Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Scuba and Lace

A lace fit and flare dress, made from scuba material, is a little fancy for the office, but I needed a a jolting pop of color to brighten my day. Norman and Wally still aren't getting along, and can't even be out of their crates and in the same room without going into attack mode. Chapin and I are so stressed out about it. We are going to have to do some serious training with both dogs, and frankly, with work being so crazy right now, the only thing I want to do when I come home is relax on the couch. I guess I'm going to have to get over that mindset, though, if I want peace at home again.


Dress: Shoshanna Salma Lace-Trimmed Scuba Fit & Flare Dress

This dress was appealing not only for its beautiful red color, but also the pleated skirt. If only the dress had pockets, it would be absolutely perfect.

Pumps: Betsey Johnson (no longer available)

I'm off to Pennsylvania tomorrow for a business trip, so this post will probably be my last one for the month. I can't say I'm sad to see January come to a close. It's been a pretty terrible month (though not as bad as last year).

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Winter Floral

Although floral dresses are definitely more prominent in the spring and summer months, you can still wear a floral pattern in winter - if the color scheme is right. I love this green and blue floral belted dress from Karen Millen for just that reason. It also has the perfect fit and flare silhouette, complete with a sexy v-neck and belted waist.


Dress: Karen Millen Belted Floral Jacquard Dress

Karen Millen is a British brand, and it runs very small. You may have to go up 1-2 sizes depending on the dress. Definitely try on a Karen Millen dress beforehand, or to be safe, order up. I recommend one size up for a fit and flare dress and two sizes larger than normal for a more fitted dress. You can always get the dress altered if it's too big (or just return it).

I am new to this brand, and first heard about it on one of my favorite websites, WornonTV.net, which covers fashion from your favorite TV shows. Karen Millen dresses, tops, and other apparel often turn up on shows like Bones, Pretty Little Liars and many others. I definitely recommend checking out the site. It may serve as great inspiration for your own "ootd" (outfit of the day, in hashtag speak).

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Peep Toe Nude Pumps


Monday, January 25, 2016

Favorite Color Combinations

Today's dress incorporates red and gray, two colors I just love together!


Dress: French Connection Women's Riot Rose-Printed Dress

The dress is still available at the following retailers:


Remember: French Connection sizing runs small, so order one size up. This brand is not very well made (no lining on this dress, for example), so I would NEVER pay full price. I prefer to pay under $50 for a French Connection dress... preferably even less.

Pumps: Enzo Angiolini (no longer available)

The weather was in the 50s today, which is a nice change after a cold weekend. Although we had planned to have a nice, relaxing weekend... it didn't turn out that way. Norman and Walter (we call him Wally) are just not getting along. They seem to be competing to be the "pack master," and though they have had episodes before, starting Friday night, they can't even be in the same room together. They bark and try to attack, and just don't stop.

In trying to separate them, Wally bit me on the leg, and Chapin on his chin. It got so bad, I took Norman to spend a few nights at my parents' house (which he is enjoying immensely).

Norman cuddling with my Mom this morning. The two were "watching" GMA together.

We are going to meet with a dog trainer very soon so we can try to find a way for them to live together. I just don't know at this point what's going to happen. Chapin and I are so stressed out about it! I never knew that having two male dogs could turn out this way...

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Trina Turk Twirl

I just adore this Trina Turk dress, and it's quickly become one of my favorite dresses. The short sleeves, v-neck and flared skirt are all things I love in a dress, and this particular dress has them all. I just think it's a flattering silhouette for any body type. Plus, it has pockets!

This type of dress is often called a "twofer" dress, because it looks like a top and skirt, but is really one piece. I think part of the reason I love dresses so much is because it's a ready-made outfit; I don't have to think too much about putting things together. 


Dress: Trina Turk Katerina Short Sleeve V-Neck Dress

The dress is mainly sold out, but here is a sheath dress in the same pattern as the skirt.

Shoes: Saint Laurent Paris 80 Studded Cap Toe Pumps (no longer available)


The weather has been really cold and miserable in Atlanta the last few days. Today, though the sun still isn't out, the temperature is at least above freezing. I'm glad it's Thursday; I'm looking forward to sleeping in this weekend and seeing my Book Club friends. I definitely haven't been getting enough sleep this week. Ever since my accident, I've had trouble falling asleep and sleeping through the night. I hope this cycle ends very soon!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Heart of Darkness

This dress, with its bold red and black snakeskin pattern, brings to mind the novel, Heart of Darkness. It just fits!


Dress: 4.collective Cobra Lurex Jacquard Knit Fit-And-Flare Dress

I could only find the dress at Saks Off Fifth, but here's a similar style available on Bluefly.com.

Shoes: Prada Leather Cutout Ankle Booties (no longer available)

I bought today's dress for a steal on the discount site, RueLaLa.com. I recently introduced my friend, Elizabeth, to the site, and she's already hooked, calling me the devil for sending it to her in the first place. It's easy to shop when sites like RueLaLa.com serve up designer goods at bargain basement prices... and only give you a few days to purchase each item. If you don't purchase within the time limit, you could miss out. The limited time offer angle, plus the great sales, make it very addictive!

If you want to check out RueLaLa.com, click here for your invite!

Monday, January 18, 2016

All Dressed in Yellow

Daisy, Daisy... You know how the song goes! This butter yellow dress, combined with my daisy pumps, are just the perfect anecdote to working on a day when many people have off.

I have never had Martin Luther King Day off in my entire career! But that's ok... I accomplished so much today.

Dress: Shoshanna Lemon Yellow Bengaline Pleated Demi Dress

Here is a strapless version of the dress available in pink on Amazon.com.

I think I've mentioned on this blog before that I am really not a fan of myself in yellow due to my olive skin tone, but lately, I seem to be having a change of heart. Plus, it's fun pairing yellow with my amethyst jewelry. I just love yellow and purple together. I even have a hint of purple eyeshadow on my lids.

Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti Daisy Pumps (no longer available)

On Lips: Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Trompre L'Oeil


Even though I didn't have a long weekend like many other people, I still had a very nice weekend. I spent some time with my parents on Saturday afternoon, and Chapin and I stayed in on Saturday night. We watched Trainwreck and ate takeout Indian food from Urban Spice. Lately, that's really what I prefer to do... just cuddle at home with my husband and my dogs. Who wants to go outside when it's so cold?!

I have actually been feeling pretty sad lately. This Friday, January 22nd, will be one year since we lost George, and I just can't seem to stop thinking about him. I just miss him so much. I'm realizing that the bond we had was very rare, and though I love Wally and Norman and would do anything for them, it's just not the same.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Delectable Dessert of a Dress

How could I resist a dress named after my favorite dessert: the cupcake? Kate Spade New York always delivers with ultra-feminine dresses, and this fit and flare silhouette is no exception. I love the bold blue color, too, to help make my light eyes pop a little more than usual. I know I already have a lot of blue in my closet, but it's my favorite color!


Dress: Kate Spade Cupcake Skirt Dress in Lapis Blue

The dress is still available at the following stores:


Similar style dress (cheaper): Adelyn Rae Cross Back Twill Fit and Flare Dress in Cobalt from Nordstrom.

You can also find an embellished version in black at KateSpade.com and Bloomingdales.

Shoes: Casadei Croc-Embossed Leather Slingback Pumps in Gold (no longer available)


Chapin and I have been carpooling this week, and that's probably one reason I look so exhausted. I work out in the mornings, and then take my time getting ready, even stopping to watch Good Morning America while drinking my coffee and eating breakfast. Now I have to rush through my morning routine to get out the door on time. Hopefully, we won't have to carpool for long!

Here's an update on what I've been reading and watching lately:

Reading: I'm almost halfway done with The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel my mother-in-law recommended. I'm enjoying the story so far!

Listening: I am listening to a really random playlist right now that includes Whitney Houston, The Railway Children, Vance Joy, Echosmith and others. When I run outside, I like to use Rock My Run, an app that lets you stream playlists according to your tastes. I'm a big fan of all the 80s mixes, especially this 80s Soundtrack mix.

Watching: I just finished watching the ten-part Netflix series Making a Murderer, about a wrongfully convicted Wisconsin man (DNA proved he was innocent) who gets out of prison after 18 years... only to later go on trial for the brutal murder of a young woman. Steven Avery and his nephew are both now serving time for her death.

When I originally heard about the series, I thought the title referred to the fact that prison turned an innocent man into a murderer, but it's actually about the justice system. From everything I've seen, I'm not convinced Steven Avery is actually guilty. There is certainly reasonable doubt in my mind, especially when it comes to the evidence presented at trial. It really does seem like he was framed.

Chapin and I have discussed the series at length, and Chapin believes Avery is the guilty party. If you've watched it, I'd love to discuss it with you. It's had me captivated this whole week.

I also wrapped up watching Pretty Little Liars about a month ago, and just watched the first new episode of Season 6 this week on Freeform. If anything positive can be said about the month of January, it's all the new TV available!

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Pop Art

The color of today's dress is called "pop art," which is such a unique way to describe this vibrant orange. I'm definitely rocking a 1970s vibe with the orange dress and bronze footwear, which is fitting considering the recent passing of David Bowie. It's always upsetting when someone who has contributed so much to pop culture dies at such a young age (only 69).


Details:

Dress: Trina Turk Lenci Fit and Flare Dress

This cute yet sexy dress is still available at the following retailers:

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Specchio BB Pumps in Bronze

I will also take this time to thank my husband, family and close friends for being so supportive this past week. One week ago, while driving home after work, I was hit by a driver who ran a red light. I'm thankful to be unharmed, as was the other driver, but it did throw me off balance for several days. I even took two days off from work - something I rarely do  - to get my head back together. 

Unfortunately, I was in my husband's beloved Tesla at the time. He was out of town, and was encouraging me to feel more comfortable driving it. My own car had been flashing up some maintenance alerts, so it just made sense to drive the Tesla. Then, of course, on the first day I'm driving it... It does seem strange that such an event happened in January, just hours after my last blog post. I just hope I'm not jinxed for life! January is just not a good month for me.

I was hit HARD, and by a work truck (not a tractor trailer, but, funnily enough, an AAA truck), so the fact that I only suffered some minor bruising and soreness leads me to believe that the Tesla is an extremely safe car and, perhaps, one that saved my life.

We still don't know what will happen to the Tesla, so it's a wait and see game right now. I know the accident was not my fault, so I can at least take comfort in that fact.

Monday, January 4, 2016

New Year, New Focus

Happy New Year! It's hard to believe it's already 2016. This May will be 20 years since I graduated from high school, but I really don't feel that old.


I didn't expect to feel so tired today, coming off a four-day weekend, but I just haven't been sleeping all that well lately. I think I'm stressing myself out about the month of January. Good things just don't seem to happen to me in January. People I love tend to pass away around this time of year. We lost George on January 22, 2015, and Izzie and two of my grandparents also passed away in January. I'm trying to stay positive and focus on all the good things in my life - that's my New Year's Resolution, too. That, and drinking less diet soda.

Today's outfit pairs a sweater dress and sandals. I wanted to be warm, but I also wanted to add some sparkle to my outfit, and these sandals are perfect.

Outfit Details:

Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Cydney Cable Knit Navy Sweater Dress

The dress is still available in a Merlot Red from Amazon. The navy color is sold out online.

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Isa Ankle Strap Sandals in Bronze

I absolutely adore these Kate Spade sandals, and since I treated myself to a pedicure yesterday, I opted for sandals today even though the temperature is in the 40s. You can find these sandals at a variety of retailers, including Nordstrom, KateSpade.com, Bloomingdale's, Dillard's and Shopbop.