All The Pretty Horses

I am so excited to share with you my second collaboration with the girls over at Spicy Candy DC today! When a trip to the lavender field went severely awry, ("what do you mean the lavender has been gone for weeks?!") two of my favorite DC bloggers dressed up in their favorite summer maxis from South Moon Under and we hit up one of my favorite wineries, The Winery at La Grange. An evening of frolicking in the vines, strawberry shortcake snacks and an impromptu pony party not only made for the pretty photo opp, but a perfect way to start the summer too!

On Katya: Dress and sandals, South Moon Under
On Carla: Dress (not online yet), cuff and Rebecca Minkoff purse, South Moon Under

Twilight Jumpers

Summer is my favorite. From the sun setting later to the fun outdoor festivities - I try to relish every minute of it while its here.

One of my favorite summertime activities (besides picnicking) is watching horse festivities. Each Saturday night at Great Meadows, they have twilight polo matches. It’s a whole scene really. For only being an hour outside the city, it’s well worth the trip down I-66. 

A few weeks ago, they had a jumpers tournament that we attended. The hubby dressed up in his preppy best (red shorts and all) and we met up with some friends for some horse watching. Of course, we brought tons of picnic’y things and had seriously the best time. 

I love dressing up for events like these. Nothing better than throwing on some cowboy boots and a pretty dress. And there’s an '80s party right around my birthday that I might just have to go to. If you haven't been to a match yet, they're going on until September 13 - hope to see you there!

On Julien: Dress, J. Crew Factory (similar here.) Purse, Rebecca Minkoff (love this white version.) Hat, American Apparel. Boots, The Frye Company. Earrings, Necklace and Charm Bracelet (similar.), Tiffany & Co. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar here.)

A Walk in the Park

Living and working near DC has it’s ups and downs. And more often than not, I hear people focusing on the downs. The traffic is horrendous, the cost of living is  impossible and the politics alone is enough to drive someone mad.

But I’m not here to focus on the negative today. I’m changing my perspective.

I’m about mid-season of Orange Is The New Black (#obsessed), and in the last episode we watched, Heely, one of the guys in charge (sorry not good with titles) starts going to counseling, perhaps to glean insight on how to counsel inmates in the prison. He’s had anger issues in the past, but has decided to change his perspective. Instead of focusing on all the madness happening in the prison, he’s going to start looking on the bright side and try to making a difference to those inmates.

Truth be told, there aren’t many positive messages I can glean from this particular show (don’t sell drugs, rob banks or steal?), I really took Heely’s new outlook to heart.

I am changing the way I view this city. Sure it might be hot as you-know-where, but at least it’s not the unbearable winter we dealt with. And traffic might be a nightmare, but at least I have a job to commute to in the mornings. Cost of living might be ridiculous, but I’m so grateful to have the access to free museums in DC, wineries nearby and incredible friends who make the struggles of life worthwhile. 

Maybe living in the DC area can be, at times, a walk in the park after all.

On Julien: Skirt and blouse, Phillip Lim for Target (similar skirt on sale and blouse.) Blazer, Vince Camuto (similar here.) Purse, Danielle Nicole (black version on sale here!) Shoes, Kelly and Katie from DSW. Sunnies, Michael Kors. All jewelry, Rachelle Celine.

Chambray Glambray

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to join a fun creative event in D.C. called The Gathering Project (more on that later this week) where I'd learn how to make focaccia bread, paint ceramics and learn to make a signature berry crumble. I felt like I was in a BIT of a bind fashion-wise because I knew I didn't want to get flour all over one of my new dresses (I may or may not be a bit messy when cooking) and I was riding the metro thus seeking maximum comfort. But I also wanted to look chic because, well, DUH. 

So I did what I do best and threw on a chambray shirt. Paired with white shorts (to disguise the flour) and some dainty gold jewels from Rachelle Celine, it added just the bit of glam the occasion called for. 

On Julien: Chambray shirt, J. Crew Factory (love this sleeveless version.) Shorts, Banana Republic. Shoes, Crown Vintage from DSW. Purse, Danielle Nicole (black version on sale here.) Belt, Abercrombie & Fitch (similar here.) Sunnies, Michael Kors. All jewelry, c/o Rachelle Celine. 

How to Wear a Crop Top to Work

I wore a crop top to work. 

And I don’t work in the fashion industry - I work in good ‘ol corporate America. So what would possess this girl to do something so scandalous?

THIS TOP, that’s what.

I had made a challenge to myself to find a crop top that I could wear to work and eureka! I found the perrrfecccct one at Anthom. But wearing a crop top to work is no small fete and must be done with the UTMOST discretion.

So I give to you…
 

HOW TO WEAR A CROP TOP TO WORK

Pair With a High-Waisted Skirt or Pants
I paired this top with a high-waisted pencil skirt, but I would LOVE to rock this with a pair of wide-legged white trousers. DO NOT wear this with your Britney Spears low-rise jeans. No no no no no.

Wear a Conservative Silhouette
Choose a top that has a higher neckline or opt for a button-up like I did. Where you’re missing fabric at the bottom you’ll want to make up elsewhere.

Minimize Midriff
Showing off your toned tummy at work is never appropriate, so be aware of shirt movement. The top I’m wearing wasn’t a problem at all, even though I showed a teensy bit of tummy stretching during my lunch break.

Work Appropriate Patterns
Please don’t think I’m saying to wear your sunflower crop top you wore to coachella. DO NOT DO THAT. Instead, opt for simple patterns and neutral colors. Save your flower-child style for the festivals.

BE COMFORTABLE
If you’re still uncomfortable with the idea, take baby steps. Wear a cami underneath the crop top or throw a blazer on. I always feel that comfort is key, so if you’re not ready to take the full plunge, work your way up to it.

On Julien: Crop top, Anthom. Skirt, Banana Republic. Pumps, Nine West. Purse, Danielle Nicole. Necklace, c/o Rachelle Celine. Sunnies, Michael Kors.