Blog Archive

Read more »

time wrap.

I can't believe that February has come and gone. 
Every year the months go more and more quickly and this year is no difference.
I will say the break in cold weather has made me even more eager for the time to tick by.
Last week, the abnormally warm weather (75+) had me excited to see some old friends and celebrate an upcoming wedding.
bridal-shower-style-spring-eyelet
topj.crew(last worn here) | skirtj.crew(last worn here) | bag: c/o coach | 
sunglassesrayban | wedgesmadewell

If you didn't know, Virginia has a thing for wineries and some call it the "Napa of the East".
I don't know if I would exactly agree with that statement but I do love the assorment of great wineries that have been popping up everywhere.

My friend's bridal shower was held on Saturday at a cute-house-converted-winery in 
Stephens City, VA called Valerie Hill Winery.
It was my first time to this winery and I can't wait to go back this summer and enjoy the patios.

We had the top two floors to ourselves to enjoy a cute photobooth, snacks, and games.
The best part was seeing old friends from home it had been years since I had seen them.
bridal-shower-style-spring-eyelet
bridal-shower-style-spring-eyelet
With the warmer weather, I broke out my collared eyelet top with my favorite midi skirt.
I wasn't sure if this combo would work with the eyelet and skirt but I love the combination.
I always pair my Free People bralet underneath to not distract from the eyelet fabric.
bridal-shower-style-spring-eyelet
top: j.crew(last worn here) | skirt: j.crew(last worn here) | bag: c/o coach
bralet: free people | sunglasses: rayban | wedges: madewell

As I am trying to catch up on backlogged posts and sticking to a publishing calendar, I am adding/expanding upon a few areas of my blog.

Monday's - Style/outfits. What I just wore or possibly a backlogged outfit of the day I want to share.

Wednesday's - Beauty/travel/etc.  Products I use, travel tips, what I love/hate, maybe a tutorial or two. Let me know what you want to see and I will share!

Friday's - FOOD!  My brunch/food posts are back for the perfect #foodfriday and to give you some great restaurant ideas for the weekend.

shop similar pieces below:


Read more »

green for spring.

The warmer weather from this past weekend has me beyond excited for Spring.
Throwing on my favorite jeans, a great jacket, and easy sneakers to head out for the day is by far my favorite outfit combination.
current-elliott-stiletto-joie-sneakers-green-leather-jacket-madewell-bodysuit-casual-style
jacket: zara (similar)| bodysuitmadewell | denimcurrent elliott (last worn here)  
bagcoach | sneakersjoie (last worn here) | belt: urban outfitters

While I love high-waisted anything (here and here) these are my favorite destroyed denim.
Current Elliott makes the best traditional non-stretch denim and these fit me perfectly - they aren't hemmed for my 5'4" frame which is a rarity...

current-elliott-stiletto-joie-sneakers-green-leather-jacket-madewell-bodysuit-casual-style
current-elliott-stiletto-joie-sneakers-green-leather-jacket-madewell-bodysuit-casual-style
One thing I am trying to do this spring to branch out from my normal skinny jean trend but until I gain that confidence for a looser hem around my ankles I will be wearing these.

Can we talk about this jacket though?
I snagged this at the epic end of year Zara sale.
It is 100% leather and the color is a perfect pale green.
As the weather is warming up, it is pairing perfectly with classic denim and darker pants.
I can't wait to throw this over a fun sun dress for a warm pop.
current-elliott-stiletto-joie-sneakers-green-leather-jacket-madewell-bodysuit-casual-style
green-leather-jacket-madewell-bodysuit-casual-style
I have also become partial to flat to mid-heeled shoes. 
I know slides/mules are a huge trend for 2017 and I have noticed I've been shying away from my normal heel choices and grabbing these flats or the Joie slip-ons above.
There are so many cute flats and shorter heeled shoes right now that are awesome for perfect casual outings.
current-elliott-stiletto-joie-sneakers-green-leather-jacket-madewell-bodysuit-casual-style
current-elliott-stiletto-joie-sneakers-green-leather-jacket-madewell-bodysuit-casual-style
jacket: zara (similar)| bodysuit: madewell | denim: current elliott (last worn here)  
bag: coach | sneakers: joie (last worn here) | belt: urban outfitters

Another way I am channeling this warmer weather is with my little hair update.
I went to my normal hair salon, Immortal Beloved for a bit of a hair update.
I got some balyage (Khoa) highlights and a little trim (Jules) to attempt growing out my hair.

shop similar pieces below:


Read more »

70's vibe.

Two weekends ago on Super Bowl Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending a Bubbles & Bloggers meetup at the Kate Spade in CityCenter with my friend Tara.
Shockingly, I had never been in a Kate Spade store before!
Weird I know.
oversized wool sweater. printed pants. dc blogger.  wide leg pants.
sweaterbanana republic (last worn here) | pants: zara (last worn here)  
bag: c/o coach | sunglassesrayban | lipsticknyx soft matte lip cream copenhagen

We spent our time mingling, sipping on great drinks, and <window> shopping all the great pieces in the store.
I seriously wanted to buy everything.  
The uber feminine frocks and amazing accessories made me want everything.
printed wide leg pants.
chic winter outfit. wool sweater.
An over-sized wool sweater is my pseudo jacket when it is slightly "warmer" out.
The thick wool material is beyond warm and ensures that I don't have to carry around a bulky jacket while inside.
oversized wool sweater. printed pants. dc blogger.
oversized wool sweater. printed pants. dc blogger. coach saddle bag
These loose wide leg pants are perfect for summer but are also a great addition to a winter outfit.
I am actually wearing tights underneath to add an extra layer of warmth.
I really love the contrast of the thick wool and the thin material of the printed wide leg pants.
On top of the contrasting materials, the total 70's vibe of this outfit makes it one of my favorites and I have been wearing this outfit on repeat.
oversized wool sweater. printed pants. dc blogger.
sweater: banana republic (last worn here) | pants: zara (last worn here)  
bag: c/o coach | sunglasses: rayban | lipstick: nyx soft matte lip cream copenhagen

shop similar pieces below:


Read more »

A.Viza Travels: Thailand

For those who may not know,
I am so excited to be heading to exotic Thailand in less than 9 short weeks!
(Bangkok - source)
Not only am I excited to experience the amazing culture and sites throughout the country with some amazing women (8 of us!), I cannot wait to share with YOU how to travel there ON A BUDGET.  

I will also share how to plan your own group Thailand experience without using an agency!
I’ll be breaking down how I found cheap flights, booked our stays in each city, how we traveled within the country, and everything we saw and did.  
When I saw “we” I mean the group of 8 I am heading overseas with and how we did it WITHOUT a travel agency!  
In short, Budget Group travel Thailand tips are coming your way!
(Phuket - source)
Additionally, I am excited to try to create some travel videos about my adventures.

SO if you have been to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket/Krabi – let me know what you would recommend to do, see, and eat!
Also, if you have any travel planning questions let me know as well (but those will be coming to the blog soon)
(Chiang Mai - source)

Read more »

bomber jacket.

This outfit is from one of my favorite days this past fall. 

On this particular day, I ventured to Frederick, Maryland to visit a coworker and her husband.
Frederick is a cute historic town in Western Maryland about an hour or so from where I live in Arlington.
casual outfit of the day with oversized tote.
bomber: old navy (last seen here) | jeansmadewell | top: banana republic | belturban outfitters | bagcuyana | bootiestibi | brooch: vintage | sunglasses: rayban

My coworker and her husband live in the cutest townhouse in the  down town area within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants.
SIDEBAR: If you ever venture there & need travel tips on what to do/see/eat, check out my college roommates blog, Lace & Grace.  
We walked from their home to a local restaurant and enjoyed some drinks and cider on a rooftop.  The weather was sunny with a little chill with the wind but the perfect East Coast weather caught between seasons.  
how to style a bomber jacket.
bomber jacket spring weather style
My coworker snapped these photos as we lazily walked back to her home to watch some college football, a little of the World Series game, and sit by the fire.  
Simple days like this, along with casual outfits like this, are really my favorite.  It is all about being comfortable with what you wear and who you’re with that really makes the moment.
This bomber jacket (last seen here) is so simple and the grey wool really goes with everything.
This winter has had some oddly warm weather, and this outfit is a go-to for those warmer winter days.  
cuyana large classic tote bag
How to style a bomber jacket.
bomber: old navy (last seen here) | jeansmadewell | top: banana republic | belt: urban outfittersbagcuyana | booties: tibibrooch: vintage | sunglasses: rayban

Adding a bejeweled (the blingy-er the better in my opinion) really adds a pop and can change the simple jacket so easily.  I’ve had these snake skin Tibi booties are a little over two years now but have found myself grabbing for these beauties more frequently this season.  The pointed toe and fun green snake print pop adds another fun factor to what could so easily be considered a boring outfit.

shop similar pieces:





Read more »

Quick Valentine's Day Gift Guide.

I am not one to normally create "buying guides" for various holiday's but I felt compelled to throw some last minute ideas out there for Valentine's Day.
I have found a few items that would make great last minute gifts to scoop for the person you love.
Lush bath valentine's day gift.
Lush is an awesome brand that has been around for awhile.
They are mostly known for their bath bombs (seen above) but sell other beauty and bath products as well.
Most items are created in store and are animal cruelty free.
The scents are amazing and the bombs are oh so cute.
Sugarfina valentines day gift idea
If you loved one is a candy person or not, Sugarfina is for them.
It is basically an adult fancy candy store and worth every penny.
A cool concept here is that you can create a personalized "bento box" by selecting any of the candies to put inside.
If you can't tell from the wall of candy above, the options are endless.

The Offline Society valentines day card gift
Offline Society Card
The Offline Society has created some pun-ny cards to give for Valentine's Day!
The above card "An algorithm couldn’t make a match this good" is my personal favorite.
I love the unique saying and option to make it personal inside.

Hope you liked these ideas and I hope you have a great Valentine's Day!
Read more »

lbd valentine.

2017 is ticking away quickly and it is crazy to think that Valentine's Day is next week!
This little black dress was what I wore to my company Christmas party back in December.
The loose fit of this drop waist dress makes it perfect for any glutinous Valentine's Day dinner I may end up going to.
little black dress for valentines day
dress: zara | coatbanana republic (last worn here)| booties: zara (similar)

However, my favorite part of this dress is the deep lace V.
It's the perfect amount of scandalous without revealing too much.
I love a pop of color in winter however I have found myself leaning towards a little black dress more and more often for events.
dc blogger ootd
velvet booties
But can we talk about these booties for a second??
I feel that since my little blogging hiatus I have been removed from the shopping/trend scene as well.
I've reluctantly left my excessive sale emails go unopened for the last few months but have recently given in to the temptation.
winter style fashion blog
I found these booties at the epic end of year Zara sale.
I've been a little hesitant to pull the plug on a bootie of this height because I was nervous they would make me appear shorter than I am.
I was pleasantly surprised and basically want to wear them with everything now.
easy valentines day look
dress: zara | coat: banana republic (last worn here)| booties: zara (similar)

I am a devoted shoe-aholic so I am excited to add a new interesting style to my collection.
I am not normally the biggest fan of Valentine's Day but who doesn't love candy, some nice food, and flowers?!
This year, I am heading to Plume for dinner and the Kennedy Center to see Joshua Bell celebrate the day of love.
I hope you guys have a great Valentine's Day!


great little black dresses under $50:



similar booties:


camel coats