Wednesday, June 29, 2016

George On My Mind

I am so in love with this adorable dress from BCBGMaxAzria and all its little details, especially the juxtaposition of the flower print with the lace "cutouts". (They are not really cutouts; the dress has a soft beige lining.) It's truly unique and like nothing else in my closet.


Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Cecile Print-Blocked Lace Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is still available at several retailers, though specific sizes seem to be selling out:


Shoes: Prada Leather Cutout Ankle Booties

Maybe it's because I've been working so much, but this week seems to be flying by. I actually thought it was Tuesday for the first half of the day! I'm glad it's not, because I have a fun evening planned.

First, I'll be picking up the painting I had commissioned of George. Isn't it wonderful? Ali Leja, of Ali Leja Designs in Johns Creek, Georgia, did such a beautiful job capturing George and his sweet spirit.


I'll also be having dinner with my parents and sisters at the Avalon shopping center in Alpharetta. It's so rare that just the five of us can get together, without kids and husband tagging along. I can't wait!

Monday, June 27, 2016

The Dress That Gwyneth Wore

I've had a love/hate relationship with Gwyneth Paltrow ever since she dated my #1, Brad Pitt, back in the 90s. Not only was she gorgeous and dating Brad Pitt, but she was tall, thin, and incredibly smart, too, even fluent in Spanish. Then she did a little film called Shakespeare in Love, one of my favorite films of all time. How could I hate her after that? Plus, she'd already broken up with Brad Pitt by then. Now, it seems, we have similar taste in dresses!


Dress: French Connection Lula Colorblock Stretch Sheath Dress

The dress is available in a black/white/gray color scheme on Amazon Fashion and Saks Off 5th. The dress is tight fitting and is not lined, so definitely plan to wear some Spanx. I'm wearing the Shape My Day Girl Shorts.

Sandals: Sophia Webster Finn Glitter Patent Leather Peep-Toe Pumps

Most of the time, I can't afford anything that Gwyneth wears or touts on her Goop website, so of course I was stunned to see her in French Connection. I love the brand, but it tends to be really affordable. That's one word that doesn't really bring to mind images of the Oscar winner.




P.S. I actually met Gwyneth Paltrow in the early 2000s, when she was promoting Shallow Hal. She was very nice in person, and smiled a lot. I remember being very starstruck!

Charleston Girls Weekend

I spent this past weekend in Charleston, South Carolina, with my younger sister, Gail, and two of my oldest and dearest friends, Katie and Erin.

  • I've known Katie since my sophomore year of high school, when she joined The Speculator newspaper staff at Chattahoochee High School. We bonded during the summer of 1994, when we were roommates during the University of Georgia's journalism camp.
  • I met Erin back in 8th grade through a mutual friend, Laura. I was in the chorus with Laura, and she and Erin had been friends forever. I had just moved to Atlanta during the previous year, and I remember being so happy to have found new friends that I liked so much.
From left to right: Me, Gail, Erin and Katie.
Our excuse in coming together for a weekend away: Emily Giffin's new book, First Comes Love, and the accompanying Book Launch Party at the Gaillard Center in Charleston. I have been a fan of Emily Giffin's for years, and she actually lives in Atlanta. I've been to almost every one of her book signings, so I could not miss this special event. The first signing I went to, at a Chapter 11 back in 2005, had only a handful of people; this event had hundreds! It's been fun to see Emily's transition into a big-time author, and I'm so inspired by her success I've decided to start a novel of my own.

Here are a few photos from the weekend:



Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Little Bit of Fringe

Although I'm not a big fan of fringe, today's dress only has a hint of it at the hem and neckline, so I'm not complaining.


I love Trina Turk for her figure flattering dresses, and this one is in a slimming black with just pops of neon color.

Dress: Trina Turk Abela Embroidered Fit and Flare Dress (sold out online)

Pumps: Jimmy Choo Lottie Metallic Leopard Print Sandals

This will probably be my last post for the week, as I'm headed Friday to Charleston with two high school friends and my sister, Gail, for an all-girls weekend away. I'm so excited to do something fun with my girlfriends, including attending this author event. I haven't been to Charleston since 1994, when my family and I went there for a few days for a mini-vacation when I was just 16. I remember being bored on the walking tour of the city, a ghost invading our hotel room (my mom swears by it) and OJ Simpson dominating the headlines. I'm looking forward to rediscovering Charleston and all it has to offer as an adult!

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Summer Pink

It's officially summer, and I'm kicking off the new season in a bright pink dress I purchased for 75% off on Belk.com.


Dress: Taylor Dresses Jacquard Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is also available for purchase at Amazon -- where you can find it in aqua, yellow and hot pink -- and Nordstrom Rack.

Sandals: Kate Spade New York Isa Ankle Strap Dress Sandals in Bronze

Monday, June 20, 2016

Me Before You

I love to read, and devouring books has always been a passion of mine, something I think my parents instilled in me at a young age. I was extremely shy growing, but with books, my shyness didn't matter. I would spend hours in the different worlds my favorite authors created... walking the halls of Sweet Valley High with Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield; tagging along as the girls in The Babysitter's Club looked after their charges; delving into the scary imagination of Christopher Pike.

Today, I don't have much free time to read, but I am still extremely loyal to contemporary authors like Emily Giffin, Harriet Evans, Liane Morairy, and -- more recently -- JoJo Moyes. I have read several of her books now, and I just love them. The characters are so vivid and real, and the stories just pull you in. If you haven't read a book by JoJo Moyes, I highly recommend you start today!

Tonight, I'll be going to the movies with my Book Club to see the adaptation of one of my favorite books from the last few years: Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes. I'm so excited, even though I already know how it ends. (Yes, it's tear-worthy.) I love that it's Monday and I'll be going to a movie! It will be popcorn and Junior Mints for dinner. Ha!

I chose today's dress because I needed something comfortable to wear. (I'll be seeing the movie right after work.) This cute fit and flare dress from BCBGMaxAzria is not only comfortable, but is super chic, too... and I got it for a steal.



In addition to Amazon Fashion, the dress is available at the following retailers:

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Seersucker in Summer

Seersucker is a print that seems synonymous with summertime. It makes me think of men lounging around in a backyard garden in their seersucker suits, twirling their long mustaches and sipping cold cocktails, leaning over to speak to Southern belles blushing beneath frilly umbrellas.




Seersucker is probably also synonymous with "preppy," but there's nothing wrong with that!

Dress: London Times Gray and White Seersucker Lace Dress

I probably spent about $20/25 on the dress, and I got so many compliments on it! It's just a super cute summer dress. You can still buy the dress on Amazon and 6pm.com, and it's also available in plus sizes at Nordstrom and on Amazon.

Pumps: Charles David White T-Strap Sandals (no longer available)

Monday, June 13, 2016

Flamenco

There's something about today's dress - maybe it's the color, or the unique fit and overall silhouette, or just the fact that it's about 100 degrees out - but I feel like a flamenco dancer.


Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Jalina Knit Lace Fit and Flare Dress in Red Berry

The dress is still available on Amazon Fashion (in the Red Berry and Off White) and on 6pm.com (in just the Off White). Revolve Clothing also has the dress in Red Berry in limited sizes.

BCBGMaxAzria has seemingly returned to its roots, creating chic, fun dresses that you can wear to work or on the weekends. There was a period where I hated everything from the brand, but I've come to embrace and love BCBG dresses again.

Sandals: Schutz Ankle Strap Sandals

Today feels like the first normal day in a long time. Chapin has been traveling so much lately... he has essentially been gone for about two months on a project in Columbus, Ohio, coming home about every two weeks. One time, I didn't see him for three weeks, the longest we've ever been apart in almost 17 years together. Saturday, he returned for good; his role in the project is finally over!

He must have felt guilty or something, because he didn't object when I wanted to buy a pair of new shoes (Christian Louboutin Toboggan Glitter Sandals) this past weekend. They were on sale!

Friday, June 10, 2016

Mom Love

Today's dress was a gift from my mom for my 38th birthday. It's a different look for me, but she picked it out especially for me, so of course I adore it. I especially love the bold orange and pink colors, which are perfect for a hot June Friday in Atlanta. Sometimes it's nice to go outside of your comfort zone and try on something new. You might be surprised at what you find...


Dress: Kaari Blue Printed Fit and Flare Dress (from Belk!)

Sandals: BCBGeneration Jakalyn Gold and Clear Ankle-Strap Sandals

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

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Black Clothing and Fawn Pugs Don't Mix

It's near impossible to keep a black skirt, dress or sweater pristine... especially if you live in a house full of fawn pugs. I was only wearing today's dress about five minutes before I noticed strands of pug hair clinging to the fabric!


Dress: CeCe by Cynthia Steffe Black and White Bow Dress

The dress is no longer available for purchase online, but you can still shop the brand at stores like Nordstrom Rack. I bought the dress at my new favorite store, Belk, for about 75% off.

Pumps: Kate Spade New York

I paired the outfit with a red bag to match my shoes for a complete overall look. I hate that the dress looks so wrinkled, even though I did steam it this morning. Oh well! I tried my best.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Wild About Color

When it comes to my wardrobe, I'm a fan of every color of the rainbow. That's why I love this "electric" sheath dress with cap sleeves from French Connection. It takes a classic print (leopard) and adds a lot of color.


Dress: French Connection Electric Leopard Print Sheath Dress

Pumps: Manolo Blahnik BB Patent Leather Pumps in Raspberry Pink

I know these pumps are expensive, but think of this type of purchase as an investment. They are so versatile; you can wear them with skinny jeans or a dress, during the day or out at night. You won't have to think twice about your shoes - just reach for your BB pumps.

I could not find this particular color online, but you can find the BB Pump style at retailers like Saks, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Just about every female celebrity seems to have a pair. I have two: one with an ankle strap (in suede) and this patent leather pair. Don't hesitate: Treat yo-self!

Friday, June 3, 2016

Mai Tai State of Mind

This dress makes me think SUMMER (yes, in all caps) every time I see it. I think that reaction is related to the tropical print at the bodice and waist. It just makes me want to sit back and sip a Mai Tai. I definitely need a vacation.

Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Cristalle Mixed Print Dress


The design of this dress is very smart in terms of how it mixes these very different prints. The vertical stripes work to draw the eye downward while the tropical print creates a frame that is also very slimming. Although I'm not a big fan of hip pockets - I find that they add volume to my already wide hips - here they don't bother me because they are shrouded with black side panels.

You will also notice that the bodice has a keyhole neckline, which is a bit deceiving if you view the dress on most retail sites. (For example, you can barely tell there is a keyhole looking at this image on SaksFifthAvenue.com!) I think most of the models wearing the dress just didn't have much of a chest to fill it out. Read the descriptions carefully if you're buying anything online!

Shoes: Prada Leather Cutout Ankle Booties

I'm excited for the weekend because tomorrow we will be celebrating our good friends, Rahul and Vinnie, who are expecting a baby boy this August. I am helping out Vinnie's sister, Bobbie, with the planning, and was in charge of dessert. That means... yes, there will be cupcakes, even some gluten-free cupcakes for me.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Hot Day, Hot Color

I'm predicting that Summer 2016 is going to be extremely hot here in Atlanta, so I thought I would start off today, the first day of June, in a "hot" color: coral.


Dress: Tahari ASL Short-Sleeve Pleated Valerie Sheath Dress

The best thing about this dress is the color - it's so bold! - and overall sheath style. It's perfect for the office. The band in the middle is also particularly slimming.

I'm short ( just 5 feet, 3.5 inches tall), so shorter skirts tend to look better on me, helping to elongate the leg. I probably should get the length of this skirt altered so it's a little above my knee rather than hitting just at the knee. Also, this dress runs a a bit large, so definitely try it on if you're thinking about buying it.

Pumps: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker (no longer available)