DC Celine

Style Reboot: Defining Your Style Using Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

"You have a lot of dresses."

"This is so ladylike, I want to sex it up a bit."

"You like earth, don't you?"

All three of these statements came out of DC Style Factory's Rosana - directed at me - last Wednesday afternoon.

As we plowed through my overflowing, unmanageable closet, things made themselves clear. There's more to share, and I'll give more of a blow-by-blow on our experience (hint: we. had. so. much. fun.) soon, I promise, but the crux of it is:

Now that my closet is culled, I can see clearly.

I can see clearly what speaks to me - or rather, what has already spoken to me. It's in my closet. Perhaps I'm an unusual client, in that respect, as I do have a sense of what I like. That being said, I didn't think I knew myself as well as I apparently do. Not only is it on my hangers and in my drawers, but it's also on my boards. Even as I started to pin things for my emerging #healthyme body last year, I knew. I may not have known what size would fit, and I may not have known which new silhouettes I could try, but I knew what I was drawn to.

Then I looked at my Pinterest boards. It was all there. Right here. I have loads more boards, but the essence of it is there, methinks. (Rosana might take issue with these, but I'll let her tell me I'm wrong.)

So if you're starting to redefine - or even define - your style, my biggest piece of advice, akin to the old-school "cut-pictures-out-of-magazines-and-take-them-to-your-salon" schtick? It's in four parts:

1) Get thee to Pinterest and start a board for your new style, your new closet, your new drawers. Whatever you want to call it, your New You.

2) Pin. Pin anything that catches your eye. But here's the catch: make sure you don't just pin with wild abandon. Note in that comment field what speaks to you. Is it the cut? The fabric? The color(s)? The overall sense of the picture? I usually use a simple formula - literally - to note it (like + like = like).

3) Step away. Don't pin for a while. A few days, a week...let it stew.

4) Look at your boards again. Notice what's there. What pieces, what colors, what broad styles show up? For me, I realized that, after the closet culling, it comes down to 6 elements. Maybe that's too many, but it's a start for me.

When I looked, these boards weren't all together. As I looked through things, and remembered what Rosana said, I saw where my style heart was pulling me:

"Buy Less, Choose Well," a la Vivienne Westwood: This is my new closet mantra, and will, from here forward, define my "Creating a New Closet" pursuits.

Weekends Around Town: I need and want to look and feel good on the weekends as well as during the work week.

One and Done: Dresses: See Rosana's comment above. Dresses are an overworked mama's best friend, with virtually no thinking involved (provided you've shaved your legs recently, of course).

Rocker Chic(k): Personally, I'm drawn to leather and punk. I'm drawn to concert Ts and jeans. This is my indulgence, so to speak. It may not be yours.

Borrowed from the Boys: It may be trendy, but when Rosana asked me to name my style icon, I paused ever-so-briefly, and said "Katharine Hepburn." Need I say more?

Ladylike: I was kind of surprised when Rosana called me out on this. A bunch of the pieces I tried on for her needed "sexing up" or "toughening up" to balance their girly, ladylike look. Then I looked at my Pinterest boards, and there it was. [Hand slaps forhead.]

For me, this exercise alone - using Pinterest to notice my own personal trends - has been helpful. Try it, and let me know if it's working for you. Or if you've found another "style definition" trick, share with us, please?

Healthy Style: Confessions of That Skinny Mommy at Kindergarten Pickup

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

The Bean's kindergarten class threw us one of the Mother's Day parties that were all over facebook and Instagram. You know, the ones where we all snapped the "selfie" of us with our adorable children?

The one with the gifts we'll one day wonder whether we should toss or not? Mine's a marigold that hasn't yet sprouted and a clay bird.

There were bagels (cut in quarters) with cream cheese. There were pretzels. There was fruit salad. There was lemonade and water.

Then there was cake.

The Beans were instructed to serve us our beverage of choice and to get a plate of food for us to share. The Bean did.

There was cake.

As I sat at a table with 2 other mamas, trying desperately not to eat The Cake (I failed), lamenting the cake, one of them said to me,

"But you're so skinny you can afford to eat cake."

I would've stopped dead in my tracks if I'd been walking.

As I told her "It's hard-fought. Very hard fought," and then we went on to talk a little about my Weight Watchers journey, my left-hand column was going a mile a minute: I'm that mommy. I'm the skinny mommy in skinny jeans at pickup the other mommies "hate" because she's effortlessly skinny.

I felt embarrassed. Or was it guilty?

I "hated" me not that long ago.

The other mommy relaxed a bit after I told her about Weight Watchers. She'd thought, she said, that I was one of those people who worked out 2 hours a day. She'd thought I was That Mommy. But once I told her that I struggled - am still struggling (see earlier statement about The Cake) - she felt better. Visibly.

What is it about weight and body image that makes us feel better when we know we're all in the same boat? Why would it not have been ok - or at least less ok - if I were That Mommy Who Plays Tennis and Lunches and Is Skinny?

Why is it more ok that I'm struggling with this #healthyme journey of mine?

I suppose the answer is, at least partially, that we all like to feel alike. We like, as a society, and especially as American women, to feel like we're all "in it together." No matter how much we say we want to be different, we don't like it when "one of these things is not like the other." Especially when that one thing is us.

One of the reasons I chose to write about my journey here on my fashion blog is for exactly that reason. I, like so many others, struggle with my weight and my health. At a seemingly superficial level, I struggle to fit into the beautiful, fun, and interesting fashions I admire daily on the interwebs. At a less superficial level, I wanted - want - to like how I look and to be That Mommy.

My initial steps in the journey have been faster than many. In my Weight Watchers Online community (and my unfailing support through this whole venture), I've "met" people who have struggled with their health for much longer than I have, and are still fighting to lose even a few pounds, when I've hit my goal weight in less than a year.

But part of what this journey and this community have taught me is that it is all relative. We all have our struggles and battles and have to fight them as we are able. We have to be ready to fight them. Just over a year ago, I was. I was ready. So I started My Fight. The person next to me may not be ready for years - or ever. What is a battle for me may not be a battle my neighbor is even interested in fighting.

We judge so much in our world (yup, going high-falutin' for a few). We judge others. We judge ourselves. We judge ourselves in comparison to others. What we really need, though, is more patience. It's one of the hardest things to find, I think, yet one of the most useful and rewarding practices. "Be patient with yourself" and "be kind to yourself" are two comments that fly readily in the Weight Watchers Online community that has become yet another online home for me. Often, we're not. Often, I'm not. When we're not patient with ourselves, we get frustrated and become unproductively negative. When we are patient with ourselves, we begin to make choices, one-by-one, towards whatever goal we've set.

I'm not good at it. No one is, I think. But I will keep telling myself to be patient with myself - and with others. Then maybe being That Skinny Mommy won't be so scary. To me or to others.

Style Reboot: Fashion Blogger Hires a Stylist. For Realz.

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:41:00 +0000

You know what you figure out when you search your own blog for the last post you did on cleaning out your closet, which you swear was not too long ago?

You figure out that it was in 2011.

Really.

See?

My August 2011 Accessories Cabinet Cleaning. Seriously. It's been that long.

I'm sure - I know - I've cleaned it out since then. At one point early this year, I even had clothes separated out into the Piles Every Stylist Says You Should Make When Cleaning Your Closet: Keep, Donate, and Maybe They Can Be Tailored.

And then we started #OperationPrettyHouse, beginning with painting our bedroom, in which All of the Piles were sitting, and I had to toss them back into the closet. Actually, H did. he hung them nicely, and sorta kept the organization from the piles, but all of the "Maybe They Can Be Tailored" pieces, most of which I really suspect can't be tailored, but I just can't give them up, are hanging there, smooshing the things I can wear now.

So about a month and a half ago, I emailed the savviest stylist I know, Rosana of DC Style Factory, and begged. Direct quote:

"I need official, real, closet help. I need to hire you for a closet audit as soon as you can fit me in. Desperate."

I then launched into the details of the problem, with formal, official closet analytics:

80-90% of the closet is "iffy or completely wrong in the fit department." #healthyme is taking its toll on my wearable clothing
5% OK for work
5% is great for going out
1 pair of trousers that fit me that are ok for work
1 skirt that fits me and is ok for work (a desperate Target purchase)
I make do with creative recycling and ill-fitting clothing
I was hanging onto a whole bunch of stuff hoping I can tailor it
I have not gotten anywhere near the tailor
95 little jackets I use to cover up tanks and Ts that aren't really office appropriate but it's a look I couldn't wear before #healthyme, so i'm in love

And the critical issue? I have a fashionista's dream: 2 large gift certificates to Fancy Stores with which I can strategically change that frustrating closet described above. One we scored at an auction for way below the value. One is courtesy of a grateful business colleague for making a connection to some significant work for his business. He knows me well.

But I refuse, absolutely refuse, to spend that amount of money - gifted or otherwise - without having a really solid understanding of my closet, what's in it, what works, and what I "need." (Because "need" is all relative, isn't it?)

So tomorrow after work, Rosana will ring my doorbell. I'll cross my fingers our nanny can distract The Beans while Rosana and I tear through the closet and Figure This Out. It may be worthy of spectators.

Maybe we should sell tickets. Chelsea of the chelsea chronicles is in...

As a Regular Woman, I need help. As a Fashion Blogger addicted to makeover shows, I've been curious for years about the experience. I know I have emotional attachments to Clothing I Should Not Be Wearing. I'm curious to see what she'll make me toss, what she'll let me keep. I'm curious as to how much skill-building (i.e. ability to make those choices for myself, vice the sequined mini skirts being forcefully torn from my fingers) we'll do.

And then, like the good Fashionista I am, I'll. Go. Shopping.

And then, like the good Fashion Blogger I am, I'll Instagram it.

Style Inspiration: The Feeds, Accounts, and Pages Inspiring Me Now

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:19:00 +0000

I may not be blogging much lately, but I do still browse the interwebs. So I thought I'd share a couple of my favorites here. They inspire me in one way or another, so maybe they'll inspire you.

The newest addition to my twitter feed, the Victoria and Albert Museum. Seriously. How could one not want to dream about the exhibits and installations in this legendary museum? From the currently en vogue David Bowie exhibit to collars from 1600 (#1)...amazing inspiration.

Long a favorite, The Museum at FIT's facebook page (and Pinterest boards, for that matter) always manages to post an amazing Dress of the Day just when I need to see something beautiful and creative, like the Engineer top they posted on April 10th (#2).

True, H and I are currently in the middle of some major condo upgrades (painting, kitchen remodel, sorting and sorting and sorting, see #OperationPrettyHouse on twitter and Instagram), but even if I weren't, Dwell, the ridiculously covetable design mag, shares enviable furniture, concepts, and spaces on its Pinterest boards. I'm especially drawn to warm, clean designs like the Chair, Lovö. Designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for NK, Sweden 1930s in #3.

For a peek into the world of emergent fashion, I love following Young British Designers on Instagram and Pinterest. I'm regularly "liking" and repinning their posts. Just one of the reasons I'm addicted is the shoe designs - like #4, Joanne Stoker's Ankle Strap Wedge.

On the food front, there are lots. I've been trying to keep them aimed at #healthyme, but that's not always possible. One of my newest obsessions, though, is right up that alley. I'm inspired by the inventiveness of recipes and striking shots of simple, raw food from Emiliy von Euw of This Rawsome Vegan Life (on Pinterest, especially). #5 above is the shot that drew me in to her site, from this post (and yes, they're crazy good - and easy).

Where's your current inspiration? Online? IRL?

Style Inspiration: Definition of a Princess

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:51:00 +0000

A friend posted this facebook status update this morning. The 3 year old and 5 year old are, for the record, rough-and-tumble, t-ball-playing, Stillers-loving boys.

Upon seeing mommy wearing a dress this morning, the following conversation ensued:

3yr old: "Mommy, you're a princess!"

5yr old: "No. Her dress doesn't touch her toes. She's not a princess."

3yr old angered and defensive: "YES. MOMMY IS A PRINCESS."

Me: Remains silent, but twirls, much to the 3yr old's delight.

Yeah, Mommy is going to side with the 3yr old on this. I twirled, therefore, yes, I am a princess.

What's making YOU a princess today?

Image via

Give in Style: Handcrafted Ethiopian Scarves...at walmart

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:44:00 +0000

It's been a long time since The Real J showed up on this here lil' blog. One of my long-time style inspirations, she used to make regular appearances. Then I left that office. Then she left the country. For Ethiopia.

Her H's work took them there, and she freelanced. And taught yoga. And made friends with folks in an amazing country I can only hope I'll visit one day.

And one of those folks is a designer, apparently.

The Real J posted a link to walmart in facebook. "That's odd," I thought. "She's so not the wal-mart shopper." But it was about some scarves - some beautiful, gauzy, delicately colored scarves.

J's friend Salem was picked up by walmart in their Full Circle Exchange program. Can you imagine getting that call? Or email? Or letter? Or however one gets notified of these things nowadays? You're a woman in Ethiopia designing scarves, and American behemoth walmart wants to carry your wares.

How beautiful - and covetable, in the best of ways - are these pieces? All are pictured on Salem's site, Salem's Ethiopia. For now, we'll just have to make do with the Walmart pieces, though, or cross our (ok, my) fingers that J or someone she knows travels to Addis Ababa soon and can pick them up for me. I mean...that necklace...

J and Salem were neighbors in Addis Ababa. When I asked J about Salem and her business, she couldn't say enough. "She's just good people," she said. It takes a lot, methinks, to start a business in a place that knows itself almost too well, that, in fact, turned in on itself, and is only now starting to rise up from its own ashes. To say that Ethiopia has a rich history might be one of the biggest understatements around, so for Salem, it makes perfect sense to use art and design to make a "living history, telling the stories of Ethiopia as it courageously battled wars, bonded religions and empowered its people through artwork."

With the success she's had so far, and the friends, fans, and supporters she's developed over the years, Salem could easily leave Ethiopia. She could take what she's started and move to the US or the UK. The red tape in either place would be considerably less for a business woman than it is in Ethiopia. But Salem stays. She's inherently - perhaps instinctively - committed to her country. So she stays.

The Real J told me that when Salem sold the first piece of jewelry that she had created - herself - she gained a sense of self worth that was so powerful she wanted to pass that on to other women. In addition to recording Ethiopia's story in art, her mission is, then, to empower women like herself to be able to experience that same moment of power and realization. So she stays. She grows her business, grows opportunity for Ethiopian craftspeople, and raises her family (3 children, all now at university).

(One of these days, H and I will schlep The Beans across oceans and continents to Addis Ababa, and we'll meet Salem. H being Orthodox, which many Ethiopians are, gives him a special bond to the people and the place.)

I will not tell a lie. As soon as J posted the walmart link, I clicked (I mean, she's one of the most stylish people I know). Then I bought. All. 3. Scarves. (We won't talk about the scarf I bought at the other behemoth, Tar-zhay, the very same morning.) Then I browsed the rest of the collection.

It's teeny, compared to the rest of the site. There are 52 apparel items in the Full Circle Exchange, 173 in the whole collection, with a few sold out (the dresses below, for example, of course). But the story in it - and the cause - are worthy. Though admittedly, the cynical me wonders how much of it might be a PR tactic on wal-mart's part. If J hadn't posted it, and didn't know Salem personally, having met many of the artisans in her cooperative, I'd wonder whether the women even existed. The idea, though - part of a larger initiative, Empowering Women Together - is to foster success for small, women-owned businesses, enabling job creation and skills development. Makes sense to me. Never mind that the goods themselves are lust-worthy.

Clockwise, from top left, scarf, convertible dress, maxi dress, laptop case

I can't wait to wear my scarves. I have visions of drapey goodness, of light, airy coziness on these in-between days (not these weirdo scorchers in April we're getting right now). I'll be sure to Instagram (@DCCeline) when they get here...but only if you promise to do the same.

Summer Style: Summer Picks to Get Through a Slow Spring

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:45:00 +0000

You know me, I'm a Winter Girl, capital "W," capital "G." But I can't help hoping, wishing, and dreaming for our annual weeks Down Tha Shore. While I haven't gotten around to actually really thinking about shopping (though I do need a new bikini or three. And maybe a good, old-fashioned maillot, perhaps with a plunging neckline?), I am daydreaming about our relaxed, easy life at the beach (and how wonderful it would be if it were, you know, Our Life All the Time).

Getting there means packing everything under the sun, despite my dreams of traveling light. But maybe this year I'll get some actual, you know, maps for The Beans to follow along and mark places we've been. Photo via.

This is one of the entrances to the Sea Isle City Beach, oh, you know, about 1000 yards from our place. And yes, it is that peaceful. At least in the off season. My own photo, also here.

We have a jumble of haphazard, unmatching beach towels. And random old sheets. How wonderful would this big bright beach blanket be? Boo. Looks like the site no longer carries this gem, but it does mean that I just discovered Ten Over 6. Bad news for my wallet.

Those COLORS. I'm obsessed with the vividness of this shot, and wonder if I could pull it off. It would be perfectly marvelous for dressing up a relaxed summer look. Photo via.

This is the year I buy a vintagey beach bike. And tool around town. Oh, and maybe buy a beach-y print or two from Ms. Cardinalli, who inked this sweet image.

Ripped, torn, painted, frayed, tied, and relaxed. That'll be me, albeit perhaps a tad less sultry. Photo via.

What are your summer dreams for 2013?

Style Inspiration: Of Beaches, Bedrooms, and Blue Trousers

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 01:44:00 +0000

In between deadlines, thoughts of beach living, a newly painted home, a renovated kitchen, and a clean, organized, and streamlined closet with only clothes I absolutely love are keeping me afloat. Thank goodness for Pinterest, and its infinite inspiration.

via

I dream of an afternoon with a book, a magazine, a chaise lounge, and a pool. In a new bikini and massive floppy hat, of course.

via

I dream of the beach when it's not quite warm enough to go in the water - at least not without my boots on.

via

I dream of the day when the bedroom painting project rendering our walls a deep, luxurious grey, and that was supposed to take a week will be done.

via

I dream of a kitchen that is sleek, new, and still warm and comforting. And where all my pantry supplies and cooking utensils fit.

via

I dream of a closet where I can find things, and where I don't need to find them, because I have only amazing, straightforward pieces that fit me and I love wearing.

These, my friends, are my current, and almost attainable dreams.

More of what I'm pinning (so addicted to the Pinterest app - I can pin ANYwhere!) over here.

Weekend Style: Dressing Up Your Boyfriend(s)

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:14:00 +0000

I'm in love with my new boyfriend jeans. Lots of us (me included!) get really really really excited when we can get into - and feel good in - skinny jeans. But this morning, I'm thrilled I'm wearng a soft, comfortable, perfectly broken in (thanks, madewell) pair of "boyfriend" jeans. A little bit slouchy, a little bit fitted. And, I think infinitely harder to pull off than skinnies. Because slouchy can look sloppy.

But it doesn't today. I'm feeling very chic and put together, despite 2.5 hours of sleep in a hotel bed near the office (one of *those* nights - but the proposal is in and receipt confirmed, next one due today will be soon, then I go home).

When I tried the jeans on in the store (at Rosa's Madewell event), I asked The Bean if she liked them. "Yup," she said, "you look like you're at the beach." Sold. Count one more convert to the boyfriend jean trend. Also, go try them, if you haven't already. They're awesome (and a little more office appropriate than skinnes, I think, though I wear my skinnies here, too).

What makes me feel even more put together on a day when I could feel completely schlumpy is a combo of:

A chanel-inspired boucle jacket (all on-spring-trend in its black & whiteness), a happy Target find i've worn well more than its $29.99 cost (no longer available, but this ladylike black & white jaquard jacket would do just fine)
A soft, supple, cottony violet tank for color without being super springy (despite me going to bed and getting up with the birds chirping), also a Target buy (long & lean tanks are. the. best.)
Ladylike pastel patent pumps, because pastel pumps dress up anything (mine are prior season's Lillybee, but this post on nude pumps might help you find some)

I'd packed it all two nights ago, knowing I'd probably not get home last night. I'm so glad I did. because a few hours sleep, a hot shower, and clothes I love go a long way.

----------------

On a complete aside, whilst finding the links for this post, I found two things I might need:

This crazy cool (and crazy comfortable looking) maxi dress at Target. Part of their labworks collection (note to self: dig up info on collection, because, also, that jacket!)
These LYB pumps I've admired for forever, now on crazy sale. Yes. It's a crazy day.

But I am not, officially not buying a thing. Because I can't handle my closet at all anymore (too big, old, to tailor/not tailor, not-ok-for-work), and I've asked for help. Formal, official help. I promise to share along the way, but in the meantime, No Target Buying. No Anything Buying. At all. Really.

Spring Style: Target Style as a Pickup Line

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Friend, former colleague, and long-time reader Carrie commented on an earlier post that she almost got a date because of a dress she was holding in a checkout line. So what does this good blogger do? Convince her to tell the story. I mean, really? A date because of a dress? In the Target checkout line? Now that's Target Style at its best.

So here's the story, in her own words.

Usually, Washingtonians can look forward to two or three days of really warm weather in January and February – days with temperatures in at least the high 60s if not 70s. This year – one. And not only were we shorted on our warm days in those months, but March hasn’t offered us anything better than what most February days do – with snow on the 25th, even!

One day I needed to stop by Target during lunch for a few regular items – dish soap, light bulbs, and some shampoo – a few other not so fun things. Nothing exciting but necessary, right? A co-worker who has become a good friend went with me as she needed some baby items. When we got to the store, we went our separate ways and agreed to meet at the checkout in 20 minutes.

As a girl from Minnesota, I should be used to long winters. Well, not so much anymore. My winter wardrobe is seriously lacking in variety and color – and on this day, I was feeling a little like winter had gotten the best of me in both my wardrobe and my demeanor – still dressed in black and wearing my Merrells, not even nice work shoes. I found everything I needed, and decided to take a swing through the clothing, just to see if there was something that caught my eye.

Even though my view on Target clothing has evolved from ‘no way, ever’ to ‘there are some things that are worth it,’ it’s not my favorite. I would much rather be wearing Eileen Fisher or Tracy Reese (I only have one dress of hers, but would still rather be wearing it), but I can only buy their clothing when it’s really on sale, and with thought. For some reason, I have found that Target tends to come up with dresses, in particular, that I like and wear to work - a lot.

So as I swung through the department, noting that I had only a few minutes before I needed to be back at the front of the store, one piece in particular caught my eye, and even though it is black and white (not particularly different from what I was wearing, except more white), the sleeveless number with the flirty skirt and catchy stripe pattern, and particularly the skinny pink belt, still sent the message ‘Spring, Spring, Spring.’ I grabbed one in my size and headed for the counter – I have learned that one never waits for things to go on sale at Target –at $27.99, it was a little splurge that I didn’t have to really think about.

As I got to the front of the store, I saw my friend in line with a guy and woman between us. I lined up. My friend didn’t see me behind her, but I wanted her opinion as to whether or not the dress was worth it. I called to her, and the guy ended up having to get her attention for me. So with these people between us, I asked her what she thought. Hers was a ringing endorsement, as was the woman’s and, as it turned out, the guy’s.

As someone who wasn’t feeling particularly attractive in her black trench and black pants and hair that needed a touch up in cut and color, in addition to someone who is hoping to meet someone special, the guy’s ‘I would like to take you in that dress to a winery on a summer afternoon’ comment was very much appreciated and unexpected. The woman in line behind me said ‘Is that all it takes to get an offer of a date?’ and looked like she was about to head back to pick up a dress for herself.

I’ll admit I didn’t really know what to say to the guy, but if he had stuck around, I would have given him my number.

Just goes to show you - you never know what a little spring pick-me-up might bring!

That's Carrie's story. Do you have one of your own? What's the most unexpected thing that's happened to you because of something you were wearing, or even carrying?

And, if you play your blog reader cards right, and the DayJob gods don't have their way with me, I'm hoping to share how to style this ridiculously on-trend bargain (hel-LO black and white stripes! hel-LO pop of neon! hel-LO skinny belt!) in an upcoming Style Dilemma Solved post!

Shop in Style: Rosa Loves...Madewell

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 01:51:00 +0000

These days, I rarely make an event. But I had a little advance warning about this one, and was waiting with baited breath for the date to be final. As she announced last week, Rosa of Rosa Loves DC is hosting a Sunday morning shopping party at Madewell this weekend. The Bean and I will be there (hel-LO, Bean-friendly shopping, we're IN!) to shop, sip, and see Rosa and the other lovely folks I'm sure will all come out in style.

And while I'm sure The Bean will select the pinkest, sparkliest pieces in the store for me to try ("Please, Mama, let's buy it for YOU!"), here are a few of the pieces I'm definitely going to try. How 'bout you?

Perfect Chambray Ex-Boyfriend Shirt - I've recently rediscovered button-downs, but am not on board with the pale blue chambray thing (I just flash back to middle school. Which is not good for me, fashion-wise.), but this pretty pale pink would dress up and down so beautifully
Soft Lace Top - this is just plain pretty, and I'm fairly sure I'd wear it everywhere and with everything.
Rail Straight Jeans - I'm still undecided about the boyfriend jean trend, so figure these not-so-baggy straight jeans might be a way to test the waters on weekends.
Gola Two-Tone Sneakers - I've been on the hunt for a new pair of fun casual sneaks to replace the beloved double-tongued grey lowtop Chucks I scored at Filene's years ago. These might just fit the bill.

So join us! Hmmmm...I wonder if Lola will make an appearance...

What: Rosa Loves DC Private Shopping Party
When: Sunday, March 24, 10-12am
Where: Madewell Georgetown, 1237 Wisconsin Avenue NW
RSVP: store.243 at madewell dot com

Twirl in Style: In Clothes, There is Joy

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:32:00 +0000

Here's the story of today. It doesn't start with the joyful clothes, but I'll get there, I promise. Have patience.

I've been itching to have a smoothie for breakfast lately, but was a) trying to stick to the full plan of regular, but on the elimination diet (ED) breakfasts, pre-cleanse, and b) The Bug. So I finally, finally loaded up the produce bin more than usual, and lined up my smoothie, all ready to "buzz" this morning before TrainerJen. I even looked up the smoothie recipes in the Clean book to make a soundly nutritional mixture, and got back out of bed to make "chia seed gel" quickly. (Apparently, chia seeds are easier to blend (and digest) if you make a gel out of them - which basically means put them in water and keep in the fridge.)

So here's my smoothie:

1c mango cubes
1c frozen, unsweetened sweet cherries
1c light coconut milk (will switch to regular, less processed, once I use up what I have)
1c/handful mixed "Power Greens" (a boxed greens mix from Whole Foods with spinach, kale, and chard, at least, if not others)
1tsp-ish ground ginger
2T chia seed gel

Day-aHM, it was yummy! It was a lot (about 24oz), but since I'd worked out, I was good with that. Had half before, half after.

Then, the skirt. I bought this skirt in NOLA in a pink garage (not kidding). As I tried it on over my pre-Stanley-fried-oyster-and-boudin Benedict running clothes (after said Benedict and on my second bloody Mary of the morning), my girlfriend convinced me I could wear it to the office. So I am. And it's sparkly and twirly and flirty and twirly and full and luscious and wonderful. I've got pep. I've got spring in my step and swing in my hips. I'm wearing red lipstick (super retro, also bought in NOLA, at Trashy Diva) and power shoes (python pumps, to be exact). I'm feeling the power of the female sex, and could even be productive at the DayJob.

Woah. Don't go overboard there.

But needless to say, though I told TrainerJen "flow" when she made me close my eyes and tell me what my body told me I needed because I was overthinking it, we did a pretty fast-paced circuit-y workout because she really always knows best. So it could be the workout. It could be the smoothie. It could be the skirt.

Because lord knows it ain't the full 7-8 hours of sleep that I didn't get.

But as I sashay - literally - around the office, just waiting for someone to call me on my excessive, twirly sparkles (only one, so far - bring it on!), I'm struck at how much joy a big piece of fabric can bring to my day. I almost can't stop thinking about it. I want to go back to the bathroom again to look at it in the mirror, and I keep trying to get a phone pic of how incredible it is. The ones I've gotten so far just don't do it justice.

I have other outfits in which I feel great (um, the Union Jack skinnies?), but there's something about the sheer feminity, maybe, that puts this one over the edge into joy. Is it the cut? Is it the fullness? Is it that it, in some demented, Freudian way makes me pretend I'm in some 50s office and in the male-dominated world that would come with it - and then the power I have as a prettily dressed, curvy female in that space? I'm sure the analysts would have a field day with that.

So what is it about being girly and flouncy and flirty that feels so powerful? Because I think that might be what it is. Nevertheless, I'll take it, and I'll use it all day long.

And I will be counting the days until I can wear this girly statement piece again.

So what makes you feel all-powerful? Is it girly? Is it menswear? Is it your pajamas?

Style Obsession: What I'm Pinning, Tagging, Instagramming, and Following

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:04:00 +0000

First, let me apologize for the sporadic, practically non-existant posting. I was on a roll again, then we went to New Orleans (#NOLAoclock was amazing. absolutely amazing), then it was really busy, then I got sick.

So since I was home sick yesterday, and spent the day on social media, pinning, tweeting, and facebooking (yes, people still do that), I thought I'd share a few things over which I'm currently obsessing - in my tummy-bug-induced stupor.

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Retro style. Our #NOLAoclock trip left me wandering the streets, stumbling into delightful boutiques like Trashy Diva's 3 stores on Chartres. The shoe boutique, and its amazing collection of ReMix Vintage Shoes, the brown version of which one above came home with me. Seriously. ReMix copies real vintage styles impeccably. I could've bought 5 pair, at least.

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Mid Century. H and I have a long standing compromise-collaboration: he grew up in a decidedly contemporarily designed home, I grew up with antiques. Somehow, Mid Century Modern seems to meet in the middle. I find myself pinning all sorts of design from that period, like this amazing light fixture. I stumbled into the best shop ever, Loisel Vintage Modern, on Magazine Street during my solo day on #NOLAoclock, and spent probably an hour in there, snapping pics to show H. The owner was knowledgable and helpful. And I wanted it all.

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Clean Eating. Even before #NOLAoclock, I'd been toying with the idea of a formal cleanse. After a year of #healthyme focus, I eat pretty cleanly, but lord knows I still eat "treats," have a drink, and do lots of nutritional things that might not be the best for my body. So before we left, I'd done a little research and settled on the Clean Program (fellow GOOP followers, Gwyneth talks about this one, but it was my mommy who turned me on to it). It's logical, not terribly different from what I've been eating (ok, a fair amount, but still not difficult), and, not being a "juice cleanse," it includes, um, Real Food. Plenty of it. Since returning, from #NOLAoclock, I've started the preliminary "elimination diet," and am happy. Looking forward to using a bunch of the clean recipes I've been pinning all over.

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Minimal makeup. While I love a good smoky eye and drama, I do not have the energy or time - or inclination, for that matter - to do that every - ok, any morning right now. So when I do bother (and it is NOT every day), I blot on some Bobbi Brown powder, then swipe on whichever Red Lipstick happens to be in my purse. I think this one is part of a trio of reds I bought on Allie's recommendation from Revlon. So awesome.

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Grey walls. In anticipation of H's cousin (and the Beans' godmother) and her son coming at the end of June, we're high-gearing it into #OperationPrettyHouse, which is loooooong overdue. I refuse to have her come back to a home with the same walls and kitchen she saw at The Bean's 4th birthday. We're starting in our bedroom, where we went dark and luxurious, with what I see as a deep dove grey (Behr's Anonymous). A friend and designer recommended 50% white from the wall color for the ceiling color, so that we did. With our blonde wood furniture and what I hope will be a dramatic (um, mid century?) light fixture, it'll be stunning. If we ever finish it. Because it still looks like this.

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Virgin Atlantic. Seriously. As nice as they were to me yesterday, I'll fly with them whereever they go. I'd whined about a sick day on twitter yesterday, and their team, who happened to be in DC yesterday, scooted by, rang my doorbell, and brought me flowers. And a gift card. Really. Though it was, um, intimidating to have 3 coiffed and primped flight attendants smiling in my hallway whilst I was in a bra-less nightgown, it actually made me cry. Oh. And the handwriting in the card (they even gave me a card!) looks just like my BEF (Best English Friend)'s. So yeah. Tears.

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#DVFlovesROXY. Apparently, DVF is a beach lover, and is into the spirit that girl surfers, who give it their all, have. Me, too. I'm dreaming of my next surf lesson down tha shore this summer. And may or may not be plotting to spend my Virgin Atlantic present on these board shorts. Think they'll make my legs look like that?

Winter Style: Brights in the Grey

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:30:00 +0000

I love winter. I think I might have mentioned that before. Nevertheless, it's really hard to rejoice in the brisk cold air when you're dragging with what seems to be the 537th cold, a stack o' DayJob deadlines, and a crankypants attitude that may or may not be well received at home.

So I don't have energy for much reading, but trolling - ahem - scrolling through Pinterest when I'm waiting in line at my morning Starbucks stop, or at Target picking up yet another glamorous package of toilet paper or paper towels seems to give me some short & sweet reminders that life is not only not that bad, but under control, manageable, and even gloriously bright. Oh yeah, and I'm steering the ship.

So here are some of my recent pins and how they spoke to me. Hope they brighten your already-sunny-but-crazy-windy-cold day.

We'll start with the night when I was feeling crazy overwhelmed and sick. Pinterest said this to me, which TrainerJen had emailed me, in not so many words, just minutes prior, changing my workout plan for the next morning to, literally: sleep.

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And then Pinterest said this. So I figured I'd better listen and go to bed. I did.

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Earlier, Pinterest had tossed this image my way. The coat, in its gloriously wrecked and punk sensibility, was in, and was the cover art for the catalog of, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's 2006 Anglomania exhibit. Later in the day, The Museum at FIT (one of my favorite places on earth, and one that gets far too little notice, in my opinion) posted an article from The Observer on their facebook page (like it now, please, for all of the amazing current and historical fashion they post). As the discussion around The Met's newest take on punk shows, punk is funny stuff, both musically and culturally. The sheer chaos that shows there is apparently bubbling up in the provenance of the fashion, too.

Once again, the Pinterest universe was speaking to me. Ok, the online universe. Quibbles.

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We're renovating our kitchen this spring, and are in final debates. We have a tiny, but not terribly tiny kitchen, so the "galley kitchen" stuff isn't quite right, but neither is the sweeping expanse of some things I find. I pin them nevertheless. I couldn't be more excited about finally getting a handle on our culinary world by taming our insanity known as our cabinets. I'm in love with a modern + rustic combo like this one.

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Once that's done, creating culinary masterpieces will be a cinch, right? Isn't that how it works? In the meantime, H's orthodox Christian tradition of an essentially vegan fast is coming up, so I'm grateful to Pinterest for helping to maintain the trendiness of veganism. I cook vegetarian often (but LURV a brilliant steak), but am lining up new tastes for the 40 days, like this mushroom ragu. You can bet I'll serve it over some soft polenta...or...

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And while I'm a Winter Girl at heart, still pinning away from the Autumn/Winter 2013 runways to get my fix of fur, coats, and scarves, and, well, fur coats and scarves (comma placement, anyone?),

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I've also started pinning and planning for #DownthaShore2013. Cannot wait to get a new bikini and maybe a retro suit (last year's don't fit!). Also can't wait to rock my best schlumpy Jersey Shore looks. Or, if I'm feeling ambitious, a crisp, clean (ha!) summer look like this one. (And gee, Bloomingdale's *just* pinned their version of the shorts, here)

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What's getting you through?

Style Dilemma: What to Wear to a Winter Engagement Party

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Babysis emailed me a while back, and this email string ensued:

Babysis: I need DC Celine. Engagement party in the city for Jack and Jill in mid January.

DC Celine: Lol. What do you want to wear?

Babysis: Don't know. Invite just came today. It's the first thing I thought about. I'm guessing probably skinny pants and a cute top or a little dress.

DC Celine: Dress. Definitely dress. Where is it? Restaurant? Bar? House?

Babysis: www.farmhousechicago.com, 5:00, cocktails and apps

DC Celine: oh, let's make this a fun style dilemma - haven't had a good one in a while

Babysis: It's all yours!

Did I mention that this was a while back? Yeah. December 19th. The party was a month ago. But, my stylish friends, that doesn't make this dilemma any less useful to those of us looking for that sort of in-between ensemble. A 5:00 pm cocktail party is dramatically different, in dress code speak, than one at 8:00 pm. On top of that, it's Chicago in January. Even if you were to don a LBD, tights (and a fur, for heaven's sake) would be an absolute must. Which, for this retro-minded girl, is not at all an issue, but a Chicago (heck, a DC one, at this point - brrrrr!) winter does possibly call for an elegant trouser of some sort. But though Babysis landed on an H&M LBD with a dramatic back (that's unfortunately no longer visible online), here are a couple of options at the ends of the spectrum.

Retro Black + White Dress: I'm a huge fan of dresses - one & done, so to speak. I loved the 60s feel of the graphic black + white shift I found on Pinterest, then recreated it with an Alice + Olivia Peter Pan-collared minidress, plaid patterned tights (you could just as easily do flat black, if you can't stomach the pattern), and Coclico booties, to keep it edgy, grounded, and, well, winter-appropriate.

Elegant Fur + Ladylike Trouser: one of my style crushes, Hillary of The Closet Party, pinned the fabulously chic cropped fur over a higher waisted trouser. To get the same feel, which would absolutely work for 5pm cocktails to honor a newly betrothed couple, I found a faux fur jacket at Nordstrom, a classic, cozy, cable knit turtleneck from J. Crew, their Hutton trouser in a grey similar to that in the original outfit, then a cognac bootie with a stacked wooden heel (for whom, an hour after I pinned it, I can no longer find it on the interwebs). Those booties might be my favorite part of the whole ensemble.

Tartan + Chiffon: I'm a sucker for plaid, and this pair of a classic red tartan with a black-on-black dotted chiffon blouse is spot-on (did I really just type that? I did. I'm sorry.). Kohl's has a pretty (and sequined) filmy blouse, and when you use a basic black tight under L.L. Bean Signature's just-as-classic Macleod of Harris plaid skirt, and my perfect Weitzman pump, you have a classic, wintry elegance perfect for toasting a newly bethothed couple.

What I've realized as I put these together? Barring the little extra bling many of us would switch out from a day at the office to go out for even cocktails (cocktail ring, sequined clutch, or a big medallion that would just be perfect with the turtleneck), these 3 ensembles are ones I'd personally wear to the office. 5pm cocktails call for a certain elegance, to be sure, but that elegance can be oh, so useful in the professional world.

Update: When I tweeted my post this morning, Nordstrom very nicely responded. I'm always a little awestruck when a large retailer takes the social media time to respond to something (but hey, that's what I hoped for when I included them in my tweet, right? Careful what you ask for.), but I took a chance and asked them about the Mystery Booties in the Elegant Fur + Ladylike Trouser ensemble. Sure enough, not only do they exist in This Season (always a challenge when you're repinning things all over Pinterest-Kingdom-Come), but they still have them, allbeit in a slightly different color. They're the Newbury Bootie from rag & bone.

I may not actually run to buy them (though I'm sorely tempted), as they're a steep (even for this shoe-a-holic shoe-anista) $495, never mind the reviews say they're a bit uncomfortable. That being said, the customer service lesson is one other retailers should heed: it took them maybe 30 seconds to look it up and track it down...and may have a sale because of it.

5 Things Every Girl Should Have in Her Closet

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

This list is not like the rest you'll read about "closet staples." I can't remember the exact origin, but I do remember adding "post re 5 things: silly underwear, fitted concert T..." to my blogging to-do list. I was headed up in the office elevator (I use Out of Milk to track all of this stuff. Or pretend to).

I'm fairly sure I was wearing superhero underwear that morning. On purpose.

So my list of 5 Things Every Girl Should Have in Her Closet goes something like this:

A fitted concert T: Most bands (but not all, oddly) sell them now, and yes, you should spend the dough and get one. At least one. You can wear it with just. about. everything. It's a perfect way to spice up your weekend wardrobe. I wear mine all the time. And, oh, if you can't find a fitted one, maybe you can make one. That's what I tell myself about the PiL T sitting in my closet awaiting my scissors, needle, and thread.

Clockwise, from top left: my Ts, vintage-looking because they're throwback covers, but get repeated play in my weekend wardrobe; Target's a great place to find concert Ts, like this Def Leppard one, and a David Bowie 1974 one I also wanted to put in the post, but it would've been over-the-top, so I'm not including it; Wonder Woman, in comfortable cotton, will still give you kickass power no one else can see; my beloved, and I do mean beloved, Stuart Weitzman Platswoons (I have a similar one in python, and very well might get All the Colors); the Nordstrom waffle weave robe that hangs in my closet; a stack of my own two vintage signet rings, one was my dad's (bottom), and one my parents gave me for high school graduation, having been sitting in a friend's grandparent's jewelry store display case for literally decades with my initials on it (the best of coincidences); a bigger-than-I'd-ever-buy-for-myself necklace H's godmother gave me when we visited her the year we got married, and I now wear in it's Greecian goddess glory).

Silly underwear: I recommend that of the superhero variety. Lots of bloggers will tell you that pretty underpinnings are important. I agree. I also know for a fact that there's nothing better than knowing you have the power of the Webslinger, the Bat, or the Amazons with you while you face some sort of major office demon. Also, as a mama, the Beans get a real kick out of "matching" mama. (We have no derth of superhero stuff in our abode.)

Black patent pumps: again, there are lots of recommendations for a "pair of good black pumps." I'm going to change that. Patent makes everything better. It's sleeker, fancier, saucier, and badass-er. For H's 20th reunion, I tried on a whole shoe department's worth of options (bless the Bloomingdales' shoe man), and settled on the pricey, but perfect, in my opinion (and lots of it has to do with fit, so this one may or may not work for you) Stuart Weitzman Platswoon. From jeans to skirts to dresses...they do it all. Literally.

A robe: A good robe, I should say. Not the one you had in college (I still have the one My Mommy bought me to go to Austria so I'd be both warm and decent living in other people's homes as an exchange student), but one that's all-weather, doesn't drag on the floor, and in which you'd feel comfortable answering the door. Because sometimes you have to. My recommendation? The now-not-as-rare Italian-style waffle weave, which is warm and cool and wicking.

Vintage: This one, again, shows up on list after list. There are lots of us, though, who have neither the time nor patience for in-person or e-bay vintage shopping. Some of us don't have the bodies, either (my shoulders will never, ever fit into a vintage shirtdress, try as I might). Instead, dig out the ring or necklace someone passed to you and you stuffed in a drawer, thinking it wasn't your style. Pull out the ascot you kept because it means something, but never thought you'd wear. Wear something vintage, but wear it with meaning.

Healthy Style: Girls Don't Have Muscles

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:33:00 +0000

I was showing Bean No.2 old pictures on the computer yesterday. I showed him one of me, making a muscle. An old Instagram pic before I went fully un-anonymous, my face was obscured by my pink cell phone.

"Who's that?"

"I don't know."

"It's me."

He leaned in to the computer, unsure. It wasn't just the no-face shot that was giving him pause, I know. It was the muscles.

Then, I was getting The Beans ready for bed. I was still in my yoga pants and workout tank from my 6am yoga class.

So sue me.

I made a muscle in front of the mirror, as I (admittedly) am wont to do these days. I'm still fascinated by my new body. And I own that I walk around, checking myself out in the mirror. I own it. Because I still can't believe it.

"Look!" I showed them. "These are Mama's muscles."

They looked at me, bemused and laughing. I happen to be one of those lucky people whose muscles look like, well, muscles.

"You don't even look like a girl, Mama," The Bean declared.

It caught me by surprise, then I recovered, "Girls are very musclely."

We went on, brushing teeth and reading books.

Once they were asleep, it bubbled back up for me. It was beyond the typical, "girls are strong, too" thought and rhetoric. I wondered: "Do my kids know any musclely women?" Most of the female images they see, I wondered, do they show muscles?

A quick Google search today over my veggie burger at my desk, and, guess what? The images they see? Nope. Their visions of even the superheroines are certainly sleek and strong, even menacing, but there's nary a muscle in sight. If you venture into the, well, inappropriate versions of most of the female superheroes, there's more of, um, everything.

Michelle Pfeiffer, though not a heroine, as Catwoman, via; Batgirl, via; Storm, via; Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman, via. I mean really. She's an Amazon forchrissake. Where the heck are her muscles?

More thought, and even the Olympic skier with whom The Bean is absolutely infatuated, Krista Schmidinger, whom we met in real life, and whom we stalked into the bar after she coached Ski Liberty's racing team so we could give her a "letter" The Bean wrote her (completely of her own accord), while unequivicably an immensely strong woman, doesn't look muscled.

It's curious. It's worth thinking about.

But then again, I'm not worried. The Bean told me the other day that she doesn't like princesses anymore. "Why," I asked. We'd been obsessed with princesses for a while, as many 5 year old girls are. "Because they're always getting rescued," she responded.

I launched into gentle prodding about Disney's Rapunzel and The Princess and the Frog, and how they save the day in the end, not the princes. Even Snow White, I said, was strong in her own way. Backpedaling and such. These are the things Mamas do, sometimes.

"It's ok, Mama," she chirped. "I like Barbies now."

Reliable Style: The Go-To Piece in Your Closet

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:54:00 +0000

As I snapped my sometimes-daily-Instagram #wearing shot in the parking lot this morning, I noticed that, once again, my plaid scarf was in the picture. And my pink tweed cropped trousers. And my crocheted sweater.

Clearly, I have some go-to pieces. We all do. It's part of what makes our style our style. It's how we interpret either the classic or the trendy, and make it our own.

Or, as in my case, it's how I manage to dress myself daily, despite an odd, in-between-sizes-and-seasons wardrobe that I still haven't completely updated since I hit my goal weight in September 2012. We won't discuss the fact that the fashion blogger can't get to updating her own closet. We will, however, discuss the fact that, in this insanely busy time, when I'm really trying to focus on some critical #DayJob changes and spend some much-needed time with H and The Beans, having even 1 repeat-I-mean-Go-To item in my closet lets me stay presentable. It even lets me feel like I'm still dressing like me.

Clockwise, from top left: Gleeful snow catching at the end of 2012; colors and textures galore at the beginning of 2013; a casual Friday gym locker room shot (with the same sweater as today, mind you); today's Everything-in-this-Outfit-is-on-Repeat ensemble. Pieces from L.L. Bean, Target, Gap, J. Crew, lillybee, and random street markets. Drop me an email or a tweet if you're curious about any of them.

While I'm not entirely happy with my closet right now, I have a few pieces, like the $5 plaid cotton scarf I picked up at a street market Down Tha Shore, I turn to, even if I feel they're on repeat at the same pace as that really annoying pop song on the radio. Its weight works to keep me warm outside and not overheat me inside. Its colors make me happy, and oh, by the way, go with just about everything. Its length covers up a multitude of fashion sins, like the mildly ratty vneck t I'm wearing under my crocheted sweater today.

If you snapped a photo of yourself every day without consideration of what you've thrown on (i.e. you're not considering your outfit as if for one of those outfit posts spread across the interwebs), what would you see on repeat? Try it. You might surprise yourself.

Break in Style: Please Forgive the Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 01:35:00 +0000

Clockwise, from top left: Wonder, angel chimes, and advent calendars otherwise known as Important Pieces of the Season; the gift I was most excited to give (more of what photographer Amy Carmichael Smith captured of the Beans here); NYE in my flannel and ragg; packed up and ready to go for my first workout of the year January 2; all dolled up and ready to go (from the Willard Hotel lobby to a party at the Museum of American History); fully back to work, mixing prints, colors, and textures in the hopes of getting through long days.

You've heard this from me before, but life is a little crazy at the moment. As much as I love blogging, and as much as it's a break from the day-to-day grind for me to whip up an answer to a question or a few thoughts on a stylish topic, I need to take a bit of a break. At least from regular posts. I know better than to say there won't be anything for a bit - I say that, then I somehow find the time to post three in a row.

But since you've been reading, many of you, for a Very Long Time (bows gratefully in thanks), you know I'll be back. In the meantime, I'll still tweet, Instagram, and even a bit of facebook, since those are literally at my fingertips wherever I am, in whatever line I'm waiting.

Happy New Year, and may 2013 bring you style inspiration from unexpected places.

Holiday Style: By the Light of the Tree

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +0000

As we head into the Big Christmas Weekend, our little home will be scrambl- I mean, leisurely decking our final halls and baking our little hearts out.

Blessedly, we have nary a party or commitment this weekend. So I'm saving my sequins for Christmas Eve, I think, when we trim our tree, head to the early family service at church, then have a lovely dinner of crepes, which has become a family tradition.

We may or may not also be having a cocktail or two by the light of the Christmas tree as we wrap The Beans' presents.

May the joy and peace of the season find you and yours.

1940s tree strung with real silver tinsel; Artillery Punch, my new cocktail love, after friends served it at their rockin' Christmas party last weekend (this link takes you to Chow.com's recipe, but for my friend's practiced alterations, see below for recipe); amazing gilded cocktail glasses; I can't wait to pair a cozy, slouchy sweater with similarly-hued sequins (also, cheap!). Check out the rest of the boards these pieces are are on for more ways to decorate, drink, and dress over the holidays!

Artillery Punch

Adapted from the New York Times, which was adapted from David Wondrich

Time: 90 minutes

Makes about 25 drinks (hmmm...maybe I'll just make a batch sans bubbly this weekend, then add the bubbly as I need - ahem - want a drink)

14 lemons

1 pound superfine sugar

750-milliliter bottle Old Granddad 100 Proof Bourbon

750-milliliter bottle Courvoisier VSOP Cognac

750-milliliter bottle 10 Cane rum

3 bottles Champagne or other sparkling wine

Nutmeg

1. Squeeze and strain the lemons to make 16 ounces of juice. Peel the lemons and muddle the peels with the sugar. Let the peels and sugar sit for an hour, then muddle again. Add the lemon juice and stir until sugar has dissolved. Strain out the peels.

2. Fill a 2- to 3-gallon bucket or bowl with crushed ice or ice cubes. Add the lemon-sugar mixture and the bourbon, Cognac and rum. Stir and add the Champagne. Taste and adjust for sweetness. Grate nutmeg over the top and serve.

Yield: About 25 drinks

Style Inspiration: Love

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +0000

We got a phone call yesterday.

We lost a dear friend. Family, really.

It wasn't unexpected, but it still cuts deeply, and leaves an empty hole.

And so I leave you today with Teddy's love. His love that was so strong that the light was gone when she was.

May you have all you hold dear close to you and don't let go. Ever.

Photo via

Weekend Style: Holiday Version

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +0000

This weekend was full. Very full, and I have the bags under my eyes to prove it. But we had a wonderful time, and spent time all together. Which is the Most Important Thing. Ever.

Clockwise, from top left:

Bark has become my go-to hostess (and teacher) gift. For a host(ess), "upgrade" by buying a pretty box and putting the crumbly, ridiculsouly easy homemade treat inside. For teachers, buy a simple white candy gift box at a craft or container store, then have your Beans decorate it themselves.

Danny Kaye (aka Bean No.2) had his stage debut Friday at his preschool Christmas pageant. He refused to wear his tinsel halo, but otherwise was obviously the star of the show.

While waiting for Santa to return from his lunch break so we could get our now-annual Santa Visit Picture, H and I gave in to Build-a-Bear. So meet Ken and Sally, all cozy in their boxes. Not kidding. That's Ken, not Rudolph.

We averted disaster with a playground stop on the way home from The Mall, and H averted a mama disaster by making a Frosting Bakeshop run and bringing a Viennese coffee to me.

Saturday night we got All Dolled Up in sequins and patent, complete with Red Lips. Well, I did, anyway. I don't think H wore any sequins.

Our first hosts served what might be my new favorite, Artillery Punch, which packs one, plus it has a storied history. Not a punch to be taken lightly.

Sunday brought foggy-headed (from sleep deprivation, not hangover) parents and energetic Beans, so we rolled into weekend wear for an early brunch at Open City.

Ken at brunch. You can now follow Ken on Instagram with the #KenofInstagram hashtag.

After all of the brunch frivolity, I had to head into the office and finish up a major deliverable. Just one more down between me and Real Christmas Time. Almost there.

Give in Style: All I Want for Christmas Guest List at Capital Style

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:17:00 +0000

EmilyKate is one of those ladies I'm so glad blogging brought into my life - she's smart, stylish, savvy, and works her tuckus off for both her DayJob and her blog. So I happily answered her request to join a Whole Bunch of Other Cool Ladies in her All I Want for Christmas series. Jump on over here for some great gift ideas - of things other ladies actually want (and don't forget the other days in the series for more fab ideas).

Image via

Then, my friends, I got a little bit of my wish list - some time. I almost literally snuck out last night to co-host The Shoe Hive's Hive on the Hill Opening Night party with Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen. It was, quite frankly, a fabulous party.

One of my favorite parts? Our wish lists, which we picked out last week when we visited the ladies of the Hive in their Old Town shop. What I want? Pretty much anything by baublist Alexis Bittar, but especially...

My Wish List: What I've dubbed Alexis Bittar's "Coffin Cuff." What badass girl wouldn't want some glittering coffins on her wrist?

My Wish List: More Alexis Bittar (I've been in love since my first piece, bought in South Beach nigh 10 years ago)

Wardrobe Oxygen's Wish List: More Alexis Bittar. Alison and I "negotiated" who would get to put these unusual sparklers on our list. She "won."

My other favorite part? Laughing my red-clad rear end off with some old and new friends. Now that's a party worth attending.

Oh, and if you didn't make it to the party last night, and happen to be in the Barracks Row area through Sunday, make sure you stop by the remainder of the Hive on the Hill Pop-Up Shop and get a friend (or yourself something pretty and sparkly!

Shop in Style: Hive on the Hill

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The ladies of Old Town Alexandria's The Shoe Hive are so. much. fun. So is my co-host for their Hive on the Hill opening party Thursday night (um, hel-LO Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen!). And no, I can't wait til I get to wear my new shoes.

Join us - either for the party or for the pop-up (or both)!

What: Hive on the Hill's Opening Night Party

Where: Tabula Rasa (on Barracks Row) 731 Eighth St, SE, 3 blocks from the Eastern Market metro

When: Thursday, December 13, 2012, 7-9pm

RSVP: Over here!

And if you can't make the party...

What: Hive on the Hill's Pop-Up Shop

When: Thursday: 11 AM - 9 PM, Friday: 11 AM - 8 PM, Saturday: 10 AM - 8 PM, Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM

Why: Accessories, gifts, and a teensy bit of glitz!

Then...hint, hint, try to get the man (men?) in your life to join them for a night of cigars, among other things. I keep trying to convince H it's "just for the cigars." His response: "No, I'm not going. Because then I'd want to buy you a pair of shoes."

Told you he's the best.

Style Inspiration: Holiday Sparkle

noreply@blogger.com (DC Celine) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:00:00 +0000

I think I've mentioned that I'm in the holiday spirit. Big Time. That being said, December is the busiest month of the year in my DayJob. The most Christmassy I can get right now at home is The Elf. And making a big traditional Romanian Christmas dish today with my MIL.

Decorations and parties? Yeah. Sometime this week, they'll start to make they're way out of the basement and into our home.

In the meantime, I'm absolutely infatuated - really, in love with - sparkle. So in the interest of sharing the Christmas spirit and all of the glorious glitter of the season, here's a little bit of what's making me smile right now.

Clockwise, from top left: Retro chic glitz in a sleek Chloe shift; The Original Le Smoking; pretty, gingery bubbles; gleaming mid-century modern; LBD + Big Sparkly Earrings = done; T + sequins = perfectly copyable; pink glittery sweets; classically gleaming table; elegant DIY fingers; structure + shape + sparkly