Filed under: Destination Inspiration | Tags: bracelet, clutch, DC, dress, earrings, heels, hotel, St. Regis, Washington
It’s been awhile since I’ve just spent time exploring the amazing collection of hotels on Mr. and Mrs. Smith and making mental notes of all the places I want to visit one day… usually I gravitate toward beach destinations or modern, cosmopolitan locales, but I was a bit surprised to see the St. Regis Washington, DC on the site because it’s a hotel so close (literally a couple blocks away) to home. Described as “abounding with vintage glamour and old-world grandeur” the St. Regis is one of my favorite hotels in the city – conveniently located across the way from my K St. office, it’s the frequent venue of choice for client events and after work cocktail fetes – and it also happens to be where my sister’s wedding reception took place last year…
(sisters! wasn’t she a gorgeous bride?!)
(a peek at a few details from the reception)
The lobby looks more like a striking, updated palatial living room – complete with daily ritual champagne sabrage…
I’m drawn to the rich mix of textures and the sparkling chandeliers of course - Marchesa Sequin and Bead Belted Dress, Monica Vinader Zodiac Earrings, Marni Bracelet, Louboutin Big Lips 120 Suede Pumps
Others may argue that the hotel restaurant Adour ‘s design is too modern in comparison to the rest of the hotel, but I happen to like the contrast of new and old…
Alice + Olivia Gabby Blouson Mini Dress, Juicy Couture Earrings, Lee Angel Bangles, Guiseppe Zanotti Crystal Embellished Sandals
The 2,510 square foot Presidential Suite is the epitome of luxury… 2 separate entrances, multiple fireplaces, his and hers bathrooms, a private library, separate dining room with butler pantry and sub-zero appliances, and check out the gorgeous hand-painted wallpaper from China!
A glamorous excuse for this embellished 3.1 Philip Lim Dress, paired with Lanvin Earrings, McQueen Clutch, and Valentino Satin Sandals
It’s nice to find inspiration in my own city (despite the fact that it’s oppressively hot right now), it’s not such a bad place to be, for now :)
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: bareMinerals, CB2, clutch, Kendra Scott, Mar Y Sol, Smashbox
I’ve been slacking on the blog front this summer but warm (or more like painfully hot) weather means spending less time in front of the computer for me… Not that I’m shopping online any less (obviously), so here are few things that have been on my radar this month:
I don’t think I’d ever spend a lot of money on a clutch… I just have too much stuff I feel the need to carry around and a couple inches of space doesn’t really do it for me. And then there’s the whole “clutching” aspect… it’s annoying. But these clutches are super cute, affordable and would even make sweet presents I think. The Gigi is my fave -it reminds me of a pretty Dita Sandico Ong clutch my mother bought in the Philippines last month.
Smashbox Photo Finish Light + bareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation
Summertime in DC is like a sauna outside and since I walk to work I’m conscious of not having “melty face” after a few blocks in drenching humidity… luckily I’ve (finally) perfected my summer makeup routine. My skin is a little sensitive with a tendency to get oily in the t-zone but this primer seriously provides a smooth, oil-free canvas all day long. I’m not quite sure how I ever lived without it. I’ve used bareMinerals foundation for awhile and love that I can just dust tiny bit on and it never feels heavy. Together these are hands down the best combination I’ve found for keeping my face on all day!
I go through random phases where I get obsessed with a particular jewelry designer and kinda want everything they come up with and don’t really pay attention to other jewelry until I get tired of my current obsession and move on to the next… I think it started with Alexis Bittar, continued with Rachel Leigh, Gemma Redux, DANNIJO, Bounkit.. ok so basically everything on Charm & Chain at some point. At the moment I’m really into Kendra Scott’s bright stone pieces – they’re the perfect accessories to easy summer outfits and I NEED the Abena Cuff in my life now.
I hate drinking water. I know that’s awful, but unless I’m outside, working out, or really hot, it’s so hard to get myself to drink more than half a glass of tasteless liquid (I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, right?). Generally I resort to putting a few lemon slices in my Brita, but I’ve been eyeing this pitcher as a better solution. I’ve heard the Prodyne Fruit Infusion Pitcher is pretty good too – has anyone tried either?
While I was on vacation I had a mango shake every day (usually a couple times a day…) because the mangoes in Philippines are phenomenally better (and cheaper) than those at my local Whole Foods. Anyway, since I’ve been back I’ve been craving them constantly but luckily Z perfected an easy homemade version this weekend (2 ripe mangoes, 4 packets of splenda, 2.5ish cups of ice – blend and enjoy)!
Speaking of mangoes… I sort of forgot about MANGO as it’s not somewhere I usually shop but I came across these pretty printed looks and I’m thinking I should be paying more attention to this clothing line…
I adore the print on this dress but hate the bag she’s carrying. I’d pair it with a straw clutch and nude wedges (and a side braid like the model – how adorable is she?!)
A studded, distressed, fringed bag somehow perfectly complements a mosaic pattern dress and an arm full of bangles – I love everything about this look!
After some quality time with my Clarasonic Mia, a Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask and my DVR, I’m feeling a little more like myself and looking forward to a long weekend just staying in DC! I still have half a suitcase to unpack and more laundry to do but somehow the hangers in my closet keep disappearing – I’m half convinced there’s a closet elf who’s stealing them (and not that I have a not-so-tiny shopping habit…).
Speaking of shopping, remember wayyy back in February when I fell IN LOVE with these Miu Miu flats… well I pre-ordered them at the time… then ended up returning them because I wasn’t convinced they were worth the hefty price. But then I pretty much stalked them until they went on sale in June and.. ta-daaah!
They’re so prettttty! Pictures don’t really do them justice – they’re so wonderfully sparkly on my feet :) And now I’m kinda thinking I need them in black too… (because they’re on saaaale!)
Nothing quite beats the sale price on these basketweave Bottegas though – originally $835, I scored them for $139 on DSW. Mmmhmm.
I’ll definitely be getting good mileage out of both of these with pretty summer dresses! I can’t believe it’s July already – the season is just flyyying by. If you have a moment, stop by Style Obsession to check out a few of my summer essentials - and thanks again to Jessica for the guest feature!
