NYC 2016

NYC November 2016

See some of my favorite spots below!

Mango Salon

 

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend! I had the pleasure of receiving a FreshDry blowout at Mango Salon at Libbie and Grove, and it was quite a treat after a long week. Not only was my stylist, Lauren, so sweet and fun, but she has a magic pair of hands that made my head and hands melt like butter. I'm feeling relaxed just writing about it.

Mango is an Aveda salon, carrying the highest quality products that are good for both your hair and the world. Lauren and I chatted about how purchasing environmentally-friendly products doesn't necessarily mean you're getting the most functional product, and that is why the products they carry blend the best of both worlds. She used a shampoo that cleansed my scalp and removed build-up, then sprayed a light detangler that left my hair feeling so soft and healthy. (My style lasted three days, and I'm a devout wash-my-hair-every-day kinda gal)

I love how modern and clean the space feels, with an open-concept main styling area lit by skylights which create the illusion of sitting under a canopy of tropical trees in the rain forest. I didn't realize before visiting that, in addition to hair styling, Mango offers mani+pedis,  makeup application, waxing and threading. You could spend all day at the salon being pampered before heading out on the town. 

Don't mind me, just sleeping in public | Lauren and I both had on our Maslo Jewels

This Friday, June 3, I'll be giving away 2 FREE FreshDry blowouts! Treat yourself to both, or share one with your bestie. How fun (and stress relieving) would it be to have your hair professionally done before an event or night out? Mango has three salon locations, so you can choose whichever is most convenient to you. To enter all you have to do is like @mangorva and me @toutingmywears on Instagram.

Best of luck!!!!

(All entries must be submitted by 6/3 at 12pm EST. We ask that PRIVATE accounts are made PUBLIC during the giveaway in order to be entered. The winner will be announced on 6/3 by 4:30PM, we appreciate your patience while we verify all the entries. The winner will need to be in the Richmond, VA area for their FreshDry appointment, or if out of town, they may give their appointments to others. Good luck! Per Instagram rules, we must mention this is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc. By entering, entrants confirm they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram's term of use.)

Stay tuned for details on an exclusive event I will be co-hosting at Sephora on June 26th!

Wearing:

Shift Dress in Mango (I had to) | Clementine

Chock A Block Necklace | Maslo

Crossbody Bag in mint | Zara

Gold Platform Sandals | Last season Target, but Scarpa is bringing its airstream boutique to Verdalina this weekend, and they have some very similar sandals!

 

Homemade Almond Milk

I've been forced into a crazy diet that restricts me from having just about everything. So needless to say, over the past few months I've been cooking up a storm, and in the tiring process, I've learned a few cool tricks through some research and a lot of trial and error. Homemade almond milk is so easy to make and absolutely delicious. The reason I decided to create my own was because, no longer allowed to eat or drink dairy or sugar, I was dying for a milk alternative to add to tea, smoothies, or just drink plain. I found that literally all store-bought almond milk has at least additives and thickeners. Some have tons of added sugars and other unwanted bits. The only exception is Nettie's Naturally which I hear is delicious but slightly on the expensive side. I've seen it at Ellwood Thompson's, but it usually flies off the shelf.  

How to:

The process of preparing the seeds is the most important part of making the milk. Be sure to purchase raw, organic almonds when possible. Soak the almonds in reverse osmosis (or filtered) water in a glass container with a squeeze of lemon juice for 8-12 hours. (12 hours is ideal) This will sprout the almonds. Sprouting is essential to making the nuts more digestible and aiding in nutrient absorption. 

After 12 hours, rinse the nuts with more RO water, then place them in a blender, or in my blender-less case a Nutri Ninja, with 3-4 cups of water. This is not an exact science. I typically use 1 part almonds to 4 parts water. The less water you use, the thicker and creamier the milk will be. 

Once you've blended the almonds and water until creamy and white, pour the liquid over a nut bag and into a bowl (I found mine at Ellwood Thompson's for about $6) to strain out the pulp.

Squeeze the excess moisture from the bag. You'll have plenty of pulp leftover to turn into other delicious treats, none of which I've yet perfected. In fact, I just turned what would've been a deeeelicious batch of gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, taste-free cookies into a melted puddle of mush using said almond pulp. If you have better luck, do share!

And there you have your almond milk! Store in a glass, airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. For extra special almond milk, try mixing in some goodness such as vanilla, stevia (or sugar if you're a normal person who can eat that), and cinnamon.

And now the Super Duper Secret Smoothie recipe:

Let me just preface this by saying you do not have to follow these exact proportions because everyone hates measuring. Just follow the little-o-this, little-o-that method.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie

5-6 cubes of ice (almond milk can be frozen into ice cubes for an even tastier treat)

1 cup (give or take) homemade almond milk

5 sprigs worth of chocolate mint leaves (yes, this is a thing! I had no idea until I saw it one day at Ellwood's (if you can't tell I shop at Ellwood's A LOT))  

2 tbsp avacado

optional:

1/4 cup of assorted nuts of your choice. I use pecans, macadamia, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. 

Add the following if not added to the almond milk already:

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cap full vanilla extract (or a vanilla bean if you're real fancy)

1 pinch sea salt

4-5 drops stevia extract

This tasty treat is the perfect sub for sugar-loaded, fattening ice cream. I eat it for breakfast just about every day, fulfilling my lifelong dream of having mint chocolate chip ice cream for every meal.

Enjoy!

 

 

Verdalina

There's nothing I love more than styling beautiful clothing like the pieces at Verdalina, a Richmond, VA boutique full of sustainable and handmade clothing and accessories from environmentally conscious designers all over the world.

Below see behind the scenes shots from shooting an impromptu look and product I styled at Verdalina. Paul and I are so excited for the shoot we are planning with the eco fashion-focused boutique. Stay tuned for what is to come! 

Model: Tay @zdtay

Photographer: Sean Byrne @ten52

 

Photo by Sean Byrne 

Photo by me | Carytown Teas | YOKE Fragrance|

Photo by Sean Byrne | Bucket Bag | Vere Verto | Linen Top | Wolcott Takemoto | Skirt | Gallego Desportes | Sunnies | Steven Alan Optical

 

Photo by Sean Byrne | 1509 Fragrance Oil

Photo by Sean Byrne

Photo by me | Necklace | Winifred Grace

Photo by me

Photo by me | Slips and Camis | Organic by John Patrick 

Photo by Sean Byrne

A Love Affair with Culottes

You may have noticed that I am quickly and lastingly becoming obsessed with culottes and other wide-legged varietals of pants. I don't know where they've been all my life, but it's as if we've known each other always. When pants and skirts began getting tighter and skinnier, we subjected ourselves to painful restriction and revealed much more than most anyone should. Thanks to the inevitable pendulum swing, we are now, once again, in an age of liberated femora and tibiae with flowing fabric dusting our legs and blowing in the breeze. I don't know how I could ever say goodbye. Don't get me wrong, I still love the look of my tight pants and skinny jeans, but on those days where comfort is a necessity, I am thankful for my culottes. 

I've chosen some favorites, pictured below, for you to play with. Try out different silhouettes. I wear them with very high heels, lower mules or minimal flat sandals. A half-tucked T-shirt or chambray is enough for a casual look. To dress it up, pair with a fitted, cashmere sweater, a tucked in button-up or a tissue turtle-neck. You can wear these for a night out with a crop top and chunky block heels or stilettos. Full disclosure: I am not a huge fan of the culotte denim trend. But that is just me; you do you!

See some outfit inspiration on my Pinterest board Culottes Love, and check out how I've styled my culottes and wide legs: Stripes on Stripes, Cool | Lots, Silk Armour, 4th of July, Architectural Geometry.

Ledbury Warehouse Sale

It's back! The Ledbury Warehouse Sale, this WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, is a much anticipated holiday for all the well-dressed men of Richmond. I know many play hooky from work just to be the first in line for their perfectly fitting shirts and blazers. Now is the time to spend your clothing budget and buy your work and play wardrobe that will last for years. With even better deals this time around, you won't want to miss this HUGE sale. Men, if your complaint is ill-fitting shirts that lack luster, look no further. I promise you, Ledbury shirts are a major step up in fit, quality and style. As a personal shopper, I have searched high and low in this city and have yet to find a better product. Happy shopping! 

Pictured above is Ledbury's new Made-to-Measure sanctuary within their downtown location where you can define your custom shirts to be hand crafted by the best. 

Pre-Fall

TRANSITIONAL

Subject: Kelly P. 

Hi, I'm Kelly!

Hi, I'm Kelly!

Her style: Bohemian femininity with a rock and roll edge.

Her Needs: Transitional summer-to-fall looks including pieces for all seasons.

This is a great look for the end of summer when it's still warm, but sporting another brightly colored sundress feels slightly inappropriate. Bonus: these pants will be wearable throughout the fall, casually or to work. The top would be nice for colder months as well with full-length, high-waist pants and a scarf+cape.  

The perfect amount of edginess is added by the leather jacket (for a great price), balancing the femininity of the long, flowing top, which could also be worn as a beach cover up. Or wear it over jeans, shorts, a pencil skirt, you name it.

The cutest most comfortable article of clothing in the world: The Shift Dress. You can rock those black fringe beauties with some gold earrings and a bangle (or 5 if you're Kelly), or throw on some sandals or white sneakers, grab that bag plus tortoise shades for a day of shopping, or whatever. You can ALSO wear this dress with tall boots and a cute topper for fall. So many options, how will you choose?!

I can't get over how cute these booties are and how much I know you will love them too! This is a great casual look for the weekend, or even going to happy hour. Kelly loves her lipsticks, and a rich chocolatey red would pair nicely with this outfit. 

Stay Cool

Every time I wear these sandals, I swear I'm not exaggerating, at least five people ask me about them. Many even recognize them from Target, but regret that there was only one pair left in the wrong size. So, here you go! They are available online RIGHT NOW for a mere $24.99! It's insanity. So get yourself some, and watch the compliments roll in. A bonus: they are the most comfortable shoes I own. You can also check out the editorial shoot featuring these metallic sandals.

So, if you're wondering what to wear with them, allow me to make a few suggestions. I love the neckline of this simple white top, and the drape is really nice for wearing over pants or tucking into skirts. Give it a half-tuck for this sporty chic look. I don't usually wear baseball caps, but this one has a great pearlescent finish that gives it a polished look while still being casual. The studs I've included in this look are go-to pieces that will add an extra touch of style to every outfit you wear. I tend to prefer minimal accessories for daily looks, and there is nothing easier than having every day accessories to throw on that you don't have to spend a ton of time thinking about. 

Sporty Chic

Pool Time - Beach Time

This tunic would be so cute to wear at the beach or the pool with the metallic sandals from Target, but you could then throw on some white denim pants or shorts and go run your errands.

Summertime Happy Hour

I have a skirt identical to this one, and I wear it every other day. You can tuck shirts into it, wear a peplum over top and put a belt around it, or wear it with crop tops like this adorable blue and white striped piece by Topshop, available at Nordstrom. And guess what? Nordstrom is having their Anniversary sale right now! Oh, and don't forget to add those sandals and accessories I told you about before. See how they can go with anything?