style + beauty blog in the dc metro area
It’s Derby week! And after sharing a variety of cute looks this year that are perfect for Derby or Oaks Day, I want to share a more laidback way to dress for Derby. Every year, Vineyard Vines releases a collection of Kentucky Derby gear that perfectly fits the Southern style and fun spirit of Derby. Snagging this year’s Shep Shirt was a no-brainer since I love being able to throw on a quarter zip this time of year.
I love a good deal and this outfit is just that! {Y’all my polka dot dress was only $1.25! I know!} Work wear often gets a reputation of being boring or stuffy. And the truth is, it doesn’t have to be. In this post, I’m sharing a work wear dress that’s easy to recreate around this polka dot dress. Don’t have a polka dot dress? Just pull out your trusty shift dress.
Hey guys! You may have noticed that I missed yesterday’s post — that post is coming at you on Saturday now. But today, I’m sharing a floral lace up top that’s just right for spring.
Y’all no lies told in this space — I’m still recovering from this weekend! Luckily, I’ve had this Derby look sitting in my drafts for a few weeks now. While traditionally women wear dressed for Derby and Oaks, today I’m sharing the cutest printed blue jumpsuit.
Friday and Saturday, I volunteered at the Authors in the Bluegrass event in Lexington. Trashy romance novels are by far my biggest “guilty” pleasure, so getting to meet some of the authors I love to read and chat with many more was an awesome experience. Keep reading for more of my latest Derby look as well as a really cool view of an empty Commonwealth Stadium.
Let’s be honest — shopping always sounds fun but can be overwhelming in the moment. A couple weekends ago, I had a girls’ day with one of my blogger besties, Tif, at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. If you missed my post from Tuesday on the event we hosted you can read it here & Tif’s recap here! Keep reading for my top tips for outlet shopping and some of my favorite outlet finds.
{See the full post of this work wear look from the Outlet Shoppes here!}
Having the right partner in crime is so key. We all know the situation; you go shopping with your significant other and three stores in, he leans over and says, “So we’re done now, right?” While I’ve been spoiled by the fact that the Outlet Shoppes are a twenty minute drive from my house before the Bluegrass center opened, the closest outlet center was an hour and a half away. If you’re making the haul, be sure to choose a shopping partner that can hang with you.
Before our girls’ day, Tif and I each made a loose list of the kind of outfits we wanted to pick up during our shopping trip. While you will inevitably see an item you love that’s not on your list, knowing what you’re shopping for will make the trip easier. For those wondering, I said that I would for sure purchase pieces for three outfits: work wear, casual and Easter. While you’re shopping keep this list in mind so that the pieces you buy meet your objectives.
Finally, think about the money! So many people see the word ‘sale’ and lose their mind. If you know exactly how much you want to spend before you even park, you’ll save yourself from a lot of buyers’ remorse.
