Happy Independence Day!

Somehow July 4 isn't as momentous when it falls in the middle of the week. Still, I can't complain about a day off work/ excuse to eat delicious food and drink outside all day.  Not that I need an excuse for a cocktail. (Seriously, my instagram feed is 90% food, cocktails and my cat)

I'll be going to not one, but two parties today! First a birthday backyard barbecue for my friend Kelly in Somerville, then fireworks and drinks on the beach in East Boston. I've go a killer outfit planned, a new swimsuit,  and two bottles of moscato chilling in the fridge, so I'm ready!

This is not the outfit I have planned, but it's the most patriotic outfit on my computer that you haven't seen, so here ya go!

How will you be celebrating today? 

Old Friends

Saturday was the first day of autumn, and it is definitely starting to feel like it in Boston. We've been having chilly mornings, warm afternoons and breezy evenings. One of my favorite things about the change of seasons is pulling old favorites out from the back of my closet and wearing them again. It's like getting reacquainted with old friends! This sweater dress is one of the old friends I have been longing to get back in touch with. I wore it in my very first blog post, so it felt fitting to wear it on the first day of a new season.

I originally intended to wear my new black riding boots with this outfit, but I didn't like the way they looked with bare legs. I think they need to be broken in a bit. Instead I chose my cognac colored high heeled boots, and I really love the way this outfit turned out.

Outfit: Dress- Forever21+ (last year); Belt- H&M; Jacket- JCrew (thrifited); Boots- Madden Girl last year (similar here)

Mike snapped these pictures for me on our way to dinner. We went out for some delicious sushi  and then went to a party hosted by one of Mike's friends from law school. It was really nice to spend the evening with good company and drink some fall beers on the porch.

We did a lot of walking and standing. Although these boots are very comfortable for heels,my feet were killing me by the end of the night. Thankfully I'd thought ahead and thrown some flats in my purse, but I really wish I were better at wearing heels. Any tips?

Weekend Recap: What a Drag!

I had a really fun and busy weekend. Saturday I met up with my friend Michael to go shopping for outfits for his birthday party. I broke two fashion "rules" for curvy girls by wearing horizontal stripes AND short shorts. Rules are meant to be broken, and I absolutely love this outfit.

Outfit:
Top: H&M
Cardigan: Old Navy
Shorts: Forever 21+
Sandals: Payless


We went to one of my favorite stores, the Garment District. It is a thrift, vintage, and costume store all in one, so it was a great choice for us to do our shopping.  Why did the party warrant a special shopping trip? His birthday party was drag themed!

In addition to serving as Michael's personal stylist and make up artist for the day, I got in on the fun myself. I had fun and kind of went all out even adding a little five 'clock shadow with my makeup.  Here's my lovely ensemble for the evening!

Outfit:
Vest, bowtie and shoes: thrifted via Garment District
Shirt: Borrowed
Pants: Old Navy (women's)
Belt: thrifted
Hat: Macy's (women's) last year

I think I make a very dapper gentleman, and I had a wonderful time. Have you ever dressed in drag?

Birthday/ Derby/ Cinco de Mayo

Saturday night I met up with my guy for a delicious sushi dinner. Then we met up with some friends at Kingston Station for some delicious cocktails and truffle fries to celebrate my 25th and his 26th (his birthday is May 3rd). I asked people to wear their spring finery, since it was Derby day after all.

I had a wonderful birthday. I got a lot of cash, which I plan on spending on a bike and some apartment items. My guy got me a  really awesome book of Degas's nude drawings from an exhibit we saw at the MFA a few months ago.

I purchased this dress at H&M back in March, but it hasn't made an appearance on the blog yet. I love the print and the style, at $30 I couldn't pass it up. I know it's going to be a godsend on those really humid, hot summer days. It's long enough for work and has a fairly modest, sleeveless neckline.
Outfit:
Dress/belt: H&M
Denim Jacket: JCrew (thirfted at Goodwill for $5!)
Shoes: Payless
Hat: Target
Necklace (worn as bracelet): thrifted

Get your GLOW on.

This outfit is from last Tuesday. What can I say? I'm running a bit behind. However, I had to share this outfit because I wore it to a very special event. The awards dinner for Boston Glow's Ignite Change Essay Contest. I'm serving as a mentor for one of this year's winners!

Boston GLOW is a young, but mighty nonprofit founded by my dear friend Leah. GLOW stands for Girls Leadership, Organized Women and the mission of Boston GLOW is just that- female empowerment at it's finest! The Ignite Change contest challenged young women in Boston to identify a problem in their community and propose an actionable solution. 

I had the great pleasure of reading most of the essays and I was so inspired by the vision and optimism these young women have. It really gives me hope for the future. The 10 finalists each got a netbook and scholarship prize as well as goodie bags with books from published female authors who were the judges for the contest. 

Look at me with my awesome mentee, Fatima! (Please excuse my puffy face. The picture was taken at about 9pm after a long day of work at the height of my hayfever!)

Outfit:

Dress: Old Navy

Cardigan: Old Navy

Flats: Payless

Necklace: Eloquii

I leave you with my favorite quote from Fatimah's essay:

"Only when girls unite together to confront and change the 'weak-princess/perfect girl' stereotype will the role of girls in society change....Women should build confidence and support for each other to be successful."

Dive into Layers

Winter in Boston turns me into a layering addict.

My friend chose a dive bar with live music for her birthday venue. The event was on Sunday evening, one of the coldest days we've had so far this year. So, I knew layering up was necessary. I warmed up a short sleeve sweater dress by adding a wool blend cardigan and a cozy scarf. I also layered my leggings over tights and  added a pair of boot socks for added warmth. When I got toasty dancing I just took off my cardigan and scarf.

Outfit:

Dress/ belt: Forever 21+

Leggings: Target

Boots: DSW- Coconuts

Cardigan: Old Navy 

Scarf: Target

What are your favorite pieces to layer?