Cheap Summer Chic

I feel the same way about inexpensive summer jewelry as I do about inexpensive summer sandals: more is better.

Everything under $50.00.

Effortless Chic of the Day

I love this.  It's just enough.

Pass the peas

We have an event with Carla from Top Chef this Saturday. I've been dreaming about her peas since the show, and can't wait to meet her this weekend. I could also kill that chick who cooked with her in the finale-- she was totally robbed.

Hootie hoo!

Dinner party

So, my dear friend is turning 3-0 next Monday, and we're planning a super fancy dinner party in her honor on Sunday night. Keep in mind it's only going to be 5 girls (and maybe one lone, poor, poor, unfortunate dude).

I've always wanted to do something like this, and I already have the dress and heels picked out. Friends are handling the food, so I'm working on the over-the-top glam tabletop and decor. A few ideas:

Effortless chic of the day

(Image via)

It's rainy and cold again in Charlottesville. I want her scarf.

2 months and counting

I turn 30 in exactly two months. Scream.

I think something from this store window would help to ease the transition.

(Image via a paris apartment)

K-mart Update

So. I've worn 3 of my 4 recent K-mart purchases and have received compliments on everything. I mean, telling someone your dress is a straight up blue light special is, well, priceless.

Here's a real shot of my dressing room from last week. Go!

Urban (Effortless) Chic

You know, status updates on MyFace generally drive me completely and totally insane. However, every once in awhile, a well placed update on your mini-feed can cause you to blow off work early, throw a toothbrush in your bag and drive two hours for a fun night of shopping, a bottle of wine with friends and an EARLY morning drive back home.

Thanks to Erin and the super stylish posse at Urban Chic for a great night of colorful spring attire, introducing me to the most flattering pair of shorts I've ever seen and a fun, impromptu trip out of C'ville.

xoxo!

The jumpsuit! So cute in person, love it with the boyfriend blazer.

My sister, being a good size 2 try-on monkey, loved it too.

This pair of shorts by Shoshanna might be the most flattering pair of shorts ever created. My sister may be little, but even finding flattering shorts on her small frame can be tough. The high waist and slightly flared leg + cuff would work definitely for more sizes than just a 2. Call our girl Erin, she'll hook you up.

By far the universal fav and best dress of the night-- pink party dress by Chloe and Reese. They were out of her size, but as you can hopefully tell from my poor photography, it's straight adorable. Best part of all-- no spanx required. It comes in multiple colors and can be easily worn year round. Also check the full-mini skirts, especially in peacock color. Per U.Chic's suggestion--would be perfect with a grey tee and gladiator heels. Agreed.

A classic-- perfect for daytime event or work.

Weekend chic, breezy, comfortable-- good for a hot day outside drinking margs at Lauriol Plaza. Oh, how I miss that place.

This is the kind of dress that's always good to have. Black, flattering, just trendy enough, can compensate for a little weight gainage (thank you belt and sleeve detail) and can go day, night, up, down, backwards and forwards.

Effortless Chic of the Day

(Images via)

Say what you will, but I think I could use a low-level dose of whatever Katie Holmes is on, as she just looks flat amazing these days. Also, please note her flawless eye make-up. I have been trying to line my eyes for years, but end up looking more like a 7th grader at the mall. Wonder what she uses...

Native American Bling

A reader emailed me about this bracelet I posted about a month or so ago, and it revived my obsessive search for (affordable... for me) Native American turquoise jewelry. A few finds:

Zuni Ring, $73.00

Zuni Earrings, $254.00

Navajo Emerald Turquoise Earrings, $115.00

Navajo Squash Blossom Necklace + Earrings, $550.00

Faux Navajo Cuff, but only $19.99

Real Navajo Cuff, $297.00

Zuni Earrings, $179.99

Recent inspiration:

I'd totally love to own a few pieces, especially for summer. Nothing is better with turquoise than a solid tan. Plus, I feel like I can justify this purchase as "historic preservation"-- well, maybe all except the $19.99 bracelet. That one might go to Taiwan.

Re-activate NEW search of the internet... now

So I found the shoes. For the record, I did manage to find them in under five minutes (not sure if that's something to brag about or reveals just how much time I spend shopping online). However, at $770 bones, I'm not sure this pair of gladiator awesomeness is in my immediate future. Boo!

Maybe Rachel Zoe has found a look-a-like on Piper Lime? And go...

Pony time

We came, we saw, we cheered, we drank, we fried.   We had a great time. 

Here are a few fun polaroids from this weekend's Foxfield Races-- I wish I had more shots of the preppy mob, however, the 3 hours we spent stuck in the epic race traffic prevented extra time for ridiculous people photo hunting.

I need another weekend day!

Have a great weekend

(Image via)

At last, the weekend and the hot weather are both finally here. Heading to Foxfield tomorrow for some tailgating, tanning, pony racing and absolutely outrageous undergraduate people watching. If you've never been before, imagine Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, chicken bones, warm Aristocrat vodka, badly sunburned skin, Wayfarers, rainbow flops, ponies and 1,000 cops all mixed together for an event I'm not sure if I would classify as classy with a "c" or a "k". Will be sure to post some amazing crowd shots on Monday and let you decide.

Also, special thanks to the girls at Urban Chic for a fun time last night. More on that later, but for now, ciao bellas!