Category: Uncategorized

I haven’t always loved DC. As a Northern Virginia native, I would frequently visit the city on field trips and family outings while I was growing up. One of the things I remember the most about these trips was being jealous of the city-slickers I saw running on the National Mall — I wasn’t even a runner, so I’m not quite sure why that resonated so strongly with me. While I romanticized about having the monuments as my backdrop on evening runs, I actually never thought I would end up in DC — I was pretty much convinced that I was going to be a New York City girl and work in the fashion industry. As fate had it, that wasn’t an option for me right out of college, so I ended up moving a whopping 12 miles (45 minutes thanks to the traffic) away from home and into DC, but it turns out I like it just fine.

I love that we have distinct neighborhoods and a blossoming restaurant scene. I love that we have a (mostly) reliable and inexpensive public transit system. I love that I can walk from my apartment in Shaw to Dupont Circle within 20 minutes.

What I don’t love, is that DC is a transient city. I’ve almost lost count of the amount of friends who have moved to the District and that I’ve formed very close bonds with, only to have them move two years later. Making friends as an adult out of college is hard. I’m a fairly sociable person, but it’s definitely a challenge to establish meaningful relationships as a twenty-something outside of school or work. I’ve been fortunate enough to find a network of women who I’ve grown to call very good friends, but true to form, one of them just left the city on a new venture.

I wore this outfit to one of my closest blogger friends, Glass Of Glam’s going away party last weekend. I’d been saving it for the occasion, and although I felt pretty fab in this tobi snakeskin romper— it was a bittersweet event. 

Between getting engaged, celebrating new babies, stress at work, and bidding one of my closest friends goodbye in less than a week, I’m a bit emotionally worn out, so I’ll sign off this post with this — I wish you and the Husband and Kitties of Glam the best in your new city, Rox. I know it’s not a goodbye, but a “see ya when you return from your really long vacation.” Love you + miss you already.

Shop My Look: 

Romper | Tobi 

Boots | Steve Madden

It’s funny how your taste changes the older you get, right? At age 18, your favorite color could be hot pink and you might demand that your freshman college dorm room be decked out in accents of zebra and Barbie’s signature color (Shroots, what were we thinking!?) — but as you grow older, I guess it’s natural that things you once loved make you cringe.

Less than three years ago, I used to hate wearing pants — I considered them torture —and my closet was filled with flirty and girly dresses. Now, I almost feel uncomfortable in dresses and long for my forgiving high waisted jeans when I forgo them for a frock. Three years ago, you never would have caught me with my hair in a bun, but it’s now almost become my signature hairstyle (thanks, DC humidity). Up until two weeks ago, I was convinced that I wanted a gold and white wedding and now I’ve totally shifted to a different color palette after deciding I needed some blue in there because Gerald looks so nice in that color.

I guess the point of all of this rambling is to share that it’s okay for your preferences to change throughout the years. I’ve noticed my personal style shift drastically in the last year, and at one point I almost felt like I was betraying myself by enjoying wearing pants! I felt like I wasn’t being true to my “personal brand” (whatever that may be) then felt like an idiot, because literally who cares!? That’s the beauty of personal style — it’s personal, which means it belongs to you and only you. Don’t feel like you have to fit into a certain mold just because at one point in time you decided you hated all things preppy and would never shop at J Crew. I’m wearing Madewell jeans in this post and that’s basically the same thing!

Anyways, your style is going to evolve. I encourage you to pick up the next “off brand” thing you’re drawn to the next time you’re shopping. Who cares if it doesn’t fit into your wardrobe of all black or preppy pastels? If you want to try it, do it. The best part of growing up is figuring out what you truly do like.

Shop My Look: 

Sweater | Tobi*

(*disclaimer, it runs a little large. I’m wearing a small and should have gone for an XS! Tobi usually runs pretty true to size though.)

Jeans | Madewell(I’m wearing a “regular” cut in size 25)

Shoes | Vestique (similar)

Does anyone else remember begging their moms for mini skirts from Abercombie in high school? Just me? I kid you not, I once wanted a denim skirt so badly I saved it as my mom’s background on her computer — I was an annoying freak. Anyways, one of these coveted skirts was a camo cargo skirt that I HAD to have and it actually ended up becoming resurrected in college for GI Joe-themed parties. Moral of the story, I’ve always liked camo, but for some reason, I’ve never purchased anything else in the pattern since that infamous skirt. 

A friend referred me for a free Le Tote box a few weeks ago and when I saw these camo pants I jumped at the chance to try them. To be honest, they’re a little bit “mom-ish” thanks to the cargo style and capri cut, but I’m pretty happy with how I styled them for the MiMi Miller One Year Anniversary Party. To help glam the capris up, I channeled my inner wannabe Kardashian-style and paired them with stiletto ankle strap heels and a super flattering bodysuit from Tobi. I love the neckline on this bodysuit and thought it was a good combo between being covered up but still showing some skin. 

These capris were a bit too low-slung for me to keep, but I was definitely tempted to add them to my wardrobe. I could also see them styled with an open side graphic tank and converse, or even a crop top and some cool sneakers!

I have a feeling I’m going to be reaching for this black bodysuit over and over again this fall and winter. I can’t wait to pair it with some high-waisted jeans and OTK boots! 

Shop My Look 

Pants | Sanctuary 

Bodysuit | Tobi 

Heels | Similar

I’m afraid I might be a clothes hoarder. I snatched this pink button-down from my mom when I was a freshman in college (I used to wear it belted over leggings with riding boots…#stylish) and haven’t worn it since then, but for some reason it’s survived FIVE moves and stayed in my closet. I know that hoarding is frowned upon by pretty much ever stylist ever, but I swear that sometimes it pays off.

I’d seen this button down turned off-the-shoulder on Instagram before, but it wasn’t until my blogger friend Leyla of Beyond Her Curls found a DIY tutorial and shared it in a post that I was able to figure out how to style the top this way. Spoiler, it’s way easier than it looks! You can check out the tutorial by blogger Fara Pink here. I also love the other looks that she put together in her tutorial! 

Once I figured out how to style the shirt this way, I couldn’t wait to wear it to a blogging event so I wore it to brunch at Tico with my new photographer friend Lacey. I paired it with my new favorite denim skirt and these surprisingly comfortable heels from SammyDress. 

Thanks again, Leyla for sharing this tutorial!

Shop My Look

Shirt | Similar 

Heels | SammyDress

Skirt | Urban Outfitters

 

•  You can still wear patterns: I like to describe my style as a bit boho, and although the shift dress I’m wearing above is a conservative cut, the floral pattern still ties back to something I’d wear outside of the office. Polka dots, stripes, chevron, tweed, geometric, and even some novelty print items are all okay for the office! Stick to more muted color palettes to make the pattern more toned down for the office.

 

• Stacked and block heels are bae: Stiletto heels look amazing when paired with professional attire, but we all know those spiky heels aren’t comfortable for a 9-hour work day. The more surface area your heel has, the more weight the shoe will take off of the balls of your feet, making it easier to wear heels until it’s time to slip on your commuting sneaks or sandals

• The fingertip test: Did that phrase just make you cringe and think of your high school days? I still swear by it. For those of you who don’t know, the fingertip test is if you put your arms down by your sides, your skirt should fall below your fingertips, or else it’s too short and you’ll get sent home or have to put on your gym sweatpants. In all seriousness though, it is a good test. If you’re not sure that your skirt passes it – layer your look with some tights.

• Sky-high heels: This one is tricky, because some people think that heels over 3 inches are unprofessional, but I don’t abide by that rule. I think that as long as you can elegantly walk in your heels, you should rock them in your client meeting. Teetering and tottering on your way to the conference room is more unprofessional than some added height.

• Leggings as pants: Some people think this is a major faux pas, but I think that this can be done tastefully and do ofter wear leggings in the winter. Rule of thumb, your butt should be covered by your sweater or tunic and if you bend over your leggings better not be see through. Don’t you dare pair them with sneakers though or else you’re crossing the line to athleisure.

• Arms above the head test: I love a good crop top, but this is not okay at work. I do the arms above my head test if I’m wearing a shirt on the shorter side – if I raise my arms above my head and my stomach shows, then it goes back in the closet. (Except for that time I wore a crop to to my office holiday party…oops.)

• Ripped jeans: This can also be tricky. I wear ripped jeans at least once a week, but again, my office is SUPER casual. Unless you’re a creative firm, I’d probably steer clear of these. If you do try it out, don’t go full-on shredded. Try slight distress marks or minimal rips at the knees, but keep the rest of your outfit slightly more polished if you’re unsure if your office allows this.

• Open-toe shoes and sandals: This might be veering into one of my personal pet-peeves, but if you’re going to go for open-toe, make sure your feet are taken care of, por favor. You don’t need a fresh pedi, but if your nail polish is peeling off, maybe opt for booties.

Shop My Look: 

Dress | SammyDress 

Shoes | Vestique (similar)

Necklace | Sugarfix by Bauble Bar

 

I’m coming to terms with the fact that fall is here, but I’m still not happy about it. I kid you not, my coworker and I convinced one of the company’s partners to bring in a UV lamp that helps with SAD to help us make it through the fall and winter.

One way I’m coping with the changing of the seasons is by filling my closet with new staples that actually make me look forward to cooler weather. From an amazing pair of Madewell jeans that Ashlee of Cobalt Chronicles recommends, to the gray Steve Madden booties I lived in last year, below are some of the items that will be getting some mileage this fall or are on my wish list to purchase in the next few months! The manfriend and I are headed to Asheville in two weeks and I’m already planning on packing the red maxi, flannel, and denim skirt in my bag for the trip!

High-rise Skinny Jeans | Madewell

Mock Neck Sweater Tank | Madewell

Forever In Flannel Top | Vestique

Gray Booties | Steve Madden

Evana Black Sweater | Tobi

Tie Up Swing Dress | Undeniable Boutique

Maxi | Zaful

Snakeskin Booties | Fabrik

Denim Skirt | Urban Outfitters

Romper | Zaful

Sandals | TJ Maxx (similar) 

Photos via Megan Harrington

Where the heck did the summer go? I’m pretty much in denial that it is September and almost fall. For one of our last summer hurrahs, my mom and I spending were planning on spending our Saturday lunching in Old Town Alexandria and then heading to Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, VA, but the gross weather deterred us from  venturing to the vineyard. Before I know the weather forecast and was planning our weekend, one of Gerald’s friends ironically texted him asking him for recommendations on wineries to take his girlfriend for the long weekend. (Let’s be real, we all know he was really texting Gerald to ask for my recs 😉 ) As I started listing off wineries, I realized how many amazing spots we have nearby so I figured I might as well do a roundup of the nearby (ish) wineries I’ve been to, and the ones that are on my bucket list. (Psst, you can shop my look at the bottom of this post. Thanks for finding this dress online, Rox!) 

Stone Tower Winery | 60 minutes from DC – the majority of these photos were snapped at this gorgeous location while on a winery tour for a coworker’s birthday. The combination of stunning views, good wine, and live music cannot be beat — 10/10 recommend a trip out here, despite the distance. The winery has a pretty stocked marketplace where you can make your own cheese plates and pick up snacks, as well as a pop-up pizza stand! 

Paradise Springs | 45 minutes from DC – I’ve been to this winery multiple times because it’s very close to my parents’ house, and because I think I might actually like all of the wines they make there! I’d recommend heading to this one in the winter, doing a tasting, then setting up shop in front of their fireplace on their screened-in deck 

Quattro Goomba | 60 minutes from DC – I’m not going to lie, I was quite a few glasses of wine in when we went to this spot via a friend’s going away winery tour, but it’s super kid-friendly and also features a pizza stand! I wouldn’t make a trip out to the Ashburn/Leesburg area just for this winery, but it’s worth hitting up if you’re visiting another nearby vineyard 

Rocklands Farm | 45 minutes from DC – I visited this winery on a Bubbles & Bloggers outing and instantly fell in love with its rustic charm. It’s actually a farm where you can buy fresh eggs and meat, as well as interact with their adorable animals. (You might think twice about buying those sausages though after playing with their adorable piglets tho…) they also have local produce set up in the tasting room, and yup – you guessed it – a pizza pop-up 

Barrel Oak Winery | 60 minutes from DC – I hit this winery on my way down to JMU one summer and the mountain views were stunning. The winery is dog-friendly to boot and there are multiple tasting rooms and a huge terrace so even though it’s very popular, you don’t feel like it’s too crowded. It was a hot minute since I visited the vineyard, but I remember loving their Cabernet Franc! 

CrossKeys Vineyards | 113 minutes from DC – I know, I know, this vineyard is WAY out of the way from DC, but as a JMU alum, I had to include it. This was actually the first winery I went to when I was of drinking age, and it’s remained a favorite as well as my most frequented one! The Blue Ridge Mountain views are gorgeous, the staff very knowledgeable, and the patio the best spot in Harrisonburg to post up with a drink in hand in the summer or fall! 

Bucket List Wineries 

Winery at Bull Run 

Pippin Hill

District Winery

Three Fox Vineyards

Shop My Look

Dress | DeJa Vu Boutique (but Rox found this color on here)

Shoes | Vestique (similar)

Last March, Gerald and I were visiting his parents in Charlottesville and his mom gave me an InStyle magazine to thumb through while the boys were reading the paper. (Gerald and his brother both love reading the news at breakfast, which reminds me I need to renew our WAPO subscription…) It’s rare that I find a piece of clothing I have to have while flipping through magazines (usually the items featured are way out of my price range) but a striped peplum top from Zara, identical to the one I’m wearing in these photos caught my eye, and I was determined to find it.

I went straight to the website but had to luck finding it online, and then resorted to Google image searching the top and pouring over multiple websites to find a dupe on the car ride back to DC with no luck. I even made a few trips to the Metro Center location hoping I would find it hidden in a rack! After a few weeks of searching, I gave up and figured I’d just have to sit this one out.

Fast forward to August, and while I was browsing Zaful, I nearly shrieked with excitement because I found the top’s twin on the retailer’s site! A few clicks later and it was in my shopping cart and on its way to me and I was thrilled. Zaful has recently stepped up its game, and I’ve been pretty impressed with its new packaging (nicer, heavy-weight packaging with Ziplock-style closures versus crinkly plastic packages with the sticky strip to keep them closed) and after a quick toss in the dryer to keep smooth out the wrinkles, I was ready to wear this to a blogger meet up at Emissary. (Thanks for snapping these photos before the event began, Caro!)

To balance out the shoulder details, I strayed away from my signature summer messy bun and opted for a “rocker-inspired” pony. The amount of dry shampoo I have in my hair for attempted volume is terrifying. The pony was a nice alternative to tossing my hair up half-hazardly and it’s making me think I should start experimenting with some different hairstyles!

Shop My Look: 

Top | Zaful 

Jeans | Topshop

Shoes | Forever21 

I constantly joke that I was a dog in my former life because I have an extremely sensitive sense of smell. Whether it’s a coworker heating up something unsavory in the the office microwave, or a whiff of myself after the gym, I swear the smell is 50% stronger to me than it is to the people around me. As a result of my hyper-sensitive nose, I’m super conscious of how my apartment smells, and I’m so happy that I’ve found a product that helps get rid of overwhelming smells and contains no harmful ingredients.

I was first introduced to Fresh Wave last winter, and I was delighted to learn that the odor removing products are both effective and all-natural. The fact that they are made of only water and a proprietary blend – including natural extracts of lime, pine needle, aniseed, clove and cedarwood – means that they’re completely safe and a much healthier alternative to standard odor-removing products that are chock-full of chemicals. When I say safe, I mean that if a pet or little one got a hold of one of the products, they’d be perfectly fine!

My favorite products are the candle, spray, and odor removing packs. When we have guests over, I like to the light the candle and leave it in the bathroom to help keep the bathroom smelling fresh as multiple people use it, plus it looks cute on my bar cart! Since I freak out when my apartment smells like food, I like to use the spray after cooking items like eggs to help cover up the greasy scent. Of all of the Fresh Wave products, my favorite is the odor removing packs. I hide them EVERYWHERE, including Gerald’s gym bag, shoes, and his laundry basket. I also use them in my workout sneakers to help neutralize sweat.

The best part? Fresh Wave was founded by a woman. 10/10 recommend this brand!