Stay in Your Lane

Let's play with stripes. Particularly black and white stripes because they stand out. They make a statement that no other color or pattern can. People tend to fear horizontal stripes because it exaggerates width, but I'm here to tell you that in monochrome in the right cut and fit, it accentuates every awesome part about you*.

Shoptiques, BB Dakota Portia Stripe Skirt, $73

Well this is quite the number. Wear this skirt when asking for a raise and work it.

Shabby Apple, Steamboat Skirt, $62

These stripes have a beautiful fall to them. It creates a very subtle chevron side.

Simply Be, Closet Striped Skirt, $87

Check out this waistband. It's going to nip in in just the right place to make you look incredible.

Nordstrom, Halogen Stripe Tie Waist Tiered Front Skirt, $69

Like I said earlier, let it hug your curves and if you don't have curves, this skirt loves you too. The way the stripes contrast in direction will create the perfect illusion.

Embrace the stripes. Thick, thin, horizontal, chevon, just have fun with it!

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

*that's all of the parts, you are 100% awesome.

Simply Special

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Monday. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. It was gloomy and rainy here...shocking. Let's dress things up and brighten things up with some fancy frocks. It's getting closer to wedding season and what says fun and fancy quite like satin? Not stuffy, gramma satin. I'm talking sateen. That extra sheen on a fitted dress will make you feel stunning on the dance floor.

Asos, Chi Chi London Midi Dress on Sateen with Collar and Sleeves, $98

I mean, hello. Conservative, shimmery, fitted, perfect.

Nordstrom Rack, Anne Klein Polka Dot Sateen Dress, $119 $55

Think outdoor garden wedding. Pair with a straw or raffia clutch.

Shabby Apple, Nutcracker Dress, $64

I love this dress because its like a blank canvas. Wear it as is and look adorable or dress it up with a skinny belt, statement necklace, or espadrilles.

Modcloth, Wishing Pond Pretty Dress, $129 $77

What more do you need? It says pretty in title!

There is a quiet element of 'special occasion' with sateen. It is simple, eye-catching, and stunning!

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

I Think I Burned It

Sometimes inspiration for posts come from really weird places. Right now The Bf is cooking dinner and I hear "I think I burned it". So I walk the 12 feet from the couch to the kitchen and look into the skillet where a wave of butter and spaghetti hit my nose and make me smile. A couple of dark mustard pieces but certainly no reason to waste perfectly good buttered spaghetti. Where am I going with this? Well, that beautiful wave of butter also had a beautiful deep, dark mustard color to it and that is the inspiration for today's post.

Shabby Apple, Belinda Sheath Dress, $64

Searching for THE dress for fall? Right here people. 

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Woven Fold Over Tote Bag, $90

The woven texture gives this bag such a luxurious feel.

Modcloth, Breathtaking Tiger Lilies Skirt, $49

This skirt will be a staple in your closet. It's going to work with stripes, plaid, solids, you name it.

Nordstrom, Topshop Strappy V Neck Camisole, $28

There is nothing I don't like about this tank. Pair it with a denim jacket or a printed cardigan for optimal punch.

A deep mustard is a great transition color from summer to fall. Pair it with neon accessories for warmer days and bring it down with a cranberry or navy for fall.

Be fabulous today!

Shop this post

I'm So Full

Sometimes when I want to feel feminine I put away the ribbons and the headbands, and dig out a big beautiful full a-line skirt. There is something intriguing about the volume and the need to do twirls is, well, understandable.

Asos, Scuba Midi Skirt with Buckle, $41

See what I mean? Lipstick red, lots of movement. Just lovely.

Modcloth, Essential Elegance Skirt, $69

A bright shade of green that will stand up to some layering. Try a graphic sweater with a patterned oxford underneath.

Shabby Apple, Stewart Skirt, $62

A simple gray with a removable sash so you can swap out your belts as you wish.

Nordstrom, ASTR Faux Leather Midi Skirt, $72

OK I may have saved the best for last. Check out this leather stunner.

So do a couple twirls and feel like a lady in these full midlength skirts.

Be fabulous today!

Giveaway: Retro Dresses!

Good Morning Lovebugs!

You know the best way to start a Monday? With a giveaway! And do I have a perfect one, just in time for holiday parties. You have the chance to win $50 to Shabby Apple! 

So fear not with what to wear to those holiday parties, and arrive in style in a chic vintage style dress from Shabby Apple. I think they had me when I hovered over the dress tab on the website and the first section was polka dots. Yes. Please. Here's my favorite outfit that would be perfect for a holiday party.

Animalia Practically Perfect, $47.50

Tie neck, pleated skirt, hello gorgeous!

Jennifer, $38

I would pair these drop earrings with any holiday dress. They are so subtle but so chic!

Here's how to enter! 
Leave a comment for each entry.

1. Visit Shabby Apple and pick your favorite dress (MANDATORY)

2.  Like Shabby Apple on Facebook

3. Tweet about the giveaway and reference my handle @keheinze or Shabby Apple @Shabbyapple

Oh and if you don't win, Shabby Apple has hooked you up with a 10% promo code this month. Use thecapitalbarbie10off at the checkout! 

I'll announce the winner on next Monday's post. Good luck! And thanks to Shabby Apple for a fabulous giveaway!

Be fabulous today!

Not Your Average LBD

Hey lovebugs,
Happy Monday! I hope you had a lovely weekend. I met up with Rosa and Sara for brunch on Sunday, alway fun to hang out with those ladies.

Today I thought we would look at some LBDs. But not what you're thinking. Today we're talking a little blue dress. The perfect alternative to a standard black cocktail or wear to work dress.

Loft, Gathered Waist Sleeveless Dress, $69

A beautiful deep blue with a great side waist belt that will flatter any shape. I also love this dress because you can pair it with ANY shoe.

Nordstrom, Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Pleated Dress, $78

A great price for a Suzi Chin dress. This dress is almost sculptural. I love it.

Shabby Apple, I'm Late! I'm Late!, $94

While I'm not sure how this woman ended up in the middle of the enchanted forest with a tea cup, I love this boatneck and lace sleeved dress!

Old Navy, Boatneck Dolman Sweater Dress, $44

That's right Old Navy. This expensive looking sweater dress, is just screaming for some neon accessories. 

The little blue dress is a great option for fall. It's an unexpected change for work or for a night out.

Be fabulous today!

Victorian Jewelry

Hey lovebugs,
Today we're looking at an older generation of accessories. Some victorian inspired pieces.

Sparkling Sage, Antique Mirror Ring, $48

A rectangular ring is so unique. I love the worn look of the metal as well.

Modcloth, Midnight in Paris, $20

The cameo, the lace, the color. Just beautiful.

Etsy, Antique Brass Filigree Pearl Earring, $13

I love the brass on these earrings and the details are very unique.

Shabby Apple, Lost in Wonderland, $52
Now this is simple, elegant and beautiful.

While modern and flashy jewelry is always fun, sometimes the demure and quiet femininity of these victorian style pieces are just what an outfit needs.

Be fabulous today!

OPI Inspired: Navy

It's been a while since we've done a nail polish inspired post. Today I wanted to do a color I'm currently wearing: OPI Suede collection in Russian Navy.

Shabby Apple, Le Seine, $86

How simple and vintage. The blend of print and solid is spot on.

Modcloth, Le Centre Pompidou Skirt, $35

I just LOVE how this skirt falls, the A-line is beautiful.

Old Navy, Chain Cord Necklace, $17

I like the mix of chain and ribbon, great mix of blues as well.

Something about this nail polish that is very sleek and cool. What are you wearing on your nail lately?

Be fabulous today!

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway is.................

Ashley J! I will be emailing you shortly!

Giveaway!

Hey lovebugs! The fabulous people at Shabby Apple are about to make your holiday! They are giving you a chance to win this gorgeous necklace, "Mad Hatter's Time Keeper"

This beautiful antique necklace is a working clock with a brass covering. Just perfect for over a chunky knit sweater or with a scoop neck sweater dress.

How to Enter: Leave a new comment for each entry.
Mandatory; must leave comment for both
1. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook
2.  Be a follower of The Capital Barbie on Google Friend Connect

Extra Entries; leave a comment for each entry
1. Follow The Capital Barbie on Twitter
2. Follow Shabby Apple on Twitter
3. Follow Shabby Apple's blog

I will announce a winner next Tuesday!
Be fabulous today!

Blue and Yellow

Hey lovebugs,
As you know it's football colors week here on TCB.  I'm going through my favorite teams and using their uniform colors for inspiration.  Today we're talking blue and yellow for the West Virginia Mountaineers.  The BF loves college football, where I'm more of an NFL girl, but his fave team is West Virginia.

Nordstrom, Adrianna Pappell Ruffle Blouson Dress, $93

Oh this design is so special, the dress is soft and feminine without being overly sweet.

Shabby Apple, Bellissima, $78

I think you could get a few more wears out of this sunshine-y dress before it gets chilly.  I might even pair it with some brown flat knee high boots.

Old Navy, Printed zip-front cardigan, $34

The zipper front is different and interesting, I like the stripes too.

Zara, V-neck jumper, $16

Simple and classic, great v neckline, and just lovely for fall.

Blue and yellow is classic.  It can be considered preppy or even nautical, but when worn correctly it is crisp and professional too.

Be fabulous today.

Easter Dresses!

Lovebugs, Easter is this weekend.  Remember when it was just Christmas? Wild. Ok, everyone celebrates this holiday differently but one trend is pretty standard in most households: the Easter dress.  Something floral, maybe something pastel, overall it is the outfit that sets the tone for your warm weather wardrobe.  No pressure.

Here are some of my ideas for a great Easter dress.

Modcloth, ready for ranuculus, $53

I love this cheery print and the neckline is so beautiful.

Loft, Watercolor floral shift, $79

I am in love with the colors here.  Just gorgeous.

Banana Republic, Monogram Crinkle Twist Strap Dress, $89

This is very dramatic and trendy. I really love the light color- I would wear pearls with it.

LL bean, Kennebunkport dress, $49

You will be hard-pressed to find a seersucker sheath this cheap.  Add a pink skinny belt to define the waist.

As you can tell I'm all for pinks, yellows, and girly things when picking out an Easter dress.  It's the only holiday when going overboard with ruffles, lace, and even a matching hat is ok!

Be fabulous today!

Birthday Dress

You guys, my birthday is this weekend.  I'm excited!  It will be absolutely impossible to top last year but I plan on having a good time nonetheless.

Oh, you want to know about last year? Do ya? Too bad, I'm telling you anyway.  Last year my parents came down to DC (per usual) and took me and the BF out to dinner (where we sat at the table next to Larry King and my mother proceeded to call my gramma and flip out with excitement).  After dinner, we went to my parent's hotel to do gifts; I walk and my closest friends scream SURPRISE! Now please envision me slowly sinking to the floor in a silk dress with tears running down my face, and ripping my tights down the back.  Excellent.  It was the best birthday ever.  Family and friends all together just for me.

OK, moving on from that love fest.  This year I'm throwing a party with some friends and having a dance party.  It will be fabulous.  But now, this begs the question- what to wear?  Well I'll tell you!

Modcloth, Piano Bar Dress, $19.99 (sorry sold out!)

I will be sporting this amazing find and boogieing all night long.  

Some runner ups:

Shabby Apple, Black and White polka dot, $94

I love the cap sleeves and flare waist detail

Gap, Pleated drape dress, $59

This color allows for some serious bling to be added.  I love the pleating and gathering.

Lulu's, elegant aqua dress, $34

AH! How fun is this? 

Loft, Diagonal ruffle dress, $89

This color is gorgeous and I'm also loving the shoe combination.

Birthdays are the one time of year when you're supposed to look better than everyone else.  Wear bright orange, sequins, a tiara, or all three- it doesn't matter it's your birthday! But remember whatever you wear will inevitably end up on Facebook, so please make it good.

Be fabulous today!