Friday's Fancies: Winning in White

Are four day weeks not the best? I can hardly believe it's Friday, but I'm certainly not complaining! This week's Friday's Fancies theme is very appropriate, as summer time weather has officially arrived in DC.

winning in white by bluedogbelle featuring stainless steel jewelry

Flower dress / Topshop leather shoes / Accessorize evening handbag / Kate Spade earrings / French Connection stainless steel jewelry, $145 / San Diego Hat Co. wide brim hat

Honestly I'm still way behind in my reader... so I haven't gotten to troll through as many posts as I would like, but I certainly still have some link love to share with you all.

• Pugly Pixel had this great post about free downloadable art from the  Rijks Museum. I may have to nab a few for my new apartment!
• Alyssa from The Glossy Life wrote such a beautiful and poignant post yesterday. It's definitely worth a read. 
• This trick from The Beauty Department is genius, and actually works! Who knew?
• I loved Allyssa's summer reading challenge, and think I may play along. Anyone else?
• Now go make this deliciously southern summertime cocktail and start the weekend off right. 

Have a great one gals!

Bar Cart Beauties

With only two months left as a Washingtonian I'm beginning to dream about what life in New Orleans will look like. I'm foreseeing some long nights in the library, lots of warm weather, late nights on Magazine Street, and cocktails on the porch of my new New Orleans abode (that I have yet to find). Sounds pretty good right?

Since I'm planning on living on my own for the first time I'm thrilled to get complete and total control over the decor. Yay!!! So in the coming weeks I want to get y'all's oppinions on a few decor options I'm considering. I've come to learn you folks have the best taste around. 

First up, the ever important bar. I'm not sure what it is about having a "bar" in my house that makes me so happy (beyond the obvious bottle collection), but I just love the sheer decadence and sophistication of devoting a chunk of your living space to pretty glasses, bottles and trays. Whatever it is, I've decided that a bar is a must in my new abode. 

Right now I'm using a massive Ikea bookshelf turned on it's side for storage/ bar wares, but I'm thinking of switching over to a pretty bar cart. 

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I mean, come on. Don't you love them all? While I'm still debating if I want to go for a cart, ooh... or maybe a tray or two on top of a buffet? I'm pulling all of the elements together.

bar cart by bluedogbelle featuring beauty products

Beauty product, $38 / Waterford Crystal Lismore Ice Bucket & Tongs, Cobalt / Riedel Ultra Decanter - 225mm 1230ccm, $340 / C. Wonder Neon Lucite Serving Tray / Casa Couture Platinum champagne box of 4, $53 / Tabla by Mikasa® Circumference Shooter Glasses, Set of 4 / Worlds Away Bar carts

What would you put on your bar car?

May Beauty Favorites

Holy Cow! How is it the last Wednesday in May? Seriously, when did that happen? After a wonderful long weekend and a very stressful start to the work week I'm feeling slightly dazed this lovely Wednesday. But you know what makes me feel better? Being able to share my May beauty favorites with you! Monthly favorites are some of my favorite posts to write, so I hope you enjoy reading them!

I have to say, this month was pretty epic. I did a little birthday shopping at Sephora, so I had lots of new goodies to play with!

1. Benefit They're Real Mascara- I am officially a believer in this mascara! If you want LONG and defined lashes you need to try this mascara. I will say the formula is probably the wettest one I've ever tried, but after a few coats I've never quite seen my lashes look as good as they do. I will say this isn't the most volumizing mascara (i.e. thickening), but my lashes are definitely longer and more defined than with any mascara I've used... ever.

2. Suave Dry Shampoo- I've gone back and forth on this product a lot since I've discovered dry shampoo, but I have finally decided this one is the best deal on the market. First of all, it's the least expensive one out there, it smells amazing and it works! I think that I have to use a little more of this product than some of the higher end dry shampoos I've tried, but for the price it's still worth it.

3. Simple Soothing Eye Balm- I have a full review of this and a few other simple products coming soon, but I am loving this eye balm after only a few days. When I turned 25 I decided it was time to start taking care of the skin around my eyes a little better and I can't tell y'all how much better my eye area looks already. If you're guilty of not taking off your eye makeup way too often every now and again, you need this product. It soothes the tired eyes you didn't know you had, plus it helps keep those dreaded bags at bay!

4. Benefit Watt's Up! Oh my goodness. Hands down the best highlighter I have ever used. I love this creamy little stick of glowing perfection. Mendi and Jayme of HLNC did a highlighter review recently and I couldn't agree with their assessment of this product more!

5. Juice Beauty CC cream- Okay, I'm eating my words a bit with this one. In my last birchbox review I didn't exactly give this product glowing reviews, but oh have I changed my mind. I guess it's something in the product but my skin has been absolutely glowing with this product! I stand by the fact that it's on the light to medium side coverage wise, but it has definitely improved the condition on my skin. PLUS my baby sample lasted me almost 4 whole weeks of daily use! Love that!

6. bare Minerals in Warmth: Remember when we all used bareMinerals for everything? I never used up that container of the matte warmth powder, but I'm loving it as a bronzer lately. Since I've switched to liquid foundations I've forgotten about how great this brand is. Definitely loving this as a bronzer to finish out spring.

7. Sephora Pro Lesson Palette: Blue Eyes in all honesty I quickly added this palette to my shopping cart so I could get the free shipping, but I'm so glad I did. First of all 6 shadows for $9? Great deal. Plus it comes with instructions for 2 different looks. On top of the good deal the shadows are extremely rich and very smooth. Only one is matte, with the rest shimmery, but no glitter. My favorite shade is the coppery color (they call it soft beige), it had such pretty pigmentation that is very build-able.


In other big beauty news I've decided to add another subscription box to my beauty buying regimen. I may be going a tad overboard but when I found out about Beauty Army I couldn't help it.  Unlike most subscription services you actually get to pick your products (love that)! You start by filling out a pretty extensive beauty profile then you get 9 options to pick from (you can order up to 6). If you don't like the options? Just re-take the survey! It's $12, but I have to say this month I'm getting 3 full size products and 3 more large samples. While I still haven't received the box, I have to say I'm loving it already! If you want to learn more or sign up yourself just click here. 

Alright girls. I think that's about it for my May beauty favorites! What have you been loving this month?  

Instagram and Vine Blog Hop

Welcome to the Instagram + Vine Blog Hop! If you're new here, the Instagram + Vine Blog Hop is a party where you link up your Instagram and/or Vine accounts, find and follow new friends, and be continually inspired by what you see in your feeds! No need to have a blog, just an Instagram and/or Vine account!

How to PLAY:

1. Follow your HOSTS:

Kimberly | Instagram: @anightowlblog | Vine: anightowlblog 

Emily | Instagram: @mrsemshhh | Vine: emily emshwiller 

Angie | Instagram: @blogali | Vine: Little Inspiration

2. Follow your CO-HOSTS:

Jaime | Instagram: @momstestkitchen

You can find Jaime here: 

Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest

 ***

Emily | Instagram: @empri88

 You can find Emily here: 

Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest

3. Link up your Instagram Web Profile:

Just link up your new Instagram Web Profile (http://instagram.com/username) -OR- your web viewer of choice in the linky below!

Note: this URL will not let you choose a profile pic from your feed, so be sure you have a picture you can upload from your computer if you use it! If you get a "Error: The requested URL returned error: 500" error that just means it can't find a picture to use NOT that your link is bad. Just click on "Direct Image URL" if you have one or "Upload from Computer". If you still have trouble, try sticking with Followgram or Webstagram to upload your profile.

4. NEW! Link up your Vine Username and/or Video!

Add your Vine username (so folks can find you) to the list below! Or link up a Vine video so we can see your cinematography at work! This is new, so there aren't web profiles just yet, but hopefully they'll be out soon! How do you find your video link? If you post your video on Facebook or Twitter, you will be given a URL that looks like this: "http://vine.co/v/bJegq22datT." Just link that up below with your username so we can find you! If you don't have a URL to one of your videos, simply link up your blog URL, but make sure the title is your Vine username so we can find you!

5. Check out and follow a few fellow Instagram or Vine friends.

Tell folks you follow that you found them through the Hop!

6. Spread the word!

Tweet about it, share it on Facebook or post about it on Instagram!

Tweet

Now let's link up!

Quoted

Friday's Fancies: Memorial Day Diva

We made it again folks! Boy am I glad this week is over, and it's a three day weekend to boot! Yay! since my days in DC are numbered I've decided to stick around town and take in some of the best sights this city has to offer. A National's game on Sunday, the Memorial Day Concert on the mall on Monday, it's going to be great! And I'm pretty sure this is the perfect outfit for all that gallivanting around town.

seersucker dress / flat sandals / tote bag / pendant jewelry / sunglasses / Sunscreen

How cute is this seersucker dress? First of all I love anything seersucker, but how perfectly patriotic for Memorial Day weekend right?

Since I'm going to be out and about quite a bit I'll definitely putting my sunscreen supplies to good use. Don't forget ladies! No one wants wrinkles or skin cancer!

Okay, now for a little link love. PS I hope y'all are liking this new weekly feature! It's quickly becoming one of my favorites!

• Need a one stop show for creative blog resources? Ashley Ella Designs put together a great one this week! So helpful. 
• Like any true southern girl I love me some boiled peanuts, but I've never thought to make them for myself. Thankfully Carlene is here to rescue us all with this recipe. Rumor is she's going to make boiled peanut hummus soon too. Yum. 
• Since summer is unofficially here we all need to remember to protect ourselves from the harmful rays of the sun. Here's 12 things you're doing wrong with your sunscreen right. 
• I'm SO doing this to my vanity! 
• How amazing does this chicken sound? I love all of her recipes, but this one is just calling my name! 
• I think I've found my next DIY project! I love this camera strap! 

Alright gals! I hope y'all have a fabulous long weekend!

A Little Revamp

Thank you all for your sweet response to yesterday's post. I think I definitely just needed a little break from all of the craziness, so I spent the day allowing me to treat myself here and there. Cupcakes for breakfast? Sure. A latte in the afternoon? Why not. Needless to say I'm feeling much better today.

I've been reading a lot of design blogs lately, and after reading this awesome post from Allyssa I decided it was finally time to take the plunge and do a little revamping of my "about" page. My original one was thrown up kind of haphazardly more than a year ago. So I figured why not go ahead and update it?  Here's the whole shebang...

Emily: The Girl Behind the Blog

Welcome! I'm Emily, the girl behind the Blue Dog Belle blog. I am originally from Georgia where I lived the first 21 years of my life. A few months before I graduated from college, I picked up everything and moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue my dream of working in politics. 

I love all things girly and have a strange obsession with the color gray. Like any southern girl I love a good monogram and drinks in mason jars. I am a beauty junkie with a weakness for all things makeup, and I'm a huge college football fan. Throw in an infatuation with glitter and you have me in a nutshell. Want more? Quirks. Goals. Friends. Confessions. History of me. 

Washington, D.C. : The Setting

After nearly four years living in Washington, D.C. the city has really become my home. DC has a unique culture unlike any other city in the world. This is truly the epicenter for all things political, but with a diverse and youthful citizenry the life of a local is never too serious or boring. Want a little taste of what it's like to gallivant around DC? Try this. this. this. this. or this.   

Blue Dog Belle: The Name

Many a-political types aren't tuned in to the various coalitions within political parties, and that's okay. But to understand a little more about me, you need to understand what a Blue Dog is.  According to their website...

"The Blue Dog Coalition was created in 1995 to represent the commonsense middle of the Democratic Party. Blue Dogs advocate for mainstream American values, a commitment to fiscal responsibility, and a strong national defense. 

The name “Blue Dog” originates from the long-time tradition of referring to a strong Democratic Party supporter as being a “Yellow Dog Democrat,” who would, “vote for a yellow dog if it was listed on the ballot as a Democrat.” Leading up to the 1994 election the founding members of the Blue Dogs felt that they had been “choked blue” by the extremes of both political parties." 

So essentially a "Blue Dog" is a moderate Democrat. Fiscally conservative, socially liberal is what I like to think. The Belle portion comes from my desire to be a southern belle. Really I just wanted a name that would represent multiple aspects of my personality. You guys know this, but I'm a political junkie with an addiction to glitter and sparkles. For more on the meaning behind the blog read my post: here.

New Orleans: The Future

As I posted here I will be picking up my life again to move to New Orleans, Louisiana to pursue my dream of going to law school. I'm both terrified and excited about this new adventure, saying goodbye to DC is much harder than I expected. Stick along for the ride though, and I'm sure we'll have tons of adventures in cajun country together. Read about my first adventure here.


And I'm back! So what do y'all think? too long? Are you annoyed by the round pictures? I hope you love it just as much as I do! Now I'm inspired to make even more changes! What should I tackle next???

Heavy Hearts

I'm going to go ahead and warn you, this post albeit brief is not the normally light hearted post you are probably used to seeing around this blog. I'm not sure what's really going on with me this week, but I'm just feeling emotionally crushed by the state of my world. I know so much of my feelings are coming from the absolutely heartbreaking images coming from Moore, Oklahoma.  But it's beyond that. This has been a really tough year. First the shootings in Aurora, Co., then hurricane Sandy, then the absolute tragedy of Sandy Hook, the Boston bombings, all the coverage of those girls in Ohio, and now the devastation in Oklahoma.  My heart has been saddened by each and everyone of these events. 

I like so many others have shed plenty of tears for the victims of these tragedies, but at the moment I'm just feeling so overwhelmed by all the sadness in the world.  I'm so appreciative that none of the tragedy has touched my personal life, but that doesn't negate the sadness hanging over me. 

I don't really know how to explain my feelings other than to say I'm utterly overwhelmed. 

So I hope you'll excuse me today as a take the day off to get myself back into a better head space. I need to focus on the good in the world, and in my world in particular.  For now I'll just leave you with this quote...

South Moon Under Shopping

Last week I made the trek out to South Moon Under in the Mosaic District in Fairfax for the Rebecca Minkoff trunk show, and let me tell y'all it was well worth the adventure. I know I'm making this sound like it's hours outside the city, but like many other district dwellers I rarely venture out to virginia, let alone outside the beltway! 

Honestly though, I wish I had done it sooner. Fabulous boutique shopping, many of my favorite DC area restaurants and target in one place? I don't even have to pay for parking? Amazing. Anyways, South Moon Under is a gem, so many unique and on trend pieces I definitely know where I'll be doing my shopping from now on. 

I was beyond impressed with the selection, and hey a 20% off night doesn't hurt either right? 

Gilded Stripes

Well folks, we made it once again! Happy Friday! I can tell already this summer is just going to fly by (yay/sad).  This week has been an absolute whirlwind and I really don't know where the time keeps going! But anyways, let's talk about more exciting things like Friday's Fancies. I decided to go a bit more formal for Friday's Fancies this week. While the theme was stripes, I seemed to be craving any and everything gold.

Lace top / striped pencil skirt / shoes / sandals /  handbag / bracelet  / disc earrings / pearl drop earrings

I don't know about you, but I'm absolutely and completely obsessed with this pencil skirt! 

UPDATED

Oh my gosh y'all! somehow I forgot to do a little link love this week! How did that happen? Maybe because I stayed up entirely too late last night watching the epic office series finale. Before we get to link love can we just talk about the office for a minute? Oh my gosh, I'm so sad. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but I think that's more in the fact that it's ending not so much the writing. I was definitely great to see the whole gang together one last time and get some resolutions for so many of my favorites. Seriously. Thursday nights are never going to be the same. 

Okay, enough ranting about TV. Link Love time. 

• Now that summer weather is quickly approaching I've been craving fruit like crazy. This teriyaki chicken with strawberry mango salsa sounds right up my alley. 
• Anyone in need of a few good DIY ideas? Design Crush pulled together some great ones this week. 
• I am not the best about cleaning my makeup brushes, but I would say it realistically happens every 3-4 weeks. This is a great guide on how to not only clean, but sanitize your makeup brushes. 
• It's friday, obviously time for a cocktail tonight and this one sounds so perfect.
• I am officially half way through my twenties, scary. I loved this cheat sheet for winning at life in your 20's. Definitely some lessons to learn. 
• Not that I need to do any more shopping, but I loved each and every one of these shops featured on Dooley Noted Style this week. 

And that is all she wrote. Happy Weekend Y'all! I'm finally seeing Gatsby and checking out Opera in the Outfield. Other than that, I'm going to enjoy this lovely weather! 

A Perfect Eastern Market Afternoon

Last weekend I ran around eastern market, and I've still be dreaming about how lovely it is. If you've never been you absolutely need to get over there ASAP. The market lies just blocks away from the Capitol building, but it feels like a different world. Everyone just meanders around, shopping, eating, drinking and enjoying a little time off. Honestly this market is one of my favorite things about DC, and I will often miss spending my weekends taking in the sights and sounds of this gem of a market. 

Do you have a favorite weekend haunt? A market? Brunch spot? 

/div>

Happy Birthday Mom!

Hello there! I'm back again to wish my Mom a very happy birthday! 

Me too. Happy Birthday Mom!

/div>

Surprise Kate Spade Sale!

Guess what happened yesterday? I was just minding my own business checking emails on my phone when all of the sudden I see this gem...

Yep. Time to break out the credit card. While I'm not going too crazy (with moving and law school on the horizon I'm trying to save money like crazy), but I have a few gift cards burning a hole in my pocket. So I need y'alls help! What should I get?

I do actually need a new wallet. I've been rocking the same (fake *gasp* D&B wallet for over 2 years).

Wellesley Stacy

I am obsessed with this blue beauty. 

Wellesley Zip Travel Wallet

This wallet is HUGE, such a steal. But how do I feel about the orange? Hmm...

Pasadena New Sander

Blue. Patton. Leather. Need I say more? 

Or maybe I should get some fun jewels? You can never have too many right? 

Gumdrop Studs

These studs have been a go-to gift of mine lately. They are so fun and chic, and everyone loves them! Maybe it's time I get some for myself. Plus, hello? $19? 

Chandelier Earrings

How fun are these beauties? 

And just for fun, maybe a new bag?

Wellesley Alessa

A perfect fun little beauty to run around town with me on the weekends? I think so.

Striped Flicker Bon Shopper

Or maybe this one? Perfect for toting law books around New Orleans right? I think so. 

So, what should I do? Get a wallet I need? a fun little bit of glitz? or splurge for another bag? Or is there something out there I'm not seeing? Hmm... you can shop the whole sale here. Did I mention it ends TONIGHT! Hurry up and get to shopping gals. 

Weekend Snapshots

Happy Tuesday! My weekend recap is a day late, but it was such an epic one I figured y'all wouldn't mind. As many of you know my best IRL friend, Lauren was a huge catalyst for me launching this blog. Well she and her husband have been working ridiculously hard the last three years to get their law degrees, and on Sunday they received their diplomas and are officially juris doctors! Only three years until I hopefully join them! 

The whole weekend was wonderful. Full of good food and good friends and family. We checked out the Williamsburg farmers market one last time, and of course hit up the cheese shop! If you're ever in Williamsburg you absolutely have to eat there! 

Lauren's little sister Ashley is an aspiring fashion blogger, so we snapped a few shots. How much do you love this sparkly headband?

She's starting her paparazzi skills early in life. 

Ashley prompted me to take a few "model shots" with the kate spade, obviously.

BFF since the millennium! 

After graduation we took a few pictures around the campus. Lauren and Jason's dad's decided to get in a few grad shots too.  

All in all it was a lovely weekend. I just wish my graduation would go ahead and get here! Can I skip the three years in between? ok. Thanks. For more Williamsburg fun, see Lauren's recap here. 

Blogging Confessions

So the other day Whitney wrote this post about hiding the blog from her real life friends. As I was reading through her post I was touched, because each and every word she wrote seemed as if it was my own.

Confession time. 90% of the people in my life don't know about my blog. 

Sure my roommates know a lot about it since I'm constantly using them to help me brainstorm, edit and create content. My other two best gals both read it often (one of them has a blog herself). My Mom reads it every now and again, my sisters know about it but I doubt they've ever really looked at it, and my Dad's probably in the same boat. I've shared it with a few other close friends, but generally only after they organically found it through some form of social media.

I have so many trepidations about publicly claiming this blog. First and foremost I'm afraid of what it could do to my professional career. What do employers think about a personal blog? Y'all know I never ever talk about my job on here, and I would never do anything to compromise the company I work for. But still, an employee with a blog is a bit of a liability isn't it? In this difficult job market why would I do anything that could jeopardize myself as a potential candidate *not a candidate for political office. Don't worry, I have no plans or desire to pursue that life. But I do want a career in politics, so even if I myself am not the politician, as a staffer you're still subject some elevated scrutiny of your personal life. Is this blog a political liability? I'm gonna say no, but would an employer? I'm not so sure.

More  confessions. At times I feel very self conscious about being a blogger. 

You and I both know that blogging is about so much more than sharing what I wore today or what I did this weekend. We're all here, documenting our lives, making friends and working in this creative community that gives us so much satisfaction. Blogging has added so much to my life, and I love it dearly, but to the random facebook friend? Doesn't it still look vain? "Oh... she has a blog? and she talks about makeup and sparkly things? Hmm..." And in comes the judgement.

It's freeing not to be worried about what other people think. I can write whatever I want, no matter how stupid or frivolous. Sure we all get those negative comments that sting, but I can brush it off because at the end of the day, who cares? I never have to see them in real life. But that anxiety that comes from the fear of in real life judgment, sometimes it's just too much.

So, there you have it. I'd love to hear how you have incorporated your blog into your personal life. How do you handle sharing the blog in your real life?

Friday's Fancies

Wow. I cannot believe it's Friday yet again! The days seem so long, but the weeks are short. This week marked the 100 days to law school count down. Can you believe it? I certainly can't.

Lately I've been itching to embrace my inner hipster on the weekends. I think it's my new camera, I feel  so much "cooler" if I dress the part of a hipster photographer as I try to learn how to take a decent picture.

dress / shoes  / shoulder bag / earrings / watch / printed hat / sunglasses

What's more comfortable than a flowy maxi dress and some havainas for walking around the farmers market? Yoga pants, but that's not chic enough for Friday's Fancies.

Now I have a little link love for the week.

• How great are these prints from Ashley Ella design? I'm definitely going to print these for a gallery wall in my new place.  

• I'm always trying new face masques but after this review I think I may have found a new favorite. Have y'all ever tried something like this? Let me know.

• Lately I've been loving getting tips on how to be a better blogger. I've fallen into a bit of a blogger rut, so in an effort to change things up I'm following all of Sarah's tips.

• This Lemon Basil Jello definitely peaked my interest this week. One of my favorite flavor combos in squishy form? I'm in. 

• The Beauty Department is one of my go-to's for any and everything hair and beauty. I loved this tutorial for soft waves. This actually inspired my hair yesterday. Super duper easy. 

• Two of my favorite beauty bloggers in once place this week? Loved it!!! 

• Finally I could not get over this series on Apartment Therapy. How cute is this little apartment? I'm taking notes.  

Alright boys and girls. I'm signing out for the weekend! I'm heading to Williamsburg, Va to celebrate my bestie and her husband's law school graduation! PS. How adorable are these two? I'm obsessed with those pictures! 

Spring Gingham Dress

A while back I was approached by eshakti to review a dress from their spring line.  If you haven't heard of eshakti before, it's a great concept for perfectly fitting clothes!  They allow you to choose a garment and customize the style (think neckline, sleeves or length). Even better than that, everything is available in any size 0-36W! They have a wide variety of styles too, so there's something for everyone. Love that.

I picked out this dress at the end of February, but it was such a cool spring, I've only just been able to start wearing it. These were taken a few weeks ago and I'm just going to warn you about my blindingly white legs. Sorry. 

Dress c/o eshakti {similar | love this one}, glasses {target}, Shoes {old}, Watch {michael kors}

Thanks to my lovely photographer for playing with me in the middle of the DC streets. We live life on the edge.


*I was gifted the dress in exchange for review, but as always all thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.