Dressing Down a Lace Dress

It was the end of NYFW. My feet were swollen, my legs cramping, my head spinning from trying to keep track of our crazy schedule of shows. There was one last party to attend. 

But my feet were NOT having it.

They refused to sink into the heels I had planned to wear with the stunning Alexis cocktail dress from Rent the Runway. Instead, they limped over to my leather sneakers  and slid them on.

Not bad, I’ll admit. Thankfully I had also picked up a sporty Tibi bomber jacket while at the Rent the Runway headquarters a few days prior, so I threw that over my shoulders too.

I OWNED sporty chic that night, if I do say so myself. And my feet most certainly thanked me for the break when the night was over. 

As we gear up for the holiday season, I encourage you to find that comfort happy place for you. When you feel great about what you're wearing, the rest will follow suit. 

Wearing Alexis dress and Tibi jacket via Rent the Runway, Matt Bernson sneakers, Chanel bag via BBOS, Sophie Blake cuff.

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Green Sequin Dress

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There's something truly magical about this time of year. There's a multitude of holidays to make the cold weather more bearable, opportunities to brighten someone's day and a chance to wear something special! 

But when it comes to wearing something special, there's another important thing to remember...

You can be as cute as can be but if you're not warm, you're NOT going to be happy. 

Ok, maybe that's just me...but I've said it before and I'll say it again - I will not sacrifice comfort (and warmth) for fashion. Never. Ever. My husband ALWAYS makes fun of me for this - he asks me constantly, "why do you need everything to be so soft and comfortable?" UMM BECAUSE I CAN. Hello.

This summer was all about throwing your dress over a tee, but this winter, I'm switching it out for a cozy turtleneck. This one from Uniqlo is super soft, but still lightweight. I don't like my turtlenecks to make me feel like I'm suffocating. 

Then - the star of the show - THIS DRESS from South Moon Under. SMU has become one of my top 5 favorite stores this year. I always find something I love and they have such a wide variety of pieces without the selections being overwhelming. I just bought this fuzzy jacket and have been wearing it non-stop since it arrived.

This number will definitely be worn to multiple holiday parties and don't be surprised if I break it out for New Year's too. ;)

Wearing green sequin dress via South Moon Under c/o (and on sale!), Uniqlo turtleneck c/o, Diesel boots c/o, Baublebar necklace, Kapten & Son watch c/o

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Self Portrait Lace Dress

I’m a last-minute planner. I hate to admit this, but it’s just the way I am. I pack the night before a trip (often leaving out very important items and I’m ways down for spur-of-the-moment adventures because it leaves out the planning process completely.

So when my cousin got married a few weeks ago, I casually perused my closet the week before. Surely, I had something great to wear.

But as I opened up our closet and looked through my items, my smile turned upside down as I realized that I’d spent so much time working on my ‘casual wear game,’ that I’d completely neglected my event/wedding wear game. While I heavily rely on Rent the Runway for most events, I realized I NEEDED to buy at least one great cocktail dress I could wear and re-wear for lots of different events.

I’ve been vying after a Self Portrait dress for quite some time, but the price point seemed just out of reach for me. So imagine my joy when I spotted this one on the Outnet for just around $200. There were only a few sizes left, and I’d heard people talk about Self Portrait’s weird sizing issues, so I crossed my fingers and ordered the UK size 8 (I’m usually a US 4.)

When the dress arrived, I ripped open the box and threw the dress on. Luckily, it was the perfect fit! I’m not saying I’ll be eating pizza before I need to wear it and think it’s all gonna be fine…because it certainly doesn’t have a TON of room to give around my waistline, but it’s in every way perfect to me. Expect to see this at just about every holiday party I attend this year, NO SHAME.

Needless to say, it was a hit at the wedding, and the perfect piece a couple weeks later when I wore it to the Washingtonian Style Setters party. I met up with photographer Dennis Turbeville before the event to run around CityCenter (but not too quickly given the height of these heels), and snap a few pics. We had such a blast, and if you’re looking for an inspiring account to follow, be sure to check out his site and Instagram page!

Wearing Self Portrait dress via The Outnet, Banana Republic sandals (my go-to fancy shoe), Jeffrey Levinson clutch, and Sophie Blake bracelet. 

Thanksgiving Outfit Inspiration

I don't know about you, but I am SO EXCITED about Thanksgiving this year! Maybe it's because I get to hang out and spend time with extended family members...maybe it's about all the amazing home cooked meals everyone brings...maybe because I actually get a chance to spend a little more time than usual in the kitchen, whipping up my Nana's favorite Italian Christmas Cookies. Heck, maybe I just need a few days off work to really REST.

Needless to say, comfort has been and always will be a priority with family gatherings - but I love it when style and comfort come together in perfect harmony. Like this dress from Rent the Runway. It's not only super flattering (THANK YOU A-LINE,) but the pattern feels fresh, yet classic at the same time.

And until midnight tonight, when you rent one dress, you get two for free! WHAT! I know. Too good to be true? Not so, my friends. You must book between now and November 26. Just use the code: THANKS3FOR1 - what are you waiting for?!

Wearing The Kooples dress and Elizabeth & James bag via Rent the Runway, Kapten & Son watch,  M.Gemi boots, Sophie Blake earrings.

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