Still in Charlotte

Hey guys. Mobile blogging again today, I promise we will be back to regularly scheduled programming again soon. Charlotte is going great so far. Loving every minute, with the exception of my thoroughly exhausted feet. I'm not complaining because this experience is so worth it, but y'all. This is a new level of pain. I would go get a pedicure if I had time/if it didn't hurt to touch my feet. Haha. I know y'all are loving hearing all about this.

Anyways. Yesterday was crazy again. I got to meet Chelsea Clinton. Saw Jon Oliver from the daily show. Saw Clinton's amazing speech in person. Went to a B52's concert. The fun went far too late into the night. But it was awesome. 1 more day of this madness. Can't wait to see Obama tonight!!!

Charlotte 2012

This is my first attempt at blogging on the go. Lots of fun. My feet hurt like woah. Follow me on instagram @empri88 and twitter @bluedogbelle for more fun. Heading to see president Clinton the the b52s tonight.

Color Crush: Royal Blue

I've been obsessed with royal blue lately. Maybe that's because I've had all things Democrat on my mind lately. Today I've gathered a few, very a-political pretty things to keep us occupied today. Enjoy.

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see even more gorgeous blue on my pinterest here. Happy Tuesday.

Happy Labor Day

I had another fashion blogger weekend. What do y'all think... should I do more outfit posts? Full post to come soon. 

In the mean time. I'm in Charlotte. Loving every minute of being back in the south amongst all the most awesome folks in my professional world. Networking up a storm. 

On the Road

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I'm on the road today. No LSAT. No football. All by my lonesome. How do you keep yourself occupied on solo road trips? 

Friday's Fancies #2 Football

So I've been sitting here all morning, wondering. Why hasn't anyone commented on my cute Gameday outfit. Was it that bad? Well... then I realized I never scheduled the post. Woops. Blogger fail. 

Today I'm linking up for

but since I have football on the brain, I'm doing my own theme. Hope you ladies are okay with that

 dress |  bracelet | earrings | koozie | shoes

Tomorrow kicks off the Georgia Football Season. We're playing Buffalo, and I'm hoping that my preseason no. 6 Bulldogs kill it. Lets start off well this year boys. Last year 0-2, that was not so fun. Even if we still won the east and almost beat LSU in Atlanta (It would have been really nice if that game ended at halftime). So boys. I believe in you. 

I'll probably be on the road tomorrow en route to Charlotte, but I'll be cheering you on in spirit. Go Dawgs! Sic 'em. Woof Woof Woof. 

I will be Charlotte all of next week. I'm going to try to blog on my phone, but I have absolutely no idea what that will look like, so please forgive me if there is some silence around these parts. Rest assured I will be tweeting and instagramming up a storm. Make sure you follow me: Instagram @EmPri88 and Twitter 

Have a great long weekend ladies. See you soon! Charlotte. Here I come :)

Go Dawgs!

Who's That Coming Down the Track?

Guess what? We are on the final count down to the start of my favorite time of year, FOOTBALL SEASON. I am a huge Georgia Bulldog and LOVE celebrating this time of year with my finest red and black. If any of you out there are from football schools like Georgia, you know how I feel. There is nothing quite like the crisp fall air, the scent of the grill wafting through the air, the snap of the bottle when you open up the cold beer at 9 am. When I was a freshman I used to love waking up to a party every saturday morning right outside my dorm. 

Girls in the South take their football seriously. Dresses. Heels. Full hair and makeup.  Pearls. All completely normal to spend a day watching sports. 

I love it all. 

Over the coming weeks I feature a few game day traditions on the bloggy. If you have any requests just send me an email! 

Go Dawgs!

All images via Blue Dog Belle's Pinterest: Georgia on my Mind

Political Fashion

It's tough to be a woman in politics. Can can tell you first hand there's still a gender gap. There are far more men in this industry than women. Now, I'm not accusing anyone of sexism or anything like that. No. I know a lot of ladies don't really care for politics. A lot of ladies are moms and stay at home with their kids, or are working mom's who need a little more flexibility in their schedule (something this industry doesn't really allow). But I also know that those numbers should not yield the numerical discrepancy between men and women in politics. So, it's hard to get the job. Then, once you do, it's hard to know what to wear. Why is it that we are SO critical of what female politicians wear? They have to be pretty, but not overly so. Made up and put together, but conservatively. God forbid a girl wears a pattern. Colors are okay, but you're safer sticking to primary colors (especially ones that appear in the flag). 

I don't think it's fair. I love leopard shoes. I love sparkles and glitter. I love pearls, but I don't want to wear them  every day. Since we saw the lovely Ann Romney last night looking lovely and put together, I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite political ladies, and their fabulous outfits.

Sarah Palin   

gasp. I know. Sarah Palin made one of my favorite lists. While I am not a fan of her, her politics, or her tactics, I am a fan of her fashion choices. This picture is from the 2008 GOP Convention. I thought she looked great. A beautifully tailored cream jacket, black pencil skirt, sensible heels, and that awesome Sarah Palin hairdo I have stolen oh so many times. I might have added a watch... but girlfriend looked great. It was a great outfit to introduce her to the American public. Well done Sarah. well done. (the outfit only, everything else, notsomuch)

Nikki Haley

Now for those of you not so interested in politics, you probably don't know this lovely lady on the left. Nikki Haley is the first female governor of South Carolina. She's a Republican. and she's of Indian descent. Again, not really a fan of her politics, but I think she's gorgeous, well spoken, well educated and articulate. She looks fab here in a royal blue power skirt suit. I still haven't taken the plunge into colored suiting, but she rocks it.  

Kirsten Gillibrand

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Okay. This one is unfair. She was featured in Vogue, hence the fabulous styling. However, I've met this Junior Democratic Senator from New York a few times, and she is fierce. Let me tell you. She's in her forties. Has two young boys (and a cute husband, but that's another story). She's a political force to be reckoned with. It would not shock me one bit if she makes a run for the White House in future years. In the mean time. She makes the Senate a more attractive bunch, everyday. 

*Side note. I was once mistaken for her in an elevator in the Capitol when I was a lowly intern. It remains to be one of the highlights of my life, even though she had just had a baby and was considerably bigger, she was still gorgeous. 

Hillary Clinton

Talk about polarizing. People love to talk about Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's fashion sense. I get it. She had some serious faux pas when she was first lady. The headbands. Oh the headbands. But since leaving the White House, I think she's come into her own. I don't know if it's her, her stylist, whoever. She looks great now. I'm loving her longer hair, her fabulous collection of broaches, and ability to work a power suit in any color.  She debuted this orange look at the DNC convention in 2008. While it was not my favorite (orange on orange on orange?), I thought she glowed. I still remember that speech. I sobbed the whole way through. I was always on the Obama train in that election. He won my vote with his yes we can speech in New Hampshire, but she won my eternal admiration and gratitude that night in Denver four years ago. I hope she doesn't stray too far when she retires from her post as Secretary of State at the end of the year. 

Michelle Obama

While she herself isn't a politician, you can't talk political fashion and not give her an honorable mention. I adore the first lady. Her style, her poise, her politics, her realness. I just love her. I truely look to her as a fashion icon. She unapologetically rocks flats (thank you Michelle!). She embraces color and pattern like their is no tomorrow. Screw the suit jacket. She's a cardigan girl all the way. She loves skirts (so do I), but isn't afraid to wear pants (not gonna lie, I kind of am... to work I mean). This gorgeous look is from her speech at the 2008 DNC Convention. We were still just getting to know her then, but I knew any woman who could rock this curve hugging colorful dress was a woman destined for great things. Can't wait to see what she does next week!

So what do y'all think? Do you have a political or even just a professional female style icon? How do you balance your office style? 

What I'm Loving Lately

Happy Tuesday Ladies. I feel like I've been a little lazy in recent weeks when it comes to the blog. So many guest posts... and link ups. I kind of hate that I'm turning into one of those bloggers who doesn't really create anything, and just publishes pretty pictures she stole off of pinterest. I promise, come October 6 I will be back full force. In the mean time, one of my blogging favorites Niki has started a new linkup, so I thought I would join in for the inaugural edition. It's called

"What I'm Loving Lately" and it is giving me a wonderful excuse for an instagram drop. Get excited ladies. I have some good ones.

I've become obsessed with the starbucks refreshers--- my favorite is to mix the berry and the lime together! AWESOME. 

Loving this Coffee House Brew from the Williamsburg Ale Werks. Coffee in Beer? You know they won me over with that one. Good thing I'm stopping in the 'burg this weekend on my way to Charlotte!

Loving wearing my hair curly lately. I cannot believe how well it's been holding up in the August humidity of the swamp that is Washington D.C.

Benefit's How to Look the Best at Everything kit

Naked Palette and a few other fun toys :)

I've been loving playing in my ever expanding makeup collection. I did some damage in Sephora this weekend, and I'm completely obsessed with this new Benefit kit!

Loving having blonde roots again. PS. Thank you for your input on twitter and instagram yesterday!

New favorite snack. Roasted chickpeas. They are AWESOME. and pretty much idiot proof. Turn on your oven. Take a can of chick peas. coat in olive oil and some of your favorite spices (I used yellow curry, some chili powder and a tiny bit of cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste). Bake for 45 minutes-an hour (shake the pan every so often to prevent burning). Thank me later.

I've been doing a little too much shopping lately. I almost bought this dress Friday night, but didn't. and I'm still thinking about it. Should I go back?

Now, question for y'all. I've been doing a little closet cleaning lately. and I have some good stuff that I'd like to sell, not just donate. Do any of you have online shops for your clothes? I've been using Poshmark, with little success so far. Would y'all be receptive to a blog sale? DC area ladies, know of any good consignment shops that take plus size clothing? help!!! 

That's it for today! Happy Tuesday Ladies!

DIY Green Laundry Detergent

Happy Monday Folks!

I just wanted to start off the week by thanking all of you who commented on my politics post last week. Politics is something I really care about, so I'm excited that y'all are eager to read my opinions. Your sweet comments really meant a lot to me, so thank you.

On a completely different note, it recently occurred to me the other day that I haven't shared one of my favorite DIY's that I use religiously. I make my own laundry detergent, and it's awesome.

I saw this on a blog somewhere and the girl just raved about how much money she saved and how awesome it was, etc. So I thought, "hey, why not give it a shot? I like saving money." So I went for it. This is hands down the best laundry detergent I've ever used (I started doing my own laundry at age 12 so I've had quite a bit of experience for my young age).

There are so many "feel good" benefits of making your own laundry detergent. It's "green" because this detergent is low suds so it doesn't pollute the water, and is safe for new front load washers. You aren't wasting water because it's powdered. You aren't wasting money on packaging, nor are you generating anywhere near the trash because you have to buy the ingredients so infrequently. Plus this doesn't have any heavy fragrances or dyes, so it's safe for sensitive skin.

You only need three things to make it. Borax, Washing Soda and Soap (try fels-naptha)

Borax ($3.38) (.42 per batch)

Washing Soda ($3.29) (.48 per batch)

Fel-Naptha Soap ($.99 per batch) (grate this with a cheese grater, or in a food processor)

Find a container that holds at least 4 cups (I used a 32oz yogurt container) Add a cup of Borax, a cup of washing soda and your fels-naptha. Shake it up until the three ingredients are relatively distributed. You'll only use 1 tbsp per load (medium size loads, use 1-2 tbsp for larger loads). That means that 1 batch will make 64 loads, ONLY 2.9 cents per load!!!! I mean what? Woah.

Powder Tide is $.44 a load;  Liquid Tide is $.24 a load. Not that I do a ton of laundry, but everyone loves a savings right?

Seriously I can't rave about this enough. While the soap grating is a slightly labor intensive process, I think it's totally worth it!

Do y'all have any good DIY's? Have you tried this? I'd love to know!

Weekend Motivation

Political Season is upon us...

When I started BDB I really intended it to be an outlet for all the things I cared about: makeup, fashion, beauty, all things feminine and sparkly, oh and politics. I know some of my more loyal readers remember when I did a weekly series I titled Politics 101, but I haven't done one in quite a while for a few reasons (I had plenty of other stuff to write about and sometimes I just need a break from all the political drama). Well ladies, this weekend kicks off the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Immediately afterwards, the Democrats will respond with their convention in Charlotte. The conventions have traditionally been the start of the election season, but now a days the 24 hour news media caused election season to be continuous. I mean really... post 2010 elections they started covering congressional and the presidential races the NEXT DAY. come on folks. Anyways. All of this is to say, presidential politics are about to become so pervasive in our lives, we wont be able to escape. (not going to lie, I'm slightly excited). Over the coming months, I'm going to be talking a little more politics around the blog. I hope y'all will still love me, even if you don't necessarily support the same candidate...

or my views on healthcare reform

or gay marriage

or taxes

or energy policy.

I promise, I'm not going to force my views on y'all. I have very strong convictions about my beliefs, and I'm sure you do as well. I would never want to disrespect that (and I would hope others would extend the same courtesy to me).

Well. GUESS WHAT. This girl is road tripping to North Carolina in a few days, and I.AM.SO.EXCITED. My schedule is triple booked quickly filling up for the week I'll be there. I'm not going to lie. This might be better than Christmas. I fully recognize I sound like a trecky at Com-icon, and I'm okay with it.  I'm going to be working for a certain candidate (I'll let you figure it out) during the convention, and staffing events for my real job too. needless to say it's going to be a whirlwind. 

I'll try not to let politics take over the blog too. Hope y'all will still like me when all of this is over. 

Guest Post: Pineapples and Pearls

Hey everyone! I'm Heather from Pineapples and Pearls! I'm a fellow DC blogger who adores Emily's blog and of course I was so flattered when she asked me to guest post!

I decided since Emily works on the Hill and I would assume that many of her readers do too that a very relevant post would be one on the LBD. When you work in a big city and your after work obligations leave you with zero time to change and often involve some of the same colleagues you see during the day, it's so essential to have an army of little black dresses at the ready so that you can throw on a blazer during the day and then head straight to cocktails from work. 

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Let's forget for a second that I can't afford most of these dresses. What matters is the shapes. The perfect day to night LBD has a slightly low neckline so that it can pass for slightly revealing but certainly not one that shows any cleavage. Look for slightly fitted silhouettes, just above the knee, with interesting details - ruching, twists, wraps, a cowl neck. Also, invest in this piece. Don't break the bank but splurge just a little. Believe me, you'll end up wearing this dress several times a month for years to come.

Thanks so much Emily for letting me guest post! I hope yall will visit me over at Pineapples and Pearls!

25 before 25 Update

Remember when I decided to do a 25 before 25 project? I talked about it here and made a page here. Well, it's approximately 4 months later, and in an effort to stay accountable/ keep y'all posted, I want to update you on my progress.

{find a job that makes me happy} I almost got a new job a few months ago... but it didn't work out (which was actually for the best), now I've put job hunting on hold to prepare to go back to school. Ironically as soon as I made that decision, work got a lot better. Funny how these things work out.

{clear out my closets} Yah... haven't done a thing. Maybe when I switch out my summer clothes for my winter ones we'll tackle this one. 

{learn how to sew} Haven't done a thing.

{read 25 books} I was on track with this for a while... then the stupid LSAT threw me off course. I definitely need to try harder to find reading time during the week. I know the time is there... but blogging just seems so much more interesting.

{take time for projects} Not.So.Much.

{work to make new friends} I think I've been doing okay with this one. Blog friends count right?

{show up for the ones I have} I should be doing way better here. But I'm making an effort. 

{do a spending freeze for a month} Not yet. October perhaps?

{practice meditation/yoga} I was doing GREAT. Then my LSAT was conveniently scheduled during my favorite Tuesday night yoga. So. sad. I haven't found another time slot yet, but I only have 2 more Tuesdays of LSAT, so... I may just wait it out. 

{do something unexpected} ....

{go to New York} No plans. 

{fill my walls with art that I love} No movement here. But I have been cultivating plenty of ideas on pinterest... that counts right?


{save money} YES! Woohoo. Unfortunately a large chuck has flown out the door for various LSAT related expenses. 


{focus on fitness} ha. nope.


{get enough sleep} ha. ha. ha. definitely a nope. 


{take the LSAT} Started LSAT class 7/17, test is October 6

{host a themed dinner party}

{volunteer} something is in the works. 

{treat myself, because I'm worth it} YES! I had a massage last weekend. It was lovely.

{upgrade the camera} Not yet. the LSAT and applying to school sucked up my spare funds. 

{make 25 things found on pinterest and blog about it} 1, 2 + 3, 4, 

{practice making fun cocktails} I think I'm doing pretty good here. The Friday cocktail series is definitely helping me achieve this one. 

{do a 5k} no progress

{take a cooking class} still no progress

{Blog every day for a month} Not yet, but it's definitely not too far away. Maybe in November?

{commit to continuing these goals once 25 comes and goes} 

Moral of the story... I need to get going on quite a few of these things. Do you have any advice on getting motivated? Some days I feel like I just have too many balls in the air to do anything. ugh. 

If any of y'all have your own happiness projects or 25 before 25 (or any other numerical combination) plans, please let me know. I'd love to read them, and hopefully gain some inspiration.