Monday, March 28, 2016

T for Tahari

The various brands that comprise the Tahari family are all geared toward helping women dress for work and special occasions. From corporate sheaths to mother of the bride suits, you can usually find the perfect outfit from Tahari.

Today's sheath dress, with its black, blues and greens, is a great dress to start the week in, especially if you're going to be in meetings and at your desk most of the day.


In addition to Nordstrom, the dress is also available at Nordstrom Rack. It comes in regular sizes as well as petite!

It's hard to tell in this light, but the cap sleeves are green and the panels along the bust are blue. I originally saw the dress in store at Belk, but they didn't have my size. Then the dress showed up on RueLaLa.com! Lucky me...


Shoes: Saint Laurent Paris 80 Studded Cap Toe Pumps

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Never Grow Up

I love feminine dresses, and I like mixing up my style. Today's dress has a myriad of feminine details that I just adore: fit and flare silhouette, eyelet skirt, cap sleeves, and a dainty Peter Pan collar. Some people might think this type of dress is more suited for a receptionist or summer intern, and not a partner in a marketing company, but as I've mentioned before on this blog, I like wearing dresses that make me feel happy and confident.

Zooey Deschanel once told Glamour: "I want to be a fucking feminist and wear a fucking Peter Pan collar." I wholeheartedly agree.


Dress: Alice + Olivia Peter Pan Collar Eyelet Dress (no longer available)

Sandals: Schutz Ankle Strap Sandals

Earrings: Three Sisters Jewelry Diamond Bar Stud Earrings

Monday, March 21, 2016

Ripples

It's been a crazy start to the week, as I had to travel to Milledgeville, Georgia, today for a sales meeting. Since I wanted a professional dress to wear for the meeting, I opted to go with this French Connection sheath dress in a black, white and gray print. The pattern seems tailor made to match my new Jimmy Choo sandals!

Dress: French Connection Record Ripple Lolo Dress


In addition to Amazon, the dress in this particular pattern is still available at Bloomingdale's and 6pm.

The 'Lolo' style has been a popular one for the French Connection UK brand (FCUK). It's now available in a myriad of colors, like Navy, Pink and Sky Blue. You can order it from retailers like Bloomingale's and Belk.

The Lolo dress was also seen on TV: on my soap opera obsession, Pretty Little Liars! Of course, it's the moms on the show who wore it (in black and plum). Yes, that certainly does make me feel old. Laura Leighton, also known as the infamous Sydney from Melrose Place, plays the mom of one of the main characters, Hanna Marin (Ashley Benson).


Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lottie Metallic Leopard Print Sandals

Friday, March 18, 2016

The Return of Late 80s Fashion

When I was in 6th grade, circa 1989, I had big bangs and a permed hairdo. I'm sure it's hard to imagine! I also had a love for those fluffy tiered skirts, and today's dress reminds me of something I may have worn back then.


Dress: Halston Heritage Fit and Flare Printed Dress

The fit and flare silhouette is so flattering, and I just love the little cap sleeves.

Purse: Kate Spade New York

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Bow Sandals

I'm in gray and black, head to toe, and as you can see, I'm exhausted from this week (and the time change). I actually went to bed around 9:15 p.m. last night, which is a record for me. I'm excited it's Friday and looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning.

It's really been a busy week for me. We had a record three people start at my company on Monday, and I've been traveling all around Atlanta (twice to Villa Rica, once to Marietta) for meetings this week. In addition, I had to go downtown yesterday (on St. Patrick's Day) to fight the ticket I received on the night of my recent car accident. Fortunately, the evidence was on my side, and the ticket was dismissed. I was so relieved.

I'm looking forward to a weekend with my family. We are celebrating my nephew's birthday tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be a fun, relaxing weekend.

P.S.: My manicure is still intact with no chips in the polish. I definitely recommend this new OPI Infinite Shine collection.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Lace Jersey

When it comes to dressing for work, I definitely like variety; I may be in a cute fit and flare dress one day, and a sexier sheath dress the next. Today, I opted for the latter!


This black and nude lace jersey dress is comfortable, professional and figure-flattering all at once. Best of all, you can still buy it online (and on sale at select retailers like Amazon).

Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Juliene Lace Jersey Peplum Dress

The dress is available at the following stores and comes in a few colors:


Shoes: Prada Leather Cutout Ankle Booties

The Prada booties are no longer available, but here's a similar style. Nude sandals would have also worked great with this dress, but I opted for the booties for a slightly "harder" overall look.

Necklace: Diamond Key Necklace (on sale at Three Sisters Jewelry)

Monday, March 14, 2016

Out of Time

I hate change. That means I'm in a guaranteed poor mood two weeks out of the year, when it comes time to change the clocks. (It usually take me about a week to adjust.) In the fall, we gain an hour of sleep, but it's pitch black at 5 p.m. In the spring, we lose that hour, but it stays bright hours into the evening.  I see the good and bad points with each situation. 

But do we really need to change the clocks? Arizona doesn't think so, and I agree. It's an antiquated practice we should do away with.

So, if I look more tired than usual this week, blame the time change. I'll have to wait until this weekend to catch up on my sleep.

Today, I'm wearing a bright dress to help offset the bags under my bags. This dress only cost me about $30, and I get so many compliments on it. The color is a bright and vivid blue, and though the pattern looks like it's comprised of tiny black flowers, it's actually a leopard print.


Dress: CeCe by Cynthia Steff Selena Leopard Pattern Fit and Flare Dress

Also available at Belk.

Sandals: Frye Lena Leaf Strap Sandals (no longer available)

It's hard to tell in the photo, but I got a manicure/pedicure this weekend in a color I've never tried before: OPI's Substantially Tan. It's a subtle, neutral color that will wear great with any outfit, and is appropriate for work, too. This color is from OPI's new Infinite Shine line, which is supposed to last longer than normal nail color. I'll let you know how it goes. Usually, my manicures last about a week, so if this one lasts longer, it's worth the extra few bucks I paid. (I don't like the gel manicures. The color is a pain to remove and I felt that my nails were weaker and more brittle afterward.)

The time change always make me want to read or watch a time travel story. I have always loved tales of men and women traveling through time, since I first watched Back to the Future in 1985. It had my little seven-year-old self absolutely transfixed.

Over the years, I have come to read a lot of great time travel novels, like Somewhere in Time. You've probably seen the movie, and if you haven't, watch it today. My mom and I both love it, and the book was even better.

Another one that is less well known: The Mirror. I remember loaning it to my friend, Katie, and she loved it, too. It's billed as a horror story, though, and in many ways the tale is terrifying. Originally published in 1978, it went out of print for years, but you can now download it or buy it through Amazon. It's a great read, and on my list to re-read soon.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Lions and Leopards

I scored today's dress for an amazing deal at Belk. It was just $20 (originally $158). I love a bargain, and the Belk at Phipps Plaza (almost) never lets me down.


Dress: French Connection Winter Simba Animal Print Dress

I've been looking for the perfect dress to wear with my new Jimmy Choo sandals, and this dress coming along, and at such a bargain price, was too good to be true. I love the all over animal print theme.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lottie Metallic Leopard Print Sandals


The sandals also come in a gorgeous glitter option! I love shoes, and the Jimmy Choo brand in particular. Chapin bought me my first pair of designer shoes for my 27th birthday in 2005, and yes, they were Jimmy Choos.

Here's a photo of me wearing the shoes for the first time. My style has definitely involved over the past decade!

TBT: May 2005
It's hard to believe that was over ten years ago... just a few months after we picked up George and brought him home. Time sure does fly.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Happy International Women's Day

Although it feels like lately there is a day celebrating everything from Barbie (that's tomorrow) to buzzards (next week), I can certainly get behind a day that wants to focus on the largest unsung minority: women.


If anything, International Women's Day has started a dialogue about women in the workplace, an issue that is near and dear to me because, frankly, sexism is all too prevalent in American offices these days. My husband often asks me why, at this level in my career, I could ever be "insecure" at work. Well, it's because:

  • I've been asked to "wait outside" so that my male counterparts can talk about financial information I'm apparently not privileged to hear as a partner in my company.
  • I've walked into a meeting only to have someone ask, "How old are you?" as if I'm not supposed to be there in the first place.
  • I've heard talk about the men in one of my past companies ranking the female employees by asset... and I'm not talking about business acumen. 

For these reasons and many others, one of things I believe in more strongly than ever is that women need to support other women for their choices. I have such admiration for women who can do it all: simultaneously maintain successful careers while raising children. I knew that was something I could not do, so I opted to focus on my business, Local Marketing, Inc. My sister, Laura, chose her boys over her teaching career, and I think she works harder than anyone I know.

She is currently trying to sell Rodan + Fields skincare products to make some extra money, but her top priority is her children, Reid and Cole. I have so much respect for her, and I know she, in turn, respects the choices that I have made.

I couldn't let today pass without signaling, in some way, just how difficult it can be to survive as a woman in a world where we have celebrities posting naked selfies and television entertainment includes a cacophony of battling materialistic housewives. Let's just hope that -- someday -- we won't need a day to remember the contributions of women everywhere.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Making My Case

I tend to push myself pretty hard at work, so it's no wonder that every once in awhile, my body tells me I need a rest. This past Friday night, I came home while it was still light outside (rare for me), and basically proceeded to spend the rest of the weekend just resting in bed or in front of the TV. Sometimes you just need that kind of weekend!

I did binge watch the first several episodes of The People v O.J. Simpson, and the narrative really drew me in. I remember this case so vividly, and it's interesting to review it now, as an adult, as opposed to the young teen I was back in 1994/1995. I knew O.J. from the Naked Gun movies, and I remember really doubting his guilt in the crime. Now, I am certain that he committed those murders.

The mini-series also starts out with scenes from Rodney King and the riots in Los Angeles as a way to frame what happened and how O.J. could be acquitted. I found it all really interesting, maybe because I was seeing the case from a fresh perspective. If you are looking for something to watch, I recommend it.

Despite my need for sleep and rest, I did manage to venture out on Sunday. The weather in Atlanta was so beautiful all weekend, and I took Norman and Wally on a long walk. They are still not getting along well, but they do like spending time outside.

Norman and Wally hanging out at one of the parks in our neighborhood.
Today's dress features a wonderful floral pattern in a bouquet of vivid blues and greens. I am so excited for spring! Although I don't normally like buying silk dresses - they wrinkle the minute you sit down - I gave in on this one because I think the print is just so beautiful.

Dress: Trina Turk Cosima Brandy Alexander Silk Mikado Dress


Available at Amazon, Dillard'sLord and Taylor, and Zappos.

Shoes: BCBGeneration Peep Toe Pumps (no longer available)

Friday, March 4, 2016

Pollock

Today's dress has been featured on the blog before (a little over a year ago), but the jacket is a newer addition to my closet.


Jacket: BCBGMaxAzria Luis Printed Faux Leather Moto Jacket

The jacket reminds me of Jackson Pollock painting.

Hanna wore a similar BCBGMaxAzria jacket on Pretty Little Liars in Season 5!

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Super Tuesday

It's Super Tuesday, and yes, I did get out to vote today. Hopefully, you did as well! I am really invested in this year's election, because I feel very strongly that a female president in the White House is long, long overdue. Go Hillary!

My outfit today is from Marc New York by Andrew Marc, a comfortable sheath dress in a beautiful green that I just love. Plus, it features my favorite neckline: the square-neck!



Dress: Marc New York by Andrew Marc Envelope Collar Sheath Dress

You can find the dress in a variety of colors online, like blue, coral and black. I got this dress at MyHabit. Message me if you want an invite.

The dress is also available online at Saks Off 5th, Lord and Taylor, and 6pm. Department stores like Nordstrom also carry the brand. The dress runs a little big, so you may want to try it on first.

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Specchio BB Pumps in Bronze

The shoes are sold out in bronze, but you can still get them in silver.