A Passion for Polka Dots

“Harvard won’t be impressed that you aced History of Polka Dots.” Remember those erroneous words? Uttered by (my legally blonde counterpart) Elle Woods' misguided college counselor? What said counselor didn't realize is that the polka dot carries a rich history, which has culminated in the print becoming a multifaceted symbol for lighthearted femininity on the one hand and 50's-housewife-nostalgia on the other. They're a complicated breed, not to be dismissed so easily. And frankly, I'm not too impressed by Harvard (so there, take. that.). 

As a born-again (see below) polka dot aficionado, I encourage you to rock the dot and join the ranks of women who have embraced the playful print. The roster includes some late-greats like Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, and Lucile Ball, as well as some of my modern-day fashion heroines: Gwen Stefani, Leandra Medine, Sienna Miller, and SJP. These icons have (in my humble opinion) elevated the polka dot above the help-me-I'm-a-domesticated-Betty-Draper-prisoner-of-misogyny associations of yesteryear to an empowered neutral (a la cheetah print, if you will) that pokes fun at its past and draws all the well-deserved attention in your direction (you goddess, you). Just don't overdo it with the face paint. 

Off the Shoulder Top - Forever 21// Trumpet Skirt - Saloni// Chartreuse Round Cushion Clutch - Charlotte Olympia// Black Gumball Drop Earrings - Suzanna Dai// Blue Fold Over Clutch - DVF// High-Low Ruffle Dress - Sandro// Headband - Dolce & Gabbana// Beaded & Rafia Earrings - Bimba y Lola// Bikini - Mara Hoffman// Rainbow Purse - WaiWai// Yellow Fold Over Clutch - DVF// Cap Sleeve Dress - Reformation// Shoulder Tie Bodysuit- Zara// Wide-Leg Pants - Oscar de la Renta// Pink Satin Clutch - No. 21

Yours truly, at her own birthday party, rocking a RBF and most likely displeased because the make up artist did not understand the face paint clashed with the main attraction: the polka dots. Lesson learned - always, always do a trial run before the…

Yours truly, at her own birthday party, rocking a RBF and most likely displeased because the make up artist did not understand the face paint clashed with the main attraction: the polka dots. Lesson learned - always, always do a trial run before the real thing. 

The Newb Got the Golden Ticket: My Weekend At Reward Style's #RSTHECON

When one of your nearest and dearest who also happens to be in da biz (how Andee Olson manages to balance being my college bestie while also being Site Director and Head of Product at The Coveteur, the world will never know) invites you to accompany her to the Reward Style (the geniuses behind the app Like to Know It) conference in Dallas, here's what you do (in chronological order): 1) say a few woosahs so as to keep from letting out a big ole' Cuban yell at the office; 2) accept; 3) once home from the office, let out the aforementioned suppressed yell (it's unhealthy to keep those things in); and 4) sit criss-cross applesauce on your closet floor and practice the Lawd-help-me-fit-this-all-in-a-carry-on meditation until mental clarity and an on-the-verge-of-implosion-suitcase are both achieved. I break down the outfits I wore for all the am and pm activities below (with even more commentary - just what you always wanted!).

As the newb of all newbs, you can imagine my sorry-I-just-can't-keep-cool-I'll-apologize-later-if-I-embarrass-you excitement as I met (or just stalked from afar) some of the most personable influencers in the blogosphere. Highlights of the weekend include: taking my lunch break at the Banana-Republic sponsored Shake Shack picnic (that ain't my average Friday), having a tarot card reading with Andee at the Bumble party (revealing BIG thangs are brewin' and stewin'), hearing Alex Williamson and Courtney Kerr speak of the secret to success in the industry (since I am THE kindest, I'll share it with you - it's to be kind, so consider yourselves officially in the know), and attending the insane finale party at the Wyly Theatre, followed by some equally insane late night grilled cheeses courtesy of the Hotel Crescent Court room service.

You want me to narrow it down to my very favorite part? Fiiine - it would have to be getting to spend much-needed quality time with one of my favorite friends that I don't get to see enough and leaving with some confirmation that perhaps this blog-thing isn't the looniest idea I've ever come up with. Yes, I realize that's two things - but after weaseling my way into #rStheCon, I'm on a breaking-all-da-rulez streak. 

Black & Tortoise Sunglasses - Celine// Black Crop Top - Elizabeth & James// Horse Hair Earrings - Tory Burch// White Culottes - Gap (sold out, similar here)// Tiger Clutch - Reine// Mirrored Sunglasses - Krewe// White Crop T-Shirt - Zara// Lucite Cuff - Lizzie Fortunato// Bird Earrings - Mercedes Salazar (prices in COB)// Skirt - Anjuna (sold out, dress version here)

Black One Shoulder Top - Petersyn// Evil Eye Earrings - Katherine Cordero// Green Pants - DVF// Black Purse - YSL// Polka Dot Heels - Kate Spade// Green Moto Jacket - Ann Taylor// Striped Dress - Isa Arfen// Les Bon Bons - Rebecca DeRavenel (sold out, similar here)// Cat Purse - Lulu Guinness// Pink Heels - Schutz

Q: What should I wear to a Masquerade wedding in Italy? A: Can I be your plus one?

Yes, I'm for real. Better said, my friend whose attending a black-tie-mask-required wedding in Venice tomorrow night is for real. And I, for one, am geloso (that's Italian for jealous, although it also sounds like what my boday feels like after one too many skipped Soul Cycle classes).

I always get asked about dresses to wear to formal weddings, and the jewel-toned numbers in today's post are a few of my favs because they all would work in your favor on the dance floor (strict criteria I adhere to in selecting my wedding-attendee wardrobe). In this covetable case, the masks are the appropriate accessory and I'd probs not recommend them for a stateside affair - although who am I to keep you from living out your inner phantom-of-the-opera fantasies if you so desire? 

Black Dress - Alice McCall// Orange Butterfly Mask - Etsy// Gold Leather Headband - Morgan and Taylor// Black Lace Mask - Etsy// Sicily Earrings - Etsy// Yellow Sequin Dress - DVF// Peacock Mask - Etsy// Teal Dress - Sachin and Babi// Feather Mask - Etsy// Fil Coupé Dress - Erdem// Green Butterfly Mask - Etsy// Green Strapless Dress - Solace London

Everybody Must Get Stoned -With Addison Weeks, That is

Today's a holiday, and nothing gets me more jazzed than an excuse to get festive and in the spirit. But being the nonconformist-who-enjoys-a-good-play-on-words that I am, I've opted to celebrate in a non-traditional (and healthier and legal) way: getting gem-stoned (cue the crickets).

Throw all notions of how cheesy/lame I can be aside and instead focus on our headliner, Addison Weeks, makers of some of the most fab jewelry and home-ware in the game. Launched by Lee Lesley and Kat Mulford in 2012, the brand offers an array of pieces made of handcrafted brass and semiprecious stones that can give you and your bar cart that extra pizzazz you've been needing in your life.  

So why am I such a fan? Because for gals like moi who feel a need for accessorizing-speed, it can be tough to find pieces that work just as well in the office as on the weekends - but Addison Weeks jewelry fits the mold. If you've ever been in the "I need to spruce up this white shirt and black blazer ASAP before someone mistakes me for someone who takes herself too seriously" dilemma, then you know what I'm talkin' bout. So why is Oprah such a fan (yes, they made the list of her favorite things - which is probably all I needed to say but we all know I can't mute myself)? Because the pieces look like fine jewelry with a costume jewelry price point and they "add tasteful glamour to your everyday outfits" (she always does say it best).  

If Oprah, Gayle and I are all on the Addison Weeks bandwagon, I'm not quite sure what you're waiting for. 

Q: Can you find me a graduation dress? A: Can you like, not remind me of how old I am?

Today's post is aging me just a lil' bit - a decade, to be precise. I graduated from my all-gals Catholic school, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, just shy of ten years ago and in about a month my youngest sister will do the same. Talk about livin' the "but where has the time gone?! a 10 year reunion - how could this be?!" cliche - someone get this wannabe millennial a hot tub time machine.

There are endless things I can say about my dearest alma mater. But for the sake of retaining readership, I'll narrow it to the two most important points, sparknote style (since we're in high school mode, after all): 1) Lourdes is where I met my soul sistas and some of my BFFAE and 2) Lourdes is where I learned how to use Photoshop (all credit goes to Ms. Martinez for suggesting I bow out of AP Economics for a class I could - what's a good term here - comprehend a lil' betta - Digital Imaging). So, in a way, my high school is responsible for this post/blog even existing, while at the same time being the inspiration behind it today (like, whoa). 

The graduation regalia required at Lourdes is a white dress and while I (oddly enough) never questioned why, I'll chalk it up to a combo of symbolism (representing our pure-hearted, angelic selves) and practicality (the graduation robe is white). I'm proud to report my a-line eyelet Milly SS '07 number that I rocked with pomp and circumstance is still hanging in my closet. So when when my Yale-bound sister (casual) asked me to help her find some options, I did what every overbearing older sister would do: I made a post with some strong suggestions (should be an exclusive list of options but what do I know - I only have a decade of wisdom to impart). Ahem - all honor goes to you, dear Lourdes Academy. 

Top (from left to right): Stevie May// Cinq a Sept// Three Floor// Edit// Alexis// Maje 
Bottom (from left to right): Rebecca Taylor// Stevie May// Derek Lam 10 Crosby// Rebecca Taylor// Black Halo