Saturday Nights in the ‘Hood

When we moved into our new home a few months ago it was the dead of winter. Sure, we liked the looks of the neighborhood but what about the people who lived in all those pretty houses?  We had no clue and hoped for the best. Fast forward through spring when a neighbor brought us cookies, many hours spent at the pool meeting new faces and doing something that is so rare for me- joining a committee, the neighborhood social committee (gasp! avert your introvert eyes!) and suddenly we were making friends and falling in love with a community and not just a group of houses joined together by a set of property lines.  Our latest get together was a Saturday night Cornhole tournament, something I've never done, but had a lot of fun helping set up and then playing. The right games make any … [Read more...]

The Oversized Poncho

One of the best things I have purchased this fall is an open front, oversized poncho from Old Navy.  I saw it one day while walking by the store and I knew I just had to have it.  It looked cozy, lightweight but warm and really versatile. I throw it on to take my girls to the bus stop in the morning, while out running around town or when I'm headed out for a date night. I add a belt to cinch the waist when I know I'm going to be wearing it for long periods of time or I just let it hang loose. Either way, it's a poncho, a big trend this fall, and I'm in love. SHOP THE LOOK Old Navy Open-Front Wool Blend Poncho/Old Navy Distressed Denim/Nine West Margot Heel/Coach Bag (old-similar)/Pearl Studs/Daily Look Button Down (similar) H and I went as Daryl & Carol or "Caryl" from … [Read more...]

Whatcha Wear to the WAPA Rally

Last Thursday I finally crawled out from under my deathbed, finally feeling better (!) just in time to attend one of my favorite events of the year, The WAPA Rally.  WAPA is The Washington Automotive Press Association and I've been a member for a few years now. Each October we take to the roads and get to drive some of the newest, most luxurious, most fun and just plain awesome cars in the industry. This year was no exception.  I drove everything from a Mercedes-Maybach S600 to a F-Type Jaguar coupe, a Ford Explorer and Edge to a Volvo XC90 and a few more in between.  It was a glorious fall day and I was dressed to drive. In years past I have found that a mix of casual style with comfort is best for these events.  Last month it was a structured top with flare leg denim and nude … [Read more...]

October Madness

You guys are well-informed about how much #iloveoctober.  It's an obsession that has me proclaiming, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" every morning when I walk the girls to the bus stop and breathe in the smells of fresh-cut grass mixed with decaying leaves.  It's the best!  I call it October Madness So, when I got sick last week (hell, I'm still sick) at the very start of the week and just went downhill as the week progressed, I was not pleased.  It also played havoc on my work and any sort of fashion statements I was planning on making.  The fall festival?  I missed it.  Sitting in golden sunshine? Looked at it from a window as I lay in bed watching every episode of 'How to Get Away with Murder'.  All I am going to say is this, whatever it was I had, it was bad.  A mixture … [Read more...]

#iloveoctober

If you follow me on Instagram then you saw my #iloveoctober "obligatory fall post" already. It is also this week's featured look on Whatcha Wearing Wednesday's link up and another reason October is my favorite month.  It's all about warmth, golden sunshine and bright blue October skies. Obligatory fall Instagram shot. You're welcome. ‪#‎notaPSL‬ ‪#‎fall‬ ‪#‎plaid‬‪#‎booties‬ ‪#‎iloveoctober‬ ‪#‎douchiefallpost‬ The soft plaid shirt from Madewell I purchased from Shopbop last month. It is a bit over-sized and this is a size small, looks cute with the sleeves rolled up or down.  I did both on and off all day depending on how the wind was blowing.  Paired with low-heeled brown leather booties and my reliable boyfriend jeans (SALE ALERT!) the look was incredibly simple but garnered many … [Read more...]

Denim on Denim

When it comes to parties, get-together's and events I have a tendency to stray from my comfort zone. At least in the last year or so it has been that way.  A white sequin dress for a gala vs. navy or black.  A leather skirt with a dress used as a top for a holiday work party.  This time it was a Thirty-One party I held at my house for friends on Saturday and I decided to go with denim on denim, a trend I didn't think I could pull off without being matchy-matchy, but instantly loved. I looked for daze organic cotton denim trying to find a few pieces that might match, and I really liked what I ended up choosing. So much so I kept the outfit on for date night too only adding a blanket scarf and clutch to round it out. The trick is to break it up and keep your shoes neutral. I added my … [Read more...]

Burgundy & Mustard

Last week I talked about fall's hot colors- burgundy, mustard and olive. They go well with everything. It was totally on my brain and Old Navy's when I stepped into the store last Friday and picked up this lightweight burgundy-wine colored sweater. I love the dolman-style fit that works well with a pencil skirt, my old standby mustard jeans or any kind of denim. I can't wait to pair it with wide-leg dark denim too. As much as I wanted to with this casual look, high-quality pictures just could not happen this week.  I didn't even have time for well-placed instagram shots.  That's life! Stacked rings can make a statement. Leopard is the new neutral.  I love it more than ever. SHOP THE LOOK Old Navy Raglan Sleeve Sweater in Wine Purple/Kohl's Mustard Jean (0ld-similar)/American … [Read more...]

The Neo-Victorian

Last week was H and my anniversary, the big 14! We celebrated in true style- I headed to art class with The Comedian and he did dinner, dishes and homework duty with the other two kids. We decided to wait until the weekend to dine out sans kids and I was so excited when I realized that I had this great midi-length dress in my closet that I bought back in March and had never worn.   Neo-Victorian Trend by victoriamason featuring pointy-toe pumps SHOP THE LOOK DailyLook Pleated A-line Midi Dress/Nine West Burgundy Suede Heels (similar)/Jet Bead Studs (similar)/Jet Bead Dana Buchman Bracelet /Python Envelope Clutch (similar) Even better when I realized that my less is more style desire for the day meant I could also work in a bit of the Neo-Victorian trend that I love this … [Read more...]

Fall Trend: The Silk Scarf

Back in the day I was all about the scarves.  Tied around my neck, worn as a belt or hanging off a purse strap or even belt loop.  I loved all shapes, sizes and colors. I spent a lot of money at Echo in high school. If I traveled somewhere I was probably going to bring back a scarf to remember my trip.  While infinity scarves have hogged the limelight the last few seasons a new scarf style has demanded we take another look at it and it isn't the long and skinny 70's style scarf either.  The silk scarf. That sweet little square, my absolute favorite of all the scarves, is back! Merona Black Tee (old)/White Denim (old-similar)/Me Too Red Flats (old-similar)/Gap Red Floral Scarf (old-similar)/Kohls Sunglasses (similar) SHOP THE LOOK An InLinkz Link-up TMC’s Whatcha Wearing … [Read more...]

Palazzo Pants & Polka Dots

It's true, I've been in a lot of casual looks in the last few weeks but then one day it is time to switch. Running errands is easier in shorts and a t-shirt but palazzo pants and polka dots is a great way to round out the summer. It's timeless and really comfortable too. I'm sure she's ready to go back to school and quit being my full-time photographer. SHOP THE LOOK Stitch Fix Polka Dot Shirt (similar)/Mossimo Palazzo Pants/Mossimo Sandals (similar) An InLinkz Link-up SHOPBOP is having a special handbag sale is starting August 18th 7AM U.S. Eastern Time (New York) – August 20th 4AM U.S. Eastern Time (New York).  Enter code: INTHEBAG at checkout! (terms and conditions) TMC’s Whatcha Wearing Wednesday is looking for Co-Host’s! Interested? Just send me an … [Read more...]