Pulling a Kendi

Ciao bellas and happy Thursday! Can I just take a really selfish moment and say how much I am loving my new hair?? Yes? Ok, sweet. I am loving my new hair! I was terrified to go short again (did it once in college and hated my hair and all pics of myself for months) but this cut is so.much.better! My wonderful stylist (Nuri Yurt at Toka Saloon- locals, go see him!) gave me the exact cut I was looking for -stylish but easy to maintain. The shape is flattering and I hardly have to do anything in the morning. I just dry, and it dries in 5 min versus 30, and go! It is awesome. Ok, enough rambling about my hair. Back to what truly matters: my clothes, obviously.

I'm taking a quick break from fashion week shiznit (specific show reviews to come!) to bring you a quick outfit post. I was invited on Monday to come shop the brand new Nordstrom Rack in Tysons Corner (which opened today!) and enjoy a few nibbles and sips while doing so. And let me tell you friends, shopping with a glass of champagne in hand is the way to shop. I didn't think shopping could get any better, but it can c/o the bubbly. Roommate and I had such a fun time sampling all the finger food and delicious drinks while wandering through the racks of incredibly-priced garments. I was particularly impressed with their selection of leather (including jackets and skirts), oxblood items (an oxblood leather pencil skirt was screaming my name but unfortunately I didn't answer), work clothes and denim. The designer shoe section was packed with goodies, too. I was so tempted by a hot pink pair of Kate Spade peep-toes but I resisted. I was hoping to have seen more peplum items, but I only saw a few in the junior section and I wasn't liking the fabrics on either. They were cotton, and I'm hoping for a thicker fabric. Hopefully I'll find a peplum soon that I can add to my wardrobe. I did manage to pick up a pair of dark green printed jeans (um hello two trends in one) and possibly the most comfortable boat-neck tee ever made! Roommate also scored a bunch of work clothes including a classy white and black cardigan that I will definitely be borrowing! Thanks to the Tysons Corner 'Rack for having us out, and also to the very, very sweet/helpful sales staff you have on hand! I will definitely be returning.

Dress: Urban Outfitters, Vest: Old Navy, Belt: Old, Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff via Bluefly, Bracelet/Necklace/Ring: Lia Sophia 

I totally felt like Kendi circa 2011 in these parking garage photos and I loved it! I mean who wouldn't want to feel like Kendi? And I even think the outfit might be something she would wear :)

I've kind of been living in this vest ever since it arrived. Do I feel guilty? Not at all. When a vest works, you let it do its thing. Can I get an amen?

Roommate and I had lots of fun browsing (ok, shopping) the awesome selection at the brand new Nordstrom Rack in Tysons Corner on Monday. It opens today so if you're a local head on over and check it out! Roommate and I both walked out with bags of great steals!

I cannot wait to pattern mix with this printed jeans and stripe tee very soon!

If you want to follow along with my event coverage in real time, or see snaps from my daily life (aka photos of my puppy usually) don't forget to follow me on twitter and instagram! I will have recaps from the Walter Baker, Rebecca Minkoff and Nicole Miller shows up on Sunday. Have a great weekend, dolls!

Bisous!

My first show: Hillary Flowers S/S 2012

Salut babes! I hope I am finding you pampered and relaxed after a soothing weekend. Did anyone else have as bumtastic a weekend as me? If so, I hope you thoroughly enjoyed it, comme moi. Honestly, I hardly left my bed, let alone my apartment. Roommate's fiancee was visiting, so the three of us did a lot of lounging around. We ate out a lot, laughed a lot, watched a lot of movies and enjoyed each other's company. They are one of those couples that rarely (if ever) make you feel like a third wheel. They are just easy to be around. And you can't help smiling, because you can feel how in love they are with each other. That is why it was such a joy to take engagement photos for the two of them this weekend! It was shoot one of many to come, and we had a blast. I by no means consider myself a professional photographer, but I am trying to learn, and I feel like I get a little better with each shoot :) I am happy with how these photos came out, as was the couple. They still need to be edited (tomorrow's project), but the originals were pleasing to all of us. 

I am closing in on the end of my "NYFW recap"series (I know I said there was only 1 more, but I lied: it is one more after tonight's post), and it is a good thing because I have several other things I want to share with you! So let's a get a move on finishing NYC, and try and catch up to present day, shall we? On my last night in New York, I had the pleasure of attending my first fashion show. The show was for a designer I was unfamiliar with, named Hillary Flowers. Outside of her designs, she owns a boutique in the lower east side and also happens to be a singer/song-writer. The show was hosted on the rooftop of the Dream Hotel, which had a gorgeous view of the skyline. I arrived very early (even though I killed some time hanging around the outside of Lincoln Center like an obsessed little puppy) for the show, but luckily I met some fascinating new friends, all with amazing stories to tell! It made my first fashion show a very memorable experience! 

My thoughts:

-Though the clothing was not particularly my taste, I did enjoy the bright colors, and details such as unique cutouts, and the shoe pairings. 

-I appreciated the fact that the collection was wearable, unlike many runway designs these days. 

-I enjoyed the ornate swim wear collection, and how much design work appeared to go into each suit. 

-The atmosphere of a show is more stressful than I had imagined. Everything moves so quickly and is over before you know it. If you aren't prepared, you will miss many shot opportunities. Next time I will be ready though! And I apologize for my poor pictures this time. 

-I loved the fact that the show was on the roof, but there were too many people there who didn't even know that a show was going to happen. They did not follow proper show etiquette and made it very difficult on those of us who were trying to properly photograph the show. 

-While I had no difficulty getting in the front door, my friend Alex had a very unpleasant experience, despite having registered for the show and having her confirmation. It made the evening  little less enjoyable, which is unfortunate. 

-Overall, the event had a rather disorganized feel, and didn't start until well after midnight even though it was advertised as happening between 11 and midnight. But I guess that is just part of the biz! I'll get used to it eventually :)

Like I said, I was a little obsessed with the skyline :)

The very fierce and stylish Carson! Enjoyed meeting you and chatting!

What I wore (Thanks Carson for photos): Dress; Alice and Olivia via Shopbop, Purse: Rebecca Minkoff, Watch: Michael Kors, Ring: Grandmother's, Earrings: Forever 21, Pearls: China, Nails (same all week): Essie Limited Addiction, Shoes (not seen): Aldo 

I ordered this dress (via a gift card from Tasha's giveaway!) specifically for FNO, and then wound up feeling self conscious in it when it came to the actual night. I just wasn't sure and I wanted to feel confident for FNO. I tried it back on, and with Hannah's approval, I decided it was a go for my first fashion event. I got quite a few compliments so I don't regret my decision!  

The amazing group I spent the evening with! 

One of my favorite dresses, and something I could see myself wearing

Loved the cutout back, and of course the Louboutins! 

My three favorites from the swim collection! 

My friend Alex is much more talented with her camera and got some great shots, which she has kindly allowed me to borrow. See her take on the show here.

This was my favorite piece from the collection! Sorry I don't have a front photo, but can you tell I have a thing for cutout backs? (photo credit to Alex)

I think this would be a darling beach cover up. (Photo credit to Alex)

This suit with angel wings combo was stunning! A lot going on in the suit. (Photo credit to Alex) 

For those of you who have been to shows before, do you remember your first experience? What was it like? Was it overwhelming at all?

Bisous! 

Girls Night Out

Greetings bloggity earthlings! Apparently I'm coming to you from another world tonight? Or maybe it just feels that way since I just got home (11:30 on a work night? Je suis folle!) from a fabulous evening with roommate at Shecky's Girls Night Out! We honestly had no idea what to expect, other than what I had learned from reading Ivonne's post on her Dallas GNO experience, but we had a blast! Free cocktails, Goody bags, makeovers and shopping were all on the agenda. What more could a girl want! And of course they have a red carpet where you just have to have your photo taken. That is basically what we practice for each day, right ladies? Yep roommate and I rocked that part, don't worry. I'll prove it to you in 2 weeks when the photos come out :) The best part of the evening though had to be when roommate and I accidentally entered a slumber parties contest, which we were totally unaware included "lingerie, lotions and vibrating toys" according to the sale lady. Oh, wait it gets better. When the lady proceeded to ask me if I'd be interested in hosting a party I guess my face was not able to conceal how it felt about this idea as the lady informed me that I had just "cringed" while politely declining. Gosh face, I can't take you anywhere! Check out the shecky's site linked above to see if GNO will be coming to your city. And if you've missed it already, don't fret- they will be back in the Fall. 

The only thing not totally great about this event is that I got home so late and I'm tired! You probably could already tell from this less than fabulous post you're currently stuck reading. So instead of risking putting you to sleep, why don't you scroll on through these photos I've got here and we'll just call it a night and meet back up tomorrow. Same place, earlier time. I'll be here, sharing the ever so awkward and awesome moments of my week. Oh Thursday how I love you now!

Dress: Betsey Johnson, Blazer: Elie Tahari, Belt/tights: Kohl's, Shoes: BCBG via Bloomingdales, Jewelry: gifted/borrowed, Purse: Michael Kors

Who doesn't want a little pink, ruffles and tulle for a Girls Night Out! The edgier shoes balance it out and I factored in a blazer to keep the whole ensemble work appropriate.

Roommate and I decided to take photos to kill time while waiting in line for our free makeovers. Long line, but worth it!

Trying to show off my new makeup, since I never know what the heck I should be doing with the stuff!

Look at me, look at me! I wish the makeup lady could come to my house every morning and HELP me! Ah life with a personal makeup applicant. How nice it would be.

The famous Goody bag packed full of, well duh, goodies!

And I was a good girl and limited myself to one purchase for the evening! I don't really have a lot of "bohemian" pieces in my life, and I felt like this was the perfect one to add. I loved everything about it: the vibrant hue, the funky pattern, the silhouette. The neckline is a little too " va va voom" for me, but that can be easily remedied!

Annnnnd roommate's a creeper :) What a nice way to end the evening. See you tomorrow, lovelies!

 Bisous!