"Feeling unique is a habit you shouldn't give up."

- Alberto Fermani



"Anyone can get all dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their off days that is the most intriguing."

-Alexander Wang



1.25.2012

Getting Away

Antiquing With Friends


Hollister Co plaid top, $14
Mulberry fur vest, $295
Cotton jacket, $160
True Religion cropped skinny jeans, €219
Rag & bone motorcycle shoes, $595
Miss Selfridge long strap handbag, £24
Kenneth Jay Lane chain jewelry, $61
Cable hat, $32


I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend away with some close friends. It will be cold (probably really cold) but I want a good outfit for a day of walking, antiquing, and maybe a glass of wine (not before noon, of course). On trips like this, I keep in mind that I'm in a small town. I don't mean that in an obnoxious way; I just mean I think it's important to be appropriate and that means knowing where you are. Think about it this way- even Rachel Zoe tweaks her wardrobe depending on which (amazing) city she's visiting. L.A. is different than New York is different than Paris is different than Milan. So there's no reason to break out the flashy (faux) fur over the plaid shirt that I might wear if I was shopping in NYC. The vest will do just fine.

Can't wait!

(P.S.- I lied. My short fur is not faux. This might make you not like me but I feel like a poser if I don't tell you the truth. So there it is.)

1.18.2012

Even Chowder Can be Inspiring

Eat Soup


Lazy Lu oversized shirt, £38
Étoile Isabel Marant knit pants, $179
Minnetonka shoes, $90
Diamond earrings, $20
Rag bone cotton scarve, $65



My cousin-in-law Kelly has a very cool blog about her cooking endeavors. The food always sounds and looks amazing and I wish I liked the actual act of cooking more so that I could eat this really tasty stuff. Or that I lived close to Kelly so she could invite me over to eat. Today, I was reading her post about chowder and I really, really wanted to eat it. But, instead, I decided to do what I'm good at which is make an outfit that I would want to wear while I'm eating it. It's good to know your weaknesses but it's even better to know your strengths, ya' know?

If there is any part of you that thinks I'm CRAZY for thinking about what I would wear while I'm eating soup, then you should check out the post she did on s'more shooters. Especially the part about celebrating life. You see, the other thing that is awesome about Kelly's blog, is that she's a killer writer. She knows how to make you think she's writing about food but there's just as much good stuff in there about life.

I guess the point she's making is why I don't feel badly about dressing up for even the little moments because it's the little moments that make up the big picture. And I definitely want to look good for the big picture!

Thanks, Kelly, for today's inspirational outfit!

1.17.2012

Annie Hall Meets Dana-Maxx

I just entered a Polyvore contest: Polyvore Live and COVERGIRL Present Dana-Maxx


DANA MAXX sheer top, $230
DANA MAXX jacket, $375
DANA-MAXX high rise shorts, $220
ASOS wingtip shoes, $68
Marc jacobs handbag, $2,109
Maria Black star jewelry, €54
Supertrash wool hat, €60
Alexander wang sunglasses, $369
New York Then and Now (PB), $13


I love me some Polyvore contests! This is my most recent entry featuring Dana-Maxx, an up-and-coming designer. I love how some of her pieces combine total femininity (color, fluidity) with masculine bravado (graphic prints, tuxedo references). Since she was inspired by Annie Hall and I think all things 70's are groovy, this was an easy outfit to create.

1.12.2012

Jacket Obsession

Dinner Out


Vince rib tank, €59
3 1 Phillip Lim tux jacket, $625
3 1 Phillip Lim one button jacket, $625
Citizens of humanity jeans, $176
Round toe pumps, $495
Balenciaga zip bag, $795
Dannijo brass jewelry, $398
Miss Selfridge bow hat, £25


I've finished packing for my trip and I am very proud of myself because I actually took pictures of my outfits and was very organized this time. This is something I do all the time for clients- I even create "menus" of outfits so they don't have to think about what they're wearing at all. It also keeps you from forgetting important items. But, for some reason, I don't usually do this for myself and, lately, this has resulted in forgetting things. But not this time! I am ready!

My only outfit worry was my Friday night dinner ensemble. It's a casual restaurant but hip casual, you know? So I was going to do these matte sequin black pants, a white tank, black jacket with fun leather details, the striped python pumps, and a black hat. But I don't love the pants on me right now so it was bumming me out. Then today I found a GREAT jacket! So cool! By 3.1 Phillip Lim, it is part of his resort or spring collection (not sure which). Anyway, the front is longer than the back and it is a super bright, cheerful orange. It's really fun. Plus, I am wearing it with a pair of straight leg jeans that I already have packed for another day outfit, thus eliminating an extra pair of pants. Believe me, at this point, all eliminations are helpful! I haven't over packed in the sense of I have more outfits than I need but I just didn't do a whole lot of doubling up even with my shoes. Oh well. Now I am happy and ready to go. I have to mention that the picture above doesn't really do the outfit justice; I think it looks much cooler on than in this layout.

I'm out until next week when I've recovered enough to blog again. Peace!

1.10.2012

Countdown to NOLA

Day Time in New Orleans


Haute Hippie cardigan, $495
MICHAEL Michael Kors sequin tank, £60
Citizens of Humanity straight leg jeans, $200
Belle by Sigerson Morrison high heels, $180
Diane von Fürstenberg tote handbag, $285
BCBGeneration chandelier earrings, $35
Chan Luu turquoise bead necklace, $190


I cannot wait to head to New Orleans! I spent two hours today planning outfits and taking pictures. My daughter said they weren't "sparkly" enough. So I guess I need to work on that. :) I'm in good shape with the clothes but I have a LOT of shoes going with me. I think I might need a bigger bag.

1.09.2012

Happy Birthday to Erica

Happy Birthday, Erica! The party was super fun. I miss you already!

Here's a peek at (pretty much) what I wore. It was this dress and shoes anyway and then some similar jewelry. Believe it or not, I didn't get one spot on the dress. Amazing!

Black, White, and Bohemian


Alice Olivia strapless maxi dress, £335
Fringe jacket, $125
Christian louboutin sandals, $895
Python clutch, $28
Pamela Love resin bangle, $195
Fenton chain necklace, $850

1.06.2012

Two Super Quick Things to Tell You

One. You need to check out this blog that my friend sent me. It's called Suri's Burn Book. Need I say more. I can't stop reading, it's so freaking funny.

www.surisburnbook.tumblr.com

Two. If you make it to page four of this blog, you will come across a video of Manolo Blahnik. Suri is upset because he insults her in it. I'm upset because he is a total d*ck. I don't know what I expected but I love his shoes so it is a real bummer to know how arrogant he is. You might think I shouldn't be surprised but lots of arrogant designers know how to pretend they are not when giving interviews thus allowing me to continue buying their products without care. Oh, who am I kidding? I'll still buy his shoes. But I know who you are , Monsieur Blahnik, I know...

Watch for yourself. :)


Watch "Manolo Blahnik on Striving to Make the Perfect Heels" at New York Magazine#c=CNYHY73BLZ4NXV6X&t=Manolo Blahnik on Striving to Make the Perfect Heels#c=CNYHY73BLZ4NXV6X&t=Manolo Blahnik on Striving to Make the Perfect Heels

1.05.2012

Not Every Night is Fancy in New Orleans

Peanut Butter Burgers at Yo Mamas


MICHAEL Michael Kors sheer shirt, £60
Jacket, $125
7 For All Mankind skinny jeans, €239
Platform high heels, $495
House of Harlow 1960 leather handbag, £269
Mango stone ring, £11
Miu Miu crystal earrings, $150



I picture myself eating peanut butter burgers at Yo Mamas in this outfit. If you have never had a peanut butter burger from Yo Mamas, I highly recommend it. A peanut butter burger and beer. Hence the baggy jeans and loose fitting tank. Also note the thicker heel on these awesome pumps (which are available at Bishop Boutique in Alexandria, fyi)- they provide stability if you know what I mean. It is New Orleans after all!

1.03.2012

Preparations for New Orleans

New Orleans... Jazz Brunch or Dinner at Galatoire's


Stella McCartney wool pants, $315
ASOS leather satchel handbag, $145
Diane von Fürstenberg box clutch, $219
Kate spade bangle, $248
Stone jewelry, $30
Yves saint laurent ring, $250
Yochi Design stud earrings, $60
Chan Luu beaded ring, $215
LK Designs black earrings, €102
Blouse
Miu miu shoes


I've got one thing on my mind now that the holidays are over- New Orleans! I'm headed there MLK weekend to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday. We're planning on eating our way through the weekend at some old favorites as well as a new place. Given that a few of the places require dressing up, I've been obsessing about what to wear. I think I have what I need in my wardrobe and am actually looking forward to getting some more use out of some of my dressier stuff. I'll take pictures of the actual outfits when packing. However, in the meantime, I'm going to have fun putting some stuff together for you in case you have any of your own soirees to attend in the next couple of months.

Here's the first one. The top, pants, and shoes stay the same whether I'm wearing it to Commander's Palace for Jazz Brunch or to dinner at Galatoire's. Not that I would wear it to both but I like how I can switch up the jewelry and bag and make it either day or night. If you're not headed to New Orleans, I like this for baby/wedding showers or a dinner party.