Stretch It Out

If only Boston wasn’t under feet of snow and this exercise picture could be a reality in my life! Working out is particularly difficult to motivate myself to be consistent with in the winter. Once the chill of the Fall sets in my desire to run outside shrivels and I looks for indoor activities (not that it was a big appetite anyway).

Luckily, there are a lot of great ways to stay active through gyms and classes. I’ve grown to love classes as a way to stay engaged and push myself. When my own desire to sweat and kick butt starts to go, I can count on an instructor to make me drop lower or increase the gage of my bike. Plus all the other attendees in great shape in cute outfits is wonderful inspiration!

Sequins After New Years

I spent New Year’s Eve at the Westin’s party in Boston and had a blast! Men and women were dressed to impress. There was a handsome selection of men in tuxedos and suits with women in every type of dress length and sophistication. I wore a cocktail dress in burgundy with one shoulder. There was sequins on the collar and in a petal pattern down the whole dress.

I especially loved seeing all the sequins dresses on display. A little sparkle is always fun and adds a special touch to an outfit. I admit it made me want to incorporate sequins into my outfits this week!

It’s important to keep a couple of tips in mind when you wear sequins when it’s not a holiday, a trip to Vegas or a night out with the ladies. Here are some ideas to incorporate it into your daily outfits.

1. Wear it as a top or bottom, not both.  To keep your outfits on the more casual side focus on bringing attention to one half. By wearing sequins with cotton or a blend the outfit will look dressed up and dressed down at the same time.

2. Try embellished shirts. A touch can go a long way. Pick tops that have a sequins collar or embroidery on one shoulder. A simple subtle pattern looks beautiful underneath a suit jacket at work and to drinks.

3. Accessorize. Choose a shoe or bag with that is embroidered. It will add a sparkle to your step or a swing of your hand. They won’t overpower your outfit and they are easy to switch out if you need to be more formal for part of the day.

4. Try different colors. While the standard sequins come in black mix it up by choosing brighter colors. Pick a gold, red or silver to lighten an outfit. These colors will pop and can be mixed and matched more easily with other items in your wardrobe.

New Years Preparation

New Years is almost here! It’s the change to pop some bubbly and make resolutions for 2015. (Although, in my case they only last about a week.) One of my favorite ways to usher in the New Year is to go to a party to celebrate with some of my close friends or enjoy one of the big bashes at hotels, bars or resturants in Boston.

It’s a great excuse to buy a new dress and pick one that’s a bit trendier. One of my favorite parts of New Years Eve is looking back on old photos where I’m wearing a terrible trendy outfit that looks outdated by the next year. The height of fashion is frozen in that moment where you are wearing sequins, bows or giant shoulder pads! It’s fun to think you were the cat’s meow for the night.

If you are looking for a trendy outfit this year look no further than the leather trim trend. It’s hot, fun and sure to be one of the looks that memorializes this year. In 2014 leather patches, sleeves and jackets could be seen in every store. The fun number up top has a combination of flashy colors and leather patches. Perfectly trendy and guaranteed to be one of those dresses you love to look back on in a couple years and laugh.

Formal with Flare

When it’s time to dress for more formal occasions it can be hard to find a dress that strikes the balance of classic but still exciting. Especially if you’re not walking down the red carpet or you’re going to an event with your boss.

My favorite type of formal dresses leaves something to the imagination but maintains a touch of sexiness. One of the best ways to do this is to contrast the top and bottom of an outfit by either going tight on the top or bottom but leaving the other section loose.

The dress pictured above shows how effective it can be. The skirt hugs her curves and shows off her waist. The top of the dress has a graceful draping that hints at her shape and bares a bit of shoulder to add a touch of suggestiveness. It’s the type of dress that your boyfriend and your grandmother would think you look great in!

Dressing the Bridesmaids

Being chosen to be a bridesmaid is a great honor. It shows that you are loved, appreciated and one of the special people in the bride’s life. It’s a chance to be a part of every inch of the preparations and ensure her special day goes well.

It’s also a great excuse to buy a new dress. The dream and clique is to get a dress “that you could wear again” but lets be honest, that rarely happens. I love the idea of mismatched gowns that each bridesmaid picks out but in the same color scheme. It’s a chance to show each woman’s personality but still creates a uniform front. Here’s an example fun, formal bridesmaid gown I would love to wear.

Swooning for the Ballet

There is something magical about the words “I’m going to the Ballet.” They words seem to float in the air with sparkles on them, every little girls dream. It’s one of those special occasions to get dressed up and watch ballerina’s effortlessly twirl around the floor. I admit, when I was little I used to dream of being a ballerina. However this promptly ended after I ruined a recital in first grade, much to the laughter of my family.

This week, I attended the Swan Lake Ballet in Boston and was entranced. Everything from the costumes to the decor to the dancers was just perfect. I especially loved Odile’s black swan costume that has over 4,000 crystal jewels. It sparked beautifully and made her movements more dramatic. It was especially memorable when she completed  32 fouetté (whip) turns and the whole audience burst into applause.

I cannot recommend going to see Swan Lake at the Boston Opera House enough.

Lady’s Night

There is something so special about ladies night. It’s a chance to dress up with your friends and for the women in your life. It’s a time to celebrate those special friendships and be able to gossip about anything from the hot new boy to Taylor Swift’s new album.

I use these nights to pull out my bright colors, big hair, feathers (kidding!)… Any dress or accessory that is feminine and over the top is fair game. It’s the opportunity to be outrageous or maybe not wear the tightest clothes but instead go for understated elegance. How do you dress for your ladies nights?

Happy Halloween!

 

Happy Halloween! I don’t think you can ever be too old to celebrate or get into the spirit. I’m planning to attend a couple of parties planned this weekend with friends and I can’t wait to get dressed up. However, I must admit, I am TERRIBLE at picking out costumes. I change my mind at least 5 times each year and even at the end it’s different from my initial thought 2 hours before.

This drawing was inspired by dressing up to be a red carpet celebrity for the night. I hope everyone has a wonderful, candy filled night!

Cheering at Head of the Charles

 

What a perfect weekend for Head of the Charles! It’s great for the rowers by not being too hot as they work to win their races. Spectators are happy because it’s easy to walk around the Charles River. The banks are full of people cheering on the rowers with contagious excitement. Over by Harvard there is always a long row of tents with free food and gear that you can buy. I love trying all the samples. I’ve gone every year since high school and always have a good time. I can’t wait to cheer on the rowers again this year!

 

 

Black Tie Season

The season for black tie events always starts to ramp up in October. On weekends you bump into glamorous women with sophisticated up-dos and killer dresses that make legs look like they go on for miles. A slit down the front of a gown is one of my favorite cuts for a formal dress. The peek-a-boo leg when your standing still adds a little sexy touch but once you start moving it enhances the whole outfit.