Bow Tie Trend

Bow ties in women's fashion are all the rage lately -- everyone from Elle Fanning to Drew Barrymore has been spotted sporting some type of bow tie -- and I am certainly embracing the trend. After wearing a black Alice + Olivia bow tie dress a few weeks ago, here I am in another tie-neck dress, this time via a silk creation by Diane von Furstenberg.

Outfit Details

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg Marisa Silk Tie-Neck Dress (sold out)

Although I normally shy away from silk dresses -- they are so frail and tend to easily wrinkle -- I just fell in love with this sweet silhouette. I love the blue print, and the dress overall is so easy and comfortable to wear. Plus, it looks really professional without being too stuffy.

Sandals: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker

Celebrity Sighting!
The dress has been worn on two TV shows lately: Once Upon a Time and New Girl. Photos via WornonTV.net, a great website if you're wondering where to get the clothes you see on your favorite TV shows. (My favorites: the women on Pretty Little Liars and whatever Zooey Deschanel is wearing on New Girl.)

Even though it's only Thursday, I am so ready for the weekend. Work has been incredibly busy, and I know I'm not getting enough sleep. I can't wait to curl up with a book, my hubby and two little pugs and just relax. I recently started The Girl Before, by JP Delaney, and I don't want to put it down. I don't get much time to read during the week, and despite some overarching cliches weighing down the narrative, I'm excited to see how the story plays out. It's like nothing I've ever read before, and -- apparently -- Hollywood agrees. Ron Howard is already in line to possibly direct the film version.

What's Your Best Color?

I'll be the first to admit that this light of shade of pink doesn't do me any favors. I don't think it matches well with my skin tone, and although I love the print, the overall look is just too muted on my frame. Not every color or print is going to be a good fit, so trust your instincts when it comes to fashion. You know what looks best!

Dress: French Connection Bacongo Daisy Floral Sheath Dress

Available at:

• ASOS
• Bloomingdales.com
• French Connection USA
• Lord & Taylor

If you love the print -- just not the sheath style -- it also comes in more of a fit and flare silhouette, which you can find at Amazon, Belk and Nordstrom. There's even a tank top!

Sandals: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker (no longer available)

I'm gearing up for a super busy week, and of course it's so hot in Atlanta right now. To top it off, our Internet and cable went out yesterday afternoon, so we have to wait until Tuesday for Comcast to come out and fix it. That means I will be reading actual books instead of watching TV or Netflix.

Thank goodness we finished binge watching the first season of Stranger Things on Netflix late Saturday night. Chapin and I were both hooked from the first episode, and I definitely recommend you check it out if you like movies like Super 8, The Goonies or Firestarter. It's kind of a combination of all three. Just don't watch it alone... or in the dark. Cue scary music here.

Time for Nachos

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Mexican restaurants are sure to be slammed tonight, so I will probably stay in and attempt to make nachos. I definitely have a weakness for Mexican food. Even though I have celiac disease, fortunately I can still eat most Mexican dishes. Thank goodness for corn tortillas!

I chose today's dress because the jeweled embellishments reminded me a little of Mexican tiles. I know... I'm reaching, but at least I tried!

Dress: Shoshanna Idalia Navy Dress

I love the delicate details on this dress. The small straps and the slightly open back are really quite exquisite. I also love how the dress moves when I walk. Here is a similar dress from the Shoshanna line that incorporates the same embellishments you see above.

Sandals: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker (no longer available)

Enjoy your Mexican food today!

Eye of the Tiger

Like most of America, I was camped out in front of the TV from about 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. last night to watch the Oscars. I think I enjoy seeing all the stars arrive on the red carpet even more than the actual ceremony, and this year did not disappoint. There was a good mix of both stunning and "what were they thinking" moments to make the evening fun for all!

My top three dresses this year:

1. Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé

Florals were definitely a theme last night, but Cate Blanchett upped the ante in her pale green confection. She even had gorgeous, dazzling feather-shaped earrings to cap off the look. I adored the whole ensemble.

2. Naomi Watts in Armani Privé

Naomi Watts enjoys high-wattage looks (pun intended), and the 88th Oscars were no exception. I found myself drawn to this dress for its unique color combination (purple and blue) and intricate design. Although ombre is a bit "out" at the moment, the dress dazzled, but still let Naomi shine. She did her hair (down) and makeup (red lip) just right.

3. Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein

The emerald color alone was enough to grab my attention. Although I felt the dress was a little mature for the young actress (low cut in front, open in the back), the dress was sexy in such a chic way, it didn't matter. Plus, the actress is Irish. It was a perfect color pick.

Outfit Details

From Tinsel Town to Gilstrap Lane...

Although Sly Stallone didn't win in the Best Supporting Actor category, I still wore a tiger print dress today.

Dress: Rebecca Taylor Sleeveless Tiger Print Pleated Dress (no longer available)

Celebrity Sighting!
The black/champagne version of the dress was spotted on Alison Brie last year on the TV show, Community. The shirt version of this dress was also seen on Agents of Shield.

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker (no longer available)

Bag: Kate Spade New York Southport Avenue Small Jenny (color: Morning Glory)

How Dressy Is Too Dressy for Work?

This fit and flare dress seems more suited to a party or evening out than a day at work, but since I spend most of my time working, why not wear something that makes me feel good about myself? Even if it means dressing up a little more than usual, if it makes you happy, then go for it!

Dress: SB by Sachin + Babi Faria Dress (Find it on eBay.)

I can't normally afford Sachin + Babi, a favorite brand on the celebrity circuit, but I can afford its little sister line, SB by Sachin + Babi.

My mom bought me this dress from Anthropologie. I am a big fan of fit and flare dresses with cap sleeves, and the flattering neckline is just an added bonus. Plus, I love all the colors... blues, purples, greens and red. You can wear it any time of year, really. We've been having some amazing weather in Atlanta the past few days - 70-degree weather in December! - so while it doesn't really feel like Christmas, I am enjoying not wearing boots and a jacket every time I go outside.

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Sandals (no longer available)

Walter Update:

I appreciate all the sweet and encouraging comments about Walter that I've received here on the blog, on Facebook, and on my Instagram account. Every day he seems to feel more and more comfortable with us.

His personality is also emerging. I heard him bark for the first time yesterday! He loves going for rides in the car, and this morning I came downstairs to find that he had curled up on the couch all on his own. His former family trained him well; he stands by the door every time he needs to go out outside for a potty break, which is a much appreciated change from Norman. (Norman enjoys leaving revenge poops in the house if he feels he is not getting enough attention!)

We have Walter on a grain-free, heavy fish diet, and gave him a bath over the weekend. His coat seems a little softer, but it hasn't even been a week yet, so I'm probably just imagining that. Chapin is amazing with him and is already Walter's favorite. He cooks actual salmon and has been placing it on top of both Norman's and Wally's food each day. He didn't eat on Day 2, but now he devours his meals in typical pug fashion.

I was hesitant at first about opening our home to Walter, but I'm so, so glad we did. There are always risks in life, but those risks come with some amazing rewards... and I'm so happy this little pug has a home for Christmas.

Enjoying the sunshine in Inman Park: Walter, Chapin and Norman (December 13, 2015)

Color Explosion

I think you can tell -- if you're a regular reader of this blog -- that I love colorful dresses. Today's dress from Shoshanna combines my love of color with my love for a fit and flare silhouette. The fantastic print is filled with neon stripes in greens, blues, pinks and more.

Dress: Shoshanna Bridgette Prism Tweed Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is still available at the following retailers:

• Amazon
• Saks
• Shoshanna Website

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker

Colorful Dress, Brighter Outlook

I love a good fit and flare dress. It's hard to go wrong with such a flattering silhouette, and this dress has some extra poof due to the tulle in the skirt.  It's a fun, colorful summer dress that brightens my day whenever I wear it. I love that my sandals and even my toenail color, an "obnoxious" pink (translation: Strawberry Margarita by OPI), matches the vitality of the dress.

Outfit of the Day

Dress: Trina Turk Hannah Fit and Flare Dress

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker

My Favorite Day Dress

My favorite dress seems to change week to week, but right now, my pick is this super cute summertime dress from my favorite designer, Shoshanna Gruss. I love the cut and the black and white print with the bold peach and blue flowers.

It's a great dress for a casual Friday at work, or for fun weekend activities like shopping or brunching.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Shoshanna Goldie Fit and Flare Dress

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Blue Suede Sandals

In Living Color

It's been a crazy week... and it's not even Friday yet.

Sunday I ran a 5K (and won a silver medal for my age group), Monday I spent 14 hours as an extra on an Atlanta movie set, and in the days since, I have been playing catch up at work. There is so much going on! As the old saying goes... when it rains, it pours.

So the best way to brighten up a crazy, busy day? A colorful dress from my favorite designer, Shoshanna.

Dress: Shoshanna

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker

Follow Your Own Advice

I broke two of my biggest fashion rules when I purchased this dress, which features:

• Horizontal stripes (they make you look wider)
• Drop waist (not ideal for women with wide hips)

I think I was attracted to the unconventional color combination (coral and beige?) and the overall cutesy look. But honestly, it doesn't do much for my figure.

Outfit Details

Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Lace and Striped Dress

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker

I love how the coral SJP sandals match perfectly, though!

Shifty

Dress of the Day: Shoshanna Beaded Simone Shift Dress

Sandals: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker

Celebrity Sighting!
Actress Marisa Coughlan wore the dress to an event last year. I actually met Marisa back in 1999 during the press junket for Killing Mrs. Tingle, along with Barry Watson and Katie Holmes. It was my very first press junket and my first time interviewing celebrities. I was so nervous I could barely sleep the night before. Ah, to be young again...

Actress Holly Robinson Peete was also seen in this dress.