Washington D.C. Wedding Weekend

A very good friend of ours was getting married in Washington D.C. so we took the train down there on Friday afternoon.  It was actually really easy to take the train, I would definitely do that again.  We smuggled the dog for the ride (shhh, don't tell) and arrived at our dog-friendly hotel, The Fairmont; also where the wedding was going to be (so convenient!).

We went out to dinner at Farmers, Fishers, Bakers and then we went to right next door to The Sequoia, a beautiful room where we had drinks and dessert with the out-of-towners.  It was a really cute spot right on the water.  There was an ice-skating rink and pretty lights.  Apparently this is where the couple had gotten engaged and I could see why.  

On Saturday we went to brunch at the newly re-opened Art and Soul.  I got the BLT Benedict which was great but even greater was the scones before the meal.  O.M.G. !!!!    

After that meal, we thought it would be best to walk it off a bit.  It really sucked that it was so cold so after we made it to the Capitol, we beelined for the first place we could find which happened to be the National Gallery of Art.  Then we decided to head a little further down the Mall to the Smithsonian American History Museum.  I wanted to stick around but my college roommate C. picked me up as soon as we got there so I'll have to return to see Dorothy's Ruby Red slippers!  

We went and got Gabriel and attempted to go to the dog park right outside her house in Adams Morgan but it was too cold and we only stayed 10 minutes.  I found that D.C. is a pretty dog-friendly city.  All along Rock Creek Park (which runs from the Potomic River, 12 miles to Maryland - even the National Zoo is along the path!) there are cool trails and dog parks.  I'd love to go back in warmer weather to really explore - it's very neat to see this thing run all along the middle of the city.  C. did however get a great shot of Gabriel which later ran in a local blog!  Check him out on popville.com!  

It was time to get ready for the wedding and I was really excited because I used Renttherunway.com and ordered a dress and earring combo.  I have never gotten so many compliments on a dress in my life!  Here I am in my Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Sapphire Star Dress and Dannijo Cecile earrings.  

I thought about making a separate blog entry for what a great experience I had with RTR.  It was so easy and saying I am impressed with the company as a whole is an understatement.  Really glad I rented!  

The wedding was absolutely beautiful.  The space at the Fairmont was unique with its elevated dance floor.  It was also really nice to be at a wedding and just be guests.  The last wedding we were at was our own and the past couple, either one of us were in the wedding.  And just a side note, it's heartwarming when you see how happy the couple is to be getting married.  Both the families were just awesome and we were really happy to see them all happy.  OK corny part over, :) 

Wish List 2012

Circle Scarf, American Apparel, $28. 

I got this scarf in grey last year and I've worn it more than any other article of clothing I have ever bought.  It is so comfy and versatile, I wish I could have one in every color.  Fortunately, that's an option!  

Chuck Taylor, Converse, $70

Many people have certain staples in their wardrobe.  Sometimes staples wear out and for a product under $100, there's no excuse for when they turn smelly and gross to not replace them.  If you know someone with a staple item, perhaps you can provide them with that task.  Personally, my staple is my Chuck Taylor's.  Make the pair you get something special with the customized option! 

Madison,Warby Parker, $95

If I took a shot every time I heard someone mention Warby Parker this season, I'd be wasted. 

Retro Pop Phone, Overstock.com, About $18.

Always thought these were funny and a perfect gift.  For the goofballs.  

iPower Case, C. Wonder, $58.

Practical & nerdy.  

Elite Israeli Chocolate Bars, IsraeliProducts.com, $1.99

I did a couple stints in Israel, among other places and with each trip, I usually have a favorite food or product I'd love to be able to bring home with me or have at my disposal once I am home.  In my case, these chocolate bars with pop rocks in them are a favorite of mine.  Find out what the product is and get that for whoever you are buying a gift for.  It doesn't have to be food either.  It will not only make them extremely happy but also remind them of a great memory and show that you really pay attention to the details!  

Illusion Necklines

Bridal Market just happened in NYC again.  One trend all over the place for Spring 2013 brides is the illusion neckline. 

(Top L to R: Christos, Oscar de la Renta, WToo

Bottom L to R: Lela Rose, Monique Lhuillier, Amsale) 

Peplum Is The New Black

pep·lum: A short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse, or dress.

(Photo via)

When I "Grow Up"

Confession - I've always said that when I "retire", I aspire to be an actor.  I want to be one of those crazy old lady actors in movies and commercials.  It wouldn't just be on-screen antics either.  Every single day, I aspire to go all out.  Think Zelda Kaplan (RIP) & Iris Apfel, Betty White & Cloris Leachman.

For some inspiration on the subject, check out Advanced Style.

Sessed: Donni Charm

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with a company called Donni Charm.  Alyssa, the creator of the company, is a great woman with a great team behind her.  

The story behind Donni Charm is worth mentioning.  Alyssa went through the tragedy of losing her father unexpectedly and created scarves with charms on them as a way to remember and honor him.  She started to expand in the past two years and for her Spring 2012 catalog and asked my place of work for some additional models and shooting space (see below for finished product).  

I can tell you first hand these products are super soft and super cool.  I wanted everything!  (There is a hamsa charm so you know I am into it.)  In addition to this new Spring line, Donni Charm has also teamed up with the Grateful Dead.  Yes, that Grateful Dead, to create a unique and kick-ass line of scarves.  

Go check them out and get some, a percentage of the sales goes to a selected charity each season.  So yea, it's not only just an amazing line of products but also has a philanthropic side.  Not hard to figure out without saying, who benefits from this season's sales.  

Trend Alert: Ombre

This summer it was the Ombe hair trend.  Now its moved on to nails.  What is Ombre?  Its a french term that means shaded.  See examples (like what I just did with the words):

Bridal Market 2012 Ball Gowns

I'm not one for ballgowns but I seem to have noticed them more this year and picked the ones I liked from Bridal Market.  

Badgley Mischka, Ramona Keveza, Lazaro, Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier, Kenneth Poole

JLM Couture Bridal Market Part 2

Since someone didn't show up at the JLM Couture show for Jim Hjelm, Alvina Valenta & Hayley Paige presentations for Bridal Market...

I got a sweet front row seat!

Hayley Paige is a new designer under the label and it was fun, fabulous and flirty.

More, professional photos to come.   I got so into the show I didn't get good ones but here are the two other designers, Alvina Valenta & "Jim Hjelm".  

I had such a fun time going to the shows.  I really like the company that my dress came from!  How many brides can really say they met the designer and went to the shows?!  It was an amazing opportunity for me and I can't thank Susan, their PR director, enough for inviting me.  

And with that, I'm off to daydreaming about being a bridal blogger.  

My First Louboutins!

I officially own my first pair of Christian Louboutin shoes!  They aren't your every day pair but they sure are gorgeous!  

Fall Boots

Steve Madden $80

Aldo $140

Frye $358

YSL

Emmy Awards 2011 Fashion

There was the red trend.

(Courtesy of E!)

There was a mermaid trend.  There was a plunging neckline trend. Which did I like best?  Well...

 Showing some slits from Sarah Hyland in Christian Siriano and Tony Ward on Jennifer Carpenter. 

 Some red with Kate Winslet in Elie Saab and Kayley Kuoco shoes with her Ramona Keveza dress.

Glamour in Elisabeth Moss in Marchesa and a vintage dress on John Hamm's leading lady.

Oh and Minka Kelly in Dior.

Also, something fun is seeing the dresses that were on the runway.  Red Carpet Fashion Awards.com does this.

Fashion Week Fall 2012 Day 3 to the End

I should just rename this post, "What I would wear to the Emmy's if I was going to the Emmy's, from all the collections this past week".  I tend to gravitate to the gowns.  Here's my picks.

Adam (particularly the cape) & Rachel Zoe

 Badgley Mischka & Marchesa 

Peter Som & Rebecca Taylor 

 Oscar de la Renta

Christian Siriano & DKNY (loved the NYC Taxi Cab background)

Overall shows that looked:
Betsy Johnson
Nanette Lepore 

Missoni for Target

Collabs are all the rage and I am so pumped for this one.  For the full lookbook please visit where I snagged these images from, Fashionista.com

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2012

So far my favorite show.  She gets gowns.  And makes me want gowns.