Anniversary Night Out

This post is inspired by my dear co-worker turned great friend, Autumn. This weekend she and her husband will be celebrating their one year wedding anniversary and she asked me what to wear to dinner.

It got me thinking, what's romantic, semi-casual, sexy, and comfortable for a dinner night out? Especially now when you need to start weaning yourself off of summer dresses.

Here's some of my ideas for a romantic night out. Congratulations Autumn!

Rachel Roy, Matrix Drapped Dress, $89

Modcloth, Days of Wine and Ruffles Dress, $52.99

Mossimo, one shoulder special occasion dress, $13.98

Maggy London, Embellished stretch satin sheath dress, $81.90

JCPenny, Embellished belt v-neck black dress, $39.99

Suit Up!

Yesterday I told you what I wore to an event on the Hill. But what I didn't do is give you some options for suits that aren't stuffy! Now, this goes above my less than $100 rule for this blog but suits are a little more expensive, and if they fit correctly they're a piece you can break up and where for a very long time. Hope you enjoy!

JC Penny, Nine & Co 5 button skirt suit, $79.99
I'd pair with red heels to break it up, and use the blazer with jeans for casual Fridays






(I love this tie!)








Anne Klein, Taupe Plaid Suit, $142.99








(I LOVE the seaming on the waist of this jacket and the one button)











The Limited, Novelty Suit, together $142.74



Tahari, Bow Collar Jacket with Belt and Skirt, $139.99
And My favorite! Feminine, belted, skirt, and sale!!!

You're Better than That

This morning I attended an event on Capitol Hill. I don't spend much time on that side of town (note capitAl barbie, not THE hill) but when I do I'm always so saddened by the clothing choices I see.

My office is business casual, so pants, skirts, blouses are fine. I only need a suit for large meetings or very formal conferences; so when presented with the opportunity to spruce up my usual 9-5, I jumped on the chance to 'hill-ify' my outfit. Sadly, I don't think many others did. The wildest outfit I saw was a boring black suit with (brace yourself) a pink oxford underneath. So boring. Unless tonight is your laundry night, you can do so much better. Here's what I wore:

Banana Republic, Orange Summer Tweed Blazer, (bought in 2009)


Ann Taylor, Cowl Neck Shirt, $29


Ann Taylor, Melange Ponte High Waist Skirt, $78


Enzo Angiolini, black patent mary jane with bow, (bought in 2008)

See? Professional, business-like, and not plain. And please ladies, for all of $8 you can take your heels to the cobbler or dry cleaner and get them heeled! Metal clicking around on hardwood floors is so amateur.

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.