Tunic Time: Redux

This time, there was Pinot Grigio. {Well, Sauv Blanc.  Close enough.}  And Miller Lite.  And a sushi roll called the F Bomb that I'm still dreaming about.  

I was feeling all easy, breezy, cute in my white jeans and my tunic with all the cool kids and the Bravo film crew at Lemonbar... Then I peed next to a twenty-year old in a sequined mini and a fedora while the bar blasted Like a G6.  And I realized... 

I'm so glad I'm too old for sequined miniskirts.  

Tunic - Tucker

White Tank - GAP

"Long & Lean" White Jeans - GAP

Silver Sandals {not pictured} - street vendor in Greece

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Yellow "Danielle" Earrings - Kendra Scott

mellow yellow

Worn for Birthday Dinner at Hibiscus.

Sunny Safari Blouse - Girls from Savoy / Anthropologie

White Tank - Nordstrom Intimates

Always Skinny Jeans - GAP

Silver Metallic Peep-Toe Wedges - Tory Burch

Earrings - Amrita Singh

K Stamped Necklace - Sonya Renee

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Sparkle Bangle - Banana Republic

Gold Bangle - Coach

yes, I'm alive...

... and no, I'm not preggers.

Here's a photo to prove both declarations.

Emerald "Hailley" Silk Dress (with backless cutout) - Anlo

Black Tights (not pictured) - Spanx

Black Patent & Suede Pumps (not pictured) - J.Crew

Mixed Media Necklace - Amrita Signh

Black Sequined Belt - Old Navy

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

holly jolly office holiday party

Last week, I did a little post over on EA about my holiday party attire potentials...

Unfortunately, we skipped my department's party on Friday after finding out that Evs' grandmother passed away, and I was too busy trying out my Shake Weight and sneaking Hypnotiq into everyone's glass at our Holiday Fest to snap any photos on Saturday, but here's how the ensemble for Evs' department's Christmas shindig on Thursday shaped up...

I was pretty pleased overall... (save for my roots!) - I love this skirt from Ann Taylor Loft - and it's currently 50% off!  It has definitely added a nice dash of color to my winter "business casual" duds. 

 Black Turtleneck - Banana Republic

Floral Twisted Hem Skirt - Ann Taylor Loft

Tights - Spanx

Perfect Patent Pump - Ann Taylor

Earrings - Anthropologie

Black Cocktail Ring - The Limited

C Medallion Necklace - Coach

Gold Cuff - Coach 

weekend wear

This weekend, we had the pleasure of dinning with Evs' boss, Evs' summer clerk, and both of their lovely wives. It's so nice to enjoy an evening with work people where you don't have to feel "on"... and where you enjoy the most delectable mustard cream sauce you've ever had the pleasure of dipping your fingers halibut in!  

I was planning on busting out a fancy white sundress that hasn't seen the light of day since our honeymoon (hence the reason that I only purchased one of these types of "bridal ensembles"... where do girls wear all these white dresses after the festivities are over???), but this little pink number called to me from the window of Ann Taylor... 

... and I'm super-psyched to transform it into work-wear this week!  It's the exact type of frock I look for to serve dual-purposes... flirty details, fun fabric, but a classic and none-too-sexy cut.  You better believe there will be a Bold Sun or Bright Orange Heritage Cardigan over this new addition in the coming days!  

Vibrant Animal Print Ruffle Dress - Ann Taylor

Satin Marigold "Carmen" Peep Toes - J. Crew (wedding shoes!)

Sunglasses - Banana Republic

White Enamel Necklace - Banana Republic (gift)

Bauble Cocktail Ring - J.Crew 

Lady Luck

Confession:  I am not feeling my outfit today.

Solution: I shall cheat and answer a fun question from Michelle, who writes:

Hello to my fashion guru. I have read your blog for some time now and need a little advice. Can you post an outfit that you would wear in Vegas. Say going to a club...etc. I need help. I have been scouring rack after rack and cannot find a thing. HUMF....(insert huge sigh) Appreciate it! :)


For me, Vegas is all about *Sparkle* and since the sequins that always come with holiday attire have carried over into springtime trends, there are loads of glitzy frocks out there that are fun and flirty, without being trashy! Some of my favorite examples, all courtesy of Nordstrom:

Pisarro Nights Sequin Chiffon Blouson Dress

JS Boutique Sequin Sheath Dress

Adrianna Papell Sequin & Paillette Mesh Dress

Pisarro Nights Sequin Shift Dress

That first bunch is sassy and spangly, but still a bit more versatile (ie: the black, gold, and silver colors would transition perfectly to winter cocktail attire for years to come).  The last two are a bit more costume-y... a bit more "classy showgirl," if you will!  

Aidan Mattox Niteline Sequin One Shoulder Dress

Aidan Mattox Niteline Bead & Sequin Embellished Dress

If audacious sequins aren't your thing, the following dresses still have that Shimmer Factor... they're also both flattering in the tummy area, ensuring you can enjoy the famous Vegas culinary scene without stressing over a little post-dinner pouch!  

Aidan Mattox Niteline Metallic Silk Bubble Dress

Laundry by Shelli Segal Beaded Metallic Jacquard Dress

Here's hoping your trip to Vegas is a lucky one!  

weekend wear!

First-up, HDH & MH's Engagement Party!

Since it was such a hit on Pawley's Island, and the print seemed to fit the fun "TexMex & Tequila" party theme, this vibrant, one-shoulder Trina Turk was an obvious choice in which to cheers H & M's impending nuptials!  This dress ranks high on my Favorites List and originally appeared in Evs' & My Wedding Wardrobe Lineup!  

One-Shouldered Dress - Trina Turk via RueLaLa

Pink Satin Rosette Sandals - White House Black Market (ironic)

White & Gold Statement Earrings - Kendra Scott via RueLaLa

Gold C Cuff (not pictured) - Coach

Additionally... a Quick-Fix for Errand-Running!

Thank Gawd it's sundress season again!  My closet is chock-full of 'em from seasons' past (this one happens to be my college grad dress from 2005!) and they are the absolute easiest things to throw on!  

For example, Sunday morning found us with a rumpled hair, a hankering for Mediterranean food, and a full to-do list of errands requiring attention.  A quick brush-through, some bronzer, and a breezy dress-and-cardigan combo and 10 minutes later I was good to go.  

Absolutely love this coral print and the lace / bust / braided strap detail.  And these silver sandals?  Happy, happy, happy momentos purchased on Mykonos during our trip to Greece in 2007... When these wear out, I'll be a Sad Panda.  

Coral Print Sundress - Designer Unknown, Purchased in Willminton Beach, NC

"Heritage" Cardigan in Bold Sun - Land's End Canvas

Silver Sandals - Street Vendor Purchase, Mykonos, Greece

Gold Medallion Necklace -gift 

weekend wear: anniversary edition

Evs and I celebrated One Big Ol' Year today!  Most of the day was spent in yoga pants and green-and-gold duds, lallygagging in the park with the Boom and cheering on the Bears in the Elite Eight, but we did get gussied up for a delicious brunch at Fearings...

I was hoping to make it a yearly tradition to sport my "going-away ensemble" on our anniversary, but it seemed a little too formal for Sunday brunch... maybe next year, if we celebrate with a fancypants dinner.  

I did, however, wear my wedding bracelet, earrings and shoes!  

The bathrooms at Fearings / Rattlesnake?  Best ever.  Sadly, the sexy lighting doesn't make for amazeballs photo-taking... but you get the idea! 

Marigold "Heritage" Cardy - LEC

Ikat Print Silk Shift - Cynthia Steffe 

Marigold Satin "Carmen" Peep-Toes - J.Crew

Cluster Pearl Earrings - Bridal Emunique

Antique Button Pearl Necklace - Miss Joan's Hobby

out-n-about

Pretty much obsessed with the Swirled Azita Tunic from Anthro...

Also pretty obsessed with the lighting in this very smoky rugby bar in Fort Worth... Usually, one can only dream of such fantastic fluorescent track fixtures whilst enjoying $6 pitchers of Miller Lite with a gaggle of men in stripey shirts and tiny net shorts. 

 And while we're obsessing, a Big Gracias to Ann Taylor for the inception of the Perfect Platform Pump in patent... beautifully made, heart-breakingly high, and both price and comfort are on the "decent" side (as far as 4 inch stilettos go, obvs).  And yes, that would have made me a whopping 6'1'' on Saturday night... thank goodness for tall husbands! 

Lastly... an Oldy but a Goody... a sherbet colored car coat in cotton chino... an Old Navy Cheapie from 6 years ago:

Swirled Azita Tunic - Anthropologie

"Always Skinny" Jeans - GAP

Perfect Platform Patent Pumps - Ann Taylor

Cotton Chino Car Coat - Old Navy

Ivory & Gold Statement Earrings - Amrita Singh via RLL

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present

Ivory & Gold Bangle - Banana Republic

birthday weekend + twisted pony tutorial

Friday Night Dinner Attire:

I usually wear this tunic / obscenely short dress with leggings or really, really thick black tights.  However, both leggings and said-tights were dirty on Friday... so I went with the gray.  Only to notice in the bathroom that I was sporting the very distinct "OMG She Forgot Her Pants Look."  Hence why I did not remove my coat until we sat down and then practically clawed the poor hostess when she attempted to take it from over my lap.  In theory, nearly pulling a Britney at the Ritz during NBA All-Star Weekend is pretty small potatoes, considering the potential high dollar hooker / slutty athlete groupie factor... but I had hoped to celebrate ANOTHER YEAR CLOSER TO THIRTY in an age-/hygienically-appropriate fashion.  Oh well.  There's always next year. 

Tunic "Dress" - Single via Elements in Dallas (Winter 2007)

Grey Tights - Hue via Nordstrom

Black Patent Peeptoe Platform Pumps - Nine West (2006)

Red Coat - Guess via Nordstrom (Winter 2007)

Blue Drop Earrings - present

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present

Gold Tassel Necklace - present

Ivory & Gold Cuff - Banana Republic

Saturday (movies)

Evs spoiled me rotten big-time this birthday.  I've been wanting a gold pair of Revas and figured that would be my only gift... Trixy Minx shocked me with the LV Speedy 30 that I've wanted since I discovered at the age of 10 that Louis Vuitton meant so much more than the bags laid on street corners in Chinatown (that discovery was an eye-opener!).  Way too much luxury for one measley ol' birthday, but I don't think I'll protest too much!  

Silk Magenta Deep-V Sweater - Banana Republic (Winter 2008)

Burnt Silk Rosette Cami- J.Crew (Winter 2009)

"Always Skinny" Jeans - GAP

Gold Reva Flats - Tory Birch - present

Gold Figure-8 Earrings - present

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present

Damier Azur Canvas "Speedy 30" - Louis Vuitton - present

How-To: Twisty Pony

This definitely works better with slightly-dirty hair!  If your hair is really slick / clean, tease the crown a bit and spray with a fine aerosol mist hairspray before styling to give your hair some grip.  

(1) Taking both your thumbs and tracing up from the outer points of each eyebrow, grab the very front section of your hair - ie: what is (or would be) your bangs and the hair immediately behind your bangs.  Twist loosely, creating a small bump or poof on the back of the crown of your head.  Secure with bobby pins.**

** Instead of fastening the bobby pins on either side of your twist, try sticking just one or two through the center of the twist - working the bobby pin from the bottom of the twist up towards the crown.  This is hard to describe in writing, but if you imagine the twist as a tube beginning at the crown of your head and pointing downward towards the back of your neck, you are going to stick the bobby pin into the tube pointing up towards the crown.  Securing the hair this way hides the pin.  Don't worry if it doesn't feel really secure - the other twists and the pony will hold it all in place. 

(2) Now, taking both your thumbs from behind each ear and tracing back towards the center of your head, create two more sections of hair.  Loosely twist each section in towards the back of the head, securing them together with bobby pins when they join together in the middle. 

(3) Pull the ends of the twists together with the rest of your hair and fasten with a hair rubberband.   Viola! 

It takes some practice to make everything look fluid together - one trick is to be sure and not pull anything too tight!  

weekend wear

This weekend I jetted off to witness my oldest friend say "I do!"  I wish I had an ITPithB post dedicated to her outfit (stunning), but, alas, its just little ol' me.

Travel Attire:

My "Takin' Care of Business" cheap-o koozie is one of my most prized possessions.  I bought it at Graceland when my Dad and I took a totally awesome and totally random (location-wise) road trip after college graduation.  When my car was stolen a couple of years ago, this was inside and was one of the only things not trashed or taken.  Obviously, I was hit by criminals with zero taste. 

Black Boyfriend Cardy - White + Warren

Silver Polka Dot Shell - J.Crew (Winter 2008)

"Always Skinny" Jeans - GAP

Gunmetal Lissie Flats - Tory Burch via Nieman Marcus 

Pave Ball Earrings - Banana Republic

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present 

Badass Koozie - Graceland

On Saturday, I brunched with some of my very first "internet friends"... Long before blogging took over my computer, it was the Austin Knot Board all the way (the ultimate gateway drug), and a meet-up with these girls was long overdue!  {Cute photo to be posted when I figure out what the hell I did with my camera cord}

My childhood bedroom is like a memorial to Kate: Ages 16 through 20.  Check out that carpet.  I picked it out when I was 8... I still remember the color ("French Blue")... not quite sure what that thought process included. 

The Michael Stars tee that I'm sporting is my FAVORITE tee shirt EVER.  I've had it since I was 21 and it hasn't lost its color or shape.  Its the only MS "One Size Fits Most" tee that doesn't look like I've tried to stuff myself into a shimmery sausage casing.  Its also the perfect length and I love the ballet gathers at the neckline. My biggest downfall in life thus far is not being able to find more colors in this style... If anyone knows where this particular tee can be had, there are four dozen snickerdoodles with your name on them. 

Plum Rosette Cardy - Ann Talor Loft 

Orange Shimmer Tee - Michael Stars via Nordstrom (circa 2004)

"Always Skinny Jeans" - GAP

Gunmetal "Lissie" Flats - Tory Burch via Neiman Marcus

Gold Figure-Eight Earrings - Christmas present

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present

Gold C Cuff - Coach 

Wedding Attire: 

So, my Master Plan was to wear this dress with fun, black lacy tights.  Good thing I threw the grey pair in on a whim as well because Me + Lacy Tights = Chunky-Legged Hooker.  

The clutch was my wedding clutch. 

Black Velvet Dress - Banana Republic (Winter 2009)

Gray Tights - Merona via Target

Black Suede & Patent "Harpers" - J.Crew (Fall 2009)

Bon-Bon Earrings - Anthropologie (Winter 2009)

Skystone Necklace - Anthropologie (Winter 2009)

Gold C Cuff - Coach

Pink Pashmina - gift 

Silk Clutch - Etsy Seller Red Ruby Rose