Currently Loving...

Just a couple of things that are making October extra cozy and colorful...

• My Minnetonka moccasins: After two years of buying fuzzy-lined knock offs at Target, I finally decided to get a pair of Minnetonkas (thanks to Venture Card points). They're worth it: amazingly soft & comfy to walk in, they go with everything (I chose a neutral brown so I could wear them with blacks or browns). I'm in love.
• Turquoise earrings: I was growing tired of my cubic zirconia studs (only the realest of the real for me) and I wanted something kind of unexpected but classic to wear every day. I like that these are a fun but still neutral little pop of color. And the nice thing is even though I can't afford real diamonds, turns out I can afford real turquoise.
• Battle Born, by the Killers: The current background music at our house these days. This album takes me back to my Springsteen roots (thanks, Mom & Dad). If you're down with that kind of thing, I recommend checking it out.
• Hot chocolate & hot apple cider: I only very occasionally drink coffee or tea (I hate coffee aftertaste, and tea just isn't compelling enough for me to attach myself to... it's glorified water), so when Fall rolls around, I like that I can finally join all my steaming drink sipping friends with a mug of my own. Homemade hot chocolate (read: made by following the instructions on the back of the cocoa container. Yes, I am gourmet) with a heaping handful of mini marshmallows is where it's at. Hot apple cider is also where it's at... but do NOT order it at Starbucks. That stuff is just heated apple juice (don't believe me? Watch them make it). Take the $5 you'd spend there and buy a jug of cider at the store and heat it on your stove top with a cinnamon stick and whatnot. You're welcome.

What are you loving this Fall?

Red-eye Flight: Follow up!

Remember my friend Jenevieve who's off to England? She and her little family left this past weekend and are getting settled as we speak. Before they took off, she sent me an email to let me know that she found the perfect shirt/tunic for her trip at Anthropologie:

Originally, she was planning on wearing her black linen pants, but after the post, she thought leggings might be a good idea. So she went out to look for the perfect shirt to wear with them, along with a cardigan and scarf. Isn't the shirt she got cute? It looks really comfy, will work perfectly with leggings in both shape and length, and it's on sale, too! Win win win.

Thanks again for your question, Jenevieve! Cheers!

Girl Friday: Erin

Today's interview is with Erin! Look at this face. Can you say gorgeous?

Erin has a very classic/preppy/FUN style. She mixes colors and patterns together really well, has an extensive statement necklace collection, and is currently rocking the colored pants trend really well. She's very comfortable in her fashion choices but still manages to be brave at the same time, trying new things and making bold statements. I've known Erin for a long time, so I've witnessed the evolution of her style, and there have been many times over the years where I've been encouraged to try something because she made it look amazing. She's also the most patient shopper I know... meaning, she's patient with me as I indecisively try on the same two shirts over and over again in the dressing room, trying to pick one.

For those of you who don't know, Erin's my sister!

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The Twenty Ninth: Describe your style in a few words or a phrase.
Erin: Classic. I love stripes, ruffles, gold jewelry, flats, knee-length dresses, skinny jeans. I like to wear simple, classic outfits with a splash of color to add interest.

TN: How has your style evolved over the years? 
E: I went thru a wanna-be-skater-girl phase, a wanna-be-sporty-girl phase, an I'll-wear-anything-from-American-Eagle phase and a lot more trial and error phases than I like to confess. It's taken me a while to figure out what I like and what I'm "myself" in. Growing up with multiple sisters, it's easy to try to adopt the styles around you. It took me awhile to grow into my own style. I'm still figuring it out!

TN: Any fun/embarrassing clothing mishaps or stories you'd like to share?
E: I once bought super comfy loose yoga pants from Target. I thought they were so amazing with their stretchy waistband and extra room. I still remember my horror when I caught a glimpse of the tag sewn on the inside of the pants that clearly said "maternity fit." No wonder they were so comfy!

TN: Who are your style influences? 
E: Honestly, it varies. Sometimes magazines, sometimes lookbooks online, style blogs, friends, people I see on the street... I also have this weird habit of coming up with outfits in my head as I fall asleep. It's kind of my way of relaxing?

TN: Where's your favorite place to shop?  
E: If I was loaded, J.Crew for sure! I love their classic yet modern style. I'm a sucker for a bargain so I usually only shop their clearance rack. I also like consignment or thrift stores, Old Navy, and good ol' Target. I sometimes supplement at stores like TJ Maxx, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, or H&M if I'm looking for something specific.

TN: How do you pick out an outfit? 
E: I usually wake up with an article of clothing in mind that I want to wear that day. I usually plan outfits around one piece -- either clothing or jewelry or even shoes. I have to wear uniforms for work (I'm a nurse) so I am usually pretty excited when I can create outfits for my day off or on the weekend! 

TN: What's your favorite thing in your closet to wear and why?  
E: I love flats. They're cute and sophisticated and (usually) comfy. I like how they add polish to an outfit without a lot of effort.

TN: Any shopping tips or fashion advice you'd like to share? 
E: Wear what you like. The people that look most put together and styled are often the ones who just know what they like and aren't afraid to wear it, even if it's not completely "in style" at the moment. Confidence goes a long way.

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Love you, Rin! Thanks for inspiring me and putting up with me.

PS: All the photos in this post are by the talented Liz Fogarty (Erin's sister-in-law!). If you're interested in her work, check out her website here!

Girl Friday Interviews: Help me out?

About to start a new round of Girl Friday interviews! I'd love your help:

1. Any questions you'd love to see answered that aren't currently on the interview?
2. Any questions currently on the interview that are completely pointless and would be better off drowned, burned, or shanked? (Feeling a little violent this morning.)
3. Do you have anyone you'd like to nominate for an interview? Leave a comment or send me an email...

Also, if you're still with me after nearly 3 months of sharing our inmost fashion secrets and questions, thanks peeps. Thanks for continuing to read.

What to Wear With Rose Gold

Question from Kimberly: "I need some major help! I just recently purchased a pair of earrings and a cuff bracelet in pink/rose gold... Turns out I have no idea what clothes to wear with these items! White seems like the obvious choice, but that will get boring after one wear. I need more options."

Kimberly's new rose gold jewelry.

This one made me do some research! My first thought was that since it's technically "gold" it should be pretty neutral and go with anything... but, as Kimberly found, it turns out it takes a little more styling than she/I originally thought!

The verdict is that rose gold, given it's warm hue, pairs better with a warmer palette than a cool one. So think orangey-reds, olive green, browns, mustard yellows -- and stay away from blues and purples.



Thanks for sending this question, Kimberly! I love learning about styling, so this was fun.

Have an item you're just not sure how to wear? Send me an email, or use the form on the sidebar to let me know what's up!

Red-eye Flight to London

This week, my friend Jenevieve is moving to England for a year or three. While I'll miss her, I'm also insanely excited that she gets to go and live across the pond and experience all kinds of new adventures over there!

She emailed me the other day, asking for advice on what to wear on the flight over. They'll be catching a red-eye, so she wants an outfit that's comfortable to sleep in, easy to travel in, and classy at the same time (she's going to England, after all!). Her ensemble also needs to be able to make the temperature transition from here to the airport to the plane to her final destination (Jenevieve said it'll be in the 50's there).

She suggested wearing a pair of black cotton/linen pants that she has, but then wasn't quite sure about what to wear on top. Let's address that idea first:


Cotton pants are a great idea, especially since the temperature won't be freezing, and they're easy to move in. You always want to travel in layers, so a cardigan/tee combination is a good bet. A scarf can also be easily taken off or put on when the temperature varies. It can also be stashed in a carry-on, and makes the outfit look polished. For shoes, I'd recommend something close-toed, for riding elevators, warmth, and comfort: TOMs are great to walk in, or maybe choose a favorite pair of worn-in flats that don't rub your feet.

A couple other ideas for overnight travel:


Try leggings and an oversized tee and big sweater or cardigan. Make sure the leggings are thick & opaque, and be sure that the tee and the cardigan covers your rump. A slouchy, long tee will keep you comfortable (borrow one from your husband if you have to!). Again, a scarf is a good on/off warmth option. For shoes, boots will instantly make the whole outfit classy (and can be easily slipped off in the plane for sleeping). Moccasins or cute sneakers would also work.




One other option is trying a jersey maxi skirt. Since it's long and will cover your legs, it would be easy and comfortable to sleep in, while still keeping your outfit chic. Match it up with a jacket, cardigan, and tee. The jacket can be removed for sleeping and it's nice to have on hand for temperature changes. Shoe options with the maxi skirt include loafers, TOMs, or slip-on sneakers.

Just a couple ideas! Has anyone else found classy but comfortable outfit options for long flights? Leave a comment and let us know.

Little Girl Friday: Nora

This is my little niece, Nora. While on family vacation a few weeks ago, we sat down for a heart-to-heart interview. She opened up to me about pink & purple, dished on wearing "pretty clothes," and shared some shocking revelations about Crocs. Please enjoy this special edition of Girl Friday.  

TN: Nora, how old are you?
N: Almost 5.

TN: What's your favorite thing to wear?
N: Well, I like to look pretty. Pretty clothes like this (she points to her bright pink tee shirt and purple skirt). I wore this shirt twice and this skirt. I look for colors -- that's why I picked pink.

TN: What's your favorite pair of shoes?
N: My ballet slippers -- the pretty kind of shoes.

TN: What do you think about the Crocs you're wearing?
N: These aren't pretty shoes.

TN: That's my girl. What about when you play dress up? Do you have a favorite thing to wear?
N: My Strawberry Shortcake dress with the short sleeves.

TN: Do you have a favorite everyday dress?
N: My pink and gray one. It has hearts, and a skirt too. And butterflies.

TN: Where do you like to go when you get dressed up? 
N: I like wearing pretty clothes anytime. I'm not normally dressing to go from place to place, I just ... dress.

TN: How do you pick out an outfit?
N: If there's not a color I like, I just pick out a plain outfit. I don't feel bad even when I'm not wearing pretty clothes!

TN: How would you define "pretty clothes"?
N: If you want my honest opinion, like this (points to her pink shirt).

TN: Do you have any fashion advice you'd like to share?
N: Just look for a pretty outfit like this one (twirls skirt). If you want my honest opinion, you might want to hold off some of the questions for later.

TN: Okay! Thanks for all of your thoughts!
N: I'm going to go inside...

Almost living in The Capitol?

You guys. Is it just me or are current makeup and hair color trends making people look more and more like they're from The Capitol, in The Hunger Games?

YIIIIIKES. Not a Fashion Somewhere I want to go.

Jersey Maxi Skirts, and How to Wear Them

My BFF Elise emailed me the other day to tell me she just found "the softest, stretchiest maxi skirt" (if you know Elise, you know that she is an expert at finding fashionable things that are also soft & comfortable). The skirt is a marled gray, and although she's made some expert outfits with her new skirt already (a citron sweater, a black lace top, and tees) she says, "I don't know what to wear it with!"

She wanted some options that weren't, as she put it, "predictable." Personally, I think the citron and the black lace are awesome ideas that I wouldn't have necessarily thought of. And I'm not just saying that because she's my BFF. But, here are few other ideas that could work well, along with some general guidelines for wearing jersey maxi skirts: 

• Because jersey maxis tend to have a closer fit, you can get away with something looser on top -- try a cable sweater, or even something more glam like a slouchy sequined raglan. 
• Elise suggested trying it with a plaid shirt, and I think that'd be really cute -- tucked in, probably with a belt.
• The close fit of the skirt would also lend itself to matching well with tailored jackets. I recommend going for a cropped denim jacket or a blazer -- cropped, because you don't want to overwhelm the already long and statement-y maxi skirt. Plus a shorter jacket will keep the waist defined and the overall outfit silhouette clean.
  

• Similar to the plaid... try a bright colored button down or chambray. Since the skirt is gray, you can't really go wrong. Add some fun detail with a patterned belt (leopard print, anyone?).
• Also... stripes: rugby (thicker stripe) or breton (thinner stripe) would both work well. The striped tee above on the end is a shorter, boxy top -- another good silhouette match for the maxi skirt, since it's long and lean. 
• You can always add personality and up the unpredictability of your outfit with accessories -- depending on the shoes (I recommend ankle boots, flats, wedges) and/or belts (try a skinny animal print belt or something wide in brown or black) that you pair any of these outfits with, you can change your whole look. 

There you have it... Elise, let us know if you find any combinations you love!

Home Again + Jersey Dresses

(Us, in all our wind-blown glory.)

We had such a sweet trip, full of palm trees, walks in Old Key West, and dinners on the beach. And I finally got my hands on a WaveRunner. It did not disappoint. 

But I'm glad to be home even if it's the rainiest weather we've had in DC for awhile, and the temperature is about 30 degrees lower than it was in Florida. Seeing Vi after 4 days of no blond-haired baby was the best. Today, I've got the Dan in Real Life soundtrack playing in the background while I catch up on home stuff. I've started to think about Vi's costume for Halloween (anyone else love Halloween?), and visions of turkey and twinkle lights are dancing in my head as I look towards the holidays and the end of the year. I'm glad to live in a state where the seasons change.

As you can see in the pic above, I kept my wardrobe for the trip really classy in a cut-off jean shorts kind of way. Actually, that was the only day I ended up pulling out the shorts -- most of the time, I wore one of the two black jersey dresses I brought: one short, one maxi. Up until recently, I was a classic over-packer, and only ended up wearing about half of what I brought. Having the 2 dresses really simplified things, and they carried me through the whole weekend. I easily dressed them up for dinner, or dressed them down as a beach cover ups.

If you're looking for just a cheap, basic jersey dress or skirt (maxi or knee-length), I recommend places like Target, PacSun, or Old Navy -- they've got about every fit and cut you could hope for. It is the end of the season, so no promises on inventory. But if you don't have one of these babies... shell out the cash. You won't be sorry. They'll carry you through every season, dressed up or down (especially if you go for a dress in a basic color with short or no sleeves). They don't wrinkle when packed, and they're just plain comfy.

(click through for specific links)

In the same vein, tomorrow I'll be answering a question about how to wear jersey maxi skirts... stay tuned!