In Between Weather Coat

So it's not quite freezing but it's not no jacket weather either.  What's a girl to wear in this in between weather? Trench coats are always an easy go to but let's try something a little out of the box.

Gap, Modern Bomber Jacket, $89

How luxurious is this jacket? I'm obsessed with the color, texture and collar.

J Crew Factory, Gilded tweed jacket, $88

This is very First Lady don't you think? I would even add a patent leather belt to this.

Newport News, Zip front leather jacket, $99

That's right, under $100. Great darting through the torso, makes this jacket ready for Fall.

Banana Republic, Lace trim jacket, $79

I love this jacket. It's ladylike, it's cozy, and it has gorgeous detailing.

So what do you wear for this in between weather? Vests are big this season, any other ideas?

Be fabulous today!

Reader Request: Birthday Dress

Today's post is for my friend Lauren who is looking for a fabulous dress for her upcoming birthday.  She didn't give me ANY hints of style or look so here we go!

Newport News, One shoulder drape front dress, $64

I saw this dress in Glamour and I just fell in love with it.  So effortless but the color is 'pow!'

Macys, Charlie Jade Dress, $99

Hello blue. Lauren has great short blonde hair. This would be perfect!

J Crew, Thessaly beach dress, $39

I love this mix of cotton and silk.  I would dress this up with metallic strappy sandals and some big 'ol earrings.

Modcloth, Ready Rosette Go dress, $54

LBD? Yes please.  Perfect mix of sexy and sweet.

Which one do you think Lauren should wear?  My favorite is the blue silk.  I think it will look great on the dance floor and the color will pop in pictures.

Be fabulous today!

Belted and Beautiful

Hey there lovebugs,
How was your weekend? I got outside a little bit and and checked out the new CB2 that opened in Georgetown and then tackled my closet on Sunday.

Today I wanted to talk a little bit about the waistline.  No, I'm not going to scold you on your food choices this weekend (I chose chili cheese fries and beef brisket); I'm talking about a great embellished waistline on a dress. It can really add the perfect amount of detail to an outfit.

Newport News, Grace rose print tank dress, $94

I'm obsessed with this beauty.  The flat pleats with the matching belt is truly feminine and vintage looking.

Modcloth, Simply Put Dress, $47

Just like the name of this dress: simple.  A soft silk bow- its just classic.

Nordstrom, Collective Concepts Print shirtdress, $78

This thin silk belt is understated and casual.  Perfect for this shirtdress.

Talbots, Twist Sash dress, $97

This waist detail is almost origami-like.  Perfect piece for day or night.

Waist embellishments come in all shapes, colors, and sizes.  Remember to balance the accessories with the size and detail of the waist of the dress.

Be fabulous today!

Bright Blazers

Hey lovebugs!
Happy Monday.  If the Mondays have you down, do I have something to make you smile.  It's a traditional piece now with a colorful spin. I'm talking about bright blazers!

Urban Outfitters, Pins and Needles Scalloped Blazer, $79

I love this pastel pink! It would look great with a white dress or a black pencil skirt.  

Eddie Bauer, lightweight chino blazer, $69

The color is a little military, the details are so feminine.  The low stance with the buttons makes it more casual and on the back is a thin bow tie.

The Outnet, Armand basi baber, $77

There's only a few left in size 4 but it is just gorgeous isn't it? I love the bracelet sleeves.

Newport News, Satin wing collar jacket, $49

Hello drama! What a fabulous, luscious color to go with!

Try to spruce up your blazers with some color.  If you want to keep what you have now, add a neon skinny belt around the outside to give it some extra pop!

Be fabulous today! 

Work (it) Dresses

Today is a rainy Thursday. Major bummer. But the good news is it's almost Friday Foodday so send me your recipes asap lovebugs!

One of my favorite go to work outfits is a dress. Its simple, quick, and never goes out of season. Some people are strict and stick only to suiting dresses, which is fine but sometimes a little out of my price range. Here are some of my picks:

Modcloth, CEO Dress, $59.99

Appropriately titled for this post don't you think? I love the feminine ruffle on this and the belting will make sure the va-voom hourglass shape is recognized.

Alfani, printed wrap dress, $79

I love wrap dresses and I love the sleeve length on this one. Please just repeat this entire outfit with the same tights and heels.

Max and Cleo, three quarter length printed dress, $96

A little more expensive but I just love the colors in this one.

Target, Merona Ponte Tab Waist Dress, $24.99

Is there a bad thing to say about this dress? The price rocks, its comfortable, kind of Jackie O and professional!

Newport News, Little Black Dress, $49

*Warning: Only wear this dress if you are prepare to work it*

Too Soon.

Happy Monday everyone!

It was a whirlwind weekend for me. I went up to Connecticut for some fabulous BF's family birthday activities. Weather and party was so much fun, but I'm happy to be back in DC. Too much suburbia weirds me out after a while. I'm a concrete and sirens kind of girl.

If you missed it, you can read my guest post over at Makeunder My Life for my September Dos and Donts list. Thanks Jess for letting me be a part of MML!

Today's post is about what it is too soon for. Believe me, I'm just as excited as everyone else for fall. I'm over the twice a day showers from heat induced sweat walks to and from work. I hate humidity as much as the next person, especially when it comes to limiting my clothing options to bare minimums. BUT, here are some of the piece of fall apparel that I frown upon seeing this soon in September. It's not that cold people.

REI, Mountain Hardware Monkey Fleece Jacket, $99

Zappos, Rocket Dog Fuzzy Clog, $42*
* these are NEVER ok.

Newport News, Stretch Velvet Pants, $44

Halogen, Novel Wool pencil skirt, $51

Trust me, you will have MORE than enough time to break out the sweaters, houndstooth, herringbone, corduroys, and whatever else winter wear you love. High 60s does not equal fleece, try a trench or cotton safari coat. Be strong, cold is coming sooner than you know it.

The Tie Front Blouse

Hope everyone had a great Food Friday! I continued mine into Sunday when I cooked some bacon wrapped pork chops for the bf and I. YUM.

Also a special shout out to my friend Sarah who has a big birthday today!!! Here's what I got her for her birthday:

A portrait of her pups, Kitty!

I also hope everyone enjoyed the sunshine and the long weekend. It is kind of fall now right? Well one of my favorite blouses for fall is the tie neck blouse. It's very sassy secretary meets six figure CEO. I also like its versatility because- as you should know- if I'm buying a piece its gotta work at least 2 or 3 ways. This blouse can work with pants, skirts, or under a v-neck sweater.

Speigel, Sleeveless Silk Charmeuse Tie Neck Blouse, $59

Ann Taylor Loft, Self-Tie Button Down, $44.50

Newport News, Sash-tied blouse, $14.99

Anne Klein, Floral Tie Blouse, $79

Look for prints or solids in these types of blouses, and always silk. Yes I know, not machine washable, but it looks so much more luxurious.

Prints and Patterns

People who are afraid of prints are lame. All of these people walking around in their solid colors, bland blocks of fabric- it is just so blah. Embrace the unexpected element of a pattern. Fearful? Its ok! Start small, a headband, a ballet flat, even a bag. Then figure out what kinds of patterns you like best: funky, preppy, modern, etc. You'll find your print just like you've found colors that you look great in. Here are some of my favorites that aren't super loud. Just remember be bold, own the statement.

-Also note, I'm starting Friday Foodday which will feature 3 easy to make and delicious recipes. If you have any ideas or suggestions please comment, tweet, or email me!

Like I said, start small: patterned cubicle wallpaper. So cool
Cubicle Paper, Blue Lagoon, $8.99

Target, Merona Thick Stripe Wallet, $12.99

Macys, Tommy Hilfiger Vest, $38.99

Nordstroms, Suzi Chin Maggy Ruched Cotton Sheath Dress, $69.90

Yes even PJs, why not??
Nordstroms, Salvage Classic Poplin, $31.90

J Crew, Patterned Classic Ballet Flat, $69.99

Newport News, Plaid Cotton Voile Tunic, $29

Steve Madden, Ulltra, $79.95

Macys, Jones New York Dress, $44.99

Don't forget to send me your recipes for tomorrow!