Almost Ready for 2015

Dress: Black Halo

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Licorice Pumps

Flower Power

Dress of the Day: 4.Collective Square Neck Flower Print Dress

Shoes: L.A.M.B. Suede Pumps

Pinkish

Dress: Black Halo Braelyn A-Line Short Sleeve Dress

This comfortable fit and flare dress is in a beautiful peachy pink. I especially like the cuts on the sleeves and how they pouf out a little. As always, Black Halo dresses are very thoughtfully crafted.

I love Black Halo dresses, but they don't tend to fit me all that well. I have to size up because of my wide hips, which then makes the top half too large for my small shoulders and frame. Some designs just don't work on an apple shape like mine... or am I an hourglass shape? I never seem to know the difference.

Shoes: Kate Spade New York

90s Throwback

I think this dress is a testament to the plaid rage of the mid-90s. I remember I had a black plaid skirt that I just loved. It looked like a kilt and even had the big metal pin affixed to it. I wonder now what I would say to myself about my fashion sense back in 1994.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Shoshanna Marlee Leather and Plaid Dress

It's available in a white/red/black color combo right now at Gilt.com. The dress runs a little big, so I would size down. You can see how the top doesn't really fit me quite right.

Celebrity Sighting!
Actress Camilla Belle was seen in the dress last year. I remember when she played the young Sandra Bullock in Practical Magic. I am getting so old!

Shoes: Modern Vintage T-Strap Pumps

Purse: Kate Spade New York Little Nadine

By Design

Dress: Laundry by Design

Shoes: BCBGMaxAzria

Dress Like Jess (New Girl)

Today's dress of the day may look familiar to you if you're a fan of the Fox show New Girl. Jess (Zooey Deschanel) wore the Shoshanna Cassidy dress in the 2013 episode "Quick Hardening Caulk." This episode is one of my favorites, because not only does Jess start to admit that she's really attracted to Nick (Jake Johnson), but they visit a home building store together, where everything reminds her of sex.

If you like this magenta Shoshanna dress, you can rent it from Rent the Runway, or visit Shoshanna.com to shop a variety of styles from the designer.

The black and rose gold pumps are from Kate Spade New York. You would not believe the number of compliments I get from people when I wear these shoes. Today, in Publix, the cashier went crazy over them. She even brought her manager and another cashier over to see them. The shoes are sold out, but here's a similar style.

This dress is so comfortable, so I'm excited to wear it to my company's holiday party at Couscous Atlanta tonight. Everyone has worked so hard this year; I'm extremely proud of the team at Local Marketing, Inc.!

White Out

Dress: 4.Collective Hampton Lace Cap-Sleeve Fitted Dress

Booties: Prada

Gray Skies

Dress: Rebecca Taylor

Shoes: L.A.M.B.

A Color Shout

I love all the colors weaving in and out of this tweed Shoshanna dress. Just looking at it brightens my day.

Dress: Shoshanna Johanna Sheath Dress with Metallic Embroidery (also available here)

Shoes: L.A.M.B. Plum Suede Navy Blue Wedges

I may look tired because I had to rush George to the vet last night after his left eye started watering, and I noticed he was struggling to keep it open. It turns out, the poor guy has an ear infection in his right ear and an eye ulcer in his left eye.

George had an eye ulcer - a pretty severe one - back in 2006. Fortunately, we caught this one early. If your pug starts winking at you, it's not because he or she knows something you don't. Your pug could, in fact, be having some eye problems.

George is home today in a cone, but hopefully on the road to recovery.

A Decade of Wonderful

Today is a special day in our house: our pug, George, is turning ten! I can't believe that little puppy we brought home is now such a distinguished gentleman.

George is the light of my life. I love him so much more than I thought I could ever love a little dog. He has his own unique personality, and I know he loves me just as much as I love him.

Dress: David Meister

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps

Black Halo LBD

Dress: Black Halo

Don't you just love a good little black dress (LBD)? This one from Black Halo concentrates on the shoulders (there are even shoulder pads) and the waist (via quilting that nips in around the hips) to help draw the eye to more complimentary areas of the body. There is clearly some thought behind the design, and it's much appreciated.

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Licorice Pumps (black with gold flecks)

Houndstooth

Dress: Shoshanna

Shoes: Butter

Celebrate Good Times

This week, Chapin and I went to Bacchanalia for the first time to celebrate Chapin's birthday. What an experience. If you haven't eaten there yet, I highly recommend it. Yes, it's pricey, but it's worth it for one of the best dining experiences I've had in Atlanta. I can't decide if I enjoyed Bacchanalia or Restaurant Eugene more - both were fantastic.

Dress: David Meister

Here is Sofia Vergara wearing a similar style.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Chapin is wearing Hugo Boss.

That's Who I Need...

This week, my sisters and I have been reminiscing about one of our favorite childhood movies: The Chipmunk Adventure. The songs from the movie have been stuck in my head for some weird reason. One of our favorite songs was always the one where the Chipettes sing about the importance of a mother. I bring this up in today's outfit post because my mom actually bought me this dress.

My mom is one of the most important people in my life. As I get older, and friends fade in and out of my life, my mom has remained a close confidante. I talk to her on the phone several times a week (usually), and try to see her and my dad at least twice a month. It's hard when life is so busy, but I hope my parents both know how much I love them, and how much they mean to me.

A few years ago, I almost took a job out of town. I'm so glad I didn't. I love being close to my parents and just a car ride away. They are my support system through everything. I may not agree with them on everything, but I know they are going to love me regardless of my politics, religion or any other controversial subject.

Outfit of the Day:

Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Gwenyth Paneled Sheath Dress

Also available at Amazon. (My mom got the dress for me at Belk.com, but it's sold out on the website.)

Shoes: Kate Spade New York

Shine On

Dress: Shoshanna Silver Cap Sleeve Dress

Pumps: Jimmy Choo

Purse: Kate Spade New York

Birthday Wishes

Dress: Nanette Lepore

Shoes: Kate Spade New York

Sunny December

Dress: Shoshanna

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Time is Flying

I went to the dermatologist today, and they told me it had been over a year since my last visit. I was startled, because -- in my  mind -- it felt like just a few months. Time is going faster and faster as I get older, and it's scaring me.

Today's outfit details:

Dress: Maeve (from Anthropologie)

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Peep-Toes

Happy Thanksgiving 2014

Dress: Eva Franco

Shoes: Kate Spade Wedges

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wind in My Hair...

Dress: Shoshanna

Booties: Prada

It's Black, It's White

Today's outfit details:

Dress: Black Halo

Shoes: BCBGMaxAzria

Print It Up

I usually am not a big fan of print dresses, but I love the green and blue diamond pattern on this Shoshanna dress. It would be perfect for Earth Day! It's hard to tell from the photo, but the skirt gives a full twirl if I ever were to dance in it. Ah, a girl can dream. Unfortunately, my hubby is not one for dancing.

Dress: Shoshanna Paulette Micro-Pleat Dress

Pumps: Stuart Weitzman Capsize Metallic Cap Toe Pumps

I had my hair done over the weekend, so the red is nice and vibrant for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Here's an inside view:

Chapin and I saw the new Hunger Games movie this past weekend with our friend, Elizabeth. I recently re-read the last book, Mockingay, and I don't know how I'm going to wait another year to see the final movie installment. What are your thoughts on the underlying meaning of these books? Is the Capitol the author's (Suzanne Collins) view of the United States? Real or not real?

Daring Denim

Dress: Cynthia Steffe Rosa Embroidered Navy Denim Dress

Sandals: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker

Celebrity Sighting!
Angela wore the dress on the TV show, Bones.

Playful Plaid

Dress: Eva Franco

Shoes: Kate Spade New York

Winter White

Dress: Milly

Shoes: Butter

Warm in Wool

I love wool dresses, and they are perfect for cold, windy days like today. But living with two pugs means any fabric like wool is immediately covered in pug hair. Oh well, what can you do? I'm not going to give up my two cuddle bugs. Norman was being especially sweet this morning, wanting to nestle in my lap while I ate my breakfast.

Today's outfit is from my favorite designer, Shoshanna: just a simple blue and black wool sheath dress. Colorblocking is one trend that I have embraced wholeheartedly.

Dress: Shoshanna Noura Wool Colorblocked Dress

The dress is still available on Gilt.com. Click on this link to get an exclusive invite and save 30% off your first purchase.

Booties: L.A.M.B.

Here is a shot with the blue Kate Spade purse that perfectly matches the blue in the dress.

Purse: Kate Spade New York

Polka Dotted World

It's a polka dotted world! My dress and bag are both in one of my favorite prints: black and white polka dots.

Dress: Yoana Baraschi

Shoes: BCBGMaxAzria

Arm Candy: Kate Spade New York

Long Sleeves

As many dresses as hang in my closet (room), I don't actually own all that many long sleeved dresses. Today's outfit includes one such dress, though, since it's about 28 degrees in Atlanta. Most of the country is experiencing a very early cold snap. Even Norman, our one-year-old pug mix, needs to wear a sweater when he goes outside!

Dress: French Connection Marie Long Sleeve Keyhole Dress

Shoes: L.A.M.B.

Feeling Blue

It's so cold here in Atlanta today. I guess I should expect that, with Thanksgiving just two weeks away, but it feels like the temperatures started dropping fairly quickly. I hope we are not in for a bad winter.

Dress: Cynthia Steffe

Shoes: Kate Spade New York

Death for My Samsung

Unfortunately, I spent most of today dealing with a death in the family... the death of my laptop. I am in the process of moving everything over to a new MSi laptop that Chapin picked out for me. Here's hoping this one lasts longer than two years.

In a weird coincidence, I did wear black today.

Dress: 4.Collective

Shoes: Kate Spade New York

November Sunshine

It's a beautiful day here in Atlanta, and I'm dreading the next few days when the temperature is supposed to drop. Stay warm!

Outfit Details:

Dress: Nanette Lepore

Shoes; Kate Spade New York

Olive is the New Black

Dress: Rebecca Taylor

Shoes: Saint Laurent

Never Grow Up

Today's Outfit:

Dress: Eva Franco 'Posey' Wool Tweed Dress with Peter Pan Collar

The dress is sold out online, but Nordstrom Rack always has a good selection of Eva Franco dresses on sale.

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Piazza Pumps

The pumps are no longer available, but check out this similar style, also from Kate Spade New York and in the black/ rose gold combination. Here is also a flat version.

Sparkles and Stripes

Today's Outfit of the Day

Dress: Nanette Lepore Belted Square Neck Dress

Pumps: Pour La Victoire

Cohesive

Dress: Nanette Lepore

Shoes: Prada Booties

Too Cold

I can't remember ever starting off November with such chilly weather. I'm ready for the warmer temperatures that the meteorologists are promising will arrive later in the week.

This dress is definitely a winter ready dress, so I was happy to break it out to wear today.

Dress: Rebecca Taylor Cap Sleeve Pleated Twofer Dress

Pumps; BCBGMaxAzria

Celebrity Sighting!
The dress has made an appearance on the TV show Last Man Standing.

Celebration

Chapin and I celebrated our wedding anniversary this past weekend with a wonderful dinner out.

Where: Lusca

What We Ate:

• Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad (to start)
• Pumpkin Swordfish (for me)
• Charred Octopus (for Chapin)
• Side of Roasted Okra with Curry Sauce (to share)

We skipped dessert, even though we adore dessert, since there was no chocolate option on the menu. We did enjoy a wonderful bottle of wine with our meal, though: Morgon. We are looking into getting regular shipments!

My Outfit Details:

• Dress: Rebecca Taylor Lace Bustier Dress
• Shoes: B Brian Atwood

Chapin's Outfit Details:

• Shirt: Hugo Boss

Fun Fact: I curled my hair for the occasion, but I am inept with a curling iron and even a curling wand. I used my old Lock 'n Roll set that I've had since I was twelve.

Celebrity Sighting!
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg (little sister Dawn on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) wore the dress to an event a few years ago.

Working on Halloween

Although in the past I have often dressed up for Halloween, as my career has advanced, I have been forced to treat Halloween like any other day. I can at least wear black for the occasion, though, and you can be sure I will be greeting our neighborhood trick-or-treaters in costume tonight (stay tuned).

Dress: Cynthia Steffe Black Peplum Dress

I have many, many little black dresses, but this Cynthia Steffe dress is one of my favorites. It's very flattering all around. I especially love the square neckline, which is very attractive in a more subtle way.

My husband has been traveling all week, so our little pug mix, Norman, has been very restless, especially the last two nights. I have dark circles to match the dress, I guess.

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Licorice Pumps

Here is our Halloween photo from this year. We did a whole Ghostbusters theme, though you can barely see Norman in his ghostbusting outfit. George looked so cute in his Stay Puft Marshmallow Man costume.

Tweed It Up

Dress: Shoshanna

Shoes: Kate Spade New York

I've Never Seen Purple Underwear Before, Calvin

Today's dress, being purple and from Calvin Klein, reminded me of a certain scene from my favorite movie of all time, Back to the Future. I am super stressed at work this week, so thinking of that movie makes me smile.

In other news, I am re-reading The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, since Part I comes out in theaters in just a few weeks. I already bought tickets for the opening weekend. Go Team Peeta!

Dress: Calvin Klein

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Halloween Themed Outfit

Halloween is just days away, so I decided today I would break out this orange and black dress from Shoshanna.

Dress: Shoshanna Colorblock Sheath Dress

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Pumps in Black and Rose Gold

Rising Sun

I needed to get to work early today, so I took today's post before the sun had fully risen. It makes for a beautiful photo, though! You can see the pink sky in the background.

Dress: French Connection

Unfortunately, no matter what I do, this dress wrinkles. Oh well! Here's a very similar French Connection sheath dress, available in navy and a few other colors. Remember that French Connection runs small, so size up.

Wedges: L.A.M.B.

Eyes: NARS Dogon Eye Shadow Duo Palette

Checkered

This dress always makes me think of a checkerboard, especially since I usually pair it with red accessories. I always enjoyed playing checkers as a child. My sisters and I had a two-sided game growing up: one side with the typical checkerboard, and the other with Chinese checkers. For some reason, we never learned to play the Chinese checker side... I have no idea why! I still don't know how to play to this day.

Checkers also makes me think of a certain scene from Overboard, one of my favorite movies ever. It is such a quotable movie. "Eat your checkers!" Check out the clip below.

Dress: Shoshanna

Shoes: Kate Spade New York