Monday, February 29, 2016

Eye of the Tiger

Like most of America, I was camped out in front of the TV from about 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. last night to watch the Oscars. I think I enjoy seeing all the stars arrive on the red carpet even more than the actual ceremony, and this year did not disappoint. There was a good mix of both stunning and "what were they thinking" moments to make the evening fun for all!

My top three dresses this year:

1. Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé

Florals were definitely a theme last night, but Cate Blanchett upped the ante in her pale green confection. She even had gorgeous, dazzling feather-shaped earrings to cap off the look. I adored the whole ensemble.

2. Naomi Watts in Armani Privé

Naomi Watts enjoys high-wattage looks (pun intended), and the 88th Oscars were no exception. I found myself drawn to this dress for its unique color combination (purple and blue) and intricate design. Although ombre is a bit "out" at the moment, the dress dazzled, but still let Naomi shine. She did her hair (down) and makeup (red lip) just right.

3. Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein

The emerald color alone was enough to grab my attention. Although I felt the dress was a little mature for the young actress (low cut in front, open in the back), the dress was sexy in such a chic way, it didn't matter. Plus, the actress is Irish. It was a perfect color pick.

Outfit Details

From Tinsel Town to Gilstrap Lane...

Although Sly Stallone didn't win in the Best Supporting Actor category, I still wore a tiger print dress today.


Dress: Rebecca Taylor Sleeveless Tiger Print Pleated Dress (no longer available)

Celebrity Sighting!
The black/champagne version of the dress was spotted on Alison Brie last year on the TV show, Community. The shirt version of this dress was also seen on Agents of Shield.

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker (no longer available)

Bag: Kate Spade New York Southport Avenue Small Jenny (color: Morning Glory)

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Back to Wintertime

It's cold again in Atlanta, but despite that fact, I'm still wearing sandals. I guess I'm just a slave to fashion! The wind was blowing really hard when I was trying to get today's photo, so please excuse the messier-than-usual hair.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Taylor Geometric Print Scuba Fit and Flare Dress (no longer available)

I don't have many dresses from the Taylor brand, but I love this piece's bold colors and geometric pattern, and it was so reasonably priced. Most dresses from this line are going to be around $130, and even lower on sale. Plus, this dress is scuba, so that means it won't wrinkle easily! The tiny cap sleeves are an added bonus.

You can find Taylor dresses at most major retailers (Nordstrom, Belk, Lord & Taylor, etc.), as well as on Amazon. Dresses are available in both miss and plus sizes.

Sandals: Stuart Weitzman Soundtrack High Heel Sandals


Monday, February 22, 2016

Working the Arms

I'm a big fan of Jillian Michaels and her workout videos, and she often reminds viewers that the arms are the one body part everyone sees naked... so they need to look "hot." The top of today's dress is very conducive to displaying the arms and shoulders. If you are working out and lifting weights, and want to show them off, search for a dress with a tank top silhouette (rounded neckline, close fitting, more open at the shoulders).

Speaking of tank tops, I practically live in Target tank tops during the summer. I have a wide selection of different colors that I just rotate through. They are so soft and comfortable... and cheap! The higher temperatures lately make me feel like spring will be here any day now. I can't wait.

I do feel it's important that all women do some kind of weight lifting to improve their bones and try to prevent osteoporosis. While I will probably forever think my arms look too "beefy" due to all my weight lifting, I don't think I will ever stop. It's too important for your overall health.


Today's dress details:

Dress: Shoshanna Vertical Stripe Bernadette Sweater Dress

In addition to Amazon Fashion (link above), the dress is still available at Shoshanna.com, Neiman Marcus and 6pm.com.

Sandals: BCBGMaxAzria Gale Caged Heel Sandals

These satin sandals are available at Nordstrom Rack (link above) or ShoeBuy.com. I think I got my pair for around $35. What a deal since they were originally $195.

On the lips: My mom commented this weekend that she loved my new lip color, so I thought I would mention it on the blog. I first line the lips using NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bahama. I then fill in the rest of my lips with NARS Audacious Lipstick in Anita. I adore NARS makeup, particularly the eye shadows and lip options.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Sparkle and Inspire

My company is hiring, and has several open positions, so I will be interviewing candidates for the majority of the day. On busy days like these, when I barely have time to eat lunch, I like to wear something that is casual yet still work wear appropriate.

I chose this CeCe by Cynthia Steffe sweater dress because it is versatile, will hide any coffee I happen to spill on it, and definitely won't wrinkle. Plus, I love the sparkles! I even have shoes with sparkles to match.


The weather is gorgeous today, so I barely need a jacket since the material of this sweater dress is a little heavy. Too bad I'll be stuck inside most of the day!

Dress: CeCe by Cynthia Steffe Sage Sweater Dress

Shoes: Sophia Webster Finn Glitter Patent Leather Peep-Toe Pumps

Monday, February 15, 2016

Dress Like a Celeb

I'm always excited when I see a dress or pair of shoes from my own closet appear on a celebrity. I was even more excited when I saw that Ashley Benson, who plays Hanna on Pretty Little Liars, wore a dress I own to promote the show last month on Good Morning, America.

Here's a clip:


ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos

Dress: RVN Ribbed Turtleneck Slit Dress in Blue (no longer available)

Chapin is not a fan of turtlenecks, so I tend not to buy them, but I loved the body-con silhouette of this striped dress. I feel powerful, commanding and attractive whenever I wear it. The stripes are going up and down, which mean they slim the body and help elongate it. There's also a small yet sexy slit on the right side.



Shoes: L.A.M.B.

Since the dress is so long, and I'm so short, I opted for a pair of spiky black heels from the Gwen Stefani brand. I've had these shoes for years, so they are no longer available online.

Pretty Little Liars cast on GMA: 1/12/16. Photo courtesy of Hollywood Life.

Since today is February 15th, I will mention that yesterday was Valentine's Day! Chapin and I had a very quiet holiday. He cooked me a wonderful meal (snapper stuffed with crab, plus polenta with mushrooms), and we exchanged a few small gifts and cards. When you've been married 12 years, sometimes a relaxed day together is all you need to celebrate.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Dressing for the Weather

It's probably the coldest day Atlanta has seen in awhile, so I'm wearing another sweater dress today, this time from favorite designer Shoshanna.



Dress: Shoshanna Bethany Sweater Dress

Shoes: BCBGeneration Topaz Warm Sand Cut-Out Suede Pumps

You can still buy the dress at Amazon Fashion (link above) as well as Saks Fifth Avenue and 6pm. Although the dress looks fairly dark in some of the site photos, the color is definitely navy.

The dress was recently seen on an episode of The Good Wife, one of my favorite shows. I'm so sad this season will be the last.

Work is really hectic this week, and I'm feeling exhausted. Is it really only Wednesday?! At least I have a new episode of Younger to watch tonight.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Walk Like an Egyptian

I feel very regal and Cleopatra-like in today's Ted Baker London dress. With the temperature dropping in Atlanta, it's a great day to wear a heavier sweater dress. I know we've been lucky with our weather this winter... I just hope this luck holds out until spring. I don't want another Snowpocalypse!


Dress: Ted Baker London Jenkin Knitted Jacquard Sweater Skater Dress

The dress is still available at a number of retailers, including Nordstrom, the Ted Baker website and Zappos. Ted Baker sizing can be a little tricky, so if you are thinking of buying a Ted Baker dress, try it on in advance. I wear a size 1 (US size 4/6) in a fit and flare silhouette, and a size 2 (US size 6/8) for something more fitted. Remember that British sizing tends to run smaller than US sizing.

Pumps: Kate Spade New York

Dog Update

We had a great second session with our dog trainer on Saturday, and while we have not let Wally and Norman interact too much, Chapin and I are both hopeful that we will have two well behaved dogs very soon.

Unfortunately, Wally had us running to the vet on Sunday.

Pugs are not the healthiest breed, and since we don't know much about Wally's history, we have been preparing ourselves for some health problems. While his hair is growing in, his allergies are more in check, and he is definitely gaining weight, it seems his high fish diet is not the best for his urinary tract.

Late Sunday afternoon, we realized that Wally had a full bladder, but could not relieve himself. He would try and try - we could see his little body tensing - but nothing would come out.

We ended up spending Super Bowl Sunday, from about 6-10 p.m., at the vet's office.

After x-rays revealed Wally did not have kidney stones, the vet used a catheter to empty his bladder. His urine was extremely concentrated and "gummy," so we are going to try feeding him a special diet to see how he reacts. Now, we not only have to find food that he is not allergic to, but that won't cause stones as well.

The things we do for love!


Thursday, February 4, 2016

Always a Classic

Work has been fairly hectic and stressful this week, and I didn't have a lot of time to wrestle with my outfit choice, so... when in doubt, choose black. You can't go wrong with the right LBD.

This Trina Turk LBD has a beautiful v-neck sillhoutte and stunning lines to show off any sized figure. I paired it with Kate Spade rose gold and black heels and simple jewelry. I'm wearing the beautiful necklace Chapin got me for Christmas; I'm just in love with it, and I thought it would bring me some luck today.


Dress: Trina Turk Suzy Sheath Dress in Black

I bought the dress for just $35 on MyHabit.com, marked down from $288. You know me... I can't resist a good deal. You can still buy the dress in a beautiful raspberry color on Nordstrom Rack, or try Gilt to purchase either color. You need an invite to Gilt, though, so click this link.

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Piazza Dress Pumps (no longer available)

I recently discovered a cute little show on TV Land called Younger, about a 40-something woman who pretends to be in her 20s to get an entry-level job in publishing. She even starts dating a sexy younger man... It's a wonderful show, and I've been watching a few episodes each night. I'm looking forward to eating popcorn (my current favorite is Boom Chicka Pop Kettle Corn in the purple bag) and just vegging on the couch for a few hours. I'm exhausted. Is it Friday yet?

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Pretty in Pleats

It's February 2nd, Groundhog Dog, and it's 70 degrees here in Atlanta. I love this weather! I am celebrating by wearing this pink Shoshanna confection, which has pockets, pleats and a simple fit and flare silhouette. It's perfect for Valentine's Day... but I just couldn't wait. I am so stressed this week at work that I need a fashion pick-me-up.



Dress: Shoshanna Abigail Fit and Flare Dress in Rose

The dress is also available at Saks Off 5th.

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Patent Peep-Toe Slingback Pumps (They match perfectly!)

The pumps are no longer available, and believe it or not, I found these on sale at Saks this past summer. They are so beautiful... works of art, and worth every penny.

Earrings: Three Sisters Jewelry Diamond Bar Stud Earrings

I get so many compliments on these earrings, and they are fairly inexpensive. I'm a big fan of Three Sisters Jewelry, and have bought my sisters (and myself) pieces from the site over the years. Laura has a necklace with the names of her sons, and Gail has a necklace that includes the first initials G (for Gail) and R (for her husband, Rich). The pieces are really flexible, too. When Laura had her second son, I just sent the necklace back to get an additional charm added on. Of course, my George necklace is also from Three Sisters Jewelry. If you are looking for Valentine's Day gift ideas or just want to treat yourself to something nice... look no further.

Monday, February 1, 2016

Beaded

Today doesn't feel like Monday, mainly because I returned from a business trip late Friday night and then had a jam packed weekend. Fortunately, Atlanta experienced some amazing 60-degree weather, so that more than made up for the fact that I had little down time.

Chapin and I spent the majority of our Saturday afternoon working with the dog trainer we have hired to help with Wally and Norman. It's hard work, and takes a lot of focus for us as well as the dogs. Norman is picking things up faster than Wally, but he's the main trouble maker, so that's a good thing.

Our goal: to return harmony to our household. As this picture shows, it's possible!

We are using prong collars to help Norman and Wally learn different commands, such as "place" and "sit," and to get them to understand what they can't do, i.e. bark/lunge at other dogs or cars on the street, bark at every dog that passes by our front door, not pull on the leash, and - most importantly - not attack each other! We have not had any incidents since we started the training last week.

One of the hardest parts is that they have to "earn" their way back into our good graces, so they are not allowed to sit on the couch with us or sleep in the bed with us like they normally do. I have to admit, we did allow them to watch TV on the couch last night... I had Norman on one couch and Chapin had Wally on the other. I missed cuddling with my little sweethearts.

Saturday night, I also caught up with one of my best friends, Katie, at a new sushi place in town: Miso Izakaya. We both braved horrendous traffic in the city, but ended up having such a great meal and a fun time just sitting at the bar drinking wine (for me, at least) and enjoying some different sushi rolls. Chapin is not a sushi fan, so I was excited to have a friend who really appreciates good sushi join me for this dinner. I highly recommend the restaurant, and will definitely be going back.

This past weekend, we celebrated the life of our wonderful George.

The other event I attended this past weekend was the Annual Pet Celebration at Paws, Whiskers and Wags, where we cremated George. They have this celebration every year for all the pets who have passed away. I was planning to attend alone since Chapin is coming down with a cold, but my parents joined me at the last minute, even bringing me flowers to cheer me up. I have two amazing parents, and am so grateful for them. It was an intense few hours, but it did help bring me some closure. It was also comforting to see all the others who were grieving their own pets. I know I am not alone.

As for today's outfit, since it's going to be a busy week, I wanted to start off on a nice note, and I just love this blue dress from 4.collective. It always puts me in a good mood.


Dress: 4.collective Stella Beaded Collar Dress

Here is a similar style available on Amazon. (It's the same dress, but in a shift silhouette as opposed to a fit and flare silhouette.) You can also find it on ShopBop.com, or rent it on RentheRunway.com.

I definitely prefer the fit and flare silhouette to give more definition to a small waist (and disguise wider hips).

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Capsize Metallic Cap Toe Pumps