The moment that I saw this dress, I knew: This must go on the blog.  But where?  It was too special for a 10th Commandment, too impractical for the campaign trail and unless they make striped cocktails, not the Happy Hour.  But then I realized that I just needed to quit being so literal.

Tibi Silk and Lace-print Dress (Net-a-Porter, $475)

This dress is sublime because it’s unexpected.  Who would think to print a fabric in stripes and lace?  While this combination is certainly unconventional, there’s something about the subtle, tomboy stripe and the sultry, feminine lace that just works.

And much like the dress, this cocktail is an unexpected combination.  The Vanilla Bourbon Sparkler is a blend of dry, sparkly champagne and smooth, woody bourbon.  It shouldn’t work, but it does.  

The Bourbon Vanilla Sparkler

Ingredients

1 oz Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon
1/2 oz vanilla syrup (recipe below)
4 oz Champagne
1/2 vanilla bean

Preparation

Mix the bourbon and syrup in a Champagne flute or Mojito glass.
Top with chilled Champagne.
Garnish with a vanilla bean.

Vanilla Syrup

2 cups sugar
1 cup water
2 vanilla beans

Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan.
Split the vanilla beans lengthwise into halves and place in a heatproof jar or bottle.
Pour the hot syrup over the vanilla beans and let stand for 8 to 10 hours.
Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Recipe courtesy of Woodford Reserve