Dress on So Much to Smile About

Summer Things

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 01:02:18 +0000

Since my last post, I finished finals (and the spring semester!), took the absolute best trip to Napa and San Francisco (see photos on Instagram!), and started summer class (bummer). I can’t believe it’s already June! But I couldn’t be more excited. I love summer, and this one, in particular, was/is needed. So to celebrate, here are a few of my favorite summer things right now!

summer things

Gift Guide For Her

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 05:59:13 +0000

Gift guide? Or all of the things I’m obsessing over right now. Ok, maybe a bit of both! But seriously, I love putting together gift guides, and while I don’t really have the time to do more this year, I had to do something! Also, apparently I’m stuck on neutrals. Aren’t those dresses and bags great? And that watch is just perfect. Plus, you can’t go wrong with anything cozy (pajamas and slippers, please!) or gold!

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.

Inaugural Style

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:38:24 +0000

If you follow me on twitter or instagram, you may have noticed that I was on television last week modeling inaugural style for Fox 5 DC and Rent the Runway. Rent the Runway was in town for the weekend giving DC ladies the chance to try on dresses before placing their order to rent, and it was so much fun trying on the different options! It’s definitely gala season and (especially for DC – inauguration!) the perfect time to find an occasion to get dressed up.

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!

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!

photograph not archived

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

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!

photograph not archived

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!

TWO YEARS!

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 04:43:45 +0000

Two years ago today, I started So Much to Smile About! Even just one year ago, things were pretty different. Since then, I’ve gone to my first New York Fashion Week, switched day jobs, worked with some amazing people and brands, and even appeared on television (and yes, the blog got a bit of a makeover today)! So, for all of that and whatever is still to come, I just wanted to say…

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?

photograph not archived

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

My Style: Garden Party Weekend

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Just thought I’d share a few photos from the weekend, which included a beautiful wedding and garden party with lots of family and friends in Wisconsin! So nice to be home…

photograph not archived

Summer Printed

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 04:21:21 +0000

As soon as I saw the print of this dress, I was hooked. Something about it, plus the shift shape, looked just perfect to me. Plus, it’s from a great California fashion store, Sway Chic, that just started out online. Everything is super affordable and fun! I also grabbed this dress and find myself wearing it all the time (psst, they’re both perfect in this heat).

photograph not archived

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!

photograph not archived

Stripes and Green

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 04:29:40 +0000

I know there’s not much to this outfit, but this striped dress is my go-to summer dress, and I absolutely love it paired with a bold, green bag (and/or leopard, or floral, or fun belt). If you’re not familiar, Olivia + Joy has some great bags at super affordable prices – in addition to this green one, I’m loving this one, this one, and this great red one.

photograph not archived

C&T Costello Tagliapietra

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Designers Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra (who’ve dressed and designed clothing for Bruce and Patti Springsteen, Heather Graham, Catherine Zeta Jones, Angelina Jolie and more) just launched a new capsule collection called C&T Costello Tagliapietra at Barneys nationwide, and I just had to share. They’ve had their signature collection for 10 years, but this new capsule collection of 15 dresses starts at just $298. Said Costello and Tagliapietra, “It’s a love letter to all the women we’ve worked with who were craving a more accessible form of our brand.” I love the colors and the draping!

Met Inspired Maxi Dresses

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but watching all the Costume Institute Gala gowns made me seriously wish for a maxi dress of my own – not so much for the red carpet (I wish), but for summery days in the city I’m hoping are on their way!

photograph not archived

Diane von Furstenberg, Diane von Furstenberg, Rachel Pally, Tbags Los Angeles

photograph not archived

Young, Fabulous & Broke, Kain Label, Elie Tahari, Alice + Olivia

May Day Dreaming

Tue, 01 May 2012 04:19:49 +0000

Can you believe it’s already May? Here are just a few things I’m loving right now. Feel free to put any of the items below in a basket and leave it at my doorstep!

photograph not archived

1. Tory Burch top / 2. A.P.C. top / 3. Alice + Olivia dress
4. Tory Burch shorts / 5. Old Navy shorts / 6. Velvet dress
7. Kate Spade pouch / 8. Sabine ring / 9. DV by Dolce Vita shoes
10. Cynthia Vincent tote / 11. Chanel Coco Rouge in Romance / image 1, 2

Outfit + Occasion: Horse Races

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:34:06 +0000

It’s horse race season – and whether you’re hosting a derby themed party or headed to the Kentucky Derby or the Virginia Gold Cup Races (like me!) you’ll need the perfect outfit! I mean, what other occasion do you have to get dressed up and wear a big hat? My favorite look is usually a feminine yet comfortable dress (light colors or prints, sleeveless with a fuller skirt) with flats or wedges (no stilettos in the grass, ladies) – and a fantastic hat (or fascinator), of course. This year, I’m honored to be a judge for Gold Cup’s official hat contest! So if you’ll be there, be sure to say hi and wear your best hat! Plus, check out this piece I put together for the Washingtonian with some hat recommendations!

Spring Sale Obsessions

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:11:52 +0000

Having just got my taxes done yesterday and realizing I will get a bit of money back, I started dreaming of all the shopping I wish I could do (don’t worry mom, I won’t actually go crazy). Combine that with the Shopbop “Friends and Family” sale, and I’m doing a LOT of dreaming! Can I have one of everything below? Shop more sale items here, and don’t forget to use code INTHEFAMILY to get 20% off anything at Shopbop!! Ends today!

Easter Weekend Picks

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

One of my favorite things to do over Easter weekend, besides eating chocolate and egg bake all day long, is watch the movie, Easter Parade. And of course, it’s a good occasion to get dressed up – you’ll be perfectly festive and on trend in pretty pastels!

photograph not archived

1. Topshop blazer / 2. Juicy Couture hat / 3. J.Crew blouse / 4. Old Navy dress
5. Rachel Zoe dress / 6. Popcorn / 7. MiH jeans / 8. Topshop shirt
9. J.Crew tote /10. H.Bloom bouquet / 11. Nine West sandals / image

Springtime Wardrobe

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

It’s officially spring (summerlike, almost), and I have a shopping itch! Silky tops, shorts, stripes (oh, that peplum), light dresses and new shoes – there are so many things I’m loving right now! What is on your springtime wardrobe wishlist?

photograph not archived

1. Vince top / 2. Etro scarf / 3. Tibi jacket
4. Topshop dress / 5. Old Navy shorts / 6. J Brand jeans
7. Orla Kiely bag / 8. Sam Edelman heels / 9. Nine West heels