So Much to Smile About

Memorial Day Essentials

Liz — Fri, 24 May 2013 04:12:40 +0000

It’s Friday! I can’t even tell you how excited I am about this. Seriously. Here’s to a weekend full of music, beer, barbecue, and possibly, beaches. SO NEEDED! And in case you have similar plans, I’ve rounded up a few things I’m loving right now. Plus, there are some amazing sales happening. Time to shop!

DKNY Dress / J.Crew Hat / BaubleBar Necklace / Tibi Sweatshirt / C. Wonder Bag / J.Crew Skirt
Ann Taylor Flats / Target Swimsuit / Kate Spade Saturday Shorts / Red Valentino Dress
Sam Edelman Sandals / J.Crew Scarf / Cheap Monday Sunglasses / Gap Flats

Surf’s Up

Liz — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:36:22 +0000

Maybe if you’re lucky this weekend, you’ll be escaping to a beach. I don’t care where I am as long as I’m in a swimsuit by some water, but these images – along with the Pret-à-Surf for J.Crew collection – have me dying to make it out of the city. Thank goodness it’s summertime. Now… someone teach me to surf!

images via 1, 2, 3, 4

Summer Beauty

Liz — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:05:11 +0000

I’ve posted on summer beauty and summer skincare before, but guys, there are some great new products out there. From lightweight foundations, to bronzing products and new face wash, I have a number of summer beauty picks to share! Be sure to continue reading for all the details!

Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation – As you know, I’m a fan of Perricone MD products. This one is new, and provides natural translucent coverage for even the fair skinned, while protecting the skin with non-chemical SPF30 broad spectrum UV protection. Perfect for summer skin.

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Duo – Bobbi Brown’s bronzer has a cult following, I swear, and this new duo is made for face and body so you get a true all-over glow! Seriously, I love bronzer.

BITE Beauty Lip Gloss – I also love these new glosses from BITE Beauty. Each one is infused with whole coconuts, mangos and strawberries so it’s like a superfruit smoothie for your lips (but with amazing color and shine). Summer essential!

SebaMed Cleansing Foam - I always enjoy finding new cleaners to help with any acne or impurities issues, and this cleansing foam ensures gentle and effective deep cleansing without drying the skin while helping to prevent new pimples from forming. I’ve been using it daily and it’s great!

Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel – Laura Mercier is another fave of mine, and this sheer formula enhances a tan while adding a bit of a glow. Plus, it’s new and a Bluemercury recommendation (I totally trust them)!

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray – This is kind of a classic summer product, no?

Kiehl’s Body Polish – The staff at Bluemercury recommend prepping with this product prior to any at-home tanning. Also great anytime you are looking for polished skin!

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow – This lightweight shadow tint is just what I need for hot, summer days. It’s easy and perfect for adding just a little something extra to the eyes.

Nars Eyeshadow – If you want something more that “a little something extra,” these colors are intense, but could be oh so fun, especially if you want to rock the colorful eye trend. Which I recommend trying.

Drybar Treatment Oil – The Drybar is my favorite place for a blowout, so I of course was eager to try their new products for that perfect hair at home! This treatment oil is great for bringing dry, damaged hair back to life. Check out all the Drybar products here!

Julep Nail Polish – These are the nail polish colors I want to wear all summer long, and Julep polish is my current go-to.

image via

Bishop Boutique Lookbook

Liz — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:24:49 +0000

The girls behind one of my favorite DC blogs, SpicyCandyDC, just released a lookbook collaboration with one of my favorite Alexandria stores, Bishop Boutique - so of course, I couldn’t wait to share! Located right in Old Town, Bishop Boutique is an incredibly chic store offering a unique selection of shoes, handbags, and amazing accessories – you may remember I hosted their anniversary party in October! I love that the lookbook featured some amazing bloggers, including Abbey Brandon of District Dress Up, Alison Conglianese of Chain Strap Purse & Bryarly Richards of Everything that Flickers. Plus, Julie of Julip Made also helped (don’t miss her feature here!). Check out the lookbook, blogs and boutique!

Bishop Boutique Spring Lookbook 2013 from Caroline Lacey on Vimeo.PS – Speaking of Arlington/Alexandria… starting today you can shop the “best of Arlington” spotlight sales on Gilt City DC, which include deals for fitness, food, boutiques, salons and more! Be sure to check it out here!

New Favorites

Liz — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:15 +0000

It was just chilly/dreary enough yesterday morning to wear some of my new favorite things all in one outfit. I’m especially enamored with this scarf from Camilla Olson, which is light and silky enough to work all through spring and summer. I really do love scarves – a perfect way to add to a look. I also love this new Danielle Nicole clutch, though you may already know that!

Gifted Camilla Olson Scarf / Vince Shirt / Charlotte Russe Jeans / Gifted LydellNYC Necklace
Maiden Lane Shoes (Similar) / Gifted Danielle Nicole Clutch

This necklace from LydellNYC is another favorite right now. I wore earrings from them in this post and find myself wearing these two pieces all the time these days. Like a scarf, a statement piece of jewelry is such a great way to add something extra to an outfit – and I need to remember to do it more often!

PS – all week this week I’m going to be sharing posts themed around #shapingupforsummer, since Memorial Day is right around the corner! Think summer skincare, hair tutorials, and outfit ideas. Plus, I’m also going to be prepping myself offline, starting with a major (I think) haircut. So long, long hair!

Bethesda Front Row

Liz — Mon, 20 May 2013 02:45:16 +0000

On Friday, I ventured up to Bethesda for a book signing and fashion show during The Front Row series of events at Bethesda Row. Jessica Alba was the special guest while boutiques from the area showcased clothing and accessories. This is always one of my favorite events and this year was no different! So fun!

For a list of the shops at Bethesda Row, click here. There are so many great spots – I definitely recommend checking them out and trying one of the restaurants while you’re there!

Snippits of Style with Julie Eitner

Liz — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:15:17 +0000

For my next “Snippits of Style” feature I’m so happy to share some info from Julie Eitner of Julip Made! Her blog has long been a favorite of mine (and it was just featured on The Everygirl!), and every time I get to catch up with her we always have a blast. She’s also super talented, has an adorable dog, and is planning a wedding! Plus, I’m pretty sure I pin every one of her drink recipes.

Ray-Ban Sunglasses / Bumble & Bumble Prep / 3.1 Phillip Lim Bag / Longchamp Le Pliage Bag
The Great Gatsby / Type: A Visual History of Typefaces and Graphic Styles / 100 Unforgettable Dresses
Martha Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations

Union Market / GoodWood / Ardeo Bardeo / Get Lucky / “Style It Girl” Series

Faves Under $50

Liz — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:04:39 +0000

In the past few days/weeks, I’ve started my new job, traveled to both Pennsylvania and Chicago, and have been catching as much sleep as I can in between – so I apologize for the inconsistent posting! It has been fun, though, to get dressed up every day for work. Plus, I’m getting really excited for summer! Hence, some of the pieces below. Stripes, chambray, and bright colors… can’t wait!

Topshop Shirt / Star Mela Lala Bag / BaubleBar Earrings / By Malene Birger Tank
Madewell Skirt / Topshop Sunglasses / Dorothy Perkins Dress / J.Crew Pants / Gap Sandals

Hairstyles From GHD

Liz — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:01:17 +0000

Since putting together this post, my hair has changed a bit dramatically (photos to come). But prior to my new cut, I had a pretty consistent look – loose, long curls. So when ghd asked if I’d like to try a straightener, I was so interested! I wore my hair straight to a White House Correspondents’ Dinner event (see here) and loved it. But I also loved learning that I could get curls easily with the straightener!

I started with straight, somewhat dirty hair and rolled pieces of hair around my fingers, creating a loop. Then, holding the end of the curl, I pressed it with the straighter, then sprayed it and pinned it in place.

After pinning all my hair up, I finished makeup, getting dressed, etc. and then let the curls loose. I then brushed through the curls to loosen up the look, and to tame any pieces and smooth the top of my hair, I used the straighter again (like normal).

Curling my hair this way gave me more of a ringlet/pin curl rather than the big wavy curls I’d get from using hot rollers. Plus, the curls really held well, which is huge for me! You can see a video for this same idea here, and check out more ideas for using the ghd straightener here. I definitely recommend these particular straighteners if you are in the market for a new one – they really work amazingly (got hot quickly, smoothed easily), and I mean, that mint color is just too good, right? Now I just need to try it out on this short hair! Maybe now I’ll be going straight more often!

Danielle Nicole + CUSP

Liz — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:50 +0000

Last week I met up with my favorite handbag designer for her new launch at Cusp in Georgetown! I loved checking out some of the new designs and catching up with some fantastic ladies. Definitely stop by the store if you are in the area or see the latest designs online!

With my new Danielle Nicole clutch!