Hello! 

During one of the first warm spring days, I started thinking about good summer work outfits. Summer in DC can be really muggy. And when you're taking the metro to work (like I do) it takes everything not to walk into work drenching.

So dressing in layers is important for summers here because it's hot outside but then freezing in the office. For work I like sticking to neutrals - they're conservative just enough - and layering different shades of neutrals on top of each other gives a sophisticated look. I also like dressing in ways that make it easy to transition from day to night for after-work dinners in the city.

What are some of your tips for dressing in the summer?

Thanks for reading!
xoxo

With spring finally here, I've been searching for the perfect work shoes to replace my winter flat boots. For work, I stick to flats because comfort is most important when I'm working long days! The difficult thing though was finding a flat shoe that was still stylish. Rounded toe just isn't me, so I opted for pointy-toe styles that go with midi-length skirts and tapered, ankle pants. I found a few pairs this weekend that I just loved - they're this season's popular D'Orsay style (with the cut-out sides) and come in a great versatile black and neutral. Which one is your favorite?

And what's your go-to footwear for work?

Hi there!

I was in desperate need of a makeup update. So I went on the hunt for the perfect powder illuminizer, a deep bronzer, a complementary blush, and the right eyeshadow palette.

The best powder illuminizer I found was hands-down MAC's Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle. I wanted that dewy, glowing look without the messiness of liquid highlighter or the stickiness of a cream one. I like how powder gives more even coverage, but I couldn't find a powder with a strong effect. Then I came across this MAC one and it was like the heavens parted.

After I picked up the illuminizer, I picked up a bronzer and blush from MAC to complete the look. The bronzer was a great shade, I just wish it was a little darker. The blush is a really pretty pink-violet - I wanted one that was the closes shade to my natural lip color. 


Inspiration:



What I used: 



1. MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer - I don't like wearing foundation on normal days because I think it's too heavy. I usually just put concealer on underneath my eyes.

2. MAC Veluxe Brow Liner - A great brow liner for precision filling and a brush on the other end you can use to soften the lines.

3. MAC Bronzer - It was a toss-up between this and Nars Bronzer in Casino. I went with MAC because it was a little more subtle.

4. Smashbox Full Exposure Eyeshadow Palette - I love this palette for the matte shades and black shadow. On days I want a little more of an eyeliner look, I simply take a smudge brush and use the black shadow to create some smokey lines.

5. MAC Powder Blush in Breath of Plum - I once read that the best way to find the right shade of blush is to go with one that is the same color as your natural lips. It's mother nature's way of telling you what's your perfect color.

6. CoverGirl Professional Natural Lash Clear Mascara - I actually can't stand mascara. I don't like how it makes my eyelashes feel stiff and it's even worse when it flakes all over the place. The worst is the pain of having to wash it off each night. So my alternative is this clear mascara. It doesn't give the same volume or length as regular mascara, but for everyday it gives a little definition.

7. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle - <insert trumpet sound here> This is it baby. The nicest illuminizer. I spent months looking for the perfect one! This one's great because not only can you use it to highlight your cheekbones, you can use it to brighten up the space beneath your brow bone, the inner corners of your eyes, and your cupid's bow (the space right above the center of your lips).

8. Pssssst! Instant Dry Shampoo - I don't wash my hair every day. It's too much hassle and I find washing it too often actually dries it out while styling damages my hair more. So on days I haven't washed and styled, I use this dry shampoo to freshen up my locks and add some volume to my roots.



Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. I'd love to share my product experiences with you!

xoxo

Hello!

It's been a while since I posted a personal style feature... actually this is my first since our little one's arrival!

With spring finally here, I've been thinking about dressing in layers. One of my favorite pieces for in-between weather is a camo jacket. It goes with so much and the best part is you can wear it dressed up or down. I chose to wear it here slightly dressed up, with high-waisted black pencil pants and pointy-toed suede mules.  

I also recently picked up a few new accessories. I'm really excited about this purse I got from Reece Hudson. I love the geometric cut-out pattern and the awesome metallic bronze leather. It's a versatile neutral so it goes with practically everything, and the small size is perfect to carry when I have baby and her large diaper bag with me.

The sunglasses are from Dita - I just love the updated dramatic cat-eye shape.

I'm sure with this gorgeous weather you're also looking forward to breaking out some of those pieces that've been stashed away in your closet for too long! What are some of your favorite spring items?

Hope you're enjoying the weather and thanks for reading!

xoxo