Spring Style: Target Style as a Pickup Line

Friend, former colleague, and long-time reader Carrie commented on an earlier post that she almost got a date because of a dress she was holding in a checkout line. So what does this good blogger do? Convince her to tell the story. I mean, really? A date because of a dress? In the Target checkout line? Now that's Target Style at its best.

So here's the story, in her own words.

Usually, Washingtonians can look forward to two or three days of really warm weather in January and February – days with temperatures in at least the high 60s if not 70s. This year – one. And not only were we shorted on our warm days in those months, but March hasn’t offered us anything better than what most February days do – with snow on the 25th, even!

One day I needed to stop by Target during lunch for a few regular items – dish soap, light bulbs, and some shampoo – a few other not so fun things. Nothing exciting but necessary, right? A co-worker who has become a good friend went with me as she needed some baby items. When we got to the store, we went our separate ways and agreed to meet at the checkout in 20 minutes.

As a girl from Minnesota, I should be used to long winters. Well, not so much anymore. My winter wardrobe is seriously lacking in variety and color – and on this day, I was feeling a little like winter had gotten the best of me in both my wardrobe and my demeanor – still dressed in black and wearing my Merrells, not even nice work shoes. I found everything I needed, and decided to take a swing through the clothing, just to see if there was something that caught my eye.

Even though my view on Target clothing has evolved from ‘no way, ever’ to ‘there are some things that are worth it,’ it’s not my favorite. I would much rather be wearing Eileen Fisher or Tracy Reese (I only have one dress of hers, but would still rather be wearing it), but I can only buy their clothing when it’s really on sale, and with thought. For some reason, I have found that Target tends to come up with dresses, in particular, that I like and wear to work - a lot.

So as I swung through the department, noting that I had only a few minutes before I needed to be back at the front of the store, one piece in particular caught my eye, and even though it is black and white (not particularly different from what I was wearing, except more white), the sleeveless number with the flirty skirt and catchy stripe pattern, and particularly the skinny pink belt, still sent the message ‘Spring, Spring, Spring.’ I grabbed one in my size and headed for the counter – I have learned that one never waits for things to go on sale at Target –at $27.99, it was a little splurge that I didn’t have to really think about.

As I got to the front of the store, I saw my friend in line with a guy and woman between us. I lined up. My friend didn’t see me behind her, but I wanted her opinion as to whether or not the dress was worth it. I called to her, and the guy ended up having to get her attention for me. So with these people between us, I asked her what she thought. Hers was a ringing endorsement, as was the woman’s and, as it turned out, the guy’s.

As someone who wasn’t feeling particularly attractive in her black trench and black pants and hair that needed a touch up in cut and color, in addition to someone who is hoping to meet someone special, the guy’s ‘I would like to take you in that dress to a winery on a summer afternoon’ comment was very much appreciated and unexpected. The woman in line behind me said ‘Is that all it takes to get an offer of a date?’ and looked like she was about to head back to pick up a dress for herself.

I’ll admit I didn’t really know what to say to the guy, but if he had stuck around, I would have given him my number.

Just goes to show you - you never know what a little spring pick-me-up might bring!

That's Carrie's story. Do you have one of your own? What's the most unexpected thing that's happened to you because of something you were wearing, or even carrying?

And, if you play your blog reader cards right, and the DayJob gods don't have their way with me, I'm hoping to share how to style this ridiculously on-trend bargain (hel-LO black and white stripes! hel-LO pop of neon! hel-LO skinny belt!) in an upcoming Style Dilemma Solved post!

Guest Post: A Weight Watchers Online Buddy In Defense on Neon and Lycra

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

Another voice from my #healthyme journey, Cheryl is an inspiration. There's an odd community - rather, an unexpected (for me, at least) community - on Weight Watchers Online. When I joined Weight Watchers in February, I started reading the blogs - more online journals, really - of other folks on this journey. Cheryl's was one. Exceptionally smart (graduate student of the Nth degree), savvy (fantastic writer), and stylish (even her progress pics she posts are in stylish gear), she's turned into support for me as I succeed, waver, and get healthy. So here's what she has to say.

As a lady with a strong sartorial perspective, I never reconciled with the fact that my fitness wardrobe was pitiful and depressing. When I began working at a gym as a teenager, I basically wore a version of my adolescent gym uniform to work out: oversized cotton t-shirt, sub yoga pants for terry shorts.

I collected any free, screenprinted t-shirt and saved it for the gym. I have the “Karate for Kids 1999 SoCal Championship” and the concert T from when I saw Britney Spears in Vegas in 2001 (i.e., the Good Ole Days), and in 2007 added my “UCLA Class of 2007” T to the rotation. Since I would NEVER wear a screenprinted T in normal life, I suppose I enjoyed having a place to wear shirts with sentimental value.

Not even joking, the only reason why I stopped wearing them is that I gained weight a couple years ago and they felt too restrictive. My cotton yoga pants didn’t mind the weight gain much, but the t-shirts felt awful with the extra weight. Even though I buy new clothes for my regular wardrobe, oh, all the time, I am terrible about maintaining a good fitness wardrobe. The question I’d like to grapple with is, does it matter? Should we care what we dress like when we exercise? Should we save the money for Marc Jacobs dresses and Anthropologie finds?

I’ve really struggled with this question, but I write today to argue that there are real benefits to putting effort into your fitness clothing, and that you really can wear fitted, neon hued gear before you look like an Olympian, and it can actually be slimming and conducive to a good workout. You can also find decent quality gear without stepping into a Lulu. So here is my argument:

When I decided to make a commitment to health in January (I know, cliché of cliches), I was forced to buy workout clothes that fit, and I dreaded the task. Here’s the thing about fitness apparel: it is made for people who don’t need to work out. Most workout gear is not terribly forgiving, and I think I avoided the spandex and lycra in novel shades of pink because I didn’t think I could wear it, ever. I decided on these slimming (note: ‘compression’ is a good word) microfiber pants at a huge discount, this racerback from Target for even more slimming action, and then these shirts in an XL to wear over them (I needed my Cotton T!). The cotton T wasn’t even oversized. It was fitted over my hips. I weighed very close to 200 lbs.

So I wore this (I bought a few colors of each: light gray, dark gray and black of all of the above), and wore the ensemble to the gym for cardio and lifting, to my yoga classes. When I started Couch to 5k in late February, I started to wear the same outfit running. Of course, by then, I had lost about 15 lbs, and the t-shirt was now “Loose” like the tag promised.

I had never been a runner, and C25K was the first time I had ever run a mile non-stop. It was also the first time I experienced MarathonTattoos. After a run one day (and this is March in Chicago, so it’s not like it was 80 degrees), the now loose cotton T’s seams were below my armpit became moistened. To continue to TMI you, the moist seams rubbed against my arm and my side with every step. I had a huge rash on my side. It took one Google to find out that cotton is THE WORST material to workout in. It soaks up sweat, making the garment heavier, and if it’s rubbing, it will cause chafing (YES IT DOES). Just like you don’t wear cotton backpacking, you don’t wear cotton running.

So what to do? I was only about 20% to goal at this point, and I really didn’t want to spend all my cash monies at Lululemon or Lucy, but I needed to size down my tops. I ended up finding this top at Target in great shades (I literally own every color), and it is a great middle ground between fitted and loose. I wear it with my slimming racerback underneath, and it makes for great running, yoga and gym wear. If one top rides up or slips in an inversion, I still don’t show bellow. I also find sleeveless workout tops (something I never did in the past, no matter my weight) really beneficial in a workout, and really liberating. Also, it’s great to look at your arms during a workout and see the muscles working. I had a moment in Warrior 2 a few weeks ago where I had to do a double take on my biceps.

So that solved my top problem. Now, as I’ve lost over 30 lbs, I alternate between the fitted racerback and the looser one, with or without the extra layer.

A few weeks ago, it got hot in Chicago and my slimming microfiber pants were getting worn out and not so slimming (they are from Kohl’s, after all). I needed new bottoms. I know shorts and running crops are the way to go in the summer, but I’d never, ever exercised in either. Running crops make my legs look like a chicken’s (big thigh, little leg), and running shorts…ehhh...uuughhh. I spent a great deal of time trying different pairs and reading reviews online. When Gap had a 30% off promotion and their Gap Fit line had a lot on sale, I decided to try their crops and shorts.

They are great. They run a little big, so as a bottom heavy 8/10 at the moment, I absolutely needed a M in both, but they are surprisingly high quality and fit great. I ended up buying these mesh panel crops and these shorts in several colors. I have gotten compliments on both (who gets compliments on workout gear?).

My last secret weapon is color. I always veered towards neutrals for my workouts, but this year I decided to jump on the neon trend bandwagon, and buy a lot of neon for my workouts. I own these in yellow and in pink, and I try to incorporate as much color into my workouts as possible. It energizes me, and putting together an ensemble makes me more excited to get dressed for a workout in the morning. I revel in adding as much gratuitous neon as possible to every workout.

Wearing workout clothes that fit me, don’t interfere with my workout, and show off my curvy, but shrinking body have done wonders. Not only do I feel more athletic, but my workout are also better now that I’m not weighed down by heavy pants and soggy cotton Ts. I also am more excited to get into my workout gear, and less embarrassed about being seen in my workout clothes.

If you are in a workout rut, or putting off workouts because of the outfit, my prescription is more neon.

Guest Post: Rosa Loves...Lola

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

I don't know how I stumbled across Rosa's images, but I did (CapFABB, maybe?). And I'm addicted. I'm pleasantly jealous of the balance she strikes between focus and softness, her colors, and, well, her subjects: she often snaps snots of her brunches. Ones that aren't spent chasing around a 2 year old, like mine are. Here's what she has to say.

Meet Lola, the 4-pound chihuahua who's sort of represents my blog persona. Let me explain. I created my blog more than a year ago with the purpose of sharing all things I love, anything from fashion, food, DC, and even zombies. The images captured by my camera are my way to connect with my readers and to show them a bit of my personality and interests.

My dog Lola is a big part of the blog, not only is she a great model (and knows it!), she is also my partner in crime in many of my adventures. How is she my blog persona? Well, you see, I am not quite comfortable in front of the camera, I prefer the other side. There are no photos of me in the blog, none, and it's not because I am too worried about privacy. I mean, I have a blog where I share bits of my life. While I admire many style bloggers for their courage to put themselves out there with their photos, when I started my blog, I realized that wasn't really for me. I tried. I just didn't think I was really capturing who I was in those self portraits. However, Lola is always by my side and she slowly became a way for me to communicate through my photos.

Case in point, the photos I am sharing in this post clearly show the way I was feeling at the time they were taken: relaxing for a bit before going to an event, enjoying a rainy day indoors, and feeling a little glamorous. It also helps that we both love cupcakes.

Guest Post: TrainerJen on The Zen Art of Running Like Phoebe

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

I've made a lot of this #healthyme thing. And I could not have done it without TrainerJen. Jen, who owns Spitfire Fitness Arts as well as training clients at a local gym and teaching yoga at studios in the DC area, has been a rock for me. A rock that has taught me everything she writes in the post below. Case in point, the guy who "attempted to make gym contact" (you know the type) by joking that he thought I had lost a contact or something. I was doing bear walks and crab crawls across the gym floor. Here's what she has to say.

“…you don’t care if people are staring cause it’s just for a second, then you’re gone.” Phoebe Buffay, Friends, “The One Where Phoebe Runs”

Close friends, Rachel and Phoebe, meet in Central Park for a run. Phoebe tells Rachel to go ahead and get started running while she ties her shoe. “I’ll catch up.” Phoebe says.

Rachel has found her pace and breathing rhythm, when Phoebe passes Rachel shouting, “That’s not running! Come on!”

Phoebe flails and lopes away. Rachel drops her head in embarrassment.

This happens in a 1999 episode of the tv show, Friends. It has become such an iconic metaphor for doing something your own way.

In April, DC Celine wrote about the episode in her post, Style Challenge: Running in Central Park, Lion's Breath, and Spiders. Just a few days before that, I had posted a video clip of the episode on a friend’s Facebook page because he was heading out for a run for the first time in years.

Training for 10 years in DC gyms, I have seen so many people taking fitness far too seriously. I see people doing the exact same routine on machines day and day out They seem to have become machines themselves. Other people shy away from trying new movements because they are afraid of what others will think of them.

Phoebe has so much to teach us about living. Here are 5 things I learned from her running style.

Who Cares What Others Think
Humans are meant to evolve. In order to do that, someone has to try something unique. They must stand out. Concern with what other’s think stifles evolution and growth for ourselves and for the whole of humanity.

We can never really know what someone else thinks anyway, so we are concerning ourselves with something we cannot control. Doing our own thing is something we can control. Daring to stand out becomes the act of a warrior.

Running Is Natural
Kids, from the time they can stand, run as much as they walk. They would probably run even more if fearful adults stopped shouting, “No running!” all the time.

Kids don’t have to be taught how to do run. There is no hesitation or worry about doing it right. There is something or someone they want to get to quickly, so they just run. No thought --emotion compels kids to run. Phoebe runs because running is one of the most human acts there is. She celebrates her humanity.

Stop Working Out and Start Playing
Can you imagine a 5-year-old running on a treadmill? It would not take long before they either started to complain, play with the controls or make up games on the machine.

Sometime in grade school, play becomes work. All the life and liberty of movement is forced out. When adults get on a treadmill, we put on earphones, watch TV or read to distract from the monotony of working out on machines.

Back to our episode - Rachel finally decides to give Phoebe’s running method a try, she exclaims, “I feel so free and so graceful!” She is filled with energy and vitality – just like Phoebe.

Be Present with Your Body
I dare you to run like Phoebe and think about your to do list at the same time. The moment you start thinking about something else, you would likely fall into a mechanical, droning jog.

To maintain the Phoebe run you have to concentrate. You have to pay attention. You have to become present with what your body is doing and feeling.

Change Your Thinking
“You have to let it all go, Neo--fear, doubt, disbelief. Free your mind.” Morpheus, The Matrix

Lawrence Fishburn’s voice saying, “Free your mind.” often runs in my mind as a mantra. When, we become attached to what we are able to do/not do, we define ourselves by these limits. “I’m not a runner.” “I don’t dance.” “I can never sing.” We create our own Matrix.

Let go of your old ways of thinking. To run like Phoebe, you have to free your mind to create a new way of moving. When you begin to do that, you discover that you are far more capable of doing things than you thought.

In fact, you have your own unique way of doing things. “This is how I run.” “My dance style is about exuberance.” “I am a virtuoso shower singer.” might be your new thoughts.

Go outside.

Run like Phoebe.

Guest Post: Krista Peck and Her Fashion Ilustrations

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

Krista Peck's twitter profile (@krista_peck) reads: Business strategy & personal development expert. Photography & illustration dabbler. Chief Creative Officer @Atelier36. In other words, I bow. Feet. I'm not sure how we started "talking" on twitter, but we did. And then we were DMing and emailing. Often at odd hours, since she's in, you know, Germany. So here's what she has to say.


A business strategist by day, I tend to use creativity as an outlet. From web design to iPad illustrations, I like to find some time in the day to play around.

This girl I've created for you is made with an ink blot technique, which appeals to me as an ex-therapist. It's a bit Rorschach.

It's really important to find time for yourself during the day, even if it's 30 minutes here or there. When we get that bit of time, we tend to feel refreshed, making us happier and more productive.

Guest Post: The New Diplomat's Wife Brings the Shore to the City

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

I think I was drawn to Ania's blog, The New Diplomat's Wife, by a tweet (isn't that how it happens nowadays?). Then I saw her beautiful photograph. Then I saw the "Est. 2010 Vienna." Now we have as-yet-unfulfilled plans to share an afternoon Melange or Kleiner Brauner. Here's what she has too say.

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Lake Como

Not all of us have the good fortune to be away on summer days of leisure (ahem, DC Celine), yet vacation is all I seem to be able to think about these days. Well, that and how to make that swimsuit bod just a tad more appealing for the season coming up. So when you can’t make it to the shore yet for vacation, here are a few ways of making the shore, and all of its seaside goodness, come to you here in the city.

1. Hear the Navy Band Play – throughout the summer, those ladies and gents in their summer whites get suited up and play at the Navy Memorial and at the Capitol. Hum along to Anchors Aweigh and other classics while winking at the sailor of your choice.

2. Sail Away on the Tidal Basin – not in a sailboat of course, which is let’s face it, kind of a lot of work, but rather in a paddleboat. If you play your cards right and pick the right person to accompany you, it can in fact be very little work as you drift along the water, soaking up rays. Bring along goldfish crackers and pretend you caught your dinner, while greeting the pedestrian passersby with “Ahoy there!”

3. Enjoy Oysters at Pearl Dive – order up a big plate of briny deliciousness. Most of the oysters are from our very own shore line, making them fresh and full of that saltiness that comes along with “right out of the water” seafood. Ask the waiters lots of questions about their provenance – not only will you learn something, you’ll feel like you really know the various bodies of water as if you had been vacationing there all summer.

4. Hang out at Vineyard Vines – the inside of this East Coast seaside staple practically makes you feel like you’re in a seaside cottage. Take up residence on one of the blue couches on a summer afternoon while James Taylor covers are crooned out. Pick up a nautical themed goody to bring the feeling home.

5. Walk on the Georgetown Waterfront – it practically has everything a boardwalk has! Peoplewatching! Boats! Sunshine rays that make you wish you could actually get into the water! If you’re hungry, pick up lobster rolls from the Tackle Box in advance and enjoy them on benches near the main water fountain – if the wind blows just so, that list mist from the fountain will practically convince you the ocean is but steps away.

Guest Post: Capitol Hill Barbie on Packing for a Weekend Away

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

And while I'm not actually away yet (won't leave the DMV for Down Tha Shore until this afternoon), I'm frantically running errands (getting the car serviced, figuring out if I can get a contact lens refill, you know, the easy stuff) and packing us all up.

So Capitol Hill Barbie's post seemed like a natural fit for the First DC Celine Guest Post Ever. Yeah. The honor. I'm sure she's thrilled. But anywho. She's a stylish, active mama who's juggling family through Manhattan (and blogging over at Baby Steps in Heels), and here's what she has to say. Oh, and follow her on Twitter, @caphillbarbie.

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Ahh, the weekend away.

Or as the Brits hilariously call it, the mini-break. 

So much fun, right? A chance to show off your relaxed style and killer bikini to your significant other? Just throw in that cocktail dress! You might need it? Well, add a baby, about 16 tons of baby stuff, and the fact that you are not going anywhere that requires heels, and it's not the fantasy that Cosmopolitan would have you believe.

However, even though I've had to pare down my packing list, I found a way to stay stylish while leaving room for the extra diapers and stuffed animals my daughter requires.

A Weekend Away by caphillbarbie featuring a fedora hat

Here's the deal.  One white tee, one pair of colored jeans (I am loving my mint pair), a striped maxi dress, bright shorts, striped long sleeved top, a chambray shirt, and one bathing suit.  For accessories, I kept it very simple with a pair of flat sandals and my trusty Sperrys, a braided brown belt, a fedora hat, and a pair of sunglasses.

Don't forget underwear.  Not pictured.

It's all pretty neutral, so I punch it up by adding a few extras in my beauty bag.

Weekend Beauty by caphillbarbie featuring a black mascara

Bright cherry lip stain, NARS Monoi Oil (the most heavenly smell) and lots of mascara.

These items can be remixed endlessly, but here are four outfits that should get you through most of the weekend.

Four Outfits by caphillbarbie featuring leather sandals

The Car Ride: Striped maxi - belted - with the chambray shirt as a cardigan and simple flat sandals.  Comfortable for the long ride, good for quick rest stops for a diaper change (for the baby, hopefully), and easy layers for A/C freeze out courtesy of my husband.

The Beach:  Here, the one piece bathing suit functions as an extra top paired with the shorts and the chambray shirt as a cover-up.  Slick on some Monoi oil and wear your Sperrys...you'll drop them before you hit the sand anyways.  The fedora can also hide your less than perfect hair.

Dinner and Drinks:  Maybe it's just my kid, but bathtime on vacation always turns into an everyone into the tub scenario.  Not all bad though!  It gives me a chance to rinse the sand or chlorine off and refresh a little before dinner and drinks with the adults.  Once the baby is off to the Land of Nod, I'm slipping into skinny mint jeans and a striped top.  Since date night is generally just steps away, I'll usually stay barefoot, but I'll amp it up a little with a cherry red lip stain.  Hopefully, my husband has a drink already on ice by the time it's set.

The Ride Home:  Again, nothing is comfier for a car ride than a maxi-dress.  This time, I layer the tee shirt over the dress and belt.  Chances are my hair is a mess again, so I'll sport the hat so I don't scare the people at the rest stop.

Again, these are just a couple of examples.  I can think of a million combinations for these items, which is why I love them.  It leaves plenty of room for that one extra adorable onesie for the baby...

Minor Hiatus...

um...this is my work life for the next month. I know I always say "don't expect much," then end up posting boatloads, but this, combined with the thesis that absolutely has to be in by 30 June, and, oh, my family, I'm going to have to judiciously post over the next little while.

So if anyone goes to a great store, finds a great buy, or just loves, loves, loves their outfit over the next little while, send me an email, and I'll be happy to post guest commentary!

Guest Post: Miss Scarlet Takes on Frigid Fashion in NYC

Welcome to the first of what I hope will be many guest posts from the Infintessimal Readership (Baby B, I'm still waiting for your report of the Christmastime wedding black dress extravaganza!). Attended an event? Discovered Secret Store you aren't sure you want to share because it's just so good you're torn about whether you want to let others in on the secret? Been abroad in other fashionable places? Email me at dcceline.blogspot@gmail.com with your submissions. While I can't promise I'll post all of them ('cause I'm sure they're going to come gushing in), I'll certainly do my best.

The Scene: Scarlet, aka Miss Scarlet, spent her Birthday Weekend in NYC. She wrote in before her trip asking about what to pack. I tried to help, but in return made her promise to tell us what she saw up there.

Scarlet writes:

Packing for my birthday weekend in New York City was more stressful than it should have been. After reading all of the March issues of the fashion magazines and checking in on The Sartorialist, I had it in my mind that I wanted to take some hott fashion up north to truly represent DC’s style. With the help of DC Celine, I packed the following after realizing that taking out a small loan for new clothes just wasn’t going to happen:

- Jeans- Comfortable and the best staple there ever was. Mine were either trouser cut or straight-legged and well-fitted.
- Black, Jcrew, down coat. Warm and stylish, which is key when it’s February and 20 degrees out.
- Black, lightweight, V-neck sweater for Saturday night with a lacy camisole for underneath.
Diesel shoes. Walking in the city when there is snow and slush everywhere is not the time to break out anything new.
- Large sunglasses- To stay as incognito as possible from the paparazzi.

Now, what style did I see in NYC? Well, to be honest, mostly I saw a lot of coats because, like I said, it was very cold. Unlike Philadelphia (I was there just a few weeks ago) where 90% of the population was cloaked in full-length down coats, New Yorkers did have a more fashionable take on staying warm. My favorite styles I saw were of the military pea coat type with interesting detail on the front* as well as the puffy ones like I was wearing.

Shoes were something else that stood out as we traipsed around the city. And not in the Manolo way, but, unfortunately in the Ugg way-*sigh*. I know it was wet and cold, but it seemed like 70% of the women we saw were wearing some form of furry boot. Over jeans, under jeans, with skirts, with (*gulp*) sweatpants…they were everywhere! Tsk tsk, NYC.

I don’t have much to report on about night-time styles as the only thing I can recall from the bar we went to is that it was full of men and they mostly just wore jeans and button up shirts. Next time we go up there, I want to visit more of the shopping areas to really soak in some NYC fashion. Maybe we’ll see Gwyneth Paltrow-I love her style!

Thanks, DC Celine!

XO,
SVR

*Very hard to explain, but they weren’t the typical Navy pea coats. They were more fitted, with belts and hooks on the front. OK, the coat I’m describing sounds crazy, but I can’t find a picture!