Calm before the storm: Ladies Night

Welp! I'm back! After tending to the storm (not really - we were extremely lucky) and a major closet clean out, I am ready to resume all blogging responsibilities.

During my slight recess, I've learned that not only am I a bit lazy (oops), I am also a tiiinny bit of a hoarder, hence the massive clean out. I mean, who needs four wallets anyway?  Needless to say, I have rehashed my eBay account...so please DO shop my closet!!

Although most of my MIA activities included lounging around.. in an attempt to limit our vino intake, the ladies and I decided to head out to a late dinner to Founding Farmers (review and many more visits to come -- can you tell I liked it?)

Who knew that waiting for a cab on a Saturday night in DC would take over 30 minutes? I know I know... I should know better... but it did give us a chance for a mini photo sessh.

Want to steal my look?? I'm wearing J Crew Schoolboy Blazer (color sold out, love this one!), Vince Silk Cap Sleeve Blouse (here), Forever 21 Jeans (old, similar here), Anthropologie Beaded Headband (here).

G(left) is wearing a W118 by Walter Baker sweater dress (similar and on sale here) and Coach Wedge Boots (here). C (right) is wearing the Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch (here).

 

Oktoberfest

October is one of my favorite months of the year -- it's no longer sweltering hot outside, there are amazing end of summer sales, its one month before my favorite holiday (Thanksgiving!) and I get to break out my UGGs!

Enjoying one of the last warm days to a trip to downtown DC! I'm wearing 7 for All Mankind skinnys (similar here), Coach Signature Flats (similar here), Teal La Mer Watch (here), DVF Leopard Scarf (here), LV Neverfull (here)

 

Pit stop at the Food Truck meet-up where I found my favorite ice cream truck. Seriously, if you're ever in the area -- you MUST find them!

After much (not really) persuasion from my friends, we decided to volunteer at a local Oktoberfest. The gig included free beer tickets in exchange for two hours of pouring local brews for attendees. We picked Capital City Brewery before realizing that they sponsored the event.. needless to say we had the longest line and most fun line of them all, but we couldn't complain since we were able to dabble for free *wink wink*.

 

Arriving a few hours before our shift allowed us to peruse the festival and indulge in  a few samples. If you were there, you'd love October as much as I do too!

One Day vs. Today : DVF Edition

I've always loved the classic silhouettes that Diane Von Furstenberg creates, but unfortunatly apart from one wool work dress and a lugguge set, I don't own much of it. I decided to do a post solely devoted to the brand (this is NOT a sponsored post) to represent my current DVF wishlist -- couldn't hurt that it's all on sale right now either (wink wink -- holiday shopping anyone?).

Since all of these items are on sale -- it would be more of an "Everyday" post versus One Day/Today.. but you get the point ;o)

DVF Malis Dress - (here and on sale with Fall30 code at check-out!)

DVF Branitta Dress (here and on sale (with code above)!)

DVF Samara Skirt (here)

DVF Chiffon Scarf in Swirl Chartreuse (here!)

DVF Drew Satchel in Garnet - this is the perfect color for fall and I'd LOVE to add it to my collection ;) (find it here)

Life Via iPhone: September Edition

I'd have to refer to my planner to give you a full recap of September because nothing puts a damper into coming back from vacation like a crammed month long schedule. You could say that I need a vacation … from my vacation ;)

If you know me, you know that I'm always dieting and need to be kept away from all bakeries, BUT I had to stop the local winner of Food Networks Cupcake Wars - SweetLobby. It was a treat after a much dreaded doctor’s appointment.

B was sick last week and her mom needed to document her recovery... and squeeze in a few extra walks by the water -- and an overdue vet visit!

I think my family has established a weekly tradition of visiting the Farmers Market. We join for mostly for the atmosphere and delish food rather than the produce... although who would turn down an omlete made from organic eggs and home grown mushrooms? If its food -- not this girl :) 

Somehow, we had time to hit up the National Gallery of Art - and by hit up I mean speed walk through on our way to a lunch date ;)

Romney Burger at BGR, nuff said.

 G came to visit!!! After an exhausting day of [bargain] shopping..

Testing out OOTD photos...would this be a good new feature?

When in Rome..

Prior to booking this trip, we deliberated destinations with only one thought in mind - it HAD to be Europe. My first choice has always been Greece, but given their economic situation... I crossed my fingers for Italy.

I'll admit that I had not known much about Amalfi Coast, or Sorrento (minus the frozen pizza), or Positano (durr), so seeing Rome on a potential itinerary ultimately made up our minds.  We were going to Rome.

Wearing: Tart dress (similar here), and my lifesaving Toms (here)

The Coliseum was my most anticipated visit. It was as grand as it looks in movies/photos but a tad boring (minus the historical babble). We were advised not to go inside therefore I'd rate the visit overrated -- we found ourselves antsy and ready to move on after a few photos.

The Vatican was both beautiful and very culturally overwhelming. This was our last stop in the exhausting tour and our attention span (ok I’ll speak for myself) was suffering.

Amalfi Coast Obsession

We loved Barcelona, but boy, I hadn't planned to blown away by Italy!! Our first port was Naples, and having done our research, we knew we'd be best off hiring a private tour guide.

This breathtaking view of Amalfi Coast was our first pit stop, to say that this picture doesn't do it justice is an understatement. Our jaws literally dropped before we proceeded to scramble to take pictures and make the best use of our allotted 5 minutes pit stop. 

Another shot from the Coast

Our tour guide then dropped us off in the gorgeous town of Sorrento. We were able to roam the streets, try local street vendors (including Limenchello and Italian version of a lemon snow cone), and sneak in a bit of shopping.

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 Day 1 concluded with a self-guided tour. It was scorching hot, and some of us decided to wear jeans --oops. Needless to say, this tour was short lived, but it was still an incredible opportunity to visit -- read more here.

Photo Credit : Daniel Lee

Life @ the moment

This week marks the end of my hectic summer. Below are some iPhone (which is now sporting a sad looking cracked screen, tear) shots from Europe. Once I catch my breath a bit, my Euro trip posts will resume in a couple of days!

Cheesin' at the start of vacay at our first lunch in Barcelona.

 

Quick gelato run in Italy.

This happens to be two servings of pizza in Rome. Apparently it's served by weight and not by slice, ehh.

 

Limonchello!! We scored some free samples at lunch - let's just say I wouldn't say no to this icy treat again... too bad I was too lazy to lug a bottle home with me.

 

Walking the streets in Italy! Those that know me personally have heard about my battle with my aging (tear) knees --- these TOMS saved my life! As ugly as they are, I HIGHLY recommend them for everyone!! Waiting for these to go on sale next ;)

Wearing my new skinny's purchased in France! WHoop!!! Similar cute ones here, silver ballet flats (here), Kate Spade bag (here), Banana Republic top (old, similar here).