Anine Bing Dress

There's nothing better than spending a lunch hour conversing with a dear friend, escaping the world for an hour to just connect and enjoy some great food. And that's exactly what I did for my birthday this year!

I met up with one of my best gal pals, Erin, for a lunch at my favorite little cafe, Malmaison. This sweet little spot in Georgetown is one of my favorite hidden gems - it sits back away from the hustle and bustle of M Street., at the end of Water Street. The food is so tasty and the atmosphere reminds me of something straight of of Elle Decor. (See a few photos of Malmaison in a recent post here!) There's also a little coffee shop that I love stopping by if I'm not grabbing a full lunch.

For my birthday lunch, I wore my favorite Anine Bing dress. It's a bit summery, so I paired it with my favorite linen coat that I picked up during a trip to New York. The choker is actually a string from a shoe duster bag that happened to come unravelled. Blessings in disguise, my friends. 

Anine Bing has quickly become one of my favorite brands. Her pieces are so effortless and they exude the laid back LA vibe I'm always trying to achieve. One of my favorite DC shops, Lynn Louisa, carries her line so I try to pop in once a month so I can snag my favorite pieces before they're sold out! Next time you're in Georgetown, be sure to check out Malmaison and Lynn Louisa!

Wearing Anine Bing dress (sold out, love this similar one!), MO:VINT duster (last seen here), Cuyana tote, Everlane loafers, Urban Outfitters sunnies, DIY choker (similar and this one is under $5), Sophie Blake bracelet

Wedding Guest Dressing

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Is it just me or is this the year for weddings? Also babies. Maybe it’s just part of being a girl in their mid-twenties but I feel like my need to have ALL THE FRIENDS has come back to bite me in the you-know-what. JOKES. But seriously – all the weddings.

I take wedding guesting very seriously. As a former bride and frequent wedding guester, I’ve developed a set of standards when it comes to wedding guest dressing that I’d like to share with you.

1. The dress has to be comfortable.
I did the thought-it-was-just-right-but-it-was-actually-too-tight number one too many times. Sitting oddly, pulling down your dress (or pulling up your dress) is no good. You are there to ENJOY so why would you wear a dress that doesn’t make you feel like a million bucks in every way?

2. Wear a (relatively) comfortable pair of heels.
This is also kind of my motto for life, but wear comfortable heels. There will (most likely) be dancing (unless you went to the same conservative high school as me – NO DANCING FOR YOU– ahh more jokes!) and you’ll want to get down without having to sacrifice your walking abilities for the following week. Also drinking and heels don’t mix. Trust me on this one. This pair of sandals are actually amazing.

3. Dress for the venue.
I love having a location guide my dressing. When I traveled to upstate New York last year for a summer wedding in the country, you know I busted out the floral dress to match. I love the dress I’m wearing in this shoot because it can literally fit any kind of wedding. Beach wedding? Pair with wedges and a floppy hat. Rooftop wedding? Just insert a pashmina, statement jewels and killer heels.

4. Never, ever wear white.
Unless it was specifically required, don’t even think about wearing all white. Or cream. Don’t do it. Black + cream? Yes. All white? Not all right.

5. Dance’ability
This may not technically be a word, but the dress has to have dance’ability. If the dress spins, it’s always a bonus. Also I like when the dress is long enough that I don’t have to worry about what’s going to happen when I start the electric slide. Show off your moves – not your granny panties, friends.  

6. Don’t let accessories weigh you down
Let your accessories complement your outfit, but don’t let them weigh you down. I have this one necklace – and as cute as it is, it’s heavy. For summer weddings especially, heavy pieces typically equal sweaty situations. NOT optimal, friends. I love this necklace from Tuckernuck – it’s lightweight but still makes a statement. It feels modern, but also timeless.

BONUS TIP:
If your clutch is big enough, stash away a small, travel-sized deodorant. For post-dancing. You can thank me later.

Wearing The Fifth Label dress, clutch and necklace all via Tuckernuck c/o, Banana Republic sandals, Samantha Wills ring, Anine Bing bra, Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit in "Candy K"