Fashion on So Much to Smile About

2012 In Review

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As 2012 comes to a close, I’ve spent some time looking through old posts, photos and files – reflecting on the past year and contemplating the year ahead. It’s been a pretty great year, but I’m also really excited for 2013! I have lots of fun plans in mind for both me and this blog, but for now, thought I’d share my top 15 posts/blog-related memories from 2012. Happy New Year!

Home For Christmas

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 19:44:30 +0000

18 and 1/2 inches later, the snow has stopped – and I just had to get out and snap some photos. It’s a winter wonderland here in Wisconsin! I hope you have a lovely weekend, snow or no snow, and safe travels if you are heading somewhere for the holidays!

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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!

Eight Perfect Winter Coats

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As we head into December, it’s time to make sure you have the perfect winter coat (or several). I’m loving these options for fun alternatives to your basic black coats – and adore how Grace and Lindsey styled the Free People and Target coats! Winter coats can still be super stylish, people!

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Images via Lindsey, Grace

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Free People cheetah coat / Vince Camuto burgundy coat / Vanessa Bruno jacquard coat
Target shawl collar coat / Dorothy Perkins fur collar coat
Helene Berman wool coat / J.Crew green wool coat / Target double breasted peacoat

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

Easy Fall Outfits

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:19:27 +0000

It might be a bit too warm still for heavy fall coats, but I can’t help but think about easy fall outfits for when it gets a bit chillier! Camel coats, cozy sweaters, leopard and dark colors are all perfect – plus, there’s my October essentials and camo jackets to try out this fall!

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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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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

Style Crush: Veronica

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:40:18 +0000

Before I get into why I love Veronica and her blog, Bittersweet Colours, I have a favor to ask! I’ve been doing some thinking about the few reoccurring series I have here and brainstorming new ones (right now I have Outfit + Occasion, Style Crush and my weekly Happy Friday recaps). I’ve been doing “Style Crush” posts since February of 2011 and have covered faves from Taylor Tomasi Hill to Emily Weiss – typically fashion insiders, editors, models or celebrities. So my question is, are you digging the current focus or would you like to see more bloggers, like Veronica, featured? Or maybe you’d like to see real DC/NYC area people? And if I feature people who are more accessible, would you want to see an interview aspect (or do you get enough of those already)? Or should I keep “Style Crush” as is and create a new feature series? These are the questions that keep me up at night (not really)! Any feedback would be such a help! So continue reading for more about Veronica (you’ll want to see these looks) and leave a comment if you can!

How to Wear: Pink Jeans

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 04:15:48 +0000

I have to admit, in this heat I haven’t thought much about jeans, but when a friend emailed about how to style her new pair of pink jeans, I jumped at the chance to help. I’ve posted before on colored denim for spring, but I’m really loving all the ways I found to wear hot pink pants in every season (yes, even winter). For now, I think it looks perfect with a striped top and bright bag, chambray and leopard, peach and gold chains, or with a black tee and boucle jacket. I’m also loving this ensemble via the Budget Babe. Right?

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).

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Weekend Barbecue

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 17:59:08 +0000

Over the weekend, I got together with three of my best friends in the whole world for a barbecue – Tyler made the most delicious ribs I’ve ever had and Marta and Concetta prepared seriously yummy side dishes. Plus, white Cotes du Rhone? Such a perfect wine.

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Happy Friday!

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 04:02:15 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I was way less productive this week than I thought I’d be – I’ll blame it on the middle-of-the-week holiday and accompanying barbecues, poolside time and lazy afternoons. Read on for my fave moments/links!

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Made me smile this week…

…this simple outfit from Gal Meets Glam (I live in tees + skirts).
…Game of Thrones + Givenchy? Thank you Miss Moss!
…you NEED to read this post/article on the ‘busy’ trap. We all do this, yes?
…my fave style blogger, Alicia, is on Luella & June and it’s perfect!
…“Seven Things I Love About July” by hip hip gin gin. Enough said.
…it’s crazy hot and keeping my hair down isn’t an option. Trying some of these ideas.
…if you’re interested, you can catch my TV appearance here!

Bright Lights

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:45:20 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I’m still recovering from a fun couple days celebrating the Fourth of July – so here’s some bright neon inspiration to wake us all up!

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Summer Style

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:06:07 +0000

There’s workwear, and then there’s fun summertime style. Here are just a few images that are inspiring me lately! Color, stripes, summertime dresses and super cute swimwear!

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1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Les Composantes

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I love browsing through the images on the blog for Les Composantes, a fabulous French fashion label. They just posted a few photos from their June lookbook and I’m obsessed. Just look at all these gorgeous stripes!

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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!

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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

Festival Style

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:42:00 +0000

So today I’m over on one of my fave music blogs, This is Our Jam DC, talking about what to wear to this weekend’s Sweetlife Festival – which is still fun inspiration for any weekend, really. Who doesn’t love some festival style? Be sure to check out my tips, and don’t forget to enter to win VIP tickets to the event! Below are just a few things I’d love to have if I were going. But as I mentioned, I’m currently on my way to Wisconsin!

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!