Reston Style

a zebra with a sunburn

2012-02-27T09:52:00.000-05:00

I was the kid that thought the punch lines of jokes were so funny that I could never get through a joke without bursting into laughter. Which is strange because half the time, I am like Mandy Moore's character on Scrubs, not actually laughing at funny things and just saying "that's so funny". But the other half of the time I am cracking up in gut busting laughter. I literally can't even think about Liz Lemon's song "I'm a star, I'm on top, somebody bring me some ham!" without cracking up.

What does that have to do with my post? Oh, just because the title is the punchline to my outfit. I'm wearing stripes and red, like a zebra with a sunburn.

When and Where:

Friday, February 24th, 2012
to work and to the farewell to the Tortilla Factory Dinner with Jenny and Josh

What I'm Wearing:

top, jeans - Gap
sweater - Loft
shoes - LC by Lauren Conrad via Kohl's
headband - borrowed from Erin a million years ago

How I have worn this striped top:

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I sense a theme here

2012-02-26T13:10:00.000-05:00

I swear it wasn't intentional that my last 3 outfits have been red and blue. It's probably just because I love this scarf so much (but I did warn you)! I think its that this is such a wintery colour pallet, that I felt the need to get it out of my system before I start mixing in more springy colours! While shopping yesterday afternoon, I was so excited to see the spring pieces that are already out at Gap and J Crew. J Crew has my favorite shorts in tons of new wonderful colours.

All that just gets me excited about summer. Amanda and I often talk about summer, because of her upcoming wedding and all the festivities that go along with it. There has also been a lot of talk about Memorial Day weekend and doing another staycation. I think its because for most people, the is really the first federal holiday of the year that they get off. It also symbolizes the beginning of summer, even though sometimes we get summer like temperatures much earlier and the true beginning of summer isn't until the middle of June. Ah, summer, I can't wait!

When and Where:

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
to work

What I'm Wearing:

sweater - Central Park via Loehmanns
scarf, cords - Gap
shoes - LC by lauren conrad for Kohl's

How I have worn my red cords:

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happy birthday, Mr. President

2012-02-25T08:17:00.000-05:00

I love those holidays where you get the day off from work without any familial obligation. Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, New Years Day - they're all amazing! There was talk of really taking advantage of the day and either going to Great Falls or into DC, but as it turned out, the day was pretty amazing just staying in Reston.

It started out at Starbucks with Reid (what else is new!). Followed by lunch at Big Bowl, which isn't something that we normally do, so that was super nice. Then we walked around town center (me with more Starbucks) until the sun was setting. That was when I realized that I hadn't taken outfit pictures, when I had done my hair for just that reason. I tried setting up my point and shoot camera with the timer, but when that was a bust, Reid was nice enough to take these. Though, I had my camera set to some weird settings... so only a few pictures came out.

Photo Credit: Reid Kasprowicz

When and Where:

Monday, February 20th, 2012
out and about in Reston

What I'm Wearing:

scarf, sweater, cords - Gap
tank - Banana Republic
boots - Nine West via DSW

How I have worn this sweater:

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red and blue, I love you

2012-02-24T13:40:00.000-05:00

I wore this on Valentine's day, hence the heart in the picture. I took pictures in the morning, with every intention of posting later that day, but it just didn't happen. Probably since Valentine's Day was a Tuesday and I work 15 hours on Tuesdays... but that may only have a little to do with it!

I have been wearing a lot of red/coral/orange and blue recently. I mean, it has been pretty cold, until this week, and I am in love with this warm, blanket-like scarf. In fact, I wore it yesterday in another red/blue combination. I am even rocking a different red/blue combo today! I guess I am subconsciously sticking to a theme.

Enough about my clothes, I am super excited about this weekend and want to at least mention that excitement! Becca is going to be in town and we (Becca, Meg, Jenny, Manda, and I) are all going for a real-estate walk in South Reston tomorrow morning. Not to mention my awesome dinner plans tonight at the Tortilla Factory with Josh and Jenny! I am so sad that our beloved TF is closing! Where am I going to get my favorite chips and salsa!? I mean, sure, they're giving out the salsa recipe, but it won't be the same with out the chips... I also have plans to go there for lunch on Sunday. Too much? Never!! It's the best tex-mex in NoVa, maybe even the world!

When and Where:

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012
to work

What I'm Wearing:

top, sweater, scarf, jeans - Gap
boots - Nine West via DSW

How I've worn this sweater:

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Dance Moms

2012-02-22T08:17:00.001-05:00

I am obsessed with Dance Moms! I discovered it by accident right before the second season started it, and lucky for me, I am home just in time to watch it on Tuesdays now that swim and dive season is over! I am actually watching it right now.

Sometimes I totally understand where Abby is coming from, she really wants the girls to be the best they can be a live up to their potential. But her delivery is a little harsh. Then that winds the moms up, which ignites everything! Because Abby may be a great dance teacher, but she really doesn't know how to talk to adults to get her message across in a positive way. I'm glad that even though the show highlights the drama, it still comes through that Abby cares about the girls and the girls love being there.

When and Where:

Monday, February 13th, 2012
to work

What I'm Wearing:

scarf - ???
dress - borrowed from Annie
tights - ???
coat - Express
boots - Nine West via DSW

How I've worn this scarf:

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look back: February 2011 - the 30 for 30 remix!

2012-02-21T16:08:00.003-05:00

I am totally cheating! This is my February look back, but really it's just my winter 30 for 30 from last year! I am so happy that I did it! It taught me so much about remixing my clothes and working with what I have, even if I did "cheat" by buying new things to use during my remix!

Every time I go shopping now, I really think about how each piece I am thinking about getting will work with what I already have. It's kinda amazing to me that I have been able to re-mix (even if it is ever so slightly like this and this) what I have and not really repeat outfits exactly! I know for a fact that before I started blogging my outfits, I would wear the exact same thing in the same way, over and over again until I felt like I didn't have anything to wear. I'm so lucky to not feel like that anymore!

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more playing catch up

2012-02-15T15:29:00.000-05:00

I had the best of intentions when it came to posting yesterday. I took photos in the morning before work and even managed to get a heart into them. Unfortunately I didn't have time to edit them during the day. So then I started working on this post (getting the pictures in and everything) when I ran out of time. By the time I returned home from the pool, I was just too tired to think about blogging. But I guess that's how it goes sometimes!

Instead, you get these photos from last Monday and a question: what do you think about me including posts about the very few times I cook on here? Like I did when I guest posted for Michelle.

When and Where:

Monday, February 6th, 2012
to work

What I'm Wearing:

top, sweater, jeans - Gap
shoes - Kohl's
scarf - found in my house
sunglasses - RayBan Cockpit

How I have worn this yellow top:

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a non-super bowl sunday

2012-02-13T14:42:00.001-05:00

I wore this on Super Bowl Sunday when I spent the day at Starbucks, then eating my way around Arlington with Annie. It was quite a good day, if I do say so myself! Annie and I literally had two dinners, with a break in between to have drinks with Christie for her birthday!

February seems to really be flying by. My sister's birthday is on Wednesday, and that will mean the month is over half over already! Last year at this time I did Kendi's 30 for 30 remix. It taught me a lot about remixing what I ready have into great, new outfits! My budget really thanks her for that. Now if only I could learn to downsize my closet... I tried over the weekend and it didn't go well. I can't even bear to part with old t-shirts! But I'm going to keep trying.

When and Where:

Sunday, February 5th, 2012
Starbucks, and out to Arlington

What I'm Wearing:

top - a little shop in Chapel Hill that I forget the name of
scarf - found (left by a former roommate, I think. And pinned to be a cowl)
jeans - Gap
shoes - Sperry, a gift from my wonderful divers

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this looks familiar

2012-02-09T18:57:00.000-05:00

This outfit looks exactly like this one that I wore just a few weeks ago. But because I have been so lazy about photographing and posting, it looks like they happened just days apart. Okay, okay, I did actually wear this sweater and my yellow top with some jeans over the weekend, but I didn't take a picture, so it's okay!

Swim and dive season is winding down. We actually have this weekend off from high school swimming, then the state meet the following weekend and its over. It will be much easier to just have my dive lessons and my kids swim group to worry about!

I have a lot of goals for my photography that I would like to achieve this spring. As well as some goals here. I think it would be fun to feature some of my friends and their styles. I'd also love to help people organize and learn to really wear what they already own. Basically I can't sit still, so now that high school swimming and diving is over, it's time to get busy with other things! :)

When and Where:

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
to work

What I'm Wearing:

tank - Banana Republic
sweater - Gap
leggings, shoes - LC by Lauren Conrad from Kohl's

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fit style: coach high school diving

2012-02-07T10:17:00.001-05:00

I love coaching swimming and diving for my old high school! I have been doing it for the past 7 seasons. Add that to my 4 years while I was in high school, and I have been a member of the team for 11 years! This is what I wore to coach Jake at the Boys Regional Dive meet! I was surprised by Liz (the red head, one of my divers - not me talking in third person) with a "team Jake" shirt at the meet! I love that the girl divers came to support Jake! It was a blast!

Even better, here are some pictures from the meet!

When and Where:

Wedneday, February 1, 2012
to the boys regional dive meet

What I'm Wearing:

SL team T-shirt
leggings - Danskin
shoes - Sperry, a gift from my amazing divers!

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Carolina in my mind

2012-02-02T10:18:00.000-05:00

I didn't just got to Carolina in my mind, though. Two weekends ago I hopped in the car with Manda and headed down to Chapel Hill to see Jennifer for her birthday and spend some time with Hilary! It was a fun road trip (and our first together) both there and back with Manda. We walked around and window shopped after we arrived on Saturday, went for a short run at the hotel gym, then headed out to dinner at a wonderful Mexican place (I could eat Mexican/Tex-Mex food every day of my life). We ended Saturday night at the Crunkelton, with some delicious drinks with cucumber and gin in them (though, as the driver, I just tasted).

Sunday we got up early and went for an 8 mile run, headed to see Hilary's new place, then had an amazing home-cooked, gluten free meal at Jennifer's. Let me tell you, Jennifer can cook! I have to admit, I was a little nervous because:

I am a bit of a control freak, and having people cook for me takes the control away
I am also set in my ways about what I like, and though I usually like the new foods I try, getting me to relinquish control and try them is tough
I am a carnivore who is allergic to Salmon and Jennifer is a pescatarian. Luckily, Manda warned Jennifer about my Salmon issue.

But all those nerves were for nothing! Jennifer made an amazing vegetarian chili, gluten-free jalapeno corn bread, and some peppermint brownies that were out of this world! Her chili had an amazing flavor that was traditional enough to calm my nerves about it being "new," yet was different/unique enough to be memorable and to make me want to copy it. You know, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

While Jennifer cooked, Manda, Hilary, and I had a dance party. After dinner we played a super fun board game called "Liebrarian." Basically, you have to come up with the first line of a book based on title and synopsis, then everyone guess between the lies and the real first line. Lets just say, this math/science minded girl was out matched, but it was still a blast! :)

When and Where:

Sunday, January 15th, 2012
to Hilary's and Jennifer's in Chapel Hill, NC

What I'm Wearing:

sunglasses - RayBan Cockpit
coat - Express
sweater - LOFT
top - eight sixty via Loehmanns
jeans - gap
shoes - LC by Lauren Conrad for Kohl's (NEW!)

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in reruns

2012-02-01T13:40:00.000-05:00

I love television. I really do. So rather than thinking of wearing the same thing over and over as being too lazy to get creative with my closet. I have decided to think of certain outfits as being good enough for syndication and to be shown in reruns. This is one of those outfits. Not only did I wear it two weeks ago tomorrow, but I wore it the following Saturday too, but with a white shirt underneath instead of the yellow one, and again with the white shirt and jeans the next Sunday. Basically, I will rerun this sweater a million times over and never get tired of it.

I was joking with a friend in January about doing 31 days of leggings, but now that it's a new month and I happen to be wearing leggings on the first day of it... I think I may try for 29 days of leggings (though I'll be lucky to post that many - how about I am for 15?) in February. Comfort, here I come!

When and Where:

Thursday, January 12th, 2011
to work

What I'm Wearing:

sweater, top - gap
leggings - Victoria's Secret
boots - Nine West via DSW

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sick or working

2012-01-31T12:46:00.000-05:00

Hello, end of January, my you got here fast! I feel like I have spent all of January either sick, working, or both! I am currently on my third round of antibiotics for a strep infection that just won't quit! I have just started to feel better, but am still exhausted from being sick or working every moment that I haven't been sick... but that's the end of swim season for you!

Here's a bright outfit that makes me feel better just looking at it!

When and Where:

Wednesday, January 11, 2012
to DC for the Bike to Work day meeting and then to work

What I'm Wearing:

top, pants, sweater - Gap
boots - Nine West via DSW

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sunshine day

2012-01-19T12:07:00.002-05:00

I waited and held onto these pictures for over a week. I didn't do it because they are good, in fact, I'm not a huge fan of my outfit or the fact that the white balance isn't consistent between all the photos (aka I was too lazy to edit them before loading them to flickr), but I held on to them, just the same. Why, you ask? Because I had a great day that I wanted to savor and keep to my self for just a little while longer. Silly, right? Even writing this, I am thinking about what a really wonderful time I had and it's making me smile.

I'm sure you're totally wondering what it was that I did that was so great, but it was just a normal kind of day. But one where things just seem to be good. Do you ever have days like that? Ones where the sun decides to shine on you and everything goes well? That's the kind of day it was.

When and Where:

Saturday, January 7th, 2012
out for a wonderful day

What I'm Wearing:

top - Banana Republic outlet
sweater - Loft
leggings - Danskin (old)
boots - borrowed from roommate
scarf - Target

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Look Back: January 2011

2012-01-15T10:22:00.002-05:00

How has my style changed from last January to this one? Well... I wore a whole lot of skirts last year, and I just haven't found the energy to dress in anything other than leggings this year. Also, I think it was a lot colder this time last year.

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short striped shirt

2012-01-12T15:24:00.000-05:00

I seriously love this striped top, I was able to wear it all over England, but I have a problem with how short it is. I don't know about you, but I like me tees long. Preferably long enough to wear with either jeans or leggings (but then again, I have a leggings problem). I also love this sweater, but again, I wish it were longer sometimes.

Now that I have spent some time on the negatives, lets talk about the whales on my scarf! How cute are they!?! (thank you, J. Crew!) I think I will have to wear it when I go to see the new movie about the whales with Drew Barrymore in it (Big Miracle). I have to say I am really excited to see that movie - a)it has whales in it and reminds me of two other movies I like - Free Willy and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home b)one of the trailers uses that super peppy, catchy, makes me believe in love, Colbie Caillat song! c)I like wholesome, family friendly movies. Yeah, I'll wear that scarf to see that movie :).

When and Where:

Friday, January 6th, 2012
to work

What I'm Wearing:

top, cords - gap
sweater - hollister
boots - ugg
scarf - j.crew

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resolution issues

2012-01-11T11:29:00.000-05:00

This year I went half way between making new years resolutions and deciding (along with Annie and Liz D) to just relax and not stress about anything. I promptly broke two of the resolutions that I made by 2:15am on New Years and another two the following day... I guess I kept the one about relaxing and not stressing. :)

The worst part about the whole new years thing is that for two days in a row, I looked absolutely adorable and had AMAZING hair days, yet no tripod - so no photo's to show for it except the group shots that I posted earlier. Which is really a bummer, because I really loved my New Years Eve outfit! This is what I wore during the day on New Years Eve, while shopping with Annie and Christie (and buying my amazing shoes!). I managed to take these pictures by propping my camera up on the edge of my fence and cropping them like crazy! I love my red cords so much, that I am actually wearing them again today and considering buying pair of dressier red trousers (hello, JCrew).

When and Where:

Saturday, December 31st, 2011
out shopping with Annie and Christie

What I'm Wearing:

top - SO via Kohl's
pants, sandals - Gap

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like living in a snowglobe

2012-01-10T10:29:00.000-05:00

That's how it felt to be in Reston yesterday. Rather than the predicted showers, we got some of the most beautiful flurries. I sat bundled up in my office, watching fat flakes fall and accumulate just slightly on the grassy areas. I even tweeted about the snowflakes on my eyelashes as I walked to my car after work! It's the little things in life that bring me joy!

Today is my super long day, so when I looked at the 5 sets of outfit pictures that I have queued up, I decided to write about and post my most recent one today, since I figure it's a good place to start to get back on track! Yesterday was actually a pretty good day, even though I'm like Garfield (the cat), and not a huge fan of Mondays. I talked to my cousin, Andi, on the phone, got to have tea with my mom before work, coached a pretty great dive lesson, had a floor picnic, and watched a movie. So maybe I stayed up a bit too late, all in all, it was a pretty good day!

Today's been pretty great so far too. My kids were AWESOME at practice this morning! I mean, if you have to work 16 hours straight, starting your day with a bunch of happy, hard working 7-10 year olds might be the best way to do it! Happy Tuesday!

When and Where:

Monday, January 9th, 2011
to work

What I'm Wearing:

coat - Express
hat - Columbia via Kohl's
sweater, jeans - Gap
top - eightsixty via Loehmann's
boots - borrowed from my roommate

new years eve!

2012-01-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

In lieu of outfit shots, I have included the pictures I took with friends from New Years Eve. Since I was still tripod-less, these will have to do. Just like last year, I had dinner at the Melting Pot with friends. I enjoy sitting eating melted cheese a lot more than I would standing around at an all you can drink NYE party. But, if you look at my shoes, you can kinda understand why I might prefer sitting to standing/dancing. Sure, they're awesome, but they're not exactly easy to walk in!

Pink sparkling wine would have to be the theme of the night. After running the Fairfax Four Miler with Amanda and Greg (and yes, I set a PR!), it was really the only thing other than melted cheese that I wanted! We started with two bottles of sparkling pink Moscato, only $5.99 at Trader Joes. The first of which we sipped out of elegant crystal champagne flutes (way to go Adam, for having such nice crystal!), the second of which we drank from red solo cups while walking to the restaurant (classy, I know!). We followed that with two bottles of Rosa Regali, and I was in heaven!

When and Where:

Saturday, December 31st, 2011
to the Melting Pot for dinner

What I'm Wearing:

top - JCrew, borrowed from Annie
leggings - eightsixty via Loehmann's
shoes - a touch of Nina via Loehmann's

Awkward photos are the best:

baby it's cold outside

2012-01-05T12:09:00.000-05:00

It's 2012 and freezing in Northern Virginia. I can't believe that just a month ago I was laying on a beach in Grand Cayman, just to come back to have to wear multiple layers inside my office! My new tripod arrived, so I can start taking outfit shots again, once I'm better that is. I have strep throat for the second time in 5 weeks! It sucks!

The worst part is that strep has a tendency to make me sick to my stomach! So not only am I exhausted with a sore throat, headache, and slight fever, I feel as if I'm gonna toss my cookies at any moment. Enough whining! I am really excited about 2012. It seems to be off on the right foot, aside from being sick.

When and Where:

Monday, December 12th, 2011
to work

What I'm Wearing:

sweater - Loft
sunglasses - RayBan Cockpit
hat - self made :)
jeans - Levi's via Kohl's
coat - Calvin Klein via Loehmann's
boots - Ugg

Grand Cayman, day three

2012-01-03T10:30:00.000-05:00

I didn't really take outfit pictures on my third day in Grand Cayman... but I did get to meet up with Michelle (of That's So Michelle) and her fiance, Nick, when their cruise shipped stopped in Grand Cayman for the day! We ended up walking around for a short time, then parking it on the beach at my resort for some much needed sun time.

We ordered the drink of the day, a peach ice pick (iced tea, peach puree, vodka, and peach schnapps), chatted and sunned, then met someone out in the water that was feeding the fish with some bread. The three of us were acting like kids, so excited to have the fish swimming around us, that the guy gave Nick some of his bread. It was so much fun to get so much enjoyment from something so simple.

Once Nick and Michelle left to get back on their boat, I walked the beach snapping pictures. I decided that day that Seven Mile Beach might be my favorite place on the planet. I'm already saving my pennies to go back!

(photo credit to That's So Michelle)

When and Where:

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
Grand Cayman

What I'm Wearing:

bikini - Victoria's Secret
sunglasses - RayBan, Cockpit

But unfortunately they had to leave before the mermaid sighting:

Look Back: December 2010

2011-12-30T10:20:00.000-05:00

December of 2010 was when I officially started posting to Reston Style! I cannot believe that it's really been a year of (nearly) daily photos and outfit posts! Looking back at the beginning, my poses totally sucked! Hands on hips, big smile... wow, I looked like a huge dork! :)

I think when I started this blog I had dreams that it might lead me into doing something with clothes. They weren't well thought out dreams, just ideas that maybe it would lead me somewhere - but that the somewhere would be fashion related. The funny thing is, I think I am less interested in clothes and fashion after blogging for a year than I was when I started. But that doesn't mean it didn't lead me somewhere! I am more inspired by photography than I have been since I was in high school. I get excited just thinking about getting to take pictures! I can't wait to rush home and edit and share the images that I have taken. My roommate's mom's boyfriend is a photographer, and he told her that the world just looks right through a camera, and I couldn't agree more!

Even though my motivation for starting this blog has evolved, I think it's still a good exercise in finding something fun about getting up and getting dressed everyday! And make sure to check out my photography blog for some of my work!

...and I have a leggings problem

2011-12-29T11:53:00.000-05:00

I am fairly certain if there were something called "leggings anonymous" I would have to go. I believe that this was the 3rd or 4th day in a row that I sported leggings as pants. Then after returning from Grand Cayman (when I was sick/lazy and stopped taking pictures) I wore them for another 5 days or so.

Now I'm all for leggings, but everyday is pushing it. And what's worse? I have started wearing my cropped leggings pretty much anytime I am just hanging around. Sure, they're great for coaching or working out, but they're not real clothes. I should be getting dressed in real clothes, not just slobbing it up in cropped leggings and a sweatshirt every chance I get. (today I am only slightly better in jeans and a sweatshirt!)

I have bad news though... I lost my tripod. I have no idea where it might have gone to. So for now, no new outfit shots. :( Luckily, I did order a new one and it should be here between tomorrow and the 4th. Hopefully it will arrive in time for NYE group pictures, but if not, I have some clever ideas on how to get around it!

When and Where:

Thursday, December 1st, 2011
to work

What I'm Wearing:

sweater - loft
tee, socks - target
leggings - danskin (old)
boots - Jessica Simpson via Loehmann's
scarf - Gap

over a month ago...

2011-12-28T07:29:00.001-05:00

That's when I wore this. See, I figured posting what I have is better than not posting at all. And since I have been fighting daylight with my work schedule, well... this will have to do!

I can't decide if I am excited about the new year, or just want this year to end. Maybe it's half and half. Tonight I head to Amanda's house for her bachelorette get together! This might be the last time that all of us are in northern Virginia before we do officially planned bachelorette duties!

I'm also trying to come up with some new years resolutions that I can keep... any ideas?

When and Where:

Monday, November 21, 2011
to work

What I'm Wearing:

sweater - LOFT
jeans - Levi's via Kohls
boots - NineWest via DSW

Reston Style

a zebra with a sunburn

I sense a theme here

happy birthday, Mr. President

red and blue, I love you

Dance Moms

look back: February 2011 - the 30 for 30 remix!

more leggings and questions

more playing catch up

a non-super bowl sunday

this looks familiar

fit style: coach high school diving

Carolina in my mind

in reruns

sick or working

sunshine day

Look Back: January 2011

short striped shirt

resolution issues

like living in a snowglobe

new years eve!

baby it's cold outside

Grand Cayman, day three

Look Back: December 2010

...and I have a leggings problem

over a month ago...