How to Wear Red

One of the most eye-catching colors you can wear is red. I'm not sure if I've gotten a lot of compliments on today's dress because people truly love the design, or because they just can't help but notice me! But it really is a beautifully crafted dress.

Wearing such a bold color, it's important to go light with your accessories. I chose a nude shoe so it would not take attention away from the red lace design. You can do the same with your makeup, but I decided on a red lip to match the color of the dress.

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg Alma Red Lace Dress

The dress is still available at a few online stores, including Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter and Saks. Sizes are very limited, though.

The dress is actually a little big on me -- I'm wearing a size six for reference -- but I think that the bagginess actually works in my favor. You don't want a lace dress to be too tight on your frame, and the flowing fabric seems to compliment the overall design.

Diane von Furstenberg can also run very small, so it's generally better to size up if you're between sizes.

The dress has a cutout in the lower back, and the back is not lined, so you either need to wear a nude colored bra or no bra at all. I recommend a nude colored strapless bra, especially if you're wearing the dress to work.

If you like the red lacy look, and the DVF is not available in your size, here are some other dress options:

• Self-Portrait (Neiman Marcus)
• Lauren Ralph Lauren (Bloomingdale's)
• Dress the Population (Nordstrom)

Shoes: Schutz Scalloped Lace-Cut Leather Sandals in Light Wood (Nude)

The sandals are no longer available -- I bought them several years ago from the now defunct Piperlime.com -- but you can shop the brand on sites like Amazon. The shoes are very affordable for such a chic, celebrity beloved brand.

Our Dinner at Staplehouse

The highlight of our weekend was finally eating dinner at Staplehouse, one of Atlanta's newest and most highly rated restaurants. We took a car to the restaurant, almost hidden on Edgewood Avenue in Old Fourth Ward, so we could both drink, and pulled up right around 5:15 p.m., before the restaurant even opened. One of the first things that greeted us as we walked toward the doors was this image of John Candy:

I love 1980s movie references, so I knew I would be in for a treat.

When we arrived, a line was already forming for those who wanted a seat at the bar (and didn't have a reservation); apparently, if you get there around 4:45 p.m., you are pretty much guaranteed a seat at the bar, so we may do that next time to avoid the hassle of getting a reservation. It really is tough to get one!

Wine

We brought our own wine, a 2010 bottle of Favia, one of our favorites wines, to enjoy with dinner. We had this wine during our lunch at famed restaurant The French Laundry in Napa Valley back in 2012 with our friends Rahul and Vinnie, and it's absolutely wonderful. But be warned: Staplehouse charges a $30 corking fee.

Food

Here is a rundown of our two-hour meal and some photos to get your mouth watering. I think there were only two dishes on the menu that we didn't order.

Course 1: Crab, sunflower, marigold, dill and leeks.

Course 2: Tomatoes, XO and holy basil. I love the presentation here with the basil.

Course 3: Chicken liver tart, peach, basil, celery.

Course 4: Carrots, hazelnut, vadouvan, sorrel.

Course 5: Grandma Lillian's potato bread.

Course 6: Potato, chanterelles, porter vinegar, fennel.

Course 7: Scallops, cucumber, lovage, butterbeans.

Course 8: Aged duck, eggplant, black turnip, onion.

Final (dessert) Course: Peach, walnut, fig leaf, koji.

The food was all prepared in ways that surprised me, and I found myself savoring items (chicken liver! carrots!) that I normally would shy away from. Our waiter, Jeremy, was very attentive, and the dishes all rolled out of the kitchen in a very staggered manner. I never felt rushed to finish a dish, or even full to bursting for that matter.

The disappointment of the night was probably the dessert, which really didn't taste much like a dessert. I would have much preferred something chocolate, since I was already splurging!

Attire

The dress at the restaurant is definitely casual. I wore this neon pink Milly dress and black Jimmy Choo ankle-strap shoes for the occasion, but Chapin and I were the most dressed up patrons in the place. Most people showed up in light sundresses or even shorts, but I think "dressing for dinner" just adds to the experience, don't you?

We couldn't get a good photo with all the weird shadows on our patio.

Will we go back to Staplehouse? Definitely! Hopefully, next time, we can bring some friends along for the ride.

Coral Fixation

Running the Peachtree Road Race -- in addition to the 90-degree temperatures Atlanta has seen this week -- have just wiped me out, so I'm super excited that it's finally the weekend. Sleep, sleep and more sleep is on the agenda.

Chapin also scored a reservation for us at famed restaurant Staplehouse on Saturday night; I can't wait to try the food I've been hearing so much about. (Bon Appétit named Staplehouse the Best New Restaurant in the Country last year.) We've been trying for months to get a reservation, and finally have one. Woo-hoo! I still can't believe it.

Today's dress is extra special because it was a birthday gift from my sister, Laura, and her family. It is more casual than some of my other dresses, since it has an open back with criss-crossing straps, so I've been waiting for the right (casual) Friday to wear it. I have no client meetings today, and things have been more low-key than usual due to a lot of clients going on vacation, so the timing was perfect.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Eva by Eva Franco Floral Nicki Dress in Coral and Blue

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Coral Sandals

I love the combination of the coral and light blue colors, and the overall design is fairly unique. I would just change two things if I could: add a belt (in coral or blue) to break up the print a little bit, and also sew in some pockets. Other than that, the dress is really a lot of fun to wear.

Eva Franco always produces such cute designs. You can find the brand on Amazon and other retailers like Dillard's and Bluefly.com.

Have a great weekend!

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.

Getting Ready for the Fourth

I wanted to wear patriotic colors today, so I chose this navy blue Donna Morgan fit and flare dress for a casual day in the office. Many people took today off, but I've been so busy lately that I just couldn't afford two days off in the same week. I even worked yesterday (Sunday)!

The dress is way too long on me, and even big at the top, but since I paid only $30 for it, I'm not complaining. (I'm wearing a size four for reference; I should have sized down.)

Dress: Donna Morgan Laser Cut Fit and Flare Dress

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Fearne Glitter Criss-Cross Wedges

Tomorrow, I'll be running the Peachtree Road Race, and 2017 marks my fifth time participating. I still remember the excitement I felt that first year, and the amazing weather we had the second time I ran it. The last two years have not been as good. It rained in 2015, and it was so hot in 2016 that I felt like I might pass out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow morning... though I'm not counting on it. The last week it's been so humid, with pop-up storms every day, and I'm sure tomorrow will be the same. Look for me in Wave C -- I'll be in red, white and blue!

Happy Fourth!

Finding Nicole Miller

Today's dress marks the second piece from the Nicole Miller brand that I have worn this month. The brand seems to have exploded of late, with lower-priced options in many major department stores like Belk, Dillard's and Lord & Taylor. 

I knew I wanted this dress as soon as I saw it, mainly because of the silhouette (a simple sheath dress designed to show off your curves) and the print (the floral embroidery on the black background is so classic and beautiful).

I think this piece is also versatile enough to serve as an office dress or cocktail dress -- either way you look fabulous and chic.

Outfit Details

Dress: Nicole Miller New York Embroidered Floral Dress

You can find the dress at a variety of online retailers, including:

• Dillard's
• Lord & Taylor
• Nicole Miller Website

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Henna Ankle Strap Peep-Toe Pumps

I just snagged these Jimmy Choos as Neiman Marcus for under $200. The deals on this site lately have been so good; definitely keep an eye on any sale items you are coveting. The site often does clearance events (an extra percentage off sale) that brings many items down to about 70% off.

July Fourth is coming up, which means the sales are only going to get better. Stay tuned for great deals on sites like Saks Fifth Avenue. These types of luxury sale events usually only happen a few times a year, and now (early summer/July Fourth) is one of my favorite shopping seasons.

The Match Game

I love being matchy-matchy with my outfits, and today I feel like I'm matching even more than usual.

Dress: Anne Klein Striped Fit and Flare Dress

You can find the dress online (and on sale) at the following stores:

• Amazon
• Belk
• Macy's
• Nordstrom (in black/white and red/white)

The dress runs large, so I would size down. I'm in a size four, but I really needed a size two. Oh well. At least the dress has a belt to show off your waistline!

Shoes: Kate Spade New York Jill Rosette Espadrille Wedge Sandals

If these sandals look familiar, it's not just because I've worn them on the blog before; Lorelei wore them when she married Luke on Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life!

The sandals are sold out almost everywhere, but here is a similar pair -- the Kate Spade New York Daisy Espadrille Wedge Sandals -- available now on the Kate Spade website.