Wedding Wednesday: Invitations

Now that our invitations have been sent out, I wanted to share them all with you! I had so much fun creating these with Lopaze Creations. To go along with our destination theme, I wanted something that tied in, and boarding passes was perfect! It's hard to tell from the photos, but the paper is a pearlized cream color.

Splurge vs. Steal

I love the sharp lines of the Alice + Olivia pumps, but I did not so much love the price tag! I found these great alternatives (also in suede) for a fraction of the cost. With just a slightly shorter heel, it's close enough for me!

Aldo / Alice + Olivia

Saks! Saks! Saks!

I was lucky enough to win a gift card from Saks Fifth Avenue during their #louboutinlove contest, and now comes the hard part...deciding what to use it for! Here are some of the items I have my eye on...what should I buy?

earrings / iphone case / rain boots / ring / ipad case

Sunday Inspiration

 

Photo credit

Weekend Bucket List

 

This weekend we're having a few friends over for a pumpkin carving party. Here's some of my inspiration...

Photo credit: Pinterest

OOTD: Tweed

Tweed is one of that classic looks that will never go out of style. I was so excited to see this number in Target! While I'd seen some I liked at J. Crew, I wasn't ready to shell out close to $300 for one.

Jacket: Target / Tank: Tahari / Denim: Joe's Jeans / Heels: Steve Madden / Watch: Michele / Necklaces: Tiffany and Saks Fifth Avenue

Wishlist Wednesday

Pour La Victoire is becoming one of my favorite handbag designers (as previously mentioned here). I saw this bag is the most gorgeous royal blue in September's InStyle, but was unable to locate a photo of it. The detail of the calf half is a beautiful contrast to the buttery leather.

Pour La Victoire Butler Bag

All that Glitters is Gold

Growing up, I never liked the color gold. I didn't own any gold jewelry and had no intention on ever wearing any. A few years ago I began introducing minimal amounts of gold into my jewelry box, allowing gold accoutrements on handbags and just last year I did the unthinkable - bought a gold watch! It wasn't until I was featured on the Yuppie Files, and nearly everything was gold, that I realized I actually liked the color. I still have trouble pairing silver and gold together, as mentioned here, but I am working through it. Perhaps my biggest a-ha moment was when I decided to use gold as an accent color in my wedding.

All photos from my Pinterest page.

Life According to Instagram

(clockwise from top left)

1. OOTD chambray+leopard  2. [Exciting] future plans  3. Huevos rancheros at Matchbox (great resto to take out-of-towners!)  4. Playing tourist with said out-of-towners, boat cruise on the Potomac

OOTD: Leather Details

One of my favorite trends this Fall is leather, as I discussed here.  Before it gets too cool, I had to rock my short sleeve leather tee!

 Shirt: Zara / Faux Leather Leggings: See You Monday (similar here) / Shoes: Steve Madden / Necklace: House of Harlow

Neiman Marcus + Target Update!

The full lookbook is finally out - featuring 55 pieces from a laundry list of amazing designers, first reported here. Below are some of the drool-worthy pieces I will be stalking come December 1st! View them all here. What do you think of the collaboration? Will you be staying up til midnight to buy online, or waiting outside the doors of Neimans or Target?

(from top left)

Robert Rodriguez blouse $79.99 / Diane von Furstenberg jewelry box $49.99 / Jason Wu ornaments $49.99 / Brian Atwood gloves $49.99 / Skaist Taylor faux fur vest (I die!) $79.99 / Oscar de la Renta dog collar and leash $39.99 / Marc Jacobs pouches $69.99 / Altuzarra tray $79.99 / Marchesa girls beaded dress $99.99

Wishlist Wednesday

While this blog has a well documented love of my Michele watch, I have my eye on a new love. Wouldn't this make a lovely wedding gift from my groom? ;)

Cartier Tank Solo Watch

Review: Lancome Hypnôse Doll Lashes

I'm always on the search for the perfect mascara. After reading a review of this one on another blog, I decided to try it out for myself.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara

Unfortunately, this one is not perfect for me. While I thought I would enjoy the tapered wand, it made it difficult to apply on my left eye. I typically hold the wand with my right hand and apply coming in from the right (if that makes sense!) Well, by doing it this way, the tapered part is at the wrong end. It also fell under my eyes over the course of the day, which is something I cannot overlook.

Have you used this? What are your thoughts? Have you found the perfect mascara? The next one on my list to try is Bobbi Brown, Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening. Try it along with me - available  at Apothica here.

NOVA Fashion Week

This past weekend I went to one of the shows for NOVA Fashion Week. I met some fabulous local bloggers and got to see some great looks from Periwinkle!
(pardon the awful photos - my camera was acting up, so I had to use my phone)

fashionable onlooker

sara, myself & amanda

OOTD: Chambray + Jewels

When I posted about the chambray trend, I was quick to find one for myself. However, having a large bust makes it very difficult to find any button up shirt that fits properly. I went to nearly every store at the mall and tried on every chambray that was made, I feel like. Finally, I found a good fit at Old Navy of all places.

Shirt: Old Navy (similar here) / Jeggings: Citizens of Humanity (similar here) / Shoes: Shoedazzle / Necklace: Swoon Boutique

Men's Fashion: Ben Minkoff

One of my favorite accessories designers, Rebecca Minkoff, also has a men's line, Ben Minkoff. Still a rather small line, just being introduced in Spring 2011, the pieces are inspired by Rebecca's grandfather's military background. Here are some of my favorite pieces...

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Wishlist Wednesday

When I purchased my wedding gown at Saks Jandel, I received a coupon in the mail for my next in-store purchase. I originally posted about this clutch for my wedding, but I waited too long and it was sold out. Realizing that I would likely never use that clutch again, I figured it would be more practical to buy one that I could use in the future. Enter YSL...

Yves Saint Laurent Belle De Jour Clutch

Zara Home

Zara's home collection is finally available in the US, and you can shop online beginning today! Here are some photos from other country's lookbooks...I can only hope these same products will be available in the US online shop!

Review: ShoeDazzle

Erin 

(sold out in black, still available in tan)

I have been lusting over these Valentino studded heels forever, but knowing myself and that I'd much rather put $1K towards a new handbag, I was ecstatic when ShoeDazzle came out with a lookalike! 

Pros

• Cheap! I wasn't a current ShoeDazzle member, so for my first purchase I got 25% off, making them only $30
• True to size
• Comfortable - although I haven't had a full night out in them yet

Cons

• The quality of studs are so-so; it looks like they will turn sooner than later
• Studs aren't perfectly placed (check out the professional photo above: first line, second from left)
• T-strap isn't perfectly aligned on one of the heels

The pros definitely outweigh the cons and I will certainly be purchasing another pair. If you haven't signed up yet, here's an invite! There is no membership fee and no requirement to buy each month. With prices like these, why not?

Anna Dello Russo + H&M

Anna Dello Russo (fashion director, Vogue Japan) has designed an accessories collection for H&M that debuts today! Her pieces seem to have been inspired by others (YSL, Alexander McQueen), or is it just me? Here are some pieces I'll be checking out this weekend, to see the full collection click here.

Arty bracelet / Sunnies / Zebra bracelet / Clutch / Hat / Flats / Necklace

Wishlist Wednesday

How adorable is this coffee mug?! Even though I'm not a coffee drinker, I'm certain I can find a handy use for this adorable piece!

Lip Tease mug

Henri Bendel

Last year when I was in NYC I discovered Henri Bendel (why this took so long, is beyond me!). Next month the iconic retailer will open at Tysons Galleria, and rumor has it the archway will be modeled after the the Fifth Avenue flagship. Here are some of my faves...I can hardly wait to be able to shop in store on a regular basis!! Bonus - check October's InStyle for a 25% off coupon of $150 or more.

(clockwise from top left)

Hand me down stack ring / New York minute scarf / Strut your stuff desk diary /

Peony fragrance reeds / New York minute wellies / Things I want notepad /

Chocolate covered toffee expresso beans

Life According to Instagram

(clockwise from top left)

 

1. Homemade salsa  2. Well lit (and stocked) bar at  Firebirds  3. Redskins cookies in our suite at the home opener  4. Gifts from South Moon Under for winning the FNO challenge