Tweed and Lace

September Shopping Wishlist

September 7, 2015

There are a few trends that have caught my eye while scanning through the pre-fall fashion shows. The pre-fall lines typically come out in the stores mid-summer but I never seem to start thinking about updating my fall wardrobe until September. I have already felt hints of fall already with the cold fronts that have been passing through (60 degree nights are amazing). September is one of my favorite months not only because of the beautiful weather but because of the fashion (of course!). Now is the perfect time to start adding sleeves and subtle layers back into your wardrobe. Here are 11 trends I am loving now:

#1 Over-Sized Sweater: I have a ‘thing’ with over-sized sweaters. They go great with leggings and skinny jeans alike, plus they are SO comfortable. I have been loving the pullover sweaters at Free People recently. I’m been eying this Free People Easy Cable V Neck Pullover and also love this Free People Split Turtleneck Pullover.

#2 Plaid Button-Down: When I think of fall I picture watching football, drinking pumpkin beers, going apple picking, and drinking red wine. What do I see myself wearing during all of these activities? A plaid button down. I love Madewell’s selection right now and this one is my fav.

#3 Day-to-Night Eye Palette: Leave it to Bobbi Brown to come up with the perfect palette that can be used from day to night. Her latest Greige Eye Palette has a great assortment of shades to take your look from neutral to dramatic.

#4 Fall Florals: Fall florals were on my list last year and I still can’t get enough. I have had an obsession with Ted Baker for a while now mostly because they make the best wedding guest dresses. I am currently obsessed with this Ted Baker Tamary Floral Print Skater Dress.

#5 Suede Booties: I seem to wear heels less and less as of late so when I think about fall boots, all I want is a comfortable pair that goes with everything. These Sam Edelman ‘Petty’ Chelsea Booties fit the bill.

#6 Victorian Influences: My favorite trend that I have been noticing a lot lately is Victorian style blouses and dresses. Having a blouse that looks chic on it’s own but also looks great under a variety of blazers is key. I saw this FP One Tie Front Blouse at Free People the other day and how adorable is that!?

#7 Pointy Black Flats: I have been seeing these black ballet flats with ankle straps everywhere. I am thinking this trend, while super cute, will be short-lived so I love these ALDO Colyn Flats as an in-expensive option. I also think these Jcrew Factory Suede d’Orsay flats are so cute and under $50!

#8 Cream Jacket: Ivory and Cream is so chic for fall and winter. This Cream Coat with Pockets is so classic and I love the shape!

#9 Bohemian Dresses with Sleeves: I am not ready to give up dresses just yet so I’m on the hunt for fall dresses that that go with tights, boots, and jackets. This Tory Burch Pleated Silk Dress is gorgeous!

#10 Suede Button Up Skirt: Another trend that has been popping up everywhere is the suede button up skirt. This Topshop TALL Cord Button Front A-Line Skirt is super cute and only $58!

#11 Nude Pink Lipstick: A few years ago I bought Georgio Armani Rouge D’Armani Lipstick in 103 – it is the perfect pinky-nude for fall!

Weekend Radar: Labor Day in Avalon, NJ

September 4, 2015

Labor Day weekend is finally here! It is always a bittersweet time because it marks the last long weekend of the summer but all the reason to go out with a bang! I am headed to Avalon, NJ this weekend with my fiance and his family. I have never been there before so I am excited to explore a new beach town. Here are 5 things on my radar this weekend:

1. Road Trip Tunes – I have been working on putting together a playlist for my 3.5 hr drive to NJ. So far it is a mix of some pop (‘Love Myself’ by Hailee Steinfeld – obviously), Indie Chill (‘Birch Tree’ by Foals – a new discovery), Electronic (‘The Night Comes Again’ by St. Lucia – feels like you’re floating), and some oldies (‘You Make my Dreams’ by Daryl & John Oates– just for fun).

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2. Quiet Mornings, Coffee in Hand – The best feeling is waking up after a full night’s sleep, sipping on a fresh cup of coffee (insert cute coffee mug here), nestling down on a comfy couch, and looking out into the ocean.

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3. Getting Lost in a Book – The only time I make time to read is when I am at the beach. There is something more appealing about reading a book when in a beach setting. I need to finish the book I was reading the last time I was at the beach (The Boston Girl) but I am looking for a new one. Here are a few I’m scoping out: Calling Me Home, All the Light We Cannot See, or Maybe in Another Life.

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4. Beach Casual – The beach doesn’t require any fancy attire but I absolutely love comfy clothes that still feel stylish. I have 6 essentials that should make it in your travel bag: (1) a striped tee (my Club Monaco striped shirt has been the most worn item this summer), (2) a chambray shirt (Madewell’s chambray shirts are the best), (3) white skinny jeans (I mentioned my fav Ralph Lauren jeans on Wednesday’s post), (4) cutoff jean shorts (these cutoffs from Free People were a great end of summer sale purchase last year), (5) a slip-on shoe (Soludos give off the ultimate beach chic vibe), (6) and a pair of sunglasses (my Ray-Bans have been my go-to).

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5. Lobster and Brews – Brett keeps telling me about how much he used to love going to The Lobster House as a kid so to the Lobster House we shall go. I am excited to throw back a few summer wheat beers before I switch to pumpkin beers and oatmeal stouts this fall.

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I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend! I will be back on Monday to show you my September fall shopping wishlist, so be sure to stop by and say ‘hello’!

Kapnos Taverna in Ballston

September 3, 2015

If you read by bio, you saw that my fiance and I live in Arlington, VA which is about a 10 minute drive from the border of Washington DC (think of it as the “Brooklyn of NYC” as I’ve heard someone once say). We love it because there are a lot of things to do and we’re only two blocks from a metro stop on the orange line which makes it super easy to get into DC. For those of you who have never been to DC, one of the most popular forms of public transportation in DC is the metro where there are 6 lines of trains, each identified by a color.

Arlington is a growing area where there always seems to be a new apartment building going up and fortunately with that, comes new restaurants! Mike Isabella is a well known chef in the Washington DC area and has recently bought up space for three new concept restaurants located below The View Apartments. One of the first restaurants to go up was Kapnos Taverna which serves Greek-inspired small plated foods and the most delectable cocktails. It has become one of our new favorite places to go for cocktails and light bites on Friday nights.

First of all, the drinks are amazzzing. My two favorites? The “You Strawng” which combines watermelon, cachaca 51, tarragon, tincture, and lime (so refreshing without being overly sweet – the perfect summer drink) and “MIC martini” which includes vodka, dolin blanc, and orange bitters (very simple yet hits the spot every time). We typically keep it simple when it comes to the food. We always start off with a spread. Our favorites are tyrokaftarti (cheese-y), taramasalata (fish-y), and melitzanosalata (veggie). Each is served with a warm and fluffy flatbread (so good!). Our other favorite small plate dishes to share are the roasted cauliflower (has a slight kick to it), the charred octopus, the horiatiki (a fresh take on greek salad), and the marinated olives.

For all you local Arlington folks (+ DC folks who happen to be across the river), Mike Isabella Concepts will be hosting a Bloc Party at The View Apartments on Saturday September 12 from 1-4PM to celebrate the launch of their three new restaurants with live entertainment + unlimited bites + unlimited sips for $65 a person. Buy your tickets here!

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