The Lease Sign

Today is lease signing day. The bf and I are signing our names on one piece of paper that indicates that we will not only be forced to live and tolerate each other in a shared space but we also will share and divide everything from the Comcast bill to toilet paper. I'm pretty freaking excited actually. A new home, a new space with someone I truly care about and love- what could be better? I wish it was happening tomorrow and not in October.

Okay, maybe not, because as we all know moving is pretty much the king of unforeseen expenses. Moving is the "gotcha!" for bank accounts. You think you have all of your utility accounts sorted, your appliances ready to go, and your storage containers in place then HA! Oh yeah we charge a setup fee, or oh this is the one time charge, or where are we putting you collection of magazines? Yes. It is the worst game of 'you can run but you will never hide from the fee bandit!!!'

Anyway, all in all I think it is going to be fabulous. I have already started several Google Docs about things I need, things I need to donate and just things. I have bombarded the bf with 'do you like this....what about this?' emails; most of which I get back a 'remember there's a guy living with you' replies.

Either way I think today's focus will first be on the leasing agent impression outfit and then we'll do some room inspiration pics.

The lease outfit is what you where to a nice apartment viewing so the leasing agent:
a) thinks you make a lot of money and can totally afford this
b) sees you are a well respected lady who doesn't throw ragers
c) can compliment you on your outfit making you feel more comfortable when you have to ask the 'so there's a trash fee too?' question

Try to look charming, professional and approachable.

Modcloth, Nothing but blue skies dress, $47.99

J Crew, Knotty Pearls, $78

Payless, Montego Bay Stella Gladiator Sandal, $22.99

Banana Republic, Sparkle Bobby Pin, $12

Now some pics for the design/HGTV Star in me to begin to spill out!

The Work Bag

The work bag. It can be a beautiful go-to item or a backpacking monstrosity. Especially in Washington, DC where you pretty much need to carry an entire second outfit in addition to your regular items in something that looks feminine and functional. Because lets face it, it's 104 degrees outside and 64 degrees in your office.

First of all, declutter your purse. That's right- bite the bullet and dump your purse upside down on your bed and start fresh. Take out the band-aid wrappers, the coins, the 16 pens that you can never find when you need them, and anything else that many have accumulated, expired, or leaked all over your bag. This is what I like to keep in my work purse:

-checkbook sized wallet
-business cards (in a sassy case)
-cell phone
-lipgloss & one chapstick
-liquid hand sanitizer (preferably CVS instant spray)
-keys
-Tide to go pen
-Kindle
-lunch sandwich
-Express newspaper
-umbrella (if needed)
-sunglasses
-work badge
-purse clip

Not too much right? Now onto the actual purse. If you have a backpack- just get rid of it. Backpacks are for people who go to school, they put textbooks in them, you however; have no excuse and you are ruining your outfit. Shame. Another bad move is the bag lady you know who you are. Women who carry two to four purses for some unknown reason. So what if you bring a change of shoes to wear at work, are they 6 inch platforms? No. You brought lunch? That's great! Unless its Thanksgiving leftovers you don't need a separate bag for it! My ONLY exception for the 2+ bag rule are the brave women who make it to the gym before or after work. They can bring an extra bag for toting their gymness.

Now onto the dos of work bags. I should also note that some of these bags will be a little more expensive then some of my other recommendations on the blog. I think once you find a work bag that suits you- invest in it because you'll use it for years!

Kate Spade, Nylon Stevie Baby Bag, $395

Nordstrom, Dooney and Bourke Dillen, $295

Nordstrom, MARC by Marc Jacobs 'Pretty Nylon-Little Tate', $158

Nordstrom, Halogen 'Work' Leather Shopper, $198

No words.

This past weekend was filled with friends, food, and fun in Atlantic City. I was only there 24 hours but I couldn't not put up a post on how HORRENDOUS some of the outfits were. Let's call them brave choices.

This content has not been rated or approved for children under the age of 13. Why world, why would you wear this?

Thank goodness for the belt, otherwise we might have seen a lot more...

No specific offense here; just please, don't. I get it, you're thin, congrats, really- but there are other ways to show it.

There are no words.

Let's just say I felt extremely pretty and slim in AC. Ladies, please, don't do this to yourselves- you're beautiful! Cover some of it up!!!

Party All Night Long

This weekend I am embarking on a very glamorous trip near the Atlantic Ocean. Just kidding. Let's try this again: this weekend my friends and I are cramming into a car to go to Atlantic City to get sun, gamble, and dance. I've never been to the Vegas of New Jersey but with $75 gambling budget, a bikini, and some of my best gays I'm sure it will be a good time.

Saturday we will inevitably end up wanting to go out and dance. In an effort not to look like Snooki I am going to lay out some of my top picks for a Saturday night out.

Judge me all you want but Target has adorable dresses. Especially if you can get to the store to try them on instead of size guessing online. This little number I'd pair with black strappy heels and maybe even rock the Snooki poof:

Target, Xhilaration Color Blocked Tank Dress, $15

Next choice is a tiny LBD that I just love. The cut out style has done so well this season. I would pair this with neon stilettos and let everyone drool.

Nordstrom, Flounce tbd Peekaboo, $58

Finally a print that can go from day to night. Victoria Secret clothing isn't always my favorite, but I just couldn't resist this feminine yet covered party dress. Since this is a day to evening dress I'd grab a pair of patent leather flat sandals to go with it.

Victoria's Secret, Corset Playdress, $49