Sandcastles in the Sand

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Tuesday. We are going on vacation today. You know those pieces of seaglass that you find on the beach when you're strolling romantically in the sunset? Totally. It's chemically weathered glass from salt water that gives it a frosted look. It makes for some beautiful jewelry and it's what we're talking about today.

Nordstrom, BaubleBar Seaglass Bib Necklace, $68

I love this feminine pink but the shapes are unpredictable and funky.

Dillard's, Cole Haan Seaglass Stone Drop Earrings, $78

These earring are so different. The shapes ragged in the fanciest way.

Shoptiques, Sand Sea Sun Cobalt Seaglass Necklace, $54

I love this modern necklace with the gradient blues and shapes.

Toms, Long Red Seaglass Necklace, $68 $35

Simple, earthy, pop of color.

A simple texture brings such life to an outfit. Seaglass is a great example of how something unexpected can be beautiful.

Be fabulous today!

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Back to Black

We're getting basic today. Going way back to a staple. The black belt. Sometimes you just need to invest in a solid accessory and today it's the belt.

Madewell, Leather Belt, $48

Simple, classic, rounded buckle in an unassuming brass.

Everlane, The High Lo Belt, $40

Made in San Francisco, this modern style is made from soft Italian leather making it last a lifetime.

J Crew, Patent Narrow Buckle Belt, $34

A nice narrow option that you can add to a shift dress or over a cardigan to define your waist.

Cole Haan, Village Skinny Belt, $48

Cole Haan is known for making great leather pieces. From their shoes to their bags, this belt is no exception.

Sometimes you have to get back to basics. Invest in a solid black belt that is versatile, good quality and easy to add to any outfit.

Be fabulous today!

Metal Meets Loafer

Happy almost Friday lovebugs,
Today we're looking at some loafers, but these aren't your mom's loafers. We're looking at metallic loafers. Sassy, cool and eye catching.

Piperlime, Bass Wendybird 2, $99

If you want one heck of a sturdy shoe, get Bass. The cost per wear will make the price worth it.

Fossil, Calabash Loafer, $98

How about these with some ankle pants? I love the menswear look these loafers have.

Neiman Marcus, Cole Haan Air Tali Loafer, $56

You see that word 'air' in these Cole Haan loafers? That means Nike designed this shoe. That means you can walk a mile in these shoes. You're welcome.

Sperry Top Sider, Brooks, $80

Even Sperry, the boat shoe experts, make a great loafer. I love the snake print on this gold metallic.

Loafers are huge for fall. You've got smoking loafers, penny loafers, you name it. Try out a metallic loafer to add some spice to your outfit.

Be fabulous today!

Patent Sandals!

Hey there lovebugs!
I'm back from my family vacation! Thank you so much to my fabulous guest bloggers: Erika, Autumn, Sarah, Ashley, and Marisa! I loved your posts and I can't thank you enough!

Today I thought we'd get right back into things, with a summer sandal option I'm loving right now: patent leather.  Nothing terribly frightening about this look but I think the sheen of the leather really dresses up the sandal.

Steve Madden, Sheilaa, $28

I LOVE the tiny wedge and the gold hardware on this shoe.  Perfect for jeans, shorts, or a sundress.

Cole Haan, Air Tali, $50

These are like a glass of lemonade.  I like them because they go with black or brown.  Also could be fun for colorblocking with an outfit.

Sam Edelman, Hamilton Sandal, $63

These are a lighter take on gladiator. More like a shallow end jump into the pool instead of going off the diving board.

Nine West, Makai Sandals, $29

The only way to describe these shoes are fun.  I love them. 

What do you think? Of course you can go a little more expensive but when I'm buying a flat sandal I like to stay under $60.

Be fabulous today!

It's in the Bag

Hey lovebugs!


A Hasty Life is gathering over 100 bloggers to do one simple thing: let people inside their purse! So I took some pictures (they're not so great, there's a reason I don't photograph things for this blog) but I hope you enjoy what's inside my purse!

This is my purse.  Dooney and Burke brown with gold hardware.  A gift from my mom.

The inside!!! 

The contents.  Not so scary right? And yes that is my foot in the bottom left hand corner.

1. Kate Spade wallet.  

2. White ribbon, I always carry one in case I put my hair up.

3. Keys!

4. Purse holder.  Tacky? Kinda.  Jealous? Every other woman at Happy Hour is!

5. Pen, hand sanitizer, lip glosses, and chap stick

1. Kindle.  I take it everywhere, I love it!

2. Reusable bag.  In DC we have a 5 cent tax on plastic bags so I bring my own.

3. Cole Haan sunglasses

1. Monogrammed business card holder.  

2. Black leather gloves

3. Gap City flats.  I walk a mile to work everyday so I toss my heels in my bag and wear these lifesavers to work.

I hope you enjoyed! That's my go to bag in all it's glory.  Anything catch your eye?

Be fabulous today!

Sometimes you can ask a lady her number

There are a few things every woman should know like the back of her hand.  Number one on that list is her manners.  Please, thank you, holding the door, etc.  The list goes on and on including knowing your mom's shoe size (for borrowing purposes), knowing what 'your color' is, etc etc.  But somewhere in the middle of that list is one very important fact that every woman should know:  The absolute minimum amount of time it takes you to get out the door for work looking presentable.


Now by 'presentable' I mean meeting-attire, hair brushed, makeup on, and shoes matching.  Every woman needs to know her number in case the inevitable happens.  If the alarm doesn't go off, if you snooze too much, if it was a really long night, and the list goes on.  What's my number you ask? Brace yourself. 9.  In an absolute crunch I need NINE minutes to get out of bed, dressed, makeup, and out the door.

This number I've found is very low in comparison to others, so don't beat yourself up about it.  I used to work a job that required me to be at work at 5am everyday so EVERY minute of getting ready in the morning I made count.

Why are we talking about this? Well lovebugs, because in addition to knowing your number, you should have the go-to outfit to get you dressed and out the door.  A foolproof great look that works no matter what.

Here are my picks:

J Crew, Cambridge Cable Shawl Collar Cardigan, $69

Take you pick for the color of sweater that suits you but a classic well structured open neck sweater is a great staple.

Talbots, double faced wool skirt, $62

I prefer a skirt as my go to staple but a good fitting pair of slacks work as well.  

Ann Taylor, Perfect Tights, $20

If it's below 55 degrees, please do not go bare-legged.  These are sleek and professional with a pencil skirt.  I mean, look at the model, she doesn't even have a skirt on and they look great.

Cole Haan, Talia Mid Pumps, $109

Can I tell you a secret? Nike now works with Cole Haan to make comfortable heels.  I'm talking like Nike sneaker comfort.  Invest.  Now.  

Urban Outfitters, Braided Chain and Bead Cluster, $29

Always leave room for a statement go-to necklace.  It makes you feel beautiful and it draws attention to itself.  You'll be fighting off the "omg i love your necklace" comments for the rest of the day.

So that's an example of my go-to 9 minute out the door outfit.  What would yours be? AND more importantly what's you number?  Hoepfully you don't have to use it too often but it's good to know!

Be fabulous today!

New Year's Accessory

Hey lovebugs!  It's almost time for New Years, which means sparkly dresses, resolutions, and champagne. Now a lot of blogs have done fabulous posts on NYE dresses, if you're still looking you HAVE to check out:  BonBon Rose Girls and Wit & Whimsy.  They have excellent options and ideas.

I thought I would try something a little different and instead of offering dress choices, why not accessory choices?  Sound good? Fabulous, let's go!

Kate Spade, Foiled Again, $75

This is the perfect clutch for NYE.  You can stuff lipstick, keys, phone, and even roll up flats in here!

Loft, Two tiered bead necklace, $39.50

I love the elegant simplicity of this necklace.  This would be perfect with an LBD or jeans in 2011.

Cole Haan, bow belt, $39.95

I'm loving this find over at the Cole Haan sale.  Look at the detail on the bow!  This would spice up any solid color NYE dress or put it over a cardigan.

Target, Merona Euna pumps, $24.99

Just because it's Target doesn't mean you can't score a pair of fabulous heels.  I'm a sucker for rounded toe, and this print certainly adds some spice!

New Years should be sparkle and sass.  It's the one night a year where no one cares if the dress is a little too young for you, or if that outfit is too dressy for the party.  If you're workin' it, you are the party.

Be fabulous today.

The No Pressure Post

This is the inaugural post of The Capitol Hill Barbie. This is the OMG who is this girl and who does she think she is post? Well I'll tell you. No, I don't work on Capitol Hill but I am involved in politics on a professional level and while I don't have to suffer through the metro escalator lines at Capitol South during tourist season, I still like to think I am pretty aware of Hill life.

This blog isn't going to just be about the Hill because there are plenty of great blogs about that: my absolute favorite being the Capitol Hill Style Blog and also the original Capitol Barbie neither of which I am trying to replace because they are FAR superior in witty writing and fabulous ideas. I'm hoping this blog will take more of the preppy-girl-in-the-kinda-big-city style. I plan to write about food, local bars, fashion, tourism, style, etc on a budget. That is key. About a month ago I was living on a VERY entry-level salary but it seems I have paid my dues to move up the ranks just a little bit. So I know how to stretch a dollar but I also know when I can splurge my hard earned dough on a pair of Cole Haan heels on sale or a J Crew cardigan also on sale (seeing a pattern? Don't pay full price ladies, you never have to).

A little about me. I live in downtown DC in a studio apartment. Yes my bed is in my kitchen which is in my closet, but hey, I don't have a roommate and if I want to sit at home and watch Say Yes to the Dress in my sweats I can. I work in public relations- more specifically media relations. I come from a broadcast media background and I think that's because I love knowing things before other people and then telling them about it. I want a dog more than life itself, preferably an English bulldog but due to the BFs allergies it's looking more like a coton de tulear .

What else. Questions? Suggestions? Enjoy!