Inspired

It's Monday and it's raining -- so of course I can't help thinking of that song, "Rainy Days and Mondays," by The Carpenters. I was actually introduced to this song via The X-Files. I have discovered so many great songs, new and old, from television and movies. I even have a whole playlist of 70s hits on Amazon Music that was inspired by Guardians of the Galaxy.

Where do you find sources of great music? Leave a comment and let me know.

Outfit Details

Dress: Shoshanna Monticello Sleeveless Floral Lace Dress

Today I'm in a Shoshanna sheath dress featuring vibrant blue hues and a high neck. I think this combination really works with my coloring and frame.

Shoes: Loeffler Randall Piper Wedge Scallop Sandals

I couldn't decide on a shoe for today's outfit, but I think these wedges actually enhance the colors in the floral lace pattern. The shoes don't match exactly, but that's fine; you don't want to get too matchy-matchy with accessories anyway (although I am guilty of doing that on a regular basis).

Pop Culture Update

It's been awhile since I updated my readers, all twelve of you, on what I'm reading and watching these days. Here's a quick rundown:

Watching:
This past weekend, my mom and I went to see Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta. What a fun show. From the costumes to the music to the performances, I enjoyed every minute. I highly recommend you see it if it's coming to your town.

On Netflix, Chapin and I just finished Russian Doll. I think I enjoyed the show more than Chapin, but I love anything with time travel, and a day repeating over and over definitely has that sci-fi element. I would describe the show as a modern Groundhog Day with a morbid twist. Verdict: Recommend!

Reading:
I just finished two amazing books that I definitely think you should pick up:

The Beekeeper's Promise by Fiona Valpy: I don't normally like historical fiction, but this novel weaves between two women, one in World War II-era France and one in modern day France, and just pulls you in. You may cry, but I promise you'll love the story.

Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal: I actually met the author, who lives in Atlanta, at a signing back in February. If you like Pride and Prejudice, you will love this modern retelling set in Pakistan.

Oh, and the reason I'm always reading two books at once: I read one on my Kindle while I'm on the elliptical and one in hardback before I go to sleep at night. It's my way of unplugging.

Dreaming of Springtime

I can't get over how stressful and crazy this week has been. Needless to say... I'm so glad it's Friday! Although I will have to work this weekend, I also have some fun things planned, like High Tea with some of my Book Club friends. I can't wait!

Today's dress is one that definitely reminds me that Spring is on the horizon. Atlanta has been having some weird weather lately: cold days, thunderstorms, and days that start in the 40s only to end up in the 60s by lunchtime. That's Atlanta weather for you, though.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Parker Blue Floral Aurora Dress

Shoes: Loeffler Randall Piper Wedge Scallop Sandals

I adore this print, though I have similar dresses from this brand. I like the cut at the shoulders, and the shorter skirt shows off my legs in a nice way.

As Seen On:

Kristen Bell wore the dress on one of my favorite TV shows: The Good Place. If you're not watching this show, I definitely recommend you start. It's one of the smartest, funniest, more engaging shows on TV right now.

Have a great weekend!

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

Playing It Cool

If you're looking for simple, cute, yet affordable summer dresses, then I recommend you check out the London Times brand. The dresses aren't the highest quality, but most are casual and lightweight, making them perfect for more laid back days in the office. The dress will work well for summer weekend outings, too, like brunch or shopping with friends.

Dress: London Times Cluster Rose Fit and Flare Dress

I bought this dress on Amazon for under $40, but only limited sizes are still available. You can also find the brand at retailers like Dillard's and Nordstrom, and apparel comes in regular as well as plus sizes.

Since we are just coming back from the July Fourth holiday, which fell on a Tuesday this year, I'm expecting the rest of this week to be lighter than normal in terms of workload. This dress is comfortable, but still professional enough that I wouldn't feel embarrassed should a client randomly drop by to see me.

I liked the blue floral print, and the belt helps tie it together and show off your waist. Plus, I had the perfect pair of shoes to go with it: these Loeffler Randall wedges.

Shoes: Loeffler Randall Piper Wedge Scallop Sandals

These bright blue wedges are a perfect complement to the rest of the outfit.

My calves are super sore today after running the AJC Peachtree Road Race yesterday. I had my second best time out of the five years I have run the race. It was hot, but the humidity wasn't out of control like last year, and it didn't rain like it did in 2015. I had my best time in 2014, when the weather was absolutely perfect. Part of the reason I did well this year is because I forced myself to keep running and not to stop for anything. Last year, the heat was so bad, I had to stop twice just to keep my sanity (and my breakfast in my stomach).

This photo was taken before the race, so I'm not all sweaty. (I was dripping wet by the end of the race.) I try to dress in red, white and blue every year now, and I couldn't resist adding a little pizzazz to my outfit with this obnoxious bedazzled hat and American flag themed sunglasses. But the Peachtree Road Race only comes along once a year, right? I might as well have fun.

What a Week I'm Having

I thought I would end this very strange, stressful week by wearing a fun, casual dress to work. After all, it's finally Friday! Woo hoo! I'm ready to kick back and relax after a week filled with an emergency trip to the vet, a day without power, and the influx of the infamous Georgia pollen.

I was drawn to this piece from Black Halo mainly because of the print. To put it plainly, it's just really beautiful. The colors are vibrant and eye-catching, and put me in a good mood whenever I wear it. 

Dress: Black Halo Aniston Printed Organza Fit and Flare Dress

The fabric is organza, so it feels really light on your body. It's the perfect dress to wear on a beautiful Spring or Summer day... though hopefully one that is not too breezy, if you get my "drift."

Sandals: Loeffler Randall Piper Wedge Scallop Sandals

These wedges, in a bright periwinkle blue, are the perfect complement to the lively energy of the dress. With so many colors swirling in this print, really any color sandals would do, but I went with blue eye makeup and blue sandals to match my mood from this week.

What a week I'm having!



Hopefully, it's ending on a good note. Chapin and I are headed out tonight to a dinner event at The Third Space (the main entree is chicken biryani, my husband's favorite Indian dish), and tomorrow will be a packed day for me. I have the 2017 Atlanta Women's 5K in the morning, then my nephew's fifth birthday party in the afternoon.

Sunday will be a mix of working, reading and relaxing. I just finished the sequel to Warm Bodies: The Burning World, by Isaac Marion, which you should definitely checked out if you enjoyed the original book or movie. (I hate zombie lore, but loved the book, and have watched the movie about a hundred times.) I recently started We Are All Made of Stars, by Rowan Coleman. It's my first book by this author, and I'm enjoying it so far. I'll keep you all posted, my devoted 12 readers. ;)

Have a great weekend!

Color Me Happy

I love today's dress for its unique array of blues, yellows, reds, pinks and more. Just looking at this cacophony of colors brings up images of fireworks, a trip to the circus, being outside in summer... an overall feeling of happiness. Even though the Ikat pattern is one I've seen everywhere lately, French Connection still manages to make this piece stand out.

Dress; French Connection Matos Ikat Pattern Cotton Sheath Dress

As with any French Connection dress, you get what you pay for: the dress is cheaply made, and not lined. The cotton easily wrinkles, and I recommend you add Spanx underneath to smooth out your curves. The dress works for a day at the office or an evening out; you can dress it up or down with shoes and accessories.

I wanted to play on the fun color combinations of the dress, so I paired it with these Loeffler Randall Piper Wedge Scallop Sandals. I knew I would be spending a few hours in interviews today -- Local Marketing, Inc., is hiring! -- so I needed to look professional but still approachable.

You can buy the dress online at Nordstrom Rack (for just $39.50), the French Connection website, or Asos.com.

Atlanta is still enjoying temperatures in the upper 60s/low 70s, and I am definitely taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather. I even ate lunch outside today. OK, yes, it was a working lunch, but it was still lunch outside in January. I'll take it.

Floral Decorum

Today's dress is one that I have (sort of) worn before. It's extremely similar to another dress from the BCBGMaxAzria brand -- one that I wore just last week -- and yet the two dresses are still so different.

Take essentially the same silhouette (the neckline here is more v-shaped), change the fabric and print, and you have a brand new dress -- one that is definitely more suited to sunny days. The meteorologists are saying that Atlanta is returning to late August weather this week, and it was about 85 degrees out when I went to grab lunch this afternoon, so I guess we're putting Fall off a little bit longer!

Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Caron Floral Peplum Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is still available online at the following retailers:

• Amazon
• Lord & Taylor
• Neiman Marcus
• Revolve Clothing

Sandals: Loeffler Randall Piper Wedge Scallop Sandals in Periwinkle

The wedges have been seen on celebrities like Megan Fox and Reese Witherspoon, and I just adore them. You can still find them for sale at online stores like Amazon, LoefflerRandall.com, Saks and ShopBop.com. The sandals come in a variety of colors.