{Fashion} Date Night

"Date Night" has become not only precious, precious time for me and my husband but something essential in our lives. They don't happen as often as they used to {pre-Dean era}, but they're something we aim to do at least once a month. I will always remember my mom telling me and my sister how important it is to carve out time for you and your husband as a couple, even if just for an hour to grab a burger, even in the midst of jobs, kids, and everything else, even if you're tired, etc. I always tucked that piece of advice away for the future, but it wasn't until I became a mother that I saw just how valuable that advice was.

This weekend we're headed to a new restaurant in Delaware called Capers & Lemons. We are always up for trying something new, but definitely have some old favorites that we frequent too.

So, what to wear on these rare occasions? Like most girls, I'm a bit of a clothes hound, but I'm most comfortable in something classy and cute yet comfy. I'm not big on trends -- not that I don't like some of them, but mostly because I think I'd look plain old ridiculous! I'm 34 going on 35...hardly 80 but not exactly 20 anymore either ;-}

First up, is one of my favorite looks -- it's what I call sexy classy. Jeans {I don't do skinnies}, heels or boots {NOT the ones in the picture}, a sparkly tank, blazer, and a little clutch. PERFECT.


Or how about this one? Another sexy classy look in my humble opinion. A pretty blouse, jeans, and daring red heels. Sassy.


What about this cute dress from JCrew? JCrew might be one of my all-time favorite stores -- they offer just the right combination of prep, class, cute, sexy, and comfort. Add subtle sparkles, and I'm all over it. This might be a little short for my liking, but I'd pair this over jeans in a heartbeat.


How about this look? Jeans, flats, a bright top and a patterned infinity scarf. Yes, please. Can't go wrong with this look in my opinion -- classic & stylish.


A spring date night? But minus the shorts for me. I probably need to be more daring, but if those pretty salmon shorts were pants in the same color {JCrew would probably have them...hmmm}, I'd go for it. Love the white tank, necklace, and blazer paired together A LOT.


I tend to stay away from dresses in the winter unless it's a special occasion, but I have to admit that I think this looks adorable. A simple black dress, skinny belt, black leggings and boots, and a cardi. Simple yet sophisticated all at the same time.


You had at me hello sparkly little flats...



Lastly, how about some fun jewels? I'm a sucker for simple bangles or even layering skinny bracelets to give the appearance of a chunkier bracelet.

**Hmmm....too many choices! I shouldn't spend too much time thinking about this because you know men....half the time they don't even notice ;-} I still love ya, RDP!
**All pics via Pinterest -- where else? Most of these looks came straight off my Fashion pinboard.
** TGIF -- Enjoy the three day weekend!

{Fashion} Dresses, Dresses, Dresses

Now that it's almost officially spring, I have cute dresses on my mind. They have been catching my eye every which way I turn and let me tell you -- my eye is always drawn to most expensive dresses out there -- ughhh! Take this sweet yet sassy JCrew Gallerista party dress -- I'm loving the bright pops of springy colors **BUT** at $325, I can definitely do without.

But wait, wait!!! I might not have to do completely without because I think I may have found...


...a suitable and much more reasonably priced alternative at Kohls. This little Simply Vera satin shift dress rings up at $46.99 {and I have $20 Kohls cash and a 30% off coupon right now -- SCORE}! There is also a pretty embellishment on the neckline of this dress.


And how about this adorable Old Navy ruffled eyelet dress for $34.50? Can't beat it! I snagged this in black for my upcoming May graduation from Wilmington University. I love this dress not only for it's price but also because it's so versatile. I could dress this up with some fun jewelry and heels, dress it down with flipflops and a jean jacket, or even wear it to work with flats or low heels and a cute cardigan.

There are many more adorable and affordable dresses I'm loving currently but I'm trying to be good. "Self-control, self-control, self-control..."

Happy Hump Day! 75 degrees on Friday -- WOO!

{Fashion} Rosettes!

Where was this little number {sans the red flower} about a week ago when I had my LAST wedding of the summer??? I'll have you know I looked high and low for a dress with rosettes only to come up empty handed. Of course I come across THIS yesterday! The entire skirt is lined with these rich looking ribbon rosettes, which I have a small obsession with lately. Hmmmm...I'm thinking maybe it'd be cute for Bo's work Christmas party this winter ;-}

{Dress & photo from White House Black Market}

{Weddings} What to Wear

Ahhhh...I just love weddings. Especially summer weddings. There's something about the beautiful, bright, pops of color that a summer wedding brings that just makes me swoon. I have two weddings this summer that I'm currently trying to find dresses for. JCrew is usually my favorite place to shop for pretty dresses...

I bought this tangerine strapless number on the sale section of their website last month. I'm planning on wearing it to the Cape Cod wedding I'm attending in a few weeks. I love the fun, summery color of this dress (plus I already have heels, jewelry, and a cute bag to coordinate at home!).

BUT...I'm really looking for something with rosettes. Where can I find one??? Any leads would be greatly appreciated! I do; however, love the periwinkle color of these two JCrew dresses, and I may end up buying one of them for my August wedding if I can't find what I'm really looking for....

What to Wear! Cute JCrew Dress?

{I wore this to my friend Jenn's wedding in June and received tons of compliments. Did I mention the best part was that I paid $39 for this dress (including shipping) that was originally somewhere close to $250? I love a good sale!}

{Should I go for it? The olive color would look awfully cute with gold accessories, don't you think?}

So, I hopped on my laptop tonight to do a little online shopping while my husband and puppy relaxed in the family room. We have a wedding in two weeks to attend at the shore, which brings me to my dilemma. I'm almost 18 weeks pregnant and will be almost 20 weeks by the time I have to attend this wedding. I'm just starting to grow a noticeable little bump but haven't had to wear any maternity clothing yet. I'm getting by with belly bands at this point (which I love by the way....they are saving my life right now!). I really don't want to buy a maternity dress that I will only wear one time.

I wore a really cute JCrew dress to a June wedding I attended, and it would totally fit me right now because of the box pleats and A-line fit; however, it's a really pretty, summery, pink color - not really appropriate for a fall wedding. I found a similar one on JCrew tonight for a great price (see above). It's a pretty olive color and again, has those forgiving pleats that would fit my belly nicely. What do you think? Should I go for it? It's a final sale item - Hope it fits!