Connecticut Bound

Jon and I are heading up to my grandparents' place in Connecticut this weekend, and I'm so looking forward to getting away. We've been on exciting day trips through the summer, but we haven't gone for a real vacation since the Shenandoah Valley over Memorial Day weekend - a few days in Litchfield County sounds like bliss.

I actually haven't been there since summer 2012, when Sarah and I spent a weekend in Connecticut with our grandparents, but I'm eager to make the most of the house and of the uninterrupted time with Nana and Pappy. Jon's been up before - we stayed there the first time he came to visit me in the States, and I have really special memories of him meeting my grandparents and getting to know my family better on that trip.

If only we could go for a whole two weeks, like we did when when I was younger! But alas, adulting is hard, and a long weekend will have to be enough. Can you believe the weather we'll be getting? I'm definitely packing my bathing suit and my running kit. I predict 90% of the weekend will be spent outdoors! (Jon's happy about the sun not just because it means pool time and long walks, but because it also means I won't drag him antiquing.) We'll spend a bit of time in Litchfield so we can share some more Revolutionary War history and I might bring him to Washington Depot, where I first discovered the Redwall series at the gorgeous Gunn Memorial Library. Nana and Pappy will also be taking us to a camber music concert one night, which will be lovely! Ah, I can feel the work week melting away even as I type.

Jon and I are both packing our bags this morning and we'll set off after work in just a few hours. Side note: creating a Polyvore board of what you're packing is an excellent way to realize you have, in fact, overpacked! Here's what's in my bag for the weekend:

eShakti Elephants

My birthday is tomorrow, dear readers! And, like last year, I'm celebrating by throwing myself a party. This year, though, Jon is here and we have even more to celebrate - we're hosting a triple bash for our wedding anniversary, my birthday, and his first full year as a legal alien in the United States. (Three more weeks until we toast to that last one officially!) We've got about 30 people coming over for drinks and food on the patio behind our building, and I'm so excited to gather so many of our local friends in one place for an evening.

One of the special things about tomorrow is that we really are celebrating with people we - both of us - love. It's so hard to move to a new city, let alone a new country, but Jon has really made DC his own. He's put down roots, he's developed friendships independent of me, and he feels at home here in his world, not just in mine. It's such a joy to see and to be able to share.

Another sign that Jon's comfortable in Washington: he understood that we couldn't just do one grocery store run for everything we'll be serving! When you plan coordinated trips to Costco, Safeway, and the farmers' market, you know you know your town.

Of course, the party isn't just an excuse to celebrate with friends and food. I've been thinking about what I might wear for the occasion for weeks now, and when I got to choose a dress from eShakti back in July I looked for a dress in their collection that I could wear for the occasion. This paisley/elephant printed one is so fun - I wanted spaghetti straps and a lower-cut neckline because I'm quite fond of my shoulders, but I love that the midi length keeps the dress garden-worthy. It's fully lined, which is a nice touch, though I have to admit that I'm not crazy about how the skirt is attached to the bodice of the dress - it's gathered rather than pleated, which can make me look like I have more of a tummy than I really do from some angles. Happily, my mom was quickly and easily able to sew darts in under the bust to give the shape a little more structure. And you know how I feel about a dress that has pockets!

Fair warning, party guests: there will almost certainly be some Costco chocolate sheet cake-fueled twirling in this dress tomorrow night!

Stella and Dot Everytime/Everywhere

One piece of jewelry I own gets more compliments than any other: my blue, green, and gold Maldives necklace from Stella & Dot. A few years ago, my friend Catie hosted a trunk show for Stella & Dot at her mother’s gorgeous home in DC, and my mom and I both walked out with fabulous items we still wear over and over again - that necklace was one of my best purchases of the year, no question.

Catie is now a stylist for Stella & Dot, and I’m thrilled to be hosting a trunk show for her on the blog today. (Well, today and for the next three weeks, just in case you need a minute to check your jewelry stash to see what you’re missing and desperately need!) Half of what they offer, designed by creatives from companies like Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and Coach, is $50 and under, so you can find jewelry and accessories that fit every budget. The new fall range, like all the others I’ve seen from Stella & Dot, mixes edgy and contemporary pieces with more classic and delicate ones; perfect for whatever mood or situation you find yourself in. Many of the pieces themselves are versatile and can be worn multiple ways!

I chose the Belle necklace to add to my collection, and I love that I can wear it with professional attire, out for a night on the town, or with more casual daytime outfits. It's a perfect birthday present to myself for this last year of my 20s, and the other pieces I have my eye on are just as dynamic. Which is your favorite?

Stella & Dot Union Square Scarf / Stella & Dot Hudson Tote / Stella & Dot Déjà Vu Gold Studs / dress / shoes

Stella & Dot Utopia Statement Necklace / Stella & Dot Déjà Vu Stone Studs / Stella & Dot Avalon Tote / top / skirt / shoes

Stella & Dot Lightning Necklace / Stella & Dot Pavé Triangle Ear Jacket / Stella & Dot Lightning Ring /

Stella & Dot Waverly Petite bag / top / jeans / shoes

Stella & Dot Aria earrings / Stella & Dot Aria cuff /  dress / shoes / eyelashes / eyeliner

By the way, if you order $50 (excluding tax) worth of pieces from this trunk show, you get 50% off one of the trunk show exclusive items - this month's theme for the options is tropical and includes these earrings, this necklace, a scarf, a beauty bag, and a tunic. Have fun!

I received the Belle necklace as compensation for this post and might receive further compensation if you purchase anything from Stella & Dot via Catie (though, as always, all opinions are my own).

A Not-So-Frock Friday

Remember a few weeks ago, when I was all excited about buying a drawstring dress from Loft using some credit (and a birthday gift card) I'd received? Well, dear readers, I was excited - so much so that I went to four different stores over the last month to find even one of them in my size.

I failed. And I had to use the money in-store, so purchasing online wasn't an option.

So, instead, I bought two linen tops, one short-sleeved and one sleeveless, and I've been wearing both nonstop since I got them. When I sorted out my shirt drawer earlier in the summer, I realized I had to trash quite a few tees and tanks that were either more stained or more holey than I'd wanted to admit, so I'm actually counting these as "need" rather than "want" purchases to replace the ones I threw out.

white top / pink top

I do still have $20 left, so I might run into another Loft or three before the end of the month (when my gift card expires) to pick up something a bit more frivolous. If I were responsible, I'd get a plain white button-down, but I'll definitely skim the sale racks for dresses!

Frock Fridays: Yellow

There are a few colors I know I can never wear: orange, anything with too much of an orange tint (as opposed to blue, because I'm cool-toned), and yellow.

Well, I'm delighted to report that yellow can now come off that list! It might just be due to the peak tan I've reached this summer - with my trusty bottle of SPF 30 always by my side - but I tried on a yellow dress at Current Boutique, a consignment shop on 14th Street in DC, and absolutely fell in love.

But, you know, I don't look good in yellow, so I put the dress back on the rack and walked out of the store. Then I walked back in, took the dress off the rack, and asked the woman behind the counter if she could hold it for me until the end of the day. I promised to call if I decided not to buy it.

Unsurprisingly, I returned before closing, Jon in tow. I tried the dress on again and did a little twirl for him, expecting him to tell me that the color wasn't quite right. (He has a good eye for these things after years of selling jewelry.) But his only comment was, "That's nice. You should get it. Can you take off the flower thing at the waist?"

With that ringing endorsement, dear readers, plus the fact that it cost $25, how could I not buy the dress? So I did. Not sure yet if I will be keeping the flower at the waist, though...

Frock Fridays: Tank Dresses

Can I get a hallelujah for structured tank dresses, dear readers? They're perfect for summer in DC - fitted enough for the office, relaxed enough to not feel constraining, and light enough for the walk to and from the metro. Plus, they're so easy to dress up or down! (You might notice I demand this from most of my everyday dresses...) I hate the feeling on my arms of layering sweaters or blazers over short sleeves, so it's an added bonus that I can just throw something over my sleeveless dresses without discomfort once I get to my super air conditioned office.

This tank dress is from J Crew, and I have it in two colors: black, shown here, and navy. I totally agree with everyone's disappointment in and frustration with J Crew, but these dresses really have been stalwarts in my closet since I bought them early last summer. Unlike a lot of other contemporary "classic" J Crew pieces, they were reasonably priced - if I remember correctly, they were on the sale rack for $40 each - and they've held up remarkably well despite how often I wear them. Along with the brilliant blue Cynthia Rowley tank dress from Marshall's that you see on my Instagram all the time, these two pieces are in heavy rotation during the workweek. Today I'm wearing the black one with David Yurman bracelets, an old belt from Anthropologie, and Nine West wedges bought last summer.

I don't think I can justify buying any new tank dresses until the ones I have die, especially since I'm still planning on stopping by Loft to use that credit I have, but I do love these ones from Old Navy! They're all under $30 - with most less than $20 - so maybe they'll make their way into your closets...

Frock Fridays: Drawstring Dresses

I know; it's not Friday. But I just checked my Loft account and discovered that I have a $25 credit, so I couldn't wait until next Friday to get your opinion on a possible new purchase!

A few of my go-to summer dresses are on their last legs and, though I'm hoping they'll last through the end of the season, they probably won't make it past July. This dress, this dress, and this dress have just been worn to death over the past three years! I'd like to use the Loft credit to replace them with an easy, breezy dress that's made for the dog days of August.

I haven't ever worn a drawstring-waist dress because I used to think they looked sloppy, but I'm loving these five options. With a wedge heel and some classic jewelry I could wear them to work - on a day with no external meetings, anyway - and they'd be perfect with flat sandals and a tote for a casual weekend adventure, too. Any of these jump out at you, dear readers?

Frock Fridays: A Festive Fourth!

It's no secret, dear readers - I love playing hostess. And now that Jon has realized how much he loves showing off his adopted city, we're primed to receive visitors from abroad! Well, "visitor" isn't really the right word for our next houseguest. Alex, a very dear friend of ours from London, holds an American passport and has been back and forth between the States and England more times than she can count. But, regardless, she's coming to visit us in DC at the end of June and we're thrilled!

Obviously, I've already started planning out her week in town. She'll be here over the long weekend of the 4th, so there's tons to do! We've been emailing about an outdoor movie in NOMA, a concert at Wolf Trap, a day at the beach on the Eastern Shore, and, of course, fantastic celebrations for Independence Day.

Equally obviously, I've already started planning out what I might wear for all of our festivities! I was thrilled to see that eShakti, the totally customizable online retailer where I got the plaid flannel shirtdress that I lived in over the winter, has some fab new styles and patterns for summer sorted into themes like Contemporary and Bohemian. They've also branched out into jumpsuits, pants, and shorts, but you know how I love my dresses - I've got my eye on one of these fun frocks from the Retro Modern bit of the website!

eShakti has generously offered Betsy Transatlantically readers $35 off any purchase made between now and June 21. You've got through next weekend to use it, so go forth and shop!

I will be compensated for this post but, as always, all opinions are my own.

Frock Fridays: Black and White Floral

I bought this striped dress a year and a half ago from Target and I loved it. I really did. It was ponte knit, so it was super comfortable, but it was structured, so I could wear it to meetings and still feel professional, and it fit really well.  I loved that dress even though, no matter how many times my mother took it to her sewing machine, the side seams by the pockets kept opening.  I loved that dress, accidental flashes of hip and all, until the seam under the zipper that ran down the center of my back opened in the middle of the afternoon and I realized that I may have won a bunch of battles but I'd definitely lost the war.

So, on my way home from work that day, I stopped at Marshall's - and walked out with this fabulous black-and-white floral frock for $30.  I've got a few more curves than the model in the collage below, and the dress makes me feel like a pin-up girl while still being demure enough, thanks to the neckline and the length of the hem, to be appropriate for work.  Actually, it's probably best for work events, not just another Friday, but I have an external lunch today and then drinks later in the afternoon before coming home for date night with Jon.  (He's cooking!)  Those sounds like a few valid excuses to trot out a new dress, right?  I hope so, because I'm wearing it now.  Just a swipe of lipgloss and I'll be out the door to work!

dress / earrings / bracelet / cardigan / lipgloss / bag / shoes

Commercial Style Blogging

I'm not really into fashion blogging.  I follow a few lifestyle bloggers who regularly publish sponsored (and non-sponsored!) outfit posts and I love them, but I've never been invested in straight style blogging or style bloggers.  Maybe it's because, despite the range of style bloggers, I couldn't find one whose body looks like mine.  Maybe it's because, despite the range of style bloggers, I couldn't find one whose office dress code mirrored my own.  Maybe it's because, despite the range of style bloggers, I couldn't find one whose way of mixing high and low budget pieces matched my financial reality.  Whatever the reason, I just haven't followed fashion bloggers' blogs.

I have followed some style bloggers on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter, though, which has opened my eyes again and again to how phenomenally naive I am about the ways that blogging - and bloggers themselves - can be monetized.  I remember being shocked when I realized that the majority of the pins I clicked on were affiliate links.  I was confused by Liketoknow.it at first, and then, once I understood how it worked, disappointed by the blatant commerciality as it completely removes any personal interaction between blogger as advisor and reader as student (for lack of a better word).  The straw on this camel's back, though, when it comes to style blogging, was when I clicked on a link in an otherwise innocuous tweet that, based on the language used, I thought would lead me to a blog post and therefore a personal story from the blogger.

Nope.  The link was a bit.ly address disguising an rstyle link that led me to an affiliate-tagged shopping website, put cookies on my browser, and made me feel totally used by the tweeter/blogger.  And - pardon my French - I thought, "This is bullshit."

I've written about this before, most specifically here and here, but I hate being manipulated by bloggers.  There is almost nothing on the internet that make me as angry as when I realize that someone with whom I thought I'd built a relationship is mostly interested in the clicks I give her and the cookies she gives me.

Don't get me wrong; I'm all for bloggers earning an income from something about which they're passionate, but I don't want to be tricked into a commercial transaction with someone who is, essentially, selling herself as a brand.

Am I overreacting, dear readers?  Is this just the way it is and always shall be, world without end amen?  I hope not, because I do get style ideas from these women - and, shockingly enough, I do sometimes buy things they recommend and I am happy for them to get commissions from those purchases!  But if this is the relationship they want... well, count me out.

Frock Fridays: A Loft Skirt

Perhaps unsurprisingly, our itinerary for Jon's family's visit included a pastime that really only held interest for the women among us: shopping.  In New York, we strolled up Fifth Avenue, peeking into Tiffany's and Stuart Weitzman.  In Washington, our destination was Georgetown.  Taking pity on Jon and his father, who had no interest in accompanying us into shops, Ellie, Jon's mum, and I kept things as brisk as possible on Wisconsin and M - but Ellie and I both managed to snag a few pieces!  I absolutely love this skirt I picked up on sale at Loft.  The pleats make it super flattering without bulking it (or me) out, and I love that the pattern feels super contemporary.  And - bonus - it has pockets!

I think you'll be seeing this one regularly on my #ootd Instagrams, dear readers.

Frock Fridays: Ballet Dreaming

The other weekend, at adult Jewish sleepaway camp, I joined a group taking dance lessons from one of of the other campers.  I ended up pairing up with the guy who was instructing us and, after we demonstrated a few steps for everyone else, he looked at me in surprise.

"Have you danced before?"

I laughed.  No, I hadn't danced before - not really, anyway.  (If you want photographic evidence of my skills at the one and only dance class I've ever taken, make sure to check Instagram later this morning.)  I just love music and, luckily, years of counting beats from singing have given me a decent sense of rhythm.  I never wanted to be a dancer when I was a little girl; I only wanted to know how to dance as much as would be necessary for my future career as a lounge singer, musical theatre star, or opera diva.

That's why you won't see my feet tapping against the plush red carpet at the Kennedy Center when I go to see The Washington Ballet's Swan Lake tomorrow, but you might catch me secretly conducting Tchaikovsky's classic score as the dancers whirl across the stage, my hands at my knees so not to distract my mother next to me, fingers gliding through adagio passages and picking out the woodwinds' notes at the beginning of the Dance of the Little Swans.

I'm not sure what I'll wear to the ballet, but if I could wear this dress maybe I'd change my mind about loving dance primarily for the music...

dress / cardigan / bag / shoes

Purim Party Palooza!

NYE 2008

When I was in college, I had the most amazing animal-print sequined dress.  I have no idea what occasion was my excuse for buying it in the first place - not that I needed an excuse because it was absolutely fabulous - but I'm not ashamed to say that I wore it for any and every occasion, costumes encouraged or not.  Hey, I lived in New York City before the Great Recession and I was an invincible undergrad!  It's a miracle I didn't wear that dress to class.

I'm not sure what happened to the dress after NYE 2008, the last time I wore it.  I can't imagine that I donated it or trashed it; I'm hoping it's stashed away somewhere in my childhood bedroom.  Even though it's at least two sizes too small for me right now, I thought of that dress earlier this morning while planning my outfit for tonight's Purim party.

Purim is a festival celebrating yet another biblical story in which a bunch of people tried to kill the Jews but failed.  (I blogged about the historical/religious side of Purim last year.)  These holidays are usually marked with feasts, but Purim is sort of like the Jewish Halloween: we get dressed up in costumes, make a lot of noise, and drink.  Tonight, a few friends and I are heading out to Sixth & I's Purim bash in downtown DC, and I used that fantastic dress as my inspiration for my fantasy outfit...

dress / mask / bag / shoes

Frock Fridays: Spring Switchover

Three things have happened in the last week to make me want to buy some new dresses: winter finally lost its magic, I've started doing my biannual assessment of my wardrobe, and our tax refund came through.  A dangerous combination, wouldn't you say?

But really - I would rip all of my tights to shreds if I could.  Never seeing another boot again would make me a happy woman.  And my coat is desperate to go to the dry cleaner and then to hibernate for nine months in my closet.  I am so over being covered up all the time!  I can't wait for the first day of bare legs and ballet flats this spring.

I'm no less ruthless when it comes to my closet and dresser.  When the season truly begins to change, I'll go through every drawer and hanger; I'll make one pile of things to be packed away until fall, another of pieces to donate, and a third to trash.  Then I'll pull out one of the boxes from under my bed and rediscover what I packed away when the weather turned cool.  (By the way, I've used the same two under-bed storage boxes since high school and totally recommend them for both their functionality and their longevity.)  Most of what I stored will be found homes in my closet and dresser, but some items will probably be tossed onto the "donate" pile because my measurements and tastes have changed a bit since September.

Those aren't reasons enough to buy new dresses, of course, but seeing some extra money in our bank account makes me feel like I could maybe, just maybe, justify one new frock!  I'm loving these for spring...

top row, left to right: Lands' End / Lands' End / Lands' End / Boden / Boden
bottom row: left to right: Gap / Ann Taylor / Escada

Frock Fridays: Jeans for Jon

Jon and I, it turns out, have very different definitions of what constitutes a date-night outfit.  (Back in 2012, here's what I chose for a romantic evening out and here's his counter.  See?)  Don't get me wrong; Jon appreciates me in a dress and heels, but there's a reason I wore this to pick him up from the airport in September.

Though I would normally be tempted to glam up for Valentine's Day, our plans for this weekend are a bit unconventional and require much more casual outfits.  Tonight, I am told, I will put my feet up after work while I am cooked a full dinner, after which - and this might be the best part - I don't have to do any of the washing up.  Tomorrow morning, before Jon heads to his afternoon shift, we're meeting a friend to watch two of the 6 Nations rugby matches over brunch at a bar in Dupont Circle.  England's playing Italy, which Jon tells me won't be a very hard fight, and then we'll catch the first half of France v. Ireland.  For that, I thought I'd pick out a classic Jon-endorsed outfit!  Of course, I simply have to include a pop of red as a nod to the holiday...

jeans / tank / boots / earrings / cardigan / bag

Frock Fridays: Galentine's Day

I've never seen an episode of Parks and Rec.  Jon's been trying to get me into the show - he redoubled his efforts after attending a Tenants' Association meeting at our apartment building and realized that art really does imitate life - but, Chris Pratt's awesomeness notwithstanding, I don't have time for a new obsession.

I do, however, have time for a new holiday, so when Megan asked me to be her date to a Galentine's Day party I said yes in a heartbeat!  The invitation asks us to "dress up somewhere between bachelorette and holiday party attire... so if you've been looking for an excuse, this is a great time to bust out that fabulous sparkly dress."  I don't have sparkles but I do have lace, so I thought I'd repurpose the dress I wore to Camilla's birthday last weekend for a DC bar!  What do you think?

dress (not available online; similar here and here) / earrings / sweater / tights / clutch / flats

A New York Thirtieth

We're off to New York this evening, dear readers!  One of my best friends from college, Camilla, is celebrating her 30th with a bash just outside of the city on Saturday night.  I remember sitting next to her in Lit Hum freshman year as she doodled horses in the margins of Thucydides and whispered a running ribald commentary into my ear as the class discussed Lysistrata; despite the glamour of cocktails, dinner, and dancing, I suspect Camilla's party will be just as unaffected and warm as she is.

She was very disappointed to hear the the original dress I planned to wear is more modest so, to oblige the birthday girl, I browsed the  sale rack at Macy's yesterday when I stopped by to buy some tights.  I hope she approves of the new frock I'm packing for the party!

dress  (not available online; similar here and here) / earrings / bobby pins / bracelet / clutch / heels / Spanx

Frock Fridays: Girls' Night Out

I can't even remember the last time I had a proper girls' night out - my birthday, maybe?  Although that was more of a fabulous girls' night in and when, sometime after midnight, I made noises about wanting to hit the town, I was very sensibly talked into bed instead.

But we're going all out tomorrow night: dinner, drinks, board games, and almost certainly a Disney sing-a-long at my apartment (while Jon's at work) followed by dancing to a live band out at a bar in my neighborhood.

I think I'll wear my polka-dotted swingy-skirted dress from H&M, which is a little too short to sport during daylight hours, accessorized with black tights, my black Cole Haan heels, an old crossbody bag from Target, and sparkly Kate Spade studs like these.  Add a swipe of red lipstick, eyeliner, and mascara, and you've got a fabulous evening!

Frock Fridays: Animal Print

The other day, as Jon and I strolled the West End - London's shopping district, more or less encompassing everything between Marble Arch and Covent Garden - marveling at the festive lights and decorations, I gave in to the pressure of all the pre-Christmas sales.  Actually, I was only really lured into one shop: Hobbs.  I'd perused all their dresses online when working on last Friday's blog post, so I didn't think I'd be tempted too much by anything I saw on the racks, but you know what they say about hubris.  Unsurprisingly, I walked out with a little bag on my arm and a big smile on my face.

I'm absolutely in love with the dress I bought - for £49 down from the original £99 - and, in fact, am wearing it today!  (I'm taking Jon out for part one of his Christmas present this afternoon.  Check Instagram later to see both the dress in action and where we're going!)

Hobbs dress / Target blazer / David Yurman earrings / Assets tights / Blondo boots

Frock Fridays: A Christmas Wedding

Last time I came to England, the airline lost my luggage in Heathrow and I wasn't reunited with it until a week after I'd returned to DC.  (I promise I'll stop bringing this up eventually, but the memory is still really aggravating!)  Because I was without - well, everything - for the duration of my stay, I took full advantage of Virgin's assurances that they'd reimburse me for any expenses incurred due to the mishap, and I bought myself a lovely blue dress from the Anthropologie on Regent's Street to wear to our friends' wedding in the Sussex countryside in place of the Coast dress I wear to most spring/summer weddings.  (You can see it in this post about my five-year college reunion, second from the left in the bottom row of photos.)

I was 95% confident that my luggage would be ready for me to collect on the other side of immigration at the airport this time around, but I did a little poking around the websites of some of my favorite British stores just in case I needed to quickly find a dress for the wedding we're attending tomorrow.  I had packed the gorgeous burgundy Azazie dress I'd worn to the Thanksgiving soirée a few weeks ago for the occasion, so I used that color as my guide to narrow my choices a bit.  Happily, I did find my suitcase on the baggage carousel and will wear the original dress, but I'm still loving these frocks for the season!

top row, left to right: Jigsaw, Phase Eight, L.K. Bennett
bottom row, left to right: Coast, Reiss, Boden, Hobbs