Author Archives: Carly

Be Engaging

Posted on March 25, 2011 | 1 comment

So, you’re engaged.  Mazel Tov!  Now what?

I was once engaged, and now have friends who are or who will be, and maybe you are, or you have friends/sisters/daughters who are or will be.  Here is where I am going to share some frank advice.

When you are engaged to be married, that is the time between “Will you marry me?” and “I do”.  You might have one of these on your finger, or a string, or maybe you’re not a ring kind of girl – hey, Carrie wanted a closet, no judgement.
Ali Fedotowsky’s Neil Lane Engagement Ring via Stylist.com
Anyway, after you move beyond the proposal and calling your parents, siblings, friends and families, there is a lot to do and consider.  The first thing to remember, tell people before posting on Facebook – some news is worthy of a phone call!

Take the time to enjoy your engagement.  Before buying a magazine, looking at dresses (this might be hard to resist), before even booking a date, take time to enjoy your engagement.  

Be silly, take kissy face pictures, talk with your hands more than normal, tell people you’re affianced, introduce your “fiancee”, get a manicure.

Happily Ever After by Essie
Taking time helps get you ready to plan, which can sometimes feel like the other definitions of “engaged” such as:
  • having ones attention or mind or energy engaged; “she keeps herself fully occupied with vendor phone calls and magazines”
  • involved in military hostilities; “she was engaged in a heated battle for the perfectly pink peony bouquet”
  • booked: reserved in advance; “she has engaged a room block at every hotel within a 10 mile radius of her reception”
  • busy; “she was engaged in all the planning, she forgot to work out, see friends, relax”
To the newly engaged meet some of my favorite friends on the Internet:

And when you’re ready to start planning and talking and looking for inspiration, don’t forget to come here!

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Posted in Advice, Her Weddings + Events, Life Lessons

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Lovely Lavender Eyes

Posted on March 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

Yesterday, Hollywood star, human rights activists and beauty legend Elizabeth Taylor passed away.  I have to admit, I have only ever seen one of her films, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.  However, I think her beauty, her marriages and her grand glamour have become the things of legends – so much so, that people “knew” her without ever really knowing her.

Taylor’s most standout beauty feature were her eyes, often called lavender or violet eyes they sparkles and seem to be the centerpieces for all of her beauty photographs.  In a very Old Hollywood way, before colored contacts, fake tanning and botox, a young Taylor was lovely with lavender eyes.

To bring a little bit of that color into your own life, and just in time for Spring, here are some favorites:
Lovely Lavender from L – R:  Plissé silk-chiffon dress by Alberta Ferretti at the Outnet; Brian Danielle Pink Amethyst Pendant Necklace at Max & Chloe;  Lavender Bloom False Eyelashes by Shu Uemura; Waterford “Alana Prestige” Pitcher at Bloomingdale’s; Sweet Lavender Silk Top by Catherine Malandrino; Color Design by Lancome; Natalie bandeau bikini by Lisa Marie Fernandez at the Outnet; Dried Lavender in Clay Pot at Pottery Barn; Barbet Long Dress by Odylyne at Shopbop; Williams Sonoma Essential Oils French Lavender at Williams Sonoma

May we all have a reason, even if it is a rainy Thursday, to be glamorous – just like Liz.

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Full Moon

Posted on March 22, 2011 | Leave a comment

This past weekend there was a “Super Moon” – the moon was 17,000 feet closer to Earth than it normally is, so it looked that much larger than normal. Sometimes the moon makes you do crazy things, this is one of those times.

(The picture, though a great study in contrast, does not fairly portray how big the moon really looked.)
On Saturday, we went with friends to Haine’s Point, the spot where DC’s two rivers meet and it must have been the full moon because we were inspired to try some new food choices, far beyond our normal menu selections.

First stop: Capitol Hill for DC-3, an aviation inspired, boutique hot dog restaurant from the guys that brought Matchbox to DC.  Each dog is inspired by a different location, the Cincinnati, West Virginia, or mine the Californian (no hot dog, just falafel and avocado).  
DC-3’s California “Hot Dog”
To be fair, hot dogs really should be eaten on the spot, either steps away from the grill or still within smelling distance of a street vendor.  Our hot dogs had to travel a little bit, so by the time we dug in, the bun had lost some of its bounce and the toppings melded together.  I wouldn’t recommend these for on the road food, but if I did go back, I would definitely indulge again in their fried pickles; the thick cut pickle coins were battered and fried and delicious.

Post moon viewing we looked at each other and wondered, “So, what’s for dessert?”  Never mind that between four people, six hot dogs, two orders or fries and a order of pickles had already been devoured, we were on the hunt for something sweet.

Perhaps it was the thrill of the moon, or the allure of sugar and butter, our next stop was Dangerously Delicious Pies in the H Street, NE.  Dangerously Delicious is a Baltimore import, and while pie seems homey, this is by all accounts homestyle pie with a bad-ass baker attitude.  No gingham, or girly cake plates here, we’re talking pies and skulls and cross bones, and rock and roll.  
Between the four of us we ordered, and shared the cherry pie (very tart), the mixed berry (perfect sweetness and bite), the chocolate chess and the Baltimore Bomb.

Baltimore Bomb
Baltimore Bomb is evidently a local specialty and has been highlighted on the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate” as a favorite of the Ace of Cakes, Duff Goldman.  The cake is a custard cake with Baltimore’s local Berger’s cookies “melted” on top.  It tastes like melted, ooey, gooey cookie dough – which is to say, pretty out of this world.  It is worth sharing with a friend.  While it was definitely a treat, I think if we went back that is what I would order again – I can bake a mean pie myself, so I like to try things that I don’t have the recipe for and that are, well, the bomb.

So, while normally I’m talking oatmeal, whole wheat flour and root vegetables, this weekend was one to indulge in and we took some time to howl at the moon, and quiet the growl of our stomachs.

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Posted in Her Kitchen, Restaurants

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The Difference between Boys and Girls

Posted on March 21, 2011 | 1 comment

On Sunday I woke up to see the following email exchange between Mark and his friend Nima, and then eventually Mark, Nima, his girlfriend and me.

Here is the difference between boys and girls:

Mark sends a date and a one word question.  Nima replies with a one word response.  And so now we have plans.  Needless to say my commentary in the email took more words than the entire planning process.

This email chain did two things, get me excited for dinner and make me laugh.  It has also made me start thinking about where, what we’ll do for dinner – but again, that might be difference between boys and girls.

Happy Monday friends,  look for a moment to laugh wherever you can find it.

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Posted in Her Inspiration, Her Kitchen, Restaurants

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Shop till you drop – and save

Posted on March 18, 2011 | Leave a comment

I’ll be working this weekend, but if you’re not, and you find yourself at the mall – don’t miss out on these great gear up for spring sales:
Great time to stock up on the “in today, out tomorrow” trendy styles for Spring
Nine West
Still lots of cute pieces up to 50% off and good to transition into a slow coming Spring at J. Crew, plus free shipping over $100.
Fall into the Gap (and Banana Republic and Old Navy) Give and Get is Here!: Enjoy 30% off from March 17-20 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we’ll make a 5% donation to a non-profit.
Also, take 15% off when you buy one pair of jeans, 25% off when you buy two or more pairs at Bloomingdale’s Denim Days 
Have a fashionable weekend – see you Monday!

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Posted in Budget, Her Closet, Shopping

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Kiss me, I’m Stylish!

Posted on March 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

Emeralds have favor with today’s leading ladies and have for long before (and presumably after) St. Patrick’s day.  The richness of emerald stones complement the complexion of today’s hottest stars. 


Most famously first seen on Angelina Jolie at the Oscars in 2009:
Angelina Jolie in Lorraine Schwartz via InStyle
They have since graced red head Julianne Moore at the Golden Globes in 2010
Julianne Moore in Bulgari via InStyle

And, a very blond Reese Witherspoon at the Oscars in 2011
Reese Witherspoon in Neil Lane via InStyle
These looks get their movie-star sized wattage from the simplicity of the design: a stud and a drop, and the mega-size.  In this case, (and with jewelry isn’t it often the case?), bigger is better.

So, perhaps you don’t have velvet rope access to Neil Lane – here are some looks for less:

Go Green, From L-R: Noumea Emerald Pierced Earrings at Swarovski, Courtney Lee Collection Emerald Brittany Earrings at Max & Chloe, Lata K Illusion Green Onyx Long Earrings at Max & Chloe, Nicky Hilton Sterling Silver Bullet Earrings with CZ and Green Enamel at Endless.com, Diana Warner Emerald-Cut Crystal-Drop Earrings at Max & Chloe

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Posted in Accessories, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Jewelry, Red Carpet

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Light as a Feather

Posted on March 16, 2011 | Leave a comment

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Inspiration can come from anywhere, a song, a season, and as we’ve seen here a dress.  Lately I have been piqued by the Beyond Vintage Feather Dress; in silk and dove gray it might be the perfect dress for spring and it would transition seamlessly, with the ease of a feather, from day to night.
Beyond Vintage Feather Dress at Barneys New York
Let’s see how a feather inspires an entire wedding scheme.  With the hues of dove gray, creams, golds and the softest shade of pink the look is elegant, sophisticated, soft and airy. 
Dove Grey Feather Wedding
 
Here are some key items that stand out and are easy to replicate for any space: the sweet gilded bird cage for cards, or best wishes; the long table shrouded in twinkle lights and branches; soft and feather light peony flowers; the soft glow of candle light; a feather detail on a boutonniere; the wisp of silk chiffon on a wedding gown; dainty feather earrings as a gift for the girls.

Inspiration can come from anywhere – I hope you are surrounded by things and people that inspire you.

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Posted in Her Weddings + Events, Wedding Inspiration

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A Fashionable Reality

Posted on March 15, 2011 | Leave a comment

So, last night brought us the conclusion of Bachelor Brad’s search for his forever.  Whether or not he found forever is yet to be seen.  What we did get to see over the last few weeks was the unique and very different styles of the contestants on the Bachelor.

As I mentioned to Julie last night, these girls are marketing themselves from day 1; they all have an angle, a story, a voice, a look and the wardrobes they assemble for the show are meant to highlight all of that.  
Here are the sartorial standouts from a season of “real girls” looking for reality love.
From L – R: Michelle Money’s favorite brand, Wildfox; Every contestants favorite accesory the drapey scarf; Shawtel’s ridiculously short Las Vegas shorts; Chunky turquoise jewels as seen on Michelle and Emily; Replicas of the Christian Louboutin pumps that Emily wore with a Forever21 dress; Michelle’s favorite accessory (besides a black eye, and sass) a purple zip up; Silk shirt dress a la Emily’s last day date in South Africa; The infamous Red Bikini, as styled for the Sports Illustrated shoot.

For an episode by episode run down of what the contestants wore and where to find similar items (the show was filmed months ago, many things are sold out) you have to visit The Possessionista, she has been a Bachelor fashion fiend.

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Posted in Her Closet, Shopping

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(Texas) Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Posted on March 14, 2011 | 1 comment

I watch the Bachelor.  
I watched when Trista met Ryan, the formerly chubby comedian, Jen, the football player, the actor’s brother, the British guy, Brad, Deanna, Jason – paused after Jason because it was so gross – Ali, and now back to Brad.  
I watch with my husband and my sister.  It has become something of a Monday tradition; three otherwise normal people completely engrossed in some producers’ idea of fantasy dates, and hanging onto every clue giving goo-goo eyed look, and promise of “I’m here for the right reasons”.
Mark likes to call it from the very first episode and on more than one season he has been right.  Julie and I watch for the subtleties (if you can call them that) in each date.

Tonight is the finale, and tonight Brad will follow his heart back to Texas with one girl as happy as can be, and another girl heartbroken – or at least reality tv broken.

Texas Pecan Shortbread Cookies
*Did you know that the Pecan Tree is the state tree of Texas?
1 stick of butter 
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup pecans (ground up in a food processor after 45 seconds)
3/8 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinammon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips


First I poured the flour into a pan and sort of toasted it a la Dorie Greenspan’s Roasted Flour Shortbread cookies.  Whole wheat flour tends to have a nutty flavor and fuller texture than traditional flour but the 5-8 minutes of “toasting” on medium heat seemed to really highlight that flavor.
With the flour off the heat add the the salt, cinnamon and processed pecans.  Pecans add even more flavor, they’re a good source of antioxidants and are low in cholesterol.  Hey, when you’re making cookies you look for the goodness anywhere you can.

In a medium size bowl cream the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla.  When the butter is sweetly yellow and fully incorporated and smooth add the flour mixture. 

When the flour and butter are fully blended form the dough into a ball and wrap with plastic and refrigerate for about an hour.  Truly, I don’t think an hour is necessary – it was late on Sunday night so 40 minutes worked just fine.

With the dough out of the refrigerator is going to be firm and perfect for cookie cutters.  Here is a tip, layer the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and first use your hands to massage it flat and then use a roller to make it thin (about 1/4″) and uniform.  The heat of your hands will warm the dough a bit, the roller on the dough, when it is right from the fridge, will crack it up too much.

I chose hearts, you know, Bachelor finale and all.  Set the oven to 300 degrees and bake for about 18 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

Allow to cool.  Then you can dip into chocolate, drizzle with chocolate or eat plain. 

I have my favorite in tonight’s finale, but I’ll tell you what these cookies taste a lot better than a rose and come with a lot less heart ache.  Enjoy the show and the cookies (they can both be a guilty pleasure!)

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Posted in Baking, Dessert, Her Kitchen, Holiday Food, Valentine's Day

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Bright, Left: Bright Shoes Make a Statement in Spring

Posted on March 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

Carrie, Dorothy and Carly all have an affinity for bright colored shoes.  Carrie’s pair went down the aisle, Dorothy’s went down the yellow brick road and my pair went everywhere.

Yellow Slingbacks via J. Crew, Photo 1313blog.com

For spring I am seeing a variety of bold and bright colorblocked shoes, let’s look at the favorites presented in order of boldness!

There are not for the faint of heart, they are wild, and will definitely turn heads.  Luckily, they are also under $100, so if you’re ever in the mood for a wow statement making shoe, that will only be worn a few times, let me introduce you to Jessica Simpson.
Vadio by Jessica Simpson at Macy’s
I spotted these yesterday and I was in love.  They have a tropical feel to them, a la Miami Vice, and I really appreciate the sturdiness of the heel.  If you’re wearing shoes like these you need to be able to walk, dance and show them off without breaking an ankle.
Wide Heeled Satin Sandal at Zara
These shoes by Nine West caught my eye in an ad in Glamour while killing time in CVS – with all of that sensory overload they still stood out.  I again like the sturdy heel, thick straps and what looks like soft leather in sweet, fun colors.  Do these colors remind anyone else of a belini, mimosa or margarita?  No?  Just me?  Moving on…
Stylin at Nine West

I have been admiring this pair for a little while now.  These are so simple.  A short heel, a black patent leather t-strap.  Oh, but what is that?  Peeking out in the back?  Hot PINK!  These are perfect with the season’s maxi dresses and skirts and a fabulous pedicure.
Dacia by Dolce Vita at Bloomingdale’s

Spring is looking fabulously bright!  Have a wonderful, fashionable weekend!

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Posted in Accessories, Her Closet, Shoes

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