Fashion Friday: Garden Party

It’s wedding season, and I’ve been searching for an outfit that I can wear to an outdoor affair in October for the past few weeks. Since I’ll be  out of my element — The event is in North Carolina — I decided a long dress is probably my best bet to keep me from freezing in the 60 degree weather.  I’m from Florida — Anything below 85 calls for a sweater. After a quick search on Keep.com, I put together a garden inspired outfit that can go from an outdoor ceremony to twirling (Gone with the Wind style) in the reception.

{image source: dress, clutch, shoes}

My Vegas Style – Lounging, Lunch and Prada

I’m in full vacation mode so when I was approached to put together a few outfits ideas for the #MyVegasStyle blog challenge,  I graciously accepted. The challenge asked a select number of blogger to put together their take on a day at the Aria Resort and Casino, one of Las Vegas’ premier hotel properties. Since I have never been to Las Vegas, I did a little research before starting the challenge and quickly realized that fashion in Vegas has an anything goes attitude. Perfect, I’m ready to pack my bags!

I decided to keep each outfit very simple. Because honestly who wants to deal with an abundance of clothes when there are drinks to be had and fabulous food to munch. So here it goes…My three looks take me from the pool to lunch with friends and then a romantic dinner with my husband.  Enjoy! xoxo

Lounging Pool Side: Obviously my first stop after a long flight from Fort Lauderdale is straight to the pool and the closest bar for a refreshing drink. My pool side outfit includes a colorful bathing suit, a light cover up, jeweled sandals and a great pair of Ray-Bans. This outfit is easy to throw on or take off, and can transition easily, allowing me to dine, sip, swim or enjoy a spa treatment effortlessly.

 

                          Bathing Suit: ANTHROPOLOGIE | Cover up: SHOPBOP | Sandals: RIVERISLAND.COM| Sunglasses: RAY BAN

Lunch at Javier’s: You had me at hand-shaken margaritas…Javier’s gives off a cool vibe and after spending the afternoon at the pool, I feel like a boho romper would be the perfect choice to sip tequila, nibble on Baja specialties and show off my tan. My romper pick, by Blu Moon, features a tie dye pattern, crossover deep V-neck, long sleeves, covered elastic defined waistline and flounce shorts. Combined with a great statement necklace, easy to carry clutch  and nude booties, this outfit is ready to take on the lunch crowd and a little shopping cardio.

                 Boho Romper: PLANET BLUE | Clutch: GOLDENPONIES.NET | Necklace: STELLADOT.COM | Sandals: SHOPBOP

Dinner at Jean Georges: When I think of Jean Georges I think of New York. I’m not sure why, because, I’ve never been to Jean Georges in New York or Jean Georges period. But for some reason when I hear the name I think of a style that is classic and sophisticated — with a pop of fabulous. So my dinner look is a little Audrey Hepburn intermingled with the modern-day glamour of Anne Hathaway, circa The Devil Wears Prada. I styled this outfit so every piece has a simple element that demands attention. From the pleating on the dress and cut that hugs your waist to the infamous logo of the Prada bag and the bold patterns on the shoes, which incorporates just the right amount of color for a night out on the town….or the hotel restaurant.  I love simple, but I also love a surprise piece that makes people take a second look. And, please…This dress just screams “twirl me on the dance floor after an amazing Wagyu filet dinner..”

Dress: NEOPRENE | Shoes: SOPHIA WEBSTER | Clutch: PRADA

For more information on Aria Resort and Casino, visit aria.com.

Giddy Up

The Kentucky Derby is the one and only sporting event I really want to go to. There’s something about the glamour and prestige that makes sitting in the hot sun worth every drop of sweat. Plus, there are horses, and I love horses. Since I didn’t have the opportunity to attend this year, to commemorate the event, I will sip a mint julep and post about the fabulous outfits I hope to one day wear.

Hats off:
You can’t attend the derby without a fabulous hat. Since I’m not sure if I can maneuver in something big and floppy, I am opting for something a little subdued. I love the classic look of  Marisa Miller’s hat in the photo below. It has just the right amount of bling and goes perfectly with her dress.

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But then again, if you’re going to the Kentucky Derby you might as well go big. If I had to choose a gigantic hat, I would pick a simple style.

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Dress to impress:
There’s something about stripes that screams equestrian chic, and for this event I think I would don a bold striped skirt paired with a colorful top.

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Or…something solid with an awesome back.

Shoe in:
You can’t go wrong with a great pair of nude heels.  Not only with your legs look longer and leaner, you’ll also keep the attention on what matters — your hat! And, hello…Louboutins go with everything!

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Accessorize:
You can’t attend the derby without sipping on a mint julep.  Here is a simple recipe you can try if you are staying home to watch the big race.

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Prep Time: 3 minutes | Total Time: 3 minutes | Yield: 1 Cocktail
recipe adapted from About.com

Ingredients:

• Leaves from 4-5 mint sprigs
• 2 sugar cubes or 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
• Mint sprig for garnish

Preparation:

1. Place the mint and simple syrup or sugar into a julep cup, Collins glass, or double old-fashioned glass.
2. Muddle well to dissolve the sugar and to release the oil and aroma of the mint.
3. Add your favorite bourbon.
4. Fill with crushed ice and stir well until the glass becomes frosty.
5. Garnish with the mint sprig.

Enjoy!!