Sweetheart

A sweetheart neckline tends to be flattering on everyone - and is just one reason I love today's Parker dress.

Outfit Details

Dress: Parker Miuccia Print Sweetheart Mini Dress

Although it's hard to see in the photo, the dress has little puff sleeves -- and they are long sleeves, which I adore -- that are just so sweet.

I love the heart print, colors and even the ruffle in front. The ruffle is strategically placed to draw the eye and the ruching helps conceal unflattering bulges at the hips.

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB Patent Leather Pumps in Raspberry Pink

Be My Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm not big on celebrating Hallmark holidays, but it's nice to have a day that's all about love. When we were first married, Chapin and I made a pact to only go out to dinner every other Valentine's Day, but now we usually just keep things low-key at home. Chapin is making me dinner tonight, and we exchanged gifts last night.

Chapin bought me a pair of beautiful Adina Reyter earrings as a Valentine gift. I have been drooling over these "Three Amigos" earrings ever since I saw them on Meghan Markle! (Mine are white gold, while I think Meghan's are in yellow gold.)

The earrings are so delicate and will go with everything! Plus, the fact that there are three stones reminds me of me and my sisters (my best friends in the world). Check out my Instagram to see a close-up look at the earrings!

Outfit Details:

Dress: Trina Turk Knightly Floral Printed Dress

The dress overall is so feminine, but I do wish the sleeves were a bit shorter. I don't know if sleeves that hang almost to the elbow are flattering on anyone!

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps in Raspberry

As Seen On!
Supermodel Niki Taylor was seen wearing the dress to a recent Maybelline event.

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Fall Floral

This Karen Millen dress boasts a bright floral pattern, but I think the color palette makes it perfect for a beautiful Fall day in Atlanta. The weather has been so gorgeous this week, with most days in the 60s or 70s. And the best part? Low humidity!

Dress: Karen Millen Floral Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is on sale now at Karen Millen (in stores and online). I'm wearing the US Size 4 for reference, though it's a little snug in the bust area.

The whole design is just really flattering, though -- especially those dainty cap sleeves. I've been using more five and eight-pound weights at the gym, but it's hard to tell any difference in my arms. I like how cap sleeves do show them off, though!

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps

Romper Crazy

Ever since I bought my first romper a few months ago, I've been seeking out chic rompers that could work in both corporate and casual settings. This romper from Ted Baker London is definitely laid back, but also sophisticated enough to wear to the office on "Casual Friday." (I wouldn't wear it any other day, to be honest.)

I didn't try out rompers for a long time, because I figured they were not the best match with my body type. All my extra weight is on my hips and upper thighs, and I was worried a romper would accentuate that area and make me look short and stocky.

The belt on this romper really helps put the focus on your waist, and the print draws your eye upward, so I knew this romper could work for me. It's so well made, too -- as is everything from this brand.

Unfortunately, Ted Baker London tends to be expensive, so look for good sales at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus to snag dresses, rompers and other items from the brand at below retail value. This romper was originally $295, but I got it for just $88 during a clearance sale at Neiman Marcus.

Outfit Details

Romper: Ted Baker London Bindee Belted Romper

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps

Since I'm so short, I think wearing heels with a romper help elongate my legs, but you could easily pair it with flats or cute sandals. With the variety of colors in the print, any color shoes will work. I chose these raspberry Manolos to bring out the beautiful pink hues in the design.

It's been a stressful week, so I'm looking forward to the weekend. I'll be attending a bridal shower for a co-worker, and running a lot of errands. This will be my last weekend home before my girls trip to New York City at the end of August. I can't wait!

In or Out

If you've ever watched Project Runway, you're probably familiar with its cutting -- albeit realistic -- tagline: "One day you're in, the next day you're out."

Even the most experienced designers can fall from grace, and with new collections coming out seasonally, many designers can have longer periods of drought.

I noted a recent such spell with Nanette Lepore. Now I'm noting it again with Trina Turk. I haven't bought a new Trina Turk dress in quite a while; the prints, colors and overall designs just didn't appeal to me.

But -- today -- here I am in one of the designer's sheath dresses. Although it's extremely eye-catching, and the bold purples and pinks make me long for summer, the print wasn't totally in line with my style. But the price was right on Amazon: I paid just $44 for a dress that was going for $328 retail.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Trina Turk Bewitching Leopard-Print Sheath Dress

You can still find the dress on Amazon in select sizes, as well as at Saks and Neiman Marcus.

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB Patent Leather Pumps in Raspberry

Would I have purchased the dress if it had been more expensive? Probably not. It's a little big on me, a little long on my short frame, and is really just a basic sheath dress. But for $44? OK, I'll bite.

Spring Weather in February

Seventy-five degrees in February is a great way to start off another week, and I wanted my happy mood to come through in my clothes. That's why I chose this colorful striped confection from Eva Franco to wear to work today.

Dress: Eva Franco Striped Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is still available at Dillards.com in select sizing, and is on sale for just $47 (marked down from $188).

If you like the stripes ("Finland Stripes"), you can also get the dress in a different silhouette on 6pm.com.

Pumps: Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps in  Raspberry Patent Leather

I just adore how the raspberry color of my shoes perfectly matches the raspberry color in the dress.

Why am I in such a good mood? Well, maybe because my next nephew will be born this week (if he comes on time). My sister, Gail, is pregnant with her first child, a boy due on the 27th. It's an exciting time for our family!

Speaking of family, I enjoyed celebrating the two people who already have February birthdays: my mom and my sister, Laura. My mom made a Mexican food spread for us all to enjoy, and we had cake and cookies for dessert. (I made these hazelnut chocolate chunk cookies, and just swapped out the flour for gluten-free flour so I could eat them, too. I will definitely make them again; they were so yummy.)

The painting in the background is the Ali Leja Designs angel painting that Chapin and I got my mom for Christmas. I gave Ali a photo of my grandmother, and she painted the angel to resemble her, complete with little details like the rose she wore on her lapel.

If you're looking for a local artist, I highly recommend Ali. She is immensely talented, and lives in the Atlanta suburbs. She also did the portrait of George I commissioned over the summer.

With my mom, Laura, and Laura's two sons on 2/18/2017.

Wild About Color

When it comes to my wardrobe, I'm a fan of every color of the rainbow. That's why I love this "electric" sheath dress with cap sleeves from French Connection. It takes a classic print (leopard) and adds a lot of color.

Dress: French Connection Electric Leopard Print Sheath Dress

Pumps: Manolo Blahnik BB Patent Leather Pumps in Raspberry Pink

I know these pumps are expensive, but think of this type of purchase as an investment. They are so versatile; you can wear them with skinny jeans or a dress, during the day or out at night. You won't have to think twice about your shoes - just reach for your BB pumps.

I could not find this particular color online, but you can find the BB Pump style at retailers like Saks, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Just about every female celebrity seems to have a pair. I have two: one with an ankle strap (in suede) and this patent leather pair. Don't hesitate: Treat yo-self!

Inside the Lines

Today's dress is definitely memorable; I love how the black netting fits right over the floral pattern to create something wholly unique.

Dress: Trina Trina Turk Renita Bonded Floral Dress

The back is open, so it's definitely more casual than most of my work dresses, but I decided it was alright to wear today since I didn't have any formal meetings.

The dress is still available (and on sale) at 6pm, Amazon, Dillard's, and Revolve Clothing.

Sizing Advice: The dress fits true to size, but the straps are a little loose on me. I have narrow shoulders, though, and will probably end up getting the dress altered.

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB Patent Leather Pumps

These BB pumps have been so popular, especially with celebrities, that I think Manolo Blahnik made them in just about every color. I love how the hot pink hue of these pumps just sets the rest of the outfit afire. You could wear any brightly colored pump with this dress and it would work!

A Decade of Wonderful

Today is a special day in our house: our pug, George, is turning ten! I can't believe that little puppy we brought home is now such a distinguished gentleman.

George is the light of my life. I love him so much more than I thought I could ever love a little dog. He has his own unique personality, and I know he loves me just as much as I love him.

Dress: David Meister

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps