Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Finding Nicole Miller

Today's dress marks the second piece from the Nicole Miller brand that I have worn this month. The brand seems to have exploded of late, with lower-priced options in many major department stores like Belk, Dillard's and Lord & Taylor. 

I knew I wanted this dress as soon as I saw it, mainly because of the silhouette (a simple sheath dress designed to show off your curves) and the print (the floral embroidery on the black background is so classic and beautiful).

I think this piece is also versatile enough to serve as an office dress or cocktail dress -- either way you look fabulous and chic.


Outfit Details

Dress: Nicole Miller New York Embroidered Floral Dress

You can find the dress at a variety of online retailers, including:


Shoes: Jimmy Choo Henna Ankle Strap Peep-Toe Pumps

I just snagged these Jimmy Choos as Neiman Marcus for under $200. The deals on this site lately have been so good; definitely keep an eye on any sale items you are coveting. The site often does clearance events (an extra percentage off sale) that brings many items down to about 70% off.

July Fourth is coming up, which means the sales are only going to get better. Stay tuned for great deals on sites like Saks Fifth Avenue. These types of luxury sale events usually only happen a few times a year, and now (early summer/July Fourth) is one of my favorite shopping seasons.

Friday, June 23, 2017

The Match Game

I love being matchy-matchy with my outfits, and today I feel like I'm matching even more than usual.


Dress: Anne Klein Striped Fit and Flare Dress

You can find the dress online (and on sale) at the following stores:


The dress runs large, so I would size down. I'm in a size four, but I really needed a size two. Oh well. At least the dress has a belt to show off your waistline!

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Jill Rosette Espadrille Wedge Sandals

If these sandals look familiar, it's not just because I've worn them on the blog before; Lorelei wore them when she married Luke on Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life!


The sandals are sold out almost everywhere, but here is a similar pair -- the Kate Spade New York Daisy Espadrille Wedge Sandals -- available now on the Kate Spade website.

Monday, June 19, 2017

Keeping Touch

I'm starting this hot and humid week wearing a Karen Millen dress that I scooped up on sale a few months ago at Bloomingdale's. I was drawn to this dress mainly because of the bold colors used: two different shades of red and a deep purple. I paired it with my purple Manolos, even though the two shades of purple aren't an exact match (they're close enough).


Dress: Karen Millen Color-Block Pencil Dress (no longer available)

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB Ankle Strap Suede Pumps

Actress Vanessa Hudgens was seen wearing the dress on the short-lived TV shows, Powerless. I never watched the show, but this character obviously has fabulous taste in clothes. ;)


Since it's Monday, I will mention that I had a great, very low-key weekend celebrating Father's Day with my family, and enjoying some time with my sister, Gail, and her son, Max.

Little Max is not even four months old, but he's already smiling, laughing and teething. His skin is so soft, and while he had trouble putting on weight during his first few weeks, he is now a healthy, chubby baby. I can't wait to see more of my nephew this week.

I also have to mention the book I just finished reading, or -- rather -- listening to: The Keeper of Lost Things, by Ruth Hogan. I've been having to travel a lot lately, and audiobooks are the only things that keep me sane on long car trips by myself.

This book was wonderful: it made me smile, laugh and cry, and the characters truly come alive through the audio presentation. Finishing the book felt like losing touch with good friends; I hope the author writes a sequel. Bonus: there's a pug named Baby Jane that makes an appearance about halfway through.


Friday, June 16, 2017

Summer Rain

I am normally glad when the weekend rolls around, but this last week has been stressful, so I'm especially excited that today is Friday. I'm also happy that my sister, Gail, and my nephew, Max, are in town from Chicago. I can't wait to see them both tonight!

It seems like it's been raining on and off all week -- we even lost power for several hours last night -- so I thought today's silvery blue dress was an appropriate choice. The colors remind me of the sky during a summer storm.


Dress: Nicole Miller New York Metallic Jacquard Fit & Flare Dress

This dress is no longer available, but here are some similar options to check out:


The dress is very comfortable -- not too binding -- and the skirt has some extra flare to it. I do wish it was a little shorter, but I'm glad at least it hits me right at the knee and not any lower.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Metallic Blue Pointy Toe Pumps


Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Solid Gold

I think today's dress would be equally at home on a dance floor as in an office setting: It's gold, fitted and fabulous. It's hard to see in the photo, but the dress actually has a gold/black pebble pattern. I decided to play up the gold color by pairing the dress with gold sandals and gold eye makeup. (I guess the name of today's blog post -- Solid Gold -- is truly fitting.) I did a bold lip color for an extra pop of color.

Although the hubby will be the first to say I'm too dressed up for work, I don't agree. I'd rather be overdressed than under dressed anyway.


Today's Outfit Details:

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg Hadlie Two Gold Sheath Dress

The dress is a typical sheath dress, although I will say that the fit is slightly off. The top of the dress won't sit correctly on your chest unless your shoulders are pulled back, and although there is a lining, you will definitely need to add Spanx underneath.

Since the dress was so fitted, I sized up and am wearing a size six, which was the right call. DVF tends to run small, and I don't take any chances when a garment is fitted since I am definitely curvy.

You can buy this dress at a variety of online retailers, and the price has been majorly reduced almost everywhere. Here are just a few places to shop:

Monday, June 12, 2017

Weekend Adventures

Weekends are the ideal time for relaxing, running errands, seeing friends and family, and spending quality time with your significant other. This past weekend, June 10-11, 2017, was a good mix of all those things.

Saturday

Chapin and I each have a weekend day where we get up at 6 a.m. to feed and walk the boys, then come back to bed. I normally do Sundays, so Chapin does Saturdays, meaning I can sleep in (relatively) uninterrupted most Saturday mornings.

I got up around 8:30 a.m., then did a Jillian Michaels video and ran outside. It's getting hot, so I am going to have to get up earlier if I want to continue running outside during the hot and humid Georgia summer.

Side note: Have you ever been attacked by a bird? 

We've been having a problem in our neighborhood with a bird actually attacking runners -- everyone thinks she is protecting a nest -- so I have been steering clear of the section where the attacks occurred. Unfortunately, it's also the flattest section of the neighborhood. The attacks have waned the past week, so I did do a test run over there and emerged unscathed. I am not a fan of birds and probably would have been severely traumatized had I been attacked. One day, I saw the bird out of the corner of my eye, and felt like she was getting close, but she never touched me... thank goodness. Runners in the neighborhood were actually chased and pecked, something I've never heard of before. Yes, I certainly hate birds.

Saturday night, we had dinner plans with our very good friends, Rahul and Vinnie, who had a babysitter for the night and were eager to go out. They let us pick the restaurant, so we chose Cooks & Soldiers, one of our more recent favorite restaurants (and fairly close to our house). The meal, wine and company were all outstanding, and it was a long dinner and a fun night out. I wore this new Herve Leger dress for the occasion. 

Outfit Details


Herve dresses are expensive, but if you can score one on sale, they are worth every penny, and are truly the best dresses for showing off your curves. Plus, it's like wearing Spanx on your whole body, so there are slimming benefits as well. You just can't go wrong in an Herve.

Sandals: Jimmy Choo Nude Tallow Sandals (no longer available)

Toenail Color: Me, Myselfie & I (coral) from the OPI California Dreaming Infinite Shine 2 Collection

Here were some of the small plates we tried at dinner; everything was so good!
  • Churro de Patatas: Potato churro, citrus aioli, mojo picon
  • Crudo de Hamachi: Japanese yellowtail, compressed cucumber, kumquat, dill, coconut meringue, serrano chili
  • Pez Espada: Seared swordfish, hazelnut romesco, swiss chard, hakurei turnip, salsa verde 
  • Vieras: Pan-seared scallops, ​sweet potato, ​B​russels sprouts, ​Maitake mushroom, parsnip 
  • Pulpo: Wood grilled Spanish octopus, lentils, charred carrot harissa, piquillo peppers, leeks

If you're in Atlanta, we highly recommend Cooks & Soldiers for a nice dinner out.

Sunday

We had tickets to an 80s flashback concert Sunday night, and a chance to see Tears for Fears and Hall & Oates in concert. We joined our friend Elizabeth at the venue, and it was a fun night for all... although I definitely enjoyed myself more than Chapin. Concerts are just not his thing.

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Dress or Drapes

Many prints you see in the fashion world could also easily serve as patterns for drapes, couches or other interior design elements -- including today's print.


But I just love florals, especially when they have beautiful pastel colors like this dress from Taylor. There are little cutouts at the shoulder, but other than that it's a typical fit and flare dress. But like I said: I just really love the print.

Sizing:
I am wearing a size four, but it's a little big on me, so you may want to size down.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Taylor Dress Floral Fit and Flare Dress with Shoulder Detail

It's on sale for an amazing price at Amazon. I am kicking myself  for not waiting a little longer to buy it. You can also find the dress at Belk and Nordstrom.


Shoes: Schutz Cadey Lee Ankle Strape Dress Sandals in Light Blue (Jeans)

You can find these sandals in a variety of colors at the Schutz online store and on Amazon. Schutz is one of those brands that is fairly cheap, but the styles are so cute that even celebrities can't resist them. Lauren Conrad and Victoria Justice have been spotted in these sandals, although in different colors from my "jeans" light blue. Actress Priyanka Chopra even wore the sandals to promote her most recent movie.

Monday, June 5, 2017

Work Week Craziness

I'm gearing up for a busy week, with networking events, travel, sales meetings and everyday work activities keeping me on the go, go, go. I thought I would start off this crazy week with a bright color to set the mood. This orange Karen Millen dress is eye-catching and attractive; I love the square neckline, even though the bodice is ultra tight.

#MYKM

Outfit Details:

Dress: Karen Millen Orange Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is also available at Bloomingdale's.

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Specchio BB Pumps in Bronze

I just love pairing bright colors, like this orange, with bronze or gold for a little 70s vibe.


Thursday, June 1, 2017

In Search of the Best Deal

One of the only reasons I can maintain a vast and diverse wardrobe is because I only buy clothing, shoes, purses, etc. on sale; I never, ever pay full price.

Although my parents technically bought me this dress as part of my birthday present, I found it on the clearance rack at the Belk Phipps Store -- and it was only $9.99.

Yep, originally $148, we paid only $9.99.

I repeat: $9.99 for a Trina Trina Turk dress! That's pretty unbelievable! I just love the idea of a $10 designer dress.

Outfit Details

Dress: Trina Trina Turk Kirei Ruffle Lace Dress (no longer available)

I could not find the dress available for purchase online, but you can find the lower priced Trina Trina Turk line at a variety of leading retailers, including Nordstrom and Belk.


You will notice that the ruffle and sleeve are only on one side of the dress. Although I felt a little lopsided when getting dressed this morning, I like the effect overall, and it's nice to have an LBD (little black dress) that is not only lacy, but has a little "something extra".


Sandals: Coach Maxine Sandals

I'm a newer fan of Coach after getting my first pair of sandals last year. The shoes are comfortable, the styling is classic, the prices are great (on sale, of course), and the heels are generally low.

You can find the Maxine sandals at several stores: