May Wish List

Well, hello May!

I cannot believe how fast the spring is flying! Between work and social commitments, I don't even know where March and April went. From the looks of my calendar, the rest of spring will be just as busy.

I have two weddings, a shower and a bachelorette trip to Nantucket coming up and this month's wish list most definitely reflects my packing and event needs. Nothing says Nantucket like a wicker handbag!

I also found a few bits and bobs for house. All that blue and white vase needs is some gorgeous blue hydrangeas. The gold and white vase is a lovely find from T.J. Maxx that I could display just by itself. I also spotted this adorable silverware caddy that is perfect for outdoor summer entertaining. Now all I need is the grill!

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Shop My May Wish List

Top Picks from the NET-A-PORTER Sale

There are plenty of after Christmas sales to browse but nothing is as epic as the NET-A-PORTER sale. There are thousands of fabulous designer items to wear now and plus plenty of warm weather items to pull out and wear next spring.

These are my top sale picks that you can buy and wear now:

Boots // Dress // Sunglasses // Booties // Grey Top // Ring // Jeans // Sweater
Purple Top // Lace Top // Hat // Bag // Bracelet // Ankle Strap Pumps

Happy Shopping!!

In Love With...Oxblood

Hello again! If you hadn't noticed, I took a bit of a blogger break this month. Lately, I've been feeling a bit uninspired and creating posts seemed more like a chore than a pleasure. After a few week hiatus and some soul searching, I decided to come back to blogging, even if it's only just a few times per week.

I have been obsessed with fashion since I was a young girl and Fashionably Chic is my creative outlet for that love, hence my desire to get back to blogging regularly.

New start, new post? Yes! In Love With... will hopefully become a regular posting here on FC where I can share whatever my current obsession is that week, be it fashion, beauty or lifestyle related.

This week it's all about the blood, oxblood that is. Every few years, the oxblood shade (burgundy really) is the must-have color that season, but let's be honest, does this deep red really ever go out of style? Nope!

It's the perfect shade for the fall and winter and complements beautifully the various shades of black, grey and camel that make up my cold weather wardrobe.

These are my favorite oxblood items to add to my closet and vanity drawers.

Shirt // Shoulder Bag // Lipstick // Sneakers

Earrings // Pants // Eye Shadow // Leather Jacket

Pumps // Bangle // Nail Polish // Tote Bag

Labor Day Style

As we get ready for the last weekend of summer I feel this strange need to pull out all the stops and wear all my favorite summer clothes while I can.

Here's an idea of what I plan on wearing while enjoying the long weekend.

Casual tanks in bright colors

Jean shorts 

A classic bathing suit

A long-sleeved top in case it's chilly by the water

Maxi dress for a summer night out

Cropped white jeans...

...With a striped tee

A hat to protect my pale skin from the sun

Bright, casual flip-flops for the beach

Jacks for when my feet leave the sand

Plus some classic accessories...

Michael Kors Watch

Gold Studs

Link Bracelet

So what are you planning on doing for the holiday weekend?

Dressed Down Chic for the the Weekend

I've been going back and forth about what I can wear on the weekends while running my errands that is comfortable, but still attractive looking. I'm not trying to be a jerk here, but I see women at the grocery store on Sunday morning that look like they wore their pajama's to run errands. And I'm not talking about the pretty silk pajama's from Stella McCartney. They literally look like they rolled out of bed.

So the issue is, how can you run errands on the weekends, without getting all dressed up, but still look put together? I admit, that I am a huge fan of leggings, but I don't consider them pants. I need the top to cover my bum if I am going to go out in a public place that isn't the gym. I don't have a lot of tunic-like tops that go a bit longer, but I think I have to invest in some for the spring and summer. Black leggings, colorful tunic and a pair of cute flats. What do you think?

Another option is to wear the leggings with a light spring jacket on top, so no one knows that you have just leggings underneath. All the credit for this fabulous idea belongs to Carly at College Prep. She did a great post on wearing leggings as pants and she mentioned that while running errands, she just would wear simple leggings and a t-shirt and just throw her long coat on top and no one was the wiser. Very smart!

Another hurdle to weekend errand wear is the lack of makeup. I wear a face of makeup 6 days a week but I like to let my face breath at least one day a week, so Sunday's is a makeup free day if I am just running errands around town and hanging around the house. I admit I hate being seen without makeup on, so I decided to take a page from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and just throw on a pair of dark, oversized sunglasses. Does anyone else do this? Also, do you still wear them when you walk in the store. I prefer to, but I always worry people will think this is strange. 

Does anyone else dress down on the weekends? If so, what do you wear running your errands? I would love some more ideas for cute but casual looks!

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Birthday Wish List

It's my birthday so I felt the need to be a tad selfish and do a post of some of the most coveted items on my wish list.

Capped Toe Flat from C. Wonder

Lanvin Bow Dress

Investing in Quality Clothing & Accessories

I will be the first person to tell you that I have no problem buying something on sale or picking up a cute top from Gap or H&M. Not everything I own is high-end designer and worth $1000. I love to mix stuff up and as long as it's cute and looks good on me, then I'll buy it.

That being said, I am a believer in the idea of spending money on good quality, well designed clothing and accessories that will last. I like to call them "Investment Pieces."

Everyone has different ideas about what items are considered investment pieces. These are my choices that I am personally willing to invest more in.

A Great Trench Coat

A Classic Watch

Leather Pumps in Black & Beige

A Quality Bag

A Tall Leather Boot

Pearl Stud Earrings

Sturdy, High Quality Luggage

What are the key pieces that you think are worth investing in?

Ski Bunny

I am not a huge fan of snow, especially when I am shoveling it or driving in it, but a winter weekend in the mountains does sound tempting, especially if their is a cozy lodge to go back to. Normally when I think of ski clothes, I think big, puffy and unfashionable. It turns out ski outfits can be quite fashionable without having to sacrifice the functional aspects like warmth and protection from the winter elements.

Newly inspired by all the cute ski-wear, I put together some cute outfits.

 

Red & Black

 

Blue & Black

 

If you are like me, and are not exactly a pro skier, you can always retreat to the lodge, sit in front of the fire, and enjoy liquored-up cocoa and a good book.

Winter Getaway

If there is ever a time to head to some place warm, the wintery months of January and February are it, especially for those of us who were not lucky enough to find ourselves someplace tropical over the December holidays.

These are some of the places on my vacation wish list.

One and Only Palmilla Resort

Clothes You Can Wear Now & Later

The months of January and February can be a little tough shopping wise because all of the winter clothing and accessories is put on sale to make room for the spring collections that will soon be arriving.

It’s tempting to scoop up all the sale items, but you end up spending money on items that you will only be able to wear for a couple of more months. Luckily, many “winter” items currently on sale can be great transitional pieces for the spring when you pair them with the right items.

Here are some examples:

Classic Crew Neck Long Sleeved Tee by Lord & Taylor
Available in a bunch of colors, this comfy long sleeved basic T can be worn layered with a blazer or cozy vest for winter, and then worn by itself in the spring.