Drama

Wearing something dramatic isn't something you need to always save for a special occasion. Adding a little drama to your everyday wardrobe can help boost your self-esteem and leave you feeling confident and beautiful.

Today's dress is full of drama -- but in a good way! The one "cold" shoulder, the ruffles, the design... It's an amazing dress. I got so many compliments on it!

Dress: Alice + Olivia Cold-Shoulder Red, White and Blue Striped Dress

The dress is definitely one to wear in summer, especially with the red, white and blue color scheme, so that's why it's making an appearance today. I wanted to feature it on the blog before Labor Day -- the unofficial start of the Fall season.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Metallic Blue Point Toe Pumps

Lips: Too Faced Tutti Frutti Juicy Fruits Comfort Lip Glaze in Show Me Your Coconuts

I love this new lip gloss from Too Faced. This shade is a warm taupe with gold sparkle -- and it's just fabulous. Buy it now at Ulta.

I'm looking forward to a fairly quiet long weekend, though I will be attempting to make Tiramisu for the first time. I'm excited to try it, but I know it will be a lot of work.

Remember -- there are tons of sales going on all weekend long, so spend wisely.

Happy Shopping!

Blue Lovely

I absolutely love today's Shoshanna dress. It's feminine, flattering, and simply beautiful. The floral lace, in the different shades of blue, is exquisite, and I especially like the way the lace falls at the hem and neckline. You can really see all the hard work that went into making this dress.

And best of all... I am in a size two! I've been pushing myself harder in my workouts, and I guess that work is paying off.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Shoshanna Floral Lace Buchanan Cap Sleeve Dress

The dress is still available in a few different options: Neiman Marcus is carrying the dress in black, Amazon has the dress in a soft blush color, and Saks has it in navy and black. The exact design I'm wearing seems to be sold out.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Metallic Blue Pointy Toe Pumps

It's been a long week already, so I'm glad tomorrow is Friday. Sleep is number one on my weekend agenda.

Summer Rain

I am normally glad when the weekend rolls around, but this last week has been stressful, so I'm especially excited that today is Friday. I'm also happy that my sister, Gail, and my nephew, Max, are in town from Chicago. I can't wait to see them both tonight!

It seems like it's been raining on and off all week -- we even lost power for several hours last night -- so I thought today's silvery blue dress was an appropriate choice. The colors remind me of the sky during a summer storm.

Dress: Nicole Miller New York Metallic Jacquard Fit & Flare Dress

This dress is no longer available, but here are some similar options to check out:

• Tahari ASL Floral Metallic Jacquard Fit and Flare Dress
• Eliza J Belted Jacquard Dress
• Adrianna Papell Sleevels Jacquard Party Dress
• Black Halo Sleeveless Floral Jacquard Cocktail Dress
• Milly Callie Sleeveless Jacquard Cocktail Dress

The dress is very comfortable -- not too binding -- and the skirt has some extra flare to it. I do wish it was a little shorter, but I'm glad at least it hits me right at the knee and not any lower.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Metallic Blue Pointy Toe Pumps

Tuxedo Light

This ERIN by Erin Fetherston dress reminds me so much of a tuxedo, but with a feminine twist!

Dress: ERIN by Erin Fetherston Eliza Colorblock Dress

Pumps: Jimmy Choo Metallic Blue Pointy Toe Pumps (sold out)

The dress is also available in a beautiful poinsettia red from Neiman Marcus, or you can rent the slightly more demure version from Rent the Runway in pink/black.

Feminine is definitely a word you can use to describe most of the designs from Erin Fetherston. In this Forbes article from 2015, the designer describes her inspirations as a combination of "Taylor Swift, Fairy Tales and Polished Pixies." You can't get more feminine than that!

Blithe

I recently discovered a new designer, Blithe, at Belk. The brand reminds me quite a bit of one of my favorite all-time designers, Shoshanna. The creations are feminine, fun and chic, though I would say most are better suited for weekends (brunch, baby showers, lunch, etc.) than the office.

The dresses from the most recent Blithe collection are now on sale in Belk stores and online, and I recently picked up two for around $30 each. Today, I'm wearing one of my new purchases!

Dress: Blithe 'Sunny' Yellow and Blue Floral Fit and Flare Dress

For some reason, this dress was cheaper in the store than on the Belk website.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Metallic Blue Pointy  Toe Pumps (sold out)