Fall Foibles: My First Facial

Fall Foibles: My First Facial

Here's how I ended up in the parking lot with someone hitting their door against my car (more on that later): my husband was going out of town for work. I've always wanted a husband who would say something like "why don't you go take a bath, honey" or "you should go get yourself a pedicure. Just relax." So when mine said "I hope you do something you're really excited about," I agreed with what he hadn't said but he did in my head. I was going to get a facial! I've never had one, and a friend of mine loves them.

My dull, broken-out before picture was appropriately sad.

I knew nothing about facials, however. I imagined my skin would look better, and that was good. I figured it would be relaxing. "Hi! I'm here for an 11:30 facial," I tell the yogi at the front desk. "Rachel?" she murmurs. "Huh?"

I go into the room, and she hands me a late 90s strapless towel dress. "You can remove all of your clothing or cover yourself with this. Or with the sheet," she whispers. "Um..hm....Why would I need to be naked?" I don't say aloud. She leaves, I take my shirt off, leave my pants and socks, and get on the heated (divine) bed, under the sheet, face up. I figure she'll want to wash my neck or something.

She comes in, or at least I think so. My eyes haven''t yet adjusted to the bat cave lighting situation. Then, she proceeds to sit down at my head and put on the Turbie Twist hair towel, also from the 90s, and rub a series of liquids on my face: a sandy one, then she slowly washes my face, a slippery one, then more slow motion washing, followed by an aloe-scented goo (after sun care? I wonder and don't say) that goes on my face and arms. I am glad I'd removed my shirt. More ritualistic washing. Then, what smells and feels like a berry jam. I resist licking my lips as she whispers something about goggles. Oh! There they are-something like the ones that Kramer wore on the Seinfeld episode where he buys a tanning bed. I am blind-or are my eyes shut? I can't tell. Then, she is pulling my feet out from under the blanket. Annnnd...I still have my socks on. I hadn't anticipated feeling like a virginal teenage boy. She coos something about a foot massage. My ears perk up. More goo, this time on my feet, followed by a relaxing foot rub. Then, my feet are wrapped in plastic bags and pushed into...could they be snow boots? Space boots? No. They make a wobbling noise-rain boots?! Whatever they are, they are warm. Heavenly warm. "Did you get these on Zappos?" I don't ask.

She must be washing her hands, judging by the slashing near my head. Only then do I realize how gross it would be if she rubbed my feet with feet goo and then touched my face. Relieved by the splashing noise, I take what I realize was my first deep breath.

Then she is by my ear: "It's time for the extractions." Um, what? I nod knowingly as she cotton balls my face with something in slow motion. What follows next ias the pimple scene from Hairspray except I have the swimming goggles back on again. Then more ritualistic washing of the face. Then she whispers "You're going to feel my thumb." Thumb?! Where?! Lip balm. She must have said lip balm because that appears on my lips.

Then the sound of lotion on hands and a shoulder massage. I exhale that breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. Then a few more rounds of face washing, and the heavenly rain boots are removed. Later, as I put my shirt back on, I spied them-heating pad booties. Genius!

And just like that, she's trying to sell me the products she used, and I know we're wrapping up. The sales part is shorter than I had worried, and I'm grateful. My skin feels loved, and my back and feet wonderful. We chat about her friend's recent lip injections (too much), and I am back out in the lobby with the yogi who still thinks my name is Rachel. 

After-seems more glowy, right? Or maybe the light is just better?

Later, I'm analyzing my face (does it look better? tighter somehow? more youthful even?) in the mirror of a dressing room at Loft, and an employee comes back asking if anyone drives the make and model of my car. I quickly dress and go outside. I've parked too close to someone, apparently, and she'd like me to move my car. I do, leaving the clothes I wasn't that excited about behind.

You see, I believe in karma, and sometimes experience what I think of as a karmic boomerang. Sometimes it's just that fast. Back at the spa, a woman had opened her car door into me, shielding it with her hand. This was my pre-facial self, and I was in a rush, not yet aware that there were such beautiful things in the world as heating pad booties. I fake smiled at this woman and checked my car but didn't ask about her hand, then rushed into the spa. Wouldn't you know it, 1.5 hours later I'd blocked someone in and gotten called out for it in front of a dressing room full of people. Car karmic boomerang. But at least my skin looked shiny!

A few days later, my skin looked a bit better than it had before. Am I over-the-moon? I am for massages, and next time I'll book one! 

My Anthropologie Sale on Sale Picks

My Anthropologie Sale on Sale Picks

Here's the deal: Anthro is having a 25% off on top of their existing sale stuff with code SALEONSALE. I'd feel like a bad friend if I didn't just let you know that. Annnnd give you my favorites, too, of course.

Oh boy. If you are a woman, have any female friends, are married, have a mother/sister/daughter/daughter-in-law, you can thank me after they open this gift anytime in the next year. Wow is this bracelet gorgeous or what?

This tank is a statement piece, it's perfect for a date night out, it's dry clean only, and it wants to be worn under a drapey sweater or soft blazer or fitted jean jacket this fall.Would be great for a large chest because it's a lot of detailing. If you're looking for a similar tribal look with less bling, try this incredible tank-I'd wear it with a blazer or moto jacket and skinny trousers to work. Want something similar with a bit more swing? They've got you covered.

Ruffled and military are not words you typically associate with each other, which is what makes this jacket to die for. Wear it every day until you're too cold and then pull it out in the spring again. Likely not great for an XS since there's a lot going on here.

If you have mostly skinny pants for fall and winter, this striped tshirt is for you. Wear it when you need a little extra length over the butt and with a patterned jacket to pattern mix those stripes. The white layer is a soft satin.

If you just had a baby or are having a baby but aren't telling people yet or, frankly, if sometimes you feel pregnant after a big meal (me!), this tassel tank is for you. And, it's fall-appropriate and on-trend with those tassels.

Want cooler jeans? Done.

Going on a trip around the world and want to fit in everywhere and be able to wash these in your hostel/hotel/camping site sink? Done, too. Yeah, they say dry clean, but they're rayon. I'd wash 'em.

Looking for a more interesting earring or purse situation? I can't get enough of these crescents and this amazing clutch/pouch thingee. Both would make the best gifts for a fashionable family member or friend. I have a drawer where I stash gifts that I love as they come up, and as the birthdays arrive I always have something on hand.

Dear Sugar: The Black Arc of It

My late father-in-law dances and giggles with my mother-in-law at our wedding

I recently read the most incredible book. It's called Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on love and life from Dear Sugar. It was published in 2012 and contains some columns previously published in what was an anonymous advice column at the time (the author was revealed when the book was published, and the book contains newly published entries, too), but I just read it over our trip to Las Vegas of all places.  I'm not affiliated in any way with the author, but I want everyone I know to read this book. It matters to me so much that I'm going to start posting some of the columns from it here in the hopes that you will read-and share-them. If you're offended by swear words and graphic language, be aware that she uses some. If you'd rather only read my posts about personal style, come back soon. Today, I'm going to underline the parts that stand out to me. Please feel free to comment if you are so moved.

Lolli and Pops: Gourmet Candy in Tysons Corner, Virginia

Lolli and Pops: Gourmet Candy in Tysons Corner, Virginia

As you know, I live in Northern Virginia, and I love to share bits and pieces of all that there is to do and see not only in DC but also in my very own Northern VA. While I was waiting to meet a personal shopping client the other night, I realized that I had stumbled upon Lolli and Pops. My best friend sent me their link a couple weeks ago, and there it was!

Once you read this post, you will pretty much know what I'm going to get everyone always for birthday and Christmas presents and shower gifts and new baby gifts. So, spoiler alert!

As you can see, I went from thinking "Oh, I'll get something for my husband" to "We have to come here and buy gifts for everyone we know." I took lots of covert pictures, but you'd have to see it to believe it. It's room after room of themed candy, some by geographic location, some by chocolate or fruit candy. The employees dress in straw hats and striped aprons, and it's just adorable.

The Roaring 20s at Modcloth!

The Roaring 20s at Modcloth!

Happily Ember After Hat

I have a few friends in mind for this post (Erika, Colleen, I'm looking at you!), but I really surprised myself with how much I loved these pieces from Modcloth. More than that, I love that you can search by decade on the main page (lower right). There's something so appealing about seeing items spinning off the same decade all together. I started with the 20s and fell in love! Especially with the shoes. I love the feminine heels with masculine details-like these!.

Altogether Unique Heel

That's So Maven Heel

This search feature seems perfect for Halloween season if you're looking for a vintage touch to add to your outfit. I also instantly wanted to host a cocktail party after looking at all of the sparkly 1920s hair pieces and perfect tie-front shoes. Maybe it's because I was born on Halloween, but I've always loved the idea of hosting a party around what the guests will wear!

These wide-leg pants would be perfect for work, and they've got tons of other wide legs, too. Having a whimsical town hall wedding? Please wear these shoes as your something blue! And crack yourself up with a visit to the 90s-inspired section, clog shoes, plaid, and velvet skirts and all. In plus size, you can't shop by decade, it seems, but you will find way better dresses than the other section has!

Guide to Natural Bridge, VA

Guide to Natural Bridge, VA

Here's my guide from last year on how to have the perfect weekend in Natural Bridge and Lexington, VA. I still stand by it and thought you might like it! Thanks for all the positive feedback about my guides! I know you come here for style advice, and I like to think that extends to life-style, too! I love the DC-Northern VA area, and I love showing it off!

First, make the easy three hour drive from Northern VA/DC.

Be sure to stay in this adorable restored caboose that sits on a hill next to a horse farm. The train crossing sign lights up when you drive in the driveway!

If you went with more than two people and two dogs or two people and two kids (they can sleep up in the cupola!), you could also rent the cabin that sits adjacent. We'd love to do that with kids who were old enough to send to sleep in the caboose. Who wouldn't want to wake up to this view?

Take a quick nap in the silence of a country afternoon to have plenty of energy for a double feature the non-profit community drive in.

Bring chairs and bug spray but take their advice and buy concessions there. As you can see, time is slower there. Where else can you get popcorn for $1.50 and candy from $0.35-0.75? And where else does a pot-bellied pig on a leash share the family blanket behind your car? Sadly, I was too chicken (polite?) to snap a picture.

Ignore the locals' suggestion for breakfast. Drive by the Pink Cadillac Diner and admire how pink and decorated it is, but do not eat there. It has not been cleaned since the Elvis movies advertized on its walls were in the theaters.

Instead, swim in a swimming hole with your babies, lounge by a lake with your husband, make a desperate Wendy's (baked potato is gluten free) run when you realize that all lunch places are closed by 1PM and save your appetite for dinner at the The Red Hen. We didn't take any pictures, although it was tiny and adorable, because we were just too busy eating herb risotto, perfectly cooked duck, and pork chops over braised cabbage. Peter finished his meal with a black forest cake. Yum.

What to Wear for Maternity: Hip to be Round

What to Wear for Maternity: Hip to be Round

Recently, my husband and I went out to eat in the Mosaic District in Fairfax, VA. Then, I went to watch Skeleton Twins at the Angelika there the other night and remembered that I hadn't shared the pictures I took of the cute maternity store there!

The store is called Hip to be Round, and it's full of fun maternity clothes that you'd splurge on if you were planning to pass on your maternity clothes, indulge in something special, or hope to have more than one pregnancy. I'm not saying it's the most expensive I've ever seen, but it's not Target. More like Motherhood Maternity. Great for gifts for a family member or friend who's pregnant. Oh-and they didn't ask me to promote them nor did they know I was writing this. I just thought it would be of interest to some readers.

Time Balm-A Post in Which I Am Very Brave

Time Balm-A Post in Which I Am Very Brave

Let me start this off by saying that I am insecure about the dark circles under my eyes. To the point that I'm defensive about them. So I'll start off by getting this out of the way: yes, I've had my allergies tested, yes I eat for my food allergies, yes I have trouble sleeping, yes, my thyroid is under control, thank you.

Phew! Glad to get that out of the way. I rarely go out in public without coverup on under my eyes. In the spirit of being #bodyproud, I've decided to post pictures of myself without makeup for you all to see. The point is to share with you a product that I use all the time and love. If you have a need for major concealing, you might want to try Time Balm. And no, this is not a sponsored post. (I don't do sponsored posts, if you haven't noticed. Not that I wouldn't if the right product offered!)

You can get it on Amazon and at Sephora and maybe other places. Those are the two places where I've gotten it. I get the mid-medium. I'm fairly tan and quite yellow. My tips are these: use a brush to apply it and don't skimp around your tear ducts or they'll look super dark.

Pardon my bathroom selfies, but it's all I've got. I was getting ready in the morning one day and thought this could be useful for someone. But not so useful I needed to wake my husband up to take pictures of my eyeballs. On the left, the not quite-blended eye with product. On the right, no makeup on that eye.

Want a close up? Here ya go!

Here I am with both eyes covered up and blended in. And yes, after these pictures I started using my eye cream more religiously before bed. The puffiness is not indicative of the product but rather of my own puffiness!

Let me know if you try it out and like it-or hate it!  And don't forget that brush! This is a thick product, and you can do some serious pulling if you try to apply with your finger.

Dear Sugar: No is Golden

Flowers from my own wedding. I did not invite my father.

I recently read the most incredible book. It's called Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on love and life from Dear Sugar. It was published in 2012 and contains some columns previously published in what was an anonymous advice column at the time (the author was revealed when the book was published, and the book contains newly published entries, too), but I just read it over our trip to Las Vegas of all places.  I'm not affiliated in any way with the author, but I want everyone I know to read this book. It matters to me so much that I'm going to start posting some of the columns from it here in the hopes that you will read-and share-them. If you're offended by swear words and graphic language, be aware that she uses some. If you'd rather only read my posts about personal style, come back soon. Today, I'm going to underline the parts that stand out to me. Please feel free to comment if you are so moved.

It's Here! Why I'm Obsessed with Piccadilly

It's Here! Why I'm Obsessed with Piccadilly

Styling, event planning, design, and creative consulting are what the dream team at the newly re-launched Piccadilly list as their services. But I think you'd better read this before you decide exactly what they offer. Because while they'll help you plan a kick-ass wedding or corporate event or bump your branding to the next level or make your window display the one that people stop and take pictures of, it's more than that. Here's a taste of what I'm talking about.

If everything in you yells "YES!" when you read that, you need some Piccadilly in your life.

4 Easy Ways to Feel More Stylish This Fall

4 Easy Ways to Feel More Stylish This Fall

Recently I read an article about a trend forecaster. First, that's a thing?! How fun! Where do I sign up? Second, this blog post is not that. This blog post is about looking at what you already own and making it cooler with very little effort. Maybe about buying one new thing (shirt, belt) and wearing it with pride. Not about hats made from one piece of fabric to wear to fashion week. Although, that would be cool...

1. Wear a belt not in belt loops. Wear a belt over a skirt. Wear a belt over your cardigan around your waist. Wear a belt over a dress. Wear it, wear it everywhere! Do not match your belt exactly to any other item you are wearing, including shoes, bags, etc.

2. Wear one thing that's baggy and one thing that's tighter. This could be a loose shirt and skinny jeans or a pencil skirt and a comfy sweater or wide leg pants and a fitted blazer.

3. Cuff your pants. Cuff them above booties or sneakers or (if you're currently doomed to comfortable shoes like I am) even clogs. (Yes, Ashley. I said clogs on my blog.) Works with boyfriend jeans, skinny jeans, and slim leg trousers. (See how I said both clogs and trousers there?)

4. Tuck your shirt in. Whether you do the half tuck, the side tuck, or don't know what the TUCK I'm talking about, take a piece of your shirt or your entire shirt and tuck it in. Don't wear a belt with it.

You can find all the links from today's post on my Fall Finds board.

Day Trip from DC: Paradise Springs Winery

Day Trip from DC: Paradise Springs Winery

Dress: Old Navy, Hat: Eastern Market flea market, similar here or Panama style here

A few weekends ago, my husband and I were going to go to a food festival in a northern Virginia town. However, I hadn't noticed that it was extremely expensive. Changing gears, we decided to check out Paradise Springs Winery, which is located in Clifton, Virginia. It's a short drive from DC.

Personal Shopping: Where to Buy Tall Length Skirts and Pants and the Belt You Must Buy

Personal Shopping: Where to Buy Tall Length Skirts and Pants

A couple weeks ago, I got an email that I had been waiting for. It was a young woman whose father had contacted me in May about a gift certificate to take his daughter shopping. Her mother thought it would be a good graduation gift, and I agreed! My understanding was that the daughter was interning on Capitol Hill and would be contacting me soon. As the summer passed, I didn't hear anything. 

Then, she emailed. She's a savvy woman, and she is, in fact, living and working in DC. It made more sense, she thought, for us to go shopping now that the fall was coming. I was thrilled to hear from her and ready to go shopping! I didn't take many pictures because we had just three hours and a lot to cover.

This client, like so many women, has a great sense of style, but she struggles with finding things that fit her six foot tall frame in ways that feel both professional and still youthful. We had some misses, but between that shopping day and my follow up emails, we found some versatile pieces that were just what she needed. 

One White Button Down, Three Ways

One White Button Down, Three Ways

Lately all I seem to want to wear is black and white. Not in a creepy Kris Jenner way, but it seems to be what I gravitate toward. Lately I'm particularly excited about crisp white button downs. They have to be soft, cover the butt, and not show a bra underneath. I like the thicker ones like men wear but that are harder to find for women sometimes.

Here are three ways I suggest you wear a  basic white button down (upper left) this fall.

Under a dress like a jumper. It's amazing how different a dress can look with a shirt underneath it. I've loved this look before with a collar shirt, but I thought it also worked well with a collarless. If you like this look but aren't sure what shirt/dress combinations to use or what shoes to wear it with, look at Boden for styling inspiration. You'll see this idea also works well with a basic long-sleeved tshirt. I think this combination is dying for a bold necklace or a skinny belt around the waist, tights when the weather turns, and a low brown bootie or knee high boots.

Under a stiff sleeveless shirt. I was playing around with the textures so the bottom two shirts look fairly similar; however, the bottom left is quite stiff. Using a stiff sleeveless shirt over a button down is a great way to wear it beyond the summer and show off a fun texture or embellished neck. I'd love something like this Boden sleeveless top over a basic button down with so-called "cigarette pants" like these from TopShop, these from Lane Bryant, or these from Asos. Add shiny tie up shoes or leopard print flats, and you're done.

Under a flowy lace shirt. This is the opposite end of the spectrum, but it still works and may be a way to wear lace to work without looking too casual or too sexy. It's also a way to take a shirt (like this) that you might already own that reads as very sweet or slightly Western and make it a little more preppy.  On the flip side, it also adds a boho feel to an otherwise stiff shirt.

Staycation: 29 (Gluten Free) Hours in Navy Yard, DC

Staycation: 29 (Gluten Free) Hours in Navy Yard, DC

Inspired by the extremely popular "36 Hours" New York Times Series, here is my itinerary for what you should do on a staycation or vacation to Navy Yard, DC. 

Skip the dry GF bun and burger from Blue Jacket, but get the fries if you're ok with a shared fryer

Saturday, 11AM Early check in at the Courtyard Marriott

This clean, affordable, convenient hotel is

Weekly Roundup: DIY Boho Boots, Giant Pom Poms, Finding Tiny Shoes, and More!

Weekly Roundup: DIY Boho Boots, Giant Pom Poms, Finding Tiny Shoes, and More!

Happy Monday! I'm coming off a weekend of a dinner date to see The Giver (just as spooky as I remember the book) with my husband, a solo movie night on Friday to see Skeleton Twins, a trip to the outlets and a NOVA vineyard with a girlfriend, and my first facial ever! It was my treat to myself after what was a long week last week.

The temperatures are falling (pun intended) around here, are they in your neck of the woods? What do you have planned for this week? I'm taking a personal styling client whose closet I did a few months ago shopping for fall clothes tonight, and I can't wait! I'm trying some new recipes from my Paleo Lunches cookbook in an effort to ditch the never-ending salad rut I've gotten into.

If we were having lunch together and talking style, I'd talk to you about these jewels from the past week or two.

Did you see

Dear Sugar: Tiny Revolutions

 
I recently read the most incredible book. It's called Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on love and life from Dear Sugar. It was published in 2012 and contains some columns previously published in what was an anonymous advice column at the time (the author was revealed when the book was published, and the book contains newly published entries, too), but I just read it.  I'm not affiliated in any way with the author, but I want everyone I know to read this book. It matters to me so much that I'm going to start posting some of the columns from it here in the hopes that you will read-and share-them. If you're offended by swear words and graphic language, be aware that she uses some. If you'd rather only read my posts about personal style, come back soon. Today, I'm going to underline the parts that stand out to me. Please feel free to comment if you are so moved.

Friends Don't Let Friends Wear Bad Plaid

Friends Don't Let Friends Wear Bad Plaid

I rarely say a categorical no to things on my blog. I'm not someone who categorically says "Don't wear X" or "Never wear X with Y." I think there are things that aren't suited to every body type or every moment in life, but that's pretty specific to the person. Even things that I won't wear myself (I'm looking at you the second time around, Berkinstocks with socks!) might be right for you.

However, I have to take a stand today. A stand against bad plaid.

No, don't laugh. I'm serious.

That's better. Here's the thing, I grew up in Vermont. In the 80s and 90s and all the way to 2001. I think that makes me uniquely situated to weigh in on the subject of plaid. And bad plaid is out there, my friends. Here's what I think bad plaid is: it's pretending to be flannel and cozy, but it's thin. I'm not talking about sheer nouveau plaid (that's fine), but rather about low quality plaid. It's too busy. I'm a bit of a purist, and I think plaid (and you can find it at all price points!) should have a nice, big, graphic pattern, preferably a buffalo plaid. Too many stripes and boxes and lines defeats the purpose of a bold pattern, I think.

That's it! Simple. Bad plaid=thin fabric, too busy. Good plaid=thick, lush fabric and a bold print. Aside from that, any color goes, from classic red to pinks, greens, whatever. Got it? So, please, don't let your friends (or your best friend, yourself!) wear bad plaid.

Oh! Looking for great plaid? Try this adorable Asos coat with cape sleeves, DIY this unisex infinity scarf, pair these Asos pants with white ankle Converse, get fancy in this saucy dress, pick your favorite color of this classic buffalo plaid Gap shirt, or layer plaid-on-plaid like I did in the top photo in this photo shoot (yes, that's a green plaid jacket over a red plaid shirt!) with this cozy vest. And say yes to these adorable loafers. And to everything that's happening here.   


Photography : Lauren Modny Photography
Modeling & Design : Tomboy
Personal Styling : Start Close In
Creative Concept & Direction : Piccadilly (Love Always Hannah)
Location : Georgetown University

Are You Out for Blood?

Are You Out for Blood?

 

We all do it. We have a switch that flips in our brains. One minute, I'm sitting peacefully at a conference table, listening and contributing to the meeting around me. The next, I'm out for blood. It may be something I heard someone say (regardless of what they intended to say or actually did say) or a reaction to body language or just the last thing to get on my nerves today. Either way, I can feel my heart racing, and I'm ready to pounce. It's an awful feeling.

Have you been there?

Here's the thing, though, are you treating yourself that way? Are you looking at yourself in the mirror or in pictures and taking aim directly at your own heart?

I hear it all the time, and I'm also sometimes guilty of the same thing. Ready, aim, fire. As hurtful as this kind of approach to other people can be, it's even worse when we turn it inside.

I have so many clients who talk to themselves and about themselves in this way, as though they're at war. I'm so fat. Well, you know how my stomach jiggles when I walk? I'm too old to care about how I look. I could never pull that off. Nobody cares what I look like. With my butt? No way! If I were skinnier...If I were younger...If I were in better shape. We've all done it.

And I'm here, raising my voice, joining the chorus of women who have risen up to say that's enough. Let's stop treating ourselves like our own worst enemies. Let's be gentle with ourselves, 'k?

Byron Katie says to start with yourself: you say you are against violence and war in the world, but what about war within? Would we ever talk about a friend's body, shape, weight, or age like we talk about our own?

Let's start today, let's start right now, let's take the first step, close in. Let's talk to ourselves and about ourselves like we would about a dear friend, about the person we love most in the world. Can we make a pact? Can we pinky promise? I'm holding my pinky out to each of you.

Best,
Ella

Photography : Lauren Modny Photography

Personal Styling : Start Close In
Creative Concept & Direction : Piccadilly
Location : Reston, Virginia