This Week's Facts: Milk Was A Bad Choice

(via The Honey Pot)

• Fashionista lists job interview wardrobe staples.
• Refinery29 features the best ways to wear stripes this summer.
• Cheap Chicas tries (and fails) to convince me that shorts are OK for work (maybe some places, but not really here - though I totally wish! It's so dang hot).
• WhoWhatWear spotlights Rosie Huntington-Whitely's flawless style.
• ScoutMob and Gilt City both made their DC debut. Check out the sites for awesome deals.
• Wardrobe Oxygen gives a rundown of last week's Swapaholics Sip and Swap event in DC.
• Check out my guest post over at Cardigans and Couture!

This Week's Facts

My favorite look so far from the Duchess of Cambridge's trip: this pale Joseph dress and tweed jacket. (via Fashionista)

• Cheap Chicas tells us how to change up the look of a maxi by adding a sweater or denim jacket.
• The American Medical Association denounces the overuse of Photoshop for contributing to "unrealistic expectations" of body image, NYDN reports.
• The lovely ladies behind TheOutnet.com put together outfits for any occasion for T Magazine.
• dknyprgirl picks her Fall must-haves over on her new Tumblr. All I know is, a cape must make its way into my closet this fall.
• Trend to try: the double cuff. 
• House of Harlow releases some super chic handbags and clutches. Peep the collection at Refinery29.
• ICYMI: Forever 21 tried to shut down the hil-AR-ious blog WTForever21, but failed. The blog is back - so if you haven't already, check it out!
• FabSugar has recreated five of the best 2012 Resort looks on the cheap.
• Beauty on a budget? Fashionista has some at-home spa treatments for broke babes out there.
• The New York Times sponsors a debate over when and why did bold nail polish trends go mainstream? Do you wear bright nails to the office?
• Refinery29 features drugstore beauty buys that are just as good as your department store finds.
• I always thought I was so smart drinking Diet Coke, but it turns out it is not helpful for weight loss. Boo, FitSugar, thanks for ruining my Friday.
• Will I see you tomorrow at the Bitches Who Brunch Summer Brunch Soiree?

Fashion Facts: Read, White and Blue

Emma Stone is my girl crush. I will definitely be picking up this issue of Vanity Fair.

• Hilarious: Crushable wonders what it would be like if adults read American Girl magazine. (We used to read the Help! section and make fun of it ALL THE TIME at camp.)
• Who What Wear picks their summer beauty essentials.
• FamousDC says that Lindsay Lohan is now pimping out her Twitter with political ads for $3500. Guess she needs to pay off those debts somehow.
• Have you heard about StyleMint, the Olsen twins' new T-shirt collection? Sign up for awesome T-shirts based on your personal style. Get a sneak peek at the collection over at Fashionista.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!

This Week's Facts: Blue and blazing

Hilary Rhoda looking FABULOUS in cobalt. (via FabSugar)

• FabSugar recreated model Hilary Rhoda's Topshop look. FYI - her Proenza Schouler purse cost nearly 9 times as much as the dress!
• Always lusted after your very own Hermes handbag? Check out what a Kelly looks like deconstructed on Styleite.
• I don't know about you, but it's sort of hard to be fashionably creative when it's hot as blazes out. Refinery29 takes some of the hard work out of summer outfit planning.
• DC's own Tucker Blair has partnered with the always-cool Opening Ceremony on a collection of needlepoint belts, reports Fashionista. Nantucket prep meets downtown cool. I love it.
• Get away with beautiful beachy looks at coco+kelly.
• Cheap Chicas shows you how to style your boyfriend's button down.
• Peep the Banana Republic collaboration with Mad Men's costume designer at The Cut. General Twitter consensus is meh - some highlights and some terrible fabric choices. And is it just me or is this like... a couple years delayed?
• Money burning a hole in your pocket? Zara's annual sale starts today!
• Shots are up from the DCFABB happy hour on my BFF Liz's blog So Much to Smile About. Who's that hot tall blonde in the last shot? ;)
• Win $100 to Shopbop over at I Heart Heels.

This Week's Facts:

Best dressed of the week: Jennifer Lopez's nude/sparkle combo. PS love the shoes, but not necessarily with this outfit. (Credit: The Cut)

• The Cut wonders who is behind Michelle Obama's evolving style.
• Speaking of, add this to the "to-read" list: "Power Dressing: First Ladies, Women Politicians and Fashion," a book about how women dress to execute political strategies. Right up my alley.
• Move over, Alexa Chung. There's a new class of Fashion It Girls in town. 
• Elements of Style has proved me with my fashion inspiration for... the rest of my life. Check out these gorgeous shots of Francoise Hardy and Jane Birkin and be inspired yourself.
• Pretty party inspiration from Cupcakes and Cashmere...
• Lacking jewelry organization? There are some adorable solutions to this age-old problem out there, like these tea cups from Because I'm Addicted and this file cabinet-cum-jewelry dresser at Project Beltway.
• Lots of great DIY projects this week: a woven chain bracelet from Stripes and Sequins, a Lanvin pearl drop necklace from ...Love Maegan and disco tassel earrings from WhoWhatWear.
• Need some party snacks to bring to your Super Bowl get-together? How about Oreo Balls from One Bite at a Time, Chimmichurri Chicken Wings from Thrillist or my go-to, Hungry Girl's Spinach Dip!

This Week's Facts: Puppy in an Hermes scarf

Best dressed of the week: these French dogs in Hermes scarves. (via ilovemyscarf.com)

• Link of the week: Stripes and Sequins shows us how to make our very own tassel earrings. I need to get to a craft store stat.
• Run, don't walk, to check out this new site, The Coveted, which takes a look at what inspires cultural influencers and their personal style. My fave? Harper's Bazaar Senior Fashion Markets Editor Joanna Hillman's picks. 
• But wait, you're saying. Isn't there already a wonderful fashion blog called The Coveted? Read about the naming controversy at Racked. (My two cents? They definitely should have picked a different name.)
• Wedding awesomeness: Check out Anthropologie's new wedding project, www.bhldn.com, and a new line that would actually get me to consider buying my dress at David's Bridal - White by Vera Wang.
• Check out this nifty list of 50 closet classics from a glamorous little side project.
• Love this how-to for wearing color to work from FabSugar. These looks completely wearable even in the sometimes stodgy, ultra-conservative DC.
• I've raved about Eddie Borgo's gorgeous jewelry... And WhoWhatWear loves him too. Now, if only there were a holiday coming up where men typically give women jewelry... (wink wink, fiance).
• Jezebel has an expose of sorts on Forever 21's shady design practices. I try not to feature their clothes too regularly due to their copyright issues, but sometimes I can't help it. This girl loves a bargain...
• Fashionista examines what trends stuck from the fall runways, and what didn't. And check out style.com's list of spring trends you must embrace.
• Shoe porn: Apartment Therapy gives us a glimpse inside some celebrity closets.
• Grammar Nazi Alert: This Wet Seal T-shirt has been making the rounds on the Internet due to its lack of grammar and yet it's STILL BEING SOLD. Ick.

This Week's Facts: Bear down!

This week's best dressed: Selena Gomez's bold orange gown at the Golden Globes after party and Emma Stone's amazing Balenciaga at the Critics Choice Awards. (Credits: FabSugar/FabSugar)

What's up, friends? Hope y'all have some fun plans for the weekend! This Sunday, I'll be cheering on the Bears as they take on the Packers at Soldier Field. Bear down!

Here's what I was reading/loving this week.

• I ran through my favorite Golden Globes fashion earlier this week, but FabSugar has some of the best looks from the After Parties. Camilla Belle, Selena Gomez and Cat Deeley rocked it.
• This week, Rent the Runway debuted Rent the Runway weddings... perfect for wear-em-once bridesmaids dresses and other necessary party frocks. Brillz!
• I'm loving NYT's What I Wore feature. This week, the pub featured author Sloane Crossley's casual cool wardrobe. If you haven't read her book, I Was Told There'd Be Cake, you must.
• For your daily dose of adorable this week, check out this amazing photo spread in honor of MLK Day over at the Bride's Cafe.
• Did you love Claire Danes' pretty pink look at the Golden Globes? You're in luck - Honeysuckle pink is the color of the year. So Much to Smile About and Wardrobe Diaries have some lovely inspiration to help you plan your pink wardrobe.
• I know, I know - Enough with spring until it starts warming up, right? But I can't resist. I'm looking forward to spring trends as much as WhoWhatWear is.

This Week's Facts: January 14, 2011

Best dressed of the week: Rachel McAdams in Suno S/S 2011 (despite major sideboob) and Charlotte Olympia pumps and Lauren Conrad, with her beautiful, freshly dyed locks, in a Quail dress and Jimmy Choo shoes. (Credit: Fashionista/Glamour)

• Wardrobe Diaries lists ten wardrobe staples. Is anything missing? (Personally, I'd opt for a black sheath over a grey, plaid one).
• Love this Sartorialist look recreated by Style Within Reach. 
• The Cut showcases a new H&M line by Swedish fashion blogger Elin Kling. It's minimalistic, simple and oh-so-swoon-worthy. And only in Sweden. Drat.
• Check out Katie Holmes for Ann Taylor, Rumer Willis for Badgley Mischka and Natalie Portman for Dior over at Fashionista.
• Rachel Zoe is finally designing her own line, but it looks like she may or may not have copied a vintage dress for her collection. Refinery29 has the deets.
• It's no secret I love shopping for pieces that work day and night. Shopbop has some ideas on how to rock that dress during work hours and happy hour.
• Bright, contrasting separates are huge for spring. Wit & Whimsy put together three fun outfits to show you how to wear the trend.
• Tim Gunn is teaming up with Weight Watchers to help encourage and dress women with their new, fabulous bodies, StyleBistro reports.
• Scientists have released a study saying a veggie-rich diet can make you more attractive, TIME reports. The cartenoids found in greens and other vegetables make your skin glow! Who just ran out to the nearest Whole Foods?

This Week's Facts: A lot of reading, not a lot of blogging

Favorite look of the week: K. Bell in h-to-t Ferragamo - rocking the 70s look. (Credit: Poshglam)

• DC women, rejoice: Lady Lux declares pre-fall 2011 the season of the "working woman."
• Wardrobe Diaries brings stripes to the workplace.
• OK, it's super cold out. But we can't be incommunicado! Modeaux has a great DIY for texting gloves. I'm totally making these.
• Am I the only one who is so over winter? Shopbop has spring trends you can wear now. Also check out Refinery29's best colors for spring!
• Speaking of spring, I love Meghan's picks for her spring must-haves over at Wit and Whimsy. I need me a cuff now!
• While we're looking forward, FabSugar has some of the best Spring 2011 collaborations you can look forward to. The stylish site also deemed "designer for less" the biggest headline of 2010. I know I agree!
• Got a bad Christmas present burning a hole in your pocket? The Cut says stores are making it easier to return sucky gifts.
• New York Times' Cathy Hornyn has 10 looks that should stay in 2010. Skulls, drapey skirts and trapper hits make the list. Do you agree?
• Fashion is a lot like Disney movies, Man Repeller says.
• Yes, the holidays are over, but this holiday shoot from Kate Spade, featuring talented artist Dallas Shaw, is to die for. Check it out at Style Me Pretty (the most inspirational wedding blog ever).
• It's Friday. I know ya'll need something to smile about. Check out Cute Overload's Top Ten Cutest of 2010!
• PS If you didn't buy these amazing Chanel-esque flats from Gap, you might be the only person on the planet. (To read more about my hunt for the perfect flat, click here).

I'm FINALLY recovering from my lovely little sinus infection, but as a result of this bout with illness, I was a bit lazy in the blogging/cleaning the apartment/working out department. But I'm not writing 2011. I've got a hot date with a three-miler tomorrow, and tonight, I satisfied my goal of cooking something new once a week by making David Tanis' wild mushroom ragout. I used polenta instead of ziti and it was delicious! I recommend it.

Do you all have any fun weekend plans?

This Week's Facts: The Happy New Year edition

Happy New Year, mes amis! I hope you are all kicking off the new year establishing precedents for the year to come: healthy choices, fabulous outfits and fun activities. 

(Hopefully, my day is not a harbinger of the year to come: sick! But at least I've been able to get caught up on blogging!)

(Credit: Fashionista)

• The blogosphere is officially spazzing out about these gorgeous pictures of Olivia Palermo from Vogue Spain. And I'm not going to lie, I am too. Plus, she's starting her own fashion line! Love or hate her, you can't deny her fabulous fashion sense.
• Speaking of Olivia Palermo, Frugal Fashionista features some of her best looks from 2010.
• In the new year, make sure your style reflects you - and not only trends/what's popular on Chictopia. StyleBiz has questions to ask yourself to make sure you are staying true to yourself.
• Out with the old, in with the new: Refinery29 has a list of the top trends for 2011.
• Already missing 2010? Fashionista has some of the best glossy covers from the year that was.
• Need something aspirational for 2011? The New York Times featured a debutante who has quite the resume: youngest registered lobbyist, contributing author, founder of a travel website and sophomore at Johns Hopkins. Plus, she's wearing Vionnet. Try not to cry out of jealousy.
• Finally, something to think about when writing your resolutions: the Internet is the new court of shame. Just a reminder to try not to do anything in life that you wouldn't mind being broadcast all over the web.

This Week's Facts: It's beginning to look a lot...

LIKE CHRISTMAS! I hope you are all celebrating in your own wonderful ways.

Coming to you live from Louisiana... my first Christmas without my immediate family, but the Fiance's family - my new family! The weather down here is much better (read: warmer) than DC, and we're having a great time!

And now, for the best news from the web of the week:

Credit: Refinery29 and Cheap Chicas

• My favorite looks of the week: Michelle Williams looking adorable in Azzaro and Jennifer Hudson looking festive and svelte in Lanvin. I ogled this Azzaro dress during Paris Fashion Week in September, and Michelle couldn't look more amazing in it. Plus, I think that Lanvin dress needs to get in my closet. Like, now.
• The year-end wrap-up lists started December 1, but here are some of my favorites: the 30 most stylish people of the year, from Fashionista; the fashion year in review from Refinery29; and the worst fashion of the year from Wonderwall. Also be sure to check out Refinery29's top trends for 2011.
• In case you missed it: The apparent boyfriend of a very spoiled girl with very good taste left her Christmas list on the train, and Velvet in Dupont provided commentary. "Whatever the newest Chanel makeup is (as long as I don't have it already)" - because most boyfriends know exactly what makeup their girlfriends wear. Sheesh. (Meanwhile, I shared my wish list here - not so bad in comparison, right?)
• Still can't find the perfect New Year's Eve outfit? WhoWhatWear tells you how to make your very own feathered skirt - you'll be the flyest girl there (get it?).
• Finally, since it is Christmas Eve and all, you must check out The Digital Story of the Nativity. So fun for Christians and non-Christians alike.

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

This Week's Facts: A Kardashian Kristmas

Source: GoFugYourself

• Not everyone gets to wear Pucci or Alexander McQueen in their Christmas cards. The Kardashians, however, do. And while I would kill for Khloe's Monique Lhuillier gown, I can't help but chuckle at this over-the-top photo and at the Fug Girls' commentary on it. 
• Speaking of the Kardashians, can we please talk about Kim's tweet from yesterday? And I quote: "The lightening flashed and Khloe and I thought it was camera flashes!" Fame whore much? Sorry, I just had to comment on the ridiculousness of that tweet.
• Ok, one last Kardashian tweet (I swear I don't devote this much thought to them normally): The New York Times totally trashed their new Dash store. This is a little old news, but you have to read the critique - talk about me-ow.

OK, now on to the real news...

• I am a HUGE fan of my Pureology shampoo, which is sulfate-free. I credit it with helping my hair recover from several months of bad self-dye jobs. It's not cheap, but it's worth it. Fashionista rounds up the best sulfate-free hair products.
• UBS Bank has a super intense dress code - we're talking 43 pages of helpful hints that include no roots, no eating garlic or onions, and touch up your perfume after lunch. Wall Street Journal has the scoop on dressing with "Swiss precision."
• "The striped t-shirt is the paperclip of personal style," says Chance designer Julia Leach. Um, hello? Could it be anymore me? Thanks to Stripes and Sequins for pointing out this amazing new label.
• Middleton mania continues. Designers like Lagerfeld and Lacroix sketch wedding dresses for the future princess, and Fashionista has the gorgeous gowns.
• Pearls are apparently becoming all-too common, due to manmade innovation, and dealers are struggling to keep prices high, The New York Times reports.
• Glamazon Diaries put together the perfect gift list for the Foodie Fashionista. Love it!

This Week's Martafacts: Tickle me Tibi

(Credit: Style Within Reach)

• Style Within Reach was smitten with Tibi's full-length, sparkly confections, and so am I! 
• If you're not reading Wardrobe Diaries daily, you should be. Check out their awesome primer on how to wear neutral tones.
• I am Lanvin-for-H&M-less. Did any of you score any goods? While I wallow, color me excited about Karl Lagerfeld's impending line for Macy's (the first time you'll hear me saying nice things about my least favorite department store). Designer collabs I'm not so excited about? William Rast for Target.
• While I'll never say no to a good statement necklace, I'm loving the mile-long statement earring trend. WhoWhatWear's got the goods.
• It's about to be holiday party season! I myself have exactly three happy hours and events to attend tomorrow night. Do you have your outfits picked out? Glamour tells you what NOT to wear to your office party.
• I'm sure you've read all about princess-to-be Kate Middleton's fabfabFAB Issa dress that she wore to their engagement announcement (and probably hunted to find one similar to it, to no avail). Now read all about the designer.
• And finally, I'm tickled pink (or white, as it were) that Jason Wu will be designing bridal for Net-A-Porter. Can't wait to see the collection!

Monday's Facts: I need a nap

(Credit: Acting Like Animals)

• Last week, I discussed the female politician fashion void. The New York Times had a very interesting piece on the same topic, comparing the standard Hillary Clinton way of dressing (basic power suit) and the dressier Sarah Palin style. Does a sense of style make a female politician seem unfocused on the issues? And is the double standard for men and women real? This is a must-read.
• Refinery29 has an awesome fall handbag guide.
• Harry Potter geek meets fashion geek: Looks like Harry Potter's fashion designer ripped off McQueen (but you can't deny that it's a pretty brilliant choice for the wizarding world).
• Over at New York Magazine's Vulture blog, the Fug Girl rate Kelly Kapoor's looks on The Office. Hilarious.
• Also hilarious? This pregnant Rachel Zoe parody. Thanks for the tip off, Project Beltway.

Friday's Facts: It's a mad world

Eat zero carbs and you might be able to look like Adriana Lima. (Picture via Oh No They Didn't)

• Are you already depressed Mad Men is over for, like, nine months? I am. Thankfully, Fashionista has a fashion retrospective of the ladies of Sterling Cooper Draper Price.
• Also from Fashionista: Fashion-themed Halloween costumes. Do you know what you're dressing as next weekend?
• The last of the fashion week round-ups: Fashionista (again) compiled their top 20 looks from Spring 2011 Fashion Month and Refinery29 has the top 20 dresses. Gorgeous!
• In diffusion and collaboration news: Derek Lam wants to do a diffusion line with someone like Topshop, WWD reports (via The Cut).
• Wall Street Journal has a slideshow of Hong Kong's highest heels. 15 cm Alexander McQueen heels came in at the tallest! The bigger they are, the harder you fall...
• I thought I'd continue this week's mini-school theme. Today's subject: English. WSJ has a lesson in in brevity.
• And the most depressing, sobering news of the week: Adriana Lima eats zero carbs before a Victoria's Secret runway show, The Cut reports. So I'll just blame carbs for me not looking like Adriana Lima. (Seriously, though? ZERO CARBS? I'd die).

Thursday's Facts: Here comes the...

More Lanvin for H&M! Thank you, Fashionista, for the sneak peek.

• In addition to featuring a new ad shot from Lanvin for H&M (florals! swoon), Fashionista reports that NY's Pierre hotel will play host to a fashion show for the collaboration line on November 18. Where do I get tickets?
• Tory Burch is fashion's new power woman, Forbes claims. How she juggles her company's growth plans, her family and the rest of her fabulous life.
• Yesterday, we had an econ lesson, and today, it's history. WSJ has a history of eccentric fashion. 
• Typically, wearing any shade of white, off-white, cream or ivory to a wedding - unless you are the bride - is a no-no. But Amanda Hearst looks amazing in this Valentino Haute Couture number, and I Heart Heels agrees. What do you think? Faux pas or so sweet?
• Speaking of weddings, Fitnessista is helping all brides look fabulous on their big days with a Bridal Bootcamp training plan. I'm starting this weekend!

Wednesday's Facts: Hard news

• Tall ladies and comfort seekers rejoice! Mid-heels, low heels and kitten heels are more popular than ever, the New York Post reports.
• More people let pervy Terry Richardson take pictures of them looking smutty. Here, Lea Michele, Diana Agron and Cory Monteith fall victim, looking like low-budg porn stars in a poorly planned GQ shoot.
• Today's econ lesson: How First Lady Michelle Obama moves markets, from Harvard Business Review. The conclusion is this: few other celebrities or influencers can move company stock prices like Mrs. O.

Tuesday's Facts: La-la-Lanvin

Could it be? (Credit: Fashionista)

• The rumor going around the interwebs is that the above photo is a preview of Lanvin for H&M. If so, I'm loving it!
• Classic clothes that fit are a smarter addition to any wardrobe than any trendy item. Budget Fashionista has tips on how to find clothes that fit and flatter.
• CelebStyleGuide has ten investment pieces you should buy now, including Fendi's iconic Peek-A-Boo bag.
• Need some cute outfit ideas? Refinery29 helps you brainstorm with tips, key pieces and adorable looks.
• Next Thursday, I'm headed to fashion:district - a fabulous social event featuring fashion show, pop-up shops and art installations. Want to come? Buy your ticket here!

Monday's Facts: Squash and roll

Fall produce: both tasty and representative of female body types. (Credit: C'est La Vegan)

It's officially fall when sustained temperatures don't rise much higher than the mid 60s and when you start seeing colorful leaves on the ground. This weekend, I finally was able to bust about my H&M poncho that's been hanging in my closet, waiting for cooler weather. 


But being more than sweater weather, fall to me means chili and delicious recipes featuring squash and apples as the main ingredients. I'll be adventuring with some butternut squash lasagna and butternut squash fries this week (after hunting down butternut squash on 3 separate grocery trips - I guess everyone in DC likes the squash as much as me!).


And other bloggers are getting in on the fall fun. Read on:

• It's almost time for holiday party season (crazy, I know). Cheap Chica's Guide to Style has some fabulous sparkly shift dresses for all your seasonal soirees.
• Also thinking seasonally? Refinery29, which presents you with their "Massive Fall Sweater Shopping Guide." Think stripes, Fair Isle and fringe this fall.
• StyleList tells us how to wear fur and faux fur this fall - including what to look for when shopping and how to accessorize a hairy creation.
• Work-fashion blog Corporette has some tips on how to dress for your body type.
• Big DC fashion news: Anthropologie is opening an accessories-only store - a huge space - in Chevy Chase on October 29, WWD reports.
• Sometimes, I watch CW TV shoes, and I get the idea that they are just letting the actors wear whatever they want. Exhibit A: 90120's Gillian Zinser, aka Ivy, whose personal style WhoWhatWear features as girl of the month. Exhibit B: The rest of the female cast of 90210. Exhibit C: Little J from Gossip Girl.

Friday's Facts: Hooray for four-day!

 Friday already? Wow, that snuck up on me. Here are some great blogs from around the 'sphere to catch up on if you, unlike me, have a relaxing Friday at work.

• Analyzing DC's "Fashion Complex": a truthful look at DC's oft-squandered style potential from April's PR Wrap Sheet. (h/t DCblogs for this great find)
• Can a career girl wear a midi skirt to the office? Vogue thinks so. Is this too costume-y or precious for the DC scene? Jury's still out for me.
• Matthew Williamson, he of the fabulous prints and beautiful caftans, will be launching a diffusion line in fall 2011, The Cut reports. I'll be counting down the days.
• When it comes to Gossip Girl, I've always much preferred Blair's Park Avenue perfection to Serena's UESlutty style (I wouldn't be caught dead in most of what Vanessa wears... minus this amazing Reem Acra). And this season, I really think the costumer's have upgraded the wardrobe of the newest member of Columbia's Hamilton House. College Fashion tells you how to attain the Blair look.
• InStyle tells us how to take our personal style - whether classic, sexy, edgy, feminine or fab - and make it better. But what if you're a little bit of all five, as I think we all are?
• After some beautiful, Indian Summer weather, we're back to colder weather. Refinery29 has some great sweater dresses to warm up to fall with.