What I Wore: tip to toe

Room & Board

2013-05-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

I recently spent an evening furniture shopping at Room & Board, because that's what grown ups do with their free time. While I didn't end up purchasing anything I was thoroughly impressed by the folks from Sunbrella who demonstrated how durable their fabrics are by dumping red wine on a white fabric swatch then rubbing it in! The damage was removed easily by soaking up the liquid with a plain paper towel then wetting a regular kitchen sponge with bleach and wiping the stain away. Sadly I was too slack jawed to remember to video the demo, but I've posted a similar one so make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom.

And PS if you've never been to the rooftop deck on the fourth floor of the Room & Board store in DC you're missing a great view. Plus they have a free secret parking lot on Fridays and Saturdays.

ROOM & BOARD

1840 14th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
202.729.8300

This post is NOT sponsored by Room & Board or Sunbrella, however they did serve me free drinks ; )

The 'Burgh

2013-05-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

cashmere sweater- Nordstrom | jeans- LOFT | bag- RefinedYetRugged | flats- Born

I recently traveled to ~~Pittsburgh, PA~~ The 'Burgh on business and all I brought back were these random photos...PS I got a tour of downtown Pittsburgh from local blogger and twitter friend Kikelomo. Follow her blog Style from {9 to 5} http://stylefrom9to5.tumblr.com/ and if you're a personal style blogger and would like to give me a tour of your city tweet me @breaellis or email me theEsocialite(at)gmail(dot)com

I present to you...my travel wardrobe!

The Duquesne Inline

Can you imagine...this is how some Pittsburghers commute to work!

All black everything...

Mother's Day Soiree {Capital Hill}

2013-05-08T06:00:00.001-04:00

Pop-Up Boutique

tabula rasa

731 8th Street SE | Barrack's Row

Washington, DC, 20003

Phone: (202) 681-7899

www.thetabularasa.com

follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook

tabula rasa is launching it's first in a series of curated events just in time for Mother's Day and you are invited! The weekend kicks off on Friday, May 10 with a pop-up boutique featuring U Street Women's Clothing retailer Lettie Gooch! Owner Theresa will be providing retail therapy Friday - Sunday. Our featured event, "Hello Gorgeous", will be a private shopping and beauty "girls night out" from 5-9pm on Saturday, May 11. Grab your mom, sisters, and friends for a fabulous evening of fun, fashion and glamour! Space is limited and registration is required. You can view the event flyer here .

Indulge in:

Mini-make up sessions to get you camera ready
Mini-photo sessions to update your social sharing profile
Henna, nails and more!

Or just join us for:

Free-flowing prosecco and treats from Hello Cupcake and Sugar & Ice
Lettie Gooch pop-up shop for those spring essentials
Consultations with a professional stylist and wellness expert
Great giveaways and door prizes

Space is limited and tickets are going quickly. Please click here to snag your spot.
You can view all the juicy details here.

Gallery ExhibitionsNow Until May 22 - Piper Grosswendt curated by ArtSee_DC
June 21-23 - Lauren Jeffords, Alden Leonard and Jared Lauer

Goodwill Industries Week (Sponsored)

2013-05-06T11:46:00.002-04:00

As you are probably aware, I am a great supporter of Goodwill of Greater Washington. I have donated money, supported events like the pop-up shop Edited for Goodwill and I have even been featured as the Friday Fashionista on the DC Goodwill Fashionista blog.

Today I would like to donate something else...space on my blog. Typically bloggers will allow a brand to post their content on that bloggers site in exchange for free goods and sometimes even for money, but I believe in Goodwill of Greater Washington and its social media team (Hi Shanna & DC Goodwill Girl) and I am happy to donate today's post to them in hopes of sharing with my readers all of the good work they do in the local DC community.

This is Goodwill Industries Week and you already know Goodwill. They’re the folks you donate all your old stuff to. They also have all those stores where you can find some great deals on someone else’s stuff. But, do you know why goodwill accepts your donations? Do you know where the proceeds from those retail sales
go?

To find out take a look at the video posted below. I had the opportunity to meet most of the people featured in this video last year at the Fashion of Goodwill Runway Show & Gala, whose lives were changed by Goodwill of Greater Washington. Listen to their stories and think of them next time you go to donate your used items or shop a Goodwill store.

My Heart's Devotion (Puerto Rico)

2013-05-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

chambray shirt- Nordstrom Pentagon City | dress- Old Navy | bag- Local Puerto Rican artist*

shoes- Mel by Melissa* (*both available at Caribe Hilton Gift Shop)

So unfortunately the airline lost my luggage for the first 3 days of the 5 i spent in Puerto Rico so this is all you get in the way of fabulous fashion from this trip...ENJOY!

New Nordstrom Rack opens, Downtown DC

2013-05-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

So if you've been reading my blog for awhile now it's pretty obvious that I'm a Nordy Girl. I've let you in on my favorite shoe selections from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, reported on the relaunch of the New Nordstrom Savvy Department where everything is under $100 and most recently sat front row at the Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show at Nordstrom Pentagon City; so I was thrilled to join the DC area's top Nordstrom clients at a shoppable sneak peak of a new Nordstrom Rack, located in Downtown DC (where the old Borders was at the corner of 18th and L Sts, NW).

This meant first dibs on steal like Doc Martin boots for less than $70, hot pink patent leather Enzo Angiolini stilettos for less than $50 and $40 lacey bras by La Perla's more moderately priced line Miss Studio.

COMMENT BELOW: Will you be shopping at the Downtown DC Nordstrom Rack?

NORDSTROM RACK

1800 L St, NW

Washington DC 20036

202.627.3650

Store Hours

Mon-Fri 9am-9pm

Sat 10am-6pm

Sun 12pm-5pm

Kiehl's Facials and Manis

2013-04-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

jacket- La Petite Marmoset | necklace- Anthropologie | blouse- J.Crew | jeans- Madewell | flats- Franco Sarto | bag- "The Brea" FauxYard by RefinedYetRugged

I've always been a fan of Kiehl's lip balm esp. the type with SPF 15; it was the first (and last) thing I ever purchased from Neiman Marcus. Now that Kiehl's has stand alone stores all around the country I love to pop in and see whats new in the world of natural skin care.

My favorite Kiehl's Khemist is Dana, who edits the blog Skinny Girls Like To Eat Too, and also works at the company's Georgetown location. Recently Dana invited a few of her blogger pals to drop by and learn about the Kiehl's product line. She treated us to manicures by fellow blogger, and nail artist, Jasmine of Web Haute Jas as well as plenty of champs.

The real treat was a full on facial by Dana herself who had some great tips and showed me a few of the new products Kiehl's has to offer. I fell in love with the Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, which brightens the dark circles under your eyes and gives that delicate area a quick burst of hydration. I was also impressed to find out that Kiehl's offers its own BB cream with SPF of 50 as well as a new spray sunscreen.

LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW: What's your favorite Kiehl's product?

(l to r) Brea, WHAT I WORE: tip to toe! | Dana, Skinny Girls Like to Eat Too
Jasmine, Web Haute Jas | Vivi, Heart Print Style | Ashley, AshleyGaga.com

Denim on Denim

2013-04-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Check back on Monday to find out what's in that little blue Kiehl's bag!

Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show 2013

2013-04-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

blazer- Nordstrom | sweater- Ann Taylor | jeans- Grey Ant | shoes- Ann Taylor | bag- Violet Boutique

Did you enjoy the last Friday FYI post I wrote about the "5 Photos You Should NEVER Take" well this time around I want to talk to you about beauty. Spring has sprung and the sun is shining on your beautiful face, but if you're anything like me the lack of vitamin D has turned your skin a seriously dull hue.

Nordstrom's across the country recently held their annual Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show to showcase the top beauty looks for the Spring and Summer seasons.

As always find out first when you follow the conversation!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Nordstrom's Regional Beauty Director, Laksmi Sam, served as the show's MC, she also served up some serious shoe game

Loving this version

Alice + Olivia

The well dressed models introduced Spicebomb the newest men's fragrance from Viktor+Rolf

Move over BB Cream...Smashbox launched their CC cream

Guerlin had all kinds of goodies

Laura Mercier rep decides coral lipstick is universally fabulous shares some with one lucky blogger ; )

After the show Nordstrom Pentagon City treated a few bloggers, including myself, to brunch at Nordstrom Cafe

(l to r) Nordstrom Rep | Fashionably Broke | District Dress Up | Poor Little It Girl | Ana In Style

Fashion + Social Media

2013-04-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

top- Ann Taylor | pant- Nordstrom, POV | flats- Nordstrom Rack | bag- Miss Ivy

Recently, I attended a discussion on how social media has influenced the fashion industry. From bloggers wearing sponsored outfits to brands using "real people" as models. Here are the top ten tips for bridging the gap between FASHION + SOCIAL MEDIA.

1. BEAT SOCIAL MEDIA FATIGUE: The more organized you are the better (Lacey Maffettone, A Lacey Perspective); Schedule different days to focus on different social media platforms (Patrice Washington | Second Hand Shopping Soiree)

2. BECOME A BRAND: Write a brand statement. ie. "Life is colorful, life is sweet"; You won't grow your [online presence] overnight. (Nikki Rappaport | Cupcakes for Breakfast | Hugh & Crye)

3. USE A DIFFERENT VOICE FOR EACH PLATFORM: There's no reason to follow all of a brand's [social media] platforms if they all say the same thing. (Lacey)

4. STAY CONSISTENT I enjoy mixing high and low, sometimes you've been following a blogger and then they start buying items that are thousands of dollars and you say...wait I can't keep up with you! (Lacey)

5. BEING A BRAND IS HARD Be okay with what YOU like and know that not everyone will appreciate it. Negative tweets and comments [will come] (Lacey)

6. ITS OKAY TO HAVE A FAVORITE PLATFORM I love how intimate Instagram is. (Nikki); Pinterest is the money maker; Fashion is very visual and you can click through and see where the inspiration comes from. (Lacey)

7. BRANDS WANT AUTHENTICITY Hugh & Crye looks for bloggers who can share the same sense of style and personality as the brand. (Nikki)

8. BECOME A BRAND AMBASSADOR Blogs are the go-between [connecting] the consumer that wants to buy the item [with] the company that wants to sell it. The more you realize what your brand is, the easier it is to pick brands to work with. (Lacey)

9. ANSWER ALL PITCHES When you receive a pitch that is off-brand, respond to them and let them know why this doesn't work for you. (Nikki)

10. CREATE QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY Put out good, thorough content. Don't rush to put out content, just to have a post. (Patrice)

FROM THE SOCIAL MEDIA CLUB DC WEBSITE:

The fashion industry is a premier success story of leveraging social media to convert posts into purchases. Instagram, Pinterest, bloggers and Facebook have partially taken trendsetting out of the hands of ragmags and put it online, into more easily accessible and visually appealing formats.

Our March panel will discuss the many facets of fashion through social media platforms. From blogging to branding to retail outlets, find out how pins, likes, follows and shares are influencing the fashion industry. Excited? Check out our panelists below!

Moderator: Eliot Payne | AccoutreMe | @eliotpayne

After a chance encounter with a wild vintage tie, Eliot Payne had a revelation; he could take charge of his dapper destiny and make his own bow ties. Before long, compliments and requests were abound, prompting Eliot to found Accoutre: a whimsical boutique bow tie company based in Washington, DC. Accoutre puts a modern twist on an old-school staple to make seriously stylish statements through mixed prints, lush fabrics, and bright color. Eliot doesn't wear a bow tie as often as you assume; it's but one of many tools in his style arsenal. Hashtag menswear.

Patrice Washington | Yours/Mine Shop | @prjwashington & @YMSSSthrift

Patrice Washington is a DC native with a love for social media. During the hours of 9-5, you'll find her behind the lectern, facilitating career development workshops on a variety of topics such as "How to Dress for Success" and "What do Your Clothes say About You?"

As a Human Resources professional by trade, Patrice knows that it's equally important to look good on paper and in person. In 2012, she created the Yours/Mine Secondhand Shopping Soiree (YMSSS), a women's new and gently used clothing shopping event designed to suit the needs of every woman's style and budget!

Lacey Maffettone | A Lacey Perspective | @LacePerspective

Lacey Maffettone is currently one of many young professionals trying to make it in the crazy career path we call politics in Washington, DC. Not willing to sacrifice her love of fashion in our nation's politically drenched capital, Lacey began to write about items she was coveting and documenting her personal style via outfit posts on her blog, A Lacey Perspective, in June of 20120.

In addition, Maffettone is a Co-Founder of CapFABB (Capital Area Fashion & Beauty Bloggers) a group created to give DC Metro area fashion and beauty bloggers a place to communicate, collaborate and meet. With 500+ members, CapFABB is making DC one stylish city! Lacey also is a contributing fashion writer for multiple fashion news sites.

Nikki Rappaport | Cupcakes For Breakfast & @hughandcrye | @nikkirap

Nikki Rappaport is passionate about so many things and she packs every day full with trying to do them all. She writes about baking, DC dining, style, twenty-something life, and home design on her blog Cupcakes for Breakfast. Nikki works at Hugh & Crye, a men's shirt company based in Georgetown managing their marketing and social media. She graduated from the George Washington University in 2009 with a BA in Journalism and continued to work for GW for three years doing digital marketing, collegiate licensing and events for admissions and sports marketing. Nikki also dabbles in wedding planning, consulting on creating personal brands, and making the perfect chocolate frosting.

Artini 2013

2013-04-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

top- Chico's | pants- LOFT | shoes- Ann Taylor | clutch- family heirloom

Can I tell you how amazing these sequin pants are? I originally purchased them online from LOFT to wear last year on New Year's Eve. Seriously what crazy person buys a New Year's Eve outfit online...I mean what if it doesn't fit...what if it arrives and it looks hideous...what if i arrives AFTER New Year's Eve? Then what?

I took a fashionable leap of faith on these "pantalon" and have never looked back. I can't remember how much they cost and I'm sure I used a coupon, but can I just say whatever the price tag said...it should have been double. The cost-per-wear on these bad boys is now like $5.

I've taken them for a spin on the ~~tabletop~~ dance floor at The Howard Theatre on New Year's Eve; I've dressed them down and paired them with wedge sneakers and a beaded sweatshirt and now I've made them a respectable society lady by allowing them to accompany me to the 2013 Artini fundraiser at the Corcoran Gallery of Art & Design.

I am once again a card carrying member of the 1869 Society at the Corcoran, DC's hippest museum, and I look forward to bringing you details on exclusive art events. Stay tuned and follow the conversation!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

40 Days

2013-03-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter WIWT3 readers! In case you hadn't noticed I've been quiet on all channels but this one...I GAVE UP SOCIAL MEDIA FOR LENT. It was REALLY REALLY HARD. Did you miss me? Well I'm back with a few glimpses of what I've been up to...check back all this week for full posts! And follow the conversation on FACEBOOK, TWITTER and INSTAGRAM.

MONDAY 4/1 Artini Recap

WEDNESDAY 4/3 SMCDC Fashion and Social Media Seminar

FRIDAY 4/5 Nordstrom Pentagon City "Beauty Trends Show"

Five Photos You Should NEVER Take

2013-03-15T10:34:00.002-04:00

This, my dear readers, is the very first ootd photo I ever took and can be found on my first personal style blog How Was Your Day? (over on Tumblr). I started blogging as a way to update my mom on the daily outfit choices I was making at my very cool tech job at a start up in San Francisco. It was the first job I'd ever had without a dress code...there were literally no rules about what you should and should not wear...employees sartorial choices ran the gamut from pajamas to pumps...nothing was taboo. It was and exciting place to get dressed for and for one year I chronicled EVERYTHING I wore.

Fast forward almost 5 years later and I'm still blogging about WHAT I WORE: tip to toe! but I've learned so much about posing and posting. Here are the Five Photos You Should NEVER Take...

FRIDAY FYI

1. NO ACTION SHOTS: listen up...you are NOT running a sports photography blog so action shots are unnecessary and unnatural. See how I'm trying to showcase the lining of this vintage Burberry trench, but I just end up looking like a creepy flasher? Yea no bueno. A better idea would be to drape the coat over one arm so that you see some parts of the lining.

Bonus tip: pay attention to your background; the world could do without ever seeing that potty pad my puppy is about to pee on.

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2. TAKE YOUR HAND OFF YOUR HIP: Okay so guilty of this one...I do it so often you may think it's my signature pose, but you would be wrong...actually this is my signature pose. But designer Rachel Roy put it best when she advised actresses Gabrielle Union and Sanaa Lathan to stop putting their hands on their hips when they take photos. She said it made them look like starlets instead of stars and I whole heatedly agree with this. Try a fierce buffalo stance like the one Rachel Cothran, PR Director for the Corcoran Gallery of Art, recently took at a restaurant opening. Her vintage jumpsuit didn't hurt either.

No ma'am

Yes please!

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3. IS THIS OUTFIT PHOTO WORTHY? Ok this is where we have to separate our narcissism from our need for content. As style bloggers it can be tough to decide what is photo worthy, but here's a quick test...if you ran into an ex boyfriend/potential boss/crush wearing this look would you regret it? If the answer is yes then go about your day (hopefully you wont encounter anyone you know) but don't bother taking an outfit photo. Better luck tomorrow.

While it's funny that I walked around all day with my sweats on backwards its not outfit photo worthy.

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4. PICK A SUBJECT In general I recommend picking one thing your passionate about and focusing your blog on that. I don't know how lifestyle bloggers do it...talking about fashion one minute and cooking the next and world events as well...its exhausting and unless you create a consistent "voice" across all of your content, your readers won't know what to expect when they land on your page and therefore may choose not to come back after just one off topic post. Same goes for photos...if you are creating a post about brunch take separate photos of your WHAT I WORE: tip to toe! to brunch outfit from your food porn photos. Take the example of the photograph below; this was meant to be showcase my delicious omelets, but where does your eye naturally go...my smiling face...distraction! Did you even notice the food?

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5. TAKE ALL OF YOUR PHOTOS OUTSIDE Unless you are a professional photographer your point-and-shoot and even your DSLR photos will look better in natural light. Try to catch the sun at least 1 hour after it has risen in the morning and at least 2 hours before it sets in the evening. Lunchtime outfit photos have the best lighting so get out there and shoot!

I hope you found these tips helpful...see more photos from my first year of blogger (way back in 2008) at HOW WAS YOUR DAY (Tumblr) and check back next Friday for another post in this FRIDAY FYI series!

Nic + Zoe

2013-03-14T11:19:00.003-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Washington, DC launch of Nic + Zoe, an 8 year old Boston-based women's clothing line whose romantic yet powerful pieces are now available at Lord & Taylor. I had my eye on this hand woven color mix lace jacket and vintage inspired filigree skirt. Zoe, the line's namesake, is more than just a muse, she also serves as Merchandiser for the brand and she travelled down to DC for the L&T event.

Zoe's casual styling of this lace coat was spot on, teaching us DC gals a valuable lesson...those fancy "gala garments" shoved in the back of our closets for a "special event" should be integrated into our everyday wardrobe.

I could see myself having brunch in this denim-on-denim look and also wearing this same fabulous coat to Easter Sunday service at the National Cathedral or to the White House Easter Egg Roll. Zoe is a girl after my own heart!

As I always say...live your ordinary life, but do it in extraordinary clothing!

Gilt City DC Warehouse Sale

2013-03-11T19:56:00.000-04:00

It’s time again for the Gilt City DC Warehouse Sale on Friday, March 22nd and Saturday, March 23^rd at the Long View Gallery.

As you may know...the two-day event features Gilt’s top brands—from men’s and women’s fashion to home accessories—at up to 90% off retail prices! Seriously ladies wear flats, tie back your hair and save the champs for for after you shop! They are offering major deals you won't want to miss. Tickets went on sale today and are only $10 but hurry if you want to snag one Friday night is already sold out and believe me the brands you'll score are worth the price of admission!

You'll also be treated to a DJ, photo booth and Prosecco bar...champs anyone? Not to mention a $20 UBER gift card...free ride home? Listen that warehouse isn't going to raid its self...so get to clicking!

See you at the sale!

Photo credit: Alfredo Flores Photography

24 hours in NYC

2013-03-08T07:50:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I packed up my sequin duffle bag for a quick trip to New York City

Took the train from DC to NYC...such beautiful sights along the way!

Hit up Uniqlo for a little retail therapy, how amazing is this silk blouse?

This outfit was so bad it was kind of fabulous...no?

Loved these sweet polka dot dresses

Oh and this is WHAT I WORE: tip to toe! around town

We got our party on at the bridge&tunnel fabulousness that is Greenhouse

And recovered the next day with several carafes of blood orange mimosas

Not to mention gooey Cafeteria mac and cheese

Had some fun on Canal St.

And gained a little wisdom along the way

Do you have any fun plans this weekend?

Cocktails and Mumbo Sauce

2013-03-06T16:41:00.002-05:00

Pump Me Up: D.C. Subculture of the 1980's (Corcoran Gallery of Art)

If you are looking for the most fashionable, most fabulous events happening around town here in Washington, DC I highly recommend joining the 1869 Society at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. I became a member in 2012 and had a blast attending docent led tours of exhibits days before they opened to the public, pool parties at the Capitol Skyline Hotel complete with a performance by the legendary Howard University marching band and much more. Membership is only $125 for the year and includes free admission to the museum (a savings of $10 each time you visit), discounts at the Corcoran Shop (where you can purchase original works by Corcoran College of Art and Design students), and savings on brunch and cocktails at Todd Gray's Muse Cafe located in the museum lobby.

You will also receive guest passes, great for out of town visitors who want to check out the latest exhibits like Pump Me Up: DC Subculture of the 1980's or Shooting Stars: Publicity Stills from Early Hollywood and Portraits by Andy Warhol. Your 1869 Society Membership also gives you a reduced rate on continuing educations classes (like drawing, painting, metal working) at the accredited Corcoran College of Art and Design.

So what are you waiting for? Join today and I'll see you at the museum!

Play Artini Bingo happening at bars around DC; leads up to Artini on March 22, 2013

Bring home a taste of DC; Mumbo sauce available for purchase in the Corcoran shop!

The curator of the Pump Me Up exhibit is a local from Bethesda, MD

A recreation of the mean streets of "Dodge City" 30 years ago

Not So Boring Basics

2013-03-04T07:36:00.000-05:00

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

top- Prabal Gurung x Target | jeans- Old Navy Rockstar

booties- Sam Edelman | bag- Miss Ivy

A spring trends fashion preview at Macy's in Downtown DC; moderated by the fabulous Zoey Washington, CEO of LITTTLEbird.

Aztec Warrior Princess

Dare Your Work Wear: The Short Suit

Casual Friday Chic

Wardrobe Essentials: Utility Jacket + Maxi Dress

Desk to Dinner: The Jumpsuit

Monochromatic Dressing

The Universally Flattering Color: Orange

Are you ready for spring?

FABB Girls Club

2013-03-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Location: W Hotel Lobby

Floral Details

2013-03-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Manicure: Indigo Nail Stylist (Capitol Hill)

Florals for Winter...Groundbreaking

2013-03-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

So I recently purchased this Prabal Gurung for Target skirt in Meet the Parents print and I decided that Spring was way to far off to wait to wear it so I winterized it with a pair of thick black Nordstrom tights and my Sam Edelman Monk Strap Booties from Bloomingdales. I tucked in my Rugby RL sweater with skulls buttons on the shoulder...RIP to one of my favorite preppy brands...and threw a scarf from Jack Wills on my head.

I accessorized with my everyday arm party, which consists of gold bangles from Madewell and a friendship bracelet i picked up during my sorority convention in San Antonio, TX. You know my ears aren't pierced but these clip-on Lauren Ralph Lauren earrings from Lord and Taylor go with every outfit. Couldn't resist pulling out my bright orange quilted purse from Chicos.

Have you started to wear your spring pieces? I'm submitting this nature inspired look in an IFB contest to win a screening of the film EPIC and an original Chris Benz sketch of a dress from the film. Wish me luck!

(l to r: Emily of Blue Dog Belle; moi; Jamie of Forever 81)

photo credit: Forever81

Under $100 at Nordstrom

2013-02-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

My friends and I are serious card carrying Nordy girls so when we heard Nordstrom Pentagon City was launching a new affordable version of their Savvy department we jumped at the chance to attend the launch party. A whole department full of trend focused brands where everything cost less than $100? Where do we hand over our Nordstrom debit cards?

We shopped til we dropped, buying up tons of going out and weekend wear pieces in Savvy (we are shopping for outfits for the Beyonce concert) and then discovering affordably priced work wear down in the Point of View department. We even got free personal shopping sessions with Stylist Yvonne in POV.

We made a day of it, having brunch in the Nordstrom Cafe and later we were treated to coffee at the Nordstrom Espresso Bar.

Have you been to Nordstrom Pentagon City?

Army Green

2013-02-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

You might remember a few weeks ago I posted about the TOAST: Beauty and the Brunch that was coming up. Well I stopped by the pop up beauty bar at the St. Gregory Hotel before the day party/brunch began. I got an amazing massage and there were artists doing makeup applications and manicures all for FREE!

I wore my some of my favorite weekend pieces including my camo skinny jeans part of Gap's new skimmer jeans collection. I paired these printed pants with a plaid StyleMint shirt, that reminds me of 90s grunge fashion, worn over a black tunic tee and cinched at the waist with a Topshop London Lettered belt; the last two items are from Topshop for Nordstrom, which can be found in the New Savvy Department. Of course my Dooney & Bourke bag "Miss Ivy" came along for the ride!

I'm really looking forward to the upcoming brunches from TOAST including a March Madness brunch and later this summer a doggie brunch!

Isn't brunch the best meal of the day?

TOAST Brunch & Day Party hosts Niki Charles and Jessica Penzari

Meg Biram x Kate Spade

2013-02-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last week I poped into the Kate Spade store in Georgetown, 1 of only 6 stand alone Kate Spade stores in the country, to attend the celebration of the company's 20 years in the business; the event was hosted by blogger Meg Biram. You have seen Meg before on WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

The first (and only) blogger seminar I've ever attended was her DC Blog, Biz, Buzz seminar where I wore these neon strappy sandals. I also attended her Get Sh*t Done seminar while I was in San Francisco...listen she's spreading her message from coast to coast! Her seminars are really inspirational and just the kick in the pants bloggers (of all experience levels) need to take their blogs to the next level. I'm really looking forward to some new projects she's got in the works to share her best practices with other bloggers. And speaking of the next level...Meg, like myself, is experimenting with makeup...how fierce is her red lip in this photo?!?

Meg partnering with Kate Spade is a perfect match; the brand's social media department is an industry leader with their innovative blog Behind the Curtain. And don't you love Meg's outfit? She's wearing the Checkered Lorelei dress and you'll spot this pattern throughout current collection...on umbrellas, purses, etc. My favorite item in the store was the Berry St Elise nylon tote because it was the most reminiscent of the classic boxy black Kate Spade bag i lusted after in the 90s. Do you own anything from Kate Spade?

Pink Polka Dot Sunset

2013-02-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

What I Wore: tip to toe

Room & Board

The 'Burgh

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

cashmere sweater- Nordstrom | jeans- LOFT | bag- RefinedYetRugged | flats- Born

Mother's Day Soiree {Capital Hill}

Goodwill Industries Week (Sponsored)

My Heart's Devotion (Puerto Rico)

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

chambray shirt- Nordstrom Pentagon City | dress- Old Navy | bag- Local Puerto Rican artist*

shoes- Mel by Melissa* (*both available at Caribe Hilton Gift Shop)

New Nordstrom Rack opens, Downtown DC

Kiehl's Facials and Manis

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

jacket- La Petite Marmoset | necklace- Anthropologie | blouse- J.Crew | jeans- Madewell | flats- Franco Sarto | bag- "The Brea" FauxYard by RefinedYetRugged

Denim on Denim

Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show 2013

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

blazer- Nordstrom | sweater- Ann Taylor | jeans- Grey Ant | shoes- Ann Taylor | bag- Violet Boutique

Fashion + Social Media

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

top- Ann Taylor | pant- Nordstrom, POV | flats- Nordstrom Rack | bag- Miss Ivy

Artini 2013

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

top- Chico's | pants- LOFT | shoes- Ann Taylor | clutch- family heirloom

40 Days

Five Photos You Should NEVER Take

FRIDAY FYI

Nic + Zoe

Gilt City DC Warehouse Sale

24 hours in NYC

Cocktails and Mumbo Sauce

Not So Boring Basics

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

top- Prabal Gurung x Target | jeans- Old Navy Rockstar

booties- Sam Edelman | bag- Miss Ivy

FABB Girls Club

Floral Details

Florals for Winter...Groundbreaking

Under $100 at Nordstrom

Army Green

Meg Biram x Kate Spade

Pink Polka Dot Sunset

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe!

blouse- Uniqlo | pants- LOFT

belt- J.Crew | bag- Miss Ivy

hat- Target | scarf- J.Crew | coat- J.Crew