Mint Condition

It's another dreary day in Kentucky but I'm wearing a mint sweater to brighten things up.  Mint is one of the biggest color trends for Spring and I say bring it on.  I can't believe it's almost March and St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner.  As a friend and I were discussing yesterday, time really does go by faster the older you get.  I truly believe you are only as old as you feel, and even though in my head I always think I am 22, some days I feel 16 and some days I feel 55.  Anywho, mint totally passes for wearing green and this year I will be rocking some shade of it. 

Today I'm wearing mint on mint.  I would love to try this pretty nail polish and these sunglasses this Spring.


Banana Republic sunglasses
essie nailpolish
me in a Gap sweater and Forever21 necklace

This polka dot sweater could be worn now with jeans and later with white shorts.  I love the look of this spiked leather cuff and would wear it out, even though it looks kind of dangerous.  This clutch and these flats are easy ways to add a pop of mint to your outfit.

Lucca Couture sweater
Tobi cuff
Lulu envelope clutch
Sam Edelman flats

Mint statement jewelry is so easy to find these days, like this necklace below.  I would wear this shift dress through summer with nude pumps.  This long sleeve top feeds my peplum obsession and is a pretty shade of mint.  I'm going to try to catch my go-to Gap skinny jeans on sale in this color (I rarely pay full price for jeans).  I'm loving the classic shape of this satchel purse and that it has a longer strap if you want to carry it on your shoulder or convert to a cross-body.

Sosie necklace
H&M dress
Tobi peplum top
Gap jeans
Kate Spade satchel

Here's some celebs rocking the color.  How are you going to wear mint?

Lily Collins in a Marni dress
Cameron Diaz in Rag & Bone jeans
Kendall Jenner in a mint top



Best and Worst Dressed- Oscars 2013

I was so looking forward to the Oscars this year, anxiously awaiting for the red carpet to begin last night.  I stayed up way too late to watch the entire show, and while the show itself was pretty boring, I must say that overall, the fashion did not disappoint.  The first one to arrive was Jessica Chastain and I was immediately in awe.  This color on her was amazing and she looked so confident and sexy.  Amanda Seyfried and Amy Adams also looked beautiful in their soft gowns.


Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive
Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen
Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

 Besides Jessica's arrival, another Wow moment for me was seeing Naomi Watts.  She was also in Armani Prive, so if I ever go to the Oscars, I have already decided I'm wearing Armani Prive.  I liked Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton, but I loved her hair and makeup even more.  She was just glowing on the red carpet and was so easygoing and happy during her interviews that I can't help but love her.  Once again, Jennifer Garner brought it, this time in Gucci.  This color is gorgeous and that necklace is beyond amazing.


Naomi Watts in Armani Prive
Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton
Jennifer Garner in Gucci 

Several stars chose white, and these three were among my favorites.  Zoe Saldana is always a little quirky but it works for her.  Jennifer Lawrence def came dressed to win.  She's been wearing Dior all awards season so that was no surprise.  I can't help but wonder what she would have worn if she wasn't an ambassador for Dior and could wear anything she wanted.  I think she would have dressed a little younger and sexier, and part of me wishes she would have switched up designers a bit.  I don't like Charlize Theron's short hair but you know how I love peplum, so I loved her in this dress.


Zoe Saldana in Alexis Mabille Couture
Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture
Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture

There wasn't much color on the red carpet at all last night, and even though these stars chose black, their looks were anything but boring.


Left:  Samantha Barks in Valentino
Nicole Kidman in L'Wren Scott
Center: Stacy Keibler in Naeem Khan
Right: Halle Berry in Versace
Sandra Bullock in Elie Saab

My worst list begins with Helen Hunt in wrinkled H&M.  I love H&M as much as the next girl but not for the Oscars!  She was a best actress nominee and could have worn anything she wanted, so this was a huge missed opportunity on her part.  Salma Hayek's choice was also questionable, as her dress is not flattering on her body type and the hairdo is terrible.  Jennifer Aniston's choice was not awful, I just think she could have done something more interesting.

Helen Hunt in H&M
Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen
Jennifer Aniston in Valentino

Catherine Zeta-Jones looked gorgeous but something about this dress bothered me.  Something about the shape of it is a little off.  Poor Melissa McCarthy never gets it right.  She finds the most unflattering dresses for her body and wears them.  I think she should look to Octavia Spencer, who knows how to dress her curves, and try to be more like her.  Melissa's wind-blown look hairstyle is also unfortunate, but on the bright side, next to Helena Bonham Carter, she doesn't look so bad.  Helena purposely tries to be on the worst dressed list, so congrats Helena, you are on it. 

Catherine Zeta-Jones in Zuhair Murad
Melissa McCarthy in David Meister
Helena Bonham Carter in Vivienne Westwood


Like everyone else, I couldn't wait to see what Anne Hathaway was wearing.  I first saw this dress from the back, and I held my breath as she turned around, and then...confusion.  Hmm, well that is interesting placement for those seams.  Really I don't think this dress was completely terrible, I was just disappointed that I wasn't 'wowed' by her like I have been in Oscars past.  Does Rachel Zoe not style her (or anyone) anymore?  Who is her stylist? Someone fill me in.


Anne Hathaway in Prada

 So since I didn't pick one best dressed for the Oscars, I decided to pick an 'overall' awards season favorite and that goes to Naomi Watts.   All three of her looks were totally different but she was perfection in each of them. 


At the Golden Globes in Zac Posen
At the SAG Awards in Marchesa
At the Oscars in Armani Prive



Countdown to Oscar Night

As Oscar night quickly approaches (just a couple of days away), I started thinking about my favorite Oscar dresses of all time.  The first one that came to my head was Julia Roberts in vintage Valentino.  To me, this is the most iconic Oscar dress ever.  I think part of what makes this gown (and all of the other ones on my list of favorites) so memorable is that it is timeless.   All of the gowns included on my list are elegant, glamorous and make the women wearing them truly look like movie stars.

Julia Roberts in Valentino, 2001

I was so obsessed with this Vera Wang dress Keira Knightley wore in 2006, that it was the starting point for my wedding dress search.  I wanted a dress like that in white.  I didn't end up with exactly the same dress, but the silhouette is very similar.  I should have practiced her red carpet pose for my wedding pics.

Keira Knightley in Vera Wang, 2006
me in Pronovias

I think if you wear red, it needs to be an uh-mazing, stunning red carpet moment.  These women certainly made their statements in these unforgettable gowns.

Heidi Klum in Dior, 2008
Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga, 2007

I was discussing my list with a friend and we kept thinking of more dresses to add. It was hard to narrow it down, but here are some other gorgeous looks from past Oscar red carpets. 

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad, 2012
Sandra Bullock in Marchesa, 2010
Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive, 2009

Charlize Theron in Gucci, 2004
Kate Hudson in Versace, 2003
Penelope Cruz in Versace, 2007

Jessica Alba in Versace, 2006
Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford, 2012
Mila Kunis in Elie Saab, 2011

Jennifer Lopez in Valentino, 2003
Michelle Williams in Vera Wang, 2006
Renee Zellweger in Jean Desses, 2001

I've been practicing my Oscar acceptance speech holding a shampoo bottle in the shower for years.  I'm keeping that one under wraps in case I ever get to actually use it, but I will share my 2013 Oscar best and worst dressed list next week.

Anchors Away

When I think of anchors, I should think of luxurious yachts in Cannes or all-American Tommy Hilfiger ads, but I don't.  Instead, I think of a Crownline on Eddy Bay, my dad taking off at full speed while the anchor is still down, causing it to lasso around the boat, almost cutting someone's head off.  Then there are memories of my sister putting the anchor in the water, without actually tying it to the boat first... So maybe I wasn't bred for life at sea, but I haven't let that taint my love for the anchor print trend.  Nautical really isn't my style, but these items are an easy way to add a little something preppy to my wardrobe without looking like I'm summering in Cape Cod.

This jumpsuit and romper look comfy and casual but still stylish.  I would wear this anchor top with colored jeans and flats.

Left: Loft
Top Right: Joie
Bottom Right: Topshop



Below are a few easy, fun accessories to add a tad of this trend to your oufit.


Top Left: J.Crew
Bottom Left: Gorjana
Right: GoJane.com

 I added an anchor necklace to my color-blocked sweater the other day. 

Top Left: me in an H&M top, Forever21 necklace
Bottom Left: Cheryl Cole in A.P.C. sweatshirt
Right: Beyonce in Juicy Couture top

I love bandeau tops and would wear this cute bikini to the pool.  I bought this iPhone case because I like silicone cases.  I originally thought it might be a little too preppy for me, but actually it has ended up matching a lot of my outfits, like the one I'm wearing today.


Left: Miss Selfridge
Right: J.Crew Factory


Monaco just wanted to look at me and not the camera.  Are you going to add some anchors to your wardrobe or leave this trend to members of the Navy?


Gap top, Gap pants, Style & Co boots



Life's a Beach

Happy President's Day to all you teachers, postal workers and VA employees who actually get to observe this holiday.  I don't get a vacation day today, but if I did, I would be taking advantage of all the great sales going on online and in stores.  Even though it's still February, I know several people who are going on trips to the beach soon.  The last thing I want to think about right now is putting on a swimsuit, but while compiling this post of vacation essentials, I got a little bit motivated and excited for the seasons ahead.

Of course, Victoria's Secret is my go-to spot for swimsuit shopping.  I love mixing and matching their tops and bottoms.  Here's some trendy ones I've seen this year- floral print, chevron, and polka dot.


All- Victoria's Secret

Below I found a modern version of the infamous itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny yellow polka-dot bikini.  I love the interesting Ikat print and shape of this red and white swimsuit.  This navy Vix swimsuit (a celeb fave) is a classic, flattering shape and has cute gold details.


Left: Victoria's Secret
Top Right: Robin Piccone
Bottom Right: Vix

There's so many great one-piece options out there that offer more coverage but don't look like old-school 'mom' swimsuits.  I like solid ones that are halter neck and low cut or strapless in a great bold or floral print.



Left: Victoria's Secret
Top Right: Trina Turk
Bottom Right: Ted Baker

There's no excuse to be wearing an old t-shirt and gym shorts when there are so many cute cover-up choices available.  I think short rompers and tunics are great to throw on over your swimsuit.

Left: both Loft
Right: Lemlem




Left: Beyonce
Center: Miranda Kerr
Right: Jessica Alba

A functional yet stylish beach tote is another essential.  The material should be straw, canvas, nylon or some kind of plastic that can withhold water and sand.  Maybe you just have a few things you need to carry, so this little Tory bag is casual and has a great island feel to it.  These other options are just big enough to hold what you need but light enough to easily carry around.


Top Left: Tory Burch
Top Right: Mara Hoffman
Bottom: both Marc by Marc Jacobs

 I always have a hat on in the sun to protect my face from (further) damage.  Straw fedoras are cute, but don't always offer enough shade so I usually go with a wide-brim straw hat or a lightweight Nike hat or visor.



Left: both Nike
Right: Eric Javits

 Some other fun things- printed beach towels and a beach bag organizer set to store your sunglasses, sunscreen and flip flops.


Left: Missoni
Right: both Henri Bendel

 Lastly, every trip to the beach includes a pair of sandals.  I would pair the leopard print ones with a black cover-up and the other ones would look great with bright colored or printed cover-ups and swimsuits.


Top Left: Sam Edelman
Top Right: Tory Burch
Bottom Left: Michael Kors
Bottom Right: See by Chloe

 I will definitely be making plans for a beach vacay later this year, but for now I will be dreaming of an island far, far away...

B in Becca by Rebecca Virtue, me in Victoria's Secret

Step into My Closet

Closet space has always been an issue for me.  I've never had enough in any of the places I have lived.  My current house was built in 1980 with tiny closets. I don't get it, how were people able to store their shoulder pad jackets, puffy sleeve dresses and hammer pants back then?  Luckily, a previous owner had actually added on a wall and created a second closet in the master bedroom (thank you Jesus) so I get to use that one and my husband uses the original closet. From my post yesterday, you might think that I'm totally disorganized and my closet is a hot mess full of piles of dirty clothes, but actually it's quite the opposite. I have to be able to see everything or else it doesn't even exist.

Tops are color-coded, not in ROY G. BIV rainbow order, but pretty close.  Eventually, I will only have those velvety huggable hangers and get rid of all the plastic ones for a more unified look.


Clutches are stacked on top of each other and bags are lined up side by side. Pants are also color-coded, lightest to darkest.


Dresses are sorted by weight and style, from strapless to sweater dresses.



Monaco's clothes are squeezed into this little section in the back.  And no closet is complete without a GG poster next to the hamper.  Yeah I haven't actually hung that up yet.  Why didn't I do that the other night when I had out the tools to hang my bulletin board?


This is the biggest closet I've ever had and I've made it work, but I still fantasize about my dream closet...one that looks like a boutique and that I can just hang out in, like these below.  I've asked my husband if we could make our office into a closet but that got a big fat "no."  So, I will just keep dreaming, for now.

Picking out outfits is exhausting, so I will definitely need some kind of chaise lounge.  And I love this jewelry nook that has the necklace stands like you see in stores.


One of these hubs in the middle is an essential for a dream closet.  I die for the ones with clear glass tops that you can see into and drawers for tons of storage.

I will also need a chandelier hanging in the center of my closet.  If you are Lisa Vanderpump from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, you have two chandeliers, and two jewelry hubs.

Lisa also color-codes her shirts.  Birkin bag anyone?

Shoe storage would be one of the most important features of my dream closet.  A whole wall like this would do for me.  I especially love the boot storage at the bottom of the shelves.

What would you include in your dream closet?

A Little Organization

Like any UK fan, I normally wouldn't be caught dead wearing red and white, but for Valentine's Day, I made an exception.  This week I've been all about some fun necklaces.  I've been wearing basics like solid long sleeve sweaters and khaki pants so I needed to add some pieces to make my outfits a little more interesting.


Left: Macy's necklace, Gap tank top, Zara cardigan, Articles of Society pants, Anne Michelle booties
Top Right: H&M necklace
Bottom right: Apricot Lane necklace

I was having a hard time getting one of my necklaces out from the tangled mess of jewelry in one of my bathroom drawers the other night, when I decided I couldn't take it anymore and I needed to get organized.  Since I'm not allowed to use the hammer in my house, my husband hung up a bulletin board in my closet for me and I pinned some of my necklaces on the board.  I took his advice and only hung up the lighter ones, as I didn't want them falling off or the whole board to come crashing down in the middle of the night.
Here is my messy drawer, before.


Disaster.



Here is the board in my closet:

And here is the drawer, after the cleanout.  Ok, maybe it doesn't really look that much better, does it?  It's still pretty full, but at least now I can see what's in there. 

I'm not even going to show you my earring storage method.  It's embarrassing and you might call Hoarders on me.  So if anyone has any jewelry organization tips, please send them my way! 

Grammy's Best & Worst Dressed

I always look forward to the Grammy Awards red carpet because you never know what to expect to see. It is a place to take risks and make statements.  There was no Lady Gaga or Nicki Minaj on the carpet this year, so there wasn't any crazy theatrics (besides some guy dressed as an astronaut), but still exciting to see what and who everyone is wearing.

My best dressed goes to...Rihanna. RiRi always brings it and looks incredible, but I can't recall the last time she looked so elegant.  What a surprise to see her looking so sophisticated in an flowing red Alaia gown.  


Rihanna in Azzedine Alaia

 Also on my best list is Taylor Swift.  She wears J. Mendel all the time and this look was pretty expected, but still beautiful nonetheless. I'm usually not a huge fan of Kelly Osbourne's fashion choices, but I loved the cutouts in her black dress.  I also thought Chrissy Teigen (John Legend's fiancé) looked amazing. Her outfit was sexy and fun, and something I hadn't seen before.


Taylor Swift in J. Mendel
Kelly Osbourne in Paule Ka
Chrissy Teigen in Joy Ciocci

I sort of snubbed Nicole Kidman on my SAG Awards list, but I didn't dismiss her on this one. She was statuesque in this gold Vera Wang.  The print on Estelle's two-piece ensemble was kind of crazy, but I like the shape of this gown, so I think she pulled it off.  Miranda Lambert's choices are usually too short and/or too tight so I was proud of her for going with a classic black halter and a sophisticated silhouette. 

Nicole Kidman in Vera Wang
Estelle in Genelle Brooks x Love Collins
Miranda Lambert in Roberto Cavalli

 Worst dressed starts with Florence Welch.  I know she is known for her risk-taking style and I respect her for that, but just because she is quirky does not mean she has to dress like a reptile.  Beyonce arrived in a jumpsuit, and I don't have a problem with the jumpsuit itself, but I think it was too casual for the Grammys.  I was shocked when Adele showed up wearing red instead of her usual black, but then wished she would have stuck to black because I hated the unflattering shape and print of this Valentino Couture dress.  Her hair and makeup were beautiful, so it's unfortunate that she chose to wear this dress. 


Florence Welch in Givenchy
Beyonce in Osman Studio
Adele in Valentino Couture

I can't believe I'm putting Jennifer Lopez on my worst list, but I wasn't feeling her black gown.  Angelina Jolie did this at the Oscars last year. It's been done.  Stick to showing off your booty, J.Lo.   Carrie Underwood was confused and thought this was prom.  From the front, her hair looks like Carol Brady's.  She's young and beautiful, as one of her songs says, and I would love to see her start dressing a little edgier and sexier.  Maybe I am still a little bitter towards Esperanza Spalding for beating out Justin Bieber for best new artist a couple of years ago, but her printed gown and capelet came across as bizarre.


Jennifer Lopez in Anthony Vaccarello
Carrie Underwood in Roberto Cavalli
Esperanza Spalding in Eden Diodati


Black was the definitely the color of the evening, as seen on a few ladies below.  Another trend I
noticed was cutouts.  Alicia Keys had a few while Kelly Rowland took it to the extreme.




Alicia Keys in Azzedine Alaia
Carly Rae Jepsen in Roberto Cavalli
Kelly Rowland in Georges Chakra


Just a special thanks to Kaley Cuoco for not wearing anything close to her SAG ensemble a couple of weeks ago. Kaley, you get most improved and you looked rocker-chic in your leather pants and embellished jacket.



Left: Kaley Cuoco at the Grammy's in Amen
Right: at the SAG Awards in Romona Keveza