Unpredictable Print

The weather here has suddenly turned colder, which means I can finally wear my new long-sleeve velvet dress from Black Halo! I love the green, black and red leopard print, which is so unexpected!

Outfit Details:

Dress: Black Halo Briar Leopard Velvet Mini Dress

The sleeves are a little too baggy for my liking, but the design is very flattering for the most part. I do wish the skirt was a tad longer, though!

The dress is available in the leopard print at Saks and in a beautiful green color -- called "Wet Moss" -- at Bloomingdale's and on the Black Halo website.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

I chose these Jimmy Choo sandals to really bring out the red/orange color in the print. Black shoes would also work well.

I've had these sandals for years and have gotten so much use out of them -- and they still look great. Jimmy Choo is the best of the designer shoe brands, in my experience, and on the more comfortable side, too.

Made for Miami

Summer is definitely a good time to experiment with fashion. Today's dress seems made for a professional office setting in Miami, but I live in Atlanta, so the loud colors and body-con design are a little out of place.

But the dress is so colorful and flattering to your curves... it's ideal for a hot summer day, and it is certainly hot today!

Outfit Details

Dress: Ted Baker London Jordja Fantasia Panel Body-Con Dress

Find the dress at Amazon, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

As Seen on TV!
Petra recently wore the dress on Jane the Virgin!

Romance Is In the Air

Valentine's Day is this Thursday, so I figured I would start my parade of red and pink outfits with this dress from Alice + Olivia.

Outfit Details

Dress: Alice + Olivia Angelita Striped Ruffle Asymmetric Midi Dress

The dress is flirty and fun, and the perfect Valentine's Day dress with its red, pink and nude pattern. It moves beautifully when I walk, and the little cap sleeves show of the arms and shoulders and make the dress seem extra feminine.

You can find the dress at Saks and Bergdorf Goodman. There are only limited sizes available, though.

You may be wondering why I didn't wait to wear the dress on Valentine's Day! Well, it was around 70 degrees in Atlanta today, but the temperature is supposed to drop tomorrow, so I wanted to wear the dress while the weather was still so mild. It's been such a weird winter.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

I debated whether to wear pink, red or nude sandals, but finally ended up in these Jimmy Choos. Any of those colors would have worked, though!

Sale Find at Anthropologie

Today's dress is one I found while shopping at Anthropologie with my mom and sister last month. It's a super cute dress, and extremely comfortable, and has just been marked down even further online! It's now only $50! The material is a little heavy, so it's absolutely perfect for fall in Atlanta. Since it's black and white, you can add any color jacket when it's chilly outside.

Outfit Details

Dress: Valery Structured Dress (Anthropologie)

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

This picture today also marks the first time I've been photographed with my "new eyebrows." The color is still coming in, so I am filling in the gaps with makeup now that my ten days have passed. I may need to go darker with the color next time. What do you think? Do they look natural? The skin is still a little tender, but overall, I'm so happy. I know I'm still early on in the process, too, so things are only going to get better.

I also want to add that it's been really nice to share my microblading experience and get so much positive feedback. Just a few people knew I was getting the procedure done beforehand, and everyone was so wonderfully supportive and encouraging. Thank you!

Mad for Milly

My favorite brands are not always consistent when it comes to designing clothes that strike my fancy. I may want everything from one season's collection and then nothing from the next. As Heidi says on Project Runway, "One day you're in, the next day you're out."

Lately, I am having a love affair with the Milly brand. I want every new dress I see, including this black and white polka dot silk dress. I love the way the dress moves when I walk, which is a credit to both the cut and the fabric choice: silk. The end result is a dress that is comfortable but still fashionable and chic -- the best of both worlds.

Dress: Milly Lydia Silk Black and White Polka Dot Dress

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

The tie at the neck reminds me so much of the red Balenciaga dress Nicole Kidman wore to the 2007 Oscar. I feel so high fashion.

Happy shopping!

Still Sweater Weather

I know I shouldn't complain about Atlanta weather, especially when the Northeast is having so much snow dumped on it, but I hate the cold. At least I can wear my sweater and long-sleeve dresses a little bit longer... like today's sweater dress from Trina Turk.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Trina Turk Amur Striped Sweater Dress

In addition to Amazon, the dress is also available at 6pm.com. I love the bright, 70s-era colors, and the dress is more casual than a lot of dresses in my closet, and just so easy to wear.

The dress retails for $248, but I didn't pay that. I actually paid just $38! You know I love a good deal, especially when it's that good.

Sandals: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

I just wore these shoes in my last post, but they went so well with this dress that I had to wear them again. I actually find these Jimmy Choos super comfortable -- and, of course, they look fabulous, too.

Saturday we turned the clocks ahead for daylight savings time, and I wish we could just keep time on this schedule. It seems to suit me, even though it will take my body a week to adjust. I like getting up early and having so much light at the end of the day. Turning the clocks back and forth seems like such an antiquated practice, and I wish we would just stop. Sheesh!

Hopefully you're adjusting better than I am!

Working It

It's been such a crazy day: meetings, reports, analyses, spotty Internet at the office, no time to even eat lunch. I barely have time to update this blog!

Outfit Details

Dress: Karen Millen Graphic Signature Pencil Dress in Black and White (sold out)

I chose this dress for today's busy day since I needed a piece that was ultra professional -- but still chic and comfortable. The lines of this Karen Millen sheath dress are very simple and slimming, but the cut still shows off a woman's arms, bust and waist. It's the best of both worlds.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

These sandals are very popular, and while this particular color is no longer available, you can still find the Lang style in a variety of different options.

I like finishing off a black and white dress with some color, and red or orange is the perfect pop to a neutrally colored dress. (But, really, any color would work.)

As Seen On

You may have seen this dress on a recent season of Bones. Camille Saroyan, played by Tamara Taylor, wore it in a 2016 episode.

Photo via WornonTV.net

In Other News

I just finished reading, The Admissions, by Meg Mitchell Moore. The title is a play on words; while one character is applying early admission to Harvard, the other characters in this seemingly normal Northern California family are dealing with some (internal) admissions of their own. I became really immersed in this family, especially since there were three daughters just like my family.

I was utterly engrossed as the book follows Nora (the stressed working mom), Gabe (the businessman father), the two oldest sisters (Angela, 17, and Cecily, 10), and various other characters whose actions influence or shine a deeper light on the family's multi-faceted drama.

I highly recommend The Admissions if you're looking for some good fiction to lose yourself in. And while I was sad to see the book end, I also finished reading the last sentence and smiled. Let me assure you -- that's rare in my world.

Brushstrokes

I'm in love with the print on today's dress: the beautiful brushstrokes plus the red and gray color combination just make my heart sing. Any time I see red and gray together, especially on a dress, I just immediately have to add that item of clothing to my closet. I've even gotten in the habit of buying shirts in this color combo for Chapin. (Believe me: he loves it.)

Outfit Details

Dress: Milly Rectangular Brushstroke Print Coco Dress in Flame

You can still buy the dress on Amazon in the red/gray or a blue/gray pattern, or the skirt version on the official Milly website. You can also rent the dress!

Wearing the print today, I realized that it reminded me of something: the painting of the three hearts that Samantha gave Richard in season four of Sex and the City. Can you tell I've watched this series a lot? I've probably seen every episode at least 20 times.

Choosing Your Size

I'll just say it: Milly sizing can be weird. In general, these dresses are not designed with women who have curves in mind. I've bought several Milly dresses over the years and usually have to size up, going for a size 6 instead of my usual size 4. In this case, I probably would have been safe in a size 4, since the dress is a little big on me. But... since it's a shift dress -- it's not supposed to be too tight -- it works.

Sandals: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

I really debated which shoes to wear, but finally opted for these flame-colored Jimmy Choo sandals. They are a perfect match for the red/orange color in the dress. Gray or black sandals or pumps would also have worked just as well, but I adore these Jimmy Choos, and they are surprisingly comfortable. I know I say that all the time about my heels, but with Jimmy Choo, I mean it. This brand just fits my feet well, calluses and all. (I have so many calluses from running.)

Speaking of running, I'll be participating in another 5K this weekend: Lauren's Run to help raise money for CURE childhood cancer. It's a great cause, and 2017 marks my fourth year running in the race. It's something I look forward to doing with my parents as well. The forecast is predicting rain, though. Argh!

I Heart Alice and Olivia

Happy Valentine's Day 2017! There are two things I just love about this holiday:

1. Heart-shaped candy. I can't get enough of the Valentine's Day Peppermint Patties in the shiny silver, red and pink wrappers. Fortunately, they are not the worst candy to eat in terms of fat and calories, because I will devour several in one sitting!

2. Sugar-coated fashion. I love seeing people dress up in red or pink, or in any type of Valentine's Day themed outfit. Take my dress today, for example. Wearing this dress on any other day just wouldn't be the same.

Outfit of the Day Details

Dress: Alice and Olivia Amor' Heart Pattern Fit and Flare Dress (no longer available)

There are so many things to love about this dress... the sweet heart pattern, the little cap sleeves, but especially the box pleats. This is a true fit and flare dress, snug at the waist and flaring out into a dramatic full skirt. The box pleats help push the skirt out a little more than in a typical fit and flare dress, giving it a 1950s vibe. (Though the skirt is definitely a little short to be vintage-inspired.)

I don't love the back of the dress -- there is a transparent panel in the back that is thankfully black, so you can still wear a bra -- but the overall effect is still fun and feminine. All in all, the perfect dress for Valentine's Day. Plus, the fabric is wool, so you can stay warm on a chilly February day. (Of course, it was 70 degrees in Atlanta today!)

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

I adore these sandals, not just because they're beautiful, but because they are surprisingly comfortable for such a high heel. You can still buy the sandals in a myriad of colors, and if you're going to splurge, they are definitely worth it.

Tightly Sheathed

French Connection is certainly a brand that enjoys showing off a woman's body. Most of the dresses are very short, even on me -- and I'm just five feet, three inches tall (and change). People always think I'm taller than I actually am because I wear heels, but I'm just average height. I can't imagine wearing this dress if I was actually tall!

Dress: French Connection Canyon Sands Sheath Dress

The dress is not lined, so I definitely recommend wearing Spanx underneath. French Connection clothing tends to run small, so size up -- especially with this dress. It's quite tight.

Shopping Tip:
Amazon and Belk are two good places to find French Connection apparel on sale. Never buy this brand full price; it's just not worth it.

You can still find the dress online at the following stores:

• Amazon
• Nordstrom

If you like the pattern, it's also available in a more subdued fit and flare version.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

This shoe design is a popular one for Jimmy Choo; it's available in a variety of different colors, but the Flame color seems to be retired.

Flirty, Flouncy, Fun

The weather has been so beautiful here in Atlanta, and while I'm sad to see the end of summer, I'm going to enjoy this mild Autumn weather while I can.

Chapin has been working a lot of weekends, so we decided to go out to a casual dinner last night to one of our favorite haunts, Six Feet Under. It was so nice to sit outside, talk, and enjoy a meal without sweating profusely! (It was such a hot summer.)

I didn't have any client facing meetings today, so I thought I would wear something a little more casual on this gorgeous Tuesday: an Eva Franco dress my mom recently got me. It was on sale at Anthropologie, and I just can't resist anything with polka dots, especially when it comes in such a unique silhouette. I don't have too many things that are free flowing and ruffled like this dress, but it's been so much fun to wear. Best of all, this dress is so comfortable.

Dress: Eva Franco Ruffled Clipdot Polka Dot Dress in Red and Blue

It's still available in select sizes at Anthropologie.com and in select stores. Use the link above.

Sandals: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

Red Sparkle

I fee like I've been wearing a lot of blue lately, so today, I decided to grab something red from my closet: this bold Shoshanna dress.

Dress: Shoshanna Annika Dress in Flame

The dress, also available at 6pm, with its little flounce at the bottom, is a slightly different take on a more traditional sheath dress. The fabric is also so much fun: red tweed with a little sparkle. It looks amazing up close.

Shoshanna.com is having an amazing sale right now. You can find $300 dresses for under $80, and some for under $40! Check it out (before your size sells out).

Sandals: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

This "flame" color is a cross between red and orange, and I like that's a little more subdued than a standard red. With this color, if you don't have a lipstick that matches almost exactly, go with a nude lip. I don't look the best in orange-y lipsticks, so that's what I did here. I did my eye makeup a little darker than usual, too, to offset the lighter colored lip.

There's been a strong "no makeup" trend lately, but you won't see me leave the house without at least some foundation and concealer (except maybe to walk my dogs). I like makeup, and I enjoy experimenting with different looks. Like I always say about fashion: have fun with it. As long as you're comfortable and confident, nothing else matters.

Red, White and Blue

I'm feeling patriotic today, the last workday before the Fourth of July holiday, so here I am in my red, white and blue.

Dress: Taylor Dresses White and Navy Floral Embroidered Dress

I actually bought the dress for my recent trip to Charleston, but never had a chance to wear it. I guess it worked out, because it's the perfect casual dress to wear on the Friday before a long weekend. You can still buy it at several online retailers:

• Amazon Fashion
• Belk
• Bluefly
• Neiman Marcus Last Call

Sandals: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

I'm excited for the long weekend, even though Atlanta temperatures will be in the high 90s. I'll be running the Peachtree Road Race on July Fourth, and Chapin and I will be attending a cookout on Sunday. The rest of the time, I plan to relax, read and write.

Happy Fourth to All!

Red, White and Chiffon

Happy Friday! I'm so excited to have an extra day off and a long weekend to rest, relax and spend some quality time with my hubby. He's been traveling so much lately, and his project (in Columbus, Ohio) is nearing its end.

Since we are celebrating Memorial Day, I thought a red/white/blue themed dress would be appropriate to wear today:

This chiffon dress, from French Connection, is light, airy and comfortable - perfect for a hot Friday (the high today is around 86 degrees) before a holiday weekend. The floral design has pops of blue, red, orange and pink, so I paired the dress with pink lips and red/orange sandals.

Dress: French Connection Shadow Bloom Fit and Flare Dress

Sandals: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

The dress is still available (and on sale) at the following online retailers:

• French Connection Website
• Neiman Marcus Last Call
• Nordstrom

There are some amazing sales going on now online and in stores, so happy shopping! A holiday weekend is my favorite time to shop.

Black, White and Red All Over

Here are today's outfit details:

Dress: Shoshanna Belle Black and White Lace Dress

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

I'm excited for the weekend, mainly so I can catch up on all the sleep I missed this week. Happy Friday!