It’s My Party

Well, here we go, I am officially entering the last week of my twenties. Next week is my 30th birthday.

All told, I think I am handling it pretty well. (I may have had an internal mini meltdown for a week or so during which I read half of a self-help book and pondered the overall meaning of things.)

Now I’m feeling more clear-headed and have new reading material on my Kindle. There is just one thing left to ponder: How to celebrate this big event?

Food, definitely food (I’ve got to get my hands on some of these); a bit of indulgence of course; I’d love to learn a new skill (hint hint!); and perhaps try on new set of stripes.

In my twenties to celebrate we played spin the bottle and drank Knockout Punch. I’d like to think 30 will feel a bit more cool and classy.

But, if I do end up drinking one too many Manhattans and making snow angels in the middle of Central Park at midnight, I guess that’s ok too.

30 doesn’t have to mean all grown up, it just means I’m one step closer.

Vacation Wishlist

If you’ve spoken to me at all over the past week or two, I probably told you (about 5 times) that Andy and I just booked tickets for a winter holiday in Mexico next month.

I am excited out of my mind about this trip for many reasons. First, I’ve never been to Mexico and can’t wait to see the country. Second, this will be Andy’s and my first vacation together without traveling with friends or family members in almost two years (seriously?!!) Third, have you seen New York lately? The snow? The salt? The cold? As if I needed another reason, right?

Needless to say, I can’t wait to get away. I’m so excited that I have already started compiling my perfect vacation wishlist. If I could pack anything I wanted into my suitcase, these are the pieces I would bring. I’d keep my color palette simple in tones of beach, water and sky (with a little bit of bright thrown in!)

From left: Zimmermann Ruffled Two-Piece Bikini (via Saks); Steven Alan Sophia Dress ; Tom Ford Lip Color in Vanilla Suede; Illesteva Leonard Clear 001 Sunglasses (via Opening Ceremony); Reed Krakoff Flat Sandal; Madewell Silky Trouser Shorts; Lem Lem Mare Tunic (via Barneys)

Either/Or

I think that this Spring we are going to see denim dressing move to a whole new level: denim dressing up.

(And I don’t mean no Canadian tuxedo either.)

Last year you know I went wild for denim on denim. I still sport the look on a fairly regular basis in a constant quest to wear it as well as Jenna Lyons does .

It seems only natural that the next level of the full denim look will be the full on denim dress.

Here are two dresses that take the term “designer denim” to heart.

On the left, Lanvin’s Ruffle Denim Dress has all of the frill and flintiness of Elbaz’s other creations while on the right, Prada’s Denim Sleeveless Long Dress is signature Miuccia with perfect tailoring, killer details and an unexpected element. (Click over and check it out from the back!)

Tell me, are you feeling the denim dress trend or does it give you the blues?

Which way would you rather wear it. Frilly and fabulous in Lanvin or cool and chic in Prada?

LGTM ♥ Weddings!

I know, it’s been forever since I put up a wedding-related post here on the blog but, we’ve been hard at work planning our big day.

The next big project to tackle are the paper goods: the save the dates and invitations.

Since Andy is a graphic designer (and I was one too once upon a time) we both really want the design of these two elements to be special and unique. For the save the date we are letting ourselves get really creative and conceptual. For the invitation I think we are going to do something a bit more traditional (but not too traditional).

I’ve been cataloging images of gorgeous calligraphy from wedding invitations for some time now. I love the beautiful, whimsical quality of this handwriting. I wish I could write like this!

It would be lovely for an invitation or even just a simple not to say I went to the store…

Images from left:

Blackbird Letterpress /Betsy Dunlap (via Oh So Beautiful Paper); Neither Snow; Hello Handmade (via Design*Sponge); Duet Letterpress

Life is Rich

Hello! Please forgive my lack of posting this week. The heat has been out in our apartment and it has made it impossible to do anything but burrow deep under the covers and watch movies.

Thanks to all of your awesome tips and suggestions for our weekend in Richmond! We had such a wonderful time there.

I found the city itself to be incredibly charming and found that in different places it reminded me of the places I have lived like Philadelphia, Portland and even Detroit.

The people were friendly, the food was excellent & it felt like every time we took a walk we found something new and cool to explore.

From the gorgeous interior of the Jefferson Hotel to a simple breakfast at the Urban Farmhouse (mmmm rosemary egg sandwiches). From a colorful beet salad at Can Can to the faded signs painted onto brick walls all over town. From the bloody mary bar at Balliceaux (and their bacon menu!!!) to a deep-hued sunrise, Richmond may be a small city but it is certainly big on color & culture.

I am excited to go back again (although I may wait until summertime).

Packing List: Richmond

Andy has been working off and on at an agency down in Richmond, VA and this weekend I am going down to see him and check out the town.

I’ve never been to Richmond and have limited experience with the South. (My trip to Atlanta was my first and I learned that if there is one thing I like about the South, it is the food.)

I am excited to see Richmond and get a feel for the town. I especially want to check out the brick and mortar location of awesome e-commerce site Need Supply and check out the food at restaurant Comfort (fried green tomatoes please!).

I am packing my new favorite t-shirt dress from A.L.C., my new favorite boots, some nubby, slouchy socks (that look so good with said favorite boots), a pair of jeans, a cozy cardigan sweater--now on super sale, damn!–from Madewell and my current accessory of choice: my leopard print belt (just try and find something I won’t wear it with, just try it…)

I am also bringing a suit and tie for Andy as well as some fancy duds for myself since we are invited to a little cocktail party down there.

Anyone out there have any can’t miss Richmond recommendations? Lay ‘em on me!

Have a good weekend everybody, see you on Monday!

LGTM ♥ Weddings!

Quite a few people I know are getting married this year. I wanted to quit yapping about my own wedding and take a moment to say how thrilled and excited I am for every one of you. I am sending my heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to all of the people in my life who are also planning a wedding right now.

From my cousin, to one of my closest friends, to those of you I have known for years, to readers I haven’t ever met, it is such a special thing to share this  experience with you and I wish you all of the joy in the world for each and all of your big days!

Hello Gorgeous

Eeeeeeee! I got my wedding shoes and let me just tell you I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Andy thinks I am absolutely crazy for buying shoes this early in the game. He’s sure I am going to fall to pieces over at least five or so more pairs before our big day.

I think otherwise, I ended up picking a pair that is elegant, simple and classic. No matter how many months, or trends (or years for that matter) go by, these shoes will always be absolutely gorgeous. I am going to have to put them on a very high shelf to keep myself from wearing them out on the town.

And no, you can’t see them yet!

Pony Up

Watching the Golden Globes this year I was on the lookout for interesting hairstyles for wedding inspiration.

Funny then that the most interesting hair trend I saw was the most basic one of all: the ponytail.

And I’m not the only one who noticed either, the Golden Globe pony got a lot of attention here, here & here.

So many stars were rocking the pony at the awards and they all looked fresh and fantastic. Kyra Sedgwick (loved the color of her gown with those earrings too!), Piper Perabo, J.Lo and (my pick for best-dressed) Julianne Moore* were a few of my favorites.

I am currently growing my hair out for the wedding. It has been a long time since I have had such consistently long hair (and when I say long I mean it just touches my shoulders folks), sometimes I get stumped on things to do with it.

Seeing all of these great ponies is a great reminder that with fashion and beauty, it isn’t always what you do, but how you pull it off. I think I’m going to try wearing a fancy pony today!

* To all of the people who put Julianne Moore on their worst dressed lists, let me just say: Nobody ever looks bad in Lanvin!!! Got it?

Photo Credits: First three ladies via Stylelist. Julianne Moore via Just Jared

All Geared Up

I am a big fan of jewelry by NYC-designer Philip Crangi, especially his lower-priced line Giles & Brother.

The pieces have sparkle that you want to wear but are put together with industrial elements that add a bit of a tough-girl edge. Whenever I wear my Giles & Brother pieces I definitely feel a little cooler.

I love the Gear collection where all of the pieces remind me of the cogs from a machine but with a little bit of an art deco bend.

From left: Rhinestone Bar Cuff, 5-ring Rhinestone Necklace (on sale!), Rhinestone Gear Necklace, Threaded Rhinestone Cuff, Tube Necklace, Double Rhinestone Pipe Necklace (all pieces available at Giles & Brother).