While 2012 was a great year, I am hoping for even bigger and better things in 2013 by improving my perspective a bit. What better way to kick off the week than with some insight from those experts out there?
Instead of New Year’s resolutions, I am committed to making some New Year’s actions. Step one? Focus on positivity and possibilities. I don’t know about you, but I tend to be an incredibly analytical person. I tackle any decision by reviewing every potential outcome, which doesn’t sound too crazy. But, I’ve started to notice that by doing so, I tend to focus a bit too much on the potential bad outcomes which can be incredibly limiting and sometimes even lead to self-fulfilling prophecies of the negative variety. I’m going to do my best to approach decisions, big and small, with a more open mind and a more positive perspective.
I’ve also come to realize that at the end of the day, we have very little control over our own lives. We just have to do our best to buckle up and enjoy the ride, wherever it takes us!
So, the way I see it, 2013 hold the potential to be an entire year full of things that could go really, really right!
I’ve had my eye on Amanda Judge’s designs ever since I was an engaged lady myself. I was an avid fan back when all she had was a pretty little Etsy shop to peruse. And, peruse, I did. I fell in love with her whimsical, feminine headbands, hair accessories, belts and other accessories. Which is why I am so excited that her company, Untamed Petals, now has not only an accessories and jewelry line carried at more than 30 stores, but a collection of fabulous frocks, too.
With about a dozen dresses to choose from, soon-to-be brides can find the perfect rehearsal dinner or bridal shower dress. It isn’t easy to find a white dress for a reasonable price, particularly this time of year! Not a bride? Don’t worry, these party dresses are perfect for a cocktail party, girls night out or just a date night! Check them out! While you’re visiting the world of Untamed Petals, be sure to check out all of the stunning jewelry and bridal accessories, too!
Wear this dress if you’re envisioning a more casual bridal shower or rehearsal dinner. I can see this being a boho-chic summer staple, too!
On the Fringe Dress | $78
If you like to show a little more skin and appreciate unique detail and texture, this is such a fun choice for a rehearsal dinner.
Garden Party Dress | $89
We all know about my love affair with peplum, so it is no surprise that this is one of my favorite choices. The illusion neck, sweetheart neckline and crisp white color make this dress perfection. I might just have to buy this one!
I’ve made a pact to refrain from shopping for the entire month of January. Crazy? Yes. Worthwhile. You bet. What better way to start off the year than by saving some money, making the most of the wonderful Christmas gifts I received and engaging in some good old fashioned closet reinvention?
That being said, there is no harm in sharing the items on my wishlist!
January is the best month to shop for a deal on a few specific items, one of which is the New Years Eve outfit, post New Years Eve. Anything that’s little over the top, including sequins, glitter, leather or any other type of embellishment, is going to be drastically discounted. There is no rule that says you can’t wear some of these pieces all year long, so why not take advantage of a fantastic discount?
Like it.
This metallic print shorts are an excellent buy. Add some tights, a cute top and a blazer and shorts can be a winter staple. This pair can also make its way well into summer.
Dylan and Rose Metallic Jacquard Shorts | $39.99 (on sale from $56)
Love it.
Sequins can make an outfit. I love pairing something as fancy as sequins with laid back pieces. I’d pair this cardigan with boyfriend jeans and white tee. To dress it up, try black pants and a black cardigan.
Zara Printed Sequined Cardigan | $69.99 (on sale from 189)
Buying it.
I complied my list of sequined skirts a few weeks ago, but I actually wore this one on New Years Eve. I wore it with a black sleeveless top, but if I’d been better prepared, I’d have paired it with a plaid shirt. Such a feminine skirt would be perfectly balanced with some lumberjack plaid.
Free People Sparkle and Stripe Skirt | $64 (on sale from $128)
I’ve taken a bit of a hiatus during the holidays, but I’m back and excited for all that 2013 may hold!
It’s relatively old news that Pantone has declared Emerald the color of 2013, but I think its fascinating how quickly retailers begin pumping out the emerald-hued merchandise. As Irish as Irish can be, I’ve always been a lover of all things green, so this is one trend I am totally on board with.
Hunter green was one of my must-have fall colors, so I’m excited to branch out into emerald and kelly green hues for spring. The Gap dress is the perfect casual dress that will last through spring with a pair of flats, summer with some fun sandals and fall with brown riding boots. Looks like we’ll have plenty of green to choose from for St. Patrick’s Day!
I don’t know about you, but all of my holiday parties were all squeezed into last weekend. That isn’t going to stop me from scouring my favorite sites for pretty holiday frocks and frills. Who knows when a party might pop up and New Years Eve is just around the corner. Not to mention that from now through the end of the December is the best time to find a great deal on a fancy dress.
Case in point:
BHLDN Nexus Dress | On sale through today for $72BHLDN Twinkle Dress | On sale through today for $168South Moon Under Aryn K Mesh Cut Out Dress (check stores)Anthropologie Sangeet Dress | $49.95Anthropologie Paillette Flutter Mini Dress | $139.95Anthropologie Sapphire Lace Dress | $89.95
Anthropologie, BHLDN and South Moon Under are offering up some gorgeous options, with almost all of them on sale! Merry Christmas to you! You just can’t go wrong with lace, sequins, sheer paneling and bold colors. The bow back on the red Nexus dress is prettier than any Christmas wrapping job I’ve ever seen. Royal blue is a too often overlooked color for winter. With black lace detailing, the Sapphire Lace Dress is a unique and fun option for New Years Eve, coupled with a pair of sky high heels and some serious bling.
I’m a day late, but late is better than never…right?
As an admitted accessories lover, I have a divine devotion to pretty purses. Lucky for me, Kate Spade is feeding my addiction with an oh-so-fabulous sale – happening now! I’m just window shopping for now, as I’m focusing my own funds on gift-giving but I just had to share these finds with you. They just so happen to be great gift ideas too!
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A Hunter green purse was on my wish list this fall. This two-tone version would have done the trick!
Grove Court Large Maise | $269
Love it.
I fell in lust with this bag the second it came out. Available in red, hunter green, polka dot and this version below, the shape of this purse is ladylike and chic. The smaller size makes it ideal for everyday use. I recently took inventory of all of my bags and realized that I have entirely too many oversize bags, so I’m looking to downsize.
Post Street Little Nadine | $224
Buying it.
Ta-da! The perfect option for a smaller size bag. Worn as a crossbody bag or as a handheld, this bag is just as feminine as the option above. However, the unique color will easily carry through winter, spring and even summer.
Plaid is all over the place this holiday season. Preppy plaid, flannel plaid and even ruffled plaid are dominating the racks at some of my favorite stores. One of my go-to, staple items is a plaid button up shirt.
Doing casual plaid is easy. Throw on a plaid button up with a pair of jeans and boots. It looks polished, yet still relaxed. Throw on a puffer vest to keep warm or just to “rugged-up” a look. Layer a plaid shirt with a striped or polka dot sweater to create a more preppy, playful outfit.
Dressing up plaid is so much more fun! In fact, I’m hosting a little get together this week and am planning an outfit around a plaid button up from J. Crew. I still haven’t gotten my hands on a sequin skirt but absolutely love the idea of pairing plaid with sequins, sparkles or any other type of fancy skirt. Here are some of the looks I’m striving for with my plaid .
I’ve put together plenty of posts on wedding day attire. However, as I’ve been oohing and aahing over holiday dresses, I realized that I’ve yet to include anything about dressing for a rehearsal dinner. Sure, the big day is the primary focus, but a bride is still the main attraction of her rehearsal dinner (sorry grooms!).
Your rehearsal dinner allows you to have a bit more fun with fashion choices. There are very few times in a woman’s life in which she is going to have all eyes on her; two of which are her wedding day and rehearsal dinner. Looking fabulous is a must. Wearing white is not required, but I tend to gravitate towards lighter colors even in winter. After all, how often does a lady get to wear a white dress?
The good news? During the holiday season, there is an onslaught of white, ivory and sequined things to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites which are ideal for a rehearsal dinner, but I’ve also got my eyes on them for New Years!
After a fabulous weekend in the city that never sleeps, I’m experiencing a bit of withdrawal as I sit at my desk and attempt to work. Oddly enough, 48 hours in one of the most crowded cities was somehow relaxing and decompressing. I think it was the fact that we were able to roam around all day and night with no definitive destination, just the goal of taking it all in.
I tried to refrain from snapping pictures everywhere I went to save my husband some embarrassment. However, I was able to catch a few cliche shots on my phone.
Rockefeller CenterA yummy treat from a Bakery in Long Island.It is officially the holiday season! The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.The Empire State Building
I also got to peruse the Macy’s Shoe Department, which is now the largest shoe department in the world with more than 300,000 shoes on display. I was like a kid in a candy store, particularly when I hit the clearance racks. I snagged 3 pairs of shoes, each pair originally over $100 for $150. Merry Christmas to me! Unfortunately, they will be going under the tree so I won’t see them for a few weeks!
I also had what I would venture to say was one of the best meals of my life at Stanton Social. The restaurant offers a small plates sharing menu and each item wasn’t more than a bite or two. Somehow, I still managed to leave incredibly full and more than satisfied. Each dish was even better than the next. My favorites were the french onion soup dumplings, potato and goat cheese perogies, old school meatballs and the shrimp and grits. And…I’m officially hungry.
There is nothing quite like New York during the holidays. The only downside to the trip was the weather. It rained almost the entire time we were there which of course left me searching for some rain boots. I got all excited to try on some Hunter rain boots since I’ve been wanting a pair as long as I can remember, only to discover that they are too narrow for me. As you can imagine, this left me a bit disheartened and debating what kind of role marathon-running will have in my future. However, I refuse to be discouraged and am putting together a comprehensive guide to rainboots this week because I know I can’t be the only one out there with this problem! So be on the lookout if you’re in the market!
This was the first time I’d taken a trip to NYC and managed to get myself to some new, non-touristy neighborhoods. I love that one city can offer such a vast array of unique experiences. I’ll always be a DC girl at heart, but I can’t wait to get back to New York the next chance I get!
I’ve rounded up the best sequined, glittery shoes around to bring a whole new definition to the word “twinkle toes.” This fab footwear collection spans everything from heels to flats to oxfords, as well as prices ranging from splurge to steal. The Unisa option from DSW is dead ringer for a pair of Kate Spade’s that I deliberated purchasing for my wedding for the better part of a year.
Quick Tip: Don’t be too hard on shoes with glitter or sequins as the embellishment can come off pretty easily. Keep the box the shoes come in and store them in the box in your closet to help them last longer.
