thrifted
Tuesday, May 31, 2016 • Brooks Brothers, Ebay, etsy, Jessica Simpson, Kate Spade, OOTD, TJ Maxx
I think it's difficult to live in DC and not even attempt to acknowledge the sacrifices made by so many that we honor with Memorial Day. So please excuse my awkwardness, but thank you. You are not forgotten.
Dress: Brooks Brothers (thrifted, similar-ish here and here) ~ Shoes: Jessica Simpson (old, this season's) ~ Purse: TJ Maxx ~ Bracelet: Etsy ~ Watch: Ebay (similar) ~ Sunglasses: Kate Spade ~ Necklace: Borrowed? Gifted? Somewhere between there maybe, lol.
Fitting Room Review: Anthropologie #2
Thursday, May 26, 2016 • Anthropologie, review, WDDT?
Guys, I promise we're going to get back to the regularly scheduled program next week, but these two consecutive weekends of endless rain really put a cramp in my plans. Rather than leave you completely post-less I thought it'd be nice to do another round of "what fits the curvy girl in Anthropologie" featuring a few of the pieces I've tried on and really enjoyed.
Who else is ready for summer?!
Who else is ready for summer?!
Top: Islander Top, $78, Size Large
My Thoughts: Look at me stretching my clothing boundaries! I was pretty positive I was going to leave the off-the-shoulder trend alone but this easy top was cute, perfect for summer, and pairs well with shorts and pants.
Top: Terracotta Embroidered Tank Top, $128, Size 12
My Thoughts: Between these two tops I've doubled my "cool" summer/vacation wardrobe and I have to admit to being pretty excited about this. The swing style of this top, combined with the slightly longer length in the back, make for a surprisingly flattering silhouette, one that's nice and breezy in the heat. I do kind of feel like it's prohibitively expensive for just a stop though, outfit maker that it is, so maybe keep this one in mind for future sales?
Top: Terracotta Embroidered Tank Top, $128, Size 12
My Thoughts: Between these two tops I've doubled my "cool" summer/vacation wardrobe and I have to admit to being pretty excited about this. The swing style of this top, combined with the slightly longer length in the back, make for a surprisingly flattering silhouette, one that's nice and breezy in the heat. I do kind of feel like it's prohibitively expensive for just a stop though, outfit maker that it is, so maybe keep this one in mind for future sales?
Dress: Paleta Shirt Dress, $158, Size 14
My Thoughts: Not shocking anyone, I thought this popsicle dress was damn cute. I sized up to a 14 because of how it fits in the bust, and while it almost hurt me to say no I ended up keeping this dress that all the bloggers are wearing right now because it really is just as perfect as Kendi said it was
.
New Product Round Up & Some Reviews
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 • Andalou Naturals, Clinique, curly hair, DevaCurl, hair care, Kensington Apothecary, skincare, WDDT?
1) Clinique "Take the Day Off" Cleansing Balm 2) Kensington Apothecary Rose Water Exfoliating Tonic 3) Andalou Naturals Willow Bark Pure Pore Serum 4) DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel
I hesitated just a bit with these reviews, putting this post off until I could be really sure that the results I was seeing were for real, but screw it. We're 3 weeks (almost a month) in to me using these products and I absolutely love every one of them.
Click through for my in depth reviews!
a little something new
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 • Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, ASOS, Banana Republic, Kate Spade, Nordstrom Rack, OOTD
I'm not always one to "push" outside of my comfort zone when it comes to clothing, I like what I like and I'm ok with that, but this pants ended up being a wonderful exception.
Do I think they're the most flattering thing I own? Of course not. But they're unlined, perfect for summer, and with a pair of heels dress up a simple t-shirt quite nicely.
Do I think they're the most flattering thing I own? Of course not. But they're unlined, perfect for summer, and with a pair of heels dress up a simple t-shirt quite nicely.
Friday Book Club #6
Friday, May 6, 2016 • Friday Book Club
And we're back! It's been over a week of mostly gross and disgusting weather in DC, and while I've read a few new books here and there, I do actually think it's affecting my ability to get really hyped about some of the cool things coming out. Regardless, I still managed to find a few wonderful books that I think would make a great companion to someone curled up on a couch with a warm cup of tea.
Read & Loved:
Bound to the Bachelor by Sarah Mayberry
Lily Taylor knows Beau Bennett dislikes her, but that won’t stop her from asking him to volunteer for the Bachelor Auction she’s organized to help her friend Molly provide for her tragically injured son, Josh. If Beau’s gorgeous face, piercing blue eyes and chiseled body inspires the women of Marietta to dig into their pockets for a good cause, then Lily will do whatever it takes to secure his participation.
Beau Bennett isn’t sure how he wound up on the auction block being eyed up by hundreds of eager women, but he knows who to blame for it – Lily Taylor, the sexy, distracting, off-limits best friend of his kid sister. As far as he’s concerned, the sooner this nightmare is over, the better.
The last thing either of them expects is for Lily to wind up bidding on – and winning – Beau, or that their date will lead to Beau stepping in to save Lily when her past comes back to haunt her. As Beau does his best to keep Lily safe, they discover that maybe they don’t dislike each other quite as much as they thought.
In fact, maybe it’s just the opposite…
My Thoughts: Sarah Mayberry writes some really enjoyable contemporary romance, and this is another great one. Relatively short, the characters manage to talk about their attraction, why it won't work, deal with some new/secret relationship stressors in a way that made actual sense and I LOVED it. Great for an uncomplicated afternoon read.
All For You by Laura Florand
Some crushes aren’t meant to be
When her older brother’s best friend left to join the Foreign Legion, eighteen-year-old Célie moved on to make a life for herself as a Paris chocolatier. Now, five years later, the last thing she needs is another man to mess up her happiness.
Let alone the same man.
But five years in the Foreign Legion is a long time for a man to grow up, and a long time to be away from the woman he loves.
Especially when he did it all for her.
Half strangers, more than friends, and maybe, if Joss Castel has his way, a second chance…
My Thoughts: I checked back on my previous posts and apparently I haven't talked about my love for Laura Florand before. There's just something about the way she writes, the lushness of her word choices that only make the city itself come alive, but also the emotions of her main characters. There are few authors out there who make alpha men as vulnerable as she does, in a way that makes you love them more. I hadn't picked up All For You when it first came out because the premise didn't really appeal to me, but I loved the sound of Chase Me and I couldn't have been more wrong. So much understandable angst. Brought tears to my eyes and big smiles to my face.
Chase Me by Laura Florand
A Michelin two-star chef at twenty-eight, Violette Lenoir could handle anything, including a cocky burglar who broke into her restaurant in the middle of the night.
Or so she thought.
Elite counterterrorist operative Chase “Smith” had been through things that made Hell Week look easy. But nothing had prepared him for a leather-clad blonde who held him at bay at knifepoint and dared him to take her on.
Now if only saving the world didn’t require he ruin her life.
Two people who thought they could handle anything now have to take on each other.
It's a battle neither one expected. But with their futures on the line, they have nothing to lose...but their hearts.
Warning: This book contains one arrogant Navy SEAL, nights of Paris passion, and a woman who wants to have it all.
My Thoughts: Initially more lighthearted than All For Me, at least on the surface, the depth of emotion that Chase develops for Violette is again a beautiful thing to read about it. I'm running out of what great things to say about Florand and her contemporary romances, but she's just one of those authors that I've liked every single book I've read. All of them are consistent re-reads and some of the most romantic things ever.
I'm Looking Forward To:
Eidolon by Grace Draven
In a bid for more power, the Shadow Queen of Haradis has unleashed a malignant force into the world. Her son Brishen, younger prince of the Kai royal house, suddenly finds himself ruler of a kingdom blighted by a diseased darkness and on the brink of war. His human wife Ildiko must decide if she will give up the man she loves in order to secure his throne.
Three enemy kingdoms must unite to save each other, and a one-eyed, reluctant king must raise an army of the dead to defeat an army of the damned.
A tale of alliance and sacrifice.
My Thoughts: I KNOW I AM AN IDIOT OK!? I bought this book the moment it was available on Amazon (after Friending the author on Facebook and following her on Twitter) but the moment I actually read this it'll be over ok? And I'll just be waiting again for book #3. It's a terrible precipice that I haven't been able to step off of yet, but I know it's coming. I have to know what happens.
Bachelor At Her Bidding by Kate Hardy
How to win a girl in ten cakes…
When Dr. Rachel Cassidy comes back to Marietta with a broken heart and a divorce under her belt, going to a Bachelor Auction fund-raiser doesn’t sound like her idea of a good time – and when her sister and friends “buy” her a dinner date with sexy Parisian-trained pastry chefRyan Henderson, that sounds even worse.
Ryan doesn’t have time for dating – he’s put his dreams to one side and come back to Marietta to look after his sick grandmother. But when he agrees to help a charity fundraiser by offering to cook a special meal to one lucky bidder, he gets more than he bargains for and discovers a woman he might just dare to let himself fall in love with.
Then tragedy strikes, just when Rachel and Ryan think they might have a future, opening up old scars and pushing them apart.
And if they’re to stand a chance of getting back together, then Ryan’s going to have to be seriously inventive. Can he win the love of his life with ten cakes?
My Thoughts: Sometimes those end of book previews with "buy the next one!" links in Kindle are dangerous. I really enjoyed the simple sweetness of the Mayberry book, so when I go the chance to immediately dive in to the next couple I took it (I'm a little worried because I didn't notice until it was too late that this second entry was written by someone else, but I'll let you know how it goes.)
Wild Embrace by Nalini Singh
Echo of Silence
In a deep-sea station, Tazia Nerif has found her life’s work as an engineer, keeping things running smoothly. But she wants nothing more than to break down the barrier of silence between her and her telekinetic Psy station commander...
Dorian
A changeling who can never shift lives a life of quiet frustration—until he learns how to let his leopard come out and play...
Partners in Persuasion
Still raw from being burned by a dominant female, wolf changeling Felix will never again risk being a plaything. But for dominant leopard Dezi, he’s the most fascinating man she’s ever met. She just has to convince this gun-shy wolf that he can trust the dangerous cat who wants to take a slow, sexy bite out of him…
Flirtation of Fate
Seven years ago, Kenji broke Garnet’s heart. Now the wolf packmates have to investigate the shocking murder of one of their own. And the more Kenji sees of the woman Garnet has become, the deeper he begins to fall once more. But even his primal instincts are no match for the dark secret he carries..
My Thoughts: What can I say about this? Nalini Singh is pretty much an autobuy for me, and while I'm waiting Allegience of Honor I'll catch up with my favorite cats and wolves with a few great short stories.
Read & Loved:
Bound to the Bachelor by Sarah Mayberry
Lily Taylor knows Beau Bennett dislikes her, but that won’t stop her from asking him to volunteer for the Bachelor Auction she’s organized to help her friend Molly provide for her tragically injured son, Josh. If Beau’s gorgeous face, piercing blue eyes and chiseled body inspires the women of Marietta to dig into their pockets for a good cause, then Lily will do whatever it takes to secure his participation.
Beau Bennett isn’t sure how he wound up on the auction block being eyed up by hundreds of eager women, but he knows who to blame for it – Lily Taylor, the sexy, distracting, off-limits best friend of his kid sister. As far as he’s concerned, the sooner this nightmare is over, the better.
The last thing either of them expects is for Lily to wind up bidding on – and winning – Beau, or that their date will lead to Beau stepping in to save Lily when her past comes back to haunt her. As Beau does his best to keep Lily safe, they discover that maybe they don’t dislike each other quite as much as they thought.
In fact, maybe it’s just the opposite…
My Thoughts: Sarah Mayberry writes some really enjoyable contemporary romance, and this is another great one. Relatively short, the characters manage to talk about their attraction, why it won't work, deal with some new/secret relationship stressors in a way that made actual sense and I LOVED it. Great for an uncomplicated afternoon read.
All For You by Laura Florand
Some crushes aren’t meant to be
When her older brother’s best friend left to join the Foreign Legion, eighteen-year-old Célie moved on to make a life for herself as a Paris chocolatier. Now, five years later, the last thing she needs is another man to mess up her happiness.
Let alone the same man.
But five years in the Foreign Legion is a long time for a man to grow up, and a long time to be away from the woman he loves.
Especially when he did it all for her.
Half strangers, more than friends, and maybe, if Joss Castel has his way, a second chance…
My Thoughts: I checked back on my previous posts and apparently I haven't talked about my love for Laura Florand before. There's just something about the way she writes, the lushness of her word choices that only make the city itself come alive, but also the emotions of her main characters. There are few authors out there who make alpha men as vulnerable as she does, in a way that makes you love them more. I hadn't picked up All For You when it first came out because the premise didn't really appeal to me, but I loved the sound of Chase Me and I couldn't have been more wrong. So much understandable angst. Brought tears to my eyes and big smiles to my face.
Chase Me by Laura Florand
A Michelin two-star chef at twenty-eight, Violette Lenoir could handle anything, including a cocky burglar who broke into her restaurant in the middle of the night.
Or so she thought.
Elite counterterrorist operative Chase “Smith” had been through things that made Hell Week look easy. But nothing had prepared him for a leather-clad blonde who held him at bay at knifepoint and dared him to take her on.
Now if only saving the world didn’t require he ruin her life.
Two people who thought they could handle anything now have to take on each other.
It's a battle neither one expected. But with their futures on the line, they have nothing to lose...but their hearts.
Warning: This book contains one arrogant Navy SEAL, nights of Paris passion, and a woman who wants to have it all.
My Thoughts: Initially more lighthearted than All For Me, at least on the surface, the depth of emotion that Chase develops for Violette is again a beautiful thing to read about it. I'm running out of what great things to say about Florand and her contemporary romances, but she's just one of those authors that I've liked every single book I've read. All of them are consistent re-reads and some of the most romantic things ever.
I'm Looking Forward To:
Eidolon by Grace Draven
In a bid for more power, the Shadow Queen of Haradis has unleashed a malignant force into the world. Her son Brishen, younger prince of the Kai royal house, suddenly finds himself ruler of a kingdom blighted by a diseased darkness and on the brink of war. His human wife Ildiko must decide if she will give up the man she loves in order to secure his throne.
Three enemy kingdoms must unite to save each other, and a one-eyed, reluctant king must raise an army of the dead to defeat an army of the damned.
A tale of alliance and sacrifice.
My Thoughts: I KNOW I AM AN IDIOT OK!? I bought this book the moment it was available on Amazon (after Friending the author on Facebook and following her on Twitter) but the moment I actually read this it'll be over ok? And I'll just be waiting again for book #3. It's a terrible precipice that I haven't been able to step off of yet, but I know it's coming. I have to know what happens.
Bachelor At Her Bidding by Kate Hardy
How to win a girl in ten cakes…
When Dr. Rachel Cassidy comes back to Marietta with a broken heart and a divorce under her belt, going to a Bachelor Auction fund-raiser doesn’t sound like her idea of a good time – and when her sister and friends “buy” her a dinner date with sexy Parisian-trained pastry chefRyan Henderson, that sounds even worse.
Ryan doesn’t have time for dating – he’s put his dreams to one side and come back to Marietta to look after his sick grandmother. But when he agrees to help a charity fundraiser by offering to cook a special meal to one lucky bidder, he gets more than he bargains for and discovers a woman he might just dare to let himself fall in love with.
Then tragedy strikes, just when Rachel and Ryan think they might have a future, opening up old scars and pushing them apart.
And if they’re to stand a chance of getting back together, then Ryan’s going to have to be seriously inventive. Can he win the love of his life with ten cakes?
My Thoughts: Sometimes those end of book previews with "buy the next one!" links in Kindle are dangerous. I really enjoyed the simple sweetness of the Mayberry book, so when I go the chance to immediately dive in to the next couple I took it (I'm a little worried because I didn't notice until it was too late that this second entry was written by someone else, but I'll let you know how it goes.)
Wild Embrace by Nalini Singh
Echo of Silence
In a deep-sea station, Tazia Nerif has found her life’s work as an engineer, keeping things running smoothly. But she wants nothing more than to break down the barrier of silence between her and her telekinetic Psy station commander...
Dorian
A changeling who can never shift lives a life of quiet frustration—until he learns how to let his leopard come out and play...
Partners in Persuasion
Still raw from being burned by a dominant female, wolf changeling Felix will never again risk being a plaything. But for dominant leopard Dezi, he’s the most fascinating man she’s ever met. She just has to convince this gun-shy wolf that he can trust the dangerous cat who wants to take a slow, sexy bite out of him…
Flirtation of Fate
Seven years ago, Kenji broke Garnet’s heart. Now the wolf packmates have to investigate the shocking murder of one of their own. And the more Kenji sees of the woman Garnet has become, the deeper he begins to fall once more. But even his primal instincts are no match for the dark secret he carries..
My Thoughts: What can I say about this? Nalini Singh is pretty much an autobuy for me, and while I'm waiting Allegience of Honor I'll catch up with my favorite cats and wolves with a few great short stories.
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