Accessories on So Much to Smile About

Recovery Chic

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 20:35:17 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I’m still recovering from the inauguration weekend. Between attending an unofficial ball (in Herve Leger thanks to Rent the Runway), catching a concert by The Dig and U.S. Royalty, and watching the parade in the cold, I’m worn out! And consequently, all I want to wear or think about are cozy casual pieces like the ones below. Sometimes, a simple sweater and jeans just works, right?

Faves Under $50

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:44:24 +0000

Did you know that J.Crew has an extra 30% off sale items right now, and C. Wonder has an extra 50% off? Amazing. Or trouble. Either way, it took me no time at all to find some great pieces under $50 I’d like to have! (And yes, I did change the name of this series… same idea though!)

faves under 50

red tee / pants / brass urchin / striped tee / gloves / sweater /
tortoise link bracelet / blue bracelet / bra / skirt

Hat Attack + Giveaway

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:00:03 +0000

Despite growing up in Wisconsin, I’m still a wimp in winter – which means I rarely leave the house without bundling up. These days, I’ve been sticking with my trusted beanie by Hat Attack! Plus, their fur/knit scarf is the perfect matching touch, and the microfur-lined armwarmers ensure even my arms and hands stay toasty (and they have tons more cute options). In need of some cozy accessories? GREAT NEWS! Thanks to Hat Attack, you could win these exact three pieces! Keep reading for details!

Style Crush: Prabal Gurung for Target

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:37:44 +0000

Just in case there is anyone out there who hasn’t seen this collection yet, I absolutely had to share the Prabal Gurung for Target collection, which was “inspired by a tender love story” and has me completely obsessed. With women’s apparel and accessories ranging in price from $19.99 to $199.99 for apparel (with only that killer blue leather jacket over $50) and $12.99 to $39.99 for accessories and shoes, Prabal Gurung for Target will be available Feb. 10, 2013 at all Target stores and Target.com.

Sparkles and Dots

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 06:30:02 +0000

Everyone needs a fun little black dress for the holidays (I think I found mine) – just add some great accessories to change up the look and make it more special! I visited Charming Charlie for the first time recently, and was so impressed with their incredible (and super affordable) selection of jewelry, bags and even shoes. I picked up these sparkly pieces because I knew I wanted a more glam look (plus, I would totally wear this necklace with a regular t-shirt for fun) but there were lots of other colorful options!

Knits and Boots

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 04:35:40 +0000

I know it’s supposed to get up to 80 degrees in DC today, but over the weekend, it was knits and boots weather! I was especially excited to wear my new Massimo Dutti sweater – the Spanish label and sister company to Zara just launched online and opened its first US store in NYC this month. According to WWD, Dutti “targets a slightly older customer with classic, elegant and sophisticated styles… less overtly trendy than Zara.” Rumor has it, they’ll be opening a location in Georgetown next month!

Stephanie Johnson Giveaway

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 20:21:33 +0000

As you may already know, I love my beauty and skincare products (latest evidence here). I also love taking them all with me when I travel! Thankfully, it’s actually pretty easy to do that with my fave Stephanie Johnson cosmetic case – I love the fun colors and chevron! I also have a couple flat pouches from SJ that go in my purse and hold my necessities for the day (concealer, hair spray, mascara, powder…). If you’re not already familiar with Stephanie Johnson, I suggest you check her out. I swear, you won’t find cuter cases anywhere! Plus, see below for how to win your very own!

Fall Details

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:59:43 +0000

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Fall Flare & Prints

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 04:01:08 +0000

The temperature may be changing from cool to warmer to cool again, but it’s definitely still fall and I’m definitely dreaming of flared jeans and fun prints these days. Cozy sweaters, hats and comfy scarves go perfectly together with perfect sunglasses, gold nails and cute booties. I love it all!

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hat / sunglasses / scarf / beige sweater / dress / grey sweater / jeans
ankle boots / printed pants / bag / gold necklace / nail polish / heels

Pleats and Coffee

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:55:50 +0000

I love pleated maxi skirts for fall. Especially with some leather, booties and a much-needed coffee! Put it all together, and this is what I wore Tuesday night to the Bishop Boutique party (don’t miss all the photos here!). It was easy and comfortable! I’m planning on wearing this skirt all fall and winter long!

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Pretty Golden Baubles

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:31:20 +0000

Ever since I got my Maya Brenner necklace and first Catbird ring (I’m planning to get more!) I’ve been obsessing over pretty (dainty) golden jewelry. And of course, I love all things gold – so I thought I’d round up some of the golden baubles I’ve been loving lately. I want them all!

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1. Catbird / 2. BaubleBar / 3. BaubleBar / 4. Maya Brenner / 5. BaubleBar
6. Catbird / 7. Alexander McQueen / 8. Gorjana / 9. Catbird / 10. CC Skye
11. Katie Waltman / 12. BaubleBar / 13. BaubleBar / image

October Essentials

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 04:08:14 +0000

Sooo… I love October! The air is crisp and chilly, there are pumpkins and orange leaves, Halloween and my BIRTHDAY (on the 29th, in case you’re curious – eeeee). It’s a great month. And there are some seriously great things to shop right now too, like contrast sleeve jackets, stripes and faux fur, and lots of skulls and bats that are perfect for the season! Oh, October… you’re the best.

Danielle Nicole Showroom

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 05:10:02 +0000

While in New York for fashion week, I had the amazing opportunity to stop by the Danielle Nicole showroom and meet with the designer, Danielle DiFerdinando, herself. I first featured Danielle’s line in May 2012, and have been a huge fan ever since (this bag has been an absolute favorite of mine all summer long). Not only did I love seeing more of the bags in person, but it was an absolute pleasure to chat with Danielle about her designs, her DC area roots, and what is in store for the Danielle Nicole line! And trust me, after seeing these beautiful (and crazy affordable) bags, you should be excited.

Angela and Roi Handbags

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 04:47:21 +0000

In case you haven’t heard, there’s a fun new handbag shop out there! AngelaandRoi.com is an online handbag retailer, created in Boston by two college students looking for style they could afford on a college student’s budget. The couple “set out to create a shop full of handbags that were fashionable, varied in style, and under $100.” I love all the colors and fun shapes! Continue reading to enter to win the gorgeous cobalt bag below (perfect for fall) – PLUS, use code SMILE for a 10% discount code on any bag, for the rest of August! I’m grabbing one for myself for sure!

A Few Fall Pieces

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:37:57 +0000

Anyone else gearing up for fall? Don’t get me wrong, I’m still enjoying summer while it lasts, but I’ve definitely got my eye on a few fall pieces. Blazers, chambray, maxi skirts, ankle boots? I’m ready!

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blazer / bag / scarf / dress / jeans / chambray top / skirt / boots / leopard flats / image

PS – Because I’m constantly looking at shopping sites, I’m always finding new clothes, accessories and products I love. And you don’t have to wait for a blog post to see them! I keep them all in a carefully curated “shop” that you can check out at any time, just by clicking the “Shop all my favorites” button at the bottom left corner of the site. I love keeping it up-to-date and looking good, so be sure to check it out!

Eastern Market Saturday

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:00:32 +0000

Yesterday, I spent most of my afternoon wandering around the Eastern Market – I picked up some fresh flowers, stopped by the Carnelian Boutique and EE Cuffs pop-up shop, and got a root beer float from the cutest ice cream truck you’ve ever seen! Keep reading for lots of fun photos!

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The beautiful Veronica of EE Cuffs with some of her creations.

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Style Inspiration: Scarves

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 04:01:24 +0000

In case you missed it, I spent my Saturday wandering around the Eastern Market (photos here). In addition to shopping and ice cream eating, I scoped out plently of sartorial inspiration. And as this week’s “Style Inspiration” post is spotlighting an absolute favorite accessory of mine – scarves – I snapped lots of photos of what I found! Read on for more photos, plus some outfit ideas.

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August Essentials

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I’m going to blame my apparent fixation on all things red, blue and gold on a weekend full of Olympic watching! Also, can you believe it’s August?

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1. J.Crew sweater / 2. Topshop blouse / 3. 3.1 Phillip Lim top / 4. Splendid top
5. J.Crew skirt / 6. Old Navy shorts / 7. Splendid shirtdress
8. DVF skirt / 9. 3.1 Phillip Lim dress / 10. J.Crew bag
11. Jimmy Choo loafers (and cheaper Steve Madden ones)
12. Topshop jacket / Image 1, 2

Summer Heat Chic

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 04:01:55 +0000

Not that you need me to remind you, but it was a hot, hot weekend for most of us. Too hot to do much of anything, except hang in the pool or air conditioning when possible. For the few times I did brave the heat, figuring out what to wear was nearly impossible. And I was having the very same trouble this time last year! What to do!

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Bright Summer Bags

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 05:21:00 +0000

A few people were asking about the bags in my last couple outfit posts, and even though those specific ones aren’t available, I found some other brightly colored bags perfect for summer! I’m especially loving the pops of hot pink – SO fun.

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1. Be & D / 2. Olivia + Joy / 3. Danielle Nicole
4. Dorothy Perkins / 5. Treesje / 6. ASOS
7. Olivia + Joy / 8. Be & D / 9. Rebecca Minkoff