back that ring up

somewhere along the way, jewelry makers decided to mess with earring backs.

these vital -- yet overlooked/unappreciated -- components of ear candy haven't changed much over the years, even as earrings have evolved and changed with the times.

making the earring back part of the look instead of a silent partner is something that's never occurred to me. so thanks to the fine people who came up with these numbers:

polyvore set here

i purchase new earrings a couple times of year. it's something i buy frequently. and i have never heard of anything reversible until now. 

brilliant.

and hey. even if no one but you notices your fancy new lobes, it's something special. and looking good from every angle never hurts either.

call of the wild

who's up for animal sweaters?

my take? 

this is one of those things where i'm really surprised i like it as much as i do. but i'm really loving this wave of kooky-but-cool sweaters that are hitting the market these days (and slowly making their way down to the realm of the reasonably priced).

let's face it: sweaters can be super boring. i love to inject a little bit of humor and personality into my wardrobe, and these sweaters with their quirky prints and somewhat kitschy vibe really work.

polyvore set here

in the early fall, try pairing one of these sweaters with shorts and some ankle boots. or maybe a flowing pleated skirt. a cool pair of colored jeans or a pair of cropped pants (patterned or not) would also be awesome here.

it takes a little bit of careful styling to wear something like this that could easily come off as childish, but i can't wait to incorporate one or more of these into my fall and winter attire.

go team

i was never a true football fan until college.

my whole family was always pretty into sports, and when football season came around, my st. louis-born parents always cheered for (first) the cardinals and then the rams after the cardinals moved to arizona.

i could watch the games with a mild interest, but i didn't really care that much who won or lost. that all changed in college.

to give you an idea, my dad likes to tell (and re-tell) this story about the summer before my freshmen year: i got something in the mail from UF about student season tickets. i wasn't sure if i wanted them, so i didn't pull the trigger. and my dad swore up and down "you'll change your mind when you get there." 

um, ok, old man.

he was 100% right. 

once in gainesville, football fever hit hard and immediately. i'll never forget that first saturday home game. the electricity, the excitement, the way the whole town came to a stand-still to tailgate until kickoff. i saw how wrong i'd been. 

it was easy enough to get tickets to most of the games that year, but every year after that, i was a season ticket holder. there was no question. and as the years progressed, i started to understand the game, to follow college football nationally, to hate teams from baton rouge, tuscaloosa,  and tallahassee more than i ever thought possible.

i lost my voice, amassed an impressive collection of orange and blue clothing,  sweated to death in that steamy 88,000-capacity swamp, and loved every minute of it.

and in the south, getting dressed for a football game is an art in itself. you don't just toss on a jersey and head out; you wear an outfit and likely that outfit is a dress. and i grew to appreciate that. 

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when i moved up here in 2004, i got my first taste of a land where pro football was king. 

the ap poll? college game day?

pssh. just ways to pass the time to get to the main event on sunday.

my husband's family puts mine to shame in terms of die-hard fandom. TO SHAME. i experienced my first NFL game with them, and it was quite a different experience to say the least, right down to the game day clothing choices i saw around me. 

i don't need to get into the merits of college versus pro: they've both got their strong points and less desirable aspects.

but i stil wanted to look cute at the games, dammit. and since it's been a while since i've done a very necessary post, i thought i'd share with you my must-haves for game days, no matter who your team is.

polyvore set here

on the left side, we have the look: comfortable, layered clothing that should get you through the day. a light jacket, a shirt that shows your team spirit, and some coordinating accessories. this outfit is perfect for fall game days. i'd definitely check the weather before deciding on shoes though: there really is nothing worse than wet feet.

now, on the right side, we have the things that really matter. the stuff that makes you prepared for anything, even porta-potties. 

starting from the top, we have blankets. because although it's not too chilly now, once october and november hit, it can get cold in those metal bleachers. so if the stadium policies allow it, bring a blanket. 

i also never bring a purse with me. unless you're in a suite of some sort, there's absolutely no where to stash it once you get to your seats. on the floor beneath you? ok, but watch out for falling beer and peanut shells from above. i prefer some sort of credit card wallet that will hold ONLY my essentials: ID, credit cards, cash. there's less to lose and less to worry about that way.

now, a flask isn't absolutely necessary, but if you're a whiskey snob, you may want to bring some of your own. completely optional. but it looks cute, doesn't it?

lastly, i'm offering the same advice as i did for road trips: bring your own toilet paper and seat covers. even if you avoid the horror that is porta-potties, those stadium bathrooms are usually disgusting. being prepared always helps. i also threw in a tide pen since tailgate food tends to be messy. and you don't want those stains to set in.

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so there you have it. my tips for a no-fail good time at the tailgate.

who do you root for?

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check out my other 'very necessary' posts here, here, here, and here.

the penguin

it never really goes out of style, but black and white is having a bit of a moment.

all images via style.com

here's some ways to relish this classically chic color combination.

polyvore set here

that iphone case in the style of a composition book is just too cute for words. or maybe it just takes me back to getting new school supplies at the beginning of the year. i'd always crack open my new notebooks and take a deep inhale.

guess i've always loved the smell of paper.

just right

i can't get enough of dresses with sleeves.

and i've found the perfect sleeve length too. it's not a cap sleeve, it's not a three-quarter sleeve, but an elegant cut that falls right in between the two.

by couldawouldapica on polyvore

the problem is, it's a little difficult to find this exact cut at reasonable price points.

but i think, with time, we'll be seeing more of this very flattering, very work-appropriate sleeve length. karen walker knows what i'm talkin about.

it's perfect for almost every season also.

versatility ftw!

_ _ _

what do you think?

neutralizer

have you bought anything for fall yet?

i'm holding out, mostly because i'm on a self-imposed shopping hiatus at the moment. i have no money coupled with an impulsive nature when shopping: quite a dangerous cocktail. but since i'm not shopping, i've started looking through my wardrobe, assessing what i have (more pencil skirts than i can count) and what needs a refresh (my three-seasons-old riding boots).

whenever i'm taking inventory of what i already own, i also like to edit, taking stock of what i'm currently wearing and what's been stuck on the hanger for most of its life. i mean, i love getting rid of old stuff you never wear. it's just taking up space anyways.

anyways, the point is that looking through my clothes got me thinking about neutrals -- grey, white, navy, camel, olive -- and maximizing what's in our closets.

we all own those, right? 

a black skirt?

a grey pant?

awesome. of course you do.

with that in mind, here are some of my favorite color combinations when working with these staples.

all sets by couldawouldapica on polyvore

and this is only the beginning. olive looks amazing with stripes. white? pairs with almost anything.  

i like to work in contrasts: if i'm wearing mostly cooler tones (blues, greens), i'll try to add something from the opposite end of the color spectrum. something with a warmer hue like red, yellow, or orange. i find that it's a good rule of thumb. i can get into a good head-to-toe tonal ensemble every once in a while, but most of the time, i'm looking for a combination of warm and cool tones.

if i'm wearing something with a more masculine feel (utility jacket, perhaps), i like to pair it with a soft, flowing fabric or incorporate some sparkle or lace. helps balance things out.

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one thing to keep in mind when test driving color combinations: you're free to experiment. no one can see the "mistakes" you make when you're trying out outfits in your room so be bold with it. 

you may just find some new ways to love your old neutrals after all. 

not over yet

last year, i was happy to see all these super cute, not frumpy one-piece suits popping up.

not just the sad old bikini alternatives that no one REALLY wants to wear, but one pieces with some style. modern cuts, fun patterns and even a little sexiness.  

oo la la!

i couldn't be happier that these are still around. and i'm looking to purchase one before the end of the summer. are you dying for that red one with the polka dots? because i totally am.

the good thing about these suits is that they're all less than 100 dollars. hooray!

view full set here

now, onto the cover up situation.

here's four options. all very different but equal in their ease, comfort and adorable-ness. just pick what you like best.

view full set here

i'm pretty cautious sheer about clothing in most cases, but at the beach/pool, it's awesome.

oh and guess what? all of these items are under $100 too. 

high fives all around.

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this morning, i mentioned that this is the last week in july. i hate that. but it's still here for now, so it's time to live it up.

just don't buy all the polka dot suits before i get around to it. 

an update

polyvore set here

now that our house is not completely taken over by wedding stuff anymore and we're finally back to normal life, i'm realizing that we're in serious need of rugs. 

here are some i like.

i'm always drawn to bold graphic patterns like this.

do you have a go-to place for rugs?

the open road

aren't road trips fun?

there's also something to be said about the people who you're down to sit in a car with for an entire day. road trips aren't built for people you sorta know. 

nope. 

you pretty much only commit to gas station food and long stretches of bad radio with your closest friends. and who better to sit in silence with at the end of the trip after you're totally sick of being in the car?

i'm sure many of you will be packing up your things soon for a fourth of july getaway.

but before you head out and settle into that seat for who knows how long, let's make sure you've got everything you need.

polyvore set here

1. a silk scarf/head wrap. for long streches in a confined space, i like to just forget about my hair. but i don't want to look like a mess. this is where a ponytail or sock bun plus a tied scarf comes in. you'll look so put together. and no one will know you've been up since six in the morning to beat traffic.

2. sunglasses. always. squinting is not cute.

3. your iphone/ipod. or some other device that plays music and can be hooked up to the car. because if you're headed down 95 south, there's only so much bad radio you can take.

4. simple accessories. this goes back to making an attempt to look somewhat put together. it's easy to feel gross in a car after eating fast food on the road twice in one day. (what? is that just me?) so i like to pretty myself up with at least some earrings/a ring/necklace. whatever you're in the mood for.

5. a larger-sized tote. preferably a sturdy, structured one with compartments that can sit on the floor of the car without flopping over. it'll be perfect for storing magazines, your nook or kindle, snacks, and everything else. you don't need that stuff cluttering up the car.

6. a comfortable dress. i always travel in dresses. especially for road trips (or flights) when i'm sitting for a long while. nothing too tight, nothing too fancy, just something that looks cute but feels as comfortable as a giant t-shirt. that's what you want.

7. shoes. if it's in the summertime, and you like to wear sandals like me, i'd recommend one with a slight wedge. the more space you can get between you and those gas station bathroom floors, the better.

8. face/hand wipes. to keep yourself feeling fresh. these are especially good if you're taking on a superlong trip. just makes you feel refreshed.

9. hair ties. goes with #1. the silk scarf. i just like to have my hair out of the way.

10. a pillow/blanket. it's not always necessary, but sometimes, you need a cat nap. provided the driver doesn't mind. this handy one is a pillow and blanket in one. would be great for airplanes too. anything to avoid using that cotton ball pillow they offer you.

11. protection. i'm talking germ protection. i never go on a road trip without a small supply of toilet paper, some hand sanitizer and perhaps the most crucial element: toilet seat covers. i carry these in my purse at all times actually. it has come in handy more times than i can tell you. as much as i love the romance of hitting the road with your best friend, there's nothing sexy about gas station toilet seats.

12.  a GPS system of some kind. this is also know as a relationship saver.

13. a camera! i love taking pics on the road. make sure you have something to capture all those fun times you had.

_ _ _

i think this is the first fourth in a while that i haven't traveled. when i first moved to dc in 2004, i always stayed in town for the holiday. i loved being here while everyone was out of town. no lines at whole foods! then, around 2008, i started the tradition of always taking that week off at work.

but not this year. 

i'll be here watching the city while you guys hit the road.

be safe out there! and enjoy the fireworks!

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check out my other 'very necessary' posts here, here, and here.

you're invited

the season of weddings is already somewhat underway.

i have three to go to this year, including my own. i've had years when there's more than three and years when there's only one or two. 

and everyone's wedding is different. even the description of what to wear can vary. cocktail? garden? evening wear? there's a lot.

so with that in mind, here's three looks, complete with shoes and accessories. and as a bonus, with each look, you have a secret weapon that'll get you through the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception with ease.

via polyvore

now about those secret weapons: for our daytime look, i included some neato-looking shades and a floppy-but-not-obnoxious sun hat to keep you cool. for the cocktail look, i threw in some oil-absorbing sheets and solid perfume to make sure you're shine-free and superfresh. and for that last look? the weaponry is more about the dramatic than the practical. but a pretty little flirty LBD like that demands something extra. so some fake lashes and red lipstick are in order.

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enjoy your weddings in style! 

just one last very important thing to remember: the electric slide is the devil.

this goes with

ever bought an item of clothing and even though you absolutely loved it, you weren't sure what to wear it with?

i've had my eye on this tibi blouse for a while. and i love it. haven't bought it yet, but i'm dangerously close. 

now, with this shirt in particular, between the pattern and the multiple colors, where do you start?

well, the options are nearly endless. but since we don't have all the time in the world, here's twelve pairings to get you started.

from beach chic to casual weekend wear and after-work cocktails on the roof, there's so many ways to play with this tank.

oh.

and let's not forget our feet.

this has got to be one of my favorite things: owning a special piece that you love and feel great in and having options. options to dress for your mood or the occasion. and to get the most mileage out of your purchases without repeating the same look every time.

dig it.

beyond the luau

my parents live in charleston these days. but for a few years after i graduated college, they lived in honolulu.

now, much like any other tourist-heavy city, the locals kinda laugh at/make fun of the total touristy things visitors tend to do (hello, dc visitors standing on the left!) and the number one omg-look-at-that-total-tourist thing in the 50th state is donning a hawaiian print shit.

but my dad could care less. and even though they lived there for almost five years, he'd still rock one all the time.

come ON dad, jeez.

_ _ _

so with that being said, i'm a little surprised i'm into this kinda kooky, borderline tacky tropical print thing.

but i gotta say that's one of my favorite things about fashion: when omg-that's-so-hideous gets elevated to omg-did-you-see-that's-so-rad status. i like being surprised like that. and i like that this goes beyond just floral.

especially when the shapes and pattern feel so modern like this:

via couldawouldapica on polyvore

oh man. i love it.

and because everyone deserves to try out trends, these pieces are all under $100.

mele kalikimaka or whatever.

_ _ _

see you guys out there.

i'll be the one who's twins with her pops.

no matter what

if you've lived in the district for longer than a millisecond, you'll know it's an understatement to say that we have some pretty bi-polar weather here. 

50 degrees one day and 80 the next? 

psssh.

whatever.

that's a standard dc spring. or fall. and sometimes winter.

luckily, there's a few easy tricks to looking your best. even if may and june throw us some climatic curveballs.

_ _ _

let's start with a rainy day, acknowledging the fact that, most likely, it's not just rain we're dealing with but also the stifling humidity.

here's how to fight it:

via couldawouldapica on polyvore

1. an umbrella. easy.

2. anti-frizz styling cream. any brand will do. just find one you like.

3. waterproof shoes. when the weather gets warmer, i tend to avoid my knee-high wellies and look for something shorter. less chance of your legs suffocating.

4. socks! wellies without socks makes feet very sad. and hot. and blistery.

5. a brush or comb. to fix yourself back up once you're out of the weather.

6. a light jacket. preferably one with a hood. if it's hot and rainy (a dc springtime special!), skip the extra layer here.

7. a lightweight scarf. to wear with the jacket if it's a cool morning.

8. waterproof mascara. just in case. humidity has a way of making some less tough mascaras evaporate.

9. hair ties. because sometimes rain likes to ruin hair.

_ _ _

now let's talk about how to stay fresh and cool on one of those crazy hot dc days.

via couldawouldapica on polyvore

1. a hat. to keep the sun off that pretty little face.

2. sunglasses.

3. hair ties. because i'm one of those people who just can't leave their hair down when it's 98.

4. lip balm with spf. because lips can burn too. ouch.

5. facial towelettes. not always required, but they provide a quick refresh if you really need it.

6. deodorant. of course. and i'm not ashamed to admit that i keep at stick at my desk. i'm a sweaty kind of girl and it gets hot here. and no one wants to smell at the office.

7. sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.

8. perfume roller. in a fresh and light scent like this grapefruit one. 

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so go ahead and bring the crazy, weather gods.

we're ready for anything.

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check out some other very necessary posts here and here.