Holiday Tea

My sorority alumnae group had their annual Holiday Tea today! I braved the wintry mix to enjoy tea, sandwiches, macaroons, and other sweets at a lovely hotel in Foggy Bottom. I really wanted to wear my new anthropologie dress, but decided that with the snow it would be best to pair it with my black flat riding boots. Also instead of my usual cardigan topper, I decided to go with the black jersey blazer, which I love! I am not a blazer person at all, but the M+O velvet blazer and this one has definitely changed my mind. This blazer has a great slim cut and it's super comfortable to wear. Almost like wearing a sweatshirt  What happened when I put on the blazer over the dress, I didn't really like the way it looked. You also couldn't see the gorgeous lace detail on the back! So I decided to wear the dress backwards. I decided it wasn't too obvious, and the blazer hid the pockets that were now on the back. I definitely adore this dress, although next time I will probably pair it with my vintage kissing mice belt and a pair of black pumps.

What I'm wearing:

anthropologie Recollections dress

anthropologie Flipside Blazer

black Hue tights

black Corso Como for M+O boots

The normal front of the dress:

(Sorry again for the horrible indoor photos. It was rain/slushing when I left for the tea so I couldn't take a better photograph. Also hate that I had to use the flash for the photo with the blazer on, but that was the only way to really show the detail.)

Easy Peasy Work Outfit

What I'm wearing:
Martin + Osa Oversized V-neck Sweater in Mitten Blue
black Hue Skinny Leggings
Anthropologie Tawny Acres boots
Martin + Osa scarf

This is what I wore to work the other day. Sorry for the indoor mirror shot, it was too dark to take a better one in my normal spot. Look familiar? Of course, I own this sweater in 3 colorways. It is just *too* easy to wear with leggings and boots. And aren't these boots amazing? After seeing my sister's pair, I knew I had to have them!

It is *snowing* in Maryland!!!!!!!!! Of course, today is the day I actually have to drive into DC for my Holiday Tea. It was worth the drive though, it was so much fun. More on that and photos of my tea outfit coming soon.

It's a Saturday night but I'm snowed in, I may post some reviews of some recent buys and post some pics!

Somewhere Only We Know

What I'm wearing:
anthropologie Here-Today-Here-Tomorrow dress
J.Crew Forever cardigan
vintage kissing mice belt
black Hue tights
black Gucci ankle boots

I love this dress! I am always a sucker for dresses that have different tops and bottoms (what are they called?), and this was no exception. I had definitely eyed it in store at full price, but I'm glad I waited until it went on sale. The bottom grey part is actually a herringbone pattern, sorry I don't have a close-up. Love the longer length of this cardigan, I'm trying to resist buying more colors! But I really don't need another cardigan. I think I've done enough damage for the rest of 2009! I should be buying for others!!!

You probably noticed I got bangs! I really hate them in this photo, I didn't feel like spending a lot of time on my hair. It will probably be up in a bun or a ponytail very soon. I really wanted a change but didn't want to cut my hair too short. The bangs were an impulse decision but I'm okay with them for now.

It's silly but I'm really excited to paint my nails with this color tonight. It's from the OPI Holiday collection and it's called "Merry Midnight", with a ton of excellent glitter and shimmer. (I took advantage of Ulta's Buy 2 Get 1 Free OPI" deal.)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!! I have my sorority alumnae group Holiday Tea tomorrow which I am really excited about.

Martin + Osa 50% off of Sweaters!

Martin + Osa is running a fabulous promotion that started today and will end on Sunday!

Here are some of my faves:
(Sorry I don't have photos for all of these, the M+O site won't let me download any of the images)

Ribbed Lurex Tunic Sweater in Charcoal Heather, now only $49.75
I actually wore this today to work, with leggings and purple flats, but I don't have a photo because it was dark by the time I came home and all the photos were poo-ey. (I may try to take one tomorrow.) This is a tunic style sweater with metallic strands throughout it. Very festive and you know I always love things I can wear with my leggings!

High Button Cardigan, now only $34.75
This is definitely one of my favorites! It is super soft, lightweight, and perfect for layering. The small buttons on it are darling as well! I think my favorite colors are the Klimt Gold and Ornament Purple. Here I am wearing the Klimt Gold.





Oversized V-Neck Sweater, now $39.75
Another one of my standbys. Perfect for wearing with leggings. So simple and comfortable, there are so many ways to accessorize this. Pair with your favorite heels, flats, or boots! In this photo I'm wearing the Galvanized Grey with my leopard scarf, Hue leggings, and Bensimon sneakers.


Off the Shoulder Cowlneck Sweater, now $39.75
If we are Facebook friends, you have definitely seen me rock this in a ton of photos in my last uploaded Photo Album. I own this in two colors, the Wax Cream and the Mitten Blue, and it is amazing! Very comfortable, flattering, perfect for a night out paired with classic jeans.

I do see that some sizes are sold out on the website! If you are looking for a certain size that is not available on the website, I would call Customer Service at 1.800.227.2439 and have them do a store search! If you have any sizing questions feel free to leave a comment or email me at loveatfirstshop@yahoo.com

Cranberry Bliss

What I'm wearing:
grey J.Crew Dream Lycee t-neck sweater dress
anthropologie Calligrapher's tights in Crimson
wine patent Nine West Lucero pumps
Martin + Osa Bubbles necklace

It's another one of those dreary, rainy days that seem to go on forever. I felt that a cozy sweater dress would be perfect for the weather, and decided to pair the simple grey dress with some fun, cheerful sweater tights. (Helpful hint I've picked up: wear a slip between the dress and the tights to prevent them from sticking to each other)

I thought that the color reminded me of Starbucks' Cranberry Bliss bar, which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine (to the detriment of my waistline and my wallet).

Look how scrumptious that looks! After googling, I found this recipe online. I will be sure to try it out soon!

Lucky West Coast-ers.... Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale!

I have actually never made it to a Rebecca Minkoff sample sale but I am obsessed with her bags!! You have probably seen throughout my blog entries that I absolutely love my RMs and have several different styles. I'm not sure what styles will be available at these sample sales, but from what I've read in the past, they have had excellent selections, although popular styles and colors go fast.

Here are some of my favorite bags...

Here is me carrying my Morning After Clutch! (original post)

I love that you can wear this clutch in so many ways.

Matinee in Glazed Almond (original post)

Studded Devote tote in Black [gosh I look a hot mess] (original post)

Nikki in Leaf (original post)

Morning After Bag in Navy (original post)

The bag that started my obsession!

Ollie in Peacock (original post)

Love the peacock color!

Mini Nikki in Dark Brown (original post)

I can't believe I don't have a better photo of my favorite! This is the bag I reach for the most, it is a great versatile size and the dark brown color goes with everything.

I realized after posting all these pics that recently I never seem to include my bags in the my outfit of the day posts. I have also realized there are several bags I've been neglecting lately! All too often I just carry the same bag for a few days in a row because I am too busy to change them out. I need to give them more love!

Back to the Grind...

What I'm wearing:

J.Crew Strada Ruffle cardigan

white Martin + Osa sleeveless tee

anthropologie Bombast & Cymbal skirt (more orange/coral in real life)

grey patent Bakers pumps

Am headed out the door right now but just wanted to post this real quick!

ETA: As sad as it made me, I had to add black tights to this outfit as soon as I took these pics. It was colder than I thought!

Here is a closer photo of the shoes! I bought these ages ago and I really like them, I just don't give them enough love!