Fall Staple: The Duster

FRIDAY. FIIINNNALLYYYY.

I mean, every Friday I’m grateful for the pre-weekend feels it brings into my life. But this Friday is even MORE SO.

I’m just getting over the crazy wonderful madness that was New York Fashion Week. Let me tell you - it was a whirlwind. Between hopping uptown to downtown to midtown to crazy town, it was an experience I can’t wait to share about.

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But FIRST - I want to share a fun look from my last trip to New York I’ve been frequently wearing most weekends ON REPEAT. 

Introducing - one of my favorite Fall staples, the duster. 

I met said duster when I visited NYC with my bestie, Erin, a couple months ago. We were wandering around Soho after brunch (as one does), and popped into this cute little shop, Mo:vint. We basically fell in love with everything. 

But this linen duster really caught my eye. I tried it on and right away I knew it would become one of my most-worn items. It was one of those finds that really make you feel COOL. And, it was on sale. Which I, of course, took as a sign that it was meant to be. 

Paired with the perfect striped tee and a velvet choker (both of which I snagged only hours before we took this photo,) I know this will be a combo I’ll be repeating every weekend from here until eternity. 

Wearing duster from Movint (similar), Lucky Brand denim, Banana Republic suede pumps c/o, Aritzia tee (sold out, similar), Cuyana bag, Toyshop choker (sold out, identical), Sophie Blake bracelet and earrings (part of her latest collection!) Some photos taken at Greecologies, NYC.

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Fresh Blowout for Fall

Guys, I love summer so so much, but I'll admit, the sun has done a NUMBER on my hair this year. When we went camping, I was in the sun ALL day, so when we got back, I was anxious to do some major hair repair.

Soon after we returned, I visited the Hair Cuttery in Mosaic and had my best experience there yet. Upon seeing my locks, my hairstylist recommended the Cibu Shine Blowout, which includes a shampoo, Redken Chemistry Treatment and blowdry.

Hands down - the best $28 I've ever spent. My hair felt SO soft and refreshed. I loved the Cibu Shine Oil that Hair Cuttery sent over for me prior to the appointment, so I brought it with me to my appointment. My hair is usually full of dry shampoo, so it was extremely nice for a change to have silky smooth locks.

Not to play favorites, but this has been my favorite service that Hair Cuttery offers. It's so important that we condition our hair often, especially once the temps cool down. Because, friends, that's when the frizzes start. 

After my blowout, I was feeling QUITE good, so I popped into a few of my favorite Mosaic shops to do a little #NYFW damage. I picked up this gorgeous lace cardigan from Take 5 Boutique, which it absolutely perfect for layering when it's still warm outside. 

I'd love to hear all about how you keep your hair healthy once the seasons change. Have you tried any of the new Cibu products yet? If so, which ones are your favorite? Share with me!

And don't forget - Mosaic Fashion Week starts today! Hope to see you there!

Wearing Lucky Brand jeans, Velvet by Graham and Spencer top from Refine Boutique, Take 5 Boutique cardigan, FOSSIL Q WANDER TOUCHSCREEN LIGHT BROWN LEATHER SMARTWATCH c/o, Cuero + Mor handbag, Urban Outfitters belt and sunglasses.

This post was done in partnership with Hair Cuttery, but all opinions are my own. Find the one nearest you here and be sure to share your Hair Cuttery style on social media using #MyHCLook!

Mosaic Fashion Week

Wearing Shaina Mote pants and Cuero + Mor bag via Sophie Blake, South Moon Under tank and jacket c/o, Sophie Blake necklace and bracelet, Neiman Marcus Last Call boots.
Makeup by Bluemercury.
All found at Mosaic

Hi guys! The month of fashion has arrived and with it, tons of fun events and parties to celebrate!

I'm proud to be partnering with Mosaic for their own Fashion Week coming up on September 14-18! And even cooler, my mom got to be a part of the campaign too! I'm a bit biased, but HOW CUTE IS MOM, YOU GUYS?! She's wearing a dress from Take 5 Boutique, a scarf from South Moon Under, Kendra Scott jewelry and a bag from Neiman Marcus Last Call!

It's no secret that Mosaic is one of my favorite places to shop. From local designers like Sophie Blake and Arielle Shoshana to classic favorites like Anthropologie and South Moon Under, it's always my top spot for finding new and interesting pieces.

September 14 kicks off the week with a Fashion Week Kickoff Party hosted by DC sweetheart, Sarah Fraser. The fun starts at 6 PM with tunes by DJ Neekola followed by a fashion show at 7:30 and a special showing of Dior and I at 8:30. Get your Dior and I tickets here!

The rest of the week is filled with in-store specials, more fun events and a chance to hang with me, Natalie, Alicia, Tammy and Josie! Get all the details here! Hope to see you there!

Diner en Blanc x Rent the Runway

• SHOP & RENT THE POST •

Wearing Alexis dress, Kate Spade bracelet, and Slate & Willow earrings via Rent the Runway, Lucky Brand heels (similar on major sale), Jeffrey Levinson clutch

Summer has semi-officially come to an end, but before it did, we got to celebrate it with a night in all-white for Diner en Blanc.

If you haven’t heard of Diner en Blanc, it started with one man in Paris who wanted to have a dinner party, but his apartment was too small. So he told his friends to meet in a park later that night and to wear all white, so they could all find each other easily. 

Thus started the tradition of Diner en Blanc, the world’s largest secret dinner party. It started in Paris, but continues all across the world. Everyone has continued the strict all-white outfit requirement and invitations are scarcely released…but if you signed up, and get that lucky invite, don’t hesitate! It’s worth all the crazy requirements, trust me.

This is DC’s third year celebrating the event. I attended last year with my friend Bree and this year, and this year, with my very first blogging friend, Alicia! 

My first stop after booking our tickets was Rent the Runway. First, I visited online to I could browse a few styles, then I made an appointment in-store to try on a few! If we're besties on instagram, you may have seen a few of the top contenders - but this Alexis beauty one won by a landslide!

I mentioned this last year, but I can’t express enough how great their “Try-on Appointment” is. Honestly, worth every penny. I had Sam from the Georgetown location help me out, and she was THE BEST. Not only does she have impeccable style herself, but she was honest about which dresses looked best on me, and reminded me of things I would have never considered…like the movability, breathability and ideas on the perfect accessories. 

So when the day came for the event, I was ready. We gathered our picnics, and headed to our pre-determined meeting location…still unknowing of where we’d be dining that evening. But once our group arrived, we all started the 10-block walk to our surprise destination. Once we arrived, we all set up our picnics with some of the nation’s most incredible views of the Lincoln Memorial!

We mingled with new friends, enjoyed our meals, snapped a thousand (or so) photos, walked around the Lincoln Memorial barefoot after dark (HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS, FRIENDS) and danced the night away…the perfect way to end a very successful summer.

I’ll leave you with a few important tips about Diner en Blanc:

1. Wear a comfortable, danceable dress.
This Alexis beauty was not only flattering, but also super comfortable. It was stretchy and long enough that I didn’t have to worry about it moving around in unwelcome ways if you get my drift.

2. Pack the night before
I laid out my clothing and packed up the plates, table cloth and glasses the night before. No last-minute trying to find the items we’d need this year, no siree.

2. Carry your items in a mobile folding cart
Last year we tried to carry our stuff in a cute picnic basket. NOT THIS YEAR, FRIENDS. One long trip on the metro carrying ALL OUR STUFF followed by a a treacherous walk to the destination convinced me that there had to be a better way. So I bought this mobile folding cart and the trip was seamless. 

4. Pack a light meal
Last year, we loaded up on the carbs…but this year, we kept things much more simple…for carrying purposes and also to make sure we weren’t too stuffed for dancing. ;) I made a whole-wheat angel hair pasta with zucchini and a ricotta cheese spread, while Alicia brought strawberries, grapes, cheese and a baguette. 

5. Order boxed flowers
I can’t tell you how many times I watched someone drop their vase of flowers, or pull out a broken vase from their bag at the event last year. LESSON LEARNED. So I brought two boxes of white roses from my friends over at The Flower Luxe, and shared one box with a couple who’d broken theirs...

6. Ladies, pack flats.
One thing to not forget? A pair of flats or sandals for walking to the dining location and for dancing. YOUR FEET WILL THANK YOU.

7. Have a safe way to get home post-party
Friends, you know as well as I that wine can catch up to you faster than a cheetah after a gazelle. BE SAFE and have a plan to get home that doesn’t involve driving.

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Happiness

I read something inspiring the other day and I wanted to share it with you…

It was all about how comparison steals our joy. I don’t know about you, but I struggle with this every day. Wanting the latest this or that, comparing Instagram followers, wanting to be bigger and smaller at the same time.

Don’t get me wrong - having goals is great, and there’s something magical about having well-made clothing that you truly love. But please, let’s stop tying those things to self-worth. YOU ARE WONDERFUL just the way you are. And just because something looks glossy on Instagram, doesn’t always mean that’s REALITY. Often times, it’s not.

So here’s to living your best life, your best day, your best moment now. Let's take note of the things we do have and let’s stop focusing on the things that are missing. Because only then can we find true happiness.

Wearing top via Anthom (almost identical from Cuyana), Lucky Brand jeans, Clare Vivier clutch, Sophie Blake bracelet, Matt Bernson leather sneakers (on sale!), red bandana

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