Stripe to It

Although I normally don't like wearing horizontal stripes - that type of pattern can tend to make you look wide - I still like this dress because it's just so darn comfortable. It's the perfect dress to wear to work the Friday before a holiday. It also just happens to be in my husband's two favorite colors, navy and orange, also the colors of his favorite sports team.

Dress: Shoshanna Denise Striped Navy and Mandarin Dress

The dress is not longer available in this design, but Saks Off 5th has some sizes left in the long-sleeved shift version.

Flats: Tory Burch Chelsea Ballet Flats in Navy Blue

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Goody Goody Gum Drops

This dress from designer Eva Franco is so sweet, and the design makes me think of candy, so of course I love it. I love all sweet things!

Unfortunately for my waistline, we now live very close to two ice cream places that I just adore: Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream and Vintage Custard. We like to get a cold treat almost every Sunday night. We just pile the dogs in the Tesla, and off we go. I'm sure this little ritual will end as the temperatures cool down, but for now I am enjoying it.

Dress: Eva Franco Button Dress (no longer available)

Eva Franco dresses are generally very feminine. Celebrity fans include Zooey Deschanel, who has worn several designs on New Girl. You can buy Eva Franco designs online at the following stores:

• Amazon
• Anthropologie
• EvaFranco.com
• ModCloth.com 
• MyHabit.com
• Nordstrom Rack

Arm Candy: Kate Spade New York Cobble Hill Cross-Body Purse

My sisters bought me this purse for my birthday a few years ago, and it was perfect for our vacation to Italy. I don't use it too often during the week, since I find myself needing a larger purse for everyday, but the color matches so perfectly with this outfit that I just had to use it. I'm a matchy-matchy kind of gal.

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Exsling Nude Platform Peep-Toe Sandals

The sandals are no longer available, but here are some similar styles:

• Stuart Weitzman Ginger Sandals
• Stuart Weitzman Expump Sandals
• Stuart Weitzman Chat Room Wedges
• Stuart Weitzman Bowry Peep-Toe Bow Pumps

It's hard to believe that Labor Day is Monday, and that summer will soon be winding down. I love the long days, when it stays light until almost 9 p.m., and luscious summer fruits and veggies.

In other news: Brad Pitt is married! (Sigh.)

Put a Bow On It

Today I'm wearing one of my favorite dresses. I not only love the fit and flare silhouette, but the color is just gorgeous. Thank you, Shoshanna!

Dress: Shoshanna Allie Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is still available on Gilt, and new members get $30 off a first order. Use this link and start shopping!

Shoes: Prada Black and White Striped Bow Tie Pumps

I adore these pumps -- the little bow is just precious -- but they are sold out. You can still  buy the flat version, though, and check out some similar styles currently available:

• Prada Black and White Leather Bow Tie Pumps (Bluefly)
• Prada Black Leather Bow Tie Pumps (Bluefly)
• Isaac Mizrahi New York Mindy 2 Black and White Striped Slingbacks (6pm)
• Kate Spade New York Janira Black and White Bow Pumps (Amazon)

White Hot

Dress: Black Halo Jacket Dress in Boucle Tweed and Pebble Crepe

This beautiful body-con dress is on sale now at BlackHalo.com. It's a wonderful silhouette - very professional and chic at the same time. This combination is one of the main reasons why I think the Black Halo brand has gotten so popular in such a short amount of time.

I love this dress and always get so many compliments on it, but it can be difficult to wear. White in general is hard to pull off - it is not at all forgiving - and the fabric used on the skirt is fairly thin, so you can sometimes see the lining underneath if you're not careful.

Black Halo tends to do different variations on the same style, so check out some other options for the jacket dress on the website.

I chose this particular photo to feature on the blog today because George is in the shot. A pug photobomb is too priceless to resist. You can see I'm smiling larger than normal because he just cracks me up.

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Pumps (Purple Patent)

Photo by: Chapin Arnett

I also wanted to comment on last night's Emmy Awards. It was "Christmas in August" on the red carpet, with many women opting for white (surprisingly) or red dresses. I don't like white evening wear in general because to me it looks too bridal, but I did love Sofia Vergara's structured dress from Roberto Cavalli. I guess if you're going to wear a white evening dress, a more streamlined choice is the way to go.

My favorite of the night: January Jones of Mad Men in Prabal Gurung. I appreciated the feminine play of the dress combined with the hard edge of the booties. It even has the black stripes pointing in at her waist to make her look even tinier. Love, love, love.

Luck of the Irish

 

Dress: Trina Turk Sunnie Ponte Keyhole Dress in Kelly Green

I always feel like I'm celebrating St. Patrick's Day when I wear this dress; it's the perfect color green for any Irish themed celebration. Truthfully, I don't have a drop of Irish blood, but some of my favorite people in the world are Irish.

The dress is available to rent from Rent the Runway in this beautiful Kelly Green, and you can still buy it on Amazon in that hot Trina Turk "pink swizzle" color.

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

I'm excited to watch one of my favorite fashion events tonight: The Emmy Awards! I will be watching to see what the crew from Orange is the New Black wears since they normally have to dress in prison garb. I'm sure they are taking advantage of every opportunity to dress up and glam out.

Friday LBD

I love a "Little Black Dress," and I'm especially in love with this Roland Mouret for Banana Republic design.

Dress: Roland Mouret Collection Lace Sleeve Dress

I love the design of this dress, and since I normally can't afford Roland Mouret - his designs sell for $1,000 or more - I was so excited when Banana Republic launched this small collection (priced for the average consumer). If you are looking for a professional, chic, polished look, Roland Mouret is the answer. His fans include Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Eva Longoria, Blake Lively... the list goes on and on. His designs look especially great on women who want to emphasis curves, like Kim Kardashian. He is the aptly name King of the Body-Con Dress.

The dress is fabulous, but beware: it's not lined. If you are self conscious at all about your body, you might want to add a slip or Spanx.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Bronx Black and Gold Buckle Sandals

Lips: Christian Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Vertigo

I'm currently obsessed with this lip color line, mainly because I have finally found a lipstick that stays on my lips longer than one hour. If I put this lip color on in the morning before I go to work, even with drinking coffee and having a snack, it's still on my lips by lunchtime. That is amazing to me! If you don't have time to constantly re-apply lipstick throughout the day (who does?), definitely check out this lip color line right now.

Orange Crush

Dress: Shoshanna Natalie Dress in Mandarin Orange

Purse: Charles David

Shoes: SJP Collection from Sarah Jessica Parker

What do you think of using blue to complement the orange? I've never tried these two colors together before.

Silver Lining

Dress: Cynthia Steffe Metallic Aniston Fit and Flare Dress

You just can't go wrong in a fit and flare dress, and the inverted pleat on the skirt adds a little something extra. But I think I especially love this dress from designer Cynthia Steffe for its playful metallic print. It works for any skin tone!

Pumps: BCBGMaxAzria Ma-Willoe Pumps in Gunmetal

Although you could wear just about any color shoes with this dress, I chose these BCBGMaxAzria metallic pumps for a head to toe metallic look. The shoes were a gift from my sister-in-law, Stacey, for my 35th birthday, so they are especially special to me.

The shoes are no longer available, but here is a similar style.

I added red lips, ruby earrings and a cherry red Kate Spade New York purse for a little pop of color. I love having a palette like this one to work with, because you can really play with your accessories.

Feeling Patriotic

Putting this dress on always makes me feel patriotic - I should wear it on July Fourth, right? - if not a little regal. This dress is a true "fit and flare" dress, with a silhouette straight out of the 1950s.

Each piece that I'm wearing today is Kate Spade New York. I guess that really does make it all American.

Dress: Kate Spade New York Corley Colorblock Striped Sleeveless Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is still available online at the following retailers:

• Kate Spade
• Bloomingdale's
• Avenue K
• Zappos

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Stacie Pumps in Red Patent

Bag: Kate Spade New York Carlisle Street Piper in Maraschino Red Patent Leather

Celebrity Sighting!
Quinn (Dianna Agron) wore the dress on Glee, and Jess (Zooey Deschanel) wore the dress on New Girl. Who do you think wore it best?

Pretty Pleats

Dress: Shoshanna Alyce Pleat Dress in Navy (no longer available)

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

Black, White and Red All Over

Here are today's outfit details:

Dress: Shoshanna Belle Black and White Lace Dress

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

I'm excited for the weekend, mainly so I can catch up on all the sleep I missed this week. Happy Friday!

The Eyes Have It

Chapin was home this morning to take this photo on our patio, and he always does such a nice job. I like how the blue in my eyes is popping, making you almost miss the extremely dark circles underneath. I've definitely been working too much and not getting enough sleep this week.

Dress: Shoshanna Black Combo Tia Crepe Dress

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Fresia Patent Platform Sandals

We've been having some freak weather in Atlanta the last few days... temperatures in the 80s and low humidity. It's a summer miracle!

Celebrity Sighting!
Comedian and actress Michaela Watkins wore the dress on The Soup.

In Fashion, In Vogue, In Death

It's been a sad week for celebrity deaths with the passing of Robin Williams closely followed by the death of Hollywood legend Lauren Bacall. The death of Mr. Williams particularly jarred me because he played such a large role in my childhood, from Mork & Mindy to Dead Poets Society to Hook. If death teaches us anything, it's to live and enjoy every moment. I know I need to do a better job of relishing in the good each day brings me... a kiss from Chapin, a sweet look from George, a call from my Mom, a text from one of my sisters. These are all good things, and I am thankful for them. If I'm working a 12-hour day, or cursing my alarm for waking me up at 4:45 a.m., I at least know I am truly loved, and I love in return. That is what life is about, isn't it?

Now, on to the fashion...

Dress: Nanette Lepore Hot Pursuit Dress in Grape

Amazon has the Nanette Lepore First Love Jacquard Sheath Dress in a different color combination (black/white), and NanetteLepore.com is also selling the Hot Pursuit dress in all black for under $100! Hurry before sizes run out. What a great deal.

Shoes: Prada Leather Cutout Ankle Booties

I'm excited for Book Club today. The topic of discussion: Big Little Lies, by Liane Moriarty. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Embellishments and All

Dress: Shoshanna Beth Embellished Neckline Dress (no longer available)

Similar style dresses:

• Shoshanna Lizzie Navy Poplin and Eyelet Dress
• Shoshanna Eden Navy Confetti Lace Overlay Dress
• Shoshanna Embellished Eliza Dress

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Perpia Strappy Stretch Sandals

Kate Spade Monday

I'm in head to toe Kate Spade New York today, a great way to start off the week.

I have seen this dress on many other fashion blogs, and it's always interesting to see how other women style what is essentially a simple striped dress. I added a navy bow belt to mine (also Kate Spade), blue handbag, and  neutral grey shoes.

Dress: Kate Spade New York Mariella Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is hard to find online, but you can rent it.

Wedges: Kate Spade New York Tenor Wedge Pumps in London Grey Patent

The wedges are still available on 6pm.com in black and camel. They are super cute and comfortable, too.

Purse: Kate Spade New York Irving Place Little Nadine Satchel in Dark Lapis

This particular color is generally sold out online (I originally got it more than two years ago), but you can still buy it in different styles on eBay. The Kate Spade New York Cedar Street Maise bag in Emperor Blue is very similar, and available now at KateSpade.com.

Celebrity Sighting!
This dress was seen in a season three episode of Scandal, and E! News Anchor Giuliana Rancic wore the dress in a recent TV commercial for Ashley Furniture.

A Color Clash

Red + pink doesn't always equal disaster. Although the two colors inherently clash in a sort of Valentine's Day mash-up, I've recently come to love pairing these two hot colors together for one great outfit.

Photo Bomber: Norman Arnett

Dress: Trina Turk B-52 Crochet Fit and Flare Dress in Pink Swizzle

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Tula Flats (red with a pink bow)

While these particular flats are no longer available online, check out the Kate Spade New York Tock Flats, which have a Kate Spade signature bow and look very similar to the Tula style. The Tula flats run small, so I would definitely try on the Tock style before committing to a size. 

Kate Spade New York always has a cute selection of flats, though... any will do!

Bag: Kate Spade New York Carlisle Street Piper in Maraschino Red Patent Leather (no longer available)

Celebrity Sighting!

Country singer Miranda Lambert wore the Trina Turk B-52 dress in a photo shoot for People Country in 2013.

A Very Nice Purple Dress

"That's a very nice purple dress. It's very purpley." -Buddy the Elf (Will Farrell), Elf (2003)

I couldn't help but think of this quotation from one of my favorite holiday movies as I got dressed this morning. This purple Nanette Lepore dress is super flattering. I just love a good fit and flare dress, don't you?

Dress: Nanette Lepore Pueblo Dress

Saks still has the dress in purple in a few sizes, and several other retailers are selling it in other colors.

• Bluefly.com has the dress in blue, black and ivory.
• Nordstrom Rack is selling the dress in black and ivory. (Purple is sold out.)

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Butterfly Gina Pumps in Gold (no longer available)

Check out a similar style on Amazon.

Celebrity Sighting!
Margaux (Karine Vanasse) wore this dress on season three of Revenge.

Hot Pink in Hotlanta

Summer may be winding down, and Atlanta schools are already back in session, but it's still extremely hot in the city today. I'm wearing hot pink neon in full appreciation of this sweltering day.

Dress: Shoshanna Penelope Neon Tweed Dress

I'm not normally a huge fan of shift dresses - they tend to work best on women who are small and less curvy - but I couldn't resist the combination of tweed and neon pink from my favorite designer.

The dress is generally sold out, but check out this similar style from Shoshanna on Saks.com.

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Birdie Slingback Pumps in Sand Linen (no longer available)

Lip Color: NARS Roman Holiday Lipstick

This lip color is very light, but it's the perfect complement to the pink dress. I also have to mention that I am wearing the earrings my littlest sister, Laura, gave me when I was in her wedding five years ago. I still can't believe my baby sister is a married mom of two!

Celebrity Sighting!
Ali Fedowsky is a fan of Shoshanna and was recently seen in the Shoshanna Penelope Tweed Dress.

Just Add Color

I love dressing up a neutral dress with a little pop of color. Today I went with coral shoes from SJP to brighten up this Shoshanna white, black and gray color blocked dress.

Dress: Shoshanna Ryder Color Blocked Dress (no longer available)

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

Necklace: Melanie Auld Mother of Pearl Triangle Pendant Necklace

The necklace, a gift from my awesome sister, Gail, is no longer available, but the matching earrings are on sale. I may have to fire up my credit card...

Purse: Kate Spade New York Parker Place Margie Satchel (no longer available)

I especially love this bag because it looks so vintage, as if it's straight out of the 1950s. Shop some similar styles here:

• Kate Spade New York Aster Row Palermo
• Kate Spade New York Bedford Square Kinslow
• Kate Spade New York Madison Avenue Villa Flores Torrington

Stained Glass

Dress: Shoshanna Tanya Dress

I went a little more casual with today's dress, mostly due to the fact that I have a rare day with no (in-person) client meetings.

I think the pattern on the dress looks like stained glass up close, but it's essentially a paisley lace pattern. I love Shoshanna dresses not just for their flattering cuts, but for their uniqueness as well.

Necklace: Alexis Russell Pave Diamond Key Necklace

I love Alexis Russell's simple yet elegant designs, and I hope to get more of her jewelry over time. They key necklace is one of my favorites.

Shoes: Charles David T-Strap Calypso Sandals

These sandals are no longer available, but here are some similar styles:
- Charles David Integrity T-Strap Sandals

- Charles David Suede Isadora Sandals

- Charles David Integrity Sandals

- Manolo Blahnik Worty T-Strap Sandals

- French Connection Nella T-Strap Sandals

Princess for a Day

Dress: Trina Turk 'Princess' Belted Fit and Flare Dress in Wine Berry

Similar styles:

• Trina Turk Cozumel Dress in Black (6pm.com)
• Trina Turk Aime Pink Tweed Fit and Flare Dress (Nordstrom Rack)
• Trina Turk Aime Dress in Whitewash (Nordstrom Rack)
• Trina Turk Belted Kianna Dress in White (Nordstrom Rack)
• Trina Turk Sleeveless Lace Belted Fit and Flare Dress in Black (Neiman Marcus Last Call)

Shoes: Frye Lena Platform Leaf Sandals

These sandals are no longer available, but here is a similar style on 6pm.

Lip Color: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga

I love how this deep plum lipstick highlights the wine berry color of the dress.

George was very excited about today's picture, and especially likes my shoes. He is 9.5 years old and my baby!