Someone asked me to help them find the perfect black crossbody purse. Not too big, not too small, just the right size – and less than $100. Challenge, taken!
I usually head to Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls or TJ Maxx when I’m on the search for a purse on a budget. There is always a wide selection of heavily discounted items, making it impossible to leave without finding something you want. However, for this challenge, I wanted to stick to items anyone could buy, so here we go:
Aldo is a no-brainer for shoes, but the store carries some excellent accessories, such as this crossbody purse.
Aldo Pensa Purse | $35
J. Crew recently relaunched their Factory store website. I own this purse in a gold glitter and its the perfect size for a few essentials for a night out.
J. Crew Factory Store Leather Envelope Clutch | $68
I love this Banana Republic option. Quilted fabrics are a must for the winter season and the shape is really similar to the Michael Kors version, which happens to be twice as expensive.
Banana Republic Quilted Faux Leather Crossbody bag | $59.50 (30% off until 11/11)
Urban Outfitters never fails to disappoint! You can’t beat the price of the two bags below and they both received good reviews from purchasers. Keep in mind, the second option is incredibly small and wouldn’t fit more than a phone, a credit card or two and maybe a small lip gloss. Perfect for going out on the town, but it is definitely not an everyday bag.
Deena & Ozzy Bullet Crossbody Bag at Urban Outfitters | $39Deena & Ozzy Shark-Lock Pouch at Urban Outfitters | $29
Bridal headwear has seen a major evolution in the past few decades. We’ve come from the tulle monstrosities of the 80s to a wide selection of delicate, sassy and romantic veils, birdcages and headpieces. I love that there are so many styles to choose from and am a proponent of choosing multiple headpieces and creating different looks for the reception and ceremony. A bride’s wedding is the one event at which outfit changes are completely acceptable for us non-Hollywood folk, so why not hair accessories too?
Cathedral viels have a special place in my heart and always will, especially since I wore one on my wedding day. However, some of the more playful, whimsical hairpieces are catching my eye. I’ve seen a few lately that make me wish I could pick a new wedding day look every week.
BHLDN has a wide range of hair accessories, some much more expensive than others. These hair clips add a pop of pizazz to a basic updo. If you envision yourself as a classic bride, these are right up your alley aisle.
BHLDN Bracken Clip | $42BHLDN Les Bijoux Hairpins | $400
Birdcage veils’ popularity has surged in the last few years. They are a fun alternative to a classic veil and while most brides are convinced they can’t pull off the look, almost anyone can with the right dress. Mermaid, fit and flare, trumpet and sheath look best. A birdcage competing with a ballgown tends to be a bit much.
Brenda’s Bridal Veils via Etsy | $109
I’m gushing over this bejeweled headband. The epitome of effortless elegance, this headband complements an updo or loose waves. Simply gorgeous!
Untamed Petals Poppy Double Headband via Etsy Shop | $145
In honor of Election Day 2012, I thought I’d put a patriotic spin on my weekly like it, love it, buying it post. If you haven’t done so yet, make sure you get out there and vote, people! We are lucky to have the privilege of democracy, so don’t take it for granted.
And, now on to more trivial, red, white and blue retail-related things.
Like it.
As we’re quickly saying goodbye to Fall temperatures (did we ever say hello?), I’m on the search for some long-sleeve shirts to round out my wardrobe and keep me warm. I’m digging the feminine details and of course, the sub $20 price tag!
Forever 21 Keyhole Blouse | $19.80
Love it.
I’m a sucker for sheer. This dress manages the delicate balance between sweet and sexy. The sheer, polka dot sleeves and sweetheart neckline send this little number to the top of my wish list.
Madewell Parkstroll Dress | $168
Buying it.
Every once in awhile, a piece of statement jewelry is worth the extra expense. I usually try to keep accessories purchases under $50, but this necklace is simply stunning. At 60 percent off, it really is a bargain and has the versatility to add a dose of glitz to a casual outfit or steal the show with a simple cocktail dress.
Ann Taylor Supernova Statement Necklace | Originally $148 | On sale for $69.99
I’m running a marathon in, gasp, TWO DAYS. Hopefully, this time Sunday I’ll be close to the half way point, with only 13.1 miles to go! Woohoo! Also, I’m crossing my fingers that Hurricane Sandy doesn’t crash this party. While I understand that rain won’t kill me, I’d really prefer to not spend more than four hours soaking wet and running. Isn’t the running punishment enough? Geesh! However, what will be will be, so if Sandy decides to show up, I will embrace her with open arms, keep calm and run on.
In case any of you readers are contemplating conquering a marathon, or perhaps even running this weekend too, I thought I’d provide a quick rundown of the essentials.
1) The cardinal rule of marathon racing: Don’t do anything differently on race day than you’ve done in training. If you’ve always eaten a Clif bar before training, eat one before your marathon. Consistently chowed down on sport beans mid-run? Don’t quit now – keep it up on race day. Think you need new shoes the day before the race? No, you don’t. Keep everything the same as your training run and you won’t have any unwelcome surprises or shocks to your body.
2) Comfortable, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing. I am typically outfitted in all Lululemon clothing because it is the most comfortable and the fabric is made to wick away moisture. For Sunday, rain is probable and sweating, no matter how much of a chill there is in there, is a definite. Buy a cheap sweatshirt or long sleeve shirt for the time you’ll spend waiting for the start and then you can ditch it once you start running. All excess clothing collected along the race course is donated, so you can even feel good about yourself! If it is raining, a garbage bag with a hole for your head and arms will do the trick to keep you somewhat dry while waiting around. Gloves and hats are also good to have on hand to keep you warm.
FYI, these are my favorite running pants:
Run Inspire Crop II | $86.00
3) Hydaration. I’ve tried all types of hydration options and always come back to the water belt. Sure, it looks like a fanny pack on steriods. But guess what, we don’t decide to run marathons to look good. Staying hydrated is essential, so go with the option that works best for you.
Nathan Water Belts | approx $35
4) Put your name on your shirt. Each year I’ve run, I buy iron-on letters and put them on my Team in Training jersey. As a result, I have a personal cheersquad thousands strong helping me every inch of the way to the finish. I imagine this might be what was like for Oprah to run her marathon, minus the bodyguards, billions of dollars and media empire.
5) A really great attitude. Remember, you don’t sign up for a marathon because it is easy. You sign up for a challenge. You sign up to remind yourself just what you are capable of, and, in the case of the Marine Corps Marathon, you sign up so that you can respect those people who have exerienced much more pain during their time in service than the pain of running 26.2 miles. Running a marathon is something that very few people will achieve in their life, so congratulate yourself for your determination, perseverance and soon to be accomplishment. Remind yourself to enjoy every step, every stride and every mile because let’s face it, it very well could be a once in a lifetime experience!
Hats are making a comeback! Thanks to the Royal Wedding and the Kate Middleton-mania that ensued, headwear is now back on the “hot” list – and not just the good old fashioned baseball cap. I love hats of all kinds. The right hat can make an outfit effortlessly chic and conceal even the worst of bad hair days. I invested in a straw fedora or two for summer, have quite the baseball cap selection and am now searching for a wide-brimmed hat for fall.
After some searching, my front-runners are:
I’m leaning towards the Gap hat. The navy color will go with almost anything and brown leather accents up the aesthetic, making it look like it costs much more than a mere $30.
As fabulous as the Rag and Bone hat is, I simpy can’t swing (or justify) the $200 expense.
Exactly one month ago, my husband and I celebrated our one year anniversary. Even a year and a month later I’m still getting used to saying the words “my husband!” Recently, we had the opportunity to do a one-year shoot with my very talented photographer friend, Aki Akiwumi of Mangolens photography. We decided we might as well go all the way and throw on our wedding day garb to really enjoy the celebration of one year of marriage.
We made our way to the Netherlands Carillion which, in my opinion, is one of the absolute best views of the city. Case in point:
What I loved about the shoot was its relaxed nature. We were able to just enjoy being with one another, which was hard to do on our wedding day as we were rushing from the ceremony to pictures to the reception, keeping our focus on what was happening next instead of what had just happened. The photos of our wedding day are absolutely priceless and beautiful (thanks to Paul Morse and Jacqulyn Maisonneuve) but I think most brides can attest to the difficulty of relaxing on your wedding day.
If you’re thinking of doing an Anniversary shoot, whatever the year, I’d highly recommend it. It is a fun, low pressure way to document a special milestone in your lives. A shoot can be as low key as you, your significant other in your favorite jeans and tees or as elaborate as getting back into your wedding day outfits. Your photographer can work with you, too, to pinpoint ideas and inspiration.
We had a blast doing the shoot and being in my wedding dress made it feel even more special. But I will say, the well wishes and “congratulations!” from the occasional passersby did make us feel a bit awkward at first, but then we just embraced it and responded with a gracious “thank you!” One year of marriage deserves just as much congratulations as one hour, in my opinion!
Here are some of my favorite shots. Aki shoots in both digital and film (yes, good old fashioned film) which is really, really unique and a testament to his skills! See if you can tell which ones were shot on film and which ones are digital:
*All photos are courtesy of Mangolens photography.
Have you done an Anniversary shoot? What was your favorite part?
A few things are happening that are leading me to the conclusion that I’d like to treat myself to something special. Whether these are valid reasons for my purchasing a little something special, I don’t pretend to know (or care), but they do sound good:
Fall is coming here and my summer bag is waiting patiently to go into hibernation.
There are some really, really fabulous bags out there that need a new home.
I am running a marathon on Sunday (yikes!). I think 26.2 miles warrants something special besides the foil blanket and finisher medal, as fab as they are.
Some of the bags I have my eye on for my weekly edition of like it, love it, buying it:
Like it.
Coach is introducing some fresh new shapes to their collection this fall, as well as some classic throwbacks. This one can work as a cross body or a tote. It comes in gray, yellow, navy, green and pink (pictured below) and is a great size for carrying the essentials and not everything but the kitchen sink.
Coach Leather Colorblock New Willis | $298
Love it.
There are just so many things to heart about this tote. The hunter green, the black accents, the ladylike shape coupled with some edgy hardware. Sigh, perfection. I’m jonesing for some hunter green and oxblood colored pieces in my fall wardrobe and this little lady just might meet the mark!
Kate Spade Post Street Little Nadine | $428
Buying it.
OK, let’s get real. I’m not actually buying this, unless I happen to win some prize money from this marathon, considering it’s a hefty pricetag, but I couldn’t resist sharing it with all of you. I’m a Marc by Marc Jacobs girl at heart. How gorgeous and perfect for Fall/Winter?
Marc by Marc Jacobs Flipping Out Colorblocked Top Handle | $528
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! The weather was absolutely gorgeous this weekend and my on regret is not spending more time outside!
One of my all time favorite weekend activities as a DC resident? Brunch.
People who don’t live in DC are mystified by the our brunch obsession. From brunch buffets to bottomless mimosas, there are countless options for a Saturday or Sunday early-afternoon affair. But my personal favorite is the all you can eat small plates option which you can find at most Richard Sandoval restaurants, particulary Masa 14 and El Centro. Endless food and beverages for just $35? Sign me up.
Boqueria, the newest tapas-centric addition to the DC food scene, finally caught on and is now offering an unlimited tapas and drink menu for brunch on Saturday and Sunday for just $35. I love Boqueria. I’ve only been a handful of times, but every visit is better than the last. The food is consistently delicious and the bustling atmosphere is lively and social. I’d highly recommend the brunch as many of the items on the unlimited menu are from Boqueria’s daily menu.
Patatas bravas (photo from Boqueria)
I recommend the pan con tomate (bread with tomato, garlic and olive oil – simple but oh so good!), tortilla espanola (a spanish omelet of eggs, potatoes and spanish onions), espinacas a la catalana (sauteed spinach with garbanzos, pine nuts, garlic and golden raisins), bambas (beef and potatoe croquettes) and slateado de setas (sauteed wild mushrooms, manchego cheese and thyme). I can’t recommed any of the traditional brunch dishes since I haven’t eaten them, but the pancakes and Huevos benedictinos have my mouth watering; not to mention the dessert items – a selection of churros and flan. To wash all that delicious food down, choose as many beverages as you like from four types of sangrias, a mimosa or a draft beer.
In case you still aren’t convinced you need to pay a visit to Boqueria, I’ll leave you with some food for thought.
Anyone who knows me will confirm my undying love for accessories. I firmly believe that a statement necklace, colorful scarf or an awesome arm party will make or break an outfit. Coco Chanel’s rule about removing one accessory before you leave the house falls on deaf ears, which is why I am dying over the jewelry site Baublebar.
This fashionably fabulous site offers all types of jewelry (rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces) at varying price points. The best part? Every piece is seriously stylish. The worst part? I want every. single. one. Starting with these:
Baublebar collaborates with some pretty design-savvy folks, including the creator of Atlantic-Pacific and Ninia Garcia to name a few. If you like what you see, be sure to sign up to get exclusive updates on deals and specialty discounted “buried baubles.”
With booties being in season, I’m on the hunt for ankle length denim. All of my jeans, both colored and denim, are on the longer side since I am only 5′ 5.” They work just fine for my typical daily footwear of flats, but with booties, the bottom of the jean tends to bunch up and look incredibly awkward when paired with a bootie.
I prefer the ankle length styles with my work pants, so I think I need to hike up the hemline on my denim too. Here are some of the options that have caught my eye while perusing online.
These AG jeans are the perfect burgundy color for fall.
AG Stevie Ankle Color Jeans from Anthropologie | $158
Current/Elliott Skinny Ankle Jeans at Nordstrom | On sale for $105.90
Paige is one of my absolute favorite denim brands. I’ve owned a few pairs and love the quality. However, like most designer jeans, they run long. For instance, these jeans have a 30″ inseam. For someone on the shorter side, like me, you’ll want to aim for a 27″ inseam and zippered jeans are near (if not completely) impossible to hem.
Paige Eve Skinny Ankle Zip Jeans at Nordstrom | $189
These come in a range of colors, from yellow to teal to magenta and about half of the price of any of the other options I’ve seen so far. The inseam for the regular is 28″ and the petite is 26″ – sound about perfect to me! The only downside? They don’t carry them in-store in the DC-metro area, so I won’t be able to judge the fit until they come in the mail.
