This is what dreams are made of

Hiya gal pals! How was everybody's weekends? Mine was perfection. That's right, perfection! I got to spend Friday with my two favorite guys and watch the Nats kick some serious Mets butt. And who doesn't like that?? And then I stayed up silly late (2 am) getting ready for my annual end of summer bash; which is why my weekend gets elevated to perfection status. Saturday night was the most wonderful evening with (almost) all my favorite people! I had Elon loves, my bros, and roommate and her hubby. Life really doesn't get much better than that.

So does anyone remember that time waaaaaay back when I said Pinterest had basically planned my wedding for me? Well, the little website that could seems to have done it again. This time I actually used it to plan a (gasp) real event, unlike my pretend wedding. And plan it well it did! I've never put to use quite so many of my "pins" in one occasion. From the menu to the decor, drinks and setting the mood, Pinterest was there to see me through the whole planning process. We even had fun jello shots (thanks Michelle!) and cute popsicles. I got so many compliments on the party, and it almost felt wrong to accept them. I felt like I was stealing all of my dear little Pinterest's glory. So, here's to you Pinterest. I tip my hat to you for making me look like a better hostess. You really know how to help me throw one kick butt party! Much love, doll.

Dress: Joseph Rikkoff, from mom, Clutch: LoveCortnie (check out her adorable etsy shop!), Heels: Not seen, Steve Madden, Earrings: Lia Sophia, Bracelet: Gifted, Watch: Michael Kors, Ring: Vintage grandmother's 

My mom found this beautiful and flattering body-con dress earlier this summer, and I had been itching for a chance to get all fancy dressed up.  I knew last week's CapFABB get together was just the moment. I paired it with my new favorite clutch from a local designer and oodles of gold accessories, including a gold sparkle mani. 

I was sure Neiman Marcus was going to kick me out for playing dress up in there $1800 Theory fur coat, but I couldn't help myself. 

I'm in a box, I think? I really don't know what to say about this one other than there was champagne. Enough said. P.S. This picture makes me want to head to a salon RIGHT NOW and get those horribly grown out roots fixed PRONTO! 

Oh you know, I'm a model. 

Showing you the fashions of fall. Take note of the leather accented pants and the smoking slippers. 

In case you wanted to know what I look like doubled over laughing. You're totally welcome. 

Bisous!

Chicks, Sips and Kicks

Bonjor kittens! Happy Friday! My favorite day of the week. Actually, that is a bold face lie, especially considering I told you just last post that Sundays were my favorites. Friday is definitely up there on the list of favorites, but Sunday is more favorite (name that line. go). Let's not mention this little white lie to Friday, though. He and I have hit a rough patch, and I just don't need any more Friday drama. I know I can count on yall!

This week was one of the most insanely busy weeks I've had in a long time, but it was filled with all fun post-work events so I really can't complain! Wednesday night, I dressed myself up in my newest fancy dress, favorite gold heels and lots of gold accessories, and marched my behind right on over to the Neiman Marcus CapFABB get together! Well, first I picked Rachel up at the metro, and then we marched on over. Tandem marching is really the only way to go. Per usual, the CapFABB girls put together a first-class all the way evening, complete with munchies, champagne, baubles to play with, a fashion contest and oodles of outfit inspiration from all the District fashionistas! This was one of my personal favorite looks, as it could so easily be transitioned straight into fall. We got to browse all the hottest trends for fall, including my new obsession: leather. Leather pants, leather skirts, leather accented jackets, leather everything is what fall will bring and I can't wait! Good thing I scored this awesome Alice+Olivia camel leather mini at Secondi, one of the best vintage stores in DC. Along with leather, I can't wait to see shades of green everywhere, structured oxblood handbags and funky brooches. That last one is something I've never given any thought to, but they are going to be huge this Fall and I can't wait to raid my mother's stunning vintage collection! I'm still up in the air on how I feel about smoking slippers, and the continuation of menswear inspired clothing. I guess we'll just have to see how it plays out!

I know deep reds and shades of green are in for the fall, but I'll never stop loving cobalts and jewel tones! Especially for bangles, my jewelry love. 

I am head over heels ga-ga for this leather combo Theory dress! I seriously wanted to whisk it away to NYFW. But, alas, the $355 price tag halted any and all dreams I was having. Click on it though if you are lucky enough to be able to afford it! And then send it straight to me, um k? 

Again with the leather details. As you can see, I am obsessd. This jacket makes me think Chanel meets Biker. Haha. 

Delicious food and champagne were on tap for the evening. 

I honestly am not sure how I feel about the smoking slipper. I think it can work, but I'm not sure its for me. If i do try it, I think it will be in leopard from, rather than this spiky slightly terrifying version.  

These were our models for the night. Two teams of girls dressed them in their take on fall fashion and competed to see who had the best look. I felt look 2 (left) was the most trendy, but look 1 would be some thing I'm more likely to wear. You can't see pants very well, but look 2 s wearing printed skinnies and look 1 is wearing leather pants. 

Cherry lips+brooches add drama to fall looks

All I kept thinking when I saw this bowl of baubles was, "ladies of NY, frost yourselves!" Name that line. Go. 

This is how Neiman Marcus was decorated when you came up the escalators- thousands of butterflies! It was like walking into a butterfly-infested heaven. 

My partner in crime for the night! Thanks Rach for joining me and partaking in the champagne game with me :)

I took way too many photos at this fantabulous event for one post, so full outfit photos/photos of our ridiculousness will come later! Have a fantastic weekend, dolls! 

Bisous!

Purple jeans, mint jeans, blue jeans.

Happy Sunday bellas! My favorite day of the week. I can lay around and do nothing, stay in my PJs way past the socially acceptable hour and not feel one iota of guilt.

So, confession time (have you been missing my myriads of confessions?? I thought so) ladies. I have a new addiction, and I don't even want to try and break it. We all know that I've been hopelessly addicted to shoes since, well, forever. But now we have to add another one to the list: colored jeans. Yep. I'm on board the can't-get-enough-colored-denim train and it makes me wonder why I haven't hitched a ride sooner. Now, I really shouldn't need to convince you of their genius-ness by now, but just in case I do, I'll give it a shot.

1. They are jeans. But fancy pants jeans. Need I say more?
2. They add an instant pop to your outfit. Say you want to wear your favorite basic outfit: jeans and a tee. But you want to step it up a notch? Grab your mint/violet/electric blue/hot-rod pink pair of colored jeans, throw on your basic tee and poof. You're a style goddess. 
3. They go with everything. Yes, everything. Don't believe me? Throw on a chambray. Works. Try animal print. Works. How about color-blocking. Double works. I am telling you, they are the boyfriend blazer of pants. 
4. People stare at you. Ok, so sometimes they are staring because you stick out in the sea of black and navy that is my city, but I choose to believe they are staring because my awesome bootay looks even better mint-colored than it does denim-colored. Yes people, these are the little lies I tell myself, and I feel no shame. 
5. How can you not feel good about the world when your legs are clad in hot pink? I dare you to try and tell me you don't smile more. Go. Go now! 

I'm Laura, and I approve this message. 

Tank: Banana Republic, Pants: American Eagle, Flats: Express, Sunnies: Marc Jacobs via (insert online sample sale site that I can't remember here), Necklace: Lia Sophia c/o South Moon Under, Rings: Lia Sophia, Watch: Michael Kors

Oof I need a haircut! I keep putting it off because I don't know what I want to do with it. I know I want to take off quite a bit of length, but I don't know if I can handle going "short" again. I'd really like to play with the color too. This is my inspiration but I am not sure if I can pull it off. Thoughts? 

Yes, I've fallen prey to the obsession with colored denim, along with the rest of the world. My collection now includes pink, red, blue and these (thought they were mint) green beauties. 

I felt like my color combo was a little fall-y today, but something about it really struck me. as right, so I went with it. I'm all about trusting my instinct these days. My instinct may be leading me to try rocking an old dress of my mother's as a belted navajo-inspired maxi. Now you tell me, should I listen or run far, far away? Also, not sure if you have noticed but I am getting way better with this whole lipstick wearing thing!

I've never been much of a jewelry girl, but lately, try and stop me! No, seriously, someone please stop me because I can't seem to control the shopping. Probably doesn't help that I keep going to Lia Sophia parties and wanting EVERYTHING!! (P.S Those things are fun, right??) Anyways, this necklace has been a favorite of mine since I found it nestled in my press bag from an event I went to months ago with South Moon Under and SpicyCandyDC. To say I am smitten is an understatement. It is way more stunning in person, and I always get asked where it is from. 

Oh, P.S. If you are a colored-jeans-aholic, too, but need a little inspiration as to how to style them, definitely tune in on Wednesday for the 5 Ways Wednesday: Colored Jeans edition!

Bisous!

Dressing for the mood

Hiya pals! What's on the docket for the weekend? Brunches? Parties? Shopping? Come on, I want the juicy details! I plan on getting some sun, enjoying quality time with brother and roommate and nomming some s'mores. Oh, and doing some major screaming. Did I mention I was heading to an amusement park? For work? Ya, it is a tough life dudettes but someone has to do it. Brother and I are kind of roller coaster freaks, so when I heard there was an opportunity to write a story on historical theme parks, take a road trip to Pittsburgh with friends, ride some rides and camp out, I was in like woah. And when I'm in like woah there is just no stopping me.

After my lovely little ramble about change, inspiration and personal style yesterday, I felt like I needed a pick me up. I don't know about you ladies, but most of the time I dress to suit my mood. If I feel bright, I'm going to wear my favorite neon pink pumps. If I feel fancy, lace dress here I come. If I feel sick, PJs will be just fine. But when I've got a case of the mean reds ("No the blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The men reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of."Name that quote. Go.) the only thing that can chase them away is a fantastic outfit. In that case I'm not dressing to suit my mood, but to determine my mood. Big difference, and the latter feels empowering. So yesterday morning I woke up feeling quite uninspired and knew that the only cure would be a hot pink blouse, sequins and killer pumps. And you know what? It worked. I had a productive day at work, a terrific run with roommate and woke up this morning feeling awesome. Don't even try to tell me fashion is silly or pointless. Fashion, as the wise Miranda Priestly once said, "is the art we live our lives in" and that is meaningful. The right outfit on the right day can make a difference, even if it is just changing my outlook for a moment in a day. It matters.

*please excuse the blurriness of the first three photos! camera difficulties*

Tank: Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's, Blouse: Kohl's, Skirt: J. Crew, Shoes: David's Bridal, Necklace: Forever 21, Watch: Michael Kors,Bracelet/Earrings: gifted, Rings: Lia Sophia/grandmother's, Manicure: Essie Mint Candy Apple

Sometimes a girl just needs a little sequins, pink and lace in her life. 

So remember how yesterday I told you I was into simple, no muss no fuss outfits? Well today I woke up and I wanted flair! I wanted bright and fun. Pink and sequins seemed to do the trick.  

I am absolutely in love with the color mint lately. I love it on my nails, in clothing, jewelry, everything! It seems more springy than summery to me, but I just love it and can't get enough. 

So these lovelies are actually my bridesmaid's shoes from roommate's wedding! How awesome is that. I might have picked them out :) I got a lot of complaints from the 11 (yes, there were 12 of us!) other BMs but I secretly kind of didn't care. I loved them immediately and knew I would wear them all the time after the wedding. 

Bisous!

Style Musings

Hola mamacitas! How is everyone feeling on this fine (read: blisteringly hot) August Wednesday? Cool, I hope. I am so ready for my favorite season (fall, of course) to bring a welcome reprieve from this heat. I am just 6 weeks out from my second half-marathon, and I am not even close to ready thanks to my lazy butt not wanting to do anything outside for more than 2 minutes. But tonight I will run. And since everything you read on the internets is true, I must do it! See what I did there? Using the internets to trick myself into being healthier. Win. 

I've been thinking a lot lately about change. For a long time I viewed it as the dirtiest of dirty words, and avoided allowing it into my vocabulary at all costs. I was content with what I had; what I knew. I liked routine and predictability and any hitch in my precious plans could send me into worry-mode overdrive. But now, I find myself yearning for change every day. Don't get me wrong, I love my life. I love where I live, the people I've surrounded myself with and the career path I am doggedly pursuing. But at 24 (not exactly over the hill, I know), I'm not sure I am totally where I want to be. I don't feel particularly settled or accomplished, both feelings I was sure I would have at 24. I've been providing for myself for about a year and a half, which is both amazing and scary depending on which day you catch me, but I don't feel like I have taken many risks. I've stayed close to home, fearing what it would be like to live anywhere besides my beloved DC, and I've always taken the safe path in my career- the steady paycheck. Now, as I find myself applying to jobs in places like New Orleans and San Diego and Boston, I realize that I am ready; ready for the adventures I thought I'd have had by now, and ready to throw myself out of the nest and hope I can fly. I remember when the thought of studying in Paris was terrifying and how I almost didn't go. I was a few tears away from missing out on the best experience of my life, all because of fear of the unknown; fear of being with just myself. I made the right choice, the best choice, four years ago when I got on that plane (even if it was with tear-stained cheeks) and I want to make sure I make that choice again.

You are probably wondering what business this ramble has on a style blog, but the beauty of it being my style blog is I get to write whatever rambles I want to :) But in actuality, this concept of fearing/embracing change applies to my style, too. Lately I have felt very "unstylish" all because I've been drawn to simple style; outfits that are made up of only one or two pieces and can be thrown together with barely a thought. No layering, no crazy pattern mixing or unexpected pairings. Just a classic pencil skirt and blouse or flattering dress for work, and my go-to mint shorts with a tank for weekend wear. Whether that stems from wanting to be as cool as possible in this miserable heat, my inherent morning laziness or if that is just the direction my style has gone, I honestly can't tell you. But I am determined to embrace it, because I am realizing that personal style, by definition, can't be unstylish because it is my style; my preferences, my tastes and a reflection of my personality.

And to top this whole thing off, I had an interesting moment a few nights ago. I needed a stand-out outfit and I felt like I had tried on every "fashionable" combo in my closet and all fell short of my expectations. In the end, I wound up in an outfit that I was pleased with, and even got me a few compliments at the party I attended. And what outfit was it? One that was one of the first outfits I ever showcased on this blog, nearly two years ago.So maybe nothing has really changed all that much anyways.

The outfit photo from two years ago. For some reason, this outfit has always made me feel a bit like this. Except less sexy.

Oh, I wore these shoes instead of the black ones last night.

I'm not sure if I've done anything other than talk in circles, but I feel better at least having gotten these thoughts out somewhere other than the jumble that is my brain these days. Thanks for giving me a place to do that. And if any of you have words of wisdom or encouragement about how best to accept change, in all walks of life, I'd love to hear them!

Bisous! 

Insta-beach

Evening ladies! I hope you've all had a wonderful week and are busy planning your fantabulous weekends. I'm still reveling in the glory of my beach getaway that was pure bliss and haven't been able to pull myself out of the beachy haze just yet to make plans for this weekend. So for now, indulge me a little and let me reminisce. I'll entertain you with a healthy dose of Awkward and Awesome! 

Awkward: 

- My recent bus rides home have been a wee bit crowded leaving standing room only. I try and remember to wear flats to make balance easier, but my post-beach brain forgot and wore one of my highest pairs on a day the bus was sardines-in-a-can (aka jam packed)! Trying to hold on and balance in 4 inch stilettos as the bus bumps along the hilly roads of upper Georgetown turns a bus ride into a workout. Well, on this particular day I was just plain tired, and not holding on very well when we hit an usually large bump. And what do you think happened? Because it is my awkward life, I toppled right on over into the seat I was standing next to... and right onto a little old man's lap. Yep... that's my life. 

- The fact that I am a blogger who doesn't know how to post Instagram photos to blogger... #embarrassing #firstworldproblems

- Discovering on Tuesday morning that I had left my deodorant at the beach. Then discovering it was 90+ degrees that day. And our usually frigid office was unusually hot. Aka I wasn't smelling pine fresh, and since I was meeting friends at the Nats game that night, I was kind of hoping to smell somewhere in the ballpark of decent. To top my stinky self off, there was a cute boy involved in the baseball festivities. 

- Having to admit to you that I wore sneakers with a dress today. Yes, I feel 50 shades of shame. Yes, it was forced upon me. No, I'll never do it again. Phew, I feel better getting that off my chest. 

For me, no beach day is complete without a page-turner, water and plenty of sunscreen. Oh, plus a great beach companion, aka my bff/brother. 

Punchy pedicures and feminine bikinis are definite beach essentials.

I was quite happy to have a driving-buddy for my six hour drive home after an exhaustingly-fun beach weekend. He was a liiiiitle sleepy though :) But it was all worth it to be home and cuddling with that face!

Awesome: 

- Beach weekend with the best people I know. Drinks were shared, laughs were heard and memories were most certainly made. I live for the nights I'll always remember with people I could never forget. 

-Quality time with my bro on our long drive together. We had one of the best conversations we have ever had, and it gave me new insight into his life and feelings about baseball I never knew he had. 

- Frozen yogurt meetings. Seriously, there is no better meeting than one that involves shoveling in spoonfuls of cold, yummy goodness topped with fresh fruit and catching up with old co-workers/friends. 

- Summer nights filled with ballparks, outdoor concerts and movies on the Mall. Is there anything better than Summer?? 

Bisous! 

It Happened One Night

'Ello poppets and happy August! Seriously, this summer is whizzing by. I feel like it was only yesterday that the oppressive heat-wave-that-won't-stop rolled in. Oh wait...

Last Wednesday I popped over to the National Mall with two of my best friends to chat and catch a flick. I could list a million and one reasons why I love my city with all my heart, but instead I'll just give you four words: Screen on the Green. As one of DC's most beloved summer traditions, movies are projected on a giant screen set up on the Mall. It's completely free and you bring a blanket, food, drinks and great company to enjoy a care-free night. The movies usually start around dusk, and some crazy people show up as early as 5 PM with gourmet feasts and classic games like Cornhole. This summer our choices were Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, It Happened One Night (our pick) From Here to Eternity and the terrified-me-to-ever-take-a-shower-again classic, Psycho (catch it next Monday if you live in the District). If you're a local and have never been, get your bootay there ASAP! You'll feel transported back to nights of summer camp where you had nothing to think about beyond how gooey you were going to make your S'mores later that evening.

I promise to never take for granted how blessed I am to live in the city where I can see this majestic building, where my freedom is fought for every day, from almost anywhere I go. How cool!

It gets quite packed!

This girl means more to me than I can ever truly say. She has been the best roommate, friend, sister-without-the-fighting that I ever could have asked for. It was an honor to stand beside her (actually we sat, haha) as she became a wife in June, but I'll miss her desperately when she has to leave me and move to Texas with a boy. Love you forever roommate!

Our grand feast of sandwiches, cookies, nuts, mozzarella caprese, crackers, bean dip and a little vino, bien sur!

There is nothing better in this world than fresh garden-grown tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on a hot summer night.

Love my Mel!

We had quite a bit of time to kill before "It Happened One Night" finally started playing so of course, I made everyone take a bajillion photos. But it gives me a chance to show off my hot friends and brag about how much I love them! These two ladies and I have gotten a lot of time together this summer (finally!) and boy has it been a blast! Every time we hang out we have amazing food, drinks and conversations and it reminds me how I am surrounded by incredible people! Thanks Sam and Mel for being lovely.

Still waiting....

And then things got a little silly. But in case you were wondering, roommate, you don't need dental work. You're sooo beautiful :)

Sorry for the photo overload, but sometimes you just need to over-document amazing nights, so you can remember every detail in the years to come! And this was definitely one of those no-frills summer nights that for no real explainable reason was perfect and unforgettable. It feels so good to just sit out with friends, not worrying about anything and smile and laugh. So here's to you Summer, for making nights like this possible, and to the company who make the summer nights worth remembering!

Bisous!