Saturday, October 31, 2015

Happy Halloween 2015

Norman and I dressed up this year, although we don't match.


Norman is a taco and I'm the Cat in the Hat! I hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween.


The dress is an old one of mine from Alice + Olivia, and the shoes are Prada.





Friday, October 30, 2015

Halloween Colors

I have never truly liked the standard orange and black colors that accompany the scariest of all holidays: Halloween. The typical Halloween orange is very bold and, frankly, not that appealing - to me, at least. But on this last workday before Halloween, I thought I would wear a dress featuring an orange that is more my style. With my dark nails, I feel truly ready for the holiday!

Dress: Shoshanna Floral Serena Dress in Orange

It's hard to see in the picture, but the dress is actually a print made of tiny, pastel orange flowers. It's quite beautiful.

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Strutting Platform Sandals (no longer available)


The dress is still available at Shoshanna.com, and the site is doing a special 25% off promotion through Sunday, 11/1/2015. Use code PUMPKIN at checkout. You can also find a few sizes left at Bloomingdale's.

If you're open to renting the dress, you can find it on Rent the Runway. Since I usually buy my dresses on sale or clearance, the thought of paying something like $50 to wear it once, when I could pay just a little more to own it, has never truly appealed to me, but I would probably consider it for higher end items you can't nab on sale.


I'm excited for this afternoon, when my company holds its annual Halloween. I even made Peanut Butter Buddy Bars, my first attempt, for the occasion (they were super easy to bake). Although I'm not going all out like I usually do - this year, my favorite holiday seems muted because George isn't here to celebrate with me - I'm still planning to dress up. I have a plan for Norman as well, but that will have to wait until tomorrow. Stay tuned...

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Back to the 70s

The title of today's post has a dual meaning:

First, after some chilly, rainy days, Atlanta is back in 70-degree weather (hooray). Although it's been rainy off and on today, as I write this post, the sun is shining. I think it's the first time I've seen the sun since Saturday!

Second, I am getting a distinct 70s vibe from today's dress. I think it's the explosion of different reds, golds, oranges and pinks in the skirt. Those colors definitely mean "the 1970s" to me.


Dress: Cynthia Steffe Ivy Fit and Flare Pleated Dress

Find it on sale at Amazon Fashion.

Sandals: Manolo Blahnik Perpia Strappy Stretch Sandals

Earrings: Stella & Dot Aurelia Drop Earrings

Necklace: Blue Nile Mini Feather Diamond Pendant


Monday, October 26, 2015

Welcome to Georgia, Patricia

Hurricane Patricia, at least its remnants, has set its windy, rainy eye on Atlanta. Today was simply miserable: cold, wet, devoid of sun, and overall just a day you wish you could spend watching TV in bed. Unfortunately, like most people, I had to be at work today. At least Monday is almost over... though I think the weather is not going to improve much until the weekend. It was so windy today it would hard to get a good picture!


Today I'm wearing a dress from a brand called Leota. It's my first (and currently) only dress by the brand, which I discovered on RueLaLa.com, one of my favorite discount sites. You can find Leota on sites like Amazon and Nordstrom, and the brand is well known not only for its cute and inexpensive dresses, but also for chic maternity wear.

This blue cap sleeve dress is just adorable, though like most cheaper brands, it's not that well made. It is not lined and has no zipper, so over the head it goes.

I like mixing in more inexpensive fare with higher priced items to really build out your wardrobe, and many celebrities are starting to do the same. You will see movie stars wearing an H&M top or Zara jacket with higher priced jeans and Manolo Blahniks. It's fun to see what cheaper items the stars pick up! I almost feel like Sharon Stone started this trend when she wore a shirt from GAP to the Oscars in the 90s.

Dress: Leota Blue A-Line Cap Sleeve Dress

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Peep-Toe Pumps

Nail Color: Essie Luxedo

I had a mani/pedi this weekend at Nouvelle Nail Spa in West Midtown (Atlanta). I love a dark nail color that is so bold it's almost black... but not quite. This color is a very deep purple, and goes with just about anything.


Friday, October 23, 2015

Business in the Front

Fridays mean getting a little more daring with your wardrobe. This dress looks very professional in the front, but is more open in the back. I think it's fine to take risks on days when you know everyone in the office will be a little more casual.

My husband told me I looked very pretty today, and he usually just gives me the standard, "You look fine." I am putting today's outfit in the win column!


Shoes: SJP Sarah Jessica Parker


Here is the back view:


Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Back to the Future Day: The Future Is Here

As many of you know, Back to the Future is my all-time favorite movie. In fact, one of my 2010 blog posts went into detail on my favorite moments from the film, and I read We Don't Need Roads: The Making of the Back to the Future Trilogy this summer.


Today is a special day for Back to the Future fans: the day Marty traveled to the "future" in the second film. Yes, it's finally October 21, 2015. While we don't have flying cars, and barely use fax machines anymore, the movie did get some predictions right: video teleconferencing, thumb print security (I use it everyday on my phone) and 3-D movies, to name a few.

I'm excited to celebrate by watching the movie tonight, wearing my Enchantment Under the Sea Dance t-shirt, and with my Marty McFly and Doc Brown Funko Pop figurines by my side.

This movie is truly special, and there is a reason so many people are celebrating Back to the Future Day today... me included.

And for those who don't know... Michael J. Fox was my first crush. I still hope to meet him one day!


Some of my favorite links/stories in honor of Back to the Future Day:

Monday, October 19, 2015

Every Which Way But...

Today's French Connection dress represents another recent bargain from the Belk at Phipps Plaza. I think I paid $10-15 for this cute body con dress, so even though the stripes are going every which way, and make me look wider than usual, I still had to have it.


Now, French Connection dresses are generally not the highest quality, so this dress is not lined. If you have to wear something so form fitting, add Spanx underneath; otherwise you will feel almost naked. I chose to wear it with wedges, but it would also look really cute with navy flats for a casual shopping trip or weekend lunch out. This dress is very versatile.

Dress: French Connection Summer Stripe Sheath Dress

Also available at Amazon.

Shoes: L.A.M.B. Plum Wedges in Navy (no longer available, but here is a similar wedge pump)

Here is a similar style dress available at Nordstrom, along with one at French Connection online. Both are only available in black/white.


If my makeup looks a little more natural today, it's due to some tips I gleaned from makeup artist Scoobie West. Scoobie did my wedding day makeup 12 (gasp!) years ago when Chapin and I got married, and I organized a Book Club outing at his studio this past weekend. (Funnily enough, his studio is just five minutes from my house.)

The group gathered to get his take on the best way to do a daytime to nighttime eye, fill in your sparse eyebrows, make your lips look bigger and more. It was so much fun! I placed a rather large Sephora order as a result, but if it makes me look like I have eyebrows, it's worth it. Is anyone else out there a victim of 90s over-plucking? Unfortunately for me, my brows never grew back.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Clothes Should Make You Happy

I have a hard time letting go of things... including summer. Although this pink eyelet Trina Turk dress is probably better suited for a hot spring or summer day, it's still a fun outfit to wear on a casual Friday in fall. Fortunately, although it's already mid-October, we are having some beautiful weather here in Atlanta, so it's still the perfect time for a sleeveless dress. It's also the perfect month for pink; it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.


Plus, I don't believe in fashion rules. I believe you should wear what makes you feel good, what makes you happy. This dress makes me smile.

My smile gets even bigger when I think about how much I paid for this dress. I recently snapped it up for just $20 at Belk (yes, the Belk at Phipps Plaza). The dress was originally $298! I certainly do love a bargain.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Trina Turk Elin Pink Eyelet Fit and Flare Dress

It's on sale at several other retailers, though not for the price I paid. (Belk.com doesn't have nearly the same selection as the Phipps Plaza store.) I love this dress so much I would have paid a lot more for it!

Find it here:


Sandals: SJP Sarah Jessica Parker (no longer available)

You can find SJP shoes at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's, and occasionally... Nordstrom Rack. Keep an eye out for the good sales.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

The Right Way to Do Stripes

Clothes can often be an optical illusion, making you look thinner or wider through the use of color and print. Darker colors, like black, are slimming. That's why every girl owns a million and one LBDs (little black dresses). Print can also play with your perception. Horizontal stripes, for example, can make you look bigger, while vertical stripes do the opposite. BCBGMaxAzria turned this basic rule into a dress designed to make your chest look bigger and your hips and waist more narrow. What woman wouldn't want that? I also love the green and blue hues, and I played with my eye makeup to match.


Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Renley Short Sleeve Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is still available at 6pm, and you can find the same dress in a different color scheme at Amazon. I actually bought it for a steal (I think $15 maybe) at Belk. They were having a clearance sale a few weeks ago, and I scored some amazing finds. If you're in Atlanta, definitely check out the Belk at Phipps Plaza!

Arm Candy: Kate Spade New York Purse in Mint Mojito

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Wedges

These cute wedges are no longer available, but check out these similar styles:



Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Fiesta!

After a fun weekend in Chicago with my sister, Gail, it's back to work I go! I'm trying to feature the last of my more lightweight dresses before fall hits Atlanta in full force. The weather today is sunny and in the high 70s, so although I'm seeing Halloween decorations everywhere, I can't quite resign myself to the fact that it will be cold soon.

Today's dress is from Nanette Lepore, and the crazy print makes me want to break out a pinata and some margaritas. It's actually called the Machu Picchu dress, and it's still available online at Amazon, Cusp and Zappos. The dress is a little big on me, so you could probably size down depending on your comfort level.



Dress: Nanette Lepore

Shoes: Charles David (no longer available)

Celebrity Sighting!
Mindy Kaling wore the dress on her show, The Mindy Project. I am planning to get Hulu soon just so I can watch this show!


Monday, October 5, 2015

The Keyhole Dress

The "keyhole" neckline can add a little sexy to any dress - and it's more subtle than many other necklines. Depending on the overall design of the dress, the keyhole dress can still be professional and appropriate for work. In this case, with such an adorable overall design from Trina Turk, you are certain to turn heads (in the right way) in any situation.


Dress: Trina Turk Ida Crepe Sheath Dress with Jeweled Keyhole Neckline

Available at the following retailers:

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Capsize Metallic Cap Toe Pumps

Watch: Michele

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Guava

The color of today's dress is so vibrant, like the inside of a guava fruit. It's the perfect dress to wear on a gloomy, overcast day. It's been raining off and on all week, and I am hoping the weather will clear up by Saturday, when I'm running a 5K in Candler Park. How could I resist a run where you dress up in 1980s garb? I'll be rocking some neon colors, for sure.

Today's Outfit:


Dress: Shoshanna Anita Dress

Shoes: BCBGeneration Jakalyn Gold and Clear Ankle-Strap Sandals

Bag: Stella and Dot Gold Perforated Clutch

I'm looking forward to seeing some of my grad school friends tonight when we meet up at bartaco in West Midtown. Getting my MBA was probably one of the most difficult and fulfilling things I've ever done, since I was also working full-time. I love seeing my old classmates and catching up with them; they are such a wonderful group of men and women!

I also thought I would start including some fun facts in these blog posts about what I'm doing in my (little) spare time.

Currently Reading:
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

I only get to read for about 15 minutes each day, but I absolutely love this book and am so engrossed in the story. It's set during World War II, and each chapter alternates between a young blind girl in France and an orphaned boy in Germany. I am only about halfway through, and I can't wait to see how their worlds collide. If you're looking for something new to read, I highly recommend this book!

Currently Watching:
Pretty Little Liars on Netflix (season 3)

Currently Listening to:
Catcall: I love the song "Satellites" and it's been stuck in my head all day!