Apple Picking Good Time

Bonsoir bellas and happy Thursday! How were those weekends? (Yea, I've been working on this post for so long that I still intend to ask about your weekends even though we are almost at the next one!) Marvelous, I hope. Mine was essentially Fall perfection wrapped in ribbon with a bow and cherry on top. Ya folks, it was that good. If you were watching a romantic comedy set in Autumn, you could basically have been watching my weekend. But replace the handsome dude with some seriously rocking girlfriends and voila. There was celebratory margaritas, brunching, mimosas, drives into the country, apple picking, laughing at our apple-failures, wine tasting, views of vineyards, more wine-induced giggling, hay rides, pumpkin picking, lots and lots of apple cider and a haunted corn maize. Does it get any better than that? I vote no.

As I am writing this and reflecting not only on last weekend which I considered perfection (minus the horrifying Nationals loss) but also on all of my recent "perfect" weekends and adventures, I realize that they have one very important thread in common: my roommate. Folks, if you're not into sentimental girlyness, tune out now, because oh its coming. My wonderful roommate married the man of her dreams this summer, and they have unfortunately had to live apart for many months due to his military training. In December they will finally get to move in together. Though I am incredibly happy for my friends, I am selfishly very sad to be losing the best roommate I could have ever asked for; she's the most amazing running buddy, the best cook, the most fun person to stay up late watching movies with, the girl who makes me laugh like a hyena, my "person", the roommate who does unexpected sweet things like make my coffee in the morning or leaving me a piece of turkey bacon cooked exactly the way I like it (and I am so picky on turkey bacon), the one who "gets me" better than anyone, and the girl who somewhere along the way seamlessly became family. If you're a How I Met Your Mother fan, she's the Marshall to my Ted, though I can't say we've ever dueled with swords over our apartment before. Possibly because its a crap hole and neither of us wants it. Anyways, back to singing her praises.Sam, if you see this I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the last 4 years. Our memories in Paris (so, tell me about your life) and after will forever be some of my favorites of my entire life. And though I know it will be different not seeing each other every day and laughing over our crazy antics I don't doubt for one second that we will be any less important to each other. Whether you're next door or across the country, you'll be my family forever and we'll always make time for family :) I can't wait to come visit you in good ole Texas and hopefully find the perfect pair of cowboy boots!!

Wondering aimlessly around this place snapping pics while roommate and friend found the perfect apples for our soon-to-be apple pie= fall perfection.

Sweater: Macy's, Leggings: American Eagle, Boots: Steve Madden, Purse: Forever 21, Necklace/Bracelets: Lia Sophia, Watch: Michael Kors, Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Jacket (later pics): Century 21 NYC

I discovered that an orchard is a photographer's dream and nightmare bundled into one. The scenery is stunning and the fall colors magnificent, but the shadowy lighting can be such a pain. Good time to practice, though!

I had been wanting to wear this get up ever since the weather dropped, but can not bring myself to wear leggings to work, so I waited for the perfect weekend activities and when brunching with the girls, apple picking and wine tasting in the country appeared on my calendar, I knew I had found the perfect weekend trifecta to throw this on.

The only challenge to apple picking was that we went at the end of the season and the only apples left were at the very tops of the trees. Did I mention we didn't have one of those apple grabber stick things? And yes, that is the professional name for the device in case you were wondering. You're so welcome.

I am a little obsessed with (yet another) this Lia Sophia necklace. It is the perfect piece to add a pop to basic pieces like this cashmere sweater. Plus, I'm obsessing over all things green this Fall.

Every time I turned around I felt my breath catch as I was stunned by the views. I love that I can get this incredible view just an hour away from my beloved DC.

See how many apples had fallen. It was such a shame to see so many apples go to waste.

Remember how I said we didn't have an apple picker? Roommate solved that by climbing and hanging from trees. That definitely isn't against the rules... But girl knows that when life hands you hard to reach apples, you do whatever you gots to do to make an apple pie!!

What can I say? It was the perfect day.

Darling roommate and a friend that was visiting us!

So I raise my proverbial glass to the best gosh darn roommate a girl could ask for. You have no idea how much you'll be missed now that you have to go live with a boy. Here's to the nights that I may not always remember (we know I am secretly losing my mind) with the sister I could never forget. Love you Sam!

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!

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!

Taking to the Trees

Aloha girlfriends! I hope you all had terrific Labor Day weekends! Any fun travels or chic soirees? I jetted away to the Florida Keys with my bestie, roommate and roommate's hubby. I apologize in advance for the ridiculously goofy photos that are to come in future posts! It was my first vacation in two years and the first time this group has all traveled together. Suffice it to say, photo documentation of every aspect of the trip occurred. Sorry, not sorry! 

Alas, there is no rest for the weary (I know, you're feeling really sorry for my traveling self aren't you) over in this part of bloggyland, as I head out tomorrow night to NYC for FASHION WEEK! Woo! Well, for me it is more like fashion day and a half as I am only in town Friday and part of Saturday, but it is still my first time attending as an accredited member of the press and I am super syked. I don't have a concrete show schedule yet, but you can definitely expect photos and recap posts next week. Plus, I'll be meeting up with some of my dearest blog friends like Hannah, Alex and Nnenna so you know there will be photo shoots! And you can follow along with the fun on Twitter or Instagram!

Top: Old Navy, Pants: Rock & Republic via Kohl's, Shoes(unseen): Steve Madden via DSW, Necklace: Onyx Feather, Watch: Michael Kors, Mani: Essie Lilacism, Lipstick: NARS Heat Wave

To me, fall officially starts after Labor Day, so yesterday was the first official day of Fall in my mind. Thus, I more than willingly threw on my new Old Navy polka dot sweater and my favorite cobalt blue jeans and voila! I had my first fall transition outfit. The sweater is nice and light so it can be worn on these in-between days of September when it is still warm, but not unbearably hot. Plus, my office is always freezing, so sweaters work for me!

Take a long hard look at that hair because it is (hopefully) the last time you will see it looking like this for awhile! I have a hair appt. tonight for a cut and color and if I am brave enough and follow through on my plans, it will look very different!

Hey, that's me! In a tree! I had to run out to my mom's house last night to pick up my boo boo bear (puppy) and mom was nice enough to take photos for me! She was so cute, she said I want to be artsy- go get in the tree! I laughed, but I obeyed because she's my mother after all!

I missed this little ball of fur so much!

Bisous! 

Golden Rebecca Minkoff Opportunity

Greetings loved ones! For some reason anytime I use the word greetings, even if I am just typing it (and let's be honest, when do I ever say the word greetings??) I have to say it  in an alien voice. And then I start thinking all about UFOs and Area 51 and Outer Limits (yes, the roller coaster) and it becomes this whole alien affair. Yea, try living inside this head every day. It's a chore I tell you.

Since you probably didn't come here to discuss extraterrestrial life forms I'm going to go ahead and skip ahead to the clothes. My next few weekends are kind of cray cray with all the (very fun) travel plans, running escapades and end of summer merriment, so tonight I took time to chill out with roommate and another friend. What better way to relax before a weekend of beach lounging (tough life, but someone has to do it) than by sipping margaritas and gossiping over tortilla chips? I swapped my work-appropriate pencil skirt for more fun boyfriend jeans and glammed it up with my favorite (and basically essential as of late) Rebecca Minkoff accessories. And then we marched ourselves right on over to Mexicali Blues for some girl talk, libations and nibbles. Perfect way to pass a Tuesday night if you ask me!

Top: Limited, Jeans: American Eagle, Heels: Rebecca Minkoff, Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, Watch: Michael Kors, Ring/Earrings: Lia Sophia, Sunnies: Airport vendor (ya baby), Hair: c/o of a sock, Mani: REDSKINS colors! 

I have always shied away from boyfriend jeans, fearing that they wouldn't be feminine enough for my taste. But I have finally learned the secret to rocking the oh-so-comfy and potentially-very-chic style: accessorize with very girly elements. And what could possibly be more girly than a neon bag and strappy sandals! 

I should probably tell you that I have been basically LIVING in these shoes since I snagged them at an unbelievable price from Bluefly. I've worn them with colored denim, fancy dresses, casual summer dresses, to work, to parties etc. etc. And everyone LOVES them. I get oodles of compliments, my feet have never felt sexier and the BEST part... they are comfortable. I know, shut up right? I am serious though. Check out Rebecca Minkoff's summer sale to snag yourself a pair! 

P.S. Did I mention there's a sock in my hair? Yes, I am only about a bajillion years late to the sock bun party, but now I am kind of cool again because the trend seems to be slowing down, so I'm often the only one rocking it. Aka I'm a backwards hipster: I only jump on board once a trend is dead or dying... 

I can't wait to show these heels and this purse a good time this weekend down in Florida! They made the cut of travel essentials as soon as I saw them paired together in these photos. Also: See the Rebecca Minkoff bag styled for date night here. 

Ok ladies, I hope you thoroughly enjoy your labor day weekends! Stay tuned for lots more exciting travel news/posts, including fashion week tidbits! I'm off to get in some much needed puppy cuddling before I have to say goodbye to my baby for a whole 6 days :(

Bisous!