Every cloud has a silver lining...
Here are some fluffy whites and sparkly silvers to mix and match this fall:
Angora Beret / Sequin Sleeve Sweater / Loop Scarf / Metallic Jeans / Puffball Purse / Mirror Pumps / Disco Ball Earrings / Bunny Ears Ring
Fall ... Finally!
Autumn Dock |
Autumn finally arrived to the DC area at exactly 3:37 pm this past Saturday. I was hot when Lucy and I ran out to do some errands on Saturday morning and very chilly at our friends' welcome home/wedding celebration bbq on Saturday evening.
I love Fall so much. The way the air smells, crackly leaves on the side walk, soup cravings at lunch time, and getting to wear cozy sweaters with tights, booties, and scarves but not really needing a coat yet.
Here's an adorable outfit, perfect for this time of year and not too tough on the budget:
Storm Troopers
I'm a little obsessed with my new sneaks. They are comfy, easy to put on when Goalie, Lucy and I go on our walks around the harbor, and I think they look pretty cool.
I spend a lot of time in my comfy clothes these days since I work at home, but I try to keep my sweats a bit styled up and these sneakers with the hidden wedge make it easy.
Truth is, I have been yearning for a pair since I first saw Isabel Marant's version a year ago. So far out of my price range that I figured I'd just have to wait til I win Powerball, but then I found www.GoJane.com
They have some many ADORABLE pairs for under $50 (!!!) in so many great color combos, but I can never resist black and white.
Patton mentioned they look like something a Storm Trooper would wear to workout in, which just makes them even cooler.
Storm Troopers |
Big Bun
Big Bun |
I am utterly untalented when it comes to styling my hair. Growing up I always had really long hair... the kind other people love to play with, so I made it straight through to college graduation knowing that I could always get one of my more hair-stylistically-talented friends or family members to do something fantastic with my hair if I asked nicely.
I have LOTS of thick hair which is very heavy (but thankfully shiny) and doesn't hold a curl without a crazy amount of product to hold it in place, which really limits a lot of my options. In addition, I am can be a bit impatient and so I either wear my hair straightened and down, half back in a barrette, up in a high pony tail, or braided at the base of my neck... so BORING.
I really like the looks of a big updo and found one that I can actually do myself!
The BIG bun.
Back View |
Blond and Messy View |
Here is the tutorial that taught me how. It involves one of Patton's long, black athletic socks, which is kind of weird, but whatever.. it looks totally cute, all said and done.
Have to say though, it was a bit embarrassing when the hostess from this restaurant (the soft pretzel appetizer is heavenly) was raving about how cute my hair looked a little while ago at dinner, and asked me how I did it and I had to tell her there was a rolled up gym sock hidden in my bun.
PS... The bigger the sock, the bigger the bun.
Basics - Denim Jacket
I couldn't live without my denim jacket. It is perfect... dark rinse denim with penny colored buttons and the exact right amount of stretch. I would wear it everyday if I could get away with it. The best part is I got it about 10 years ago on sale from The Gap for $13.99 and it still looks fantastic! It will be getting a lot of play this fall, and, let's face it, for the rest of my life.
Here are five ways to wear this basic essential this Fall:
1. With white ankle length pants, brightly colored heels, a popped collar and some fantastic sunglasses
2. With a white cashmere scarf, and grey t-shirt, black leggings, leather knee high boots and a big leather bag
4. With a pleated skirt in a bold hue, tons of fantastic bracelets and a white button down. PS... this lady has the most fantastic wardrobe and sense of style... I'm drooling.
5. With a slouchy wool hat, a cotton bodycon dress and some badass high-tops (I am loving this pair... sequins! and this pair with the hidden high heel thing going on)
Snuggle Up
Sweet Little Lamb As the days start to get a bit chillier, who doesn't want to be as snuggly as a little lamb. Here are some really cute and cozy shearling and sweatery items to keep you toasty and on trend. |
Jacket / Sweater Dress / Knit Leggings / Backpack / Booties /
Basics - Leopard Print
Leopard |
It may seem a little wild, but I view leopard print as a neutral, and definitely an essential. It matches EVERYTHING and gives a bit of a bombshell twist to whatever you are wearing.
Here are five fun ways to let your wild side show this fall:
1. As a loopy scarf with a slouchy t-shirt, sunnies and your favorite jeans
2. Boldly on a bag and just peeking out on shirttails with a leather motorcycle jacket, bright colored sweater, black pants and some tough boots
3. As the main event on a fitted cardigan with an over-sized necklace and powerfully colored pants
4. On a knit skirt with your classic navy blazer and a white tank top
5. On pony fur pumps and bucket bag with cuffed jeans
Basics - The Little Black Dress
Every girl HAS TO HAVE a little black dress, or four. I have about a dozen in my closet and I love them all. Here are five ways to take your LBD from Summer into Fall:
1. With a tailored leopard coat, black opaque tights and black booties
2. With long sleeves and a fantastic hammered metal statement necklace
3. Belted with brown leather knee high boots and a distressed leather clutch
4. With peep toes and a big smile
5. Strapless with a big satin pink sash and a jet beaded necklace
The Fab Five Does Fashion
Just wanted to say.. how fantastic did the Fab Five look at the VMA's last night?
Absolutely Adorable... all of them!
Necklaces and Knobs
Jewelry Display |
I love the idea of displaying your prettiest necklaces on almost as pretty knobs.
Here are some fun combos and where to get 'em.
And, while I am on the subject of necklaces, I don't think I will EVER get over the incredibly sparkly double diamond strand that Gwyneth Paltrow wore in Country Strong (such a good movie... almost makes me a country music fan and DEFINITELY made me a Garrett Hedlund fan).
Check out that necklace |
I found a similar faux version here.
Basics - Navy Blazer
Essential item number three for a go anywhere fall wardrobe is, in my opinion, the classic navy blazer... all the better if it has shiny gold buttons.
Here are five ways to rock the preppy must-have this Autumn:
1. With a grey t-shirt, a delicate necklace, cropped skinny jeans and ladylike heels
2. Like a total princess, with a colorful scarf, white tank top, bright colored denim, VERY shiny hair and a sparkling smile
3. With a flirty ballet pink skirt, striped boat neck tee and pointy pumps
4. With a hooded sweatshirt, dark rinse jeans and a slouchy hobo bag
5. With a classic white shirt, denim mini skirt, lather satchel and suede fringed booties
Basics - White Button Down Shirt
Of course, we all have a simple white button down shirt, and if you don't, your man has one you can borrow.
It's another wardrobe essential and here are five chic ways to wear it this Fall.
1. With black leather pants, high heeled pumps, classic black sunglasses and a structured bag.
2. With metallic jeans, d'orsay heels, and chunky leather accessories.
3. With a jumble of necklaces, rolled up boyfriends jeans and leopard print booties
4. Knotted in front with a maxi skirt and oversize sunglasses
5. With flared jeans a camel blazer and a skinny belt
Basics - Black Leggings
Basic Black Leggings |
Girls, we all have a pair of black leggings tucked in somewhere in our drawers. Fall's just around the corner... here are five great ways to wear this wardrobe staple.
1. With a rolled up button down, loop knit scarf and chunky boots
2. With a peasant top and ankle boots
3. With a Sheer Blouse
4. With a slouchy sweater and ballet flats
5. With a t-shirt, blazer and over the knee boots
Solid Gold
Golden Girls |
In honor of the spectacular Olympic Gold Medal Winning US Women's Gymnastics Team, Here's some London Gold for you from the UK based ASOS: Chunky Bracelet / Cardigan / Metallic Wedges / Scallop Tank / Skirt / Spike Earrings These beautiful golden treasures at these prices make me feel like this!
|
Pink Flamingos
I love flamingos. They are so decadently pink and strangely beautiful that they look like something out of a storybook and don't seem like they should actually exist in real life.
Here's a Pink Flamingo inspired outfit
and a cocktail of the same name.
The Pink Flamingo
Mix 1.5 ounces of Vodka, 1.5 ounces of Cointreau, and Orange Juice with a dash of Sloe Gin. Shake it all up and pour into an iced filled glass garnished with a long lime twist.
Then stand on one foot like a flamingo and sip it in the sun.
Nothing but Blue Skies
photo |
The perfect outfit for a clear blue sky day.....
Clutch $29/ Dress $44 / Heels $29 / Cocktail Ring $20 / Hair Clip $36
... and the perfect cocktail to match.
Horizon Blue Sky
1 oz. SKYY Infusions Citrus
1 oz. Blue Curacao
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. triple sec
Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass
1 oz. Blue Curacao
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. triple sec
Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass
Nothing but blue skies from now on.
Cute Outfit, Cuter Price
Michael Kors Such a casual yet luxurious look. I found this adorable Michael Kors look on my Mom's Pinterest board (she pulls so many cute, clever and beautiful pins together). I think this outfit was from Kors 2011 line, but I definitely want the wallet friendly version for this fall and I searched the web and pulled it together for under $200... Woo Hoo! Cardigan / White Skinny Jeans / Aviators / Boots / Belt / Bag |
Anchors Aweigh!
Nautical |
Maybe it's all those summers I spent in Avalon, NJ or the Navy towns I've lived in, but I completely adore anything nautical. I love sailboats, navy blue and white (especially striped) clothes and have a hard time not buying anything involving an anchor, like these fun items below:
bottle opener / Skipit Pup / Doormat / nautical print / socks / bracelet / sweatshirt / shorts / phone case / belt / watch
Stars and Stripes Forever!
Red, White and Blue |
Happy Birthday, USA!!
Some Old Glory inspired items:
Star Spangled Blazer / America Bikini / Old Glory Tank Top / Uncle Sam Booties / Patriotic Skirt / Striped Dress
Smooth for Summer
great legs, great shorts |
BzzAgent just sent me a new Bic Soleil Savvy disposable razor and four refillable cartridges just in time to start wearing shorts... it has been sooo hot at the Harbor this week!
Bic Soleil Savvy's pivoting head and lubricating strips offer a nice close shave and left my legs smooth and moisturized... I'm a big fan after my first use! Plus, you can't beat the price for cartridge refills.
Now, just need to get some cute new shorts for summer ... I am thinking about these:
Shop Shorts Here:
Shop Shorts Here:
Neat as a Spin Shorts $65 / Forever in my Heart Shorts $60 / Beach Shorts $60 / Silver Satin Shorts $30 / Floral Print Shorts $13 / Printed Tie Shorts $59
And my favorite product for a golden glow:
Summer Soirees
Jason Brooks Illustration |
Some chic and cheap outfits for summer parties... each under $125!
Pool Party
Outfit Total $124
Garden Brunch
Outfit Total $125
Pleated Midi Skirt $49 / Drapey Top $30 / Sandals $35 / Stone Bracelet $11
Outfit Total $125
Pleated Midi Skirt $49 / Drapey Top $30 / Sandals $35 / Stone Bracelet $11
Beach Bonfire
Outfit Total $125
Outfit Total $125
Cocktail Party
Outfit Total $112
Beige... the Right Way
I spent seven LOOONG days in the hospital last week bringing my gorgeous and super sweet baby girl into the world. Both the labor room (where I waited in frustration and pain for three days) and the recovery room (where I smiled and stared and hugged and kissed my little Lucy for four days) were completely beige, and not in that luxurious, understated chic way, but in the most offensively boring way possible.
In an effort to not dislike the neutral tone for the rest of my life, here are two truly beautiful beige rooms
Living Room |
Bedroom |
and some beige treasures from around the web.
For Home:
To Wear:
Lace Shorts / Wedges / Open Knit Sweater / Hook Bracelet / Straw Clutch / Drawstring Baby Sweater / Men's Suede Ankle Boots
And next time you are at National Harbor, be sure to check out the fabulous home decor and clothing at Coco Blanco, where the beautifully neutral curated collection never fails to inspire me.
From Outfit to Entryway
When it was on, I LOVED super funny, super creative decorator, Thom Filicia's show, Dress My Nest.
The premise was that an interior design challenged person would present Thom with his/her favorite outfit and Thom would redo a room or sometimes an entire apartment inspired by that outfit and always managed to make a fun and extremely stylish space that expressed the personal style of the person who lived there.
In keeping with that idea, I've taken a stab at interpreting this adorable summer outfit and creating an entryway inspired by the look.
Shop Here
Ice Cream, You Scream
Ice Cream Truck |
It's getting more summery by the day. Here are few fun and cute outfits inspired by my favorite summer ice cream treats. And the best part... each look costs under $200!
Neopolitan Ice Cream Sandwich:
Pink Jeans $40 / Eyelet Top $78 / Ballet Flats $36 / Necklace $32
Orange Creamsicle
Melon Dress $129 / White Jeweled Belt $10 / Faux Fire Opal Earrings $28 / Peeptoes $33
Ice Cream Cone
Dot Top $35 / Shorts $66 / Striped Pumps $79 / Colorblock Earrings $4
Boat Drinks
Photo |
In addition to operating the wonderfully convenient water taxi between National Harbor and Old Town Alexandria, Potomac Riverboat Company has a number of fun river cruises including Monument Sightseeing tours, boat rides to the baseball stadium, and pirate cruises.
Hopefully, Patton, Lucy and I (and maybe even Goalie if we decide to take one of the dog friendly tours) will get a chance to branch out beyond the water taxi this summer and take a nice boat ride along the Potomac.
Perfect Outfit:
Perfect Coconut Cocktail
Lime and Coconut Cocktail |
2 Oz of Coconut Rum
2 Oz of Lime Juice
1 Oz Coco Lopez
1/2 a Lime
Splash of Sprite
Add all ingredients to a blender along with one glass of ice and blend until smooth
Garnish with a Lime Wedge and Start Drinking!
One Piece, Three Ways
Don't shy away from a bold article of clothing. Many items are more versatile than you think.
Take, for instance, these bright kelly green wide leg pants... a steal at $50!
Here are options for one pair of great pants paired with basic black & white for three different aspects of your life.
For the Office (Outfit Total $299):
Shopping Sources:
Kelly Pants $50 / Black Blazer $69 / Diamond Tee $32 / Earrings $4 / Jaguar Belt $28 / Gold Heel Peep Toes $116
A Night Out (Outfit Total $211):
Shopping Sources:
Kelly Pants $50 / Ribbon and Rhinestone Belt $42 / Halter $58 / Loop Earrings $5 / Faux Croc Clutch $30 / Sandals $26
Casual Afternoon (Outfit Total $177):
Shopping Sources:
Modern Gypsy
Goalie, Patton and I were cuddled up on the couch the other night watching an insane show called My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding.
Picture some very tough teenage girls in some extremely gaudy and crystal encrusted ENORMOUS ball gowns getting married to boys with spiky blowouts who they've never even smooched before.
Not at all the romantic and beautiful image I had in my mind of gypsy life (think a sort of Southern California version of Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche in Chocolat , which is one of my all time favorite movies), but riveting, interesting and slightly horrifying, none the less.
I am rejecting the TLC version of American Gypsy in this posting and drawing inspiration from the more mysterious and soft version I've got in my head.
Coin Bracelet / Hair Chain / Scarf / Tunic / Maxi Dress / Bag / Hoops / Scarf Wedges / Tarot Deck / Shoulder Necklace
A Week's Worth
Here are five great outfits, perfect for the warm weather. Better yet, each outfit is under $100!
Monday - Staff Meeting $94.57
White Shawl Jacket 49.00 / Black Tank 9.09 / Bermudas 10.00 / Cuff 4.80 / Paisley Mary Janes 19.99 / Earrings 1.69
Tuesday - Lunch in the Park $98.69
Wednesday - Happy Hour $99.88
Burglar Dress 45.45 / Denim Jacket 49.50 / Flip Flops 3.94 / Plastic Hoops 0.99
Thursday - Zumba Class $95.78
Dance Sneakers 36.55 / Yoga Pants 22.25 / Cardio Top 16.99 / Hoodie 10.00 / Duffle 9.99
Scallop Dress 39.99 / Peep Toes 29.90 / Rosettes 3.80 / Pave Bracelet 10.00 /
Clutch 14.40
Favorite Colors
If you've seen pictures taken in my home (or if you have seen my dog Goalie), you'll know that I deeply love the color combo of Aqua, Black and White.
But not just for home decor... it's also a very chic and crisp palette for fashion as well.
Here is a weekend's worth of very affordable outfits (each under $200) in my current favorite combination.
For Your Friday Night Date (Outfit Total = $199)
Shopping Sources:
Chrysanthemum Clutch ($65) / Structured Shoulder Dress ($80) / Aqua Heels with Crystals ($24) / Bali Cuff ($30)
For Saturday Afternoon at the Farmers Market (Outfit Total = $100):
Shopping Sources:
Oxidized Necklace ($17) / Tie Waist Dress ($45) / Flip Flops ($22) / Monogrammed Canvas Tote ($16)
For Sunday Brunch with the Girls (Outfit Total = $160):
Shopping Sources:
Color Block Platform Sandals ($88) / Aqua Skinny Jeans $40) / Feather Earrings ($5) / Striped Tunic ($27)
For Sunday Night HBO & AMC Watching while Snuggling on the Couch
(Outfit Total $170)
Shopping Sources:
Microwavable Polar Bear Slippers ($32) / Yoga Pants ($115) / Cotton Wrap ($18) / Racerback Tank ($5)
Fun with Fringe
photo |
photo |
I find fringe and tassels to be so festive! Add a little fringe to anything... string a tassel garland along a wall, finish your outfit with a fringe bag, or add some fun to your outfit with a pair of fringe earrings ... and you're ready to party
Find your own Fringe:
fringe dress / earrings / heels / garland / belt / Toddler Booties / Bag / Bathing Suit / Shorts
The Offshore Pirate
Photo |
The Offshore Pirate, by F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my favorite stories ever. I've read it at least a dozen times and love it more with every reading. The bratty but chic Ardita, charming and handsome Curtis Carlyle, lovable Babe and the musical crew of the Hula-Hula, the romance and the humor... It's the perfect read to get you ready for summer. Here are some fun things inspired by this terrific tale.
Shop Here:
The Offshore Pirate / Striped Bikini / White Sailor Pants / Bustier / Heart Sunnies / Espadrilles / Nantucket Bracelet / Sand Dollar and Seaglass Necklace / Sun Beam Illuminator
And something incredibly refreshing to sip on while you read:
Claro con Limon:
Fill Old Bay Rimmed Glass with Ice
Add about 1 can of Light Beer
Pour in 3 oz of Lemonade
Squeeze in the Juice of Half a Lemon
Add a Lemon Wheel to the Rim and Enjoy!
Photo |
Floating Away
Maybe it's this big baby belly I've been toting around for 34 weeks, but today I am in the mood for floaty, light as air items like these.
Achieve Weightlessness:
Duvet / Cloud Throw / Heels / Beach Pants / Cape Dress / Chiffon Dress / Necklace / Bolero / Headband
"May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor"
Only one more day! Are you as excited as I am about The Hunger Games movie? The Suzanne Collins trilogy completely hypnotized me and I read all three books in as many days. I pretty much couldn't focus on anything else until I finished them all. That was about a year and a half ago. Since then I've forced the books on a dozen or so friends and family members and have waited impatiently for the first movie to arrive in theaters. Sooo excited to see it this weekend!
Here are some Hunger Games inspired looks to hold you over until showtime.
Capitol Inspired:
Shop the Capitol here:
Lilac Faux fur jacket / Liquid Leggings / Fascinator / Wig / Sparkly Pumps / Necklace / Glitter Polish / Mascara
Katniss Inspired:
Photo |
Hunt through District 12 here:
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms in DC |
Here is a lovely selection of floaty, dreamy kimonos perfect for the beginning of spring. Kimonos look great with nearly everything... jeans, leggings, over dresses or paired with skirts, and have become an easy and pretty way from me to dress up as my baby bump gets bigger everyday.
Shop the Japanese staple here:
Sheer Kimono / Teal Kimono Wrap / Embroidered Kimono / Fringe Kimono / Black Kimono / Feather Kimono / Pink Kimono / Light Kimono / Pink Sequin Kimono Top
And here's a fun and easy craft project:
Make your own Cherry Blossom wonderland at home with tissue paper pom poms strung from the ceiling
Under the Sea
Beyond the ken of mortal men, beneath the wind and waves,
there lies a land of shells and sand, of chasms, crags and caves
Where coral castles climb and soar, where swaying seaweeds grow,
and all around without a sound the ocean currents flow...
------ Graeme Base, The Sign of the Seahorse
photo found on French Frosting |
Sometimes I dream about how wonderful it might be to have been born a mermaid....
Photo |
and get to eat this for lunch every day
Luckily, for those of us who live on the land, Joss Sushi exists with their Little Mermaid worthy Sushi and Sashimi Combo Lunch Special. Patton and I have lunch (and sometimes dinner and then lunch again the next day) every time we are back in Annapolis.
Enjoy your own mermaid magic by grabbing a copy of this fun, guilty pleasure-ish spin on the fairy tale and give your closet, your baby and your home an under the sea update.
Shop Like a Mermaid Here:
Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon / Max & Cleo Dress / Peeptoe Pumps / Noir Jewelry Bracelet / Savage Salvage Necklace / Starfish Barrette / Baby Costume / Fish Tail Stencil / Pier 1 Stemware / Dishes
In Bloom
The weather has been gorgeous all week and each day when I come home to the Harbor these roses on my dining room table just look more beautiful as they open.
Other pretty rose inspired things....
Shop For them Here:
Vera Wang Dress / Shoes / Cuff / Earrings / Clutch / Sparkling Wine / Benefit High Beam Illuminator / Michael Kors Very Hollywood (So Light and Sweetly Floral) / Ruffle Baby Blanket / Ruffle Diaper Cover / Baby Legwarmers
Bubbles @ Breakfast
Last spring my husband and I hosted a group of friends for a pre-Food and Wine Festival champagne brunch...
We served scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and dill on crostini, mixed berries and homemade pop tarts from a delicious recipe I found on Cupcakes and Cashmere
My pop tarts weren't quite as pretty as Emily's but they were certainly delish!
I made half the tarts with granny smith apples and honey, and the other half with Nutella and bananas
Everyone just grabbed cocktail plates and forks and helped themselves.
The best part, of course, was the champagne bar that we set up on our bar shelf... we had plenty of bubbly, and a yummy selection of juice mixers... like orange-peach-mango juice, lemonade, and blueberry-pomegranite juice, and bowls of fruit garnish... sliced peaches, strawberries and blueberries.
It definitely got our fantastic day at the National Harbor Food and Wine Festival started out right.
You can buy tickets for this year's Food and Wine Festival here: http://wineandfoodnh.com/
Throw your own Bubbly Brunch!
The Necessities.... Bubbly, fun flutes, cute bowls for berry garnishes, snack plates for those yummy tarts, beaded cocktail forks and chic faux gator studded coasters
Veuve Clicquot / Flutes / Bowl / Snack Plates / Cocktail Forks / Coasters
The Look... dressed up pajamas with whimsical accessories and classic ballet slippers
Bird Pants / Necklace / Cardigan / Earrings / Bralette / Tank / Ballet Slippers / Bracelet
The Night Circus
If you haven't gotten swept away in the wondrous novel, The Night Circus, by the endlessly imaginative Erin Morgenstern, start reading it immediately. I finished it a couple months ago and clearly I can't stop thinking about it...
You can be a Reveur, too.....
Book / Dress / Chic Maternity / Earrings / Shoes / Necklace / Tights / Hat / Clock / Baby Play Mat / Baby Romper / Stuffed Zebra / Dog Collar / Collar Charm / Chair / Pillow / Rug
un Homme et une Femme
Could Anouk Aimee have looked more gorgeous in every frame? The long sleeve sequin dress... the crisp white mens-style pajamas... that fabulous suede and shearling coat... those eyelashes? Wishing...
Dress / Pajamas / Shearling Coat / Lashes Pin It Now!
What a terrific idea you have here! The way you deliver the information is really fantastic. Keep it up! Kindly visit our website too if you have some time. Thanks and have a good day!
ReplyDelete카지노사이트
https://yhn777.com 카지노사이트
Thanks for wonderful info I was looking for this information for my mission.
ReplyDeletehttps://yhn777.com 카지노사이트
Brilliant work! Hope you continue creating this kind of article. Try visiting our webpage.
ReplyDelete카지노사이트
https://yhn876.com/ 카지노사이트
I'm also inviting you to visit this website,
ReplyDeletegoodluck and enjoy .
Https://yhn876.com 카지노사이트