Outfit + Occasion on So Much to Smile About

Outfit + Occasion: Graduation

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

When a reader emailed asking some advice on graduation dresses, I thought it would be a great “Outfit + Occasion” post – whether you are graduating yourself or attending the ceremony (or really, just add a hat for horse races!). It’s a bit of a long day and usually outside, so you’ll definitely want to be comfortable. And you need to be on the dressy/demure side but still wear something you’ll love long after the big day.

Outfit + Occasion: Valentine’s Day

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and if you are a lover of pinks, reds, and purples, I say just go for it and rock the romantic shades! I’d totally wear the colorblocked sweater, boyfriend jeans and printed heels any day (and that $27 Target bag too). Or at the very least, I’m loving these “xo” earrings from Maya Brenner (still obsessed with my Maya Brenner initial necklace). And if you have someone special in your life, I recommend pointing them in the direction of H.Bloom Hero – my favorite flower company is making it beyond easy for guys to really wow you (starting at just $60). Who doesn’t love love?

Outfit + Occasion: The Holidays

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 12:00:00 +0000

It’s still a week away, but I’m already thinking about what I’ll wear when I’m home for the holidays. Whether it’s a cozy outfit for baking cookies, something to wear while last-minute shopping, or a nice look for Christmas Eve, I’ll want to look perfect (or as close as I get). Also, don’t miss this great feature from The Everygirl with some more ideas! Is it too early to start packing?!

Outfit + Occasion: Playing Hooky

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

So I had other plans for my birthday, but with Hurricane Sandy, it looks like I’ll be spending the day hunkered down at home! And since I know I’m not the only one, I thought it was the perfect time for an “Outfit + Occasion” post for playing hooky. Comfortable, cozy, champagne and Clue (my favorite movie)!

photograph not archived

tee / candle / coffee mug / knit pants / socks / necklace / coat / sweater / leggings / ipad case

Outfit + Occasion: Fall Weekend

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:19:04 +0000

I know the weekend just ended, but with this weather, all I can think about are cozy, chic fall outfit ideas perfect for days off. So here’s an “Outfit + Occasion” post for fall weekends! Oh, and if you are unsure about the camo jacket, be sure to check back later this week for lots of other ways to wear one!

photograph not archived

Outfit + Occasion: Fashion’s Night Out

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Can you believe it’s time again for Fashion’s Night Out?! I’ll be in NYC this year (if you have any tips or suggestions for where to go, leave a comment or email me!) and still have no idea what I’ll wear or where I’ll go. So I figured it was time to put together an Outfit + Occasion post for FNO! Be sure to keep reading for my picks for where to celebrate in DC! It’s an amazing night out you don’t want to miss!

Outfit + Occasion: Summer BBQ

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 12:00:00 +0000

With the 4th of July in just a couple days, it’s barbecue time (if you can stand the heat)! And while this crazy warm weather does make things a bit more complicated, you can’t go wrong with a striped dress, casual shorts and a tee, or for something a bit more bold, try a full skirt and cropped top (in addition to the photo below, I also love this look). What are your 4th of July plans this week and weekend? Barbecues? Pool time? Midnight showings of Independence Day (yes, I did this on Saturday)!?

Outfit + Occasion: New Job

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:56:08 +0000

A new job is the perfect occasion to go through your work wardrobe and step it up a bit, don’t you think? I know after three years at the same job, I’ve gotten pretty comfortable with my attire and it may be time to reevaluate! First place to start, tear apart my closet. Second? Reread this post (I kind of love it, if I may say so myself) and this one from Wardrobe Oxygen (love all Allie’s tips). Third? Shop for pieces I’m missing.

Outfit + Occasion: Picnic In The Park

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Or, if you’re in DC, Jazz in the Garden! Sunshine, grass, sangria and snacks – what better way to spend a summer afternoon! The trick is, however, finding an outfit that is cute, durable, and still comfortable when sitting on the ground. Your best bet will be fabrics that are lightweight and machine-washable, and skirts or dresses with a full skirt (no body-con minis, please). Shorts are ok, but make sure they are comfortable while seated (maybe pass on jean shorts for now), and remember to wear flat sandals or wedges (no stilettos). Lastly, carry a large tote or picnic basket and throw on an oversized summer scarf or denim jacket if it’s cooler! Just add wine, cheese, and crackers, and you’re good to go!

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!

Outfit + Occasion: Spring Wedding

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I have two weddings just next month – thankfully, I’m a bridesmaid in both so won’t have to worry about what to wear! But for those of you who do, here’s some helpful ideas for what to wear to a spring wedding.

photograph not archived

1. ASOS dress / 2. BaubleBar bangle / 3. J.Crew dress / 4. Michael Kors dress
5. BaubleBar bangles / 6. BaubleBar bangle / 7. ASOS shoes / 8. ALDO shoes
9. ASOS dress / 10. Lauren Merkin clutch / image 1, 2

Outfit + Occasion: Sporting Event

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I look like a ridiculous person on Sundays during football season, so don’t think I’m saying you need to look cute for sporting events. But, for the times you may want to (and March Madness might be the perfect occasion), here are some outfit ideas that are sporty and chic. Surprisingly, there’s not a ton of advice out there, save for “dress like you’re watching, not playing,” courtesy of former Glamour editor, Suze Yalof Schwartz. Thankfully, athletic/sports influence is trending for spring – and Old Navy has a slew of college team tees if you’d rather rock your school pride. Game on!

Outfit + Occasion: SXSW

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

It’s not Bonnaroo and it’s not Coachella, but for those of you lucky enough to be heading to SXSW, you’ll still need to put together some killer outfits. To help, I scoured articles like this one from the New York Times and this one from Refinery29 and compiled everything you may need to help decide what to wear, and pack, for the occasion.

photograph not archived

Outfit + Occasion: Girls’ Night Out

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve been planning for this new series (Outfit + Occasion) for a while so wanted to make sure the first post was perfect (note-to-self: Is anything ever perfect? Just push “publish,” already!). The plan is to feature a new occasion every couple weeks along with outfit ideas and tips, most likely from style experts more qualified than me. I decided to kick things off with one of the best occasions I could think of: the girls’ night out!