Cool Fall Wedding OOTD

I wore this Marc by Marc Jacobs lace Dita dress to a friend's wedding. Snow was predicted for that day so I was stumped over what to wear. I still have many of my dresses in a storage bin, going off the assumption that they're either from my past life or that they will fit my body oddly (since my bustline and waist are larger than they were prior to having a child). I spent a long time just pulling out "cold wear wedding appropriate" pieces and just seeing what zipped. Accordingly, I was running late because of this. So I never managed to pull out a wool coat, hence the casual (but necessary when outside!) trench.

From scrolling through my blog archives, I realized this is the first time I've worn the MBMJ dress since 2010 (as previously blogged here)! The brown/beige colorway still commands a surprising amount of money on Ebay due to its inclusion on Gossip Girl during the height of the show's popularity. While I still am fond of this dress, I don't find many occasions to wear it. The lace overlay and fabric beneath are kind of shiny and therefore it always feels a bit too "fancy" for daytime. But a wedding is the perfect occasion for fancy!

The wedding reception was held at the Edgewood Club which is a beautiful, historic venue in Edgewood, just east of Pittsburgh. I considered it for my own wedding but couldn't choose it due to size. I am always a bit sad when I can't bring Emilia to a wedding (since she has grown to love them!) but Chris and I enjoyed the night out alone. We had a great time dancing, eating, and hanging out with many friends that we don't get to see much these days.

Outfit details:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Dita lace dress
Burberry Brit trench
Spanx tights
Gucci wedges

One Burberry dress, (barely) two ways OOTD

I wore this Burberry Brit dress to an outdoor wedding (below) and then the following week I wore it to campus (above). It felt a little fancy to wear on a regular teaching day but I was running late and needed to just pick something and go.  This worked.

I didn't change much about how I wore it on either occasion, save for the shoes and the necklace. I suppose I could stand to get more creative and maybe I will with time. This dress is still new and novel so when I reach for it, it alone feels like "enough."

My broad love for dresses stems from their ease of use. Put on a dress and boom, you have an outfit. Maybe that outfit won't move mountains but I'm not trying to move mountains with my outfits. I just want to be able to get my work done and feel confident doing so.

Outfit details:
Burberry Brit dress
Spanx tights
Gucci wedges (above; in red or black); Nine West pumps (below)

Outfit for a Summer Wedding

I feel like a broken record but I have been in a shopping slump. I am not sure if it is my work schedule this summer (balancing writing projects while developing an app to help moms meet other moms), some  body image stuff I have been trying to work through, the summer season (when I tend to want and buy the least clothing), or that the trends just don't align with my tastes. Perhaps it is a combination of everything?

Above is my "wow I look tired!" selfie. Regardless, when it was time to decide on what to wear to the second wedding  I attended this summer, I went with the same old standby I had worn the month prior. Although each of these were family weddings, none of the guests overlapped except for my date. This made it a bit easier to repeat the dress. 

Necklace, Bracelet 1, Bracelet 2, Ring, Earrings

And even though my dress was a rerun, I was able to borrow a new set of beautiful costume jewelry pieces from Perfect Details. This helped me up the outfit excitement level for sure. Lisa from Perfect Details made the selections based on my dress and she did an amazing job styling me! I highly recommend contacting her if you are having any difficulty accessorizing a look for a wedding, whether you are a guest or the bride-to-be picking for yourself or your bridesmaids.

I am in love with these gorgeous pieces from the Sorrelli Stardust Collection! They really sparkled and it was so fun to get to wear them. I felt so glam! But what was even more exciting for me was that it was Emilia's very first wedding!

She loved it! She was enthralled during the ceremony. She was excited to see so many little kids running around during cocktail hour. She enjoyed feasting from our dinner plates, the Pittsburgh cookie table, and the wedding cake. And her absolute favorite part was the dancing.

We got this family photo during cocktail hour. She is making a shy face because she only just met the cousin who took the picture. So far I have three more weddings on the docket through the rest of 2014. Maybe I will be able to find a new dress or two before the big days? We'll see. Thanks again to Perfect Details for accessorizing me!

Outfit details:
Nanette Lepore Ottoman dress (old)
Marc by Marc Jacobs pumps (also old)
Sorrelli Stardust Collection necklace, earrings, bracelets, and ring from Perfect Details

On Chris: Shipley and Halmos suit; Rag and Bone shirt; Vintage tie
On Emilia: Hartstrings dress; Stride Rite Mary Janes; bow and socks from Gymboree

Perfect Details Indeed!

 

Sorrelli Evening Moon Pieces:

Rectangle Drop Necklace, Black Crystal Cocktail Ring, Jet Black Crystal Cuff, Tiara Crystal Cuff

Not long ago I was browsing for statement necklaces and came upon Perfect Details. I noticed that a lot of the stock felt reminiscent of that of Anthropologie's wedding-themed site, BHLDN. Although I haven't shopped BHLDN much, save for when the sale was on sale (cause it is otherwise too rich for my blood), I was surprised to see that this smaller boutique managed to have more competitive retail prices and a larger selection of jewelry than the bigger fish in the pond!

I decided to contact the proprietor of Perfect Details to talk about her business. Being wedding season, I've been thinking a lot about its surrounding e-commerce. The owner of Perfect Details, Lisa and I hit it off and I was floored when she generously offered to style my jewelry for the many weddings I am attending this summer. The first of these weddings was two Saturdays ago. I was thrilled to be sent from Perfect Details a slew of sparkly Sorrelli pieces from their Evening Moon collection. They paired wonderfully with my Nanette Lepore Ottoman dress (a favorite that I bought many years ago). I got many compliments on the Tiara Crystal Cuff bracelet and the Rectangle Drop Necklace in particular. Wearing them once makes me wish they were mine forever! Thank you so much, Perfect Details!

I'm so excited to see what Perfect Details sends me for the next wedding!

Quick wedding OOTD

I toiled over what to wear to a recent wedding and wound up feeling pleased enough with this ensemble that I also sported it to my second baby shower. I will update with some photos and recap from that day (which was really wonderful and full of enthusiasm and love, just like the first). The wedding was also really beautiful and moving. A couple who had been together for decades decided to make a marital commitment to each other and it was thrilling to see. I wanted to dance so much more than I physically could. Chris and I really only managed a slow song or two before I decided to listen to my body and sit down.

I'm at the point where it's hard not to feel occasional negative body thoughts because with increasing frequency my current body is in varying degrees of pain or discomfort. But I am healthy and the fetus is healthy so despite my nagging aches I realize I'm very fortunate.

Things are hectic as we count down the last few weeks before we have a kid. So much is left to do. But I've managed to keep my belly photos updated and write occasionally about this new and changing experience both here and on my pregnancy blog. Thank you for hanging around even though my wardrobe and consumption have shifted to suit these adaptations.

Outfit details:
Everly Grey dress from Amazon
Assets Maternity Tights (which are actually awesome! buy them here or here)
Gucci Wedges
Amber pendant and John Hardy heart necklace (both gifts)

A late summer wedding in Shabby Apple Maternity

Last weekend, my family and I ventured to the beautiful Hartwood Acres Mansion, north of Pittsburgh to celebrate the wedding of my cousin's first born. The weather was perfect and the grounds were spectacular. I was eager to wear my aptly named Anticipation Dress from Shabby Apple's adorable maternity line.

It's hard to come by stylish maternity clothing that still suits my aesthetics and tastes. But this dress hits all the marks. It has unique details at the neckline, to draw attention upward. It has a flattering a-line shape with generous room for a growing belly (for reference, I was a day shy of 26 weeks pregnant here). The fabric stretches just enough to be forgiving while maintaining a sense of structure. By the end of a hot day it did show some wrinkles but I still felt comfortable and put together. And by adding a belt, I was able to showcase what is left of my waist. The dress features a side zip and is long enough to maintain modesty, even after a pregnant stomach is tucked beneath it.

 My sister and I didn't plan this but we totally matched!

I am also drawn to the pleated bodice of Shabby Apple's Fruitful dress. I love the orange color for a fall maternity wardrobe. I wish more vintage inspired boutiques offered maternity clothing options! I am grateful Shabby Apple has the selection they do.

I can't wait to debut this pretty dress on campus. Despite the fancy neckline, I think I can style it for my workplace. One of the benefits of working in the university context is that you are afforded more flexibility to be creative with clothes.

BTW, this week's belly shots are up on my pregnancy blog. 

Outfit details:
Shabby Apple Anticipation Dress (c/o)
Anthropologie belt (similar here)
Saks Fifth Avenue pumps
Vintage Chanel flap (vintage chanel bag here; tromp l'oeil tote here; similar style here)
Kors watch; vintage necklace, starfish cuff

What I Wore to a Picnic Wedding plus my Kate Spade haul

On Saturday Chris and I headed north of Pittsburgh to a family farm that provided the backdrop for a wedding. A friend of Chris's from high school (and perhaps even earlier) was getting married and we were excited to attend. If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen this. But I figured I would share it because it showcases one of the elastic waist skirts I am so grateful to have purchased from Anthropologie. I've worn this skirt a ton in the last few (very hot) weeks. It is light enough to keep me comfortable and cool but interesting enough that I still feel pulled together. I paired it with a Kate Spade rosette top, purchased last summer.

Speaking of Kate Spade, the extra 25% off promo from the other week was relaunched in honor of the Fourth of July so be sure to check that out! Above is the pretty tissue that covered my own sale purchase. I decided that because my Bon Shopper totes are among the most useful and complimented bags I carry, I should snag the very cool map print one that was steeply discounted on the website.

Kate Spade Streets of New York Bon Shopper

Here's another included in the sale

Today I'm trying to resist buying the matching accessories (also on sale with an extra 25% off) here, here, and here. You can see my other favorites from the sale (most of which are still in stock!) by reading this post. This combined with Anthro's additional 25% off sale clothes (see the full list and details at Effortless Anthropologie) makes for a very wallet-unfriendly 3rd of July!

one year ago

I was getting my make up done and marveling about the incredible luck, not only to have beautiful weather in Pittsburgh in October, not only to be surrounded by so many wonderful and supportive loved ones, but to be partnered in life with such an amazing person. I'm very excited to celebrate one year of marriage today.

Not long ago, Chris and I were featured in the Celebrations section of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (which spotlit our nuptials from October 2010) and I decided (with some trepidation) that I would share it on this date. We had no idea that we were going to be featured so prominently until we woke up to emails and tweets from friends and family, cluing us in. But it was thrilling to see! As we meet the quiet milestone of one year of spouse-hood we feel both relieved and nostalgic. It's great to relax and enjoy another fall season together. It is great to be able to reminisce about such a fantastic series of memories. And it is great to sit back while we attend our friends' and families' nuptials (we just went to another last Friday!), with thorough empathy and appreciation for the labor of love that is planning a wedding.

End of summer wedding

The other week Chris and I attended the wedding of two friends. We bonded with Katie and Rob years ago over our love for local sports teams (specifically the Buccos and Pitt Panthers). And we've been hanging around each other since. They had a really beautiful soirée in a rustic barn space they secured in North Park. The content of their ceremony was so moving, as it emphasized the significance of their dedication and commitment to one another even before they became engaged. The officiant talked about how for them, marriage would not change things drastically. At least not in their day to day.

This was something with which I really identified. In so many ways* being married didn't/doesn't feel that different. While they were exchanging their vows (both of which included references to their beloved Pittsburgh Pirates) Chris squeezed my hand while tears of joy for the happy couple streamed down my face. Thank goodness for waterproof mascara! We had a great time on an exceptionally beautiful summer evening. And we wish Katie and Rob a lifetime of happiness!

I wore the purple Bold Boutonnière. And while I was there, I ran into Tara who was also sporting an  Anthro dress. If you squint a little you can almost see it through the horrific blur. Photography is not a strong suit of me or my partner.

Tara runs an etsy shop called Daffodil Vintage. Be sure to check it out!

I hope your last weekend of Summer is fantastic!


*A caveat to clarify that this statement does not intend to minimize the value of the tax policies and laws (not to mention potential rights to spousal benefits) afforded only to heterosexual married couples at the federal level and within the state of PA. Those benefits do produce beneficial change for couples and they're nothing to sneeze at. I look forward to the day when marriage equality is a reality in this nation.

Daytime Wedding Attire

Inspiration board. I have a number of weddings to attend this wedding season, so I am trying to plan out how to dress. I love these options for daytime.

Day Dresses by Erdem
Sandals by Tory Burch

Spinning Lace for Day: Trial and Error

Tracy Reese dress

Anthro cardigan

Forever 21 belt

Miu Miu flats

I was so in love with the intricate beauty of the Spinning Lace dress when I first tried it on last October. And I managed to get a really good deal on it during the additional % off sale. But without the ability to wear it to weddings,* and with a lifestyle that only involves occasional evenings at the symphony, I am struggling to bring down this garment's cost per wear.

Styling it for night isn't an issue. But the only real way to bring down cost per wear is to make this work-able for daytime. Pairing with flats was the first step, since they help me feel more casual in general. I figured I would also try it with the Cartography Cardigan since that seems to be my go-to, match-everything garment for pairing with Anthro dresses for daytime. I think it would have worked better if the cardi was a bit more cropped. The point where this cardigan hits the skirt makes the lower half look even more voluminous and me look even wider. Not sure I am crazy about that combo. Finally, I swapped the grosgrain sash for a casual belt. I should try it belt-less and see if that helps.

What do you think? And I haven't really seen this one worked for daytime in the blogosphere. If anyone can comment with links to sites that have styled this dress for day, please share! I would love some inspiration.

*Although I would have been fine seeing a sea of ivory among the guests for my own nuptials, I realize that a lot of people (not just the couple of honor) feel weird about this issue. So unless an invite encourages everyone to wear white, I personally avoid it at weddings.

McQueen and SLEEVES!

The biggest winners today. I realize sleeves were requisite for Westminster Abbey. Still I am excited to see such a timeless look on such a high profile bride. I love it even though many seem disappointed.

As the hilarious blog, Kate Middleton FTW says:

Royal wedding fever

If I have my druthers, we'll be seeing Kate Middleton sporting McQueen tomorrow. I love these looks.

This goth-tastic number has been a non-traditional wedding favorite of mine since it first debuted in 2006. Alas, I could never track one down before my own big day (I realize even if I had it would have been out of my price range but a gal can dream). A long, poofier, princess-silhouette version of this would be jaw-dropping and royally unconventional!

The shipwrecked, tattered romance of this tufted ruffle dress would convey a modern cynicism that might be interpreted negatively by the press but that I personally would adore.

Something about the sculptural halter detail evokes modern royalty in my brain. I think they'd need to make it more grand with a cathedral train.

I expect there will be more than one dress, as speculated by the royally obsessed wedding fashion press. But I do hope the rumors are true and that some homage to old McQueen is in the mix.