What I Wore: July 2017-December 2017

January 2, 20182 Comments

This post is my blog equivalent of the proverbial “Midnight Kiss”, it’s what you’ve been waiting for all year, and hoping that months of waiting has been worth it.

How did my blog go from focusing on clothes, to only 2 posts about it a year? It must mean that I’m seriously enjoying life!Sad story about this top…its a TJ Maxx score, but when washed, all trim fell off. Maybe a tailor could add some decorative tassels back on?
Sooooo cute, right? Unfortunately, this Zara rain jacket was $89.90, and I just couldn’t justify the cost for a jacket I could only wear when it rained. In person, it had “outdoor” details, that didn’t lend itself to wearing as a top. Currently, I’m only slightly disappointed that I didn’t purchase it, let’s see my Regret Post, come a rainy spring… Ahhh! Isn’t that long, icy blonde hair FABULOUS? Too bad it made my hair so weak that it broke off before I could let it grow any longer…
Banana Republic Sheath Dress, always a classic!
Wearing a black lace Max Studio dress at HD Platinum Circle Gala

FCUK cleavage dress. Subtle enough to wear to a professional work event, scandalous enough to catch glances from professional men 🙂

The following couple photos are from my Mexican vacation! Ole!
You know, it’s funny looking through these photos, because many times I think an outfit is cute, and it’s just OK in pictures. Other times, outfits like this ancient H&M striped shirt and J Crew Factory camel pencil skirt paired with Forever21 combat boots, look way cuter than I thought! This little The Limited number was worn for our office holiday party. It “fit” for so many reasons. the blue and white was perfect for Hanukah and my Jewish-owned company, the theme was “nautical”, since it was held at our property called the Atlantic Building, and it was also Christmas, so the homemade bow belt and headband were whimsical! Gahhh! This navy Zara top is just so cute, with its tailored, zippered peplum, bell sleeves, and attached striped undershirt. In. Love. Ummm, thank you Aerie for this sweet, snuggly, sleeping romper. Worn, appropriately, on Christmas Eve. Photo credit: my reluctant little brother. This festive holiday blouse is from J Crew Factory, and I just love it. Its playful ruffle and bold plaid are just perfect. There, I’ve said it!

Happy Holidays!

A Year in Fashion

September 9, 2017September 9, 2017Leave a comment

Wow. I can’t believe that my last clothes post included an outfit from OCTOBER 2016…so much has changed! And a few new additions have made their way into my closet. But the old classics remain 🙂

Feast yo eyes.Dress: Target

Coral Espadrilles: Steve Madden

I just LOVE this 2 pattern dress that my friend, Megan, bought me for my birthday!

Light Blue Bell-Sleeve Top: Banana Republic

Slides: Steve Madden

Dress: Ann Taylor Factory
Laser Cut Eyelet Top: Banana Republic Dress: TeezeMe via Macy’s

I’m so glad I’ve been doing squats, cause this dress was wayyyy s.h.o.r.t.e.r. than I remember…
Dress: Forever21

Shoes: Nine West, “Apple Eye” Booties

This Forever21 stretchy dress has been in my closet for YEARS, but it’s just a classic. It can be dressed up or down and never seems like I’m trying too hard (even if it does take me hours to get ready…)

Top: Banana Republic Skirt: Banana Republic Factory Bathing Suit: Ted Baker via Nordstom

Ummm, can we talk about this suit?! Ted Baker was kind of a splurge, but I REALLY wanted something fab, for this future vacay that the Universe is bringing to me, and it was the last one in my size. After a long day of shopping, I had to take it as a sign 🙂 My facial expression in this photo is clearly not an accurate representation of how happy I was to find this gem!

Dress: Milly, Penelope Gown via Neiman Marcus

Oh.My.Godessss. Back in June, I had an urge to try on super fancy dresses, just for the fun of it. Once I found this one, I almost bought it. But, then I saw the price tag…$725. Yikes.

Dress: Kohl’s Peplum Top: Ann Taylor Factory

Jeans: Blue Spice via TJ Maxx

I can’t help it, I just love Blue Spice and Indigo Rein jeans. They fit in the waist, thighs, and calves AND they’re a perfect ankle length for us petite girls! I know they’re so cheap, but that’s the goal: cute on a budget! Dress: Romeo + Juliet via TJ MaxxNautical Ruffle Skirt: H&M via Greene Street Consignment Pink Dress: Banana Republic Factory

Geeze, I feel like this is an ad for Banana stores! I should be compensated somehow!White Blazer: Dynamite

Blouse: Ann Taylor Factory

So.in.love with that blazer!Mesh Dress: Banana Republic via TJ MaxxStriped Dress: Monteau via Marshalls Hot Pink Dress: Charlotte Russe Polka-Dotted Ruffle Blouse: Target White Top: Can you guess?? Banana Republic haha Purple Swing Top: Piko

Crystal Necklace: Francesca’s

Black Suede Peep-Toed Booties: Lucky via Lord & Taylor, similar Gingham Peplum Top: H&M Peach Bare Shoulder Blouse: Shinestar vice TJ Maxx

Ripped Denim: Indigo Rein via Marshalls

Flower Sandals: BCBGeneration via MarshallsPaisley Peplum Blouse: Banana Republic
Floral Peplum Bouse: Sienna SKy via Marshalls Orange Tank: Target

Floral Applique Yoga Pants: Aerie Ruffle Blouse: Target

Printed Peplum Bouse: LOFT Romper: Marshalls, there’s no tag, but here’s the RN #116696

Isn’t this the cutest thing EVER? I’m so in love with this summer purchase, I wish I’d been able to wear it more than once this summer…it’s making me excited for next summer already! Purple Swing Tank: Lucy & Laurel via Marshalls

Wide Pants: Joe via KohlsBlush Skin Dress: Joe & Elle via Marshalls

Not gonna lie, I barely ate anything during the day, because I knew I was wearing this at night (insert laugh/cry emoji)
Striped Flare Skirt: Pins & Needles via Greene Street Consignment Off-the-Shoulder Top: ExpressBlush Ruffle Blouse: Ivanka Trump (ahhh, I know!) via Marshalls
Structured White Blouse: Banana Republic

Polka Dotted Pants: Ann Taylor Hot Pink Blouse: J Crew via Green Street Consignment Juniper Romper: Lavender Fields via TJ Maxx

Denim Jacket: love FIRE via TJ Maxx

I wasn’t sure about this romper, but there was something so playful and casual about it that I just loved. It’s perfect for a lounging night where you still want to look and feel whimsical Floral Print Blouse: Finn & Grace via Marshalls

Dark Denim: Blue Spice via Marshalls

Loved this printed blouse! It’s hard to tell, but it’s off-the-shoulder with a little spaghetti strap!
Kimono Jacket: Target…KIDS section.

I know, I know, if it isn’t bad enough that I’m 31 and buy all of my clothes from TJ Maxx, I have now succumbed to the children’s section of a chain store…good news is that my very fashionable boss complimented me on it. Score!

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Where Have You Been?

September 28, 2016September 28, 20161 Comment

Well, this past week was QUITE the whirlwind! Lot’s of meeting up with friends, drinking too much, lounging at the beach, and eating myself into oblivion…

Instead of separate posts, this will be one week of nonsense crammed into one!

HANGING OUT AT …39 RUE DE JEAN

WHAT I WORE

My cousin is married to a wonderful girl, Meghan, that we love. Meghan’s spunky sister, Emily, happens to live in Charleston and knows EVERYONE. Lucky me! She has been so sweet and invited me to lots of things, including lunch at 39 Rue de Jean last week. It was INCREDIBLE!!! No photos, we were talking too much 🙂 We shared the Mediterranean Artichoke Ravioli and then I got the Fried Goat Cheese Salad with Grilled Chicken. The chicken was so juicy and the goat cheese melted in my mouth! Oh yeah, and some Rose…Emily got the Mesclun Salade with Duck Confit, which she said is what she always gets, so it must be delicious!

Here’s what I wore:

Top: J Crew Factory (new from June, purchased for my trip!) I’m noticing now that it is slightly see-through. Oooh -la-la (you know, because France…)

Denim: Bass

HANGING OUT AT…LOW COUNTRY BISTRO

Next up was a late breakfast on Wednesday at Low Country Bistro for my first ever taste of their Coleman Farms Chicken & Waffle. Let’s just say, I hope it’s not my last! This place was recommended to me by 2 different people, and they were right-it was goooooood! The chicken was so juicy and crispy, the waffle was made of sweet potato cornbread, and the butter was infused with pecans and bourbon.

I have to admit that I pretty much ate the whole damn thing.

HANGING OUT AT…THE COCKTAIL CLUB & HALL’S CHOPHOUSE

WHAT I WORE

During our lunch, Emily said I should come out with her and her friends on Thursday night. When I asked where she wanted to meet, she said, “The Cocktail Club…Everyone goes to The Cocktail Club on Thursdays!”

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I checked out their website ahead of time, and it’s a really cool place. Very rustic and industrial with moody lighting, creative cocktails, and live music 🙂 Here’s what I wore:

Off-the Shoulder Top: Hummingbird via C’est La Vie. Remember when I posted about it here? I wish it photographed more clearly….

Black Shorts: J Crew Factory

Earrings: Charming Charlie

Clutch: Charming Charlie

I wore nude platforms from Nine West Outlet

Here I am really enjoying myself:

And here’s what took me over the edge and kept me up all night wishing I had taken it easier…

Drink courtesy of our second stop, Hall’s Chophouse, and the nachos from across the street, which they hand-delivered to us because we were hungry and their kitchen was closed. That’s why this place is voted among the top 10 Restaurants in the US…

HANGING OUT AT…CO & AMEN STREET FISH & RAW BAR

WHAT I WORE

I’ve walked by CO several times and someone told me that they enjoyed it, so I stopped in on Saturday night. It was a little confusing-a long line, but no hostess…I waited a little bit, got some menu recommendations in line, and then had a seat at the bar, where I ordered a Blackberry Cooler/Spritzer? and the ever-safe Pad Thai with Shrimp. It was SO SO good! I’m convinced there is no bad food in this town! A little spicy, with just the right crunch from the peanuts. I would DEFINITELY eat here again.

Here’s what I wore:

Dress: Forever21 (that I originally posted about here)

Booties: Madden Girl

And then I came home, sat inside for an hour watching the ID Network, decided I looked too cute to be sitting at home, and went on a mission to find me some key lime pie. Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar delivered.

Did I feel slightly uncomfortable that I went in by myself, at 10pm, on a Saturday night, sat at the bar, and only ordered pie? The answer is yes. Did the pie make it worth it. Also yes. Are all of my clothes seeming to shrink smaller and smaller as the weeks go by? Sadly, the answer is yes to that too…

Earlier on Saturday, my new friend, Abbey, joined me at the beach on Sullivan’s Island. It was a slightly impromptu visit, and we had such a great time laughing and talking. She is just so sweet and insightful, and I met her through Emily! I feel so happy and excited that I am making some new friends to help me feel a part of the city 🙂

Sunday was another beach day which included more eating, laughing, talking, and sunning 🙂

HANGING OUT AT…SAFFRON CAFE AND BAKERY & THE NOISY OYSTER SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Emily recommended Saffron Cafe and Bakery to me the other day, and so I took a stroll there this morning. I have been craving hash browns ever since I started thinking about them yesterday. This did not disappoint (see what I mean about no bad food?!)

I got the Eye Opener-2 scrambled eggs with American cheese, hash browns (obviously), and 2 biscuits, but I only ate 1! Yay! Don’t worry, that was the last self-restraint of the day. Eggs were buttery, biscuits were flaky, and hash browns were crispy. Incredible.

I finished off my binge-fest with a spontaneous stop at The Noisy Oyster Seafood Restaurant. I’m sure any well-seasoned foodie would have said, “Out of all the places in Charleston, why would you stop there?” Well, it was on my walk home from Waterfront Park, all of their garage-style windows were open and I wanted to sit inside and read my book while feeling the breeze. So, there. That’s why. I got the Chopped Salad with Grilled Shrimp. The shrimp was actually really good-nice and pan-crispy. The salad was really flavorful and had a nice little crunch from the toasted almond slivers 🙂 And that’s it. I didn’t want anything else for the whole night. Just a plain old salad.

OK, I had the Old Fashioned Banana Meringue Pudding. Gahhh! Can’t. Stop.Won’t.Stop.

❤

Hanging Out At…Hyman’s Seafood

September 11, 2016September 11, 2016Leave a comment

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The other night, I went out to Hyman’s Seafood for Restaurant Week. It wasn’t the best meal I’ve ever had. I got the Wadmalaw Delight as an appetizer and the Carolina Delight as an entree.

Wadmalaw Delight

Local fried green tomatoes served on creamy grits and topped with Carolina cream sauce, cheese and cajun seasoning.

Carolina Delight

Shrimp and Grits taken up a notch. Our #1 Appetizer! Lightly fried grit cake topped with your choice of shrimp, Salmon croquette or salmon. Covered with a creamy, rich garlic alfredo sauce then sprinkled with a hint of Cajun seasoning. Decadent and delicious!

I should have known that because they were both some kind of “delight”, that they would taste identical. It was just too much of the same flavor and so heavy, I was just over it within the first few bites. The Key Lime Pie for dessert was the best part, which you would know, if you follow me on Insta 🙂

The service was really good though. The waiter was friendly and the owner came over and said if we had any suggestions about how to make things better, then they wanted to know. I did appreciate that, but it was difficult to describe what could have made it better. After talking to more locals, I was told it was a touristy spot. But whatever, what you REALLY cared about was what I was wearing, right?

Well, I don’t want to disappoint!

This cute chevron maxi dress was a gift. I think it was purchased from a shop found from Pinterest (similar). Speaking of Pinterest, a few years ago, I uploaded a photo of me in this dress the first time I wore it, and it ended up being my “Most Pinned Pin” ever, at over 1,000 re-pins! Earrings are from Charming Charlie (similar)

Hanging Out At…Poogan’s Smokehouse

September 10, 2016September 10, 2016Leave a comment

It’s Restaurant Week in Charleston (hooray!!) So, tonight, I decided to try out Poogan’s Smokehouse. It’s sister restaurant, Poogan’s Porch was a place I visited in April and also happened to undergo a renovation by my Charleston Interior Designer cyber-friend, Deidre at Leaf Interior Design.

There was a 30 minute wait, so I decided to try this bar down the street. And who should pass by me as I walked in? Southern Charm’s infamous Shep Rose…

I sat outside in the most beautiful weather ever and enjoyed the scenery of several drunk Bachelor Parties stumbling down the street…

Let’s start my review with the service. My waiter, Mike, was great! He was super nice and really helped me figure out what to get. He recommended the Smoked Pork Belly and Hash and Rice. I’m not really a fatty meat girl, so I went for the Mac and Cheese, Tennessee Hot Chicken Sandwich (hot sauce on the side) with Hash and Rice, and Chocolate Bread Pudding for dessert. Oh, and just so you know, as I’m writing this, I’m still feeling the effects of my Spiced Banshee 🙂

Unfortunately, I had 2 bites of my entree and already needed to box everything up. The beer before dinner really filled me up 😦

But the few bites that I did have were really good. The Mac and Cheese was really flavorful. The chicken sandwich was juicy with just enough spice. The Hash and Rice was really decadent and kind of melted in your mouth. And I didn’t even see my Chocolate Bread Pudding! It’s in the fridge waiting to be devoured tomorrow.

For about 50ish dollars I now have meals for 2 days!

Definitely worth it!

And as always, here’s what I wore. I call this look Beach Chic, since I took a shower after working out earlier this morning and then ended up at the beach later this afternoon. I quickly rinsed off, but didn’t feel like doing my hair…Denim Ruffle Dress: Target

Necklace: Francesca’s

❤

Hanging Out At…Mt. Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island

September 4, 2016September 11, 20162 Comments

Today I slept in (way later than I’ll ever admit to), then finally made my way over to Mt. Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island.

I wanted to find a restaurant that was recommended online (future post to follow), but I had some time before they opened back up for dinner, so I stopped at the Antiques Market.Upon walking in, I realized that it was one of those “antique malls” that my Dad likes to say is “mostly filled with junk!” He really does have a way with words, doesn’t he? 🙂
Well, amidst the junk, you know I was able to find some treasures!

Some Asian furniture, that were pretty good prices, considering I bought something similar to this for work and it was 3x the price…

Didn’t love the piece below for my personal home, but I had to admire the ornate detail of the mother of pearl carving 🙂

I thought the hardware on this piece was one of the prettiest things about this piece. It’s so delicate! Look at this campaign style dresser for only $169!! In my mind, I had repainted it a beautiful lacquered black. Or sweet lavender. Or kelly green. Or coral pink.

Here are some metallic pieces

This reminded me of a miniature Ark of the Covenant…

I’m just LOVING these traditional mirrors, like maybe over top of an acrylic console?

All polished up, this wooden bead chandy could be lovely!

These are curtain tie-backs, which I have already mentally “installed” in my Charleston apartment’s living area, when I redid the place. LOL Look at these mini candlesticks. Aren’t they cute? They were only $14.50 each!

This XL copper bucket would be beautiful filled with firewood. It was only $50, which is a steal! If I had a fireplace, this may have come home with me.

More trunks:

Imagine this wood tool chest opened and filled with sky blue hydrangeas!

Some fun animal inspired trinkets: This little fox hook would be perfect in a little boy’s room for jackets and hats 🙂

Several ginger jars:

And more generally cool stuff…I would just LOVE to host a party where all of the glasses were this rich plum shade!

That’s an old tobacco basket!

A beautiful NARROW 33″ wide farmhouse dining table

Cool doors and windows:

Sometimes, the best pieces are actually display pieces, like this cool bamboo shelf. I mentally put it in an all white bathroom, complete with mosaic marble tiled floors. I cleared off all of the crappy things and placed fresh, fluffy, white towels rolled up, next to artisanal soaps and glass apothecary jars filled with cotton balls. On the walls are small, framed John Audubon prints. If that didn’t give you a visual, I’m not sure what will! Sometimes, the display pieces are not for sale…like this beautiful mantle.

Headboards:

How cool are these old scuba masks? The kind of thing I would just love to incorporate into a kid’s “underwater” themed room!

Sometimes you see funny things too, like this rope chandelier:
HA!

But the funniest thing happened when I was looking at these old photographs:There weren’t a ton of people in the store, so it was strange when this elderly woman came right up to the small corner where I was standing looking at these photos. She remarked, “Wow! I’m sure all these people are dead!” Then picked up one of a woman in Victorian clothes and said, “Well, I know SHE’S dead!” And then proceeded to thumb through the stack of photos proclaiming, “Dead…Dead…That one’s dead…” So I actually started to walk away when she called out, “That’s where we’ll all end up…in an antique’s shop!” HA! Well, that made me chuckle!

This alabaster lamp base was the one thing that I really hated to leave behind. It was a little bit more than I want to spend when I’m on a limited budget. Especially when I don’t really need a lamp. But it was SOOO cute. Such a sweet size, so perfectly carved. I was worried about the wiring, but that’s something that could easily be fixed, right?

Next door was a shop called Steven Shell Living.It very much reminded me of Nadeau in Manayunk, Philadelphia (which they also have a location in Charleston!)

I thought these little whale bookends were so classy for a beach house.

In person, this chandelier was HUGE! Look at the scale of it next to the barstool behind it!

And who couldn’t be pleased with this scalloped edge dining table??

And obviously, this posts includes what I wore!

White Lace-Trimmed T-shirt: J Crew Factory

Pink Scalloped Shorts: Monteau via TJ Maxx

Bag: Kayla Striped Crossbody via Francesca’s

Until next time! ❤

What I Wore: The Charleston Dress

September 3, 2016September 3, 20163 Comments

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This is a real fear and I have suffered from this many times in my life. This pretty J Crew Factory linen and blue embroidery dress, which I affectionately dubbed “The Charleston Dress” (sold out) was my most recent source of anxiety:

similar, similar, similar

My sweet Mama bought me this dress for my birthday. As soon as I bought it, I folded it neatly and put it in a “WEAR IN CHARLESTON ONLY” bag designated for my trip. It came out once to get slightly altered (typical), and then made the 500 mile journey down South with me. Of course, I thought of all the times I could wear it: Meeting some new friends out? A casual dinner al fresco? Strolling a plantation? The possibilities were endless, that I couldn’t decide when I should wear it! One thing I did know was that it was white, and Labor Day was swiftly approaching. (Although I still think I’ll give her one more go in the fall…suede open-toed booties, denim jacket…)

Anyway, I felt like today would be the perfect day to take her out for a spin. And boy, was I right! Not only did I get direct compliments, but I even heard some gals telling their friends, “Oh, isn’t that dress cute!” At one point, I walked into a shop and a woman said, “Oh, we saw you outside, and I told my associate, ‘That’s the dress I’ve been wanting!’ I LOVE it!”

But the REAL wonderfulness happened as I was sitting on a bench in Waterfront park, innocently reading my book, when a man came up to me and said, “I am a painter in Atlanta, and you look so nice on this bench, would you mind if I took your picture, so I can paint this scene?” Ummm, YESSSSSSS!!!!!!! Now, some may say that this was a very smooth way to try and pick me up, but that was the last thing I was concerned about. My Charleston Dress had the potential of being immortalized in a painting!!! Not “panting”, a comical word mixup that spurred this text conversation with my best friend:

❤

Hanging Out At…Magnolia’s

September 2, 2016September 2, 2016Leave a comment

A few nights ago, I took myself out to a fancy dinner at one of my favorite restaurants anywhere, Magnolia’s. This may be the best meal I have ever had. I ordered the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast the last time we visited and I have been craving it ever since! Here it is in all of its glory…fried amazingness, corn, mashed potatoes, 2 mini biscuits, collard greens (made exclusively for them by a local with a secret recipe, which is INCREDIBLE!)

And for dessert? Southern Pecan Pie 🙂 And, yes, it was just as good as it looks!

Obviously, I wanted to get fancy for fun, so, here’s what I wore:

I recently got this from Banana Republic. It was on clearance for $75ish AND I had a $25 gift card, so I ended up paying about $50 for this fab dress! Click here, here, here, and here for similar styles!

❤

What I Wore: Tribeca Film Festival/Rent the Runway Review

May 4, 2016May 4, 20161 Comment

Hi! Long time no see 🙂 That’s how you know I’m busy doing fabulous things like going to the Tribeca Film Festival a few weeks ago.

Ironman lent his expertise to a documentarian whose film was being featured, so we went for the premiere. Obviously, I needed something chic to wear! Rent the Runway came to my rescue with Trina Turk’s Gizella Dress:

It was perfectly polished. Not too over the top (I’m not a celebrity), but still made a statement.

Pros:

-It fit exactly as pictured and exactly as the reviews described (which was slightly boxy)

-They give you an extra size for free-just in case. I didn’t need it, but it eased my mind!

-It arrived exactly when they said it would and was super easy to return.

-It was only $60 to rent vs. $400 to own

Cons:

-I couldn’t keep it 🙂

A few minutes before this photo was taken, a lovely woman came up to me wanting to know ALL of the details of my ensemble right down to my shoes (which are Ellen Tracey, similar) I sent this photo to my cosmopolitan cousin who lives in NYC and she said I looked “Manhattan” with my all black. Rent the Runway for the win!

Don’t you just love a good train station bathroom photo?

I would DEFINITELY use Rent the Runway again. Now, I just need to find another fabulous occasion…possibly the big 3-0, which is coming up much sooner than I would like to admit. Eeek!