Category Archives: Shopping

Dress Like a Princess, Spend Like a Commoner


For as much as Kate loves Will, I’ve noticed a few other things that have really caught her fancy.  Among them, tights, boots, blazers, and a great cocktail dress.  Kate has a style that is contemporary and accessible.  She knows her shape, colors, and what works best for a life in the limelight.

She favors deep v-necklines, which I suspect will become less deep after the “I do”, cinched waists, and fabric details.
Want the Kate look for less?  Try these on for size.
Like any good Brit, Kate often dons the trench coat, but like any savvy shopper we’ll forgo the Burberry for a chic coat for less than $200.
Casual about Town, Top Row: Macks Trench Coat via French Connection, English Rose Kimono Blouse via Anthropologie, Broome Street Jeans via Kate Spade, Calvin Klein Metallic Scarf, Heeled Stretch Boots via Boden.

Kate is often photographed in dresses, like the one in the original engagement photos, the highlight and accentuate her slender waist.  Expect to see more dresses and conservative style in her new role.  She also isn’t afraid to shop off the rack – we should be no different!
Dress for the Occasion, Middle Row: BCBGMaxAzria Ruched Jersey Dress via Bluefly, Tahari ASL Sheath Dress via Bluefly, Contrast Tank Sundress via White House/Black Market, Cole Haan Opaque Tights via Zappos, Michael Michael Kors Flex Low Pump via Zappos,  ASOS SUGAR Bow Court Shoe via Asos.

Will and Kate got engaged while on Safari in Africa, and I am sure they will honeymoon somewhere fabulous.  Whenever they get the chance for some R & R, expect more dresses and chic, simple resortwear.

Princess on Holiday, Bottom Row: Free People Tiered Lace Dress via Nordstrom,  Crisp Chambray Blazer via Anthropologie, Off White Anglaise Bikini via TopShop, Sapphire and Diamond Ring via Ice.com, Melin T-Strap Pump via Nordstrom

Red Hot, Orange Crush


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The other day my colleague swung by my desk to show off her new lipstick.  It was bold, bright and a very happy shade of orangey-red.  I really liked it.  And in my excitement, which fed off of her excitement, I asked, “Where did you get it from?”  She said, “a little boutique called CVS.”  Yea for funny girls!

If you look around orange and red are popping up everywhere: the fresh strawberries, the tart citrus, the tulips sprouting in the neighbor’s flowerbeds, and the Spring 2011 runways.
LA Racked: Spring 2011 looks from (l-r): Prada, Vena Cava, Halston. Images via Style.com
For spring there are endless ways to this bright and vibrant hue; it speaks loudly and with confidence and requires an equally glowing smile. 

Red Hot, Orange Crush From L-R: Rouge Pur Couture by Yves St. Laurent; Acne Pearl Skirt at My Theresa; Tangerine Belted Paper Bag Skirt at Asos; Diane Von Furstenberg Gyls Dress at Bloomingdale’s; Lenny Deep V Mailot at Barneys; 811 Mid Rise Skinny Jean at J Brand; Le Prairies le Paris Silk Crepe Blouse at La Garconne; Juicy Couture Fernanda at Zappos Couture; Kate Spade New York Straw Fedora at Zappos; Kenneth  Cole Reaction Slip Around at Zappos; Beaded Bracelet at Forever 21
So how to wear red/orange in real life…  
  • Be confident in the shape of what you’re wearing, the silhouette will make a huge difference. 
  • Start with something small and work into larger statements.  In makeup maybe test nails before lipstick, in fashion shoes before a sheath
  • Find the right shade for your shade, and find complimenting shades to pair it with
  • Look to nature for inspiration, this is a color that if you’re looking for it you’ll find everywhere.
  • Be happy – these are HAPPY colors!

Daily Batch Red Hot, Orange Crush Color Board

Shop till you drop – and save


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!

A Fashionable Reality


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.

Denim Days in a Variety of Ways


Denim is perhaps the most ubiquitous part of the American wardrobe; Marilyn and Jackie both wore denim, and today the style that the president wears gets attention and critique.  Denim also played a major role on the Spring 2011 runways, with a heavy influence from the 1970’s.

Elie Tahari Spring 2011 via Harper’s Bazaar
While denim is truly seasonless I am excited by the crop of fun ways to wear it into Spring and Summer.  Here are my top picks.








Work Out Bright


This weekend was my first six mile run in preparation for the 10 miler in less than a month.  Normally I train in my neighborhood or in the gym, but on Saturday Mark joined me for a run around the National Mall.

We were joined by many other runners and it got me thinking about running/fitness attire.

I really do believe you have to feel good to look good and look good to feel good, and that extends to working out as well.  To paraphrase our favorite yogi, Eoin Finn, there is a difference between surfing in a 3mm wetsuit and surfing in board shorts, your movement is better with less constriction/bulk.

So in search of work out inspiration we go to the runways.  The Spring 2011 runways showed a variety of pieces in a bold variety of neon colors.  

Photo by Imaxtree, via Elle
The goal is to look fashionable and still very fitness ready, keeping in mind you’re running not strutting the runway.

Workout Bright From L – R: Michael Kors Sport Chronograph at EBAGs; Nike Dri-Fit French Terry at Zappos; Sporty Shorts at Adidas; Run Performance Short by Stella McCartney at Adidas; Classic Nylon Slim at Reebok; Stella Cotton Towel at Net-A-Porter
On trend – bright for spring and perfectly functional.  See you at the finish line!

Dress for Success (for Less)


You probably know by now that I looove spring/summer.  I love warm weather, flip flops, big hair and sunglasses (yes Summer means big hair for me).  But, then I stumble a little bit.  You see, I am not really, truly a dress girl…

I love looking at dresses; gowns, cocktail dresses and sweet sundresses, but, I don’t really own too many.  I am a jeans girl.  In DC, and frankly in most places during the heat of summer, skinny jeans can be well stifling.  

So, here were the rules: fun dresses that could be worn to brunch, a game, dinner, or just out and about, nothing black and nothing over $100.  

Fashion tip: when exploring a fashion category or color you’re less than confident about, start slow and inexpensive.

See Row 1 for work; row 2 for social hour; row 3 for running around.
Okay Spring, I’m ready – where are you?

Buttoned Up


Two rules I subscribe too: if you can wear shorts, wear them, and it’s either legs or bust, but never both.  That second rule I actually borrowed from Victoria Beckham – thank you.

In any case for this spring, which I am desperately waiting for, in addition to wide leg and flare jeans and peasant tops, I like the pulled together sophisticated look of a tailored short (no rips, no fading) and a chiffon, silk, sheer button down blouse.

Here are the favorites du jour…


Clean, breathable, polished… Also a sign that I have lived in DC for a long time.  Please know that I will keep it real and not wear this ensemble with Tory Burch flats (though, they are great), but probably with a sky high wedge.  Thank you, very much!

Favorite Looks from Spring 2011 Fashion Week, for Less


In September I featured my favorite looks from the Spring 2011 Fashion Shows, and now that Spring 2011 is almost upon us, it is time to revisit those inspiring looks.

I have taken my stand out favorites from September and searched the Internet to find affordable and wearable version inspired by the real thing.
Marc Jacobs – Spring 2011 was like the most glamorous, 70’s inspired, color infused show. 

This look is completely wearable, and probably could be assembled with items you already own, but if not…

Carolina Herrera – Spring 2011 was a favorite of mine, and while I don’t have the need for an evening gown currently, one can’t help but be inspired by the painterly details of this beautiful dress.
Carolina Herrera – Spring 2011

This look is admittedly DIY but if done right it’s a major wow.  And again, I think the larger aesthetic point here is painterly details in a black and white color palette.

Oscar de la Renta – Spring 2011 was for the ladies who lunch set.  The important rules to follow here are texture: tweed and silks and colors within the same color family.
Oscar de la Renta – Spring 2011

With such a ladylike and refined shape and staples, you can really go bold with the color and have fun playing with spring’s best and boldest hues.


Ralph Lauren – Spring 2011, this show was Rancher Fabulous if there is such a thing.  It is certainly difficult to imagine wearing beaded cocktail dresses on the farm, but somehow Ralph Lauren, as the master of Americana pulls it off.
Ralph Lauren – Spring 2011
To attempt the same look, on a budget start here:


Monique Lhuillier – Spring 2011, know for red-carpet worthy evening gowns, it was fun to see Monique Lhuillier play with different shapes and pieces, and I really liked the belted, sophisticated look of the high waisted trousers and refined bustier top.
Monique Lhuillier – Spring 2011

To build this look on a budget, you can assemble pieces that are completely wearable in a variety of ways. 

 What trends are you most excited for?

Dressing for Fashion Week – Wishful Thinking


Today is the first day of New York Fashion Week, and no I am not going.  However that doesn’t mean I can’t pretend shop for a pretend trip to see next Fall’s fashion line up.  The positive side of not going, no packing and no blisters from running around “between the tents” <—- that, my friends, is silver lining.

Anyway, I have traveled for fashion related work to New York before, and so I thought about what made those previous packings successful when making this wishful suitcase.  New York, for as fashionable as it is, is also a really functional city.  It cannot be neglected that you are on your feet and in and out doors all day long.
Day 1: 
Day 2:
Day 3: 
Day 4: 
The only thing you can’t forget is cab fare, some granola bars (no, you really will never get a chance to eat), camera and iPhone.  
I’ll be posting my favorites from the runways.  See what I loved last Fall and Spring, too!