Fall Cravings

Bon matin mes jolies! Ca va? Je vais bien, merci. Ok, I promise that concludes the French speaking portion of our morning. I was thinking the other day how often I greet you all in my made up languages/accents and how rarely I use the language I actually know. So I decided to say top o' the morning to you lassies in my beloved (wish it was my native) tongue, French. Of course, I'm too lazy to look up the codes for all the proper accent marks, so just pretend that my written French is belle, s'il vous plait. 

So as I've been getting back into a regular blogging routine I've been thinking about what I want this blog to be, and what I don't want it to be. I still want it to be a lifestyle blog (I've never considered it a fashion blog because the writing is rarely about the clothes) and a personal style blog, but I don't want every post to be an outfit post. I definitely want to continue with the Insta-life posts when I actually have interesting Instagram snaps to show you, as well as posts with photos from my everyday life, so it serves as a chronicle of this period in my life. But I'd love to get your opinions as well. What would you like to see more of?

*all images from Pinterest. Click each photo to see the pin*

   
I am in dire need of a large work tote that I can fit all my stuff in. Loving
the one on the left a la Liz. It almost reminds me of the Celine I'm coveting. 

 
Peplum, peplum, peplum. It is everywhere and as evidenced by the
SS 2013 runways,not going anywhere soon. I'm loving it in stripes and trendy burgundy shades.

   
There is no more fall-essential accessory than a jacket with leather sleeves for
 a total badass vibe! Seriously considering the one on the

   
I have been obsessing over forest green anything this season, especially when
it comes to accessories (nails, earrings, bangles etc.) Love the LC dress, too.

   

  What is more chic than a structured oxblood handbag? Answer: Nothing.
Which is exactly why that affordable beaut on the right is on its way to me right now!

So if I had it my way, each and everyone of these items would find a place in my closet this fall, but alas money doesn't grow on trees and I'm not made of it either. Did anyone else hate those two cliches as much as I did as a child?? So annoying. Anywho, I'd love to hear what you loverlies are craving this fall? Have you given in to any yet? What tempts you the most?

Bisous! 

 

Stripes, Denim and Baubles

Hola mamacitas! I have been in such a domestic mood lately. Cooking homemade soups, baking and wanting to experiment in the kitchen allll the time. It's not exactly the best news for my waistline, but it sure is yummy for my tummy. Ugh, is that not the worst phrase you've ever heard? Sometimes I wonder if I write this blog in order to rid myself of all the corny, cliche over the top ideas in my head so I can make room for the good sentences when I'm at work. Interesting thought, huh?

So big news in my life. I mean monumental. For months now roommate and I have been watching LOST. Neither of us had ever seen any episodes and her husband loves the show. He was visiting one weekend so we started from the beginning. We agreed to only watch it when we were together, so naturally it took quite awhile to get through. As of last week, we are FINISHED! I was almost nervous for the show to end because so many people were unhappy with the ending, but roommate and I were both very happy with it. And the best part is now I have my life back!! I know that sounds kind of crazy, but before we were so eager to know what happened in the show that whenever we had spare moments it seemed a given that we were going to watch LOST. Now when we have free moments they are free again and we get to fill them with whatever. Sometimes that it is movies (watching the Vow right now and wanting to bawl my eyes out) or cooking dinner or long walks with Eli. And they are glorious free moments.

Dress: Missoni for Target, Denim Dress: Charlotte Russe. Boots: Steve Madden, Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Necklace: Lia Sophia, Belt: Kohl's, Ring: Hautelook, Socks: DIY from old sweater sleeves

I have been wanting to try out this DIY since like May when I found the pin. But it wasn't boots season, so when I was cleaning out my closet and realized I had the perfect old black sweater that I never wore anymore, I snipped those sleeves right off and scurried off to don my boots. I adore the look of "socks" peeking out of boots, but hate the bunchy in my boots feel. Problem solved. Plus, we all know I love love love the black/brown combo!

I love stripes and denim paired together, so this was an easy combo. 

Roommate says I never do over the shoulder looks. So I gave her my best stuff. Not really sure what I'm doing with my hand though.  Come with me? Take my hand? Who knows!

Confession: This is the first time I have worn this Missoni for Target dress. Ever. And I bought it ages ago when the line came out. I bought it in haste without a trip to the dressing room, and it has always been just the tiniest bit snug around my belly. Since that is a "self conscious" area anyways, I never want to wear ill-fitting garments that highlight my troublesome areas or make me feel bad about my body. Fashion is meant to be fun and uplifting. So I decided the best way to hide that factor of the dress was to use it as an under layer. Enter my favorite denim shirt dress that is missing a button and can't be worn on its own until my lazy butt fixes it. And a perfect layered chilly day outfit is born!

So guess what I learned? I have two very different size calves, and my right calf has grown considerably since I last wore these boots :( I don't know if it is running or just general calf growth, but these boots used to always be nice and loose fitting without falling around my calves. The left is still perfect, but the right one was a little too tight for my taste. I hope they still fit over my skinny jeans! Anyone have tips for losing calf weight?? Haha.

I've been experimenting with different makeup shades to go with my new do, and today I wanted to try a bit of a vampier look. I don't remember the name of the lipstick but it was a Clinique shade and I really loved it- definitely a great fall shade. It's more Burgundy than bright red, like my NARS Heat Wave or YSL Golden Cherry.

In case you were wondering, this was a dad-approved outfit. He loves to offer commentary on my clothes (Have I ever told you about the time he kissed the top of my head as I was heading out on my first date and said, hmm well that smells..interesting? THANKS father for that round of paranoid insecurity) and thankfully, today was positive. He said he felt the layers were "fun" and the colors were just the "right amount." His suggestion was to "drape a scarf around my neck" but said "not with that necklace." I would have followed the advice had I not worn a scarf three days in a row already. P.S. You might start seeing more "dad style tips" as he liked the idea of being on the blog.

Bisous!

Snakes on Pants

Howdy buckaroos! How's it hanging on your side of the mountain? We are light and breezy over here. Sorry, I was just getting my "Mountain Woman"on seeing as I'm going CAMPING this weekend!! I may be a wee bit over excited, but this will be my first legitimate camping trip since I was, oh 10. I did the whole girl scouts thing (running around begging people to buy my delicious cookies wasn't really my thing. Why sell them when you could be eating them? I swear I wasn't a fat kid.) but what they called "camping" usually involved cabins or, worse, hotels. I've never even pitched a tent before. Oh, and did I mention there will be river tubing? And s'mores? S'mores people. Shiz 'bout to get cray. So look out woods, because here comes one over-eager camper heading your way!!

Last Thursday roommate and I were invited to check out a new salon in town, The David Rios Salon & Spa, and we had a bit of time to kill beforehand. I hate being the first to arrive to anything, and as we all know any soiree  in DC is going to start fashionably late. We happened to be near one of our favorite places to indulge in our favorite fall treat - spiced chai lattes! - so grabbing one was a no-brainer.  I was really in love with this sweater/jeans pairing (see captions below for five reasons I think this outfit rocks) so roommate was kind enough to snap a few pics for me while we waited.

Sweater: Old Navy, Jeans: Nordstrom Rack, Flats: Tory Burch, Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Scarf: Gifted, Bracelets/Ring: Lia Sophia, Watch: Michael Kors, Bag: theit, Mani: OPI Pamplona Purple

1. Pairing camel with jewel tones enriches both colors and allows them to really pop.

So you may have noticed that I wore this exact jewelry combo in yesterday's post, but I can't help it: I am in love with my Lia Sophia pieces. No, this is not a sponsored post and these items are not c/o items, I just genuinely love them! The pattern, the colors, the fit-everything is just perfect.

2. Pattern mixing is automatic win in any outfit, in my humble opinion. The snake print of the jeans looks almost small circles, which complements the larger polka dots of the sweater.

3. Silky scarves are the perfect early fall (read: still slightly warm) accessory. They add a hint of elegance without making you overly warm. I like to make a scarf my only neck accessory, and eschew necklaces for bangles, watches and rings.This particular one was a gift (thanks Rachel!!) and I wear it any chance I can get. It is a beautiful white/cream in between color and thus goes with everything. Roommate loves it too, so it was really a double gift from Rachel :) 

4. Mixing brown and black is one of my favorite fashion rules to break, and I loved the mash-up of the camel sweater with the black accessories: polka dots, purse (actually my camera bag) and flats.

5. This bag makes any outfit rock!

From NYFW to swanky DC opening parties filled with shmoozing to rocking plaid, sitting around a campfire telling ghost stories: I love my life!

Bisous!

Back to Campus

Good morning darlings! I hope you're feeling refreshed on this crisp Monday morning. I am not even remotely close to a fan of Mondays, but this weather makes me so giddy that I can almost forgive Monday for its horribleness. A cool breeze and the smell of fall in the air gets me feeling very generous and I start thinking how it isn't really Monday's fault that it has to follow behind the glorious Sunday and the all-star Saturday. I almost start to feel a bit sorry for poor Monday. Almost. 

Anyone have fun stories from the weekend? Keep em appropriate now, yall. If anyone went streaking this weekend I don't want to hear it. In fact, no one wants to hear it. I may have been on a college campus, living with messy college boys and attending frat-tastic parties (actually, they were athlete-tastic- much more my taste), but there was no streaking. Beer pong and the infamous chanting of "Keg stand, keg stand" (yours truly did not partake in the keg-standing) yes, but streaking no. How in the world did I even start talking about streaking? My brain is truly a mystery folks. I think the point of this whole story was I spent the weekend with my baby brother, who is clearly not a baby. I still cannot believe he is a college senior. I know this is a cliche older sibling thing to say, but it seems like he was just moving into his dorm yesterday. And now he is just 1.5 semesters away from being a college graduate. Sappy alert: I couldn't be more proud of the man he has become (actually, the man he has always been) and I am honored to call him my brother, my hero, my best friend. This year is going to mean big things for him, and I can't wait to watch his lifelong dream come true. Brother, you've worked your entire life to play professional baseball, and things are finally happening for you. No one deserves this to work more than you, and I can't wait to see it happen. Thanks for the awesome weekend, as usual and I'm so proud of you!

In other very important news, I wore some clothes last week, and I thought they were kinda cute. 

Dress: Old Navy, Top: Kohl's, Vest:Old Navy, Belt: Kohl's, Shoes: BCBG, Purse: Michael Kors,  Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelets/Rings: Lia Sophia, Earrings: Forever 21

This morning was the first day that truly felt like fall at a brisk 67 degrees, so layers finally felt appropriate. This button down paired with the maxi dress was a go-to for me last year, so I decided to update the look with my new favorite vest. 

The vest is quickly becoming the little vest that can as I wear it with everything! It is the easiest layering piece, and adds a fun new dimension to outfits. Although, I admit, sometimes it feels a little like a fishing vest. I ignore those thoughts though because I am deeply in love with little vest. 

I very rarely am carrying a bag in any of my posts, but this little number was my first ever designer item I bought myself, and it has been a faithful little pal. After two years it is still in great condition, and it goes with everything. 

Bisous!

Spring 2013 Trends: From the Runway

Aloha kittens! So confession time: I am a liar. I told you I was done with the NYFW posts, but that was  just not true. I just can't help myself- I have NYFW withdrawal. That, and I wanted to make sure you were as informed as possible about what you should be wearing this Spring and Summer (although judging by the last photo in this post that won't be including pants). You can take the girl away from fashion week, but you can't take fashion week out of the girl. So let's find out what you can expect come Spring!

 *See all NYFW coverage here*

All photos from style.com

We've seen leather all over the place this fall, particularly leather detailing, leather pants and leather pencil skirts. Leather won't be going anywhere for spring but we'll see it in more colors, flouncier skirts, sleeveless tops and even ombre moto jackets (photo from zimbio.com) From: Nicole Miller, Walter Baker and Tibi.



Old Hollywood glamour will be in full swing this spring with feminine silhouettes, fabrics and patterns. Think pleats, peplums, florals, lace, pencil skirts and full coverage dresses. From: Jill Stuart, Oscar de la Renta and Rebecca Minkoff.



Not really sure what I think of this crop top/bra top trend, but it definitely has a 90s vibe. I love the more subtle Rebecca Minkoff take on the trend, though. From Tibi, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Rebecca Minkoff.



We are usually inundated with colors for spring, whether it is pastels or neons, but this spring we will be returning to the classic black and white palette. White House Black Market should be thanking their lucky stars. From Lela Rose, Alice + Olivia and Oscar de la Renta.



This year's runways were filled with out-of-this-world prints, metallic sheens and cuckoo headpieces. I have to say, I totally dig it. From Alexander Wang,Nicole Miller and 3.1 Phillip Lim.



We are all familiar with trendy stripes, particularly on boat-neck tees, but this season we will be seeing plenty of stripe on stripe looks, so get to mixing those stripes babes! I am majorly obsessed with this first look and the last one reminds me so much of a Carrie Bradshaw outfit. From Thakoon Addition, Alice + Olivia and Michael Kors.

And one trend I could do without...
 

...leaving the house without pants. Vag shots are not cool people. Ever. Keep the pants ON! From Theyskens' Theory.

Of course we will still be seeing plenty of peplum, lace, printed pants and pattern mixing for Spring, so now is the time to pick up these longer-lasting trendy items. Alright loverlies, have terrific weekends and I'll see you around these parts on Monday. I'll be the one in clothes. 

Bisous!

Insta-Life

Ahoy mateys! Remember that time many moons ago when I declared it to be International Talk Like a Pirate Day? Well, turns out that is a real thing, not something I made up (who knew) and tomorrow is actually Talk Like a Pirate Day. All I have to say is arrrgh, why is all the rum gone? Savvy?  

I don't have all that much to say today, but I wanted to pop in and give you a little peek into what has been going on dans ma vie lately. Isn't that what Instagram is for anyways? I've been doing so much traveling and after-work events lately that I've been trying to make the most of my time when I am just at home. That has involved some pampering (haircuts, self-manis, shopping), roommate time (we officially only have one LOST episode left) and appreciating all that my city has to give! Oh, and there has been plenty of puppy cuddling time thrown in there. And this weekend I'll be heading down to little old Williamsburg to get a little QT with the brother. That will probably involve a lot of Sports Center, lounging and maybe a party or two. I'm sure you'll see it all on Instagram anyways :) 

 

Walking puppies in raincoats and sipping lattes with foam art on rainy days

   

Getting fall-ified with purple manis and a drastic new 'do

   

Nights spent shopping at preview parties and baking delish garlic knots

   

Enjoying everything my city has to offer, like fun color races with friends and Capitol sightings

You can always follow along with my Instagram adventures here, but don't do it if you aren't a fan of adorable little pups, because that is a lot of what my insta-life consists of :)

Bisous!