Quoted: Possibilities

Friday's Fanices #20: Red Carpet Ready

Friday's Fancies is here again, Yay! And this one may be my favorite to date, why you ask? Isn't this what all of us "fashion bloggers" dream about? Dressing for the red carpet? I know I do. I love reading posts of over the top hair, lusting over stunning makeup far too dark for everyday. and then there's the sparkle aspect. Lord knows I'm obsessed with sparkle and glitter (not quite sure when I became that girl, but I'm okay with it) and aren't sparkly jewels kind of a red carpet requirement? I think so.  

Jenny Packham Gown / Giuseppe Zanotti Pumps / KOTUR Clutch / Cartier Ring / Vintage Earrings

If there was ever a Friday's Fancies to go all out this is it. I mean, come on gal's this is the oscars. This is probably this most expensive outfit I've ever put together... but it's one of my favorites too. This weekend we will see hollywood glam at it's finest, and when I saw this dress I couldn't help but gasp. Grey. Sparkle. Vintage. Glamor. What more could you ask for? I wanted this dress to be the spotlight of the whole look, so I went with neutral accessories. Beautiful grey pumps. Just enough vintage jewelry with out over doing it. Plus just a hint of color with the clutch.

A beautiful intricate up-do and a perfectly crafted smokey eye. I'm dying. I need this outfit. Can I please go to the oscars and wear this? I'm sure I could give Anne Hathaway a run for her money.

So what do you lovelies have in store for the weekend? This girl and her hubby are in town tonight, but other than that I'm not sure. I feel like I need to take advantage of living in dc more... so I may go be a tourist... who knows.  Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!

Color Crush: Poppy Red

I'm still loving all the pantone colors of 2013. After talking about Emerald, Dusk Blue and Grayed Jade I'm jumping to the other end of the spectrum: Poppy Red.

I went to The University of Georgia, our colors are red and black, so red has a special place in my heart. Not to mention my closet. By the time I graduated I'd managed to build up quite the collection of red clothing. Unfortunately they were mostly t-shirts and a few gameday dresses, so I haven't had many chances to wear the color since. Lately I've been feeling the urge to invest in a few new items. I picked up a poppy red coat last year, and its so lovely. A few new accessories and I'll be set. 

Dress / Top / Coat / Shorts / Flats / Bag / Bracelet / Ring / Hat

So what color are you crushing on?

February Birchbox Brag!

Guess what I'm bringing back?

Yep. That's right. It's been a hot minute since I've linked up with Katie and Tara, but like I said yesterday, I am refocusing the blog a bit-- back to basics if you will. Well, I have a makeup obsession--- and that's really why I started this blog--- but you wouldn't know it if you've been reading lately. #Fail. Oh well. There's no time like the present. So here's what I got in my Birchbox this month! 

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

Birchbox says: To fully appreciate this dermatologist-quality scrub, a mini skincare lesson is in order. Let’s start with enzymes: these potent ingredients actually dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Microderm crystals, on the other hand, are ultra fine minerals that buff away tired skin. Vasanti’s multi-action exfoliator includes both enzymes and micro crystals, plus healing natural ingredients. The result? Renewed, decongested skin without any redness. A single tube will last you four to six months.

Blue Dog Belle says: I adore this stuff. I have been using it daily since I got it and I can tell such a huge difference. The micro-scrubbing power of this stuff is like nothing I've ever come across. It's definitely expensive, but a little seems to go a VERY long way. I'm so happy with this! I'd definitely recommend it!

TIGI Catwalk Session Series Transforming Dry Shampoo

Birchbox says: if you’re a devoted Birchbox reader, you’re probably well aware that we have a serious infatuation with dry shampoo. Our latest obsession is this game-changer from hip brand TIGI. A couple of quick spritzes instantly zaps excess oil, perks up flat locks, and lets us go an extra day (okay, four) without shampooing.

Blue Dog Belle says: game-changer is not an understatement. Smells amazing. So effective. Dare I say it even lets me rock day 3 hair. Eww. I know. But its happened. I will DEFINITELY be buying a full size. 

Juicy Couture Couture La La 3.4oz

Birchbox says: Created with the fearless free spirit in mind, this brand new scent from Juicy Couture is a punk rock update on the original Juicy Couture. One part fruity, one part tart, and one part floral, it’s neither too sweet nor too girly. Plus, the glam bottle is worthy of a front-and-center spot on your vanity.

Blue Dog Belle says: I'm a big fan of Juicy perfumes, and this one is lovely. But it's not my favorite. It's a little youthful for me, but I think the birchbox description is definitely accurate. 

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint

Birchbox says: Ever since we discovered Jouer’s best selling Luminizing Moisture Tint, the skin perfector has been our secret to getting a healthy, glowy complexion. We never thought anything could come between us and our beloved LMT—until we met this brand new mattifying version. The oil-free formula controls shine all day long and gives skin a soft, velvety finish. It blends in easily and keeps your face protected with SPF 15. We don’t see anything wrong with having two favorites.

Blue Dog Belle says: again, love the brand, not this particular product so much. I like fuller coverage foundations so this product is automatically not what I'm looking for. I felt that the pigment wore off quickly (with in 6 hours or so) and it didn't really keep me matte for long. If you're looking for a matte verion of their tints, this is definitely it. Just not the right formulation for me or my preferences. 

Ghirardelli Milk & Caramel SQUARES

Birchbox says: As Mary Kate and Ashley, Simon and Garfunkel, and Mickey and Minnie would probably attest, it takes two to make a thing go right. Enter our latest Birchbox Find: Ghirardelli’s melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate squares filled with velvety caramel. The individually-wrapped squares are perfect for snacking, and each is just under 75 calories. If you can be convinced to share, they make thoughtful treats for fellow chocolate-lovers.

Blue Dog Belle says: Okay. LOVE these, and I guess this month was valentines with lots of chocolate around, but I really want my birchbox to introduce me to new PRODUCTS not random chocolate I can buy at any corner store in North America.

That's all she wrote. I was a little disappointed in my box this month. I had some really great finds, but I'm not sure, I just wasn't wowed.  What did y'all think? Do you get birchbox too? 

Cocktail Hour: Honeyed Ginger

Happy Tuesday y'all! I'm a bit overwhelmed with everyone's responses to my post yesterday. I didn't actually make any decisions about following/unfollowing blogs, but I really appreciated your feedback and support! Sometimes I feel very alone in how overwhelming and time consuming blogging can be. Good to know I'm not.

Do y'all read Kate's blog? She designed my beautiful new blog, but she's also a blogger herself and announced  she's doing a Creative Cleanse this week and I loved the idea! I've decided to get back to basics a bit in attempts to get my blog juices flowing again. I realized it's been far too long since I've done a Friday Cocktail post... in fact I'm willing to bet the majority of you didn't even read this little blog back when I used to do them. I love my Friday Fancies link up too much, so I've decided to bring the Friday Cocktail series back under a new name: "Cocktail Hour." Today's the first installment! Yay! Who doesn't need a mid-week cocktail pick up? I know I sure could (don't worry, I'll at least wait until 6:00).

Last night I was thinking about what to make for this inaugural cocktail post I was flipping through an article about cooking with honey, and thus this delicious baby was born!

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So, pretty right? I totally stayed up all night making this look pretty. Ha. Fail no... I threw this together in a plastic cup... not worthy of photography so I borrowed this picture from one of my favorite blogs. Calling a fail on myself here. Sorry. Never the less... you can make it pretty! Here's what you need...

Ingredients

• 1 TBSP fresh grated ginger
• 1 TBSP honey
• 1 jigger of gin
• 3 oz of gingerale
• lemon peel and 1 wedge for garnish

Directions

Warm the honey for about 30 seconds in the microwave for a thinner consistency. Muddle with the ginger and a lemon peel. Add gin. Strain over ice. Top with ginger-ale. Garnish with lemon. Enjoy

So easy right? So delicious. The spiciness of the ginger is absolutely perfect with the subtle sweetness of the honey. I'm thinking this could also be good with bourbon... If you try this let me know what you think! I promise to get my act together and actually take pictures next time.  

Currently I am....

I feel like it's another day for a currently post. It's just that kind of a day.  

Currently I am... 

Annoyed that I have work today while the rest of Washington, D.C. is sleeping in, brunching and galavanting around the city. 

Listening to an ethical training class online so I can maintain my FEC certification. It's super fun, let me tell you. 

Watching CNN. Duh what else is new? Is it normal to know the daily line up on CNN by heart? well... I know it's not, but this is my life. 

Reading blogs... so... many... blogs... I never realize how many I follow until I get on google reader for the first time in a few days. 400 new posts to read since Friday around noon-ish.

Wondering is it okay to purge my reader? I really only comment on like 1/4 of the blogs I read, maybe I need to refresh a bit. Touchy subject in blog world. I know I hate when I lose followers... but still... it' tricky. How do other bloggers handle it when you get overwhelmed? Help please! 

Feeling sad because my favorite person ever has returned to Connecticut. At least we still have snapchat. My other favorite person ever is leaving me this week to move to New Zealand and travel the world for 18 months. I'm super jealous, but super sad. 

Loving how much fun this weekend was. 

Missing my bed. We didn't spend as much time together as I would have liked this weekend. #toobusyforsleep

Looking Forward To my bff is coming to town this weekend! 

Wearing one of my new scarves I made myself! Yay for learning how to sew.

Obsessing over Union Market. DC friends, have you been there yet? I went twice this weekend and I am  so obsessed! It was amazing!!!

Friday's Fancies #19: Pink and Red

Happy Friday Gals! Is it just me or was this week brutal? Ugh. So glad it's almost over! I'm loving today's theme of pink and red, a combo. Y'all know I can't resist a sequin!

Also--- Thanks to Kat for consulting with me on this outfit.

No big plans for the weekend. Just going to galavant around the city enjoying this lovely icy snowy weather. Fun times.

Happy Weekend Gals

Happy Valentines Day

This is my valentines day wish list. Hope you all have a fabulous day with lots of love!

Perfectly Pink

Happy Valentines Day Week! All this week I am going to feature some of my favorite fashions that come in the lovely color pink!

 1/2/3/4/5

Did y'all survive Mardi Gras last night? I'm not a cool as my blog might suggest. I didn't even end up drinking all night. I know. What is wrong with me? Well... I have good reason. I was hard at work on my fancy new scarf! I made a pretty chiffon infinity scarf from some fabric I picked up after class on Monday. I've already made a tote bag, and am working on some pajama pants, but this scarf was my first totally solo project! I'm kind of obsessed with how easy it was, and will probably be making a million more in the coming weeks! Yay!!!

What do you think? I'm kind of obsessed!

Happy Wednesday!

Happy SOTU and Mardi Gras!

Today is quite possibly the most epic Tuesday ever. Do you know why?

It's Mardi Gras! A day devoted to over-indulging. So eat that chocolate with a side of king cake, drink an extra bottle glass of wine tonight, and have some beer waiting because guess what else....

Tonight is the State of the Union!!!! Woohoo! Quite possibly my favorite political night of the year. (I'm a nerd I know. Judge away). 

For those politico-dc types that read this blog, if you don't know about Cloture Club, you need to. It's one of my go-to sites to find out what's happening on the hill, you know all the fun stuff not that boring business of legislating. 

Anyways, they put out this fantastic idea of a SOTU (State of the Union) drinking game! How fun is that?  So here are the rules...

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Or if drinking isn't so much your thing, maybe try playing SOTU Bingo! Here or Here or Here.  I'll probably print off a few boards and attempt both, while wearing plenty of beads, duh. Fun times right? I think so.

Happy Tuesday Gals!

Grammy Gorgeous

Did you watch the Grammy's last night? I DVR'd it and fast forwarded through the majority. Ha. Priorities people. Real Housewives of Atlanta was on too! How do you choose? Anyways, I wanted to recap some of my favorite red carpet looks, but I have to say I was terribly underwhelmed. I'm not really a fan of the high slit and it seemed like ever psuedo star and her sister were rocking the look.  No thank you. 

So here are my top three looks of the night. I'm normally a color fan on the carpet, but for some reason all three of these looks are dark. 

Loved the deep sparkle of Carly Rae Jepsen's beautiful gown and the deco elements of the beading on the top. So pretty. 

Carrie Underwood rocked a very similar silhouette, So loving the lace details, her classic hair and flawless makeup. Nailed it. 

I seriously think this was the first time I've ever seen Kelly Osborne and actually gasped at how beautiful she looked. First of all, this dress is so flattering on her, and she looks SO skinny! But I love how she styled it with minimal hair and just enough jewelery to really let her gorgeous figure come to the forefront as the star of the look. 

So what did y'all think? Who were your grammy favorites?

Friday's Fancies #18: Lovely Layers

I can't believe I missed Friday Fancies last week. So lame.  But don't you worry--- I'm back again! Still loving green (did I mention my new kate spade bag is emerald? So excited), and I once again worked it in to one of my looks. I'm definitely a layering girl in real life. It rare that you'll find me with out a cardigan. I may have a problem actually. I wear sweaters in 100 degree weather in the DC summers. Crazy.

Hope all of y'all have a great weekend!!! Stay safe for those of you in the snow up here in the Northeast! Thankfully we are just a little wet in DC. No snow for us!

Oh and congratulations to the lovely ladies behind Wil.Harris on winning the Mardi Gras Giveaway! Send me your mailing address ASAP gals, so I can get you some beads before Tuesday!

Life Lately

Hello Hello! Long time no see y'all! I'm back from my whirlwind of a weekend road trip. Let me just tell you it's been a crazy few days.  After Mardi Gras on Friday Night, KJ and BW and I headed down to surprise our favorite food blogger for her 25th birthday! We met up with one of our favorite people aka Cal-Scnie who came down from Connecticut and her brother, and had an absolute blast. Kings, several 40's of High Life and some duct tape are key ingredients for a good night.

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Then Sunday the crew headed back to DC, while I was heading further south. 

Unfortunately one of my oldest and dearest friends just lost her mom to brain cancer after a long two year battle. The loss was absolutely heartbreaking for Becca, her family and those of us who knew and loved Susan. She was one of the most amazing people I'll probably ever know, and the void she leaves in our lives will surely never be filled, but I'm so glad that I could take a few days off to help remember her and beautiful spirit in Atlanta.  

En route to Georgia, I arranged a tour and interview at a law school in Richmond, Virginia. It was very strange being back in class after almost three years, but I'm so excited to go back to school! I absolutely loved Richmond, and could definitely picture spending a few years there. PLUS two of my favorite bloggers live there, so obviously I need to move there and raid their make-up collections. 

Next I got in the car and drove South. South. South. I arrived to Atlanta around 6:30 on Monday night, and was gone again by 4:30 Tuesday afternoon. It was nice to be back "home" but of course the reason for the visit was not. 

Tuesday night I made it to Greensboro, NC where I grabbed a hotel room and crashed for the night. Conveniently another law school I applied to is located in Greensboro, so I spent the morning touring the school and the downtown area.

Then I was on the road again, but road fatigue was definitely setting in. The brilliant Lauren had the idea to meet for a late lunch in Petersburg, VA at this cute little pub. If you're ever in the area, I would highly recommend stopping! The menu was great. I had an amazing chicken salad sandwich, Lauren had bacon and  brie, and Jason had a really fantastic burger. Done. 

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Finally we got back on the road for the FINAL stretch. I made it home in the heart of rush hour (good planning on my part) and unpacked.

Then I had one of the best nights EVER! I got an email promptly at 9:30 pm notifying me I had been accepted to Law School! Ironically the very one I had visited that morning! I screamed. Did a happy dance and promptly bought myself a gorgeous new Kate Spade bag big enough for plenty of law books.

It was perfect. Now I'm back to work and ready to get back to normal after the whirlwind of this last month.

PS, don't forget to enter my mardi gras giveaway! It ends tonight!!!

Insta-lately

Some Inaugural Sparkle c/o Rent the Runway 

Ladies night with my girl

Inaugural fancies 

Pretty flowers 

Mardi Gras Prep 

Late night shenanigans. #dontjudgemeplease

Cheese Shop in Williamsburg, VA

Mardi Gras Madness

PS. I just discovered Snap Chat, thanks to my lovely friend and reader Callie, and I need more friends. @EmPri88. Add me yo. 

Happy Tuesday Girls