Since so many of us have been stuck indoors due to storm Sandy...
Here's some home decor inspiration for your day.
The look of the day is: the Versailles dome chair. So plush and romantic, it might be the perfect place to curl up and wait for the storm to pass.
Check out some of these great examples:
Here's some home decor inspiration for your day.
The look of the day is: the Versailles dome chair. So plush and romantic, it might be the perfect place to curl up and wait for the storm to pass.
Check out some of these great examples:
As we all brace ourselves for the storm, I've been thinking about what to wear if I ever get out of the house. Eventually we're all going to have to go back to work, even though it's expected to rain for days. So naturally we're going to have to find something to wear that will withstand the wet winds and still look human.
One of my favorite recent purchases has been a simple pair of hunter green knee-high rain boots. I know it's nothing too exciting, but I'm surprised how much I'm enjoying them! They're so sturdy, I never have to worry about ruining my shoes in the rain (how practical!) But best of all, they're colorful and so brighten up an otherwise gloomy day. Kate Moss almost single-handedly started the wellies trend when she showed up at a few music festivals wearing them. So let's take a cue from one of our favorite style icons, and start from there:
A canvas military jacket is a welcome alternative to the predictable trenchcoat-in-the rain. Since it's a more casual style, it's easy to layer over sweaters and collared shirts and so makes a great look for work and after. They usually run big, which is another added bonus in not-so-ideal conditions.
A messenger bag is another good option in the rain - it allows you to keep your hands free to comfortably carry your umbrella. Its casual style goes great with a canvas army coat. And finally, a hat is always a good idea when it's pouring outside - anything to save your head from getting wet! Beanies are making a comeback, and the good thing is they're perfectly comfortable and casual. So here's to having another hat option!
One of my favorite recent purchases has been a simple pair of hunter green knee-high rain boots. I know it's nothing too exciting, but I'm surprised how much I'm enjoying them! They're so sturdy, I never have to worry about ruining my shoes in the rain (how practical!) But best of all, they're colorful and so brighten up an otherwise gloomy day. Kate Moss almost single-handedly started the wellies trend when she showed up at a few music festivals wearing them. So let's take a cue from one of our favorite style icons, and start from there:
A canvas military jacket is a welcome alternative to the predictable trenchcoat-in-the rain. Since it's a more casual style, it's easy to layer over sweaters and collared shirts and so makes a great look for work and after. They usually run big, which is another added bonus in not-so-ideal conditions.
A messenger bag is another good option in the rain - it allows you to keep your hands free to comfortably carry your umbrella. Its casual style goes great with a canvas army coat. And finally, a hat is always a good idea when it's pouring outside - anything to save your head from getting wet! Beanies are making a comeback, and the good thing is they're perfectly comfortable and casual. So here's to having another hat option!
This past weekend was that perfect time when the leaves changing colors
was at its peak. There are so many beautiful hidden spots to enjoy the fall. Here are some photos of a gorgeous tree-lined walkway of a church in Alexandria.
This weekend I wanted to wear something reminiscent of fall: orange, of course, and a full skirt to welcome brisker temperatures.
Over the weekend, we really got into the Halloween spirit and went to a
haunted forest in Maryland with a group of friends - it was some of the
most fun we'd had in a long time! I don't know what it is about getting
scared and screaming, then laughing at your own silliness, but it was
exhilarating and we had a wonderful time. There were bonfires, and the
haunted forest trail covered all the famous stories in spooky anthology,
from the headless horseman to the haunted bridge. It was all set up really
well, it felt like we were on a movie set. What are YOU doing to get
into the Halloween spirit?
After our haunted forest excursion, we met up with some friends in the city. I wanted to dress up a bit because I had been going casual for a while and was getting bored with the same look. Like I said before, fall is a great time to experiment with different looks because of all the layering possibilities!
After our haunted forest excursion, we met up with some friends in the city. I wanted to dress up a bit because I had been going casual for a while and was getting bored with the same look. Like I said before, fall is a great time to experiment with different looks because of all the layering possibilities!
Blouse: Zara | Necklace: J.Crew | Blazer: Tahari | Skirt: Love by Ya-Ya | Shoes: Forever 21 | Bag as clutch: Foley + Corinna | Watch: Michael Kors | Hat: H&M
It hasn't become unbearably cold out there yet, so I'm on a quest to do as many fun outdoor activities we can before it's too late. Fall is naturally one of the most beautiful times of year, and with so many great activities going on here there's lots of ways to fully enjoy this glorious season :)
In addition to our stop over at Eastern Market last weekend, we also drove to some pumpkin farms out in Maryland. I really wanted to find a haunted corn maze (they're so much fun!) but we found some vast, wholesome farms instead. They were pretty nonetheless, and the drive out there was beautiful. The following weekends though promise to be even more gorgeous since the leaves haven't fully turned color yet. And we're still scheduled for a haunted forest tour with some friends this weekend. I love this time of year and of course halloween... BOO!
Photo #2 from UZC Pictures who joined us on our trip to scope out some great photo backdrops.
In addition to our stop over at Eastern Market last weekend, we also drove to some pumpkin farms out in Maryland. I really wanted to find a haunted corn maze (they're so much fun!) but we found some vast, wholesome farms instead. They were pretty nonetheless, and the drive out there was beautiful. The following weekends though promise to be even more gorgeous since the leaves haven't fully turned color yet. And we're still scheduled for a haunted forest tour with some friends this weekend. I love this time of year and of course halloween... BOO!
Bag: Zara | Sunglasses: Vintage Gucci | Necklace: Kenneth Jay Lane | Watch: Michael Kors | Wedge Kicks: Urban Outfitters | Jacket & Vest: Forever21 | Top: H&M | Jeans: H&M
Aaah, trends. Sometimes confusing - should I or shouldn't I? - sometimes inevitable. There are some trends none of us can escape - dark wash skinny jeans, for example - and some that leave us wondering whether we can (or should even try to) pull off (peplum blouses, anyone?)
With trends, I usually try to go with what feels right. In fashion, the time-tested advice has always been to wear what looks good on YOU - not what you see on everybody else. When I'm shopping, one rule of thumb I go by is whether the piece in question goes with what I'm wearing at the time, or if I could picture myself walking out the store wearing it, right then and there. Now this doesn't work with EVERYTHING, but generally, I know that if I don't want to run out of the store wearing it, then most likely it will end up in the back of my closet. So, generally I will only buy what I absolutely love.
One trend people seem to either love or hate right now are these high-top sneakers first introduced by Isabel Marant a few years ago. I actually love them - I think they're cute and funky, have a bit of a tomboy edge, and added bonus: anything that's that clunky on your feet are bound to make your legs look skinny ;)
With trends, I usually try to go with what feels right. In fashion, the time-tested advice has always been to wear what looks good on YOU - not what you see on everybody else. When I'm shopping, one rule of thumb I go by is whether the piece in question goes with what I'm wearing at the time, or if I could picture myself walking out the store wearing it, right then and there. Now this doesn't work with EVERYTHING, but generally, I know that if I don't want to run out of the store wearing it, then most likely it will end up in the back of my closet. So, generally I will only buy what I absolutely love.
One trend people seem to either love or hate right now are these high-top sneakers first introduced by Isabel Marant a few years ago. I actually love them - I think they're cute and funky, have a bit of a tomboy edge, and added bonus: anything that's that clunky on your feet are bound to make your legs look skinny ;)
Isabel Marant Bekett Sneakers
Low-cost alternative: BDG Quarter-Strap High-Top Wedge Sneaker @ Urban Outfitters
Big orange pumpkins means fall is finally here! This past weekend we made a trip to Eastern Market in southwest D.C., which is a great place to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables and browse local handicrafts. It's also near one of my favorite places (8th St., SE) for restaurants.
I was a little more dressed up than I normally would be for a farmer's market, but that was because we were going to someone's house for dinner afterwards :)
Scarf: Haute Heritage | Pants: Zara | Shoes: BCBG Max Azria | Watch: Michael Kors | Vest: Forever 21 | Jacket: H&M | Blouse: Forever 21 | Bag: Zara | Bracelet and multi-tone ring: Urban Outfitters
I've never put up any recipes on the blog before, but I've been trying new healthy ones and thought I'd share them with you all! After all, eating healthy is an important part of style - how else can we fit into our skinny jeans?! Just kidding :) But I have been looking for more vegetarian and vegan options as I try to cut out meat and dairy from my diet - so here is a super-easy recipe for kale I tried recently. Let me know how it turns out in the comments!
Sauteed Kale Recipe
You will need:
* 1 bunch kale
* 1 yellow onion
* 2 cloves garlic
* 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 tablespoon mustard seeds
* sea salt
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1. Chop up the kale and throw away the stems.
2. Slice the onions into thin rings and mince the garlic. Set aside.
3. Pour the olive oil into the pan; let it heat up. Now toss the minced garlic and mustard seeds into the pan. Let the garlic turn dark yellow.
4. At this time, pour the sliced onion into the pan. Let the onions turn yellow.
5. Now toss the kale into the pan, adding the lemon juice for the kale to absorb and turn soft.
6. Stop cooking the kale when there are still some crunchy pieces left. Add sea salt to taste.
Sauteed Kale Recipe
You will need:
* 1 bunch kale
* 1 yellow onion
* 2 cloves garlic
* 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 tablespoon mustard seeds
* sea salt
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1. Chop up the kale and throw away the stems.
2. Slice the onions into thin rings and mince the garlic. Set aside.
3. Pour the olive oil into the pan; let it heat up. Now toss the minced garlic and mustard seeds into the pan. Let the garlic turn dark yellow.
4. At this time, pour the sliced onion into the pan. Let the onions turn yellow.
5. Now toss the kale into the pan, adding the lemon juice for the kale to absorb and turn soft.
6. Stop cooking the kale when there are still some crunchy pieces left. Add sea salt to taste.
In
Designer Spotlight,
Monique Lhullier
Designer Spotlight: Monique Lhullier Wedding Dress Inspiration
Someone very close to me is getting married soon and in honor of her upcoming big day, I give you a post on my favorite wedding gown inspirations from one of my favorite designers.
The bride-to-be is my little sister! And anyone who knows her knows how girly and playful she is.
So when designing her dress, we decided to incorporate her girly style and chose beautiful Chantilly lace to create the right look. The delicate fabric looks best in an elegant shape, so we designed a boatneck, long-sleeved bodice with a deep V-neck in the back for a little surprise. We finished the dress with a full tulle skirt with embellishment work.
We searched for examples of Chantilly lace gowns done right as well as beautiful embellishments - for inspiration. I want to share with you some gorgeous examples by one of my fave designers, Monique Lhullier. I just love her flattering silhouettes and intricate embellishment work.
Wedding pics of the bride-to-be's real dress to follow - stay tuned! :)
The bride-to-be is my little sister! And anyone who knows her knows how girly and playful she is.
So when designing her dress, we decided to incorporate her girly style and chose beautiful Chantilly lace to create the right look. The delicate fabric looks best in an elegant shape, so we designed a boatneck, long-sleeved bodice with a deep V-neck in the back for a little surprise. We finished the dress with a full tulle skirt with embellishment work.
We searched for examples of Chantilly lace gowns done right as well as beautiful embellishments - for inspiration. I want to share with you some gorgeous examples by one of my fave designers, Monique Lhullier. I just love her flattering silhouettes and intricate embellishment work.
Wedding pics of the bride-to-be's real dress to follow - stay tuned! :)
