Spring Essentials

'Tis the season of living in dresses and skirts! You may have noticed I much prefer giving my legs their freedom, and I particularly love this orange and white stripe accordion pleat number as it flows so freely in the breeze. I also can't get enough of floppy hats as they add glamour to every outfit. Worn previously here and here. Essentials for spring 2015: A cute and comfy pair of wedges that go with everything, a trench, a wide-brim hat and flattering sun dresses.

Clothing, shoes and accessories courtesy of Clementine.

Sunday Best

There is something genuinely authentic about Moulinette Soeurs dresses which are inspired by early 20th Century needlework, handmade lace and luxe silks. Like a watercolor painting, ethereal prints continuously transform as they melt over the moving body. With a cardigan this would be the perfect Easter, bridal shower, baby shower or spring wedding dress, or go sleeveless for date night. I own two Moulinette Soeurs printed silk dresses, one seen in this post and the other here both purchased at Clementine, my favorite consignment shop. The dress and accessories pictured above are for sale at Clementine now. Stop by to find something new for spring!

Wrap Skirt Monochrome

An Eileen Fisher Tipster will be hosting a fashionable event at Saks RVA at Stony Point Fashion Park this evening, March 26, from 5-8 p.m. The affair will include a fashion show, expert styling tips, Spring 2015 trends, and the chance to win a $500 Eileen Fisher Wardrobe. I will be attending the event, and I hope to see some of you there!

Shop Eileen Fisher at Saks

This monochromatic outfit was inspired by the neutrals seen in the Eileen Fisher Spring 2015 collection. Mirroring the type of draping found in this season's looks, the skirt's faux wrap creates a sensual silhouette. As they say, there has never been a more flattering garment for the female form as a wrap dress, and a wrap skirt can have the same curve-hugging effect.

Wearing:

Banana Republic ll Skirt ll Blouse ll Bracelet ll 50% off all sale items now!

Shoes ll Similar Here

Necklace ll Clementine ll Also Seen Here

Day to Night

In order to outsmart the indecisive weather of spring with its cold mornings, hot afternoons and cool evenings, layering is an absolute necessity. This outfit is meant to highlight how a LBD can be taken from the workplace into cocktail hour. Made of cotton, this little black dress is very soft, breathable, and sexy enough for dinner, drinks or dancing. Throw on a sweater and light jacket to keep you warm on chilly, spring mornings and create a unique, but classic look that is perfect for the office. After work, simply take off the sweater and add some jewelry and a clutch, which may be stowed inside your day bag, disguised as a wallet.

Wearing:

LBDll Tildon

Stripe Topper ll Hinge

Diamond Jacquard Sweater ll Classiques Entier

Bag and Heels ll Also Seen Here

Hat ll Similar

And thank you to our lovely assistant, Kelly Padgett!

This shoot is dedicated to the wonderful VMFA gals who show me so much love and support.

Cobalt Midi

I found this beautiful blue midi skirt at Anthropologie a few weeks ago on the sale rack for a fraction of its original price. Although it is a bold skirt, it can be worn in so many different ways. Midi skirts are great for curvy women as they accentuate a small waist and elongate the legs.

Other possible ways it may be worn:

Black, long sleeve Bardot style crop top with Black classic single strap heels

Bright Citron J.Crew sweater, with a half-tuck and Cheetah print heels

Find these looks and more ways to wear midis Here

Wearing:

Crop top ll H&M

Bloomstitch Midi Skirt ll Anthro

Wedges ll J.Crew ll Similar Here ll Budget Option Here

Necklace ll Francesca's

Bamboo Cuff ll Lisa Feede

Spring Forward

This beautifully elegant dress from Trunk Up Boutique is a great seasonal transition piece. Wear it with cowboy boots and a denim jacket for a casual look on a cool day or pair it with black pumps and pearls for a more formal event. It would even be great as a bridesmaid dress! No matter how you wear this dress, it will always be classy.

Dress ll Trunk Up Boutique

Belt ll J.Crew ll Similar Here

Wedges ll Similar Here

Alden Skirts

Creating at-home jobs for single mothers in under served countries, Alden Skirts make the world a better place, one fashionable piece at a time. Each skirt is hand sewn by a mother working to support her family, and a portion of the proceeds are given to the World Pediatric Project which provides health care to children in South America and the Caribbean. Skirts can be purchased online or at Nellie George or Wardrobe at Libbie and Grove.

Wearing:

Skirt ll Alden Skirts

Blazer ll Madewell ll Similar Here

White Lace Tee ll Loft ll Similar Here

Wedges ll J.Crew ll Similar Here

Cuff ll Forever 21

Black Satin Sleeve Tee ll Similar Here

Boots ll Also Seen Here

Black and White

S/S '15

This shoot was a collaboration with a very talented photographer and stylist, Joel Codiamat.

Hair and Makeup: Sarah Hatch of Studio 500

Valentino Spring/Summer 2015

Stella McCartney Spring/Summer 2015

Dress ll Zara

Coat ll Zara ll Similar

Dress ll Zara

Snow Day

Happy Snow Day! These are some comfy, casual pieces that go with everything and make me feel as though I'm wearing pajamas...(If I'm being honest, I'm not even wearing a bra). My scarf has a faux fur trim attached. Pure genius. This is its second winter with me, and I wear it almost every day. If you are looking for a simple, yet stylish outfit to throw on before running out the door on a chilly day, all you need are black yoga pants, a cotton T and a warm sweater jacket which (yes, this is VERY important) covers ALL or MOST of your butt, and some tall boots. Add in a scarf and accessories, and you are set.

Sweater ll Similar Here

Boots ll Report ll Similar Here

Tote ll Banana Repulic ll Similar Here

Scarf ll Similar Here

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! This romantic shoot took place at my favorite French restaurant, Can Can Brasserie. It is the perfect spot to have a cup of coffee and read the paper in the morning or to have an intimate date over a bottle of wine. Their homemade ice cream is second to none with a rotating assortment of flavors. But what I love most about this swanky spot is its warm, inviting atmosphere which transports you to France upon making your grand entrance. And what better way to make an entrance on Valentine's Day than with an elegant, sparkling, sequined gown?

Wearing:

Shimmer Shower Midi Dress ll French Connection

Silver Cap Toe Pumps ll Similar Here

Dark Plum Velvet Blazer ll Theory ll Similar Here

Ledbury

If you are in need of something special for your man friend this Valentine's Day then stop by Ledbury's Sample Sale February 12-16. Merchandise will be discounted up to 75%, so don't miss out!

Wearing:

Stucco Stripe Songbird Dress ll Madewell

Tan Leather Waist Belt ll J.Crew ll Similar Here

Boots ll J.Crew ll Similar Here

Coat ll J.Crew ll Similar Here

Bag ll Cole Haan ll Similar Here

Winter Blush

The best boyfriend in the world, Paul Zayas, bought me these beautiful boots as a gift while we were shopping at the outlets in Williamsburg. I wanted to pair them with an equally fabulous outfit, and I think this one passed the test. The turtle neck of my grey sweater dress looks great with the collar style of the pink coat. It also breaks up the black while allowing the coat to stand out. For the necklace, I took one piece of copper from a necklace I bought at H&M in Florence, Italy and strung it on a strand of gold. And to top it off, the gold zipper on the outside of the boot matches the zipper of the coat.

Wearing:

Stadium-cloth Cocoon Coat ll J.Crew ll This color, Gossamer Peach, only available on ebay

Grey Marled Wool Sweater Dress ll Similar at Banana Republic

Black Cole Haan Cassidy Boot ll Similar Here

River's Edge

Shots taken near the canal by the old water pump station: Richmond, VA

Wearing:

Faux Leather Bodice Dress ll Need Supply Co. ll Very J

Knee-high Socks ll Target

Black Suede Booties ll Nine West

Black Corduroy Jacket ll Similar Here

Fashionable Fitness

Everything that I am wearing in this post has a function which makes winter workouts a little less miserable. The vest is extremely lightweight, but it provides the core warmth necessary for running outdoors. The asymmetry of the vest's zipper adds a touch of uniqueness to the look. Because this scarf is made of 100% cotton it is machine-washable and breathable, which is great for sweaty workouts. I love the sleekness of this workout outfit in black, white, and grey. Most of the things I am wearing are currently on sale and are therefore relatively inexpensive.

Wearing:

Leggings ll Under Armour

Long Sleeve Shirt ll Reebok

Puffer Vest ll Reebok

Shoes ll Nike

Gloves ll Nike

Scarf ll Gap

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!! This is what happens when my girlfriends come over to play dress up.

My New Years Dress ll Alice + Olivia ll Saks

Pony Pasture

Photos taken at Pony Pasture

The featured piece in this outfit is this amazing black vest, courtesy of Trunk Up Boutique. It is warm, soft, and very affordable. A great vest to have during these cold winter months or for those days when long sleeves are not quite enough. It goes with everything. Sue, Richmond based owner of Trunk Up, strives to choose unique and budget-friendly designs. Like her on Facebook.

Wearing:

Vest ll Trunk Up Boutique

Top ll One Clothing ll Similar at J.Crew

Jeans ll H&M

Peep Toe Booties ll Madden Girl

Bag ll J.Crew ll On Sale

Sunglasses ll Bygones Vintage

Scarf ll Similar Here

Classics

Photos shot in front of a colorful row of local businesses on Main Street near Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.

Wearing:

Button Back Tuxedo Softened Shirt ll LOFT ll 50% off on Cyber Monday!

Ankle Zip Jeans ll LOFT ll Also 50% off on Cyber Monday!

Cheetah Print Loafer Heels ll Ellen Tracy

BLack Double-cloth Lady Day Coat ll J.Crew

Silver and Gold Circle Stack Necklace ll Clementine

Earrings ll Ashby RVA

Watch ll Handed down from my grandmother ll Similar Here

Slouchy Red Leather Clutch ll Clementine

I love this white shirt so much. It buttons up the back and is long enough to wear with leggings (as pants). It would also be adorable with a fitted, cropped sweater over top, a statement necklace and high boots. This versatile top is on super sale tomorrow (50% off) along with everything else at LOFT. J.Crew is having a 30% off sale for the holiday as well. I wear this black coat with EVERYTHING, even workout clothes, and it immediately makes my outfit look more sophisticated. The jeans I am wearing are incredibly soft and can be dressed up or down easily. They fit perfectly, and I love the zipper detail. My only gripe is that they do stretch out a little, but I got a smaller size, so I only run into that problem after a few wears. These amazing loafer-meets-cheetah-print-meets-high-heel shoes were a steal from Ashby in Carytown. I found them on Ebay and attached the link above for the lucky girl with the highest bid. And lastly, I just found the circle necklace at Clementine and plan to make it my new go-to, everyday necklace. Never worry about matching gold with gold or silver with silver again! Muahaha.

On the Hill

Libby Hill after dinner and drinks at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

Photos taken digitally

Wearing:

Top // H&M

Skirt // J.Crew Factory

Layered silver necklaces // Local artisan cut glass

Cuff // Handed down from my grandmother

Clutch // Hobo International // Found at Ashby

Stacked rose gold colored pinky rings // Ashby

Shoes // DSW on super-duper sale!

Times Square

I felt like I was breaking the rules by wearing these "pajamas" in the middle of a crowded city, but with heels, a few pieces of jewelry, cool sunnies, and pink lips, it became an incredibly comfortable night on the town.

Photos taken in Times Square, New York City

Nikon D80

Wearing:

Cardigan ll Tank ll Sweats ll Loft

Shoes ll Steve Madden ll These Would Look Great ll Because These Are All I Found

Silver Cuff ll Similar From ASOS

Silver Cut Glass Stacked Necklaces ll Similar

Bag ll Banana Republic ll Similar Here

Fair Isle

Photos taken at Castle Hill Cidery with a Nikon D80

Wearing:

White Coat ll J.Crew ll Similar Here

Fair Isle Sweater ll J.Crew

Boots ll J.Crew

Jeans ll Forever 21

Hoop Earrings ll Clementine ll Similar Here

Bracelet ll Clementine ll Similar Here

All Business

When those puppies start barking.....bring out the leopards.

Photos taken near the Martin Agency in downtown Richmond, VA

Nikon D80

Wearing:

The Minnie Pant ll J.Crew ll For girls with a booty these pants are a must. They stretch but are structured and include details which make them look professional; they're leggings disguised as work pants. Built for real women, they actually fit around the waist rather than puckering out like so many others do.

Peplum Top ll J.Crew ll This top can be dressed up or down easily. Wear with jeans, flats, and a scarf to dress it down or with dress pants, heels, and a statement necklace to dress it up. My look is somewhere in between.

Micro Suede Booties ll Laundry List

Leopard Flats ll Madewell

Bag ll Coach ll Seen Previously Here

Watch ll Vintage Longine ll Similar Here on Ebay until it's gone ll Also Seen Previously Here

Scarf ll Gold Pashmina ll This scarf makes every outfit look more elegant.

Sunnies ll Target Style ll Seen Previously Here and Here

Sweet Pleats

Serendipitous Secondaries!

Photos taken in Scott's Edition

Cannon AE-1 with Portra 160 film and Nikon D80

Wearing:

Crop Top ll Francesca's ll Similar Here ll Also Seen Here

Skirt ll American Apparel Found at Ashby

Flats ll Report Signature

Watch ll Vintage Longine ll Similar Here

Wine & Sunshine

I am in love with this skirt, but I purchased it from Ashby and it looks homemade. If you are the creator of this beauty, please contact me so I can order 100 more from you and live in them forever.

Depending on how I move, this skirt can sometimes be mistaken for culottes which I'm dying to own a pair of.

Photos taken at Jefferson Vineyards, Blenheim Vineyards, and Carter Mountain Orchard.

Cameras used:

Nikon D80

Cannon AE-1, Portra 160

Wearing:

Circle Skirt ll Ashby of Carytown

Crop top ll H&M

Ball Necklace ll Clementine of Carytown

Pink Statement Necklace ll Purchased from a boutique in Sienna, Italy (I wish I could remember the name!) ll Similar Here

Sandals ll TJMaxx ll Similar Here

Pearl Bracelet ll Richmond Animal League Thrift Store ll Similar Here

Earrings ll Ashby of Carytown

Tote ll Coach

Scuffletown

Photos taken at Scuffletown Park off Strawberry Street.

Photos taken on a Canon AE-1, Film: Portra 160

Wearing:

Dress // Moulinette Soeurs // Clementine

Tassel Necklace // Clementine

Blue/Black BCBG shoes // TJMaxx

Black floppy hat // Fantastic thrift

Amphitheater

Photos taken at the University of Richmond's Amphitheater with a Cannon AE-1, Portra 400 film

Wearing:

Dress l Ashby

Shoes l J.Crew Collection Janey Satin Mary Janes

Bag l Cole Haan

Vote For Me

Taken on Capitol Hill

Photos taken with Cannon AE-1, Portra 160 film

Wearing:

Top // Target

Skirt // H&M (In store at Shortpump right now, but I couldn't find them online)

Clutch // Clementine

Shoes // Steve Madden (Couldn't find these online either! Apologies!)

My Way or the Highway

Photoshoot on Monument Avenue's bridge which overlooks I-195 (Beltline Expressway)

Taken digitally with a Nikon D80

Wearing:

Top ll H&M

Shorts ll Ann Taylor Loft

Shoes ll BCBGeneration from TJMaxx

Trench Coat ll Andrew Marc ll Macy's New York ll Similar at Nordstrom

Glasses ll Warby Parker ll Watts in Newsprint Grey

Aviator Sunglasses ll Target Style

Tassel Necklace ll Similar on Net-a-Porter

Watch ll Grandma's Vintage Acqua Indiglo ll Similar at Macy's

A Little History Lesson...

This image, taken in August of 1972 by the Virginia Department of Transportation, depicts the construction of the Beltline Expressway (I-195) which was part of Richmond's ultimate plan to create speedy passage through the city. Here are the temporary Patterson Avenue and Monument Avenue bridges that were later replaced by the present four-lane bridges. The location of the Beltline was chosen based on the already existing Beltline Railroad, constructed in 1890. Standing on the bridge today, pedestrians can watch trains blow by right under their feet.

More details for history buffs

Summer of 1975, cutting the ribbon on opening day of the Beltline were Miss Highway, Pamela Brooks, and then governor, Mills E. Godwin, Jr. Yes, there used to be a Miss Highway Contest in Richmond until 1976.

Bow Tie

Photos taken in front of Bow Tie Cinemas Movieland on the Boulevard.

Cannon AE-1, film Portra 400.

Wearing:

J.Crew for days!

Dress // J.Crew button-front dress in Roller Girl

Shoes // Etta cap-toe satin neon persimmon pump

Earrings // (Clementine or Ashby, slipped my mind!)

Bracelet // Definitely Clementine

Happy Hour Date

Happy hour at Casa Del Barco

Photos taken digitally

Wearing:

Pencil Skirt // J.Crew

Top // J.Crew Sample Sale

Bag // Village Flat Tote by Cole Haan

Wedges // Target

VMFA

Shoot at the VMFA

Photos taken with a Cannon AE-1 program, Portra 160 film

Wearing:

Salmon, Eyelet Dress // J.Crew found at Ashby

Striped Jacket // J.Crew Sample Sale and a hand-me-down from my lovely friend Cammie Switzer

Navy Satin Heels with Pale Pink and Gold Trimmed Cap Toe // J.Crew Sample Sale

Green Suede Heels // H&M in Florence, Italy

Necklace // A Graduation gift from my dearest friend Adriana Zimbardo

Bag // Coach, also a gift from the best boyfriend in the world, Paul Zayas

Fun in the Fan

Park Avenue

Photos taken digitally

Wearing:

Club Master style sunglasses // Rumors Boutique

Jeweled earrings // Fantastic thrift

Gold necklace // Clementine

An unfortunately tagless dress // Clementine

Gold Cuff // Heidi Story

Booties // Target

Fringe bag // Ashby in Carytown // $5!!! (Sister store to Clementine and Clover)

Hint: If you sell your clothes at Ashby on Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday when they accept walk-ins, then you can receive some cash or MORE in store credit to be used at any of their three locations. As Clementine sells higher end products, I always sell at Ashby and buy from Clementine.

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