Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Fashion as Stress Relief

This week has been tough... and it's only Wednesday! I am super stressed out, because I have so much to do and so many deadlines looming. On top of everything, I have to be out of town on a work trip. South Carolina, here I come!

When I'm feeling stressed or upset, I like to wear something that lifts me up. This Alice + Olivia dress did the trick when I was getting dressed this morning. It's just absolutely beautiful. I love the bright pops of blue and all the delicate lace. It does what every great piece of clothing should do: makes me feel good about myself!


Dress: Alice and Olivia Nakia Guipure Lace Sheath Dress (no longer available)

Shoes: Loeffler Randall Piper Wedge Scallop Sandals

Monday, August 28, 2017

You'll Look Sweet (in Ted Baker)

Wearing today's dress, I can't help but think of a song from my childhood: "A Bicycle Built for Two."

Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer true
I’m half crazy over the love of you
It won’t be a stylish marriage
I can’t afford a carriage
But you’ll look sweet
Upon the seat
Of a bicycle built for two

I'm tired today after my fun weekend in New York City, so I opted for this fun Ted Baker dress to wear on a work-heavy Monday back in the office. So much to do...

Ted Baker London designs are generally very sweet, frilly and feminine. Many dresses feature lace, bows, flowers and polka dots... or a combination!


This dress has just subtle gold polka dots combined with an overall daisy motif.

Dress: Ted Baker London Olara Daisy Fit and Flare Dress

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Hesper 85 Mirror Leather Sandals

Girl Time

I spent the last few days having a blast with some high school friends in New York City. Sometimes, you just have to get away with the girls! Although we were in the city just a short time, we packed a lot in: visiting the Empire State Building, strolling through Central Park, taking in a show (Waitress), walking through Battery Park, and just enjoying all the culinary delights available.

My favorite restaurant?

Zuma (Japanese), where we opted for the chef's tasting menu and got to sample so many wonderful and delicious dishes.

Here are a few photos from the trip:

Enjoying some delicious Italian food.

View from the Empire State Building.

Taking in the view with two women I've known over 20 years!

Central Park on a beautiful August Saturday. #girlstrip

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Zipper Logic

Adding a zipper to the front of a dress may seem like a good and unique idea, but I question the logic. Zippers can add weird ripples and bumps to a dress that most women won't like -- especially when those ripples and bumps appear near your stomach.

Fortunately, I have my Spanx on underneath to help smooth things out. Thank goodness for Spanx!

I definitely see the value in a front zipper; it will make a normal dress extremely versatile for both work and social situations. For example, I could easily turn this dress into something much sexier just by unzipping it a bit. Revolve Clothing sold the dress that way (it's sold out now). Since I'm at work, though, that zipper will stay all the way closed. ;)


Dress: Bailey 44 Olive Green Sundowners Sheath Dress with Square Neckline

You can find the dress at Amazon, or rent it at Rent the Runway. I got mine at RueLaLa.com, even though it's similar to a dress I already own from Black Halo. I just can't turn down that square neckline. It's so flattering!

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Fearne Glitter Criss-Cross Wedges

This post will most likely be my last for the week, since I'm off on Friday for New York City! I'll be exploring all that Manhattan has to offer with a few friends from high school. I can't wait.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

To the Max

Maxi dresses tend to work the best on tall women with long legs and lithe bodies. That said, there aren't too many maxi dresses hanging in my closet. 

But I just loved the bright blue pattern of this Eva Franco dress, and I couldn't resist the price; I got it for just $26 at Dillards.com. Yes -- $26! 

I paired the dress with very high Stuart Weitzman sandals to give me some extra height, and I think it works. I also love the delicate neckline -- it really shows off the shoulders. The open back adds a hint of sexiness, too.


Dress: Eva by Eva Franco Jane Maxi Dress

Eva Franco can run a little small, so if you're between sizes, I recommend sizing up.

I couldn't find this particular style online, but you can buy the same dress in a beautiful lace blue from Zappos.com. Also, Amazon and the Eva Franco site have the dress in a few different options. The Island Punch design would be perfect for a beach vacation.


Sandals: Stuart Weitzman Strutting Platform Sandals

Platform sandals and maxi dresses go perfectly together, don't you think? I've had these sandals forever, so unfortunately they are no longer available, but you can find Stuart Weitzman at most major retailers. Neiman Marcus Last Call tends to have a good selection and pricing for the brand, and I would also check out Amazon.

Monday, August 21, 2017

Dark Side of the Moon

Should today be re-named Solar Eclipse Day? It's going to be difficult getting through the afternoon with all the excitement and distractions related to the solar eclipse. We are having a little party at the office, complete with moon pies and Blue Moon beer.


I wore black today as a reference to the solar eclipse. This event is such a rarity, you can't help but celebrate it.

Dress: Halston Heritage Cap Sleeve Notched Neck Silk Faille Dress

I absolutely love this dress. It fits in all the right places, and the cap sleeves and fit-and-flare design are so slimming. Remember to size down in Halston Heritage; I'm wearing a size two for reference.

I will add that it might look like the dress has pockets -- but it doesn't. That is my one negative comment, because this dress would be just so perfect with pockets!

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Romy Embroidered Satin Pump

I'm so in love with these new Jimmy Choos, which I just nabbed on sale from Bergdorf Goodman. It was my first time ordering from the site -- or buying anything from this store, for that matter. I'll definitely be back if I continue to see items like Jimmy Choo shoes on sale. Apparently, this style is exclusive to the store, too.


Enjoy the solar eclipse! I'm off to watch it on TV with my staff.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Romper Crazy

Ever since I bought my first romper a few months ago, I've been seeking out chic rompers that could work in both corporate and casual settings. This romper from Ted Baker London is definitely laid back, but also sophisticated enough to wear to the office on "Casual Friday." (I wouldn't wear it any other day, to be honest.)


I didn't try out rompers for a long time, because I figured they were not the best match with my body type. All my extra weight is on my hips and upper thighs, and I was worried a romper would accentuate that area and make me look short and stocky.

The belt on this romper really helps put the focus on your waist, and the print draws your eye upward, so I knew this romper could work for me. It's so well made, too -- as is everything from this brand.

Unfortunately, Ted Baker London tends to be expensive, so look for good sales at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus to snag dresses, rompers and other items from the brand at below retail value. This romper was originally $295, but I got it for just $88 during a clearance sale at Neiman Marcus.

Outfit Details

Romper: Ted Baker London Bindee Belted Romper

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps

Since I'm so short, I think wearing heels with a romper help elongate my legs, but you could easily pair it with flats or cute sandals. With the variety of colors in the print, any color shoes will work. I chose these raspberry Manolos to bring out the beautiful pink hues in the design.

It's been a stressful week, so I'm looking forward to the weekend. I'll be attending a bridal shower for a co-worker, and running a lot of errands. This will be my last weekend home before my girls trip to New York City at the end of August. I can't wait!

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Sheer Brilliance

This Karen Millen dress takes "subtlety" to a new level; the sheer panel in front instantly turns it from sexy weekend wear to chic corporate wear.


Dress: Karen Millen Pencil Dress with Sheer Cut-Out

The dress feels great on, and it's made of a slippery, vinyl-like material that doesn't easily wrinkle -- and that's essential in such a fitted pencil dress. The material stretches, too, so I went down a size. I'm so glad I could try the dress on at the Karen Millen store at Lenox Square Mall the last time I was there.

I was also really drawn to the print; it reminds me of driving in the city on a dark, rainy night, when all the lights outside tend to blur as you speed by.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Luna 100 Glitter Peep-Toe Pumps

These shoes -- in all their glitter glory -- are a nod to the more laid back vibe I feel when wearing this dress. After all, it's never good to take yourself too seriously.

Monday, August 14, 2017

Feminine or Childish?

Little details on a dress -- or any other piece of clothing for that matter -- can mean the difference between looking foolish and looking chic. As I get older, I'm even more aware of this fact.

From the front, this crepe dress looks fairly plain, with a simple fit and flare silhouette and relatively conservative square neckline. 


The bow detail on the back, however, gives the dress a more feminine feel. I am normally not a huge fan of bows -- I'm definitely in the 'less is more' camp when it comes to adornment and accessories -- but bows have their place. 


If overused, bows can border on childish, but here, I think it helps take the dress to a more playful level. The color is just beautiful, too.


You can find the dress on sale at Bon-Ton and Dillard's. I got a great deal on it; it's on sale for just $32 at Dillards.com.


Wearing these "Boss Lady" pumps today is my way of offsetting the femininity of the dress. Did it work? I am a boss at work, after all.

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Viva Italia

From far away, this Nanette Lepore dress seems like it's constructed of a very delicate lace -- but looks can be deceiving! Actually, this dress is made in a unique crochet style. Up close, you can see so many little details, and I like how the patterns change between the top and bottom. I even think the "holes" at the bust mimic tiny buttons. Nanette Lepore clothing is made in New York City, too, so you know you are getting a quality dress sewn right here at home.


Dress: Nanette Lepore Viva Italia Dress in Nude/Black

The dress is available in a few colors, and you can find it at the following retailers:


Shoes: Jimmy Choo Baxen Chain Fabric Peep-Toe Wedge Pumps

It's been a crazy, busy Thursday, so I'm looking forward to relaxing tonight with the latest episode of Younger and a glass of wine. Woo-hoo! It's almost the weekend.

Monday, August 7, 2017

Space Case

My husband is probably the smartest person I've ever met. He's also one of the most forgetful! Still, I was surprised this morning to get the call that he had left his wallet at home, and I had to come bring it to him... at the airport. Sheesh! What a way to start the week.


Today's dress is one I lusted after for a long time. I didn't think it would ever be mine, and then it popped up on RueLaLa.com in my size. Hooray!

Remember: If you ever want an invite to Rue La La, all you have to do is ask. I recently invited my co-worker, Heidi, to check out the site, and it's where she ended up buying a dress to wear to her upcoming bachelorette party. Three cheers for discount shopping!

Outfit Details

Dress: Alice + Olivia Ellis Floral Zip-Front Dress

This dress is super cute and comfortable, and perfect for a spring or summer day -- especially one as overcast as today. (It seemed to rain all night!) I love that the front of the dress has a zipper, as opposed to buttons, which makes it much easier for larger chested women to wear it. The addition of yellow also brightens up what could have been just a simple black and white palette.

The cherry on top is finding a dress that goes so well with these black, white and yellow floral pumps! They are a perfect match.

Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti Daisy Pumps (no longer available)


Weekend Update:

I have to mention the fun evening I had this past Friday night, when Chapin and I joined some friends for dinner out at one of our favorite restaurants, Cooks & Soldiers, followed by Sips Under the Sea at the Georgia Aquarium.

We were supposed to wear white or neon colors, but never did find out why. Oh well.

I enjoyed wearing this Parker Black white sequin dress for the occasion. I got so many compliments on it.


My sister, Laura, added that it was the perfect dress to wear to the aquarium, since the sequins look like a mermaid's tail or fish scales. I never thought about it like that, but she's totally right!

If you're an adult and want to enjoy the aquarium, these nighttime events are the best time to do it. There aren't as many people there, so you can really walk around and take everything in. And alcohol helps the experience, too!

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Keeping the Clouds Away

It's a sunny, low-humidity day in Atlanta, and I am celebrating in this bright yellow dress from Karen Millen. You can't help but have an upbeat disposition in such a bright color!

The Dress

Karen Millen Yellow Lace-Up Cotton Dress


I used to shy away from wearing yellow, because I felt like it wasn't a good match with my olive (Italian) skin. I definitely have yellow undertones, so I have always worried that wearing yellow would make me look like I had jaundice. Maybe my little bit of a tan helps the ensemble work. I just love the vibrant hue, and the dress overall is so cute, with tiny cutouts and a multi-colored band at the waist.

Where to Buy

Bloomindale's was carrying the dress, but it's sold out online. You can try calling a store to see if they still have any dresses in stock. I did that once and scored a great deal on a Karen Millen dress that was no longer available online. The Karen Millen website also has select sizes still available.

Size Up in Karen Millen

Karen Millen is a British brand, so remember to go one size up when trying on or purchasing clothing. The dress I have on is a US size six, and I am usually a size four in fit and flare dresses.

The Shoes

Shoes: Schutz Meera Beaded Sandals

You can still buy the sandals online at Amazon and Saks. They are super cute sandals: white overall with orange and yellow beads. They should go perfectly with any of the orange and yellow dresses in my closet.


As Seen On TV

Ginger Zee recently wore the dress on Good Morning America! Both she and Amy Robach just adore this brand and wear it quite frequently (at least lately).

Photo From WornonTV.net