District of Chic

I've told every little star

2013-05-16T22:53:00.000-04:00

Ok, so let's talk about denim again. Or maybe just wear this time...

This outfit was for B and my Saturday night anniversary dinner at Boqueria. Having spent the day bumbling around Virginia wineries, we weren't up for a super formal meal and it was kind of nice to just graze.

A.V. Max necklace c/o Max & Chloe
Stylemint t-shirt
Zara blazer (old, close match here)
BCBG watch
7FAM jeans
Theyskens Theory pumps (old, currently lusting after these and these)
Sophie Hulme bag

handsome hound

2013-05-14T21:33:00.000-04:00

Those of you who follow me on Instagram might have noticed a new four-legged addition to our little family. Since we were all matchy-matchy the other day (yes we are one step away from matching Christmas sweaters), I thought it would be the perfect time to introduce you. Meet Barnabas the greyhound! He has a few blemishes here and there (a portion of his left ear is missing from some mystery accident and he has a Frankenweeniesque scar on his right hind leg from a career-ending racing injury), but B and I think he's pretty adorable nonetheless.

If any of you are considering adopting a dog, I definitely encourage you to take a look at greyhounds! They're very sweet and mild-mannered and, despite what you might think, big lazy couch potatoes that want nothing more than to lie around and look pretty all day! If you're in the DC area, check out Greyhound Welfare - they were extremely helpful throughout the entire adoption process and matched us with the prefect dog!

Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses (old, love these new ones)
Stylemint t-shirt
Anthropologie cardigan
BCBG watch (close match here)
Hermès, Amrita Singh, and Madewell bangles
nOir rings (similar set here)
belt from Violet Boutique
Mango jeans (old, similar here and here)
Pour La Victoire flats

denim on the brain

2013-05-11T10:13:00.000-04:00

In looking through my recent pinterest/tumblr photos, I noticed a common theme. Pretty much the easiest formula to master: casual denim + polished shoes (flats and heels work equally well). Rinse. Repeat.

images via amlul, Style by Kling, Style Heroine, Song of Style, Victoria Törnegren, Sea of Shoes, Tommy Ton, Sincerely Jules, they all hate us, Daily Cup of Couture

KDP5

2013-05-08T23:02:00.000-04:00

So my Derby Day outfit wasn't exactly '60s-inspired, but somewhat old-fashioned nonetheless. Growing up, I used to hate tucked-in button-downs, but lately, that seems to have changed. But enough about me, let's talk about all of the fun outfits at KDP5! Everyone went all out, which was cause for much deliberation amongst the judges. Oh and I can safely say I walked away with a serious case of hat envy! Check out the event photos on Guest of a Guest and thank you so much to the Perry Center for inviting me to be a part of a great event for a great cause!

I'm wearing:
LydellNYC necklace (similar here)
Ann Taylor button-down
BCBG watch
vintage, nOir and Madewell rings (similar here)
C. Wonder belt and letter buckle c/o Washingtonian
Romwe skirt (old, beautiful ones here and here)
Stuart Weitzman maryjanes (new babies here and here)
vintage purse
nails in Essie 'bikini so teeny' and 'turquoise and caicos'

stripes 'n' brights

2013-05-06T23:10:00.000-04:00

Just a comfy, running-around-and-catching-up-on-errands outfit from Saturday. B and I also managed to squeeze in a quick brunch at Café La Ruche for nostalgic purposes. Used to be a favorite brunch spot of ours when we first started dating and I was happy to discover it's still just as adorable as I remember it :-).

Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses (old, but love these)
Zara blazer
thrifted dress (adorable one here)
Hermes, Madewell, and Amrita Singh bangles (similar here)
BCBG watch
Pour la Victoire flats
Romwe bag (this one is really cute, too)

Derby Day Dressing

2013-05-02T21:32:00.000-04:00

With the Derby fast approaching, I've got my eye on '60s style. When you think about it, it's a perfect fit - hats and bright colors were in, as were sturdy kitten heels (ideal for turf navigation in the infield).

Speaking of style, come show me what you got at the Perry Center's 5th Annual Derby Party! I'll be judging the best-dressed contest alongside Kate Warren, Eliot Payne, and Daniel Williams!

Hope to see you there!

(images via The Swinging Sixties, Hoodoo That Voodoo, Bazaar, Melbourne Cup, Fuck Yeah '60s Fashion)

dissolved girl

2013-05-01T23:03:00.001-04:00

I've always been a fan of band t-shirts, but when I saw this baby pop up on Topshop, no clear thoughts crossed through my head, just compulsive click right into the shopping cart. One of my favorite bands. Hands down, my favorite concert of all time. 2003 in Paris...by myself. And it was incredible. Believe it or not, I even still have a few pictures of it lying around on my hard drive...

Oh and one of my favorite videos of all time...

Elizabeth Cole earrings
Topshop Massive Attack top (sold out, but same cut here)
vintage belt
Lee Angel cuff (similar here)
ASOS rings (close match here)
Ray-Ban wayfarers
Mango jeans
Givenchy boots (similar version here)
Topshop clutch

brand new bag

2013-04-29T20:13:00.001-04:00

Freshening up the bag selection. The shape/size/color of this baby is perfect.

A.V. Max necklace c/o Max & Chloe
Holly Sharp dress
Zara blazer (old, similar here)
Hermes, Madewell, and Amrita Singh bangles
BCBG watch
ASOS rings (close match here)
Betseyville shoes (old, this pair is super cool)
Loeffler Randall bag

softee

2013-04-25T21:33:00.000-04:00

Been feelin' the grunge vibe in the best sort of way. All I want to do is wear oversized, worn to silk-like textured t-shirts untucked with their denim counterparts. Extra pointy heels somehow balances it all out.

Ray-Ban wayfarers
ASOS t-shirt (similar here)
ASOS necklace
BCBG watch
Taryn Reed Bracelet c/o
ASOS rings
7FAM jeans
Theyskens Theory pumps
Sophie Hulme bag

Washingtonian's Spring Forward Feature

2013-04-23T21:53:00.000-04:00

I meant to share this sooner, but before I knew it, April was almost over! Not too long ago, I was invited to model alongside 13 of DC's most stylish bloggers for Washingtonian's spring fashion feature. Aside from the incredible experience to be featured on the pages of a publication I've grown up reading and getting to play "real life model" in beautiful clothes and accessories for a day, I really enjoyed meeting Kate Greene, Belle, Cheralee, and Caitlin for the first time. It's always nice to meet bloggers that are just as lovely in person as they are online. Check out the issue on stands now!

I'm wearing:
Pinstripe gown by Katie Ermilio, similar styles at barneys.com. Resin drop earrings from Charm. And my own ASOS rings; Hermès, Madewell, and Amrita Singh bangles; and Zara shoes.

PS Some behind the scenes shots here!

little blooms

2013-04-22T22:36:00.000-04:00

Rolling off an action-packed weekend/week from which I feel like I'm still not fully caught up yet. How's your Monday going?

Maya Brenner initial necklace (c/o)
JW Los Angeles blazer (old, love this new one)
StyleMint t-shirt
Madewell and nOir rings (similar here)
Hermes, Kenneth Jay Lane, Madewell, and Amrita Singh bangles
BCBG watch
vintage belt
Mango jeans (old, similar here)
Zara boots (another pretty pair here)
KMRii bag

fauxhawk

2013-04-17T11:56:00.000-04:00

Took the new mohawk earrings out for a spin on Saturday for cocktails at Donovan House followed by a fun dinner with friends at Oyamel. These babies are like awesome headdresses for your ears. And can we talk about the fact that it's finally warm enough for crop tops?!!

Ray-Ban wayfarers
Elizabeth Cole earrings (in black here)
vintage necklace
Topshop top
BCBG watch
nOir and Madewell rings (similar here)
H&M skirt
Zara pumps (current, great pair here, too)
Sophie Hulme bag

as of late

2013-04-14T23:23:00.000-04:00

spring blooms // view from Donovan House before dinner at Oyamel

vintage necklace, Elizabeth Cole earrings, nOir rings // Zara dress, Madewell bangles, Lou Lou bangles, Amrita Singh bangles, Madewell rings

wine-braised pork with pasta (yum!) // hungry beast

pretty purple at Union Market // brunch at Lyon Hall

afternoon snack at Pearl Dive // Hermès, Amrita Singh, and Madewell bangles with ASOS rings

red shoe collecting (Zara, Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Pour la Victoire) // divine pies at Pupatella

More on the @districtofchic instagram...

tbt: 80s edition

2013-04-11T21:31:00.000-04:00

In honor of their upcoming series, The '80s: The Decade That Made Us, Nat Geo threw out a fun idea for an 80s-inspired Throwback Thursday. Personally, I draw inspiration from both sides of the relatively polarized 80s style spectrum - punks, preppies, rude girls and boys, mods and modettes - I love it all! To a a certain degree, my ideal style is a combination of these juxtaposed elements: the overly-starched collars, power shoulders, garish brights, rips and studs. There's a reason I'm still poaching these pieces from my mother's closet and collecting them from thrift stores.

The ‘80s: The Decade That Made Us, a three-night event, premieres Sunday, April 14th at 8 PM ET/PT on the National Geographic Channel.

(images via The Telegraph, everyday_i_show, Morrison Hotel Gallery, IMDB)

fringe

2013-04-10T23:25:00.000-04:00

You'll have to forgive that I'm not super chatty tonight, but this week has my brain wiped completely clean. Promise I have some stuff I'm excited to share with you all soon! Hope you're making it through the week unscathed!

Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses
J. Crew button-down
Adia Kibur necklace
BCBG watch
C. Wonder belt and letter buckle c/o Washingtonian
J Brand jeans
Zara shoes (love these and these, too)
Bally bag (currently got my eye on this little lady)

Pasta with Braised Pork, Red Wine and Pancetta

2013-04-08T23:01:00.000-04:00

In slowly cooking my way through pinterest, I found this great pasta recipe that will now be entering my regular rotation. (Goes great with Utica Greens!)

For this recipe you will need:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound pancetta, sliced 1/2 inch thick and cut into 1/2-inch dice
3 pounds trimmed boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch chunks
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
3 sage leaves
2 thyme sprigs
1 rosemary sprig
1 small onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 small carrot, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 celery rib, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 leek, white and light green part only, cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups dry red wine
2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
One 14-ounce can tomato puree
1 pound dried strozzapreti or tubetti pasta (obv. I used rotini and that worked well, too)
Freshly grated pecorino cheese, for serving

In an enameled cast-iron casserole, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the pancetta and cook over moderate heat until the fat has rendered, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a medium bowl.

Season the pork with salt and pepper and add half of it to the casserole. Cook over moderately high heat until richly browned all over, about 5 minutes. Using the slotted spoon, transfer the pork to the bowl with the pancetta. Repeat with remaining pork.

Wrap the sage, thyme and rosemary in cheesecloth and tie with kitchen twine. (Editor's note: I didn't bother with the twine and cheesecloth and just finely chopped the herbs.) Add this bundle to the casserole along with the onion, carrot, celery, leek and garlic and cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in the wine, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the casserole and bring to a boil. Return the pancetta and pork shoulder to the casserole and simmer over moderately low heat until liquid is almost fully evaporated, about 10 minutes. Add the stock and tomato puree and return to a boil. Cover and simmer the sauce over moderately low heat for 1 hour, until the meat is very tender.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente; drain. Skim the fat from the surface of the sauce and discard the herb bundle. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Add the pasta and toss until well-coated. Transfer to shallow bowls and serve right away, passing grated pecorino at the table.

original recipe here

well-played

2013-04-06T09:16:00.000-04:00

Slam dunk, Zara. This epic sweatshirt might be your finest work to date.

Ray-Ban wayfarers
Maya Brenner initial necklace (c/o)
Zara sweatshirt (current)
BCBG watch
Current/Elliott jeans
Zara pumps (love these, too)
ASOS clutch (old, similar here and here)

blue hoo

2013-04-03T23:02:00.001-04:00

Well it doesn't seem to be warming up very quickly, does it? I was kind of hoping to be wearing something more spring-like this past Saturday for a friend's bridal shower, but nature did not cater to my wishes. The party was held at Desert Rose Winery in ridiculously pretty Hume, VA. If you're ever looking for an excuse for an afternoon road trip (and good wine), check it out!

Ray-Ban wayfarers
Lydell NYC necklace (another cool one here)
Romwe jacket
Karen Zambos dress (old, but similar here and here)
Hermes, Madewell, and Amrita Singh bangles
Madewell and vintage rings (another pretty set here)
Theyskens Theory pumps
Sophie Hulme bag

color craze

2013-04-01T22:27:00.000-04:00

This is what I wore for Easter brunch in Georgetown with the fam. I thought I would celebrate with an insanely bright color palette. B calls this my Miami Vice outfit :-).

Zara blazer
Zara dress (old, similar here)
Madewell, Amrita Singh, and LouLou's bangles (another cool set here)
BCBG watch
Madewell and vintage rings (pretty set here)
Zara pumps (current, other options here and here)
ASOS clutch (old, similar here)

throwback thursday

2013-03-28T18:37:00.000-04:00

Just some old images of some badass babes to celebrate the week almost being over. Here's to hopefully having some warm weather soon!

(images via Lady Moriarty, Vintagegal, the impossible cool, Heavenly Creatures, Bohemea, Suicide Blonde)

More on my pinterest and tumblr...

Orta revisited

2013-03-27T21:47:00.000-04:00

Just discovered a cache of unedited photos from our Italy trip that were too good not share. These were from an overcast, but idyllic afternoon stroll around Orta San Giulio. The whole peninsula is surrounded by this beautifully manicured walkway that's open to the public, but we hardly ran into a soul! I'm still in awe of the fact that places like this actually exist.

thrifted sweater
Topshop cape (old, similar here and here)
Zara jeans (close match here)
Belle by Sigerson Morrison flats (old, new ones here)
Romwe bag

in sync

2013-03-26T11:31:00.000-04:00

Something on the preppier side for dinner at Liberty Tavern with family. For some reason I just keep coming back to this lady tie and cardigan combination. One of those rare instances when two bold prints equalize, I suppose.

Ginger Root lady tie
Ann Taylor button-down
Tory Burch cardigan (beautiful ones here and here)
vintage Brooks Brothers coat (similar here)
Hermès, Amrita Singh, and Madewell bangles
BCBG watch
Oscar de la Renta ring (old, similar here)
J Brand jeans
Zara shoes (love these and these, too)
Bally bag

east west

2013-03-23T12:14:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not, it was actually warm enough to safely bare skin last weekend. Good thing it was short-lived or I might have gotten used to it.

turquoise earrings from New Mexico (beautiful pair here)
1940s Navajo squash blossom necklace (cool one here)
men's J. Press button down
vintage coat
BCBG watch
turquoise ring from New Mexico (similar here and here)
Urban Outfitters skirt (similar here)
Balenciaga boots (loving this pair too)
Saddleback Leather bag

lipstick

2013-03-19T22:41:00.000-04:00

A good friend of mine recently gave me this surprisingly delicate leather bracelet. I never thought I'd use those words together to describe a bracelet, but I can't say it's a bad thing.

Additionally, for someone who never had red shoes before last year, I'm starting to accumulate quite the collection. (Also, not a bad thing.)

Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses
vintage Brooks Brothers coat
J. Press men's button-down (close match here)
Gorjana bracelet
BCBG watch (very similar here)
Madewell and antique rings (similar set here)
H&M jeans
Pour la Victoire flats
Romwe bag (another cute one here)
lips in Make Up For Ever 'Moulin Rouge'

the empty sidewalks on my block are not the same

2013-03-17T22:16:00.000-04:00

Shamelessly inspired by ~~Yves~~ Saint Laurent. There's really no point in denying it.

How was your weekend? I learned 6 yr olds party harder than most rock stars. Don't underestimate them.

H&M hat (beautiful one here)
vintage blouse (pretty options here and here)
Zara blazer (similar here)
BCBG watch
Hermes, Madewell, and Amrita Singh bangles (similar here)
vintage belt
Zara jeans (similar here)
Prada pumps
Sophie Hulme bag