Category Archives: Shopping

Bright and Tan


Bright and tan; that’s a nice summation of summer, right?  The guys at Dsquared² have carried that vibe well past fall and into their collection for Resort 2012.  Resort is a “mini-season” wedged between the fall and spring collection, originally designed for people who “visit resorts”.

In any case, I am loving this collection.  It is beyond perfect, to me.  It is bright, sunny, conservative enough, playful enough, and completely accessible.

Frankly, I would jump into any of these looks, right now.

Dsquared² Resort 2012

Two things: 1) These pants are the perfect length.  I am a tall girl, and I take issue with pants that are too long or too short.  But, these, they are perfect.  The mid-rise elongates the leg and the belted waist accentuates curves. 2) The color!  Typically you think, hot pink is too hot.  Not so when neutralized by the more conservative khaki, camel and honey, and all American denim blues.

Dsquared² Resort 2012

One word: Silhouette.  1) I love the juxtaposition of a sleeve on a shift; it calls back to a more conservative era, but in this application looks completely modern and fresh.  Kudos for the flight-attendant chic scarf.  2) In a collection this colorful it really says something that even the black pieces aren’t basic.  I love the draping, the shoulder (bow-tiful), the puddle at her feet.

Dsquared² Resort 2012

Source: Style.com

Even though it is intended for the middle of winter, it feels perfect to transition from late summer into August.  Like back to school shopping, this collection has me excited for crisper and cooler weather.

If you want this look now, and for less:

Bright and Tan

Source: Trench Coat, Blouse, Denim, Clutch, Belt, Shirt, Skirt, Belt, Satchel, Glasses, Scarf, Bracelet, Sandals

What do you think?  Does this look and style have you excited for the change of seasons?

A Dress Worthy of the Final Rose


Last night America tuned in to see Ashley Hebert break one man’s heart, and make another man’s heart soar.  I will admit, I have phased in and out of my Bachelor/Bachelorette fandom, but this season I did watch.

Ashley wasn’t my favorite bachelorette, and I didn’t always love her style – even though we both have a penchant for backless tops.  However, I do think she looked very pretty when she finally got her man, her ring, and her happy ending.

Ashley wore Randi Rahm, the same designer of her dress on the first night, and the designer of dresses that Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey and Beyonce have worn.

Ashley Hebert in Randi Rahm

The dress is beautiful, but also $16,000.  That’s a lot of roses…

Get the look for less:

A Bachelorette's Look for Less

From L – R: Amsale at Nordstrom, Aidan Mattox at eDressMe, Mikael Aghal at Bluefly, Sue Wong at Nordstrom, Sue Wong at Bloomingdale’s
 
 
 

What do you think?  Did she make the right choice?  Was this the ONE?  Or would you have picked a different dress?

Jennifer Lopez’s Miami Style


I am a looong time Jennifer Lopez fan.  I think she is beautiful and her style is enviable.  To me, she is a fantastic performer and what a Hollywood star should be – talented, beautiful, dramatic, glamorous.

She is also a big fan of South Florida – extra points for that.  La Lopez just celebrated her birthday in Miami, on a yacht, so really off the coast of Miami and wore this.

Jennifer Lopez in Miami, via PopSugar

Jennifer is wearing an Emilio Pucci bikini and headwrap and a Hard Tail Diamond Panel Maxi Skirt. This look is a great mix of high  and low style.

Get the look here:

Emilio Pucci Bikini at Net-A-Porter, or on sale at Bluefly.com; Hard Tail Diamond Skirt at Couture Candy

This is a style I would definitely wear in Miami on or off of yacht.

Happy Birthday Jennifer, may this year be a fabulous one!

 

The Prints and Colors of Africa


I believe that three times makes a trend; and so when I post on trends or new fashion ideas it is always after I have seen it in a number of places and ways. That is what happened with this trend:

First, when I was walking back to my office I saw a slim woman in her 40’s wearing a silk skirt with African print trim throughout. It really caught my eye as it seemed an unusual but very beautiful choice.

Then, the next day coming out of the same building (is there a secret trend factory on K Street?) a woman in her 20’s was working a sleek sheath in an African print. In my head, this second spotting is probably how gambler feels when the first two 7’s come up on a slot machine.

And then finally, at the end of the week from across the street a bold flash of fuchsia caught my eye as a woman sashayed in a gorgeous patterned shift dress.

7 – 7 – 7: three times makes a fashion win and a trend. In doing some fashion research (shopping) I was especially delighted to see that the options were as diverse as the women I saw wearing this trend.

The Colors of Africa
Top to Bottom, L – R: Patchwork Tunic, Spot Top, Missoni Mare, Fair Trade Ruched Skirt, Nicole Miller Indego Africa Shorts, Summer Dress, Tribal Tube Dress, Handpainted Dress, Braided Bracelet, Africa Clutch, Kisslock Clutch, Printed Ballet Shoes

Would you wear this trend?  It seems like a fun and easy way to add color and vibrancy to your late summer wardrobe.

What to Wear to Weddings


One night while we were in Mexico we walked on the beach past three weddings in various stages of preparation (set up – rehearsal – ceremony) and the following night a wedding was held at our hotel, and the hotel next door.

It is wedding season, and you are likely invited to one, somewhere.

After slipping that RSVP card into the mail, you might want to think about what to wear.

Is the wedding at a far off tropical destination, where the mood is tiki torch, hurricane candles and a mojito?  (Invite me too, please!) Go full of color, light fabrics and manageable footwear!

Daytime Summer Wedding

L – R: Dress at Net-A-Porter, Necklace at Max & Chloe, Clutch at ALDO, Sandals at Pret-A-Beaute; Sundress at Harvey Nichols, Bracelet by Antik Batik, Clutch at Fashion-Conscience, Sandal at Nordstrom; Dress at Oasis, Earrings at Amazon, Wallet at Nordstrom, Sandal at Macy’s; Sundress at Mary & Paul, Bangles at Simply Soles, Purse at TopShop, Pump at ZapposCouture


Is your next wedding high atop the city on a swanky rooftop, dancing is the main event and the drink is a signature?  Come prepared to party in bold colors and some skin!

Summer Wedding - Cocktail Attire

L – R: Dress at Austique, Hoops at Kyler Designs, Clutch at Zara, Pumps at ZapposCouture; Dress at My Wardrobe, Cuff at Max & Chloe, Clutch at Shopbop, Pumps at ZapposCouture; Dress at My Wardrobe, Earrings at Barneys, Clutch at Endless, Pump at Forzieri; Dress at Bergdorf Goodman, Bangles at Net-A-Porter, Clutch at Forzieri, Sandals at My Wardobe


Is your next wedding bling or bust, with a splash of champagne and crystals dripping from the chandelier and centerpieces?  Sounds mah-velous dahling! Go long or short, but don’t skimp on the sparkle – it is time to make a statement.

Summer Wedding - Black Tie

L – R: Dress at Jane Norman, Bangle at ZapposCouture, Clutch at Lori’s Shoes, Pump at Saks Fifth Avenue; Gown at My Theresa, Earrings at Yes Style, Clutch at The Addison Collection, Pump at Christian LouboutinGown at the Out Net, Earrings at Yes Style, Clutch at Nordstrom, Sandal at Net-A-Porter; Gown at My Wardrobe, Bangles at Nordstrom, Clutch at Nordstrom, Sandals at ZapposCouture


Okay, let’s be reasonable, the dress you wear isn’t the most important dress of the day, and in fairness it really shouldn’t be.  However, I do think that as a guest it is your responsibility to rise to the occasion, without outshining anyone, and be festive and fabulous for your loved one’s special day.

Which outfit is your favorite?

Travel in Style


I have shared with you our (*Mark’s) tendency for packing light, but something we haven’t discussed is travel wear.

When I was younger I was happy enough to travel is clothes that were just as well suited for a yoga class or the gym, but now I try to step up my travel attire so that I can step off the plane and be ready for work, vacation, or whatever this new city has in store.

To get to Mexico we flew DCA  – ATL – SJD (Cabo) and I saw a lot of fellow travelers.  One outfit really stuck out to me.

Gray and White Traveler

Spring/Summer: Fringe Edge Scarf at Jane Norman, Classic Short Sleeve Tee by Alexander Wang at MrsH, Iconic Aviators by Ray-Ban at MyTheresa, Wheeled Duffel by LeSportSac at ShopBop, Slim Flip Flop by Havaianas at Need Supply

This is perfect.  I saw a woman wearing something similar to this in the customs line in Atlanta.  I don’t know where she was coming from, but it didn’t matter.  This look could work in New York, Miami, LA, or the Caribbean.  It is flexible for different cities, comfortable for travel, and practical for any airport activity.
I also think it is seasonally adaptable – yes, I endorse white denim (James Hunter Jeans), year round:

Fall: Diamonds by the Yard by Elsa Peretti at Tiffany & Co, Asymmetric Tank Top by Alexander McQueen at Matches, 42nd Street Blazer by Rag & Bone at Barneys, Iconic Aviators by Ray-Ban at MyTheresa, Wheeled Duffel by LeSportSac at ShopBop,  Toe Cap Flats by Chanel via Marie Claire

Winter: Dalmatian Spot Scarf by Sonia Rykiel at Liberty of London, Shirlyn Open-Knit Sweater by Theory at Net-A-Porter, Funnel Neck Coat at Reiss Online, Rachel Frame Wallet by Hobo International at Nordstrom, Leather Riding Boot by Tory Burch at Nordstrom, Rabbit Fur Ear Muff by Moncler at FarFetch

Okay, friends, WHERE ARE WE GOING NEXT?

Sea to Shore Style


Life Magazine - 1950

There is nothing better at 6, 26 or likely 60 years old, than spending a day on the water with girlfriends, and enjoying a few laughs with the waves lapping at your feet.

This summer let your style be inspired by vintage Americana, with a nautical twist.  This look is more Hyannisport and the Cape, than exotic getaway, and some weekends that is just what you need.

From Sea to Shore

Top Row, L – R: Meridien II T-Shirt by Saint James at La Garconne, Monaco belted halterneck bikini by Heidi Klein at The Outnet, Nautical Stripe Knit Dress at Delia’s

Middle Row, L – R: Sailor Shorts by Milly at Saks Fifth Avenue, Adventurer Ripstop Hoodie at Eddie Bauer, Nautical Bangle Set by Milly

Bottom Row, L – R: Belle Island Boat Ballerina by Timberland at Zappos, Melissa Odabash Jemima Sun hat at Net-A-Porter, Elastic Espadrille Wedge by Tory Burch at Neiman Marcus

Swim Season


It is officially swim suit season, which I know for some is a time for dread/fear/anxiety/loathing of the winter’s chocolate cupcakes.  I get it…

But, when I saw this vintage photograph I remembered the best part of swimsuit season, barefoot afternoons with friends and hopefully with some cold drinks.

Girls at the Soda Fountain via Sunday in Bed

Besides, even with the limited view in this picture I think we can all agree that swim styles are much more flattering today, than yesterday.

Here is the best of the one-piece wonders:

Swim Suit Season - One Piece Wonders

In my opinion, the one piece doesn’t get enough credit.  It can be surprisingly revealing, flirty, flattering, and glamorous.  These are not your swim team suits, my friends.

Top Row, L – R: Slinky Frill One Piece Suit via TopShop, Caribe Lace-Up Back Swimsuit by Melissa Odabash at the Outnet, Cuba Ruched Swimsuit by Melissa Odabash at the Outnet, Detachable Halter Neck Swimsuit by Alexander McQueen at the Outnet

Bottom Row, L – R: Granada sequined crochet-knit swimsuit by Missoni Mare at the Outnet, Kia Cutout Swimsuit by Diane Von Furstenberg at the Outnet, Caruso One Shoulder Swimsuit by Violet Lake at Net-A-Porter, The Leigh Maillot strapless swimsuit by Lisa Marie Fernandez at Net-A-Porter, Halter Swimsuit by 3.1 Phillip Lim at Net-A-Porter

Jump in the deep end – the water is fine!

Surf City Style


In Southern California it is all sun and surf, come on, Huntington Beach is nicknamed Surf City – that’s got to mean something.  When you’re there you’ve got to live like the locals; ocean ready gear, skin protecting sunblock, bold colors and light fabrics.

Surf City Style

Surf City Style Top (L-R): Turquoise or Yellow Jersey Sundress at TopShop, Volcom Stark Mark Womens Rash Guard at Tilly’s, Melissa Odabash Brussels halterneck bikini at the Outnet, Jilbere Crystal Gems Mini Rake at Sally Beauty, Ocean Potion Suncare Anti-Aging Sunblock Lotion SPF 70 at DrugStore.com, Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray at Ulta

Surf City Style Bottom (L-R): Surf Heart Tee at Delia’s,  Women’s Elastic-Waist Board Shorts at Old Navy, Havaianas Slim Ethnic Flip Flop at Piperlime, Roxy Logo Print Beach Towel at Nordstrom, Plastic Wayfarer Sunglasses at Forever21

Stay safe and sexy on the beach this summer, Beach Bunny!

Black and Blue, a Look for Less


First let me say that I am in LOVE with the Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2011 collection.  It’s like swoon, double take, amble mindlessly through the collection when I visit it in stores, kind of love.  However, I am not currently in the spend $300+ on a bolt of berry blue silk wrapped around me.   It’s a look I love, but I want for a lot less.

Aspire: Reara draped silk-crepe dress by Diane Von Furstenberg at Net-A-Porter, Jimmy Choo Candy Collection Clutch at Nordstrom, AO3541 by Sergio Rossi at Zappos Couture

Attain: Aqua Sleeveless Ruffle Wrap Dress at Bloomingdale’s, Effe Patent Clutch by HOBO International, Sam Edelman Novato at Zappos

What looks are you loving for summer that you want for a lot less?  Style at a steal!