Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Whiteout

Today's dress isn't what I would consider my typical style... but that's what I like about it. It's a little bohemian, maybe a tad vintage, with the silhouette providing the modern twist. The high neck and long sleeves are off-set by the shorter skirt, and the fabric is a crinkly, old-fashioned lace.

The lace combined with the ivory color screams wedding dress. But even though I keep thinking about Miss Havisham from Great Expectations, I still love the dress. What do you think? Do you like it or do I look like one big doily?


Dress: Shoshanna Heatherley Dress in Ivory

Here is a similar dress available on Neiman Marcus: the Shoshanna Riverside Lace Trumpet-Sleeve Dress.

Both Shoshanna dresses feature trumpet sleeves, also referred to as bell sleeves, which are all the rage right now. I tend not to embrace "trendy" fashion ploys, but I do like the bohemian element these large, full sleeves bring to the normally feminine and corporate styles I wear.

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Fresia Patent Platform Sandals (no longer available)

I'm definitely looking tired today... Is it only Wednesday? The week feels long already. At least January is almost over and the days seem to be getting a little longer. It's not pitch black before 6 p.m. anymore! Spring will definitely be here before we know it.

Monday, January 28, 2019

Safari Time

This past weekend was super low-key for me. I did exactly what I wanted to do, which was catch up on a lot of sleep and other things at home that have been piling up. Work has been so busy I just needed a few days to rest, and since Chapin was off working both Saturday and Sunday, the timing worked out for me to have a lazy few days. I ran errands, did so many loads of laundry I lost count, caught up on some of my TV shows, read my current novel (Dear Mrs. Bird, by AJ Pearce) and cuddled with Norman and Wally.

My Sleepy Boys: Wally (left) and Norman

I also had lunch with my parents on Saturday. I love spending time with my Mom and Dad, and today's dress was actually a Christmas gift from them.


Outfit Details:

Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Safari Knit Bodycon Dress in Earth Green

You can still buy the dress online at Nordstrom Rack and the BCBG.com website. It fits fairly tightly -- it is meant to -- so order your normal size. I'm wearing a size small for reference.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Fearne Glitter Criss-Cross Wedges (no longer available)


We're gearing up to get a blast of cold weather here in Atlanta, but today the high was 57! I'm enjoying it while I can.

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Bittersweet Day

Today marks four years since my George passed away. It's hard to believe that much time has passed. I am definitely stronger than I was on that terrible day, but I still think about George so much, still question if I made the right decision in the end... Hopefully, wherever he is, he knows how much I love him.


The best thing I can do for him now is keep his memory alive, and to shower my current boys, Norman and Wally, with as much love and affection as I can!

Today's Outfit Details

I fell in love with this Rebecca Taylor dress online, and ended up trying it on during a recent trip to Bloomingdale's. They only had a few sizes in stock, so I tried my normal size on, and it was huge on me!

So... I'm wearing what is my first size zero dress ever. I'm not sure how I fit into a size zero, but here we are. I have to only imagine that designers are making normal sizes larger to give their customers more confidence.

Dress: Rebecca Taylor Solstice Floral Fit and Flare Dress


Find the dress on the Rebecca Taylor website and Zappos.com. Made of silk, the dress is delicate, feminine and filled with beautiful winter colors. It's described as "dark and dreamy" on the Rebecca Taylor website, and I think that's a perfect description.


Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lancer 85 Strappy Patent Leather Pumps in Nude

I love nude colored shoes because they go with everything and made the leg look so long! If you don't have a good pair of nude pumps or sandals, they are worth the investment.

Monday, January 21, 2019

Long Sleeves and Arctic Weather

I'm freezing cold taking today's outfit photo! Can you tell my teeth are chattering? Atlanta has received a blast of arctic weather, and after so long in the South, I'm just not cut out for temperatures in the 30s (and below) anymore.


At least designers seem to be making more dresses with long sleeves. Take today's Trina Turk dress. It not only has long sleeves, but the fabric is thick and lined, so it's quite warm. The lace yoke also adds a little femininity that I just adore.

This dress was one of the last purchases I made at the Belk Phipps Plaza store. I dearly miss that store and all the great deals I would find there -- not to mention my shopping trips with my mom. Good things really don't last forever.

Outfit Details

Dress: Trina Turk Sebastian Lace Yoke Long-Sleeved Dress in Currant

You can still find the dress at Amazon in two colors, Burgundy/Currant and Indigo/Navy Blue, and Saks Off 5th (the Navy Blue only).


I'm wearing a size two, but the dress feels a little big in the sleeves. What is going on with sizing these days?!

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Henna 100 Leather Open-Toe Ankle-Wrap Pumps (no longer available)

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Floral Career Chic

When you are doing a lot of interviewing, as I'm doing today, sometimes you just need to look extremely professional. Enter this bright floral sheath dress from Black Halo!


It's chic, with the asymmetrical neckline and floral pattern, and hugs the curves without being too sexy. It hits me right at the knee, too, so -- regardless of your height -- you won't show too much leg! (I'm short but wearing heels.)

I'm not a huge fan of these big prints, since I think they can add width to your frame, but I got such a great deal on the dress, I couldn't not buy it.

I was actually excited to put on today's dress because I've gone down a size in this brand. I wore a size six in Black Halo for years, and now I'm a size four. All my exercising is paying off! I've added more weight lifting and biking into my normal routine, and am running less, and the change has been good for me.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Black Halo Floral-Print Blaze Asymmetric Sheath Dress


The dress is available in solid colors and prints at a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus and the Black Halo website. You can also rent it!

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Jessa Heeled Sandals

Monday, January 14, 2019

What's Conservative in 2019?

Chapin and I were recently watching an episode of Project Runway All Stars, and were surprised when a judge called a dress with a major slit down the middle "matronly." It got me thinking... what is the definition of conservative dressing in 2019? Are we so used to people showing skin that -- if they only show a little -- they look old when they do?

The 'matronly' dress on Project Runway All Stars.

I hope that's not the case, because today's dress doesn't show much skin, and I think it's gorgeous.


Outfit Details:

Dress: Shoshanna Olivie Circle Lace Dress

The color, fern, is just beautiful on, and the sleeves and neckline are so intricate and delicate. It's feminine without showing a lot of skin -- which is hard to do!

I probably would have liked the dress to hit me higher up, but then again, the half sleeves and longer hemline really complement each other.

Who am I to critique one of my favorite designers? So... I won't!


Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Specchio BB Pumps in Bronze

I adore the BB pump from Manolo Blahnik, and it's available in an array of colors and patterns from top retailers like Neiman Marcus. It's a classic look I don't see going out of style anytime soon.

In other words: Worth the investment!

Friday, January 11, 2019

Standing Out in a Crowd

Be bold with your fashion choices, and don't be afraid of color!

I'm definitely not shying away from color today in this red jumpsuit from Black Halo. The red, actually called "Chic Red" by the brand, is bright and eye-catching. What do you think? Is it too much?


Outfit Details:

JumpsuitBlack Halo Dana Jumpsuit in Chic Red

You can buy the jumpsuit at Amazon and on the Black Halo website. I also spotted a petite version in black at Anthropologie!

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

It's the end of the week, so I'm looking tired today. It was the first full week back after the holidays, and I am ready for the weekend. I need to relax... and get some sleep! It's going to be cold and rainy in Atlanta, so I'm looking forward to drinking hot tea and cuddling with my boys.

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Navy or Black

Today I'm wearing another dress that was gifted to me this past holiday season -- only this time the dress is from my middle sister, Gail, and her family. I am lucky to have two incredible sisters who feed my dress addiction! Ha ha!


Outfit Details:

Dress: Alexia Admor Belted Mock Neck Fit and Flare Dress in Navy and Gold

The dress is available at Amazon and Neiman Marcus Last Call, and here is a similar dress in velvet. Apparently, velvet is very trendy for 2019!

I don't have too many Alexia Admor dresses, but I'm not sure why. The brand is priced right and has so many cute options! In addition to Amazon and Neiman Marcus Last Call, you can find Alexia Admor on sites like 6pm, Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off 5th and others.

I love the pattern and gold buttons at the waist, and the heavier fabric makes it perfect for the colder months of the year. I just wish the pockets were not placed right on the hips; they add some heft to that area that could have easily been avoided.


Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Women's Monroe Heeled Sandals

I actually thought the dress was black and gold, instead of navy and gold, so that's why I choose these "doozy glitter" sandals to wear today. (That is actually the color! Doozy Glitter!) They are more black than navy, but I guess they still work... right? ;)

Find the shoes at Amazon, Bloomingdale's and Saks.


Monday, January 7, 2019

January Blues

January tends to be a hard month for me. The cold weather combined with losses I've experienced in January throughout the years -- two grandparents and both George and Izzie -- make me melancholy.

This January, though, is starting out a little different. The weather for the past few days has been in the high 60s, and work is busy in a very good way, so I'm optimistic that this month -- and this year -- will be good for me.


Outfit Details:

Today's dress is one I treated myself to before the holidays. It was on clearance at Lord & Taylor, and I can't resist a great deal.

Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Abstract Floral Lace Sheath Dress in Dark Navy (no longer available)

I couldn't find the dress available for sale online, but here is the gown version, on sale on the BCBG.com website.

This time of year is amazing for sales, so hopefully you are finding some great deals yourself!

Shoes: Schutz Scalloped Lace-Cut Leather Sandals


Happy shopping!

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Gift Dresses Are the Best Dresses

Today's dress is one I found under my tree on Christmas Day, a gift from my sister, Laura, and her family.


Dress: Taylor Dresses Black and White Lace-Up Bodice Dress

Sandals: Jimmy Choo Lottie Metallic Leopard Print Sandals

The dress fits me perfectly, and I love how it flows all around me when I walk. The floral print in black and white also makes it easy to wear throughout the year, and the bodice that ties in front helps it stand out from all the other midi dresses in my closet.

I know I look exhausted, and that's because I am still recovering from New Year's Eve. I am just not used to staying up until almost 2 a.m.! But we had a fun time with our friends, and lounged around the house January 1st, watching Netflix and cuddling with Norman and Wally. That's a perfect day off in my opinion!

Looking Forward to a New Year

Wow, it's hard to believe 2019 has arrived!

2018 was a memorable year for me, since it was the year I turned 40! I visited Paris and London for the first time, spent quality time with family and friends, ran in some races, baked some cakes, watched some movies, read some books, and worked... a lot. I also may have worn a dress (or two). That's my life, and I love it!

The past few years, I have sent out Happy New Year cards (instead of Happy Holidays/Christmas cards), just to make things less stressful for me, so here is a look at the card we sent out this year! Don't you just love Wally's little hat!


Dress: Alice + Olivia Sequin Floral Dress
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Wally's Hat: Pupstar Sonoma


Christmas and New  Year's were pretty low key for us this year. We spent Christmas with my parents, the only family we had in town, and New Year's Eve with some of our best friends. I wanted to wear something festive for the occasion -- enter this Alice + Olivia romper!


Wally wanted to come with us, but alas, we had to leave him at home.


It's been warm and humid in Atlanta, so it was the perfect NYE to wear this cute little sparkly romper.

Happy New Year!