Somewear: 4th of July BBQ!

Cookin’ meat on the grill- what could be more American?  Tomorrow I’ll be attending a small BBQ gathering at my aunt’s house and while I won’t do much (well, any) of the grilling, I sure will look cute doing the eating!

• Anthropologie, Nanette Asymmetric Dress, $188
• Frye, Malorie Woven Ballerina Flat, Sale- $99
• Dara Ettinger, Daisy Necklace, $120
• Phoebe Coleman, Star Bright Stacking Rings, Sale- $111.38
• Elizabeth and James, Fairfax Cat’s Eye Sunglasses, $185
• Peter Thomas Roth, Retinol Fusion AM Moisturizer SPF 30, $78

Somewear: Cinque Terre Trails, Italy

Set on the coast of  the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is made up of 5 villages all very close together & connected by a walking trail called the Sentiero Azzurro (meaning Blue Trail).  I’ve heard to walk the whole thing it takes about 5 hours or so.  I’m traveling with a fairly leisurely bunch, so we might just want to walk the most famous stretch called the Via dell'Amore (Street of Love).  It’s between Riomaggiore and Manarola and is so flat & paved it could be walked in slippers or high heels!   

• LOFT, Ikat Shorts, $44.50
• Hive & Honey, Striped Tank, $29
• Bensimon, Tennis Flats, $57
• Sunday Riley, Cashmere SPF 30 Sun Defense, $125
• Ray-Ban, ‘Legend Collection Wayfarer' Sunglasses, $145

Helen Ficalora Store Opening

I’ve known Helen for about 7 years now from my days working at Lucky mag.  So, when I moved down south to Dallas last year and found out she was opening a store at NorthPark I was thrilled!  Though the store has been open for a few months now, her official opening party is tonight at NorthPark from 6:30-9pm!  I encourage anyone in the Dallas area to drop by for some light refreshments and dainty gold Helen Ficalora trinkets!  I mean, let’s not forget Mother’s Day is just around the corner!     

• Helen Ficalora, 14k Gold Rose Ring, $800
• Helen Ficalora, Alphabet Charms, $155-$165
• Salvatore Ferragamo, Loto Shoe, $162
• Presley Skye, Maxi Dress, $158
• Foley + Corinna, Disco City Cross Body, $198
• Ariel Gordon Jewelry, Iolite Hoops, $650
• Balenciaga Paris, Parfum, $50-$130

What to Wear When: You’re Walking Around Town (AKA- Could be Hit by a Car)

Listen ladies, I don’t know how many times I can warn you about the dangers of going outside your home not looking your best, but if repetition is what you need, then I will say it again.  Every time you “run out on a quick errand” and throw on your old college hoodie and Victoria Secret PINK sweats, just know that you are putting yourself at risk to run into an ex, see that cute boy you’ve been talking to at the coffee shop, or perhaps worse- get hit by a car and end up in the hospital having every nurse, PA, and ER doctor examining your granny panties.  I’m not trying to point fingers here, but this may or may not have happened to a girlfriend of mine.  And now that I know she wasn’t horribly injured (THANK GOD), it’s time to address the other serious issue at hand.  We’re all guilty of it.  I get it,  BUT just THINK about what you are wearing before stepping outside of your safe haven, because you never know who you’re going to run into or who might run into YOU!

• La Made, Elbow Sleeve Wrap Dress, $92
• Hanky Panky, Cross-Dyed Boyshort, $32
• LOFT, Metallic Snakeskin Print Ballet Flat, $44.50
• Tory Burch, Logo Crossbody Bag, $250
• Dogeared, Guardian Angel Necklace, $69.83
• Fresh, Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment, $22.50

Somewear: Wine Tasting Birthday Bash in Napa

My girlfriends are traveling to Napa to celebrate a friend’s 30th birthday and they weren’t sure what to wear.  A couple things I would like them to remember: a few “tastes” can add up to a few glasses, so be prepared to take a few spills, both onto your clothes and perhaps onto the floor.  I suggest rose colors to hide the evidence and flats to ease the fall.  Have fun and send me a bottle of your favorite! 

• ASOS, Colored Lace Cigarette Pants, $68.04
• Equipment, Daddy Blouse With Poppy Collar, $238
• Sam Edelman, Baxton Flats, $100.95 
• Alexis Bittar, Crystal Encrusted Extra Small Hoop Earrings, $145
• Laura Mercier, Lip Glace- Bare Beige, $22
• Wine Notes Pocket Guide Personal Tasting Journal, $5

Somewear: Tree Trimming

 
It’s finally here- THE MONTH OF DECEMBER!  Today is the first day where it’s officially not weird that I am listening to the Bieber Christmas album on repeat and buying excessive amounts of glitter balls.  Now, let’s just “pretend” that I haven’t already put up the Christmas tree and adorned my place with large metallic reindeer and and let’s just say that today is the first day I will start decorating for the season!  So, keeping all this in mind, I think that a little number like this would be the perfect outfit for such a tree trimming occasion!

• Ann Taylor, Merino Embellished Pullover, $78 
• LOFT, Modern Slim Leg Corduroy Pants, $59.50
• Tory Burch, Eddie Ballet Flats, Sale- $124.60
• Kate Spade, Putting on the Ritz Stud Earrings, $48
• Kara by Kara Ross, 14K Plated & Resin Bracelet Set, Sale- $160.99
• Z Gallerie, Eiffel Tower & Pocket Watch Ornaments, $8

What to Wear When: It’s Halloween at the Office

I know some work places get really into the holiday with costume contests and parties, and it all seems like a good idea at the time, but how do you really get any work done?  To avoid a costume that requires a huge wig, mask, or crazy make-up, but still keeps you within the holiday spirit, I think this “from your closet” cat costume is the purrrrfect fit.  Happy Halloween!

• Blank Denim, Vegan Faux Leather Skinny Pants, $88
• Laundry by Shelli Segal, Black Faux Fur Vest, $168
• Betsey Johnson, Glitter Critter Black Cat Stud Earrings, $25
• Leather Cat Ears, $7.99
• Chanel, Black Satin Nail Polish, $34.99
• Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mouse Flat, $135

What to Wear: From Airplane to Conference Room

Traveling for work can be tiresome, especially when you go straight from the airport to a meeting.  There are a few key things to look for when dealing with this type of scenario.  1. You need layers.  Planes are always freezing cold, so you need to be able to add and subtract to your look.  2.  You need an outfit that is comfortable, yet professional looking at the same time.  To me, wrap dresses solve this problem. 3.  You need a bag that is a big enough to fit your travel clothes in, but is structured and chic enough to carry with you all day long. 

• NY & Co, Wrap Dress, $59.95
• Diane Von Furstenberg, Flower Fan Red Wool/Silk Blend Scarf, $245
• Kelsi Dagger, Jordi Flat, $89
• BCBG, Black silk-cashmere convertible cardigan, $111.99
• Kate Spade, Cobble Hill Travel Leisure, $645 
• Lauren by Ralph Lauren, iPad Case, $118

First Day Back in the Classroom

My sister’s an elementary school teacher and she starts back to work next week.  She’s looking for a few cute, comfortable, and affordable outfits.  This number is just that, plus it’s professional looking and stylish at the same time. The cardigan is a perfect layering piece for when the air conditioning gets too frigid in her classroom and these flats are a must, since she’ll be on her feet all day.  This ensemb gets an A+ in my book.

• LOFT, Short Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress, $70
• Banana Republic, The Mad Men® Collection animal print cardigan, $90
• Mia, Parisian Flat, $69
• Gap, Flat Tote, $60
• Betsey Johnson, CZ Earrings, $40

Somewear: Masquerade Ball at The Joule

Tomorrow night, I’m going to a masquerade party hosted by my husband’s firm.  I’ve never been to one of these shindigs, but it’s sure to be a good time.  Of course, the attire I picked out is a little over-the-top, but just go with it.  This would be my dream number!

• Notte by Marchesa, Embellished silk-crepe one-shoulder gown, $990
• Manami, Masquerade Mask, $50
• Pantera, Metallic Snakeskin Clutch, $450
• Loeffler Randall, Lila flat, $295 
• Dara Ettinger, Nadia Stackable Druzy Ring, $70
• Kate Spade, Garden Stud Earrings, $48

Somewear: Birthday Dinner at the Neighborhood Wine Bistro

It’s my birthday- time to celebrate!  I’m going to dinner with friends, so to really stand out as the birthday girl (in case anyone forgets it’s me) I’m going to need to wear a bright color that pops and a statement necklace (obvi)!  Can't wait for a big glass of vino tonight!

• T-Bags, MaxiDress, $185
• Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, You've Really Got a Hold On Me Collar Necklace,  $395
• Rebecca Minkoff, M.A.C. Clutch, $295
• Forever 21, Black Ring, $4
• Koolaburra, Women's Tori Dip Dyed Open-Toe Flat, $95
• Clinique, Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm, $15

Somewear: The Mall’s Museums, Monuments, and Memorials

The Mall in DC can make for a long day on your feet, so you want to dress comfortably.  I love experimenting with colors in the same palette: red, orange, pink.  To me, it’s an easier way to step into the new color blocking trend, without going to extreme.

• J.Crew, Faded Chambray Shirt, $78
• Zara, Skinny Stretch Jeans, $60
• Norma Kamali, Square Cat Eye Zyl Frame Sunglasses, $250
• Anthropologie, Topstitch Fedora, $170
• Suzanna Dai, Malé Button Coral Earrings, $125
• Gerard Yosca, Cherry Red Bangle Set, $112
• NewbarK, Valerie Slipper, $455