The Linda Dress

I absolutely adore this dress from Trina Turk, and it's the cherry on top that it's named the "Linda Dress," which also happens to be my mom's name. I love my mom very much, and I am so glad that we have become so close as I've started getting older; now, I can truly call her my friend. Of course, she's still my mom - she still nags me about going to the doctor, she still checks up on me to make sure I'm staying gluten-free, etc. - but we have fun shopping and talking and reminiscing. I hold my mom in the highest esteem and often wish I could be more like her.

Today's Outfit Details:

Dress: Trina Turk

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Purse: Kate Spade New York

My tastes are pretty simple: Give me a fit and flare dress with a v-neck in a solid or pretty print, and I'm sold. The basket weave print here is in pink and green with hints of blue, making it perfect for spring and summer. Since tomorrow is technically the first day of autumn, I'm getting it in just under the wire.

It's hard for me to let go of summer, but I do love the fall season with its bold colors and crisp weather. (I was, after all, married in fall, and had red roses and berries in my bouquet!) I know this fall will be hard without George. It is partly my favorite season because we could more easily do things with George outside, when the temperatures cooled off but it was still nice out. The summer is too hot for pugs to be outside very long, and George so adored being outside. I'm still so grateful he spent one of his last days on Earth outside with Chapin and Norman, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

One of the last photos taken of my sweet George.

As we go into fall, there's another reason to be happy: End of Season Sales! Make sure you are checking your favorite stores for discounts on summer clothing. At least in Georgia, you can still wear your summer clothes for awhile yet!

Happy shopping!

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

Make Your Office Your Runway

I'm sure some people think I go overboard when it comes to dressing for work, but for me, the extra time I spend getting ready is worth it. It's a confidence booster!

I used to be an extremely shy person. My first years out of college, my face would turn bright red any time I had to speak out loud in a meeting or answer a question. I think I would be farther along in my career if I could have been more outspoken and confident early on.

But you live and learn.

I was an English major and journalism vet suddenly thrust into the business world. I didn't think I knew anything. I went to graduate school (finally) when I turned 28, and realized that I was actually smart and knowledgeable. Combine that with a new interest in fashion, and... here we are.

I dress nicely every day because it makes me feel good about myself. It's just a bonus that if a client happens to walk in the office unannounced... I'm prepared.

Today's Outfit:

Dress: Shoshanna Lace Peplum Dress

Similar item (and on sale for under $100): Shoshanna Celeste Peplum Dress at Saks Off 5th.

Sandals: Jimmy Choo

On the lips: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella

I get a kick out of the name, and the color will stay on your lips all day. I use it as both a lip liner and also to fill in my lips.

Navy Does It

I am so excited about the new purse that Chapin gave me for my birthday. I finally have a navy bag! I have been searching for a good navy purse for a long time, and Kate Spade New York finally delivered.

Outfit Details

Dress: Shoshanna

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Purse: Kate Spade New York Knightsbridge Constance Croco Embossed Patent Leather Tote

The bag, which seems to be sold out, came in a few colors -- navy, brown and cream -- and you can still find it available for purchase on eBay. I am such a sucker for purses that have that 1950s vibe, and this bag is definitely in that vein. I also like that it's larger than most of my purses, so I can easily fit in essentials like my iPad if I need to travel. 

Here's another photo of my new favorite arm candy. I like to think my grandmothers toted around a purse like this one back when they were around my age. 

Another Day, Another Floral Dress

Dress: Black Halo Demetrio Dress in the Decadence Print

Shoes: L.A.M.B.

Floral Confetti

Body hugging (bodycon) dresses featuring a print can be hit or miss. Oftentimes, a print can make you look bigger than you are, but the small flowers and confetti design here is exquisite and doesn't do any damage to your figure. I like designers that think about how their creations will look on a real person and not a skinny size 0 model.

Outfit of the Day Details:

Dress by Shoshanna

This scuba dress is still available on the designer's website for a great price. But it's not lined, so I recommend you Spanx it.

Sandals by Stuart Weitzman

I paired the dress with neutral colored shoes because I wanted to keep the attention on the dress, and not draw the eye away from it. But there are so many beautiful colors (pinks, greens and purples) swirling around in the print, that the dress will also work with a brightly colored shoe. Have fun and experiment, and don't be afraid to make up your own rules. When it comes to fashion, anything goes - as long as you like it. (At least, that's my philosophy.)

Blush

Outfit Details:

Dress: Trina Turk Aime Dress in Pink

Shoes: Schutz Ankle Strap Sandals

Busy as a...

This week has passed so quickly because I've been so busy at work. I'm glad it's Friday, and I'm looking forward to spending the evening with my good friend, Erin, who is in town visiting. We are headed to one of my favorite Atlanta restaurants: JCT Kitchen. I definitely plan to sample some fabulous cocktails so I can really unwind!

Today's photo and outfit details:

Dress: French Connection Black and Grey Sheath Dress

I bought this dress back in 2013, so it's no longer available. I don't wear it all that often, honestly, because it's not lined, and as you can see, it's supposed to fit your every curve. My advice when you're wearing a close-fitting dress like this one? Spanx. My husband hates when I wear Spanx, but it makes me feel better about myself (and not so self-conscious about my hips and thighs).

There's nothing wrong with Spanx-ing it up from time to time. Even celebrities as skinny as Kristen Stewart love Spanx, and Miranda mentioned the brand on more than one occasion on Sex and the City.

Shoes: BCBGMaxAzria Black and Silver Pumps

This weekend, I will be running a 5K - Lauren's Run to Cure Childhood Cancer - with my dad. I haven't run a race since the Peachtree Road Race in July, so I hope I can improve upon my time from last year. My knee has been giving me some problems lately, so we shall see... Wish me luck!

Work Wear Fashion

I'm an everyday fashionista, but I'm also (mainly) a corporate fashionista, since most of the outfits featured on this blog are ones I wear to work. Today, I'm definitely dressed in more "corporate" attire.

Outfit Details:

Dress: SINGLE V-Neck Vera Dress in Black and Teal

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Black Suede Pumps

My career has had its high and low points, but lately, I feel excited to come to work every day; I know most people can't really say that. My company is expanding to another city (Manhattan), and we are adding new team members that bring a fresh perspective and energy to the office. The next few years will be extremely chaotic as we grow the business, but extremely fulfilling, too. It's quite an important time to be part of Local Marketing, Inc.!

Jumping In

It's always hard coming back to work after missing even one day in the office. There's always so much to catch up on! But I do like returning to my regular routine.

This week looks like it's going to be a rainy one, which means allergies, humidity and bad hair days. Oh joy! It's good to be back in Atlanta.

Chapin was home longer than usual this morning, so he took today's photo:

Outfit Details:

Dress: Trina Turk Rena Fit and Flare Dress

This black and blue dress has a super cute, quilted design, so it's extremely comfortable. The fit and flare (a-line) silhouette means it's ultra-flattering as well. There tends to be a lot of blue in my closet, but it's my favorite color and definitely goes well with my coloring.

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Black and Rose Gold Pumps

Presidential

Outfit Details:

Dress: Kate Spade New York Sonja Dress

Sandals: Jimmy Choo

This red, white and blue dress is no longer available online. I actually bought it back in 2012 and wore it on our trip to Italy in May of that year. I love the navy bow belt, and the overall silhouette is so flattering. I always get compliments on this dress whenever I wear it.

Celebrity Sighting!
Reese Witherspoon was seen wearing the Kate Spade New York Sonja Dress in light blue with black flats.

Reese Witherspoon in Kate Spade New York

It's a Sunshine Day

I am 75% Italian, and while my skin tans very easily, it also has yellow undertones. That means it's normally hard for me to wear yellow, but I just fell in love with this little dress from 4.Collective. I paired it with purple shoes and amethyst jewelry. What do you think? Is yellow my new color?

Outfit Details:

Dress: 4.Collective Solid Crepe Cap Sleeve Fitted Dress in Daquiri

The dress is sold out, but here's a similar style in the same yellow color.

Shoes: Studio Pollini

I've had these shoes for years, but highly recommend the brand. They are so well made! There is that quality Italian craftsmanship, after all...

Shoes Make Me Smile

I had a difficult night, so please excuse the dark circles and puffy eyes. Chapin and I spent some time last night looking at photos I took of George just a few weeks before Christmas 2014, about 6 or 7 weeks before he passed away, and it was just too much for me. I started crying, and it was hard to stop. I miss George so much. Work is a nice reprieve, but coming home and not seeing his face hurts every time.

So what better way to heal than to wear a favorite pair of shoes. I love, love, love these Prada pumps.

Outfit of the Day

Dress: Black Halo Red Peplum Giovanni Dress

Shoes: Prada Black and White Bow Pumps

Necklace: Feather pendant by Blue Nile

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!

Kate Spade Polka Dots

I love polka dots, and just immediately fell in love with this black and white polka dot Kate Spade dress when I saw it in the store around Christmastime. When it went on sale a few weeks back, I snapped it up. I feel sort of retro when I wear it... It reminds me of the dresses they wore back in the 1950s.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Kate Spade New York Deco Dot Fit and Flare Dress (Black and White)

Sandals: Kate Spade New York

Sparkle and Blue

It's finally Friday! It's been a long week, and I am looking forward to doing some relaxing this weekend. Thank goodness it's stopped raining, and apparently we are going to have some beautiful weather tomorrow, although the rain comes back on Sunday. I will have to get my run in early in the day tomorrow before my hair appointment. I am training for a 5K at the end of April - Lauren's Run for the Cure - and want to beat my time from last year. (My dad's company is a major sponsor of the event.)

Outfit Details:

Dress: Adrianna Papell Embellished Crepe Sheath Dress in Electric Blue

The dress is still  available at a few online retailers:

• 6pm.com
• Dillards.com

Here are a few similar styles as well:

• Adrianna Papell Woven Sheath Dress with Neckline Embellishments (Lord & Taylor)
• Adrianna Papell Faux-Wrap Cowl Neck Dress in Electric Blue (Dillards.com)
• Adrianna Papell Blue and Black Sheath Dress (Zappos)

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Abel Patent Leather Disco Hologram Pumps

Basket Case

I love the effects of today's Trina Turk dress; the geometric lines and basket weave pattern are so eye-catching. (I think it looks more like a basket-type pattern than a windowpane, as the name of the dress implies. What do you think?)

It's a very simple fit and flare dress, but I love how it looks. I didn't have any client facing meetings today, so I felt comfortable wearing something a little more casual. It was a great fit for a rainy day in Atlanta. It has been raining all day, since the moment I woke up at 4:45 a.m. Yes, I do get up that early every weekday. Otherwise, I can't fit in a good workout.

Outfit of the Day:

Trina Turk Savannah Windowpane Fit and Flare Dress

The dress is still available at the following retailers:

• Amazon
• 6pm.com

Pour La Victoire Carmendy Cap Toe T-Strap Pumps in Beige and Black

The pumps are no longer available online in this color, but Amazon has a large selection of shoes from the brand (and reduced prices), plus this exact shoe in black and gold.

Polka Dot Delight

I love polka dots, so I was super excited to find this beautiful fit and flare dress from 4.Collective. It's still available - and on sale! - from a few retailers, including Amazon and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Dress: 4.Collective Dot Jacquard Flirty Dress

Shoes: Kate Spade New York

The dress is super comfortable and oh so cute. It makes me feel younger than my 36 (almost 37) years.

Lucky Charms

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Today I'm wearing green for the holiday, and we just finished up a fun St. Patrick's Day party at the office, complete with green velvet cupcakes from Piece of Cake. It was so difficult not eating one, but alas, they were not gluten-free.

I do not have a drop of Irish blood, but I felt sort of Irish in my green dress and with my reddish hair. I'm really loving the red hair. I think it suits my complexion.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Shoshanna

Booties: Prada

You may also notice that I'm wearing something new around my neck. Chapin gave me a beautiful necklace from Three Sisters Jewelry for Valentine's Day. The charm in the middle says "George," and I've included a close-up photo below so you can see the beautiful detail.

I have long been a fan of this website for its hand-stamped jewelry. I bought my sister, Laura, a necklace with the name of her son when she had her first baby, and added a new charm when she had her second. I've bought friends gifts from the site as well, some with the names of children, some with their own names!  I love personal accessories that not only look great, but also serve to remind you of something wonderful.

On that note, I want to thank all my blog readers and Instagram followers who have posted words of encouragement and support over these last few months. Reading those comments has meant so much to me. I know I'm lucky to have people in my life - some whom I've never even met! - who care about me and how I'm feeling.

Time is Flying

I went to the dermatologist today, and they told me it had been over a year since my last visit. I was startled, because -- in my  mind -- it felt like just a few months. Time is going faster and faster as I get older, and it's scaring me.

Today's outfit details:

Dress: Maeve (from Anthropologie)

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Peep-Toes