The Navy Shirtdress from Banana Republic

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Ah, Fall in the District. One day it’s 80 degrees and the next you’re waking up to frost on your car. And sometimes? That’s in the same day. Guys have it easy - regardless of the weather, they’re usually donning slacks and a dress shirt/suit and tie. But girls? We have skirts or trousers, blouses or sweaters, shift dresses or shirt dresses, tights or no tights, heels or flats, light coat or heavy coat…the options go on.

My solution for the madness? A pretty navy silk shirtdress with a classic wool coat. This particular dress is from Banana Republic and it was MOST DEFINITELY love at first sight. I actually did a little dance in my dressing room when I tried it on because it was *that* perfect. I’m very into styles that transition into seasons and this can totally be worn year-round.

I've said this before and I'll say it again - I want to have my cake and eat it too. Not everyone can have an apartment-sized walk-in closet (looking at you, Rachel Parcell!) and I want to find things I know I'll wear again and again. Come winter, I’ll probably be wearing this with tights, boots and a turtleneck underneath. But for now, it works ideally just as-is for both those 80 degree afternoons as well as those 40 degree mornings. 

I paired the dress with a classic pair of pumps with a fun fabric twist, also from Banana Republic. These are blush calf hair - another love at first sight moment. Best of all? They’re actually comfortable (they don't call it the 12 Hour Madison for nothing!) At about 3.5 inches, the heel is just the right size that it flatters your leg but doesn’t make it impossible to walk. (A must-have in my book!)

Lastly - THIS COAT. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect wool coat and this one from Cuyana is beyond wonderful. It’s warmer than my other wool coats and has the most gorgeous lapel in the history of lapels. It’s quickly become my most favorite coat I’ve ever owned. It may be steep, but you can't really put a price on being cozy and warm.

How do you dress when the weather’s a hot/cold mess? Please share your tips below because me and my immune system are in struggle city over here. ;)

Wearing: Banana Republic navy shirtdress (love this similar style!) and blush calf hair pumps c/o, Cuyana navy wool coat (the cropped version is so cute too!), Kicheko Goods earrings and bracelet, Merjuri rings, Mansur Gavriel bag, Static Nails c/o. 

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How to Dress for a Casual Wedding

Excited to share a few photos from a recent guest post I did with DC Wedding Collective (a curated collection of work from some of the very best wedding vendors in DC!) 

Head over to the DC Wedding Collective to read all about my tips for How to Dress for a Casual Wedding.

Wearing Cuyana silk dress as top, Shaina Mote Trousers via Sophie Blake Collective, Sophie Blake cuff, Banana Republic sandals, Jeffrey Levinson bag

Welcoming October

And just like that, October has arrived! With Fall, excitement of hot chocolate, cozy sweaters, cuddling, Fall foods and bike rides takes over, while the romance of falling leaves gives me a newly renewed energy. 

Meanwhile, anxiety of the impending winter starts to creep in. I love the cool, but loathe the cold. Do I have enough winter jackets (my eyes are on this beauty that Cuyana just released), do I need to update my scarf collection, where can I find a pair of affordable, yet durable OTK boots?

But for now, I’ll push those thoughts aside and just relish in these few weeks of Fall’s beginning. 

Wearing Free People jeans, Banana Republic vest (on sale, last seen here), VETTA cropped blouse (last seen here), Classic Leather Tote from Cuyana c/o (PS this bag holds my life - I use it every single day), Ukies flats c/o, Topshop velvet choker

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Buttercup

When I first spotted this dress, I had all the feels. The flutter sleeves, the ruffled skirt, I had to have it. Just in time for summer, it’s accompanied me on many occasions.

I first wore it to church for a test run the day after I got it in the mail. It was - by far - the most popular dress I’ve worn to date. I definitely don’t get the same “Oh I love your dress SO MUCH” reaction when I wear my jeans and a blouse that’s for sure.

A week later, I wore it to work. I got complimented on everything from the cute seersucker detailing to the waffled fabric. While I initially thought this felt very high-fashion, the thing that was said most was how FRENCH it looked. And if you know me, you know that I take every opportunity I can to look as French as possible.

And then - for this shoot. After watching THE ENTIRE SEASON of Stranger Things (my favorite show of the year thus far) I was feeling like I had wasted my entire weekend. (Anyone been there, done that?! Please tell me you have and I’m not the only one!) So I threw on some makeup, doused my hair in dry shampoo, and threw on this dress to shoot with only minutes to spare before it started to rain. Luckily, my Instagram hubby was up for the task and we shot this look in under 5 minutes. Ah, the glamorous world of blogging. Gotta love it.

You can find this dress on one of my favorite indie-designer websites, iSTYLEUP. It’s easily one of my favorite spots to shop for unique pieces online. I have these shoes as well as these sunglasses. If you’re looking for something fun for an upcoming event! Where are some of your favorite spots to shop online?

Wearing No. 15 Concept dress via iSTYLEUP c/o, GAP scarf (similar), Clare V. clutch, Banana Republic sandals, Sophie Blake bracelet and earrings in rose gold, Kapten & Son watch c/o.

When Fewer Really Is Better

As I sit here burning the midnight oil, I'm still on a major high from a weekend away with one of my best friends and insanely talented photographer, Erin. We spent a mere 24 hours in NYC, eating and shopping our way through Soho. It was epic to say the least.

I don't know about you, but when I'm shopping in the DC area, I can get easily overwhelmed. Well, it's not often like that in New York. I tend to steer myself towards the smaller, highly-curated stores. The more I shop at places like these, the less tolerant I am for the oversized stores with the items jam-packed into every nook and cranny of the store. Just. No.

That's why I love the Cuyana Georgetown store. Everything is laid out so beautifully and I always find something I love when I visit. This shoot was done before one of their summer parties by my good friend, Luke! I wore my white Cuyana silk tank (a staple in my closet!) and Cuyana saddle bag and paired them with an Erika Schrieber skirt and Banana Republic sandals.

Have you stopped into the Cuyana Georgetown pop-up yet? They'll only be here until JULY 31, so be sure to get there while you can! They're located near the Apple Store at 1249 Wisconsin Avenue in Washington D.C.

Wearing: Cuyana silk tank and saddle bag c/o, Erika Schrieber skirt, Banana Republic sandals, The Scarf Shop scarf, Polette sunnies, Sophie Blake bracelet.

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