Snake Charmer

Saying I love Equipment blouses {and tops, and sweaters...and oh yeah dresses} is as obvious as saying I like chocolate. I literally want everything they make {and any chocolate made too...but that's a different story} and this blouse was no exception. I'd been eyeing it, but had yet to pull the trigger. As always, my ever so styling Mom surprised me for Christmas with it--without even knowing I'd fallen in love!

Top: Equipment // Skirt: H&M {try this or this}

Necklace: Baublebar

Bag: J. Crew // Jean Jacket: J. Crew // Shoes: Sam Edelman {try these or these}

Technicolor Time

Fact: I bought these amazing Wolford tights way way back in 2008 when I was in Paris with the parents...and they still have not a run or scratch to them. Usually I got through tights faster than I can drink a cup of coffee, but Wolford's truly are worth it. Granted, I'm not wearing cobalt blue tights every day {actually its probably been a year or two} but still very impressive wouldn't you say?

Its pretty obvious I've been into the monochrome look of late, especially my go to all black, but I felt like mixing it up today. While I may love my feathered skirts and leather shorts, I usually shy away from colored tights for some reason. My world has been rocked though and there is no going back. Bring on your purple, your burgundy, you red, I'll try 'em all {at least once...}

Dress: James Perse

Hat: Target // Coat: H&M (similar here and here)

{Ok so technically this was Saturday, but way better shot of the coat than this morning's attempt!}

Earrings: J. Crew // Nail Polish: Essie 'Midnight Cami' // Ring: H&M

Bracelets: Saks Jandel 

Boots: Stuart Weitzman 5050 // Tights: Wolford {similar here, or try these or these}

{up close}

Buried Treasure

As much as I adore this skirt (worn multiple times and in the pink as well), for once this post is not on the clothes but on the most incredible shoes I own. No not the most practical, not the most comfortable and they sure don't go with much, but the details are out of this world! I found them buried amidst the clearance racks of DSW ages ago... when I thought nothing of wearing shoes a size too small. 

Even though I don't wear them a lot (again, too small) it makes me happy just knowing they are tucked away in my closet. The fabric alone is perfection-- Pucci prints are a weakness of mine-- but the details on the heel and sole are what make them out of this world.

I know I'm not the only one holding onto items like this, right??? Not in the 'one day it will fit me again' way, but those few pieces that are just too unique and beautiful to part with. 

Sweater: Mago // Skirt: Asos

Heels: Pucci {try these}

The details on my shoes are just INSANE. Silver sculptured heels and soles with drawings of Italians? Yes please!

Jean Jacket: Zara

Wonderful Wedding

In honor of Fancy Friday, I bring you....the post I meant to put up two weeks ago! It's not often that I get to wear a full length gown (well other than playing dress up at home) so I couldn't resist posting a few pics from the truly wonderful wedding of one of my best friend's in the world.

As an added bonus, thanks to the copious amount of mirrors, there is not a single selfie with faux wood paneling. How's THAT for fancy?

Dress: BCBG // Jewelry: Vintage

Bag: Kate Spade

Heels: Adrianna Papell 

Just one of the stunning details from the ballroom...

Just One of the Boys

I have a love hate relationship with button-downs. For the last year, the majority of mine had been stuck languishing away in the back of my closet (except for my Equipment blouses which are always and forever perfect.) They just felt too preppy, too stuffy, too 'done.' Then all of a sudden I did my usual 180 and starting throwing them over everything (just look at yesterday's post!) Instant-waist just by tying them, its like closet magic. That being said, I'll probably banish them again by next year, but they always come back around.

I've been eyeing this top for a while but considering I already have 3 (or is it 4?) short-sleeve buttons downs I held back. Then of course the little devil on my shoulder (whispering about an extra 30% of the sale price) reminded me that I don't have a striped one. Plus, it fits much better than the shirts I used to steal from my Dad!

Shirt: J. Crew // Skirt: Zara {similar here and here}

Necklace: Vintage

Nail Polish: Essie 'Borrowed & Blue' // Bracelets: Oia Jules, J. Crew

Sandals: Vince Camuto // Toenail Polish: Essie 'Lilacism'

Fancy Friday

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Not sure which I'm more envious of, the stunning background, or the work-of-art dress. Ok, knowing me its the dress, but the scenery is a close second! One of these days, I'll stop posting photos filled with travel and my wanderlust, and just GO. Today though, this will do.

The weather has been imitation Fall perfection and for once, I'm loving it. I must have hit my sundress saturation early this summer! Not only are the days of summer numbered, but after almost 8 years, my days of working on the weekends are as well. 

This year, I don't want the only changes I make to be with my wardrobe. I'm hoping that maybe now I'll go out and take those art classes, start yoga, learn another language...Ok, realistically probably just yoga but still, baby steps.

Whether your plans are big or small (or none at all) I hope you enjoy them!

Fancy Friday

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I have no idea if this is just a camera trick (likely) or if she is actually submerged in water in that gorgeous gown-- either way, hello STUNNING. The photo is truly a work of art, my kind of art at least. Its as if a mermaid directed a fashion shoot-- all that's missing is Ariel singing 'Under the Sea.'

While I could attempt to wax poetic about this shot, honestly, its been a long week and this photo really does speak for itself. So instead, how about we go soak up what's left of summer, because next thing you know it'll be October!

Have a great weekend!


**do you have 'Under the Sea' stuck in your head? Because I know I do! You can thank me later.

Walking on Sunshine

This dress just makes me happy. The sunny yellow shade and the floppy flowers just shout summer...and heatwave. A breezy dress combined with a high bun is the only way to go when the temperatures hit 100, well the only way appropriate for work that is. 

This is pretty much my uniform for the week, which turns into cutoffs and a tee on the weekend. Only thing missing is a giant iced coffee...

Dress: Trina Turk {try this}

Ring: Ambiance // Earrings: Anthropologie {old but similar} // Nail Polish: Essie 'Bikini so Teeny'

Details

Wedges: Michael Kors {similar} // Nail Polish: Essie 'Bottle Service'

Blazer: Kulson // Bracelets: J. Crew

Anchors Away

This skirt was an amazing find at Mustard Seed a few weeks ago (if you live in the DC area and haven't been there, what are you waiting for????) I've been going there for over 10 (um maybe even 15?) years and I have found everything from scarves to vintage Chloe (seriously.) 

Anytime I wear chunky stripes like this, especially in blue and white, I can't help but feel like I should be heading out to a yacht for a quick getaway...instead of the metro for work. Add in my usual assortment of chunky chains and I'm a regular sailor in the city.

Blazer: Kulson {similar here and here} // Blouse: Piazza Sempione {Sleeveless option here}
// Skirt: Anne M. Cramer {or try this J. Crew one} // Necklace: Vintage from Mom {similar here}

Bracelets: J. Crew Golden Gears // DIY

Heels: Pour La Victoire

Stopping Traffic

Its no secret that I like bright colors, and neon yellow has a special place in my heart. It wasn't until today walking to work that I realized my dress was literally the same color as the vest guards use to stop traffic. This of course made me like it even more. 

Some days, the last thing you want to do is blend in with the crowd.

Jacket: Guess {try this or this} // Dress: Asos {old by similar here and here}
 // Belt: Linea Pelle {try this}

Bracelet: J. Crew Factory // Nail Polish: Essie 'Borrowed & Blue'

Earrings: BaubleBar

Ballet Flats: Pour La Victoire {similar here}

Fancy Friday

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Its here. For real. Its actually Friday! Ok, my weekend started yesterday afternoon but I am still jumping for joy (no really, I did this morning) that the weekend is here. I'm going to the Kreeger Museum for the first time ever (yes, I've lived in DC my whole life...) and then off to get my hair done. Pretty much a perfect day off.

The only thing missing is this dress.

I hope your day flies by and your weekend is filled with fun (or sleep...or both!)

Pearls and Twirls

While this may not be my twirliest skirt (yes, I do rank clothes by their twirliness), its over 60 and I have banished my tights, so I'll be twirling and prancing around the city until fall. Since I still do have to work though, pearls at least bring me a little back down to earth and remind me of the need to still posses a degree of responsibility. 

Blazer: Marc by Marc Jacobs {similar} // Blouse: Piazza Sempione {try this sleeveless one} // 

Skirt: Zara {love this Milly one} // 

Earrings: Betsey Johnson  {similar} // Watch: Michael Kors Large Runway

Nail Polish: Essie "In the Cab-Ana"

Belt: D&G // Bracelet: J. Crew {similar here and here}

Over the Top

I loved the over the knee boot look ever since it came out, but have found it almost impossible to pull off without looking like I stepped out of "Pretty Woman."

Finally, after months of sitting in my closet, these babies have seen the light of day. It was much easier to amp up a daytime look than to tone down a nighttime one...and no risk of being mistaken for a certain someone with a heart of gold.

Sweater: J. Crew Tippi // Skirt: Diane Von Furstenberg {similar here and here} // Boots: Aldo {the Stuart Weitzman 50/50 are obviously amazing...}

Necklaces: J. Crew Fenton/Fallon // CC Skye {This necklace captures the same look but in one piece}

Nail Polish: Essie "Butler Please" // Ring: Ambiance in San Francisco

This is legitimately the first time I've worn blue nail polish and I have no idea what I was afraid of. I want to wear this color head to toe!