Red Marissa Webb Dress

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Each season, I always seem to find a color I love. Last season, I couldn’t get enough blush in my life. And while that’s still the case, this season, I have a thing for R E D.

I rented this insanely gorgeous dress Marissa Webb from Rent the Runway for my last vacation at the beach and I shed legitimate tears when I sent it back. It’s the softest silk, perfect fit, modest with a bit of side leg action, and basically everything I could want in a dress. 

And with New York Fashion week only a month away, I’ve already started creating a folder for the looks I want to take with me. Because let’s be honest - I’d much rather have Rent the Runway deliver looks straight to my hotel door than trying to lug all my clothing from DC to NYC. 

I mean - can we talk about how amazing that is just for a moment? Let me give you an example…earlier this week I met up with Lauren Louise to shoot a look for the DC Wedding Collective. I was SO excited to shoot another red silk dress, but when I got to the site and unpacked my garment bag, the dress had fallen off the hanger, into the bag and was COMPLETELY wrinkled. 

Not only was it severely embarrassing, but unprofessional. With no steamer on hand, what’s a girl to do? Luckily, only the bottom was wrinkled, so I threw on my trousers that I’d worn to work to create a more casual wedding look. If anyone asks, TROUSERS are the NEW THING in weddings, ok? ;)

I can laugh about it now, but it was horrifying at the time. That’s just one of the many reasons I love using Rent the Runway for events, shoots and vacations. This dress arrived in perfect condition so I could easily throw it on for dinner without fusing with the iron.

Check out some of the pieces I’ve been eying below from Rent the Runway below and be sure to check out the Rent the Runway Clearance Sale!

Wearing Marissa Webb dress and Loeffler Randall bag via Rent the Runway, Sophie Blake necklace and Finding Ferdinand lip kit

Joie Feray Top

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This past week, I celebrated my birthday and got the first AMAZINGLY gorgeous afternoon we’ve had all summer. While I prefer the heat to colder weather, these next couple months are the best. Dining al fresco, picnics in the park, exploring new places with friends, lounging on the porch…warm summer breeze, light sweater in the evening…these are most definitely a few of my very, very favorite things.

For my birthday, I wore this Joie blouse that I’ve been obsessing over ever since I tried in on in their new Tysons Galleria location. While it’s part of their pre-fall collection, I love that I can get my instant gratification and wear it now, and also later. I found so sooo many things that made my heart swoon in the new Joie location…it’s a bohemian’s dream - lightweight blouses, the most gorgeous floral patterns, and dresses that make me want to plan a trip to the mediterranean. I am still dreaming of this dress I tried on.

Another pre-fall piece I can’t get enough of? These suede sling-backs. The sling-back is officially the IT shoe of the summer and I anticipate, Fall as well. I love this heeled version (which is actually super comfortable) that Banana Republic sent me to try out. I keep trying to find ways to sneak them into my summer wardrobe because I love them so much. 

Lastly, I have to point out these jeans from AYR.

They are by far my favorite pair of skinnies because they are SO SO soft. It honestly feel like I’m wearing sweatpants. AYR has a cult following and it’s easy to see why. If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair, this is it. I always have the hardest time finding jeans that fit my curvier hips and not only are these a great fit, but they’re super flattering. And better yet, you can get 20% off when you use CANTWAIT on the AYR website until midnight tonight! (Still not sure? You can order them to try on for only $1!)

Joie Feray Top, AYR denim in Jac’s Jean (the softest, most flattering pair ever), Banana Republic caddie slingback heels c/o, Le Coeur watch, Headbands of Hope necklace c/o, Angela Roi bag, Lucky Brand and Rachelle Celine rings c/o

Birthday

The secret’s out - today is my birthday!! 

That’s right - this girl is turning the big 2-8. Today was so full of the kindest texts, Instagram DMs, Facebook comments, Snapchat vids, and tweets. I love this crazy social world we live in!

But today I also made time for a little face-to-face with one of my best friends, ERIN at one of my favorite lunch spots, Malmaison! Here's a little sneak peek into what I wore today and you can catch a little video over on the new Instagram Stories! (Almost typed in Snapchat lol!)

And tonight I'm heading off to a surprise "degustation" culinary experience (yes, I had to google it) with the hubby. I CAN NOT WAIT!

So thanks times a million to everyone who sent me a sweet note. You guys are the very best.

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Full outfit look coming soon but if you want the deets: Anine Bing Dress, DIY choker, Cuyana bag, Sophie Blake bracelet

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Navy Blue + Ice Cream Sammies

There are people who say they re-wear outfits. Then there are people who actually re-wear them. I’m in the second group. Not always entirely by choice, but it’s what I’ve got to work with. 

Kidding, of course. I love finding pieces I wear over and over again. Maybe it’s because I love feeling like my CPW (aka cost per wear) is better when I wear something multiple times, or maybe it’s the secret minimalist that lives deep, deep, deep inside me. And is it just me, or does anyone get overwhelmed when they have TOO MUCH stuff? 

This navy blue Achro dress has been a winner from day one. I wear it to work, on dates, and today, to get ice cream with two of my friends, Erin and Luke! It all started when we THOUGHT we were going to Baked and Wired for cupcakes…but then upon entering, I saw a tiny photo in the back of an ICE CREAM SANDWICH. 

I may or may not have freaked out ON THE SPOT. Ice cream sammies are my jam. I mean, is there anything better than vanilla ice cream wedged between two chocolate chip cookies? IS THERE? No, there is not.

Plus apparently today National Ice Cream Sammie day! I’m not much of a sweets person, but when it comes to ice cream sandwiches, there is no holding back. They’re the best.

Speaking of things that are the best - how fun are these shoes? They are so comfortable, while making a statement at the same time. Double whammy, friends. They’re from one of my favorite indie-designer sites, iStyleup, that carries tons of new and emerging designers from all around the world. I also got this dress there and I’ve worn is about half a dozen times already.  

Also - can I just note - I’ve worn these once a week and the leather is still pristinely white. I KNOW - I can’t believe it either.

What are some of your go-to pieces? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

Wearing: Achro Dress (similar), Haven Ave loafers via iStyleUp, Derek Lam sunnies via Ditto, Sophie Blake necklace, Sophie Blake cuff, South Moon Under belt, and Cuyana tote bag in Ecru.

The Story of My Bus Driver

Every morning, he greets me with the biggest smile. “Hello, Julien!” he always says. He’s from El Salvador and is honestly the kindest person I may have ever met. Meet my bus driver.

Our friendship started when I was physically running to the bus one day. Late, per usual, I climbed the bus stairs huffing and puffing. He smiled at me and said words I’ll never forget. “Julien, you don’t have to run. I will always wait for you.” It sounds so simple, but meant so much to me.

Another time, when I forgot my wallet, and was about to walk off the bus in severe embarrassment, he paid my fare. 

And yesterday morning, as I walked to the bus (on time for once), he met me halfway to the bus. He told me that a lot of drivers were being assigned new routes, and he wasn’t sure if he’d continue being my driver, but that he was so grateful for our friendship. I just about cried. 

Then today he wasn’t there.  There was no one to wave to me as I hurriedly rushed to the bus. No one to enthusiastically greet me with, Good morning, Julien.” No one to wave me off to work after a long ride into DC with, “Have a great day, Julien. See you tomorrow!”

I’ll be honest - he was the best part of my mornings. And as I sit on the bus, I’m doing my best to keep it together. It’s not going well. I have to keep moving my hair in front of my face to hide the actual tears. Not like WRITTEN TEARS but actual alligator tears. Cue the aviators.

Connecting with people in DC isn’t always easy, so it’s such a beautiful thing when you find people that are just KIND, genuine and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Carl Maynard, my friend who shot these photos, is one of those people too. He’s the nicest guy with such an incredible talent for not only taking breathtaking photos but bringing people together. He organizes something called Walk with Locals (@walkwithlocals on Insta) where people get together, shoot, hang out and get to know each other. I love that.

Be sure to check out Carl’s new website and give him a follow on insta for all the killer photos and details on his meet-ups! Plus, his FEED GAME is on point.

Look 1: Erika Schreiber dress, ADIDAS sneakers, Tuckernuck necklace (only $38!) c/o, Goodnight Macaroon jacket, Raybans

Look 2: Look 1: Erika Schreiber dress, Everlane flats, Tuckernuck necklace c/o, Everlane men's slim fit oxford, Raybans