Found: The Perfect Sunglasses

I found them, you guys!

The new sunglasses, the Spanish Steps in DC, and the handsome guy I married.

THE sunglasses. I told you I'd follow up when they came into my life -- I didn't expect it to happen this soon, but I'm glad it did!

They're rounded, so they complement my square jaw. They're not too dark in the lenses, and they're tortoise shell, which I was looking for specifically. (My love for tortoise shell was handed down to me by my mom -- she's made the pretty brown & gold pattern look good for as long as I can remember.)

David said that because the shape of the lenses curves inward around the outside, they draw the eye down to my chin, flattering my squarish jawline rather than adding width or weight to it. They're comfortable, the right width and size, and a $14 price tag didn't hurt either.

The ironic thing is, these were actually one of the pairs I had tried on at Urban Outfitters previously and almost bought before I posted about my search. But in the end, I'm glad I stopped and did the research first -- now I know for sure that not only do I truly like them, they're also flattering. 

Happy all around!

Clothes for Cheap: Urban Outfitters Glitter Sandals

Let's keep this week rolling with moooore GLITTER!!

Okay -- so while we probably can't 100% sanction all-glitter-all-the-time when it comes to work attire, wearing a dash of glitter on an everyday casual basis gets a resounding Absolutely Yes (from me at least).

Remember when I confessed to you all that I have a bad habit of buying sandals when it's still 30 degrees out? This year, I think I actually might have broken the curse when I bought these babies:

via Target

I wore them this past weekend and with every sparkly step, it was confirmed in my heart that my possibly foolish winter sandal purchase was indeed not foolish, but in fact a very good idea.

And, because I love a deal, I relished finding my sandals' more expensive twins at Urban Outfitters recently:

via Urban Outfitters

Have you found a pair of sandals that you just can't wait to wear? Did you break out any particular pair this weekend? Share! We like shoes around here.

The Curse of the February Sandals

via Target Does It Again

It's not my fault. It's because of those sneaky 60 degree days that just pop up all of a sudden in the middle of February and early March and remind you that there is life after snowstorms. I. I. I. Just can't help myself. Especially when rows of new sandals at Target whisper their summer siren song, begging me to try them on... to smell their fake leather new shoe smell... to take them home...

The past two years, I've been suckered. I bought sandals in February, convinced that when April or May rolled around and I could finally wear them, that I would LOVE them. That I would wear them with EV-eryTHING. That I would be SO glad I grabbed them at the store before they went out of stock.

Not so. It is a curse. But still, I buy them. I buy those sandals, convincing myself with thoughts like, "It's a promise of SPRING! It'll remind me that warm weather is coming! They'll bring happiness! They'll break the monotony and despair of 40 degree days!"

And then something happens between the rest of February and throughout the cursed month of March. The wait for spring seems interminable. The weather continues to be frigid. And the brilliance and perfection of the promise-sandals die a slow sad death as they wait in my closet.

Then one day, when it's balmy and perfect, I try on everything I possibly can in an effort to make those dang sandals work. And they don't. I wear them once or twice, trying to appease my buyer's remorse, all the while mourning my muddled winter-headed stupidity in buying those ridiculous sandals. I swear I won't do it again next year.

But so like these sandals just showed up at Target, and I like you know like really like them and think they'll be like so versatile and I can already picture what I'd wear them with and I think I should buy them now even though it'll be weeks before I can wear them, but I know I'll regret it if I don't, and it was so warm this weekend...

Besides, it's March now, not February, so I'm safe, right? Good, because I bought them. Now all I need is a pedicure!! Aaaaand sandal weather. But that's beside the point. Reckless abandon here.

Happy Monday; go get yourself some sandals!

Currently Loving: February

I always misspelled "February" growing up (kind of like how I still misspell the word "misspell"). It's got that tricky, nearly silent "r" in the middle. So I'd just write, "Febuary." I actually still say "Febuary." Probably because pronouncing that first "r" is a little pretentious, okay?

Let's talk lovelies and love and all that. Here's what I'm digging this month, from the top.

• Spicy Mexican Quinoa Soup: I found this recipe last winter, and it's become a cold-weather go-to around here. It's a spicy tomato-based soup, but it's served over quinoa and with sliced avocado which break up the heat. It's mild enough that Vi can still eat and enjoy it (and me too... I'm not exactly adventurous when it comes to spicy). Seriously perfect for sniffly noses and February temperatures. Highly recommend. (As does David.)
• Finding the Perfect LBD: Truth is, I've bought a couple little black dresses over the years -- for weddings or last minute holiday parties -- but I've never truly loved any of them. As of last week, I was still on the hunt for that wear-all be-all and end-all elusive LBD that everyone always talks about. And I found it. Perfect length, versatile fabric & style, can be dressed up or down, gorgeous sleeves, and amazingly on sale for 50% in the store. Yeah. I love this dress.
• Loving it Up on Valentines Day: My mom always made Valentines Day special for me and my siblings -- heart stickies on the windows, candy and a little present at the breakfast table, and after dinner we'd have a huge family valentines-making soiree. The table would be covered with pink & red paper, doilies of all shapes & sizes, gluesticks, glitter, markers, and stickers (usually Snoopy ones), and we'd all set to work constructing the cleverest, funniest, inside-jokiest valentines we could manage, to be distributed while we ate dessert. I have the sweetest memories of Valentines Day. This year, David and I plan to keep to our tradition of eating Five Guys, making sundaes, and watching a movie on the couch -- all our favorites. Ah, love.
• New Ankle Booties: It's kind of hard to sound mature when you're talking about "booties." It makes it sound like I'm referring to some kind of irreverent baby shower gift. Whatever their name implies, they are tres chic. These ones were added to my closet just recently, and I love them enough to share them with you here, even though it required me to write "booties" multiple times.

Are you loving anything in particular this month? Do share!

My Closet: Zips!

Meet my new favorite pair of pants. I seriously love them... we're talking 5-zipper, perfect-fit, olive green marvels.

Style: I've been looking to add some pants with zippered pockets to my closet for awhile now (I love the edginess) so I was pretty excited when I found these Rockstar Zip-Pocket Pants at Old Navy, which feature not only zippered pockets, but zippered ankles as well. Double score. And no, they aren't maternity pants -- but they're forgiving enough that I can still wear them comfortably at 23 weeks pregnant. Triple score.

Fit: They've got just the right amount of stretch. However, they did loosen up some as I wore them throughout the day, so I sized down (the stretch allowed me to do so). The hem hits right at the top of my foot, just like I wanted it to.

Quality: The material is a good-quality cotton twill/chino. They feel well-made and not flimsy, which you don't always find at Old Navy.

Color: They come in olive green, dark gray, and tan. I tried the gray and the olive, and while the gray is a great rockstar option, the olive won out for my wardrobe in the end. The tan I stayed away from -- the color looked like it would make a light-skinned wearer look n-to-the-aked.

Price: Currently $35... unless you use a discount code! I ended up paying $22, thanks to a recent deal they were running online.

So yeah. Remember that one time I posted about wanting to wear my flare jeans again? Don't tell them they have more competition; it will only break their little denim hearts.

---
This is not a sponsored post. I just... love these pants. 

My Closet: New Favorite Sweatshirt Sweater

It's 2013!

I'm pretty excited... I get to start the year by styling a photo shoot for an awesome organization and their magazine! I can't wait to tell you more about it in the coming weeks.

For now, here's a little glimpse into my closet...
I bought this basic gray pullover at Forever 21 a few weeks ago. It's slouchy but fitted enough to look put together. It's nice enough that it can pass for a "sweater" but comfortable enough that it feels like a favorite sweatshirt I've had for forever. It's the perfect throw-on piece and works with a skirt or shorts just as well as it does with a pair of jeans. I love this thing.

...and I've already worn it more times over these past few weeks than I care to admit, usually with a combination of the following pieces. Don't everyone freak out about how fashion-forward and creative these outfits are:

I usually throw a slouchy bright tee on underneath the sweatshirt so a little pop of color peeks out underneath. Basic, I know. But I love it. I foresee a long and happy future together.
PS: It's kind of similar to this sweater from Madewell. Bonus.

Have a happy Thursday! I'm off to run errands and gather props. Fun fun fun!

Company Christmas Party (aka, I Need Help)

(via Pinterest)

Make yourself some hot chocolate and maybe even lace it with something because we've made it to Friday. Here's hoping you've got fun plans for the weekend!

We're off to David's company Christmas party tonight (at the Corcoran Gallery of Art -- ooooh) so I'm trying to figure out what to wear. At 17 weeks pregnant, I'm in that awkward "well, she's put on a few" stage, so my cocktail party options are limited. Wish me luck: I'm currently planning to wear the olive green silk Banana Republic dress I found for cheap a few months ago (it's fairly forgiving). But it's a toss up on the shoes:

What do you think? Should I go for classic cocktail party with the wedges, or edgy urban with the booties? Help!

/// Edit: Although in the pic above the dress is styled with booties and socks, I have absolutely no intention of rocking grandpa socks to David's company Christmas party. I will not bring shame upon him. Like I did that one time on his birthday when I made him cupcakes to take into the office to share with everyone like he was in 3rd grade. (I kid. But I did think about it.)