Spearmint & White

I think I might have a bit of a J.Crew problem.  This spearmint and white look is just a small glimpse into the collection of chino shorts I've amassed in the last few years (at least 8 pairs and counting). When the Trunk Club stylist asked me to share a store that showed my style I immediately said "J.Crew!" While I love the regular store the Factory store is right by my house, so is the newer Mercantile version, and so I tend to pop in to the Factory for a quick "5 minutes, I swear!" and walk out realizing they know me now.  It's effortlessly chic, comfortable and very me.  No apologies. Easy Sunday style. The perfect look for Brunch.   J.Crew Factory Gingham Classic Button-Down Shirt in Boy Fit 'Vivid Spearmint'/J.Crew Factory 5" Chino Short/J.Crew Factory Stone Drops … [Read more...]

The #writegift this Father’s Day

*Disclosure: TMC was compensated for this post.  Products received are for review purposes only and opinions are 100% my own.  Translucent Titian red lacquer featuring Iron Man design details and 23KT gold-plated appointments. It is of no surprise to anyone that many gift-giving opportunities in our family end up including a super hero of some sort.  The girls and I are giving H the #writegift this Father's Day. It is his own Iron Man ballpoint pen from Cross. A #superpen, if you will.  The man is #teamironman vs. my #teamcap and H is no ordinary father and a Cross pen is no ordinary pen. Available in rollerball, ballpoint and stylus versions you can choose from one of three designs: Captain America, Iron Man and Spiderman.  The choice is yours and there is a Tech II version as well … [Read more...]

The Fortieth Birthday Party

*Disclosure: Compensation is received through affiliate links.  All opinions are 100% my own. What do you get when you take Jaws, a Darth Vader cake, a healthy dose of Mommie Dearest, and a DJ? A whole LOT of FUN and my fortieth birthday party. A little pre-party champagne before heading out to my party. For me, the perfect recipe for a good time is just three things: friends, dancing and cake. I had all that and more thanks to H and a few helpful friends who put together a night I will always remember. A quick check with an age calculator beforehand made the celebration feel even more official. Months ago, H told me he wanted to throw me a party with dancing.  I immediately started thinking of party ideas.  Since it wouldn't be at our house there was room for a DJ and maybe … [Read more...]

2016 Chevy Malibu 2LZ

Source: Chevrolet.com The all-new 2016 Chevy Malibu 2LZ definitely turned some heads while I had it earlier this month. Styled in 'Blue Velvet Metallic' (the name is very accurate) with an ash gray leather interior and dark wood grain had one person asking me if it was a Jaguar.  The sleek lines and shortened back end certainly stand out and create a look that is elegant yet slightly sporty. I love that this car has come around again with an even better design than previous models.  Almost ten years ago now I started writing about cars and the Chevy Malibu was my first foray into this arena.  We have both come pretty far since that time. Source: Victoria Mason Exterior Right away there is a noticeable difference to the newly redesigned Chevy Malibu.  It sits lower to the ground and … [Read more...]

Gingham and Mint

It is like the word that must not be spoken.  The 'R' word.  It started back in April and has not let up since making wearing anything in gingham and mint feel like a joke. This spring would feel like a bust here in the DMV if it were not for a few bright, warm days when I can break out some of the seasons fresh colors and trends. When the sun came out for one day last week all I could think of was breaking out my retired aqua Coach tote bag and these three things. D'orsay flats, a gingham button down and mint denim. The peeped out for a few moments that day and warmed this up just a bit. No Hunter rain boots today! Gingham Shirt (thrifted-similar)/Forever 21 Mint Jeans (old-similar/similar)/Old Navy D'orsay Flats (old-similar)/Coach Tote … [Read more...]

Slip into the Athleisure Trend

My birthday this week has prompted those around me to ask me what I want as a gift. One of the top items are the New Balance for J.Crew 620 sneakers in 'Gold Salt'. It's my way of working in the athleisure trend. Sadly, they are backordered until fall but isn't that a great time to slip off the sandals and flops and put on some cute, warmer kicks like these? I think so.  I can wait. My mind started churning on other cute athleisure style shoes and I found some super cute ones that you can wear right now.   Athleisure Shoes Under $50 by victoriamason  1. OFFICE Milan snake-effect flatform sandals/2. SKECHERS 'Retrospect' (Gold) Women's Running Shoes/3. Reef Women's Walled Athletic/4. Women's Clarks 'Cordelia' Alto Ballet Flat in Orange/5. Clarks Glove Glitter … [Read more...]

How to Dress for an 80s Party

I've said it before and I'll say it again, my neighborhood does some fun stuff, including throwing an "I Love the 80s" party last weekend. After winning best dressed I decided to put together a little guide for How to Dress for an 80's Party. I would say it is a definite trend too.  My Facebook feed regularly fills up with throwback parties and people dressing prom jump suits; when let's face it we could all be working at the school on the regular and no one would be suspecting us of being undercover cops. STEP 1: Are you a Madonna? Or do you identify with Molly Ringwald or a Joan Collins from Dynasty? I choose Madonna. My hair is short and I knew I could work with it. STEP 2: Take to the Internet and research the look. I wanted something that wasn't complicated.  Could I … [Read more...]

2016 Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X

Disclosure: TMC was not paid for this post. Products are for review purposes only and supplied by esi-solutions.  Opinions are 100% my own.  Source: Nissanusa.com A few months back I had discussed the Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X with other car writers and the consensus was the same.  This truck, an all-new model from Nissan, is a total beast, which naturally made me want to do more than just walk around it. First Impressions Late one Friday afternoon this 310 horsepower with 555 lb-ft of torque came rumbling into my driveway.  The rumble comes from the Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine.  I think I ran up to it and then abruptly stopped.  The Titan was bigger than I remembered.  In fact the hood came above my shoulders.  The side mirrors with tow mirrors were bigger than my head. I … [Read more...]

Blue Stripes & White Denim

*Disclosure: Compensation is received through affiliate links.  All opinions are 100% my own. The rare sunny days we have had lately have made me yearn even more for light colors like blue stripes & white denim. Cooler temps prevail making long sleeves and denim are still needed daily. I love pairing it with my latest trench too. Excuse the lighting on the photo.  The rain has cast a crazy gloom over anything that no lighting can fix. SHOP THE LOOK Linking up with Mix It Mondays /The Pleated Poppy/Style Elixir/Style Nudge/Classy Monday Blog Link Up/Pink Sole/Hello Monday Link Up/Sydney Fashion Forum/Ms Chanda An InLinkz Link-up … [Read more...]

Style In Harmony

*Disclosure: TMC receives compensation from affiliate links. Opinions are 100% my own. This week I am proud to welcome Tamara from 'Style in Harmony' to the TMC Blogger Love Interview Series.  1. Your blog, Style in Harmony, focuses on affordable, “every day girl” style. What does that mean to you? I’m from the suburbs and my days are filled with pretty regular activities such as work, running errands, spending time with family and friends, etc. I try to focus on sharing wearable content for “every day” life (with the exception of outfits for specific events). Many fashion bloggers feature expensive clothing and accessories that are just not realistic for most girls. I want to show my readers that you can be stylish and look fabulous with affordable fashion! I’m a sucker for a … [Read more...]