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!

Jill Stuart, Son Jung Wan and Rafael Cennamo

Hello dollies! How are your Sundays going? Mine has been the perfect combo of lazy and worthwhile. On the lazy side, I woke up at 10, cuddled my pup and watched a lot of Netflix. But I also made homemade Parmesan garlic knots (yum!), picked up roommate from the airport (yay!!!) and got some blog work done (this post, duh). So really I'd call it a good day. Now if only my Skins could have pulled out a W for me :(

My second, and last, day of NYFW brought me to three very different shows from the uber-feminine, glamorous Jill Stuart to the playful, goddess-inspired Son Jung Wan and the quirky, futuristic Rafael Cennamo. My fashion week began and ended on a presentation, which felt very congruent and wrapped everything up perfectly. The glass of champagne courtesy of Mr. Cennamo was the ideal way to celebrate the end of an incredible weekend.

*I apologize, but my photos from this day are not the best. I'll be a lot better next fashion week!*

Photos by Style.com

This show was a perfect start to my Saturday as it was filled with beautiful fabrics, feminine silhouettes and a muted color scheme. Imagine a lot of old-Hollywood glamour and an almost bedroom-esque feel. I adored the champagne belted trench above and the stunning gold sequin gown. The pale pinks were gorgeous as well, and though the collection exuded sexiness, it was definitely kept PG-13 to appeal to Stuart's audience. Full show here. All photos below are mine. 

Jill Stuart knows her neutrals. In love with that champagne belted trench.

Nightgown or ballgown? Either way it is gorgeous. 

Kind of in love with this dress

Such beautiful neutrals in this collection. 

So Old Hollywood (ps please note the awesome neon pumps on my friend Ms. Arienne Thompson in the front row!) 

This dress works on the runway and in the bedroom, too. 

Final walk through

Photos by mbfashionweek.com

If Jill Stuart nailed neutrals, Son Jung Wan mastered electric colors, starting the show off on a bright yellow bang, and continuing with teals, purples and electric pinks. The Grecian gowns matched the goddess inspired hairstyles. The one thing that seemed out of place, though, was the three male looks scattered into the show. They felt basic when compared to her female looks, and the male vibe didn't feel fully developed. Wan seems to really have a knack for tasteful embellishments with her use of sequins, attache flowers and beading. See a highlight video here. All photos below are mine.

I loved the wearability of so many of the pieces in this collection. Who doesn't want to rock this on an early Summer day?

The ombre shades made for unexpected variety throughout the show. 

The details on this top were so ornate, yet tastefully done. 

This twist on peplum keeps the trend interesting and fresh. 

This looks like the perfect outfit to wear to a rock concert. 

Definitely one of my favorite pieces in the show. The colors, the cut, the way it moved, everything was perfect. 

I don't even remember this piece, to be honest, but when I saw the picture it felt really representative of Wan's attention to the details. 

Photos by zimbio.com

My last show of #NYFW was the perfect ending to an out of this world weekend, with the minimalistic meets futuristic Japanese-inspired collection from Rafael Cennamo. The glam mood was set with the dimmed purple lighting and champagne being served, and the out-there models wore very structured gowns varying from red carpet worthy ball gowns to cocktail attire. I don't really think I'd ever have an opportunity to wear designs like these, but I was a bit taken with the snow princess-like ball gown above on the left. It was simply stunning. See a short video of the collection here. All photos below are mine. 

The Rafael Cennamo models

How much do you love this structured take on peplum?

Not a fan of the bottom, but I love the top! 

For some reason this dress gives me evil rose garden vibes. I don't even know what an evil rose garden is. 

Doesn't this have a Mad Men vibe?

Sexy in a poofy cupcake way. 

Perfect end to the perfect weekend. 

Well this wraps up my NYFW coverage for now, and I feel so blessed to have experienced the whole thing. It was at times overwhelming, breathtaking and (excuse the corny cliche) an absolute dream come true. I have thought about being inside those tents for a long time now, and to have actually made it happen, well I can't ask for anything more, except maybe to be back in February :) Here's hoping!

Bisous!