Fall Wish List
These Sam Edelman boots are exactly what I need this season.
P L A I D B L A N K E TCheck! Found this one at Home Goods and used it on the front porch last weekend.
Looking for new fun ways to decorate this Fall, and love this idea!
Husband and I live in these in the Fall, and we decided we’d buy a new one this year on the first day of the season. Picked mine out!
B L A N K E T S C A R FI already have one of these, but definitely need another one. These colors are gorgeous.
F A L L S C E N T E D C A N D L ECheck! My pumpkin pie woodwick candle is burning constantly, and it’s amazing.
O X B L O O D P U R S ELike this one. Except a little more affordable than Celine. Maybe someday.
Spring Fashion: Fringe, Mules + More
Okay, we had our snow day, so now I’m officially ready for spring. Can I get an Amen? At least dream with me for a minute while we discuss the spring fashion trends …
W I D E L E G P A N T S
High waisted and wide leg are the pants for spring. Typically these are not my style. I’m still lovin’ the skinny jeans, but how cute is this outfit?! I’ll definitely be trying this one out.
O V E R S I Z E D F L O R A L
Floral’s been having it’s moment for a minute, but now it’s all about the BIG floral. This totally makes it seem more wearable to me.
F R I N G E
Fringe: jackets, cardigans, dresses, purses, jewelry – it’s all over the place! Isn’t this jacket from Free People TDF??
S H O E S: M U L E S
I don’t know how comfortable these shoes are yet, but they’re certainly stylish. I’ve seen mule heels, platforms and flats, so there’s something for everyone.
C O L O R E D S U E D E
I honestly don’t think I own anything suede. This trend is all about suede in bold colors for the season. You could even mix suede and fringe together – and mules!
S H O U L D E R B E A R I N G
I love this trend. Shoulders can be so sexy, right? Off the shoulder is definitely the easiest way to go, but also cutout shoulders like in this photo.
Which trend are you looking forward to the most?
xo xo
You might also enjoy: 2013: Sunny Style, 2011: Spring [Fashion] Is In The Air, 2010: Fashion Week Designers Reveal Spring Trends
Weekend in Vegas: Wardrobe Prep
I’m headed to Vegas this weekend with the sistahs (mom and two new sisters, read more on that here) and I’m so excited!
I love traveling, but I’m the worst at packing. I usually just throw a bunch of clothes in a bag, with ideas of outfits in my head, but I never really plan it out. So, in an effort to save space (to of course make room for NEW clothes) and be less stressed deciding what to wear, I’m planning out my outfits for the weekend. What’s funny is for someone who’s such a planner, this actually kind of stresses me out – realizing I can’t change my mind at the last minute about what to wear!
F R I D A Y N I G H T
[comfortable for the plane, but cute enough to step into vegas || t-shirt, Forever 21; jeans, BlankNYC, booties + cardigan, Elysian Boutique]
S A T U R D A Y
[focus on comfortable shoes for walking and quick dress changes for shopping || dress, Elysian Boutique; shoes, DSW]
[dinner reservations at Nobu calls for fur + bling || dress, necklace + fur vest, Riffraff; shoes, BCBG]
S U N D A Y
Day outfit: I will be spontaneous and purchase something Saturday to wear for Sunday! Eeek!
[sunday afternoon show + evening drinks overlooking the strip || jacket, H&M; dress, Elysian Boutique; clutch, Ann Taylor Loft]
M O N D A Y
[after a weekend in vegas, it’s time for comfort and casual heading home || boyfriend jeans, J. Crew]
Come back next week to see our Weekend Picturebook from Vegas. Hope you have a wonderful weekend wherever you are!
xo xo
All Things FALL – Recipes, Fashion + Decor
Oh Fall, how we all seem to adore everything about you. Below are a few of my favorite things I’m most looking forward to this season.
R E C I P E S
{I vow to make at least two of these by November}
{Goat Cheese Toasts}
{Ooey Gooey Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread}
{Tomato Basil Chicken Stew}
{Apple Crisp Pizza}
F A S H I O N
{I vow to own at least two (preferably all four) of these pieces by November}
{army vest}
{leather leggings}
{beige sweater/poncho}
{floral pants or sweater}
H O M E D E C O R
{I vow to own or make at least two of these by November}
{updated chalkboard}
{party idea: pumpkin wine holder}
{fall flowers}
{monogrammed fall wreath}
xo xo
sunday inspiration
{simple fashion – stripes + army vest}
{capturing beauty in a wine glass}
{friendship}
{fall recipes – goat cheese + walnuts + honey}
{clean and classic decor}
{passionate love, humphrey bogart + lauren bacall}
xo xo
Oscars 2014: 5 Best + Worst Dressed
B E S T D R E S S E D
{Cate Blanchett, Armani // This dress and those applique details are just a dream. She looks like a goddess, just floating along without a care in the world. The nude could easily wash her out, but somehow it complements her skin and hair perfectly.}
{Lupita Nyong’o, Prada // Oh my goodness, breathtaking. She set the bar pretty high as she’s been killing it all awards season, but this “Nairobi” blue instantly set her apart from her peers. Only change in my opinion – lose the headband. It makes her look too young.}
{Angelina Jolie, Elie Saab // Angelina Jolie (and Brad Pitt) are practically royalty in the movie star realm, and she totally brought it. This is the definition of confidence and age-appropriate sexy.}
{Charlize Theron, Dior // Talk about a simple stunner. The fit of this dress could not be more perfect and I absolutely love the nude straps. Top it off with perfect hair, makeup and accessories and you’ve got a winner.}
{Kate Hudson, Versace // I really have no words except, just look at her. The plunging v-neck accentuates her fit figure flawlessly and that cape takes it from beautiful to outstanding.}
Honorable Mentions: Jennifer Lawrence, Olivia Wilde
W O R S T D R E S S E D
Okay, to be fair, there really wasn’t any look on the red carpet I thought was just awful. Overall, the gowns were beautiful, but the five below were just some of my least favorites.
{Jennifer Garner, Oscar de la Renta // I just don’t love this for the Oscars. She looks too much like a high-end flapper and the neckline is too grade school. Spice it up a little bit, Jen.}
{Kristen Bell, Cavalli // I ADORE Kristen Bell, so I hate to put her on this list. Again, it’s not horrible, but it’s not great either. The dress is fine, but the entire look is a little boring and safe. Also, the middle part hair? No.}
{Anne Hathaway, Gucci // This just looks strange. I can’t really put my finger on it, but it kind of looks like she’s wearing an armor breastplate on top of a gown. Sorry, Anne.}
{Sally Hawkins, Valentino// Sally, this was your moment! You were nominated for the first time! You could have killed it and you totally lost it. As we saw, the nude and applique were huge trends, but she did not pull it off properly. It looks like this dress was not fitted for her at all and she just threw it on last minute.}
{Amy Adams, Gucci // I was so excited to see what Amy was going to wear after her amazing dress at the Golden Globes … and this was totally underwhelming. It’s a beautiful dress, but the look is just so-so. I would have completely changed the hair and accessories to make this look more sexy.}
xo xo
Fall Trend: Pastels
Typically August makes me yearn for Fall because it’s just so hot you want to die. But this year, it’s the opposite. It feels like Fall is creeping in early and it makes me eager for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, football, cozy sweaters and beautiful foliage.
As I’ve been reading up on Fall fashion in my magazines, one trend has stood out: pastels. Pastels for Fall?? I know, sounds strange, so I’ve put together a lookbook of some cute pastel images to inspire you for the upcoming season.
Tip: the key is to mix with autumnal colors like browns, greys and winter white
xo
You might also enjoy: Hello Fall; Hello, Fashion, Coachella Fashion Awards
Coachella Fashion Awards
Coachella, according to my Instagram and Twitter feeds: Celebrities come together in a desert to outdress each other’s hippie attire and lounge poolside at picturesque parties. Oh and I think there’s something about music, too.
[best day to night transformation – julianne hough]
[best hat + sunglasses combo – alessandra ambrosio]
[best “trying to look like a hippie, but I’m so not” – paris hilton]
[best sexy day makeup – diane kruger]
[best poolside loungewear – sophia bush]
[best easy breezy – whitney port]
[worst dressed – vanessa hudgens]
[worst dressed couple – kristen stewart, robert pattinson]
[worst florals – katy perry]
[most out of place attire – sophia bush, eli roth]
* * *
[best poolside party]
Catch me next Monday when I’ll be reviewing weekend 2 of Coachella!
xo xo
Sunny Style
Today feels like the first truly spring day we’ve had. As I’ve been doing housework with the doors and windows open and Olli has been luxeriating in the sun, I’ve been daydreaming of permanently warm weather and its accompanying spring style.
1. Keds for Kate Spade New York; 2. Chino Shorts, J. Crew; 3. Textured Peplum Top, Banana Republic; 4. Henry, Marc by Marc Jacobs; 5. Mani Pedi Fund Cory Pouch, Rebecca Minkoff; 6. Summer Straw Hat, J. Crew
xo xo
favorites.
These are a few of my current favorite things & I wanted to share with you, my lovely readers.
* * *
{Just sign up now. Don’t ask questions.}
{Dear Mindy, I watched your show The Mindy Project and thought you were pretty funny. I followed you on Twitter and thought you were hilarious. I read your book “Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me?” and thought you were brilliant. XO, your newest fan}
{Whether for breakfast or snack or dessert, it’s always 100 calories & it always tastes just like Key Lime Pie.}
{Gel manicures – I know there’s a lot of controversy right now about getting cancer from the UV nail lights, but that’s not going to stop me. Look how pretty they always turn out?! I’m currently sporting the My Sugar Baby Blue in the top left in hopes of warmer weather.}
{I recently subscribed to this magazine and I love it. It’s a perfect mix of my entertainment news + global news stories (and doesn’t JLaw look stunning??)}
{My new nude pumps are going to be my Spring best friend. I will wear with boyfriend jeans, work attire + my nude lace dress for Easter this weekend.}
What are a few of your favorite things?
xo xo
life lately {media challenge edition}
So what did we do during those two weeks of our media fast? Here’s a peek at my life lately.
[NWAFW]
From top to bottom: NWAFW, The Chancellor Hotel; Friday night with Amanda; Saturday night walking the runway with Piper; Butternut Squash Ravioli = amaaazing, Union Kitchen + Drinks
[TRIP TO OHIO]
From top to bottom: Getting dressed up to see musical Sister Act with Mom; Commercial shoot in Cleveland; My Ohio welcoming meal – margherita pizza, homemade meatballs, pasta, fried artichokes, 3 Palms Pizzeria; Sleeping with my Roxie baby
[EVERYTHING ELSE]
From top to bottom: Two-day work session with Facebook, 21c Museum Hotel; Curling up with a good book + good wine; Olli soaking up the sunshine; One of many game nights; Norman Rockwell Exhibit + The Rail + Club Frisco = perfect Friday night
xo xo
My Week in To-Do’s
Monday
Purchase stamps
Pay Electric bill
Address and mail Christmas cards
{sneak peek for my readers}
Catch up on Gossip Girl
* * *
Tuesday
Happy hour
Plan outfits for weekend in NYC
{inspiration}
Purchase black boots + winter coat to complete said outfits
* * *
Wednesday
Get nails done
Wrap Christmas presents
* * *
Thursday
Pack for NYC
Watch Scandal
Set alarm for 4 am for NYC flight
* * *
How are you staying busy this week?
XO
from day to play
I find it can at times be difficult for a young professional to look young and professional at once. My biggest fear when I first joined the corporate world (this is very telling of me) was that I would turn into a dowdy, average dresser. I want to keep my personality in my clothes while still looking appropriate. Another challenge is often quickly changing from a work day to an evening play date a la happy hour or dinner with the girls.
So below are some tips for how to stay fresh, cute and professional from day to play.
[for play = take hair down + red lip]
[for play = change pants for dark skinny jeans + fun heels]
[for day = + black skinny pants, flats]
[for play = + chunky necklace, switch bag for clutch]
[for play = change into colored/patterned top + leather jacket]
[for day = + shrunken blazer]
What are your day to play tips? XO
hello, fall; hello, fashion
Day 12: I’m thankful that I’m financially blessed enough to be able to celebrate good news by going out.
Day 13: I’m thankful for an unexpected compliment today at the post office. Don’t those just make your day?!
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FALL = fashion
I vow this year to take more risks in my fall wardrobe. So I’m sharing some inspiration for the season I hope to shamelessly steal from and make my own. My 2012 fall fashion advice = brights on bottom, nudes on top.
{mint!}
{best ombre}
{current fall obsession – Michael Kors Hamilton Artisan Tote}
{need more fur}
{burgundy + metal tip shoes = both hot fall trends}
{leopard, always}
{hat, yes yes yes}
{super bright, super cute – also, the shoes}
{chunky gold}
{glam + slouchy sweater = perfect}
What’s your fall style?
You might also enjoy: Falling for Fall, Northwest Arkansas Sartorialists {fall fashion}
Spring [Fashion] is in the Air
As a tribute to March and a prayer for warm weather (and no more snow, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc.) I’ve decided to start my spring fashion list of hot trends and must-haves. And what better way to begin than by my favorite Oscar 2011 fashion look, Mila Kunis.
This look exemplifies everything I want for spring: sexy, lacy, bold, confident, unique.
To be honest I wasn’t sure what I thought about this dress at first glance, and then it just hit me. I think it’s reminiscent of love at first sight — I was unaware of it at first, because I’m not sure if I believe in that sentiment, and then I just realized, this is the one.
For those of you non-fashion lovers out there this probably sounds very cheesy, but for those of you like me, you know exactly what I mean.
Anyway, this Elie Saab dress is stunning in so many ways and will provide the basis of my spring look book.
Lace
Though I’ve never been much of a lacy fan, I’m reconsidering it for spring. My problem with lace has always been one of too much femininity. It’s romantic, delicate, girly, sweet — none of which I’ve never used to describe my personal style. But this trend saw a lot of diversity at the spring fashion shows and is bringing a new generation of lace that I can definitely get behind — sexy and glamorous.
Bold colors
Let’s turn to another example from the Oscars to prove the power of bold.
This was the first dress I saw on the red carpet and it nearly took my breath away. I didn’t even know who this woman was. Now I know. Twenty-year-old Jennifer Lawrence from Winter’s Bone. 20 years old! Can you believe that? Studies have shown that red is the sexiest color for girls and guys to wear. And doesn’t she look sexy AND confident?
Bold colors should be worn head held high. They make a person stand out in a sea of safe LBDs. And though I am often guilty of choosing the safe black route, which will always be a classic, if you want to turn heads this spring stick with my mantra: Go for the bold!
Michael Kors
Accessories: Gold & Lucite
Gold has always been a favorite of mine and seems to be a hot accessory for winter and spring. Gold accessories come in such a wide range they can make a simple outfit more elegant or a party dress more funky. The gold metallic perfectly complements the spring break tan and bold colors, showing off the body’s natural shimmer.
Though lucite was really a big trend last spring, it’s still hot for 2011. Lucite is a solid, transparent plastic, seen everywhere from necklaces to earrings to bangles to high heels. The fun look is a mix of sophistication and innocence. (Aren’t these similar to the plastic bangles I wore growing up?)
Add the two hot accessory trends of gold and lucite together, and you get some amazing modern jewelry.
m.davis xoxo 
