District of Chic

chicks and ducks and geese better scurry...

2012-05-28T23:44:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, some friends and I made the always enjoyable drive to Upperville for the open house at Ayrshire Farm. As a long-time fan of the Hunter's Head Tavern, I was very curious to see the operation behind it. The best way I can describe the experience is like some kind of agricultural fairyland. Seriously, I don't think I've ever seen a working farm that is as beautiful as this one. And unusual, too. The owner is a huge anglophile, so many of the animals are rare or endangered British breeds. I could babble on, but I wouldn't do it justice, so read more about the farm here (and try to visit if you get the chance)!

Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses
ASOS shirtdress (same style with new floral print here)
Ann Taylor belt (old, but similar here)
Michael Kors watch
Hermes, thrifted, and Madewell bangles (similar styles here and here)
purse from a random boutique
Urban Outfitters sandals
nails in Essie 'e-nuf is e-nuf'
toes in Essie 'turquoise and caicos'

floral mashup

2012-05-25T17:47:00.000-04:00

B: I don't get it.
E: You don't need to, so don't worry your pretty little head.

I think floral on floral combinations frighten and confuse most males, but we have to keep them on their toes somehow, right? Anyway, this skirt came from Mousevox Vintage as a Part 3 of the aforementioned swap. Needless to say my mind was kind of blown by how well it paired with this Zara blazer. They were clearly meant to be.

Hope you all have a nice weekend!

Zara blazer (similar style at ASOS here)
vintage blouse (similar here)
thrifted and Madewell bangles
Michael Kors watch
skirt via Mousevox Vintage
Stuart Weitzman mary janes (in black and white here)
Lauren Merkin clutch (old, but similar here)

Loomstate 2 & 3

2012-05-22T22:36:00.000-04:00

Continuing to test the many ways this Loomstate tank top can be worn, here are two outfits from this past weekend. One for Saturday dinner at Burger Tap & Shake (yummy!), followed by cocktails at Bourbon. The other for catching up with old friends at Liberty Tavern. Considering the extreme softness and relative wrinkle-freeness, I think it's safe to assume this top would be an ideal piece for a weekend getaway.

(see Look 1 here)

Look 2:
Ray-Ban sunglasses (c/o ShadesDaddy)
David Yurman necklace with Irish coin pendant given to me by my mother
tank top (c/o) Loomstate 321
Zara blazer
Michael Kors watch
ASOS shorts
Jean Michel Cazabat pumps
Boyy bag (old, but newer style here)
Essie nails in 'e-nuf is e-nuf'

Look 3:
Ann Taylor necklace (sold out, but similar here)
tank top c/o Loomstate 321
Zara blazer
Madewell, thrifted, and Lou Lou bangles (similar here)
Michael Kors watch
Maria Bonita Extra belt
Mango jeans
Proenza Schouler pumps
ASOS clutch (sold out, similar here)

snapshots

2012-05-20T22:45:00.000-04:00

Recent activities in review:

(l to r) Words to live by, new loveseat pillows, simple hydrangea arrangement, Tiffany's nail colors (Essie 'turquoise and caicos' and 'e-nuf is e-nuf'), floral fun, view from the Whitehurst Freeway, cool vintage tractor, beautiful barn at Ayrshire Farm, adorable pile of Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs

More details to come. In the meantime, follow me on Instagram @districtofchic!

retro fabulous

2012-05-19T10:20:00.000-04:00

I completely fell in love with this editorial featuring Juju Ivanyuk by Luciana Val and Franco Musso for Vogue Turkey. The bathing suits, the hats, the photography - Ah! This is the woman I aspire to be this summer!

(via Fashion Gone Rogue)

Loomstate 321 tank

2012-05-18T14:02:00.000-04:00

Thoroughly enjoying the versatility of this Loomstate tank. Reversible and flippable, it can be worn three ways. Considering the neutral colors it's comprised of, the possibilities are truly endless. Expect to see it more in future posts!

hat c/o Banana Republic (old, but updated version here)
Ray-Ban sunglasses c/o ShadesDaddy
tank top (c/o) Loomstate 321
Zara blazer
thrifted, Hermès, and Poshlocket (c/o) bangles (similar styles here and here)
Michael Kors watch
H&M pants
Jean Michel Cazabat pumps
bag from a random boutique
Essie nails in 'turquoise and caicos'

a long overdue trip to Hillwood Estate

2012-05-16T23:27:00.000-04:00

My husband and I lived near Hillwood Estate for a couple years, but I'm embarrassed to say we never got around to checking it out until now. This past weekend, my family decided to take a Mother's Day outing to see The Style that Ruled the Empires: Russia, Napoleon and 1812 and, let me tell you, it was well worth the trip. The former residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood is now a museum, full of decorative arts treasures - we're talking a china collection like you've never seen. Current exhibition (which was fabulous) aside , it's totally worth going just to oggle the Fabergé eggs, Russian lacquer boxes, and mind-blowing jewelry. Oh, and the gardens are like something out of Alice in Wonderland - take a picnic!

PS I'm definitely going back to see Prêt-À-Papier in June!

buttercup

2012-05-14T22:57:00.000-04:00

Terribly spoiled by the unreal weather we had this weekend, today's pouring rain was kind of a shock to the system. Thankfully I've got plenty of internets and television to catch up on. How was your weekend? Get into anything fun?

blouse c/o Romwe
vintage belt
thrifted, Madewell, and Poshlocket (c/o) bangles (similar here and here)
Michael Kors watch
skirt c/o Romwe
Stuart Weitzman mary janes (in black and tortoiseshell here)
ASOS clutch (sold out, but similar here)

weekend update

2012-05-13T22:42:00.000-04:00

This weekend's activities and highlights of posts to come:

(l to r) Bella Ten Acre Pinot - a souvenir from our trip to California, Cesare Paciotti sandals (last seen here), inaugural trip to Birch & Barley, dreamlike bread platter at B&B, nostalgic cookies and confections at B&B, crawfish boil carnage, red velvet moon pies made by What Happens after Singleton, the Japanese garden at Hillwood Estate, roses from my garden

Follow me on Instagram @districtofchic.

and the Jigsaw Giveaway winner is...

2012-05-13T22:06:00.001-04:00

It's time to announce the winner of the $150 Jigsaw giftcard giveaway! And the winner is...

...martha_susan!

Thanks again to Jigsaw for offering this generous giveaway!

Jigsaw London Sweater + Giveaway!

2012-05-09T23:08:00.001-04:00

Jigsaw sent me the perfect staple for transitional weather! Flattering shape. Easily layerable. Surprisingly breathable. Check. Check. Check.

Another highlight: Jigsaw is offering a giveaway to all of my US, Canada, and Mexico readers - a $150 gift card! All you have to do is be a District of Chic follower on Bloglovin', Facebook, or Google Friend Connect and leave a comment with a valid email address for me to contact you. I will randomly select the winner Sunday, May 13. Good luck!

Ray-Ban sunglasses c/o ShadesDaddy
sweater c/o Jigsaw London
Michael Kors watch
Hermès, thrifted, Madewell, and Poshlocket (c/o) bangles (similar here and here)
Zara jeans
purse c/o Romwe
Zara shoes

pineapple express

2012-05-07T22:42:00.000-04:00

Give me a small window of warm weather and I go nuts. Seriously, where's the beach?

hat c/o Banana Republic
Anthropologie tank
7 for All Mankind jean jacket
Madewell, thrifted, and Poshlocket (c/o) bangles
Michael Kors watch
J. Crew belt (old, but similar here)
Topshop shorts (sold out, but two cool alternatives here and here)
KG Kurt Geiger sandals
bag from a random boutique

PS I have a fantastic giveaway coming soon! Stay tuned!

casual business

2012-05-05T13:00:00.000-04:00

Happy weekend! Did you all pick your horses for the Derby yet?

Ray-Ban sunglasses c/o ShadesDaddy
jacket c/o Banana Republic (old, but similar here and here)
t-shirt c/o StyleMint
thrifted necklace
vintage brooch
Madewell, thrifted, and Poshlocket (c/o) bracelets (similar here)
J Brand jeans
Topshop shoes
ASOS clutch (sold out, but similar here)
nails in Essie 'lilacism' and 'merino cool'

country club

2012-05-02T22:00:00.001-04:00

After finding these shorts on another successful shopping trip with Megan on Sunday, I literally couldn't wait to wear them. And I didn't. Within minutes of arriving home, they joined me on the porch, pairing rather nicely with these new Stuart Weitzman mary janes and a glass of wine. Unfortunately, the shopping success was somewhat bittersweet, as Megan is moving back to Australia. I'm going to miss my shopping buddy so much!

Lacoste polo
Zara blazer
thrifted, Madewell, and Poshlocket (c/o) bangles (similar here and here)
Michael Kors watch
Cooperative shorts (similar here)
Ann Taylor belt (old, but two great options here and here)
Stuart Weitzman mary janes (in black here)
bag from a random boutique

in the gray ghost that I call home

2012-04-30T16:08:00.001-04:00

An outfit for a rather errand-full (and gloomy) day. April is such a fickle month and I'm kind of over its mood swings.

Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses
Topshop jacket (old, but similar here and here)
thrifted sweater
Madewell, Hermes, Poshlocket (c/o), and thrifted bangles (similar styles here and here)
Michael Kors watch
Mango jeans
Jean Michel Cazabat pumps (sold out, but similar here)
Saddleback Leather bag
Essie nail polish in 'escapades'

shimmy shimmy cocoa pop

2012-04-26T22:28:00.000-04:00

Chucks are made for lollygagging. God's honest truth.

Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses (sold out, but similar here)
Mickey and the Motorcars t-shirt
Missoni cardigan (similar here)
1228 amethyst necklace (similar here)
Madewell, thrifted, and Postlocket (c/o) bangles (more fun neon bracelets here and here)
Michael Kors watch
Mango jeans
Converse Chuck Taylors
KMRii bag

pinky and the brain

2012-04-24T23:22:00.001-04:00

A dinner outfit, though I see work potential as well. I think the color of this sweater is actually called "Geranium," which is appropriate given the time of year. Gotta find some way to cheer up spring layers, right?

Ray-Ban sunglasses c/o ShadesDaddy
Karen Millen dress (sold out, but similar here)
Neiman Marcus sweater
Ferragamo belt
Hermès bangles (similar here and here)
Lamarthe tote
Jean Michel Cazabat pumps (similar here)

green room

2012-04-22T23:06:00.002-04:00

Current conditions excluded, we've been taking full advantage of the unseasonably warm weather to get started early on our garden. So naturally I've been trolling pinterest and tumblr for as much garden inspiration as I can find. I'm more of a rustic girl when it comes to garden design - too much structure stifles me. That, and I'm too ~~lazy~~ busy to micromanage, so I've been attempting to find plants that will kind of romantically take over... or at least that's what I hope they'll do....

(garden inspo via Christopher Baker - virtual Mecca of garden/home inspiration, Gypsy Purple, the little book of secrets, Studio G, MAClarke21, mhobl, heartbeatoz, The Essence of the Good Life, decorology, Madelief)

we have a winner...

2012-04-21T15:49:00.000-04:00

The winner of the Romwe giveaway is...

...Mary K!!

Congrats! And thanks again to Romwe for this awesome giveaway!

doublemint

2012-04-19T23:48:00.006-04:00

Pardon the corny title, but I couldn't resist. How ready are you for the weekend? My Romwe giveaway ends tomorrow - don't forget!

H&M sunglasses (old, but these are very cool)
Zara blazer
t-shirt c/o Stylemint
1228 necklace
thrifted and Poshlocket (c/o) bangles
Michael Kors watch
Zara jeans (similar here)
Proenza Schouler shoes
Christoper Kane for Topshop bag
nails in Essie 'lilacism' and 'merino cool'

birth, school, work, death

2012-04-18T22:00:00.001-04:00

Those of you who've read my blog for a while know that my work outfit posts are few and far between. However, this one seemed noteworthy, so I thought I'd share. I guess you could call this my "power skirt"... or something...

Zara blazer
Ann Taylor blouse (c/o)
Michael Kors watch
thrifted, Hermès, and Poshlocket (c/o) bangles
Ferragamo belt
vintage skirt (similar styles here and here)
Jean Michel Cazabat pumps
vintage Ralph Lauren clutch (similar here)

bloom

2012-04-16T23:05:00.003-04:00

The last time I wore this, I believe a couple of you mentioned that this would make for the perfect Easter dress. I very much agreed and so this is what I wore for Easter brunch. Afterward, B and I thought we would walk around and check out our old neighborhood. This used to be our favorite place for taking photographs when we lived in Cleveland Park - can you guess where it is?

Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses
Rare dress
Catherine Malandrino sweater
necklace from a boutique in Hoboken (similar here)
thrifted and Poshlocket (c/o) bangles
Michael Kors watch
Proenza Schouler pumps
ASOS clutch (sold out, but similar here)

billion dollar moments

2012-04-14T20:43:00.000-04:00

The past couple weekends' activities as documented through Instragram. Thank God they finally let us Android kids join the party or I would have felt a little left out. More stuff @districtofchic.

violet, you're turning violet

2012-04-13T17:59:00.001-04:00

Sunday's porch-sitting outfit. Already dreaming of doing much of the same this weekend...

I've also been trying my hand at domestic goddesstry. This remedial attempt at flower arranging uses what was available in my yard - lilac, fennel, and hellebore.

sweater c/o Romwe*
Ksubi shorts
Converse Chuck Taylors

**Speaking of Romwe, have you entered my giveaway yet?

Another Romwe Giveaway!

2012-04-11T19:37:00.001-04:00

It's giveaway time again! Romwe has been so generous to provide another $80 gift certificate and one of their beautiful detachable collars to one lucky reader! All you have to do to enter is:

Follow District of Chic on Bloglovin', Facebook, or Google Friend Connect.
Register on Romwe.com and leave a comment below with the email address you registered with.

This contest ends on April 20th. Make sure and leave a valid email address so I can contact you. Good luck!

PS Romwe is also offering the following coupon codes from now until April 20th:
     Coupon code: RomweEaster1 - save $15 on purchases over $60
     Coupon code: RomweEaster2 - save $25 on purchases over $90
     Coupon code: RomweEaster3 - save $35 on purchases over $120

PPS Check out all of my past Romwe looks here.