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a straight saturday.

Get-A-Way.
When I feel that I need a recharge I tend to head back home to rural North West Virginia.
It's not too long of a drive from Northern drive and it is a completely different world.

Large yards. Space between houses. 3 stop lights. Smiling strangers. A slower pace. The river.
Dogs. A lot of dogs.

These things all help me relax from the hustle and bustle of my city/suburban life outside of DC when I really need to escape.

This past weekend, I was able to take a less than 24 hour getaway to really unplug and unwind. 
I enjoyed the beautiful weather outside on a patio where I couldn't see inside my neighbors house.
I played with all the dogs I hadn't seen in awhile, and I sipped wine and enjoyed some grilled dinner.
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teej.crew | glasseswarby parker
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2016 Washingtonian Style Setter Party.

This is a very overdue outfit.
Last October my roommate had an extra invitation to the 2016 Washingtonian Style Setters Party.
Needless to say, I was excited to be attending this exclusive gathering.
However, there was one small problem - I had to come up with an amazing outfit with only three days to spare! For those of you who have been in these types of situations it can be quite difficult finding a last-minute outfit.
rachel-zoe-livia-rent-the-runway-mode-collective-heels-lulu-frost-washingtonian-style-setter
rachel-zoe-livia-rent-the-runway-mode-collective-heels-lulu-frost-washingtonian-style-setter

Although, it’s situations like this that make me love Rent the Runway.
I’ve talked about them extensively (look here) and honestly swear by their services and pieces.
Anyways, I jetted over to the Rent the Runway site and scoped all the dresses that were available the day of the event.
Since it was last minute, there wasn’t an extensive selection in terms of edgier pieces.  After all, this was a style setters event so I couldn’t disappoint.
rachel-zoe-livia-rent-the-runway-mode-collective-heels-lulu-frost-washingtonian-style-setter
rachel-zoe-livia-rent-the-runway-mode-collective-heels-lulu-frost-washingtonian-style-setter
As I was scrolling through my options, I kept coming back to this particular dress.
It’s a classic black and white color combo, but it had some great details that made it stand out to me.
The kimono style of the dress not only stuck out to me, but it provided the edgy yet stylish look I was seeking.
Not sure if you can tell, but the belt has a great fringe detailing that moved while I walked, and these are the types of details that can really make a classic outfit stand out and make a statement.
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rachel-zoe-livia-rent-the-runway-mode-collective-heels-lulu-frost-washingtonian-style-setter

The plunging neckline may be my favorite attribute of this dress.
Though it was certainly not the most stylish outfit I saw that evening, I was very pleased with my last-minute outfit, and it certainly garnered quite a few compliments!

Overall, the night was fun and filled with a plethora of fashionable people, as well as a variety of great bites and beverages from local restaurants around the district.

Shop pieces below:

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Clarins 2017



You’ve probably heard of this world-renowned French brand that focuses on plant basis to form their beauty and makeup products. “Real beauty - made in France”.
I went to preview their collection back in 2013 at Bloomingdale's at Tysons Corner Mall.
At the time, I had heard of Clarins, but never used any of their products (you can read my post about it here).
Years later, I have added a few products into my beauty rotation and was thrilled when I received an invitation to preview their new 2017 products.
clarins-hydra-essentiel-silky-cream-moisturizer-bi-phase-serum

I was even more excited when I realized this preview would occur at the new MGM Casino, located at the National Harbor right outside of DC, because it was home to an exclusive ClarinsSpa.
Whenever Clarins  debuts new products, they are unveiling new formulas that are distinct yet complementary to their current products.
The main example in this launch is the Body Fit.
Clarins used a new plant, Baccharis, to help reduce and minimize the appearance of cellulite.
This is a product that takes time to show results, but I have been using it consistently for the past 2 weeks and can already start to feel a difference. In terms of texture, the non-greasy feel is amazing and the smell is delightful.
clarins-pore-perfecting-matifying-foundation-compact
We had a quick presentation to go through the new products and then we set out to explore the spa and receive mini treatments.
It was amazing. The staff knows what they’re doing and the products were obviously top of the line.  A later post on the spa to follow, but here are some of the products I had the opportunity to try.
clarins-2017-products
clarins-pore-perfecting-matifying-foundation
These will be heading with me overseas when I am travelling. 
This is the perfect travel size, and I love the slight variances in shades that really match your skin.  And who doesn’t love smaller pores?
clarins-pore-perfecting-matifying-kit-blotting-papers
I have found myself using this product more and more. 
The powder and blotting paper compact combo is a game changer. 
Light and easy to carry – there’s no reason to not have one, especially as the weather will only get warmer and more humid as we enter into Spring. 
Stay matte with ease
clarins-hydra-essentiel-silk-cream-spf-moisturizer-bi-phase-serum
These two products are, hands down, my favorite.  
I have been stepping up my beauty game recently and these two products have been an easy and much needed addition to my regime.  
The bi-phase serum is first to go on. It is designed to help your skin retain moisture no matter the situation.  It’s also light yet very moisturizing.  
If you seal it with the Hydra Essential Silky Cream, it is basically a lethal weapon to kill dry skin.  
Again, it is very hydrating (a theme with this season’s products), but also light enough that you don’t realize you are using a moisturizer that is designed to provide extra hydration.  
Oh, did I mention it is SPF 15?  Yep it has it all.
This is the perfect smoky eye palette with an easy to use guide on how to apply it - perfect for any ladies out there who are lost in terms of makeup application.
clarins-body-fit-anti-cellulite
I hinted at this product at little bit above, but it’s another stellar item that has me very excited. 
A lot of people consider Clarins as their “go-to” brand for cellulite fight products, but this lotion is incredible.  
To fight the dreaded ‘C’ word (I know it is a long battle), this product takes consistent and extended use, but is worth the discipline and, more importantly, the results. 
One of my favorite attributes about the lotion is the non-sticky feeling after application, which I thoroughly enjoy, as well as the great smell. 
Overall, I think most of us know how hard it is to find the right lotion and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint.
This is such a simple but effective face contouring palette.
The diagram on how to use the palette corectly is beyond helpful and the fact that Clarins has included an actual brush with this kit is a game changer.
The brush is soft but firm to make your contour as soft or harsh as you desire.
Clarins-4-Color-All-In-One-Pen
This is an innovative and great priced product.  
The company went full throwback by honoring everyone's favorite elementary/middle styled pen.
  This functions the same way the one we remember – press the color you want (eyes - blue, brown, black | lips - brown/nude), use, then throw the pen in your bag and go. 
Beyond easy and perfect for those mornings when you’re in a rush or travelling and want to downsize on some products.  Plus it has four different colors!  
The added bonus here is that it is only $30.  It’s such a great deal!

What are your favorite Clarins products?
Have you tried any of these?

Shop all the Products Below:



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blue.

With the weather slowly warming up, I wanted to share one of my favorite outfits that I wore on a regular basis last fall that’s perfect for either season.

I often like to describe myself as a dressy yet casual person.
When I do decide to go out on the weekends, I love to opt for my most comfortable jeans and assorted tops depending on the setting for the evening.
long-sleeve-crop-top-high-waist-current-elliott-ootd-casual-style
crop topthe fifth label | denimcurrent elliott "super high waist stiletto"(last worn here
pumpsschutz | bagold navy

If you aren’t familiar with Arlington, Virginia, it’s a pretty casual place.
In terms of weekend bar options, almost every local establishment is either a sports bar or wine bar.
Because of these fairly simple options you can understand why denim is the best and safest outfit of choice (especially in colder weather).


As I have mentioned before here, these Current Elliott super high-waisted jeans are my favorite irrespective of the occasion.
The fabric, hem, fit, and rise are my definition of the perfect jeans so these tend to be my normal “go-to” jeans.  
My favorite casual, going-out outfit is the high waisted jeans and crop top combo.

The crop top can show as much, or little, skin as you wish depending on the hemline of the top or the rise of the jeans.
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long-sleeve-crop-top-high-waist-current-elliott-ootd-casual-style-
This particular top from The Fifth Label has a little bit of a longer hemline that hits right above my jeans.
I love the fun print and the sliver of skin that peeks through depending how I’m standing.

Even though I have been in a non-heel mood recently, I love these d’orsay pumps from Schutz that I purchased a few years ago.
Even though I’ve had them for awhile this is their debut on the blog.
dorsay-blue-pump-blue-suede-shoes
crop topthe fifth label | denimcurrent elliott "super high waist stiletto"(last worn here
pumpsschutz | bagold navy

The heel height can be a little scary, but these beauties have nice little grippers in the back so your foot doesn’t flop in and out.
The great thing about this outfit is that I can sport these amazing heels or throw on a more casual shoe depending on how I am feeling for the night.

Shop similar pieces here:


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gold skirt.

Happy St.Patrick's Day!
Happy March Madness!
Happy Throwback Thursday!
outfit-fashion-style-inspired-wear-blogger
skirt: old | sweaterold navy (seen here) | broochbanana republic (seen here) | bootiesrag&bone

Seriously, who knew so many events happened to fall on this lovely March day??
Today's outfit is from last fall when I attended a coworkers' elopement reception 
(not sure if she called it this but I am...)
Sorry no green outfit here but you can always search green in the search bar to check out all my past Irish inspired outfits.
gold-skirt-casual-ootd-outfit-style-blogger
Back to this lovely number.
This gold skirt was one of my awesome wins during the Piperlime closing.
Obviously, that signifies it has been in my closet for a few years and had never been worn.
I could never bare to give it away because it was 
I never wore it because I didn't quite like the fit and never knew exactly what to wear it with.

So, in my closet it sat.
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Then I finally decided to style this fun gold skirt for this New Jersey celebration.
It worked so well.
It was a slightly rainy chillier day in October so the midi length worked perfectly.
I paired it with my favorite cream sweater and my go-to Rag & Bone booties to dress down the boldness of the gold skirt.

I did feel that the outfit was missing a little "pop" so I threw a brooch on the sweater to pull it all together.
gold-skirt-style-outfit-blogger
Side note: if you see my skin in these pictures, especially my cheeks, you will notice some bumps and slight discoloration.  Discoloration you can see through layers of makeup.
My skin was not looking hot.
The products I mentioned in this post have really been helpfully in turning my skin around!
brooch-gold-skirt
skirt: old | sweater: old navy (seen here) | brooch: banana republic (seen here) | booties: rag&bone

shop similar pieces below:


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queen city casual.

This past weekend I headed to Charlotte, North Carolina to celebrate an old friend's upcoming nuptials.

We were only in Charlotte for less than 48 hours so we didn't get to see too much outside of the few bars we went into for the two nights we were there.
I opted to style a bodysuit for one of my few outfit changes of the weekend.

All in all, I don't think I was particularly impressed with Charlotte.
I know I know, I didn't get the full "Charlotte experience" so I would love suggestions if I ever make it back down to the city.
bodysuit-ootd-outfit-layers-american-eagle
sweateramerican eagle (only $22!)| bodysuitmadewell  
denimcurrent elliott sneakersnike | bagcuyana

Back to the weekend, To say the trip went smoothly would be an understatement.
After an unexpected 7 hour car ride (I really thought it was only 5...I was very wrong), 
to the bride-to-be getting the flu and not coming (yep that happened),
oh and did I mention the high was only low 40's? 
The weekend didn't go as planned.
I will say I did spend time with some of my oldest friends who I see only a few times a year and that did go as planned.
style-bodysuit-casual
Anyways, These photos were snapped when I broke away from the group to catch up with my friend Alexandra who relocated to The Queen City in the middle of 2016.
After asking "OMG I need a smoothie" Alexandra suggested we go to 7th Street Public Market to grab a bite or sip a smoothie.

I ended up with the best crepe I've had in a very long time and she went for an amazing looking acai bowl.
casual-style-bodysuit
I opted out of a heavier jacket and went with thin layers.
This bodysuit has become an easy staple in my closet. 
I love to style a bodysuit in a casual way because you never have to fuss with a waistline.
It is so easy to dress up or down (like above or this outfit here).
I really love the simple shape but never having to worry if your top will come un-tucked.
how-to-style-bodysuit
sweater: american eagle (only $22!)| bodysuit: madewell 
denim: current elliott | sneakers: nike | bag: cuyana

I threw on my friend's thin varsity look-a-like cardigan to add a fun look to the outfit.
Guys - this cardigan is on sale for $22! 
I may have to get it in all three colors...

shop similar pieces below:



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velvet crush.

Happy Throwback Thursday!
This outfit is from a few months back when I traveled down to Richmond, VA for a delightful tacky Christmas sweater party.  Prior to the evening festivities, the gaggle of girls that I was with, headed to the famous Godfrey's Drag Brunch.
velvet blazer ootd
blazerj.crew | bodysuitfree people | belturban outfitters | jeanscurrent elliott 
bootiestibi | sunglassesrayban | bagtory burch | chokerh&m

I had never been to a drag show before and it has quickly became a favorite of mine.
Watching all the different performances was amazing and fun.
The atmosphere was so fun and contagious and I can not wait to go back.
choker and free people body suit
December wasn't too cold so with a thin veil of an alcohol jacket this velvet blazer did just the trick.
I love fun blazers or jackets to throw on top of simple outfits.
I last wore this velvet blazer here, but I really love this slightly sexier updated version here.
The Free People bodysuit is only $30 and it is so easy to just throw on and head of the door with any blazer.
how to style a velvet blazer
Velvet had such a moment this past fall and I am so happy that I didn't sell this blazer on
Poshmark a few years ago when I had it up for sell.
Trends come back in to style and that is how I justify my clothes hoarding.
outfit for godfrey drag brunch
blazer: j.crew | bodysuit: free people | belt: urban outfitters | jeans: current elliott | booties: tibi | sunglasses: rayban | bag: tory burch | choker: h&m

I actually think I will be recreating this outfit this weekend for and early St.Patrick's Day celebration.
I am heading to Charlotte, NC this weekend to celebrate a close friend's Bachelorette party
and their large St.Patty's bar crawl.
I hope this can add some fun St.Patrick's Day outfit inspiration for you.
If you have ever been, I would love any suggestions and hints (I hate large drunk crowds)!

shop similar pieces here:



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Podcasts You Should Already Be Listening To.

Anyone who knows me knows that within the last few months I have become hooked on listening to podcasts. 
I honestly can't even tell you how many I actively subscribe to and keep up with because I think it may be close to 30.  
Crazy, I know.  
best-podcasts

In the morning while I get ready, I turn on a podcast.
When I am driving to work, I turn on a podcast.
When I need to zone out and do mindless administrative things at work, I turn on a podcast.
When I'm showering, I turn on a podcast (I even bought a waterproof shower speaker so I wouldn't ruin my phone).
I am constantly listening to them!!
So what podcasts have been capturing my attention?
Generally, I have pretty eclectic taste.  In turn, I listen to a little bit of everything, but given my newfound love for podcasts, I took a stab at putting together a list of a few favorites to share with you guys in the event you're ever seeking some new listening material!

MY FAVORITES RIGHT NOW

  • My Favorite Murder : Hands down, my favorite podcast right now is My Favorite Murder. They have a humorous approach to retelling horrendous murders, which is addictive.  I binged listened to nothing else but this podcast for over 3 weeks to catch up on all of their 50+ episodes.  As forewarning, Georgia, one of the hosts, loves to drop F-bombs.  However, once you give it a listen you will soon categorize yourself as a Murderino - trust me :)
  • Harry Potter & The Sacred Text :  Think bible study focused on Harry Potter books. Each chapter has a different theme and you can read along with them to break down the classics and see them in a whole new way.
  • LORE :  I love myths, folklore, and the paranormal. Lore has a little bit of all of that. Aaron Mahnke's voice and storytelling is not only compelling and captivating, but it will have you jumping on the bandwagon and listening to the bi-weekly podcasts.  I look forward to every other Monday morning for a new one.


TRUE CRIME

  • Someone Knows Something : This series is awesome! In each season, David Ridgen sifts through evidence and tries to find out what happened to a missing person.  Season two really captivated me and I love how throughout the season, and no matter what type of evidence he presents, he really keeps and promotes everyone's innocence (since no one has been officially charged with a crime)
  • Unexplained : To be completely honest, I am not that into the hosts voice but the stories he tells are interesting and keeps me engaged.
  • In The Dark :  I haven't fully gotten into this story yet however as it was set to being released, an arrest was finally made on this 30+ year old cold case of Jacob Wetterling.

LIFE

  • Hidden Brain : This 30 minute weekly podcast is probably my favorite from NPR. Topics vary weekly but they always make you think.  Some I would suggest as a starting point would be:
    • Episode 46: Blessings in Disguise
    • Episode 59: The Deep Story
    • Episode 60: Fortress America 
  • This American Life : Such a great collective of journalists that cover any type of story.
  • Invisibilia : Another NPR favorite. With only one season down, they tackle the "invisible forces" around us.  The episode, The Problem With the Solution, was eye opening.
  • Pod Save America : A great weekly summary of the crazy political landscape in America. Warning- the hosts are pretty liberal ex-Obama staffers.
  • The Art of Charm : I am just getting into this one but a great inspirational and motivational weekly podcasts that has really gotten me inspired.


FICTION

  • The Message/LifeAfter : They are season 1 and 2 respectively (you don't need to listen in order). Both are captivating but LifeAfter is a thriller and the ending you don't see coming.
  • Tanis : From the same studio that create The Black Tapes (another favorite!), I just finished this interesting podcast that just kicked off season 3.  What is Tanis and is it even real??
  • LimeTown : How does a whole town just simply vanish? Limetown was one of the first podcasts I couldn't stop listening to and I have been eagerly awaiting to find out what happened in the cliffhanger last episode.

LOVE

  • Why Oh Why : Andrea finds herself newly and unexpectedly single.  She breaks down dating in NYC and other various topics in life as a single person trying to get by.
  • DTR : From Tinder, they break down dating.  They don't have too many episodes but this one, Unexpected Places, was a surprising and amazing story.

MISC

  • Anna Faris is Unqualified! : She chats with celebrities about life, crazy fictional scenarios, and gives listeners advice.
  • Remarkable Lives; Tragic Deaths : A highly stylized recount of famous individuals lives and deaths.  Most of the people they've highlighted, I thought I knew about them but was surprised with new details and facts. 
  • Watch What Crappens : A podcast about all the amazing Bravo TV shows?! Ummm there is no need to discuss that amazing-nes..
HOW TO LISTEN TO PODCASTS
  • iTunes (you have the Podcast App already on your iPhone)
  • Stitcher
  • Online at the podcasts website (most linked above)
Do you have any podcasts you really like?
I would love your suggestions!