Bitches Who Brunch Summer Soiree

Hey DC readers, mark your calendars for July 9 for the Bitches Who Brunch Summer Soiree, with bottomless mimosas and small plates, cute favors, a runway show by South Moon Under and Rue 14 and a book signing by Helena Andrew's "Bitch is the New Black." Tickets are $45 and will be benefiting the DC Farm to School Network!

I had been planning to attend this and cheer on Liz of So Much to Smile About, who will be walking in the runway show but it looks like work is sending me down to Florida, sigh!

Knit Poncho

What a beautiful piece!! I originally saw this worn on the beach, but I can also see a fabulously leggy model walking down Bleeker St. in this! Buy at Revolve Clothing for $215.

Summer Fashion Trend: Flat Espadrilles

By now you've surely noticed that flat espadrille sole shoes are everywhere! They're definitely a fun and still comfy alternative to flip flops. And some are already on sale, don't you love the fast forward pace of fashion? Here are some great options for all of you, I've got my eyes on those Madewell ones!

Blue Stripe Jeans

Printed pants are a fun challenge, but it's hard to find a non man repelling pair. Now, if you're into man repelling you probably already own 20 pairs and not a single pair of skinny jeans. But if your the average but still fabulous, these striped jeans could be a neat toe in the water! Buy at Urban Outfitters for just $58.

Studio Secrets Face Primer

I rarely post on beauty, but I simply must tell you about this primer! I first got it in a gift bag of some sort during a fashion week about a year ago and was totally thrown to discover I preferred it to my fancy smchancy brand primer >cough< Laura Mercier >cough< It feels like velvet on the skin, absorbs immediately and doesn't clog your pores! Best of all you can get it at any drugstore for about $13, I highly recommend!

Over-sized Printed Kimono Jacket

Who says outerwear has to be for just for cold months? This lightweight kimono is perfect for adding dimension to any summer look, find at Free People for $128.

My Style Challenge: Retro Sundress

I really loved this outfit I threw together yesterday morning, but I was having serious camera remote issues so only got a few out of focus shots before throwing a temper tantrum and giving up.I'm often thrown by dresses - the removal of an outfit component (either top or bottom!) makes it much harder for me to create an interesting outfit. But my style challenge is all about that, trying new things and working hard at developing an innate sense of style. Though besides accessories and a cardigan or jacket I'm still not sure what to do.
I'm wearing: S-Twelve dress bought on eBay many years ago, cardigan from Yes Style, Patricia Field bag, scarf belt from my Amanda Uprichard dress, necklace from Express, J. Crew wrap bracelet, woven cowboy hat from Urban Outfitters.

Leather Stone Bracelet

Since discovering that I actually can wear bracelets as long as they don't clang about while at my desk, I have been loving the two wrap bracelets I've bought! I obviously need more to add into rotation, perhaps something like this leather stone bracelet? Buy at Kitson for $48.

Embroidered Stripes Tee

Ooo, loving this striped tee - the pattern is very southwestern, which is always great to rock for summer! Buy this tee for $138 at Bloomingdale's.

Celeb Style: FLOTUS' Blazer

I love how Michelle Obama rocks both fab designers and affordable peices for the everyday woman! This blazer is from the ASOS Africa collection and is currenlty on sale for $42 - it will definitely sell out quick so don't hesitate!

Dolman Sleeve Button Down

Dolman sleeves add an interesting twist to a classic button down! Buy at ADAM for the awesome sale price of $59 in purple, blue or silver.

Camera Shaped Bag

Usually I'm not that into novelty shaped purses, but this one feels quite clever with its pockets and whatnot! Buy at TopShop for $60.

Tie Dye Sari Dress

I love saris, they're so beautiful and I often consider buying one! This Rachel Rachel Roy dress is obviously very sari-inspired and an affordable $99!

Ivory Pleated Skirt

Pleats are fun and have great movement, this one has a preppy summer vibe that could be really versatile in anyone's wardrobe! Buy at French Connection for the sale price of $100.

Sequined Bikini

Shiny sparkles, perfect for laying out in the sun... I feel obligated to say wear SPF, but I've only just stopped using tanning oil :O Though at least I always rock sunscreen on my face! But I digress, buy this Tara Matthews swimsuit on sale at Net-A-Porter, the bottoms and top for $133 each.

Hooded Blazer

I've always been drawn to the prep boy style of wearing a hoodie under a blazer, but I haven't actually owned a hoodie in years! Luckily this one has it built in as trim (making it wearable in the summer) and can be found at at Urban Outfitters for $79.

My Style Challenge: First Time Speaking

I'm excited to say I've reached a point in my career where I actually speak at conferences! I was invited to speak on a panel at the Digital Media Conference on Social Media ROI and was surprised to find I had no anxiety about it! But I did have a slight spazz out over what I was going to wear, ahahahha. So some of you may recall when I posted this...I ended up going with the mixed print dress! I wanted to look professional yet creative and fresh and this piece by Amanda Uprichard was perfect. I work in the marketing and communications so I'm always thinking about image... and, yes, I need to be my own personal brand! I may not be looking for work, but I want people to look at me and think, "She knows what she's talking about!" At the very least, would you check out a fashion blog written by someone dressed like a bum? Or worse, in an boring black suit????

I accidentally grabbed the wrong blazer to wear over my beauteous dress, but I threw it over my shoulders cape-style which I've been really obsessing over lately!

I'm wearing: Mixed print dress from CUSP, pink heels from Victoria's Secret, ASOS blazer, vintage Gucci watch, J. Crew wrap bracelet, rings from Banana Republic, necklace and earrings from my mom.

Practicing the model stare down! How do I look... am I on my way to ending up on Marketing Douchebags??

Michael Stars Pop Up

Last night I went to South Moon Under in Arlington, VA for an exclusive Michael Stars in-store pop-up shop! It also was in honor of the DC FABB (Fashion and Beauty Blogger) organization, which I am a member of!I ran into Liz of So Much To Smile About, who hosted the Banana Republic After 5 with me! Her dress is DvF, and I'm wearing a Theory blouse, red pencil skirt from the Gap and a headband from South Moon Under!Michael Stars has lots of great, colorful basics to fill your wardrobe with - perfect for summer!
The cupcakes from CRUMBS Bake Shop were killer!!! Nom nom nom nom!

Knitted Navaho Tassel Top

This poncho-like sweater would be great to throw on when you stick around the beach until night time for the bonfire! Because that happens so often... either way buy at TopShop for the sale price of $40.

Pale Grey Gaucho Pants

I saw more than a few pairs of gaucho pants on the runway for fall! If you're interested in trying out this trend, I recommend this Elizabeth & James pair, which are $295 at ShopBop.

Star Print Scarf

This would be perfect for a 4th of July BBQ outfit!! Plus it's long enough to tie as a turban, one of my favorite ways to rock headgear in the summer. Buy at The Limited for $30.

Woven Strap Sandals

These were almost my wedding shoes, I just loved the woven straps! But I didn't want the wooden heel, I wanted an all silver shoe since I know I'd need a pair like that for the future... though if the shoes I did buy don't look right I may end up getting these anyway! Buy at Michael Kors for $150.

Gold Slave Bracelet

Yes, I'm going to spearhead a come back for slave bracelets!!! This Low Luv x Erin Wasson can be found at Need Supply for $125.

Heart Print Shorts

Lately shorts have not been my friend, but these have the cutest heart print!! Buy at Nasty Gal for $38.

Summer Office Chic

When you have an office job in an area like DC you will often find your clothing wrinkled and stuck to your skin the second you step outside. With the horrendous humidity, a button down and pencil skirt can be the last thing you want to put on before heading out to work.

I've also noticed that so many women in the area seem to wear the same outfits to work over and over again, no matter what the season. Sure it's good to have pieces that are versatile, but who wants to wear black when it's a sunny 95 degrees out?

So what's a fashionable career girl to do? No worries I have some tricks that will help you look office appropriate without melting!

1. Throw a blazer on over a white lace dress
2. Pair a chambray blouse with white bottoms
3. Wear a fitted jacket over a maxi skirt
4. Rock some brightly colored trousers
5. Find a cute short sleeved blazer

Here are some pieces to help get you started:

Tribal Crossbody

Southwestern style comes into fashion pretty much every summer, but with frontier chic being a trend for fall I feel like it's even more so this year! This crossbody bag is cut and a very affordablt $35 at Revolve Clothing.

Tie Dye Jacket

Love this soft swirly tie dye - looks almost like clouds as sunset! Buy at Milk for the sale price of $128.

Cat Print Tee

A cute cat print for you all this morning! Buy this Tsumori Chisato tee, also available in black and gold and more colors in long sleeves, at Satine for $90.

My Style Challenge: Tying at the Waist

I mentioned previously how I've noticed a lot of waist tie tops lately and how I thought it may be a trend for summer. But I didn't really think it was for me - not my style at all! But then I thought, hmm, why not just leave a shirt unbuttoned when you tie the bottom, and viola:I admit I still look a bit country girl, but it feels much less costumey to me! I'm wearing: LOFT green button down and silver necklace, purple H&M tank, ASOS jeans all cuffed up, wedges courtesy of Payless, rings from Banana Republic, wrap bracelet from J. Crew, earrings from Anthropologie, and Tom Ford sunglasses!
I love it when I get compliments on these shoes, because then I can tell people they're from Payless and everyone gets so excited that they can go buy their own pair!
This outfit just needed a retro-style pip up pose! This is my pathetic attempt at one :P

Cut Out Collar Top

Really like the geometric print of this top, and really, really love the cut out collar! It has a bit of an art deco vibe, kind of Great Gatsby in the summer to me. Buy at ModCloth for $45.

Striped Lightweight Sweater

Everyone needs a stripy, lightweight sweater for cool summer nights! Buy yhis T by ALexander Wang one at Net-A-Porter for $110. I really like how the yoke (neck area) goes vertical for a more dynamic piece!

Bright Ikat Dress

I recently went to Madewell and was struck by this bright, multi-color ikat print dress! I was good and didn't buy it, but it's still floating around my mind. For only $148, I imagine this would be a great summer staple that'll result in oodles of compliments!

IFB Project: A Family Treasure

IFB has a fun new project I'm participating in, where every week they task you to write about something! This week they want members to highlight a prized possession given to you by a family member. I've been lucky enough to receive many vintage pieces over the past few years, so it was really tough for me to settle on one but I finally went with my grandmother's Crusader's Cross
Also known as a Jerusalem Cross, I'm not sure how old mine actually is, but I know it was my grandmother's back in the 1940s - I'm pretty sure it qualifies as an antique at this point! I love its gothic vibe, which lends a darkly romantic feel to any outfit.

My grandmother passed away when I was pretty young, but I still remember the day she gave this to me. Of all the memories I have of her, this is the strongest, and I have this pendant to thank for that!

Striped Blazer

I think I actually posted this Robert Rodriguez blazer awhile back when it was full price, but now I find it at Last Call NM on super sale and must post again! A striped blazer is perfection for summer and this one is now half off and has a good range of sizes left! Buy for $159 before it's gone forever!

Lace Pencil Skirt

WHite lace skirts are perfect for summer, but in a pencil silhouette they can also be perfect for work! Buy this one at Anthropologie for $118.

My Style Challenge: Accordion Pleats

I've owned this accordion pleat skirt for awhile now, but pleats are suddenly everywhere right now! I do need to admit, I have worn this skirt with the same shirt to a fashion event and posted pictures, but I've never done a outfit shoot with the look so I decided why not!?! Purple and green is one of my favorite color combinations - they're one of those opposite of the color wheel combos!
I'm wearing: Green tee from LOFT, pleated skirt from H&M, cropped blazer from ASOS, Betsey Johnson leopard print belt, Vampire Princess Miyu necklace from my super awesome friend Brandy, wrap bracelet from J. Crew, Coach wristlet from my friend Julie, Oliver Peoplse glasses, rings & shoes courtesy of Banana Republic.
The movement of accordion pleats are so killer, everyone should own them!
Tell me how pretty I look!!!!

Strap Back Swimsuit

I've discovered that if you love fashion you go "Wow, that's a unique back for a swimsuit!" If not, you go "Look at dat booty!" It does have minimal coverage, so be sure you're proud of your backside if you buy this suit at Planet Blue for $209.

Crochet Sweater

So I've tried on an open knit, cropped boxy sweater or two or a zillion, but none look good on my curvy frame! So now I'm looking at open knit sweaters that are more formfitting, no shapeless blobs here! Buy this Milly for $275.

Beaded Collar Shirt

Love the small collar detailing on this black button down! Buy at Pixie Market for $139, though I suppose you could save some cash by making this a DIY project!