oregano
  • one cucumber
  • pitted kalamata olives
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • green bell pepper 

Recipe

Slice up your tomatoes, red onion and cucumber. Add them to a bowl along with everything and give it a few tosses. Great summer salad.

BBQ chickpea and cauliflower avocado mash flatbread

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces small cauliflower florets
  • 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus a pinch, divided
  • 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 4 flatbreads or pocketless pitas, toasted
  • 1/2 recipe Crispy Barbecue Chickpeas (recipe below)
  • Hot sauce, for serving

Crispy Barbecue Chickpeas

  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. chili powder

Recipe (Oprah.com)

Rinse and drain chickpeas and pat very dry with paper towels, discarding any loose skins. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss with olive oil, kosher salt and ground black pepper, dark brown sugar, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder and chili powder. Roast at 425°, shaking occasionally, until crisp, 30 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to a bowl. Chickpeas will continue to crisp as they cool.

Preheat oven to 425°. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss cauliflower with olive oil and 1/4 tsp. salt.

Roast until slightly golden and tender, 25 minutes.

Mash avocados with lemon juice and pinch of salt and spread over flatbreads. Top with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. Drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

Enjoy!

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles

 

Proenza Schouler Cutout

Good afternoon! It’s been so hot down here in South Florida that your dresses have got to be breathable. So I’ve been wearing this Proenza Schouler cutout dress that has been somewhat light and airy. I also recently copped these J. W. Anderson leather flats that go with almost everything, a really good buy (shoes and similar below). I pair it with my yellow Rebecca Minkoff handbag which sets off the yellow in the dress. The cutout trend is here to stay for a while, have you picked up on the trend?

 

Photo Credit: Sergey Yusin

Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda Knowles

Rainy Dayz at the Store

So, how was your weekend? I’ve been working at a store and enjoying it. It was raining quite a bit this weekend so I threw on my leather pearl chain boots and a black Karl Lagerfeld t-shirt dress. You can dress it up and down and I love pairing it with this t-shirt dress. I think they were inspired by these Chanel boots that did very well years ago. After work, I got my nails done and I am so excited to have found a new fabulous nail tech at Avalon Nails and Spa in West Palm Beach. Her name is Kayla and she just does an amazing job. What have you been wearing this summer when it rains?

 


Sincerely,

“Fashionably-Late”

Malinda F. Knowles