Shopping Problems: Dress for the life I have, not the life I want

I’m a self-diagnosed delusional shopper. My problem is that I get so excited about shopping for the life I wish I had, not the life I actually have that post-purchase depression creeps in. Nothing gets me more excited than the idea of shopping for a new cocktail dress. Even with the best of intentions to stick to practical perusing, I can’t help but be drawn to anything on the rack flaunting sequins, feather, or fur. My mind immediately starts daydreaming about holiday parties, charity galas, and swanky dinner parties where such fabulous finds might get to live the life they deserve. After a few moments, the unfortunate reality sets in that what I really need is a new cozy sweater and boots for running errands and to the wood-fired grill around the corner for a quick dinner. No matter how chic the sweater, it simply doesn’t conjure up the same excitement as a sparkly dress and silky soft fur stole. So what, exactly, is causing this current bout of internal warfare of fabulous verses function? Nothing more than a simple flyer from Piperlime featuring a flowing soft pink silk skirt from Milly with its layers upon layers of elegant ruffles topped of my a sparkly pink Kate Spade sweater and metallic strappy sandals. Maybe I can find some common ground and settle for just the sweater paired with skinny jeans and metallic pumps, but it still won’t be the same. What glamorous, but impractical outfits are you craving this winter?

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Kate Spade Shimmer Turtleneck/ Tara Skirt by Milly / Stuart Weitzman Nudist Sandal / Wells Grace Feather Skirt

 

 

 

Planning Ahead

I have to admit that I love keeping organized and planning ahead. Keeping a calendar (or a few) is no exception, and I get excited every year when it is time to pick out a new planner. I am especially loving the Sugar Paper collection for Target! How do you keep your affairs in order?

Planning Ahead

 

1. Gallery Leather Desk Planner/2. Kate Spade Ikat Agenda/3. & Top Sugar Paper for Target/4. Lilly Pulitzer Tusk In Sun

 

Southern Man Style by Ledbury

What happens when a love for the bespoke tailoring of Savile Row meets good ole’ Southern roots and a need for ready to wear that looks tailor-made? The answer is Ledbury. Headquartered in a renovated tobacco warehouse in Richmond, Ledbury bridges the gap between fit and quality with offerings for both work and play that reflect a decidedly Southern heritage (classic american styling hasn’t gotten lost in the quest for a tailored fit). Between now and late January, DC dwellers have the opportunity to shop Ledbury’s pop-up shop in Georgetown amidst the famed Wisconsin Avenue shops that are always bustling with tourists and locals, alike. Since my husband has been devoted to the brand since it first began gaining momentum, he was thrilled to be able to attend the recent launch party for the pop-up shop and couldn’t pass up an opportunity to meet co-founder, Paul Trible.

We were greeted warmly as soon as we arrived at the launch party, pointed towards the coat rack and towards the back of the store where bartenders were deftly serving up signature cocktails featuring Bulleit bourbon. We sampled “The Underwood” which was a clever twist on a classic Brown Derby, replacing honey syrup with habanero honey for spiced up kick mellowed by a splash of fresh grapefruit. It was easy to spot the Ledbury loyalists as they looked like (well-dressed) clones of the founder and of one another in varying combinations of checkered shirts topped of with a solid sweater sporting a well-groomed side part. What made for even better people watching, interestingly, were the gaggles of (likely) Georgetown girls arriving without a man in tow…not a bad place to snag dapper gentleman, so, salut!

All in all, I can confidently say our purchases that night won’t be our last!

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