Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Holiday Party Style

Now that I had finally found my perfect sequin shorts, I had to pull a look together that was office holiday party appropriate. I wanted to keep the whole look tailored so I paired the shorts with a white shell, structured blazer, black tights and black textured flats. Had this been a non-work event, I would have swapped the flats for black heels.

Velvet Blazer - J.Crew
White Shell - Banana Republic
Jessica Simpson Antoinette Shorts - Macy's* (seen here)
Black Tights - Target
Seychelles Ballet Flats - TJ Maxx

*These shorts are sold out at Macy's, but still available here.

In Search of Holiday Sparkle

I had been looking for a new way to add some sparkle to my holiday outfits and thus my search for sequin shorts began. After searching for what seemed like ages, I found three contenders. They are (from left to right) Jessica Simpson's Antoinette Sequin Shorts, Old Navy's Metallic-Jacquard Shorts and BB Dakota's Alba Matte Sequin Shorts.

Now I realize that the Old Navy version aren't sequined, but they do have a nice gold brocade print that I think has serious potential. On to the reviews.

BB Dakota Alba Matte Sequin Shorts - Size XS
I knew it wasn't a good sign when the first thing said about my new shorts was, "those look like sequin gym shorts." But I have to agree. I knew as soon as I received these that they were going to be huge on me. They run very large in the waist and were definitely too long as well. It's too bad because I really loved this color. Verdict: Passed

Old Navy Metallic-Jacquard Shorts - Size 0
Again, before I even put these on, I knew they would be huge. Old Navy tends to run large in general, but after reading the online reviews of these shorts, I was hoping these would fit true to size. As you can see they didn't at all. They are large in the waist, hips and thighs. They also seem to balloon out at the bottom. Verdict: Passed

Jessica Simpson Antoinette Shorts - Size XS
Surprisingly, these shorts fit perfectly everywhere and I really love the gold color for the holiday season. They do seem a bit short, but I think adding some tights will solve that problem. Verdict: Kept and wore to my work holiday party. See the complete outfit here.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

More Pantone? Yes, Please.

As you may already know, I love all things Pantone, so when my friend sent me a picture of these toothbrushes, I knew I had to have them. Once they arrived I had to figure out what to do with them. They obviously couldn't be used as actual toothbrushes. Another friend, who just happens to be obsessed with home decor at the moment, suggested displaying them on the wall of my bathroom. Brilliant! Off to the craft store I went for a shadow box and some industrial strength double-sided tape. Mounting them evenly and straight proved to be a challenge, but I think they look great regardless. A perfect addition to my cheery bathroom.



In other Pantone news, the company has announced it's 2012 color of the year. Say hello to Tangerine Tango (PMS 17-1463). Read more about this vibrant and lively shade of orange here.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Sunday Best

This has to be by far the mildest fall we've had in DC in ages. I've been taking full advantage and resisting the natural urge to wear pants given the fact that it's December. I wanted to get a couple of wears out of this knit skirt before the weather got too cold and I love the look of the navy, orange and magenta together.

Donegal Tweed Ecole Jacket - J.Crew 
Striped Knit Skirt - H&M (seen here and here)
Conscious Collection Cotton Peplum Shirt - H&M (seen here and here)
Erin Dot Tights - Banana Republic
Mossimo Ruffle Flats - Target
Squiggle Scarf - Anthropologie
 


Thursday, December 1, 2011

All Pumpkin Day 2011

Besides being obsessed with fashion and design related things, I also have a serious affinity for celebrating made up holidays. Last fall a couple of friends and I decided to pay homage to the great pumpkin. All Pumpkin Day was born. Since then I have tried to spread the word around with the hope that this would be the one made up holiday that would catch on. There was a strong showing this year of both traditional and innovative ideas featuring the pumpkin. Hopefully the photos below will inspire your own All Pumpkin or all anything else celebrations!

 
Mixed Greens Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Soup

Mini Vegetable & Lentil Shepard's Pie with Potato Pumpkin Topping

My contribution - Pizza with Pumpkin Sauce, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Goat Cheese, and a Balsamic Reduction

Pumpkin Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce

Pumpkin, Gingerbread, Brownie and Cheesecake Trifle

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Spice Martini