Winter Wedding Warmth

All of you Winter brides are likely nailing down all of the final details for your impending nuptials. One of those details? What to wear to keep you warm when you’re exchanging your vows or snapping pictures with your sweetheart. It can be a challenge to find the perfect finishing piece that is both functional and fashionable, but I’ve rounded up some gorgeous options.

Embellished, Ladylike Cardigans

One of the easiest solutions to staying warm on your wedding day is adding a cute, stylish cardigan. To keep from looking like you threw on grandma’s sweater over your gorgeous wedding gown is to find a cardigan that complements, not competes with, your wedding gown. A cropped style will be best, as it won’t interfere with the skirt or detract from your overall look. Go with a white, ivory or pale pink, depending on your dress color or opt for a cardigan in one of your wedding colors. Look for feminine details, such as bows, embroidery or sequins to add some pretty pizzazz.

BHLDN Colony Club Cardigan | $280
BHLDN Colony Club Cardigan | $280
Madame a Paris Cardigan from Yoox | $85
Madame a Paris Cardigan from Yoox | $85

Faux Fur

If you’re more of a glamour girl, then you’ve gotta break out the faux fur. Count your lucky stars that this season, faux fur, particularly in white, is a popular trend, so you will have no shortage of jackets, vests, stoles and boleros to choose from. There aren’t too many limitations with this look, since the fur is an obvious addition to your overall look, not just an accessory. However, stick to shorter styles, as a long fur jacket will compete with your dress. If you’re planning to wear a fur piece for the ceremony, I’s go with a classic white to keep with the bridal theme. But, if you’re donning this warm weather accessory just for photos, have some fun with it. Go with a brown or even a light gray. One must: Avoid colors that are not natural. A light pink fur stole might sound pretty in theory, but in practice, you’ll look like a wanna be Playboy bunny…wearing a bunny.

A gorgeous bride rockin' her winter white fur. (Photo from Dragonflight Photography via Style Me Pretty)
A gorgeous bride rockin’ her winter white fur. (Photo from Dragonflight Photography via Style Me Pretty)
Calvin Klein Faux Rabbit Fur Jacket | $138
Calvin Klein Faux Rabbit Fur Jacket | $138

Whatever you choose, plan to have something on hand other than your groom’s tux jacket, even if its just a pretty pashmina. Comfort is key – and trying to exchange vows with chattering teeth might prove more difficult than one would like!

Don’t forget to check out Carine’s Sample Sale TONIGHT starting at 5pm! First come, first served so get there early to save 50-75% on gowns by Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Rivini and Marchesa!

 
 

Like it, Love it, Buying it: Sequin Edition

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It’s been awhile since my last post, but I’ve been sick as a dog the past few days. I’m finally back to my old self and have lots of exciting things to post, so stay tuned!

As I’m starting to prep for upcoming assorted festive occasions, visions of sugarplums, stilettos and sparkly outfits are dancing in my head.

In my opinion, any night out between December 1st through January 1st warrants some kind of glitter, sequin or other metallic accent. The sparklier (not sure that is a word), the better. I typically opt for dresses and tights even in frigid temperatures, but I’ve always secretly pined away for a sequined skirt.

Since most sequined skirts fall in the mini-variety, I can never seem to find one that fits just right, or looks quite how I want it to. But, this season, sequins are everywhere, so I think I’ll be able to find tons of options. A holiday outfit is a perfectly justifiable reason to shop during the season of giving…right?

Like it.

Can we just give Lands’ End a little round of applause here? Way to jump headfirst into the trend pool! This little gold number is a fantastic option that can be dressed up or down, as shown.

LandsEndSequinMini
Lands’ End Sequin Mini Skirt | $90 (plus 40% off any one item right now)

Love it.

This skirt is to die for. I love the tribal design and unexpected color combo, which makes it wearable in the summer and spring, too.

Express Sequin Embellished Mini Skirt | $59.90
Express Sequin Embellished Mini Skirt | $59.90

Buying it.

I’ll be waiting for this to go on sale because let’s face it, we all know it will. I love the A-line, slightly flared cut of this skirt which will make it a super-flattering option for a girl with some curves (like myself).

MadewellSequinMini
Madewell Sequin Mini | $118
 
 

DC Bridal Happenings

This is a big week for brides to be! DC’s best bridal boutiques are pulling out all the stops for the remainder of 2012. You won’t want to miss these upcoming events, sample sales and trunk shows.

Hitched

White Thursday Pop-Up Sample Sale
TOMORROW – Thursday, November 29th from 5-8pm
The Presidential Suite at the Westin Georgetown
More details here.

Styling Night Featuring Erin Cole Accessories
Thursday, December 6th from 5-8pm
Appointments aren’t necessary, but RSVP is requested
(202.333.6162 or info@hitchedsalon.com)

View Erin Cole’s latest and greatest jewelry, veils, headpieces, belts, sashes, hair flowers and more and receive 10% off all accessories during the event! Choose from awesome accessories including this gorgeous belt.

Carine’s Bridal Atelier

Junko Yoshioka Trunk Show
Thursday, November 29th- Saturday, December 1st
Appointments required (202-965-4696 or info@carinesbridal.com)

Known for unique silhouettes and asymmetrical cuts, if you’re looking for a one of a kind dress, make an appointment. If you’re looking for a totally on trend peplum gown, the spring 2013 showed three peplum gowns.

Peplum gown from Junko Yushioko

Sample Sale
Friday, December 5th
No appointments necessary. Dresses are first come, first served.
More details to come but get this on your calendar!

The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel

Year-End Sample Sale
Saturday, December 1st through Monday, December 24th
Pre-sale Friday, November 30th
Walk-ins are welcome, but special order requests require an appointment.
(301-652-2250 or thebridalsalon@saksjandel.com)

There will be more than 60 gowns on sale, with all designer collections included in the promotion. Ladies, if you’ve dreamed of donning Vera or Oscar, on your wedding day, this is one sample sale you cannot miss. Gowns from Reem Acra, Peter Langner and J. Mendel are also available. You can snag discounts ranging from 20% off for new Spring 2013 collection dresses up to 75% off on dresses from past seasons. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 10am-6pm.

Photo from The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel
 
 

Cat-Eyed Cutie: Like it. Love it. Buying it.

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I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday full of good food, great family and super Black Friday shopping deals. I was fortunate enough to have a whole lot of all three!

After fighting the crowds on Black Friday, just about drowning in Cyber Monday emails and focusing my attention to gift-giving rather than purchasing, we’ll consider this round of like it, love it, buying it more of a wish list than an actual potential purchase.

I’ve been flat out lusting over cat-eye sunglasses as of late. I love any type of eyewear that makes a statement and this retro style doesn’t disappoint.

Like it. 

This Tory Burch version comes in several fun colors, including red, tortoise, tan and gray, pictured below. These are a more rounded cat-eye shape, so they are a perfect option for anyone who likes the look but isn’t ready for a more exaggerated look.

Tory Burch Cat’s Eye Sunglasses from Nordstrom | $149

Love it.

I am absolutely obsessed over these Dior Retro Sunglasses and Dior’s Cat’s Eye Sunglasses. I spotted them on Atlantic-Pacific a few months ago and haven’t stopped pining over them since. Absolute perfection.

Dior Retro Sunglasses from Nordstrom | $280

Buying it.

At the price of two lattes, I think I might be able to spring for these sunnies. They don’t have quite the exaggerated shape of the other two options, but when compared to triple digit prices, I think I can make do!

Urban Outfitters South of 5th Cat-Eye Sunglasses | $10
 
 

Hitched White Thursday Sample Sale

Who needs Black Friday when brides have got White Thursday? Hitched is throwing the best post-Thanksgiving sale a bride could ever ask for! They’re taking over the Presidential Suite at the Westin Georgetown on Thursday, November 29th from 5-8 pm to showcase 30 of their best sample gowns. The best part? Every gown is going to be marked at just $1,500! And you’ll be able to choose from dresses from some of the industry’s top designers including Amsale, Christos, Lela Rose and Modern Trousseau, saving thousands of dollars.

Here is a sampling of a few of my favorite gowns you’ll find at the White Thursday Sample Sale:

Christos Nevine
Christos Gretta
Amsale Penelope
Amsale Blair
Judd Waddell Tiered Organza Ballgown

You can view all thirty gowns here. Peruse the selection and see if any of the gowns are exactly what you’ve been looking for and be sure to RSVP via email or call 202-333-6162 to secure your spot. If you’ve had your eye on a specific gown that just so happens to be part of this sample sale, you won’t want to miss it!

 
 

Cozy Scarves: Like it. Love it. Buying it.

Spending the week in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday, I’m enjoying the refuge from the DC cold. Yesterday, it was 65 degrees out and as I embarked for a quick run in my tank top, I noted all of the Floridians bundled up in their gloves, headwarmers and fluorescent windbreakers. And, of course, they all looked at me like the crazy person since I was in the tank top.

As much as I love these milder temperatures, I do miss some of my warm weather accessories, namely scarves. I have what some might refer to as a scarf addiction. I just can’t help myself. Scarves go with any outfit, add color, pattern or texture to a neutral outfit and just look so darn fabulous. Most of my scarves are light or mid-weight, which are great for Spring, Fall and really chilly work environments. As large as my scarf selection is, I need to add a few heavy weight options to keep warm during the winter months.

Like it.

Every woman needs a chunky knit scarf. They are the warmest, most versatile pieces and completely necessary for walking the city blocks in the winter. I purchased a violet version from J. Crew last winter and it was one of my favorite purchases. Unfortunately, I’ve lost said purchase, which explains my need for a new one!

ASOS Neon Mix Knit Cable Scarf | $38.70

Love it.

I am ob.sess.ing over this scarf from Madewell. The faux fur and flannel lining is such an unlikely, yet flawless combination. It looks so cozy and absolutely glamorous at the same time.

Madewell Faux-Fur Circle Scarf | $59.50

Buying it.

With a heavy knit with a fur lining, this Gap infinity scarf is ideal for keeping out the winter chill. The camel color will go with pretty much anything and is one of my favorite colors. However, it also comes in black if that is more your style!

Gap Fur Cowl Neck Scarf | $35.96 originally $39
 
 

Juicy Couture Georgetown

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Last week, I made way over to the newly remodeled Juicy Couture in Georgetown. I wear Juicy Couture’s Viva La Juicy perfume religiously, and have done so since it came out years ago. However, despite my brand loyalty via perfume, I’ve never purchased a single clothing item. I typically associate Juicy Couture with velour track suits complete with a blinged out “Juicy” on the rear.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with the selection available at the new store, which is now two stories. The second floor is reminiscent of any woman’s dream closet, with the clothing to boot. More than a few things caught my eye:

1. Bow Tank $78 |  2. Betty Cocktail Dress $328 | 3. Luxe Diamond Cardigan $198  | 4. Peek-A- Boo Minidress $178 | 5. Snow Angel Dress $398 | 6. Ziger Sweater Coat $146.99 – on sale from $298! | 7. Tuxedo Romper $248 | 8. Viva la Juicy $90

My favorite is the Ziger Sweater Coat which looked so incredibly warm and comfy for fall and winter! I’m really digging the Tuxedo Romper, too. Rompers are not an easy item to purchase since you can run the risk of looking like you belong in elementary school if you aren’t careful. This option is classy and the slim leg keeps it from being too 70s. I’d love to pair it with a pair of bold heels, a glitter blazer and a statement necklace for a holiday party. Or with the Ziger Sweater Coat for a more casual look. Clearly, I need this sweater…

Make sure you check out the new store or do some online perusing. All sale items are an additional 30 percent off!

 
 

Black Boot Best Bets

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I spent the greater part of my life in Florida, so you can image why I am not a huge fan of cold weather. The one saving grace of frigid temperatures is the necessity of boots. Cold weather is an excuse for an expanding boot selection and I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of flat black mid-calf boots.

I refuse to by boots online because they never end up fitting right, and I’ve yet to find the perfect pair in-store. So, I thought I’d pick out a few favorites in hopes of finding them in a store on Black Friday. GASP, yes, I am one of those crazies who shops on Black Friday.

Here is my black boot roundup:

1) Nine West Bleaker ($83.30) |  2) Pink and Pepper Rev ($59.99) | 3) Mossimo Kamara Engineer Boot ($34.99) | 4) Frye Carson Tab Short Bootie ($328) 5) Bucco Vina Ankle Boots ($69.99) 6) DV By Dolce Vita Zip Short Motorcycle Boots ($149)

My favorite pair is the Dolce Vita motorcycle boot, but the Mossimo pair from Target looks pretty promising for $34.99. I’ll have to inspect that pair in person to make sure they are good quality. Of course, I love the Frye boots as well, but I’m not wiling to spend more than $300 on a pair of boots that won’t necessarily be a staple in my wardrobe.

A few of these pairs are on sale, which is tempting, but I think I’ll try my luck next week, in-store to make sure they’re the perfect fit. Black Friday, here I come!

 
 

Beloved BHLDN

I love Anthropologie. I love weddings. Anthropologie’s spin on weddings? See BHLDN. They’ve been open for a year and a half now, but the gowns they’re churning out just keep getting better.

You don’t go to BHLDN for a traditional bridal gown. You go to BHDLN for something special and completely unique. A BHLDN bride is a bit alternative, a tad ethereal and a whole lot of romantic. The BHLDN line is all about simple silhouettes adorned with unexpected, unique details. Each dress has a touch of old fashioned charm mixed with modern details to make one positively perfect bridal creation. Here are a few of the bridal dress I’m swooning over:

Aguille Gown | $1,200
Blossoming Weir Gown | $1,800
Burnished Organiza Gown | $1,400
Golden Strata Dress | $850
Pleated Fantasy Gown | $3,600 on sale for $2,000

The only challenge with these dresses is that the only physical stores are in Chicago and Houston, meaning that unless you are able to visit one of these locations, you’ll be buying a wedding dress without trying it on first. However, BHLDN accepts all regular priced unworn merchandise within 30 days for a full refund and has a comprehensive sizing chart on their website. On the flip side, this is an excellent benefit for a bride on a short timeline. You can get a gown within a week, which is virtually impossible to do at any other bridal retailer unless you purchase a sample dress on the spot.

BHLDN also offers gorgeous bridesmaids dresses, shoes, jewelry, veils and headpieces, and, of course, party dresses. Do yourself a favor, bride or not, and peruse all of the beautiful things BHLDN has to offer!

 
 

Peplum Edition: Like it, love it, buying it.

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I’ve got a major obsession of the peplum variety. I purchased the first item of my quickly expanding peplum wardrobe a few months go and haven’t stopped since. I get complemented on it all. the. time.

Peplum is flattering on ANYone. It complements curves and creates them where there are nonoe. Which is precisely why this week’s like it, love it, buying it is all about the peplum.

Like it. 

Lace and peplum is lovely and ladylike, an ideal combination. However, the black lace adds a little edge and keeps this top from being too sweet.

Zara Lace Peplum Top | $79.90

Love it.

Hello, holiday season! This top was made for a celebration, holiday or not! Pair it with skinny jeans or a black mini and some fabulous heels and you’re good to go.

Vince Camuto Metallic Dot Jacquard Blouse | $99

Buying Bought it.

I saw this top in Anthropologie yesterday and had to snatch it up. It comes in three color combos: black and white (pictured below), gray and white and kelly green and navy. I opted for the gray.

Anthropologie Sweetheart Peplum Top | $58.00

Which one is your favorite? Time to jump on the peplum train, ladies!

 
 

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