The Moment is Now

This is it! The moment has finally come. At last, I purchased a new camera. I really debated over what to buy. I wanted something small and compact that I can keep in my purse and have with me everywhere.  At the same time, I wanted something that would be durable for the next few years as well as a camera that will take better pictures than, say, a phone's camera.  I went with a Canon Powershot.  Small and compact, we'll see how it works out.

So, this is it!  These are the last blog pictures I will be posting with my dying Nikon Coolpix.  Hopefully you'll notice a difference in clearer pictures after today.  Time will tell!

Dress: Secret Treasures, Anthropologie
Belt: Belle Bow Anthropologie
Shoes: Nine West
Necklace: Macys

Cream of the Crop

I bought this dress in February from Banana Republic's Mad Men collection. I wore it in March to my friend Courtney's baby shower and decided it was high time to wear it again!  I had a presentation for work so I decided to dust it off and wear it around my colleagues.  I received a lot of compliments on the dress, so I guess it is a keeper!  In keeping with the cream theme, I wore a thin wool open cardi over top. 

Dress and Cardi: Banana Republic Petite
Shoes: Nine West

Beginnings and Endings

A lot of life changing news has come down the pike over the past few days!  My younger cousin, Ally, recently became engaged to her long time boyfriend, Derek.  Let the family wedding planning begin!  Too, my boss announced yesterday that he will be retiring in a few months.  While this is fabulous news for him, as he deserves more time with his darling family, it leaves a lot of unanswered questions at work about next steps and the future.

While pondering all of that, here is an Outfit of the Day:

Dress: Armani Exchange, 2012
Cardigan: J Crew Jackie Cardi, 2011
Shoes: Nine West, 2011
Necklace: Notice, 2011

Outside Looking Inside

Wow.  I'm very glad it's Friday. This has been en extremely intense week at work and I am definitely ready for a relaxing weekend. I don't have too many things on the agenda for the weekend so it will be a great time to engage in a bit of spring cleaning around the house.  The weather is cooling to more seasonal temperatures, but before it did, I was able to wear the Even Flurry dress again! This was the same dress I wore to church on Easter Sunday, but as I only had it on for a few hours, I figured I could appropriately wear it again a week later. 

The polka-dotty dress is sheer but with a tank underneath it works fine.  I paired it here with the Belle Bow and the Whirl and Wind Cardi, both from Anthropologie.  Of course, I also felt compelled to where my yellow nine west shoes to add a bit more color to the ensemble.

Walking On A Wire

Happy Friday!  I realized this morning that I basically wore the same color all week in different formats. You'll see more of this week's outfits next week, but here is another sampling. As we are moving into March, I brought out the sagebrush skirt from Anthropologie's spring line last year.  I adore this skirt, and I am sad to report that it is getting a bit tight, so I need to tone up if I am still going to be able to wear it this spring season!

Skirt: Sage Brush, Anthropologie spring 2011
Shirt: Gap, too long ago to recall
Cardi: Banana Republic, Fall 2011
Boots: Nine West
Necklace: Banana republic Outlet, summer 2011

Wednesday night I made it to Banana Republic's unveiling of the Mad Men Collection.  I'm glad I did, because shortly after the line launched, many items were sold out in multiple sizes, both in petite and regular stores.  I was able to snag the Joan Sheath, which I am happy to report is offered in petite.  I tried on both the 0 and the 2... the 0 looked better on (it is a dress meant to hug curves) but it felt too tight so I went with the 2 to be more comfortable even though it is noticeably looser.  Nothing else from the line worked for me, although I do have my eye on a few pieces of jewelry.  This is the dress I bought:

Did you purchase anything from the 60s-inspired line?

Stripes and Flowers

Last weekend I had Monday off of work for Presidents' Day... hooray! I was able to catch up on a lot of work that needed to be complete after being away at training for so many days.  Too, there was plenty of time for fun and catching up with friends!  On Saturday I went out for a casual dinner with my friend, Marie.  I wore jeans and continued with the black and white (why have I been avoiding color all week?) by wearing this open cardigan from White House Black market. To "spice" this outfit up a bit, I wore a flower in my hair.  This flower is actually from a murder mystery party I had back in 2009 and I am not sure where I bought it, but sometimes I wear it away from the costume!  How did you spend your Presidents' Day Weekend?

Jeans: Banana Republic Outlet
Cardigan: White House Black Market
Tee: J Crew
Boots: Nine West
Necklace: The Limited

A Pop of Color

The black and white theme continues, but this time with the deep red color of the Zenobia Tee from Anthropologie.  I bought this guy with my birthday discount way back in September and only wore it once so far.  I do love it, but it appears delicate so I don't want to over-wash it and risk damaging the fabric.  Last week, I was out of my office 3 days for training so that definitely called for pants.  (When I am sitting in a training rather than moving around, I always get chilly). I also took my bright yellow whirl and wind cardi with me to add another splash of color to this outfit.  I had to leave early in the morning for training, so that called for wet hair pulled back into a pony tail for the day.

Shirt: Zenobia Tee, Anthropologie 2011
Pants: Ann Taylor Loft Petite
Boots: Nine West
Necklace: Premier Designs

I've Been Reading All the Letters That You Wrote Me, All the Fairy Tales You Sold Me, All The Pretty Things You Said

Ironically, I wore the buttered tweed skirt on Tuesday which happens to be the day it went on sale! If you are considering this skirt, I would highly recommend it.  It is very comfortable and easy to style.  It does run a bit large (this is a zero petite and it is VERY loose on me) but is manageable, particularly with a tucked-in shirt.

Cardigan: Scribbled Bouquet, Anthropologie 2010
Skirt: Buttered Tweed, Anthropologie 2011
Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Boots: Nine West
Ring: Anthropologie
Belt: Looping Lanes, 2010

Any fun weekend plans? I am hoping to work on my February wishlist to post next week. :)

Lady Gray

Last Friday I broke out this gray sweater dress because I realized I haven't worn it much this season.  Once I had it on, I remembered why!  It is a bit snug and doesn't exactly "hug" my body in all the right places.  Regardless, I was running a bit late for work so once I threw it on, I decided to just roll with it.

Dress: Ann Taylor loft
Shoes: Nine West
Necklace: Premier Designs

Friday night after work I met two of my favorite girl friends out for drinks and dinner.  We actually ended up going to 5 different bars and stayed out a bit later than planned but it was fun to catch up with my girls and have a few too many cocktails. How did you spend your weekend?

Bad Girls and Consequences

The title of this post was inspired by a late 90s TV episode I was watching the other night with some friends.  The moral of the story is that bad girls will have consequences.  Be mindful of that. :)

This dress is one that is rarely worn; it is very wintery in the sense that it is thick and lined, yet the colors make it more spring-like.  I find that I generally only wear it on warm March days and some cooler April days.  Since it's been spring-like in winter this week, it was the perfect time to wear it!  It definitely doesn't fit as well as it used to since I put on a few pounds, but hopefully before spring is in full bloom I can lose some of the extra weight and be ready to wear this dress again!

Dress: Banana Republic Petite
Boots: Nine West

She Wonders If She's Right This Time

Last week one of my favorite bands, Ingram Hill, came into town to perform.  They are a band I discovered years ago on The Rock Boat.  Their music is fun, light, and pop-y.  The last time they were in town was 5 or 6 years ago.  Then, I came down with a terrible migraine, and while I still went to the show, I had to sit in the back, behind a speaker.  This time around, I was ready to rock.  I went to the show with my friend, Ari, and 5 of her friends.  We were able to snag one of the few tables in the venue, which was nice.  They played a short set, which was preferred as it was a week night (I know, I am lame in my old age).   I sang every song and enjoyed every minute of the show.  There is something about live music that makes me happy inside. Especially music I can sing along with!

I am not sure why I wore this outfit- everything in it is a 100 years old.  Seriously, I don't think I've purchased any of these items (aside from the shoes) within the past 5 years. I woke up late this morning and for some reason this is the outfit I dreamed up in the shower. I thought it was both work and concert appropriate so I wore it for the day.

Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Tank: The Limited
Skirt: ? Not sure!
Flower Belt: J. Crew
Boots: Nine West
Headband: Gap

Forever You're My Favorite... Forever I'm Yours

As I mentioned, I am very far behind on posting due to a few busy weeks in a row!  This week, my plan is to catch up on posting all the outfits and events from the past week or so.

On January 20th, some friends and I met in Georgetown for happy hour, followed by shopping and then dinner at Serendipity 3.  In April, my beautiful friend Hyun June is getting married and she decided she wanted all of her bridesmaids and matron of honor to wear different dresses of the same fabric from J. Crew.  She picked a pretty deep purple color- spiced wine.  Because the J. Crew in Georgetown has a bridal department, we headed there to try on some dresses.

I wore Anthropologie's Walk With Me dress for the occasion because I thought it would be easiest for trying-on purposes.  As it is strapless, I wouldn't have to worry about bra straps showing or a dress constantly going on and off over my head.  This time I paired it with a tan colored shrug from Banana Republic's holiday collection.

Walk With Me Dress and Belt, Anthropologie 2010
Shrug, Banana Republic
Boots, Nine West
Necklace, Premier Designs

When we arrived at J. Crew, they crammed the five of us into a teeny tiny dressing room that they called the "bridal suite".  Hyun June decided she wanted us in silk chiffon, so we looked through the style book and asked to see 3 dresses we liked.  When they dresses came, they were cute and classy!  Unfortunately for me, the 3 other girls each picked one of the dresses we preferred, so there wasn't an option for me to wear (the bride didn't want any repeated dresses).  We asked to see the remaining dresses, so I could pick a dress.  None of them were ideal (1 was very matronly-looking and the other 2 seemed like something easy high schoolers would wear to a homecoming dance) so I had the girls choose the dress they liked best. 

One nice thing about ordering from J. Crew is that packages arrive right away (J. Crew ships from Virginia).  Once, I ordered something early in the morning and by the end of the day, it was already on my door step! By last Tuesday the dresses arrived.  The sales girl insisted that I order the dress 2 sizes too large, and, as predicted, the dress (which is strapless), fell to the floor when I tried it on.  Also, the cut and style were extremely unflattering on my body type.  This past weekend I returned the dress (another bonus of ordering bridesmaid dresses from J. Crew- they can be returned!) and am now weighing my options... I guess I will order the other 2 styles (in the correct size!) and see which of the two dresses will look the least atrocious on me.  Keep your fingers crossed that one will be acceptable both in size and style. While it's not my wedding and I will wear whatever dress the bride prefers, it is painful to me to spend $250 on a dress I dislike (especially when there are so many dresses I love at a lower price point). Luckily the dresses arrive quickly which gives me a little wiggle room to figure out a manageable plan. The good news is, despite how I look, the other 3 girls will for sure be gorgeous in purple, and I can always stand behind them in pictures if needed!

After dress shopping we went to Serendipity 3 for dinner.  I have never been before, and it was delicious!  The menu was huge and of course, we ordered desserts.  Below is a picture of my frozen hot chocolate which was large (it came with 3 straws!) and tasty.  I didn't eat too much of it because I was stuffed but I would definitely order it again as it was fabulous and unique.  Have you ever been?  What desserts have you tried?

I Don't Wanna Keep You Guessing, I Don't Wanna Waste Your Time...

I assure you, the post on last night's Anthro opening in Old Towne is coming (just not today, sorry).  It was very enjoyable (although crowded) and I, of course, spent too much money.  Sigh.  Spring clothes are so darling, and, considering it is 70 degrees today, I feel like spring is here and I can wear my new threads!  

Until I have the chance to write about it, here's an Outfit of the Day, from earlier in the week before spring arrived!

Field Skirt, Windswept Cardigan, Orange Tights, Snap Stripe turtleneck, all Anthropologie
Boots: Nine West

Burning the Candle at Both Ends

This week has been madness, I tell you, madness.  In addition to very long work days due to some planning meetings that are occurring all week, I've had double and triple plans every evening.  Don't get me wrong- it's been very fun!  I am just becoming more and more exhausted as the week goes on!  I've been heading into work an hour earlier than usual, working late, and then getting home well after 11 every night.  There have been movies, dinners, multiple happy hours, a concert, and tonight, after happy hour with a dear friend, I will be here:

That's right.  The grand opening of Anthropologie in Old Towne, Alexandria.  Any other Northern Virginians going?

I'll fill you in on outfits and adventures from earlier in the week as soon as I have a chance.  Too, I will post about tonight's event in the near future!  For now, here is an Outfit of the Day.  Not today, but another day this week. My shoes here are actually a deep red crocodile print, though it is hard to tell from the picture.

Dress: Banana Republic Petite circa 2008
Necklace: Serendipity, Abingdon, VA
Shoes: Nine West (red croc print)

This awesome owl necklace was a gift from my cousin, Emily

"Believe Deep Down in Your Heart That You're Destined to Do Great Things"- JoePa

Yesterday was my Dad's 56th birthday.  Happy Birthday, Dad!!!  When I called home last night to wish him well, my mother answered and we chatted for a minute.  She sounded so congested, I asked her if she was unwell.  She said no, that she was just so sad from reading all about Joe Paterno's passing.

While Penn State's been in a negative light as of late, there's no denying the contributions JoePa made, not only to Penn State football, but also to the culture and community of State College.  He was an advocate for education, and ensured that his players graduated "with honor."  Most of my family attended Penn State, and, therefore, PSU football has been a big part of all of our lives in various ways.

Thoughts, prayers, and condolences go to his family, and the Penn State community who are mourning the lost of the winningest coach in Division 1 football.

Now, on to a very overdue OOTD (I think I wore this 2 weeks ago!!)

Wightwick Manor Shirtdress, necklace I don't recall the name of, and looping lanes belt, all Anthropologie
Boots Nine West

Oyamel

Yesterday, after I posted that winter had, in fact, arrived, spring came back!  By late afternoon it was 60 degrees and sunny.  Sigh. 

Last night, in the mild January weather, some friends and I went to Oyamel for dinner.  Oyamel is a Mexican restaurant serving antojitos- Mexican small plates.  When we arrived, we had a 7:30 reservation and unfortunately, they were unable to seat us until closer to 8.  Because of the inconvenience, they gave us a free round of drinks.  I was with 3 friends who do not drink, so basically I had a free round of 4 drinks all to myself. 

We had a 5 course meal (not counting chips, salsa, and guacamole) and everything was delicious from the cactus salad to the chicken tacos.  I am eager to go back again to try more dishes. Nearly every dish had avocado and cilantro which made me very happy.

Here are some snapshots of the scrumptious food, as well as an outfit of the day, which is inspired by my older sister, Jen, who can dress up a button down shirt like no other.

Delicious guacamole...

This was probably one of my favorite dishes.  It is ensalada de chayote- squash salad in a hibiscus dressing.  I discovered I could eat hibiscus dressing everyday for the rest of my life and die a happy girl.  SO GOOD.  Almost like a raspberry dressing, only better.

Sopa Tarasca estilo (black bean soup) served with a crispy ancho chile and, of course, avacado!  (That's the second plate in the background... all the soup toppings)

Costilla de res con pipian.  This was NOT my dish, but it was so tasty, I wish I had ordered it!  This is braised short ribs in a cilantro sauce. SUPER tasty!

This was my dish... a traditional tamal verde.  Very good, just not as unique as the short ribs.

Taco course!  I had tinga poblana... by this point in the meal, I was so full, I couldn't eat much of it.

For dessert, Pastel de tres leches con pina.  I didn't touch this because 1. it isn't chocolate and 2. I was about to burst

My many, frothy beverages for the evening

Skirt: Banana Republic, 2011
Button Down: Talbots circa 2004
Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft circa 2006
Boots: Nine West
Socks: J. Crew, 2011

Winter has Arrived!

Finally after all of this mild weather winter is HERE!!  It's been very bitterly cold- something I hate.

Over the weekend when I was at my parents, it was 11 degrees in Pennsylvania. You read that correctly, ELEVEN.  GAH!  That is cold.  Luckily, my sister Erin let me borrow her electric blanket so I was able to sleep snuggly. Saturday night, however, there was a power surge and the whole neighborhood lost power for a few hours.  When it is 11 degrees outside and you don't have any power, your house becomes chilly awfully quickly. Thankfully the power and heat were restored in the morning.

Dress: J. Crew 2011
Belt: Anthropologie
Boots: Nine West

I realized I haven't worn this J. Crew stripey dress since the end of October.  It was definitely time to bring it out again!  This dress arrived in J. Crew last June.  I am not sure why, as it is a jersey material and appropriate for the fall/winter.  I'm also fairly certain this dress shrunk in the wash because it definitely wasn't this short the last time I wore it!  I think I can pull it off with tights, but then again, I am under 5 feet tall so it makes me wonder what taller girls are doing about this shrinking dress. (It is not a petite size).