Wedding Dress Code: Decoded


Dress codes are tough, especially for weddings.  There are at least a few rules – you know, never wear white, no clubwear, etc.  But, instead of thinking about what not to wear, let’s think about what to wear.

Here are some solutions and inspiration for the wedding that is called “Beach formal.”

Screen shot 2013-07-21 at 12.20.28 PMThe trick for floating through a wedding that is beachy-keen is to think light: light colors, fabrics and accessories.

You’re not wearing a beach cover-up, but rather a dress in linen, jersey or cotton blend.  Choose colors, that are not white, but celebrate the season and make you look radiant with your own summery glow.

Your accessories should be light, too.  What do you need to carry after all?  A phone, a lipgloss and a pair of keys?  Keep it cool with lucite for an extra pop of fun, raffia and natural fabrics.  For jewelry, one statement piece is all the statement you need to make.  For footwear, a little sparkle is great, but skip the staggering heel which is never a friend to the sand.

Shop, L-R: Linen Tank Dress, Drape Wrap Dress, Sleeveless Stripe Dress, Lucite Clutch, Bangle, Sparkle Wedge

Summer Shine


I’m not a big product girl – like, didn’t own concealer until this last year kind of a non-product girl.  But, this summer, with the sweat inducing heat, less makeup is definitely more.

I made an accidental purchase at CVS not long ago when I was looking for a replacement to a cracked blush/bronzer duo powder.  The accident is that what I purchased is a cream, but happily it is super light, add just a pinch of color and a touch of sparkle.

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For as cheesy as this sounds, like little $12 product (at CVS, Target, etc) does add a nice “visible lift,” its easy to apply if you just find the apples of your cheeks and doesn’t streak or crease no matter how hot it is.

Be pretty this summer and save a pretty penny!

Cool Enough for Time


Michael Kors, synonymous with quippy/bitchy comments on Project Runway and a black crew neck and caramelized skin, did for watches what Diane did for wrap dresses.  By which I mean, made them cool, accessible and something everyone had to have. (Seriously, a quick Pinterest search aligns the MK watch with the stacked watch + bracelet trend in a major way.)

Except for me.  I don’t wear a watch.  I’d like to say I don’t like to be encumbered by time.  But the truth is, I type all day and they’re bulky; they have to fit just right so that a masculine watch looks feminine and a feminine watch doesn’t look minuscule  and, truthfully, I can tell the time faster from my phone than my wrist.

With all that said, this watch caught my eye.  Screen shot 2013-07-17 at 8.11.12 AM

It’s a masculine watch and the matte black makes it sporty and cool.  It’s not for everyday, it’s for that day when you need a little bit of urban armor and something tough to remind you that whatever time it is, “you’re just that cool.”

Good timing, MK.

DC Foodie: Sweetgreen


Sometimes (read: all of winter) I’m like “ick, salad” and other times (most of summer) it seems like the most perfect idea.

This month – which how is it possible, that it is already half over??Sweetgreen, the as locally-sourced-as-possible, salad brain trust of local Georgetown grads that is taking the NE + MidAtl corridor by storm has figured it out, almost.

img-july-seasonlphillydc-salad1

Their July Salad features mesclun greens, basil, peaches, slivered almonds, goat cheese and balsamic dressing.  Normally, I’m a big fan of goat cheese, but on a whim (and because they were out) we swapped for white cheddar.  This is a good move, I promise.  The white cheddar offers an extra salt kick in an otherwise pretty close to perfect summer salad.

Get your greens – before they wilt!

Runway Inspiration: Wedding Edition


Ever since Halle Berry walked the Red Carpet in 2002 in a swishing cranberry ballskirt and strategically embroidered sheer top, the name Elie Saab has been cemented into the Fashion Design Hall of Fame.  (*There isn’t a FDHF, but you know what I mean…)

I have featured beautiful Elie Saab collections before, but this latest one for Fall 2013 has really caught my eye.  It has all the standards that I love about the brand – delicate detail, perfect fits, extravagant beadwork, gowns you’d love to own.

Here are a few that could go from Red Carpet to White Aisle.

For the super glamourous bride:MARC047.450x675

Dresses even a bridesmaid would love:MARC009.450x675MARC038.450x675

And for the fabulous Mother of the Bride:MARC010.450x675 MARC029.450x675

All images from Style.com

Blooming Favors for Wedding Guests


I love Mindy Weiss – event planner extraordinaire to the stars and fabulous people.  I also love her Instagram account where Mindy takes followed behind the scenes at her fetes, so we can see all the details before, during and after.

She recently shared this photo, from a young couple’s wedding:

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Guests were invited to take a bunch of flowers home with them – fresh flowers for locals and dried for out of town visitors.  I think this is such a sweet idea, totally unique and lovely way to spread some pretty around town.

Eating in DC: Union Market


Over the past few months, Mark and I have found ourselves going out of our way for tacos.  Not Mexican tacos, mind you, and certainly not Taco Bell, but Korean Tacos at the newly opened Union Market in DC.

Union Market Sign[1][3][1]

It might be one of the coolest things to happen in DC.  Perhaps I’m partial, because I love small foods, lots of options and a market in general, but check out what is inside:

floor_plan

We haven’t had out of town visitors in a while, but this would be a perfect place to bring them, or to visit with a group.  It’s an affordable option that allows everyone to get their own “favorite” snack.

My favorites: Goshen Juice Bar, TaKorean – three steaks for Mark, 1 chicken, 1 steak for me, Salt and Sundry – an adorable store with the trinkets and gifts you didn’t know existed or that you needed, Peregrine Espresso to go for Mark.

Showering the Bride and Groom in Confetti


There is something so magical and whimsical and all at one sweet about photos of a bride and groom being showered in confetti.  It’s a surprise of sparkle and look how happy everyone looks!

black-tie-will-never-die_detailColin Cowie Weddings

 

So if rice or bird seed aren’t your speed, consider the following:

Ladylike Brights


Cannes is over and the Queen of Ice, Nicole Kidman, became the Queen of the Red Carpet!  (I wish that Cannes took place in Nice for that rhyme to have worked, but c’est la vie!)

Anyway, back to Kidman at Cannes – she pulled out the expected Ivory gowns, touch of sparkle, bit of black, but it was this dress that was a show-stopper!

neon laceNicole Kidman in Christian Dior

A strapless confection, with swirled lace, splashes of bright, a faux-hawk ponytail and neon pumps.  Go on with your bad self, Nic.

 

A Hands Free Summer – Purse Ideas


Summer and its festivals, baseball games, picnics and afternoons outside doesn’t mix well with the traditional carry-everything you don’t need on the weekends purse.

To the rescue: the perfect, hands-free cross body bag!  My favorite is at the bottom! Cross Body Purses

 
Antik Batik/SunBig Buddha/Saddle
Pour La Victoire/NinaExpress/Turn lock
Loeffler Randall/Mini RiderWet Seal/Floral Cross Body
Rebecca Minkoff/Skylar