Trending: Pretty, Ruffled Blouses

Every few seasons, I start to obsess over collecting a particular item. Last year was DENIM. I had sort of just discovered that designer denim is *actually* life changing and I can never go back to regular old jeans again, ever.

This past summer, I couldn’t get enough of sneakers. I wore them with everything (much to the chagrin of my family members who aren’t in the FASHUN world) from dresses and skirts to shorts and denim. There wasn’t an outfit that I wouldn’t pair sneakers with, to be quite honest.

This season - I’m ALL OVER the blouse. There are SO MANY varieties I’m currently lusting over - the whimsical off the shoulder, the millions and trillions of ruffles blouse (seen here), the peek-a-boo blouse with cut-outs in all the right areas…the options are actually endless. 

This particular one is from one of my favorite local shops, Take 5 Boutique. It’s so fun and fall’ish that I have a hard time not wearing it every single day. While I’ve worn here with my favorite black denim of all time, I’ve also styled with a high-waisted skirt and under a dress. Plus, it leaves lots of room for Thanksgiving eating if you get my drift. ;)

And during this time of year, I love using the holidays as an excuse to shop local. This calf hair clutch made right here in the USA and designed in Middleburg by Two Charmed. They have tons of gorgeous buttery bags that would make great gifts for your bestie (or yourself!) 

Wearing Take 5 Boutique blouse, 7 For All Mankind jeans (hands down - my favorite!) from South Moon Under, Two Charmed clutch, M.Gemi "The Alba" boots, Miu Miu sunglasses

Veteran’s Day + Election Thoughts

I’d like to take a moment to thank all the men and women who have fought tirelessly for this country. I never had enough courage to join the military, so I have an endless amount of respect and gratitude for everything you’ve done to keep this country afloat. (Be sure to check out my post last year on ways you can thank a vet!)

I’m grateful for the freedoms we all are able to enjoy - and by “we all,” I mean every muslim, Christian, black, hispanic, disabled, women and man - that make up this country. Didn’t our forefathers intend for this country to be a great place to live for everyone? 

There has been a great divide that we can’t ignore any longer. And today it feels more divided than ever before. This election did a number on me - unlike any other before it. And I’d like to take a few stands and make a few promises to you today.

While we have the freedom of speech, I will stand against anyone who berades, abuses verbally or ignorantly tells another human being to ‘go back to where they came from.’ It will not be allowed in my presence. I am not ok with hate speech in any way, shape or form. I don’t care if it is your right. That does not make it all right. My grandfather, an immigrant from Greece, fought for our country and I will fight too. Not with arms, but with words. Loved this piece by Mashable on what to do if you hear hate speech happening. 

I also want you to know that over the years, I’ve become quite the hippie. Not in what I wear, although I do love a good bell sleeve, but within my heart. If you need a hug, I’m here. If you feel like mourning, I will do so with you. I will not only pray for you, but treat you as Jesus treated others - and fight for the forgotten, as He did. I won’t tell you how to feel or not to feel. Don’t we each deserve that at the very least? Whether you agree or not, we all have the right to feel the way we want. Can’t we all just have a bit of compassion to both sides of the aisle?

Anyway - that’s where I am…let’s all love each other a bit deeper this weekend...take time to listen, and take time be kind to others.

Wearing Target skirt (similar), Take 5 Boutique sweater, Ukies flats c/o, Odeme scarf and nail polish in Odeon c/o, Fossil Q smartwatch c/o, Miu Miu sunnies, Sophie Blake bracelet, Cuyana tote.

Boheme Striped Dress

Can we all take a quick moment and just push everything aside - like the insanity that is this political season, the equally-insane feeling that coming into work on Monday creates...to just remember how INCREDIBLE this past weekend was? I know it's so passé to talk about the weather but ALSO it's not my fault is was so gorgeous out.

Wore this dress for a dinner date with the hubby this past weekend - it's the perfect lightweight silk material and in all my favorite Fall shades. I found it at one of my favorite local shops, Take 5 Boutique, and couldn't resist. Can you blame me? 

Wearing Take 5 Boutique dress, Lacoste boots c/o, Gorjana necklace (on sale!), Fossil bag, H&M sunnies (in-store only), Sophie Blake bracelet.

Fitcode X Hudson Jeans

You know the magical feeling when you meet someone and you just CLICK? How great it feels to have a friend where the relationship is seamless, easy, fitting, if you will. Is there a greater feeling?

I think the same thing could be said about brands we love. When two of them partner up on a project, it feels like double the fun. Two of my favorite companies, Fitcode and Hudson Jeans have partnered up to bring you THE greatest denim-finding experience.

I talked about my love for Fitcode before, so it’s no secret that I have the worst time finding jeans that fit my body. But with Fitcode, they personalize the shopping experience by categorizing denim by MY body type (take this little quiz to find out yours!) so you’re not buying pants that you end up returning time after time. 

One thing I really, REALLY love about this quiz is the language. SO OFTEN we get down on ourselves for being curvy or not being curvy enough…but they have images titled “Ooh la la” and “Girly girl” to describe body types. Which is something I can’t help but want to support.

I took the quiz and ended up being a 710, meaning I often have trouble finding fits that are fitted at the waist without being too tight on the legs. So of course, even though I’ve tried Fitcode before with an amazing experience months ago, I always get a bit antsy when jeans arrive. But I didn’t need to. This pair from Hudson Jeans were absolutely PERFECT. And the hubby has proclaimed (multiple times) that they're his favorite pair of jeans on me. 

I ran around DC one afternoon with my best babe Erin to test ‘em out. They’re so flattering (if I do say so myself) and stretchy enough to fill all the coffee we drank! I also wore my go-to fancy flats from Ukies (so comfortable) and my favorite new sweater from Take 5 Boutique. It’s LITERALLY the softest sweater I own. And because I’m always trying to embody French effortlessness, I tied one of my new favorite scarves from Odeme (which also arrived in *the* cutest box - I’m a sucker for good branding!) To finish off the look, I painted my nails the prettiest shade of bright navy blue, also from Odeme (my millennial sister would be proud.) Expect to see it in my nail polish rotation all Fall long.

Tell me - what jean trends are you loving right now?! Have you tried Fitcode yet? If you want to try out Fitcode's new partnership with Hudson Jeans, you can get 20% off for a limited time! Just use code: HUDSONFITS20