Author Archives: Carly

Kids on the Computer


Monday mornings, especially after a long weekend (which I had), are always a little tough – so I figured a fun video could get you through your first cup of coffee.

Here is a classroom of first or second grade students in 1984 – when I was born – explaining to their teacher what a computer is.

My niece and nephew are about the same age, and they are so well versed in technology it is amazing what a difference 25 years makes.  Even more impressive is my 2.5 year old nephew who has mastered the iPad and Angry Birds…

This video is a delight; it is awesome in it’s simplicity.

We went to New York City this weekend on an impromptu trip – more details later!

Bridal Trends: Fall 2012


I have been married for nearly two years and for the past week I have reviewed more than 800 wedding dresses!  800!  (It is borderline insane.)  Anyway, the research came after Bridal Market, akin to New York Fashion Week for weddings.

I have identified many trends, and as a reminder, my rule for identifying a trend is that it has to appear at least three times, three times a charm (and a trend)!

Let’s walk down the fashion aisle together!

Color and Prints: The runway for Fall 2012 showed a lot of beautiful gowns that went far beyond the traditional bridal white.  I loved the unique patterned treatment in the Seeing Spots collection for a modern and sophisticated bride.  The dresses in Golden Moment stand apart for the bride who wants to make a statement.  The dresses in Black Magic  are for the bride who is fashion forward while abandoning tradition.

 

Shape and Design:  There were a lot of very specific construction trends I identified.  Starting at the top, several designers showed visible corset and boning construction, see The Core Set, in a way that was at once sexy and sophisticated.  The Mini to the Max collection is a favorite new trend, and is definitely for the bride that wants to stand out, it would make for a fabulous party dress.  The Tiering Down set  showed the very common trend of full skirts assembled from layers of cascading handkerchief hemmed chiffon and silk.  Thigh Do is a strongly contrasting look, cut close to the body – but not tight – the emphasis of this trend is all in the slit.  The Princess Bride set is significantly reminiscent of a famous bride from this year, it is full of volume, but still conservative and demure in the styling.

 

Details: Lots of trends were found in the little details.  A favorite new trend is in the Shoulder Moment, the design showcases the bride’s collar (always flattering) with a demure half sleeve in delicate lace.  Another very popular trend was the use of sheer fabric and netting to create illusion necklines and panels, as seen in the It’s an Illusion set.  Pockets are back, I don’t personally love this trend, because no bride is actually holding her keys in her dress, but I can appreciate a trend in Corner Pocket(3x is the rule).  Lastly, texture is key in the Light as a Feather trend; in seasons past runways were filled with oversized creped roses, I like the softer feather trend in this trend.

 

Do you want to say “I Do” to any of these trends?  Tell me in the comments!

Halloween DIY: Use Your Closet


Halloween is just two weeks away and if you, like me, want to look fabulous, without breaking the bank I suggest digging through your closet to build out a perfect (and cute) Halloween costume.

Let’s travel through cinematic time for our inspiration:

The 70’s

Shop: Jacket, Top, Pants, Wig, Hoops, Gloss, Slides

The 80’s

Shop: Sweatshirt, Leotard, Spray, Legwarmers, Pumps

The 90’s

Shop: Shirt, Pants, Wig, Lip, Nail

The 00’s

Shop: Tank, Tutu, Spray, Pins, Newspaper, Shoes

All of these looks are worthy of an evening of trick-or-treating, or a night on the couch with Netflix and popcorn.

What will you be for Halloween?

Butterfly Bash 2011


On Friday night (10/14/2011) more than 500 people, 60 organizations and 30 corporations came together at the Andrew W. Mellon auditorium to celebrate Fair Chance and its work supporting more than 50,000 children, youth and young adults at the 5th annual Butterfly Bash.

Fair Chance was founded in 2002 by Amanda Marshall, who spoke at the event saying, “When I started Fair Chance in 2002, my vision was to provide dynamic and passionate nonprofit leaders with critical business skills so they could not only help more children, but be around for years to come to support the families who were counting on them the most. And, it has worked! In less than 10 years, we have supported almost 60 organizations which in turn have positively impacted the lives of over 54,000 children in the communities of greatest need in DC.”

Amanda Marshall, Founder of Fair Chance awarding Katharine Weymouth, Publisher and CEO of the Washington Post and 2011 Butterfly Bash Honorary Chair

Also speaking at the event the Honorary Chair, Katharine Weymouth, Publisher of the Washington Post, and Co-Chairs Julie Maner and Megan Rupp.

The 2011 Butterfly Bash smashed previous years’ fundraising records, bringing in $200,000 including more than $22,000 raised in a live auction at the event. These proceeds allow Fair Chance to support an additional 10 organizations and the thousands of children they serve within the next year. Fair Chance has impacted over 54,000 children and youth living in Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8 and helped transform nearly 60 nonprofit organizations. The organization’s proven Partnership Program, provides more than 300 hours of free coaching and support to small, youth-based nonprofits helping them do what they do better and do more of it.

About the Event…

The Good: The food!  Great catering from Ridgewell’s Catering, particularly fabulous were the caprese skewers.  Also delightful were the take home treats from BLT Steak that were devoured before the valet arrived.

Take Home Treats from BLT Steak: 2011 Butterfly Bash

The Better: The set up of the room encouraged guests to mix, mingle and dance to the fun Jangling Reinhardts, the evening’s band.

The Jangling Reinhardts: 2011 Butterfly Bash

The Fabulous: A crowd that came to celebrate and support a great cause.

Saturday Wardrobe: Charity Event Weekend


This weekend we are going to the Butterfly Bash, a celebration and fundraiser of Fair Chance, an organization that supports entrepreneurial non-profits that benefit DC Youth. We have gone for the last two years – it’s a great reason to dress up, mix and mingle, and support a worthwhile cause.

The Butterfly Bash is one of many “events” in DC; in fact October is affectionately known as tuxedo month because of the sheer volume of events.  Luckily, tonight is more festive than formal so I’ll be dressing to match the cocktail attire description.

This is what I am wearing.

Saturday Wardrobe: Charity Event

Shop:Wine, Pumps, Halter, Skirt, Bracelet, Clutch, Gloss

For a cocktail party in DC – this outfit works.  It’s easy to wear, it’s conservative enough for DC and young enough for me.

For more information about the Butterfly Bash or Fair Chance.

Sequin Season


In the last show of Spring 2012 Paris Fashion Week, Elie Saab sent models down the runway in every color under the rainbow.  In the evening wear dresses and gowns they wore vibrant jewel tones.

Elie Saab, Spring 2012

The fall 2011 runways showed plenty of sequined evening looks, but if there is ever a time to play with the glittery stuff in color, it’s now, as seen on Martha Plimpton, Amy Poehler and Evan Rachel Wood at the Primetime Emmy Awards.

Here are the top picks to glitter into Fall.

Sequins for Fall 2011

Shop: Blue, Green, Bordeaux, Violet, Gold, Blue, Red

 

Are you ready to shine at this season’s parties and events?

Champagne Wedding Inspiration


Is there nothing more festive than Champagne?  It’s seductive and whimsical, it’s bubbly and sparkly, it’s celebratory and grand.  Just like this wedding inspiration board.

Champagne Wedding Inspiration

Source: Print, Gown, Dress, Tutu, Flutes, Bouquet, Centerpiece, Cake, Salad, Shoes

There is no greater time to lavish yourself, your friends and family with a little extra sparkle.  The Champagne toast, or Prosecco, or sparkling water is a mainstay in the wedding reception and so why not carry that moment throughout the entire reception.

This inspiration board has a softened neutral color palette of blushes, sages, creams and butter play beautifully with the sparkle and effervescence of gold.  As a play on the whimsy that Champagne often induces the traditional wedding mainstays are made playful with details like clever prints, rock candy in Champagne flutes, delightful snacks, glittering bows and fluffy flower girl tutus.

What do you think, would you be inspired by a glass of Champagne for your wedding?

Jacket Season


We’re having some warmer temperatures this week – not complaining! – but fall and it’s brisk temperatures and cool breezes is soon to come.  Let’s fashionably plan ahead.

A must have item (or items) for fall, is definitely the blazer/tailored jacket.  I am having a bit of a blazer moment. I think a fitted jacket is to your wardrobe what mascara is to your makeup collection, an instant pick me-up, and a polished finish.

Jackets for Fall 2011

The core of my wardrobe is a pair of skinny jeans and a tank top and I would wear all of these jackets with that base.  Swap out different shoes and accessories and I am set for the season.

Be school girl chic in traditional styles featuring tartans, plaid, and elbow patches.  The fit here is slim and youthful, too structured and boxy and it may look like you borrowed a Captain’s jacket.  Tip: Shop the boy’s section for a snug fit with this look. 
Shop: Plaid, Patches, Tweed
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Make a statement in jackets with details that speak volumes.  Play with bold and bright colors, beaded details, and rich fabrics.  Pair these jackets with simple pieces so as to not look overly done or matronly.  Tip: Shop vintage and thrift stores to find great colors and patterns at great prices, a simple tailoring can update the fit.
Shop: Pink, Beaded, Satin
 
 
Be stylish on the weekend in Saturday perfect jackets.  Easy to add to an outfit, and not cumbersome for weekend errands, these jackets are warm and made from tough fabrics: leather, knits and velvets.  Find the right slim fit, too big and bulky you might as well wear sweats.  Tip: Shop in unexpected places like the active section as many fitness/casual brands also add non-workout clothes to the mix.
Shop: Velvet, Leather, Trench

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What is your jacket style this fall?

Sparkle for Fall


I recently got my West Elm catalog and I was delighted!  West Elm, Pottery Barn’s more modern and affordable sister, is offering a Fall and Holiday collection that I am swooning for.  It has everything I could hope for, some whimsy, some metallic and lots of sparkle.

Here is what I am loving for my home for this fall.

In the living room:

I love the texture on these pillows.  The sparkle is a luxe touch to the natural linen and canvas bases.  How fun would these be on our couch?  (hint, hint!)

Sequin Pillows

These frames, also match a set of small boxes, they have a fabulous pebbled texture and could look sleek and fresh at home.

Shagreen Frames

For the table:

These plates were a guaranteed winner: letterpress and gold?!  Sold.

Letterpress Plates

Is anyone else thinking what I am thinking?  Appetizer and dessert party for the holiday season?

Dessert Banded Plates

Do you decorate for the season with color or more traditional touches?

Saturday Wardrobe: Football Weekend


This weekend my favorite college football team, The Miami Hurricanes, come north to Blackburg, Virginia to play Virginia Tech.  I am not going to the game, but if I was, this is what I would want to wear.

Saturday Wardrobe: Fall Football

Shop: Football, Belt, Boots, Jacket, Sweater, Cords, Bracelet, Scarf, Backpack

I love this look for a number of reasons, the colors, the fall textures and most of all, the functionality.  When you’re at a football game, or outside and standing up and down for 3-4 hours you need to be as comfortable as you are cute.

This outfit is easy to wear, and the girl in this look is ready for the pregame, cool in the huddle, and fabulous at the after party.

Go ‘Canes!