Thursday, July 25, 2019

Fierce

This dress makes a statement: that the woman wearing it is bold and confident! I'm not sure if that truly describes me... but I'm trying to live up to it!


Dress: Alice + Olivia Judy Ruched Polka Dot Dress

The polka dot version is sold out, but Alice + Olivia just released the same dress in a beautiful red.

Shoes: Alexandre Birman Shadow Sandals

I chose these shoes purposefully to juxtapose two contrasting patterns: stripes and dots. I like how the two patterns work together, and that the shoe choice is a little unexpected.

Work has been super busy this week, and I can't believe it's already Thursday (and almost the end of the month). With Tulip joining our family, we've been trying to keep our days low-key, but here are some highlights from recent weeks:

  • Projects: Chapin is in the midst of building Tulip a ramp so she can get on and off the couch with ease. She can't jump up or down due to her knees, and if you happen to get up -- even if it's just to go to the bathroom or get a drink from the fridge -- she will bark and bark. She doesn't like to be left behind! We're still teaching her how to use it, but hopefully she will get the hang of it soon.
  • TV: I'm re-watching the entire Veronica Mars series before diving into the new episodes that just hit Hulu. I'm behind on a lot of new shows right now as a result, including Big Little Lies and The Handmaid's Tale.
  • Food: Chapin and I just recently started getting meals from Green Chef, which offers a gluten-free plan. I haven't been excited about every meal, but they have all been tasty, and it gives Chapin a nice break from meal planning/ grocery buying.
  • Baking: Super easy recipe alert! I recently made these Butterscotch Cocoa Brownies for my dad's birthday, and they were a big hit. The sweetness of the butterscotch chips plays nicely with the dark chocolate cocoa for a satisfying treat. The only change I made to the recipe was using butterscotch extract instead of vanilla extract to bolster the butterscotch flavor.
Have you been shopping? My favorite shopping month of the year is coming to a close, but I'd love to hear about all the amazing deals you scored. Let me know what's new to your closet in the comments.

Monday, July 22, 2019

Fit and Flare Sundress

Today's eyelet dress is perfect for those spring and summer months when you want to wear something light, breezy and pastel pretty!


Outfit Details

Dress: Shoshanna Mollina Fit and Flare Eyelet Dress

I had my eye on this dress for months before it finally went on sale! I think it's so beautiful. I love the eyelet material, blue color and overall pattern.

My only complaint: It's a bit tight in the bust. If you have a larger chest, think about going up a size.

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Queen Sandals


Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Shades

When it comes to fashion, not all shades of the same color can be flattering with your skin tone. Yellow is a hard color for me. I'm Italian, so I have strong yellow undertones that can make wearing warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) difficult.

I fell in love with this feminine Rebecca Taylor dress, which is dominantly yellow, and just had to have it. Fortunately, it's in a buttery, pastel yellow that doesn't make me look too washed out or sickly.


Outfit Details

Dress: Rebecca Taylor Lemon Rose Summer Dress

Find the dress at RueLaLa.com, though there are only select sizes available. Definitely size down if you buy this dress. I had to buy a size four, even though a zero or two would have been preferable, since those other sizes were sold out. (The dress is big on me.) Rebecca Taylor sizing has changed over the last few years. It's great for my self-esteem, but can make online buying a bit more challenging.

ShoesChristian Louboutin Pink Peep-Toe Pumps


It's really the perfect summer dress!

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Square Neckline Sheath Dress for Summer

A dress with a square neckline is so flattering, which is why it's at the top of my list when it comes to favorite design elements.

Outfit Details

Dress: Trina Trina Turk 'Approval' Square Neck Lace Sheath Dress

This dress is made for a summer day at the office. Summer is inherently more relaxed than other seasons, so I like how the professional sheath silhouette offsets the more casual navy and white floral lace pattern.


You can buy the dress at Macy's and Nordstrom Rack! It runs a little big, so I would size down. I'm wearing a size two for reference. It fits great at the bust, but is a little big at the waist and hips. I'm not even wearing Spanx!

If you are not comfortable with this look, but like the pattern, you're in luck! Dillard's and Nordstrom Rack are also selling the dress in a more conservative design (more boxy and with cap sleeves).

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Buckingham Satin Ankle-Tie Sandals

I also have to share a photo of our Little Lu I took earlier today. Isn't she sweet?

Tulip Arnett

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

The Mermaid Dress

I'm sure you have a mermaid dress somewhere in your closet. It might even be your wedding dress! The mermaid dress is a form-fitting dress that hugs (and shows off) the curves right up until the very end, where the hem then curls out and away from the body -- like a mermaid's tail!

Today, I'm wearing an everyday mermaid dress from Shoshanna.


Outfit Details:

Dress: Shoshanna Black and White Striped Sinead Dress

The dress is made from a heavier material, so it's not ideal for Georgia summers. But since it's overcast and rainy today, it seemed like a good choice! Since it's black and white, this dress can also be worn in any season and on a variety of body types. The vertical stripes are also very slimming -- a nice bonus!

Where to Buy:

You can also rent the dress via Rent the Runway.


Monday, July 8, 2019

Red Hot

It's been so hot in Atlanta the past few weeks. I just about melt every time I step foot outside. Thank goodness for summer dresses like this red and black polka dot dress from Milly.


Outfit Details:

Dress: Milly Tiffany Polka Dot Silk Midi Dress

Buy it now at Nordstrom Rack!

The dress is a gorgeous color and made from a delicate silk, but unfortunately it bunches around the armpits. I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this dress. It retails for $495!

ShoesTamara Mellon Frontline 105 High Heel Sandals

I get so many compliments on these sandals, and they go with everything. If you're looking for an investment shoe, I definitely recommend the Frontline.

Weekend Update:

I worked a half-day on Friday, so while it wasn't a complete four-day weekend for me, I did enjoy myself over the holiday.

July Fourth I ran the Peachtree Road Race for the seventh time. It was so hot and humid, so while I didn't get my best time, I certainly enjoyed myself. I love people watching -- the runners and everyone watching from the sidelines -- and this year there was a great crowd, as it was the 50th anniversary of the race.


Later on that day, we had my parents over for a late lunch. Chapin grilled turkey burgers and made potato wedge French fries - my favorite!

Friday night, we also hosted a few of our friends for dinner, as everyone was excited to meet little Tulip. I've started calling her Tuli. (I'm not sure Lulu is going to stick, but we shall see.) She is such a joy to have in the house. She loves snuggling with Wally, playing with Norman, and running after everyone. You can't leave her behind -- she won't let you!

Wally and Tulip

Saturday night we had another engagement, although this time we weren't hosting. One of Chapin's shooting friends had us over to his and his wife's home for dinner. It was a fun night, and they lived over near Emory, so it was nostalgic for me to back in that area. So much has changed! I can't believe it's been almost 20 years since I graduated.

We also binged the new season of Stranger Things throughout the weekend, finishing up Sunday night. It was gorier than past seasons, but I loved all the 80s songs, language ("gag me with a spoon"), pop culture references, and more. Even Back to the Future makes an appearance, as the series takes place in July 1985. It was totally awesome!

The mall plays an important role in the series, and the production staff really did an amazing job turning our local Gwinnett Place Mall into an 80s-era shopping mecca. (Gwinnett Mall used to be the mall we always frequented when we first moved to Georgia back in the early 1990s.)


Hopefully you had a great weekend as well! And don't forget -- now is a great time to shop online. Enjoy all the sales... while you can!

Monday, July 1, 2019

Tulip

This weekend was a very exciting one for my family, as we welcomed a new pug into our home: Tulip, or Lulu for short.

Princess Tulip

We adopted this sweet little girl from SNAFU (Short Noses and Friends United) Rescue, and she comes to us all the way from Omaha, Nebraska! Chapin traveled there on Friday to pick her up.

She is a very petite little pug, about half the size of her brothers, and just turned a year old this past May. She has had some past problems with her knees -- problems that required several surgeries -- but she is doing just great now. She just can't go up or down stairs or jump on or off the couch. If her brothers jump off the couch, she doesn't like to be left behind -- and she will let us know to PUT HER DOWN!  She is so spunky!

From left to right: Norman, Wally & Tulip

Tulip is already having so much fun chasing Norman and Wally around the house, and she does her best to keep up with them on walks through our neighborhood. She went to the office with Chapin today, as she is still potty training and learning our routines. She is pretty much happy all the time, and we love her so much already.

First photo as a family of five!
Outfit Details:

It's been so hot in Atlanta the past few days -- humid, too -- so I wanted to wear a comfortable and chic summer dress to help keep me cool. I love the ease of this Rebecca Taylor dress, and the lace is just beautiful.

Dress: Rebecca Taylor Lace Tank Dress

There are only limited sizes of this dress still available, but here is a similar dress from the La Vie Rebecca Taylor line.


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

I will remind everyone again: late June and early July is the best time to shop! You can score designer shoes, dresses and more at 75% off from stores like Saks, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Have fun shopping, and I will leave you with one final shot of my fur-babies. I'm a pug mom of three!