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

Week in Review Vol. 13

What a week! 

Let’s start with last Friday - DC bid farewell to its most beloved pop-up, Cuyana. I dressed as french as possible with my slip dress and striped tee (to match their Le Sud summer theme) and met up with a few friends for their happy hour. I finally bought this hat I’ve been eyeing for quite some time and also brought home this black class tote! I’m going to miss them to pieces, but there’s always online!

Then I celebrated my friend Sophie Blake’s most recent jewelry collection in the most incredible preview show. She had a live violinist playing current tunes, models dressed to the nines (all wearing pieces you can get in her shop) and the most on-fleek makeup I’ve actually ever seen. I mean, YELLOW eyeshadow? You can see her latest pieces in her shop in Mosaic District.

For the rest of the weekend, we lounged by my aunt’s pool and watched Stranger Things. All weekend. I’m not proud of binge watching shows, but I could literally not help myself with this one. It’s SOOO GOOD. Word to the wise: don’t watch alone by yourself at night. Are you watching it?! 

Earlier in the week, Washingtonian featured me and a few of my favorite blogging babes in an article on What to Wear When It's Hot and Humid in DC! What do you wear when it's insanely hot outside?

The beginning of the week was super low key (did you catch my Blogger Scene recap?), but then Wednesday was my birthday!! Hubs made the most awesome breakfast of my choosing (omelettes, my FAVE!) then I was off to work! I snuck away for lunch with Erin at Malmaison and had the cutest meal ever (complete with the most instagrammable marble tables!)

That night, hubby surprised me an Urban Stems bouquet and a private cocktail tasting at the Columbia Room! It was definitely one of the coolest experiences ever. 

Then for dinner, we were off to Rose’s Luxury, a spot I’d been dying to try FOREVER! The wait was worth it and the food did not disappoint. The veggie pork sausage and lychee salad has my heart forever. Totally made up for our snippy server who decided to tell me I was WRONG when I informed her that the wine I tasted was a bit sweet. Eh, you win some you loose some. 

Later in the week, I waxed poetic about ice cream sandwiches and the new Soul Cycle workout attire collection. Because nothing helps you get from "stuffing my face with an ice cream sammie" to "get me to the gym stat" like cute workout clothing. 

My coworkers took me out to Barley Mac (one of my new favorite spots in Rosslyn!) and we ended the meal with THE MOST EPIC cookies fried in waffle batter with ice cream. I MEAN…

Then on Friday I got to see my Natalie for a smoothie date at South Block and to discuss the pros and cons of the new Insta Stories. (PS WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? Team Snapchat or Insta Stories? Tweet me and let me know which one and why!)

How was your week?!

Favorite Finds: SoulCycle's August Collection

On my journey to a healthier lifestyle over the past year, I’ve realized there are a few things that are essential for my well-being: Eating clean, building relationships, and working out.

But with the late summer nights and countless events to attend (and also when Netflix has been ON POINT), I tend to let my physical fitness slide by the wayside.

So when I’ve been bad about working out (guuuillttyyyy), nothing gets my back to the gym faster than some new workout clothes. Well that and seeing photos of Gigi Hadid because that girl can rock a swimsuit like no one’s business.

SoulCycle, one of my favorite ways to workout, just launched their latest clothing line collection! In case you’re not familiar with SoulCycle, it’s a stationary bike studio where riders engage in high intensity cardio (burning between 500-700 calories in 45-minutes), while also toning their upper bodies using hand weights and core-engaging choreography. The exercise program focuses on rhythm and the “energy of the pack,” which creates a strong bond between riders. Ever since my first class, I’ve been hooked. (PS have you been before? They have 5 studios in the area - Georgetown, West End, Bethesda, 14th Street and Mount Vernon area) so if you haven’t definitely check them out!)

Now that you have a little history on one of DC’s favorite ways to work out, let’s talk a bit about the fitness fashion that Soul Cycle just launched. Friends, IT’S GOOD. REALLY, REALLY, GOOD. I have one of their hoodies and wear it all the time. And with my birthday week just beginning (yes, my official birthday was yesterday but we like to keep birthdays going for a couple weeks around these parts), I’m feeling like I need a bit of a stylish push in the fitness direction.

Check out a few of my favorite styles below from their latest collection. You can shop their pieces in-store or online here. Which ones are your favorite?! (Photos via SoulCycle)

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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.