Wedding (Guest) Dress... And I Need Your Help

Truth be told, I haven't been a big Banana Republic fan in years... but today I needed a little retail therapy to cure a rough day at the office, and I was pleasantly surprised to find this gorgeous dress at a reasonable price right inside the door.

These photos don't do the dress justice... it is way more vibrant and totally a maxi in real life (and I'm 5'9"!).


WIth the slew of weddings I have this spring and summer, I know I'll get a ton of use out of this beauty... but I really need your help!

I'd love to perfectly accessorize it with some statement earring... or a perfect necklace... and it would be AMAZING to have your help! So pretty please let me know if you've seen any great pieces out there to complete my look.

I Heart Top Chef...

Got to be honest, I got a little emotional watching the "Top Chef" finale tonight. So much passion poured out of those guys!

Very happy for the winner... seems like a class act.

If It Won't Feel Like Spring... I Will Smell Like Spring

Another cold (really cold!) day here in Washington, D.C. and I'm now starting to really ache for Spring. I think the poor cherry blossoms are feeling the same way, too!

So, while the weather may not be cooperating, at least I can spritz on my Spring scent, Acqua di Parma's Iris Nobile.

The Dish for Spring...

These Anthropologie plates are calling my name. They'd be just perfect for a Spring dinner party.

A Tip From A Lady... Gwyneth Paltrow

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."

- Gwyneth Paltrow

Florette Frenzy...

I'm thinking this red mini-floral number might be my perfect dress for these warmer days...

There's nothing I love more than wearing a breezy dress and flip-flops.

A Song for Spring... Little Green

Thank you for finally getting here, Spring... took you long enough!

Joni Mitchell and dining al fresco seem like the perfect combo to celebrate the start of the season.

I Love Sandra... and Helping

I think Sandra Bullock is the real deal and I'm thrilled to have 2 things in common with her...

First, we both have worn/will wear Jenny Packham's gorgeous gowns (hooray!).


And second, we've both donated to the American Red Cross to help the people of Japan.

Granted, my girl Sandra gave a million... but every little bit helps!

Tea for Two...

Is that Karl Lagerfeld in my tea? Why yes... yes it is!

Leave it to my fave, Fred Flare, to create tea bags with style. Prèt-à-porTEA, anyone?

Prippy Pennies... Bunny Bank

Hi, Bunny Bank! Do you want my pennies?

With the wedding planning (and paying) in full swing, I think this awesome faux grass bunny bank would be a perfect addition to my dresser... and a perfect home for all of my pennies!

Needlepoint Roots...

"Spring is about change, but sometimes it's good to remember that we all come from somewhere. The Flint pillow reminds me that I managed to claw my way out of a crap town in New Jersey and make it to the big city." -Jonathan Adler

Yep... Jonathan Adler and I are from the same part of Jersey, in fact, we rode the same bus briefly (I was a teeny tiny little noodle!).

Fortunately, I have rosier memories of my early days growing up there... and perhaps some good taste was in the water.

Prippy Getaway... Amangiri in Utah

Ever since I saw photos of the Amangiri Hotel, located it Southern Utah, I've been daydreaming about it's magical scenery and architecture.


The scene is almost like a modern James Bond movie, and I kind of think the landscape looks like a foreign planet... especially compared to the DC area!


I'm adding this spot to my travel wish list... and I'll keep my eyes peeled on the fabulous Tablet Hotels site to see if there is ever a deal. And for those of you who don't know, Tablet is the travel site for the stylish set. Especially the stylish set who enjoy a good deal (me!).


In fact, I booked my NYC stay at Gild Hall through Tablet... got an amazing deal... and stayed at an absolutely delightful hotel! Complimentary champagne at check in? Yes, please!

Working Girl... And Wish Me Luck

Do you guys have a "power outfit" for big meetings? I definitely have two shift dress go-to's that I feel super sleek and polished in!

But I gotta say,I wish I could rock a striped suit à la Tory. Pretty sharp!


I'm off for a big business meeting tomorrow... and would love any positive vibes you can spare.


Then, I'm off to NYC for some (drum roll, please) wedding dress shopping!

I've been overflowing with excitement all week and can't wait for it... mostly because I'll get to spend quality time with my Mom and best pals. Promise to report back and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! And thank you SO much for your awesome recs for our dinner and sweet comments!

Prippy Baby Gift... blabla

One of my oldest and dearest friends is pregnant, and I'm so thrilled to see her baby belly (and gorgeous face!) this weekend in Philadelphia at her shower.

Buying a gift for this already adored baby was an absolute delight, especially since it meant purchasing something from blabla!


Blabla is an amazing line of knit toys, hats, shoes, and mobiles designed here in the U.S. and made by artisan knitters in Peru. The story behind the company is incredible, and I'm completely inspired by travel leading to such a wonderful business endeavor.

I picked up this beyond cute (and gender neutral!) pony mobile for Baby Q, and I hope it brings happiness to the nursery!

So Fresh and So Clean... Body Polish

I've waxed poetic about my love of Fresh products before... but believe it or not, I hadn't tried one of their most raved about products until recently. Now, I'm hooked!

Brown Sugar Body Polish, you're amazing. You make my skin silky smooth and you smell like heaven.

Thanks to the ladies from Fresh who attended The Wedding Party a few months back for introducing me to this jar of joy.

Bowie Wit and Wisdom...

"Look at that sky, life's begun... Nights are warm and the days are young"

- David Bowie from "Golden Years"

CrossFit Fashion... H and M

I've got a secret... I have an addiction... and it's to CrossFit!
Have you guys heard about it?

It is an amazing workout that was started by Navy Seals and has been adapted for people of all ages and abilities. It works the whole body, and makes you feel beyond accomplished by the end of the workout.

I'm lucky enough to go to Trident CrossFit, which has to be the friendliest place I've ever worked out with the most amazing coaches.


With my new fitness regime in full effect, I needed some cute workout tops to get my sweat on in... and as luck would have it, H&M makes amazing fitness gear!


While I love me some Lululemon (so much), I can't justify a full workout wardrobe at those prices. So thank you, H&M, for upping the fashion ante at the gym.

P.S. If your in DC and every want to check out CrossFit or have questions about it, shoot me an email!

NYC Ladies Dinner... I Need Your Recs

Hey NYC people! I'd love to hear your recs for favorite dinner spots with your ladies.


I'm heading up to the city next week to meet up with my best girls (including my mom) for a little wedding dress shopping (my fave Brit designer may be having a trunk show!), and I'd love to have a fun and fabulous spot for dinner after we shop. So far, we've got Cienfuegos and Beauty & Essex on the list on contenders.


While I'm pretty solid with my restaurant knowledge in the city, I haven't kept up with the new spots as much as I wish I could. So, whether it has been around forever... or is brand spanking new... I'd love to hear your fave spot for a special girl's night dinner! And if push comes to shove, we always will have Gray's.

Marc My Mood...

Prippy staple, Marc by Marc Jacobs, has hit the nail on the head with the Spring 11 looks.

I'm feeling the total vibe of this collection... and the chick on the right seems to encapsulate my mood at this very moment.

P.S. I'm such a sucker for stripes!

Prippy of Influence... Gucci Westman Neville

I've been a big fan of Gucci Westman Neville for a long time. She makes women look so fresh and naturally beautiful, and since Prippys aren't big on the heavy makeup, clearly this scores points in our world!


Gucci started her love affair with makeup as part of a teenage rebellion, but she was quickly off to L.A. and soon working in special effects. You might remember the amazing transformation she did on Cameron Diaz in "Being John Malkovich," that pretty much had her looking like the ultimate plain Jane... that takes some serious talent!


Better yet, Gucci has taken on the role of Global Creative Director for Revlon... seriously bringing Red Carpet looks to the drugstore! Just check out the look she did with Revlon products for one of my fave designer's, Temperley, at her London show.