Rate My Look- Typical Work Outfit

Dress: Ganesh Imports

Bag, Shoes: Marshalls

Ring, Necklace: Stella and Dot

My digital camera and my computer have decided to stop speaking to each other. I'm not sure who's to blame or if it's the USB cable connecting them that's stirring up trouble. (It seems like the three of them may be having relationship issues.) Since I'm so accustomed to photographing myself with my tripod, it's not always easy to remember to ask someone at work or home to take my picture on my phone for me. Last night, however, as I was leaving, I asked one of my coworkers to snap a photo of my outfit and I'm glad she did. I've been meaning to show this dress to you guys for a while. I bought it at a store in downtown Portsmouth called Ganesh Imports, which isn't my typical store. However, I saw this dress in the window and it drew me in. At $34.99, I couldn't resist. The natural waist with ruching and slightly gathered skirt make for a very flattering dress. The exposed zipper in front adds a touch of edge to an otherwise sweet-looking dress. The fabric is a super soft microfiber and the details on the shoulders really make it special. It's a perfect dress for work, except that it's a bit on the shorter side, so I have to be careful about bending down for any reason. I love the dusty, rusty color of the dress, too. I bought it earlier this summer and it looked great paired with some of my bright turquoise accessories like this ring and my Marchesa necklace from Stella and Dot, but now that fall is approaching, it's also proving to be a great color when paired with deep honey and brown. 

Since I wanted the dress to be the star of the outfit, I kept my jewelry fairly subtle. I wore some Stella and Dot jewelry, of course: 

Together Forever Necklace, $49

Soiree Trio Ring, $49

I hope you like my casual, comfortable summer/fall outfit. I'd love to hear what you think in the comments section. (As always)

Have an awesome day, everyone! 

Shoesday Tuesday- Rockin' Red Cowboy Boots

My friend Melanie saw an awesome pair of short, red cowboy boots the other day and wanted my advice about whether or not she should buy them. Of course I said she should! Her very reasonable concern was that she wouldn't know what to wear them with and also, would they be better in brown. My answer was to go for the red and wear them with whatever you want! Jeans, are of course the obvious choice, but a sundress, or even a fitted skirt would make a great outfit, too. In fact, I am of the opinion that pretty much any every-day outfit would work perfectly with a fun pair of red ankle-height cowboy boots. For example, here's the same pair of fabulous red boots with two very different outfits:

Red Cowboy Boots by rtboo featuring cowgirl boots

Both are equally fabulous and both would work for the workplace or for an afternoon out around town. And in case you're in need of your own pair of fabulous red cowboy boots, check these out:

Ariat Billie Women's Pebbled Red Cowboy Boots, OnlineShoes.com, $159.95

Would you wear red cowboy boots? What about a more neutral color like brown or black? Leave a comment and tell me what you think of this distinct look. Or tweet your thoughts with the hashtag #ShoesdayTuesday. Have an awesome day! 

NYFW Spring 2012- Christian Siriano Strikes Again!

I loved Christian Siriano when he was a contestant on Project Runway, but I have since grown to respect and admire him even more than I ever thought I would. He continues to create show-stopping, fashion forward designs that are nothing short of fierce- in the true Siriano sense of the word.

Last season, his runway collection still had a great deal of volume in the silhouettes. Whether it was layers of ruffles or just full, dramatic skirts, he was clearly operating on the mantra, "Go big or go home." This weeks runway show was far more restrained. The silhouettes are sleeker, and the citrus color palette is perfectly on-trend. There are still some "signature Siriano" looks interspersed, but the overall collection shows a maturity and growth.

Let's take a look at some of his looks:

This dress is absolutely flawless. For draping to look completely natural, there is often an incredible amount of laboring over a dress form. Everything about this dress says, "Easy, breezy, effortless style," but I think we all know that it's far from effortless to make something so stunning. 

I love the way Christian combined long, elegant skirts with simple, almost too-casual t-shirts. It worked so well in every case. Some skirts had volume and movement, others were sleek and slim- and all of them were beautiful. 

It wouldn't be a Christian Siriano show without some type of dramatically voluminous cocktail dress and this one definitely delivers. I love the combination of colors (you know how I love grey and yellow together) and the combination of the full, voluminous skirt and the sleek, fitted top. Bravo, Christian!

If I am ever in need of a red carpet look, you can guarantee I will do everything in my power to wear a gown designed by Christian Siriano. His evening wear is so unbelievably show-stopping, I would not be able to sleep until I knew I could wear one. 

Click here to view the entire collection. Be prepared to drool. 

Project Runway Season 9 Episode 7

If there is one thing we love more than a villain on P.R., it's a villain unraveling before our eyes and then becoming human again. And then seeing the teammates of said villain (accurately) blaming him for the failure of the group. Josh M. made quite the case for resident lunatic and unfortunately, Team Nuts & Bolts never recovered from the outburst at the start of the challenge.This episode was like watching a train wreck in slow motion and yet I just could not look away. In fact, I got so caught up in the craziness of Team Nuts & Bolts, that I ended up completely blown away by the Team Chaos runway show. And since their runway show was far more dramatic and interesting than the disagreements of Team Nuts & Bolts, I'd like to just forget about all the fighting and name-calling and go right to the fashions.

Team Chaos created a collection that caused me to have an emotional reaction for the first time this season. The looks this episode were far and away the most exciting and interesting that we've seen yet in Season 9 and it was very refreshing. Let's just review the looks from Team Chaos, shall we?

Bryce's Look

His look was far and away the weakest look of the five- I'm ready for Bryce to go home. As a designer, he's not up to par and as entertainment, he pales in comparison to pretty much everyone else. But then again, pretty much everyone pales in comparison to Josh M. for entertainment value. 

Olivier's Look

I admit, I was so stunned by the jacket when I first watched this episode that I hardly noticed the pants. The pants are incredible and as much as I love Anya, I think Olivier may have been robbed of this win. Speaking of Anya...

Anya's Look

Anya's dress is not only the winner with the judges this week, it's also my winner for the Would I Wear It Award. I adore this dress and I would absolutely love to wear it. The print is gorgeous, the fit is amazing and I love the open back. Stunning! 

Anthony Ryan's Look

Anthony Ryan's look was an extremely close second for me. I adore the top and I'm obsessed with the skirt. Overall, he did an amazing job. 

Viktor's Look

Viktor's gown is simply breathtaking and proof that good design doesn't have to be complicated. He created a simple gown that was impeccably tailored and quite interesting to look at. I could easily see this dress on the red carpet and I actually hope I do some day! 

Overall, this was an excellent challenge and one of my favorites so far this season. Keep it up, kids! 

Another Trunk Show Weekend

Trunk shows are seriously the most fun when it comes to working in the bridal industry. First of all, there are lots more dresses in the store than usual. I love seeing the new dresses, not only hanging on the racks, but especially on the brides who are coming in to try them on. It's amazing how a dress can look so completely different when it's actually on someone's body and not just a mannequin. This weekend we have a trunk show with Allure Bridal and their new dresses really are gorgeous. Check these out:

Style 8873

The lace on this gown is really beautiful and the silhouette is stunning. I love the deep v-neckline and the open back. For the bride who wants to look sexy on her wedding day, this dress is where it's at. 

Style 8862

I love the mix of traditional and modern with this dress. The silhouette is a classic ballgown shape, but the ruffles and cool asymmetrical detail at the waist bring it into the present day. This dress has great movement- it's very fluid and the ruffles are light as a feather. 

Finally, this beauty is one of my favorites: 

Style 8852

I love the ruched bodice and the full circle skirt. It's not too mermaid in shape, and I love the asymmetrical seam where the skirt meets the bodice. It's a simple dress with an amazing fit and stunning details. This dress is a winner in my book. 

I don't think I'll even grow tired of seeing a bride find her dress. It's so awesome to see a woman light up when she sees her reflection and you know she's found "the one." 

Check out the other dresses Allure has to offer. Leave a comment and tell me what you think of their collection. I'd love to hear your opinion! 

Sweet as Honey

Don't you just love the color of honey? It's so warm and inviting and sweet and so I just had to put together a post dedicated to the color of honey. Enjoy these beautiful and stylish honey-colored pieces:

T Tahari Cleo Dress, Nordstrom, $128

Bixby Bag, Kate Spade, $346

Cowl Chiffon Dress, Dorothy Perkins,  £45.00

Just Fabulous Elise Pump, Heels.com, $59.99

Honey is a perfect color to transition from summer to fall- it is still bright enough to work with a lot of true summer colors like sky blue or white, but it has the depth necessary to be paired with rich, fall colors like pumpkin and amber. Try to work something honey-colored into your outfit this weekend and you'll see what I mean!  

New York Fashion Week

Today is the start of New York Fashion Week and I so wish I could be there! There are SO many designers whose runway shows I would LOVE to see, and maybe someday I will. Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Diane von Furstenberg, and Jenny Packham are just a few whose designs I've long admired.

Even more exciting is that the Project Runway collections will also debut this week! At 9:30 AM on Friday, the remaining designers will be sending their collections down the runway. It must be fun to watch that show because it includes not just the top three designers, but all the other "decoy" collections, too.

Is there a particular designer whose collection you are most excited to see this week? Leave a comment- I'd love to know who you love!