Late

I feel as though I’m always late. Late to trends, late to the bus (you may have even seen me running down Wilson Blvd to catch it on occasion), late to LIFE IN GENERAL.

Also late to the game? SPRING. Like it came for the briefest of moments, then skipped town. Now I’m left out in the cold (quite literally), trying desperately to stay warm. (I was wearing THIS 4 days ago for pete’s sake.)

Luckily for me, I kept out a few winter staples JUST IN CASE a scenario like this would happen, thank goodness! Along with my tried and true fleece-lined leggings, this cashmere sweater from Lou & Grey has been in rotation at least once a week.

These photos were taken in New York a few months back, but I’m wearing a very similar variation of them today. Instead of these awesome faux leather fleece-lined pants, I’m wearing fleece-lined leggings under some trousers. But everything else is the same. Cozy boots, my most favorite cashmere sweater from Lou & Grey and the oversized blazer that’s taken over my life in the best way possible.

And of course, my favorite Sophie Blake jewels.

Are you guys ready to get rid of this winter weather as much as me? Shall we all dress for Spring and hope to goodness we can WILL IT to come back?! Who’s with me?!

Wearing Lou & Grey cashmere sweater c/o, Sophie Blake necklace, faux leather pants via Take 5 Boutique c/o, Achro jacket, Via Spiga boots, Ray-Ban sunnies, Erwin Gomez gloss in SAB c/o.

Photos by Cheralee

Spring Inspirations

A lot of people ask me what inspires my style. To be honest, there isn’t really one thing - I can be inspired by almost anything.

Sometimes it’s nature, walking by the cherry blossoms in DC, having a picnic by the water, feeling my toes in the sand… other times, it’s art. I love wandering through exhibits around town, seeing my cousin’s work on Facebook, or looking through my favorite art publication, Tallulah Magazine.

A lot of times, food inspires me. Whether it’s drinking a killer cup of pour over coffee, chowing down on a new dish I made,  or discovering a new taco spot in town (if you haven’t tried Chaia, get over to Georgetown and enjoy some of the best tacos I’ve ever had!), enjoying good food is something that really gets my creative juices flowing.

But probably the biggest source of inspiration are people. Top bloggers speak volumes just through the images on their sites, strangers on the street give a new perspective on how to dress for Spring, and magazines show how mixing textures and prints can create a piece of art.

So when Banana Republic sent me a chambray top and the prettiest shade of lavender pants, I hit up all the usual suspects. I ate all the food, flipped through all the magazines and took a few walks in nature. Nada.

It wasn’t until I slumped down in front of the TV one evening that I spotted my inspiration. She was opening the door on my hubby’s new TV obsession, Billions. Malin Akerman was opening a door and then I saw it. She was sporting a chambray top (just like mine) with a cute white top underneath. It seemed so elementary but also revolutionary at the same time.

So I did just that. I grabbed my favorite white tee, paired it with my no. 1 lacy bra and finished the look with a silk scarf and my fave silver oxfords. Done and done.

That’s one of the many things I love about Banana Republic - their styles are so versatile. This look could have definitely taken a preppier turn, but with a bit of staying, quickly became a look I know I’ll be wearing all spring long.

Shop this look and a few of my other favorite pieces from Banana Republic below. AND be sure to take advantage of a big sale going on right now - get 40% off our purchase with code:

BRSPRING

Wearing chambray top and lavender pants via Banana Republic c/o, Halogen tee (similar), Anine Bing bra, Loeffler Randall clutch, The Scarf shop scarf c/o, Raoul oxfords via Take 5 Boutique (on sale!)

Photos by Jen Eun

Thanks so much to Banana Republic for sending me a few of their spring styles so I could share my honest opinion of their line. All opinions are my own.

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SUNO

I mentioned this a couple months ago, but one of my favorite parts of being a fashion blogger is getting to know new brands. The latest in my shopping cart? SUNO.

SUNO has such a fresh perspective on fashion. Their Spring collection is a delightful mix of colors and patterns, inspired by the insane first wife in the famous book, Jane Eyre. To be honest, I haven’t read the book but that chick must have been so crazy stylish because I loved every single SUNO piece I tried on at their preview in DC last Fall. Wanted to buy every single dress. (I snagged this one from Snobswap and wore it to the event!)

You know me - I’m primarily drawn to great solids, and typically steer myself away from too much color, but going to this event taught me something very valuable. It wasn’t color or patterns that were the issue - it was finding the patterns I truly LOVE that’s so difficult! However, here, it was easy. I kept questioning myself, why am I drawn to this bright floral pattern? Why do I think I need this army green/blue/orange coat so much?! And it’s because - SUNO does it right.

I can’t wait to see what’s next for this brand! Until then, take a look at some of my favorite pieces of theirs below!

Pictured above with Anchyi and Holly

That 70s Show

I feel like I’ve been on a bit of a 70s kick lately. I’m always sporting a silk scarf around my neck, sporting the round sunnies and totally giving into anything and everything with floral patterns.

I used to shy away from trends - fearful of the consequences. What if the style doesn’t last? What if it’s not something I keep for a hundred years? What ifs were cramping my style, to be honest.

Because I finally came to the realization that fashion is supposed to FUN…I’m supposed to be in love with the things I wear - not stick strictly to ONLY clothing that’ll never go out of style, ever. Because honestly, what’s the fun in that?

And let's talk about this vest for a moment. I spotted it on Studio 15's website and could hardly contain my excitement. Only $60! You remember when I borrowed this gorgeous pink vest from Rent the Runway - and ever since then I've been on the hunt for a similar one! Not only is this one super versatile (and great for layering in this weird weather), but Studio 15 works with a Kleos Microfinance Group to send funds to Ugandan female entrepreneurs who are starting their own businesses. I LOVE supporting businesses that give back and had to share about them with you!

Now, to be clear, the majority of my closet are pieces that I feel like I’ll wear forever and ever…because I believe in that. But I’m giving myself a little leeway this year to play - to buy things that are a little trendy if I want.

Will the trend last forever? Maybe, maybe not. But I’m all about wearing things that make me happy…and if wearing flares with the roundest sunnies and the most shagadelic vest ever makes me happy, I’m gonna wear it.

And so I did.

Photos by Alex
PS: YOU GUYS how amazing are these photos?! Alex is part of the Moonrise District team and is one of my new favorite people! Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more killer inspiration!

Wearing Free People jeans, Studio 15 vest c/o, turtleneck, Veja sneakers, Urban Outfitters sunnies, Sophie Blake bracelet, K/LLER earrings via Lynn Louisa c/o.

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Time to Get Creative

If there’s one thing I’m always working on (besides accumulating an ungodly amount of clothing at record speeds), it’s learning to layer. I’ll be honest, this is something that’s taken me years to get right. And by right, I mean not having a meltdown in my closet on the daily. ;)

Now that doesn’t mean it doesn’t almost happen. When I misplaced my white button-up top to wear with my maroon midi-skirt, I had a minor panic attack. I had it all planned out in my head. Why does everything seem to go wrong 10 minutes before you need to leave for work?!

In the corner of my eye, I spotted my favorite button-up dress from Achro (seen here and here.) It was nice out, for sure, but nice enough to show off my upper thighs at work? Not so sure. While the side slits in this dress are EVERYTHING, I’m just not sure the slits would slide in my corporate office environment.

It was then - in a brief moment of brilliance - that I saw the dress more than just a subtly sexy statement - what if I could hide the slits and still wear my favorite dress? I threw the dress over my non-bulky crop top from Cleavitz (what a lifesaver!) and the skirt over the dress! I reached for my go-to skinny scarf, but that was also missing! Cue the meltdown in 3…2…WAITT! I felt something around my waistline and I’ll be darned if it wasn’t the best solution to my problem - the silk belt that came with the dress.

Then I finished off the look with my favorite silver loafers (that you will definitely be seeing on the reg over here!) I was so happy with the results I could have cried.

The whole experience really reminded me that I have all the essentials I need in my closet…I just need to become a bit more creative. ;)

(PS - there’s still a few hours left to win a Cleavitz top on the blog! Just head to this post and enter there!)

Wearing Achro dress as top and scarf (on sale!), Old Navy skirt c/o (similar), Raoul silver oxford loafers via Take 5 Boutique, Vrai + Oro ring c/o, Urban Outfitters sunnies, Smith + Cult nail polish in “Feed the Rich” via Blue Mercury and MAC lipstick in “Velvet Teddy.”

Photos by Natalie

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