Dressing Up for Sunday Brunch

Everyone loves a good brunch with friends, but for Washingtonians, it's a weekly occurrence. After a long hard work week, a Sunday brunch is just what you need to cap off a great weekend of social affairs. Whether you're going to a nearby restaurant after church, inviting friends over for a home cooked meal, or having a potluck with too many delicious foods to choose from, don't forget about your outfit!

There's practically nothing more appropriate for the occasion than a girly, floral dress. Find a great pair of sweater tights (it's still winter after all) and pull out your favorite detailed cardi (everyone should have one already). Put a lovely vintage locket around your neck and wear a pair of oxfords or cute flats. A statement clutch is all you need to make your brunch look a hit!

Get the Look:
1) Dress by Nadinoo - $168 - Anthropologie; 2) Sweater Tights by HUE - $20 - Bare Necessities; 3) Beaded Cardi - $70 - Topshop; 4) Oxfords (in olive) - $69.95 - DSW; 5) Jane Austen's Emma Clutch - $325 - Kate Spade; 6) Vintage Locket - $35 - vgvintage

As an added bonus, I wanted to share a recipe for French Toast that I cooked for all my friends a few weeks ago when we had brunch. My mom made it for my family on Christmas morning, and I've already had another friend snag the recipe for his recent brunch, so it's taste-tested and approved with flying colors. Enjoy!

FRENCH TOAST
1 one-pound loaf French bread, cut diagonally in 3/4- to 1-inch slices
6 eggs
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups half and half cream
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (use up to 1 tsp if you'd like)
3/4 cup butter
1 1/3 cups brown sugar
3 tbsp light corn syrup or pancake syrup

Directions: Grease a 9X13-inch baking dish. Arrange the slices of bread in the bottom. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over bread slices, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup; heat until bubbling. Pour over bread and egg mixture. Bake in preheated oven, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Serves 12.

Happy brunching!

xoxo,
Sarah

P.S. A quick note on the dress I chose for the look, it was designed by Nadia Izruna of Nadinoo. She's an independent designer based in London, and I had the honor of interviewing her a few years back for Dedicated Follower of Fashion and then again for N.E.E.T. Magazine. She was still getting her start and gaining notoriety back then, so I actually screamed when I saw her designs in Anthropologie. I always thought Nadinoo would fit in there, so it's wonderful to see the brand in stores! 

Dressing Up for Valentine's Day

Arguably the most romantic day of the year, Valentine's Day is just a day away!

This means two things. First, if you don't have a Valentine, the good news is you still have time...though it IS crunch time. Second, you're going to need a fabulous outfit regardless of whether you go out for a fancy dinner or cook up a little something at home (made with love of course). Take your pick!

Let's say your man has reservations at that new restaurant you've been just dying to try. He also made plans for you both to see your favorite play that happens to be showing on special engagement downtown. What could be better than a red Valentino dress, especially on Valentine's Day?

Valentino brings the elegance factor, a stretchy belt with a heart buckle adds a little spunk, and black pumps lengthen those legs. Create a soft smokey eye with a neutral palette (work that black shadow in the corners of your lid) and paint on a thin flick using liquid eyeliner. Finish it all off with simple, glittery gold topcoat on your fingernails and bright red lipstick to draw attention to that kisser. Keep those locks down around your shoulders in loose, pretty waves. Find a cute little vintage bag to store essentials (powder, lipstick, phone, gum, etc.) while you're out for the night. 

Get the Look: Red silk dress by Valentino - $2,295 - Farfetch; Vintage purse by Edouard Rambaud - $195 - A Cabinet of Curiosity; Black suede pumps with ankle strap - $100 - ALDO; Valentine hearts belt - $24 - Vintage Biffann; Eyeshadow palette - $27 - Urban Decay; Lipstick by NARS (in "heat wave") - $26 - Sephora; Glitter topcoat by OPI (in "I found a pot of gold") - $9.50 - Sephora

Maybe you don't feel like the glitz and glam of a Valentine's Day out about town. Perhaps you prefer letting him cook a full course meal, eating by romantic candlelight, and cuddling during your favorite chick flick.

By all means, don't let the fact that you're relaxed and comfortable keep you from dressing for the occasion. Find a heart-printed blouse (or red top with a heart locket) and pair it with bright skinny jeans and oxfords. Adorn your hair with a sparkly headband and wear some simple studs in your ears. Keep those lips soft and colorful with tinted lip balm; the rest of your makeup should be natural with light eyeshadow, just a touch of eyeliner at the outer corner of your eyelids, and a few brushes of mascara.  

Get the Look: Heart print blouse - $378 - Farfetch; Sequin headband - $35 - ban.do; Red skinnies by Rag & Bone - $198 - Intermix; Tinted lip balm - $7 - Burt's Bees; Oxfords - $185 - Madewell; Heart studs - PetitBlue- $10; Valentine's Day movie (rent or buy) - $2 to $6 - Amazon

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo,
Sarah

Inauguration Ready: The Ceremony

Like the Olympics, the Presidential Inauguration only comes once every four years. Come Monday, it will be that time again, and I am very much looking forward to it. Politics aside, this is a historic occasion worth experiencing, especially if, like me, you happen to live in the same city as the President of the United States.

The entire city practically shuts down and security is even tighter than usual for the swearing-in of the country's highest leader. Thousands of visitors from all over the country and world journey to Capitol Hill and gather along the National Mall to watch. It's usually cold and wet, with the threat of snow likely at any moment, but that has never stopped anyone from participating.

The key things to remember when dressing appropriately and fashionably is layering, layering, layering. Find a warm wool sweater (turtlenecks keep cold wind out) and some kind of long-sleeve undershirt for your base. Throw on some leggings under your favorite skinny corduroys. Invest in a comfortable pair of leather boots; flats are best, as you'll be doing a LOT of walking and standing. Buy a pair of earmuffs or a cute knit beret to keep your ears warm and bring some fun bright-colored gloves for those fingers. But most importantly, make sure your coat is classy, fits well, and has some sort of interesting detail (like the bows above). Top it all off with a pair of binoculars around your neck!

Get the Look: Coat - $132 - ASOS
1) Turtleneck sweater by J. Crew - $85 - Net-A-Porter; 2) Skinny cords - $122 - Stylebop; 3) Leather boots by Frye (in spice) - $325 - Zappo's; 4) Fur earmuffs - $28 - SimplyFurs; 5) Mini cross body bag by Tusk - $182 - Amazon; 6) Yellow knit gloves - $18 - Banana Republic; 7) Vintage binoculars - $34.95 - arcadecache

xoxo,

Sarah

Inauguration Ready: Grand Ball

While I might not attend a full-blown inaugural ball this weekend, there are plenty of events that absolutely warrant a beautiful gown. If money were no object, I would love to wear the gorgeous combination above. The moment I saw that dress, I knew it was made for a 20-something Washingtonian like myself. What more could I ask for? Vibrant color that is sure to make my eyes pop, accordion pleated skirt that references the 70s, deep yet elegant neckline that begs for a long, icey necklace... Combine all those things with a loose low bun or knot (especially if you have long hair like me), as not to cover up the front or back of the dress, and this dress is ready to be showcased!

It certainly might not be the usual choice for a ball gown, but its flowy elegance would make any girl a standout at the ball. Besides, wouldn't you rather wear something a little unexpected and be the one everyone is talking about?

Get the Look: Pleated gown by Halston Heritage - $495 - Neiman Marcus
1) Vintage evening cape - $60 - 75Studios; 2) Beaded clutch - $126 - Nordstrom; 3) Eyeshadow palette by Shiseido (Snow Shadow) - $33 - Sephora; 4) Geneve lace necklace - $98 - Stella & Dot; 5) Geneve lace earrings - $44 - Stella & Dot; 6) Geneve lace ring - $49 - Stella & Dot; 7) Sparkly silver pumps - $280 - BHLDN

xoxo,
Sarah

Inauguration Ready: Cocktail Gala

It's an exciting week here in our nation's capital! There is much anticipation and preparation happening for the fancy inaugural events that will be taking place in less than a week. Not surprisingly, I am incredibly excited about these events, not just because it's historic and only happens every four years. Like any stylish, fashion-obsessed girl, inaugural parties can only mean one thing: an opportunity to dress up and probably (and when I say "probably," I mean "absolutely") buy a new dress or two.

As I prepare my inaugural wardrobe, I decided it would be fun to have a short series and let you in on what I might be wearing as I participate in history.

First on the list, I will be attending a fabulous inaugural gala (cocktail attire) this Saturday, and while I haven't landed the perfect dress yet, I dream of something just as elegant as the dress above. Lately, I have been drawn to light-colored slip dresses with a darker lace or sequin overlay. These dresses are everywhere, so you're certain to find one that fits your style. Don't forget to finish off your look with bright red lipstick!

Get the Look: Dress by Sue Wong - $488 - Nordstrom
1) Black fur coat - $840 - Farfetch; 2) Gold silk pumps - $260 - BHLDN; 3) Teardrop earrings - $16 - Accessorize; 4) Clutch - $278 - Kate Spade; 5) Lipstick by NARS (in orange red) - $24 - Sephora

xoxo,
Sarah

So long, 2011!

* See below for shopping details

This has been one of the BEST years of my life. <3

Whenever I think back upon where I started just a year ago, I feel all giddy inside. I love my friends, my city, my job...just life in general. The opportunities and experiences this year have been tremendous, and I could not be more grateful for or in awe of the life I am blessed to live. Seriously, I cannot even count the number of times I've thought, "This stuff only happens in the movies, and it's happening to ME!"

Since I am a frequent list-maker, I could write a book of goals for the coming year. My goals sometimes get a little out of hand actually...they start broad and then turn into categories, sub-categories, and bullet points. It is just a little insane. So let me just give a few general ones - I will bore myself with the details.

1. Explore new places
I absolutely LOVE where I live...so much that I've been completely content with sticking around there during the weekends and having fun with friends. I've certainly had my share of weekend excursions, but I definitely want to see more of those in the coming year. And I'd really like to travel across the big pond and see what there is to see in Europe.

2. Find a creative outlet
I have some new ideas in the works, and I could certainly be more regular in my blogging to fulfill this goal. I would also REALLY love to take a dance class...just because I can.

3. Read more
I recently joined a sophisticated book club (deep discussions, tea drinking, and scrumptious snacking), so I'm hoping that this will encourage me to read for fun. Beyond that, I want to stay on top of reading the news. I'm pretty good about it, but I can definitely improve.

4. Be active, eat better
I live in one of the most beautiful cities in America. Why am I not running outside? In the past, I have been pretty good about taking the stairs at least once a day at work, and I need to get back into that habit. In addition, I need to lay off on the carbonated beverages, though I do love Cherry Cokes!

Like I said, I could go on, but those are some of my main goals for 2012.

* My NYE Look (similar to what I'll actually be wearing!):  Dress - Georgiou - $149; Chandelier Earrings - Piedra Studio - $35; Bow Pumps - Target - $20; Glitter Nail Polish - OPI for Sephora - $9.50; False Eyelashes - Forever 21 - $1; Glitter Crown Headband - Luna on the Moon - $48

Again, it's been an amazing year, and I am really looking forward to seeing what 2012 holds.

Happy New Year, lovelies!
- Sarah

Here's some NYE tune-age from my faves. :)

Dressing for Earth Day can be every day!

Yes, I realize that it is not Earth Day anymore, but it sure was fun while it lasted! Celebrating this day definitely makes you stop and think about all the innovation surrounding the green lifestyle. And for fashionistas like me, fashion is one of the first things on the mind, so it is especially intriguing to watch independent (and some mainstream) designers in their efforts to become more eco-friendly.

The cultural movement toward being environmentally and socially aware has encouraged the fashion industry to work with new materials, seek out and use local labor, find new uses for old things, and watch the entire production process from seed to cloth. Realizing these byproducts of the green movement is enough to even grab the attention and appreciation of those who are not necessarily into the movement itself--simply because it has fostered creativity and innovation. Really, you have to admit that there is something very interesting and fun about the need to be green and socially responsible.

While we are on the subject, here are a few seemingly-obvious but easy ways to incorporate a green perspective into your wardrobe:
* Buy vintage clothing and accessories - Rummage through your local thrift stores or online marketplaces like Etsy and Market Publique. And check with your grandma or great aunt!
* Wear hand-me-downs (only if cute though!) - Be open to free clothes from relatives or friends. You might already share clothes with your best friend or sister, so that works too!
* Support eco-friendly designers - Check out Matt & Nat, Fin Oslo, and Lu Flux for starters! 
* Build a sustainable wardrobe with staple pieces - Look for classic silhouettes and interesting details.
* Host or attend a "Swishing" clothes-swap party - This is such a fun way to change up your wardrobe just a bit. Gather up several items of clothing that could use some new loving and get together with friends or the community to swap. Planning one of these awesome events is on my to-do list!

As we are in the green-loving spirit, let me remind you to keep a lookout for my eco-friendly column on N.E.E.T. Magazine's blog twice a month, where I go in-depth with eco-friendly designers from all over the world!
 
Get the Eco-Friendly Look...
1) Amber Dobby Dress II (eco-friendly materials) - $398 - Shop Substance; 2) Woven Clutch (organic cotton) - $40 - Greenloop; 3) Honeycomb Charm Necklace (ethical fashion) - $620 - Juno & Jove, Inc; 4) Knee-High Socks (organic) - $8 - Sock Dreams; 5) Vintage Oxfords - $67 - Kenaione; 6) Vintage Cardi - $34 - Paradox

xoxo,
Sarah