I hate to spend more than $200 on a cocktail dress.  Because if you spend more, you’ll never get enough wear out of the dress to make it worth it.  That is why, I’m so glad that The Outnet exists.  They have the cutest dresses and some of my favorites are actually quite affordable.

Julie Haus Smocked Dress (Outnet, $164)

How cute is this dress? And the best part is that the neckline makes it perfect for summer, but if you add a jacket, the color makes it lovely for winter as well.  This dress is just perfect for the woman looking to move beyond basic black.

After a dinner party, there is usually a bottle or two of half-drunk wine left in my fridge.  It typically sits there for awhile until I add it to a stock pot or a Dijon sauce, but I rarely drink it before it spoils.  I’m just not much of a wine drinker.  

Earlier this year, my neighbor showed me how to use these leftovers to create a delicious cocktail that I actually will want to drink.  I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing.

Kalimotxo

1/2 Red wine

1/2 Coca-Cola or Dr. Pepper

Ice

Lemon Slices

When my neighbor said that she was going to mix red wine with Dr. Pepper, I almost passed out.  “You’re going to do what?”  I had no hope that this would taste good, but it was surprisingly enjoyable.  

It’s easy, it’s refreshing and it’s a great way to use up the last of the red wine.  I think it would be really nice for a summer cocktail at the beach.