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The #FABTravelingBag is making its way all over the US! Each Project Fab Blogger was given two weeks to style and take this bag by Catherine Malandrino ($49.99 at Marshalls, normally priced at $108.00) around their city or on a summer vacation.

Living in DC means living within walking distance from many monumental structures - making it easy to play tourist whenever I can find the time. One cool DC morning, my family and I took the #FABTravelingBag on a walk by the White House. I paired the very versatile bag with a chambray dress layered over a striped shirt and my go-to Nikes for a comfortable and casual look.

It was so much fun being a part of this "Sisterhood of the Traveling Bag". See all the locations and blogger's styling here.



OUTFIT DETAILS \\
Forever21 chambray dress, Zara Striped shirt & sandals, Le Specs Neo Noir sunglasses, Nike Roshe Run sneakers

SHOP SIMILAR \\

What is a nursing shawl? Ah yes, I'm glad you asked... it's large scarf that can be worn as a wrap or scarf and acts as a cover-up for you and your baby while nursing (aka breastfeeding). This beautiful coral striped, bamboo, nursing shawl is from Séraphine - a clothing line for mothers, pre- and post-maternity. They've dressed two of my celebrity style favorites: Gwen Stefani and Kate Middleton and can be found in the U.S. at a Pea in the Pod or on their website.

A shawl or any clothing with versatility is everything for this new mom right now. I love that this shawl doesn't scream I'm wearing it to breastfeed like some of the other nursing aprons do, and it's light weight enough to use now and through the summer. Though, aside from my OB's and Blair's pediatrician's office, I haven't nursed in public yet, but now that Spring weather is here, Blair and I have been venturing out more. Running home every 2 hours to feed her isn't exactly convenient or practical. I'm going to need to invest in more nursing tops like this cute striped cotton top.

OUTFIT DETAILS \\
Séraphine nursing shawl c/o, H&M t-shirt & bag, Anthropologie jeans, Kelsi Dagger sandals c/o Marshalls, Stella McCartney sunglasses

While my mom was in town I was able to make a very quick run to Marshalls to shop for some post-pregnancy clothes. Within 10 minutes my cart was filled to the brim with all of their latest Spring dresses, separates, and shoes. Here are some outfits I put together...

It really doesn't matter if it's Spring, Summer, Winter or Fall, black and white is always in style for me, and it's like winning the lottery when I can find designer brands I love at Marshalls for waaaay less than I would pay at the boutique store. These two-toned kitten heels can be dressed up with this structured drop-waist (tummy hiding) dress or dressed down with some distressed boyfriend jeans and a great cut t-shirt.

I love matching separates, and this set only cost me $40! What's great about a single print, separates set is that you can create a lot outfits by mixing and matching with some closet staples - wear the top with jeans (flared denim is hot right now) or layer it over a solid color body-con dress and then add a white button down blouse to the skirt. Keep any of those outfits comfy with some pointed-toe flats like these laser cut d'Orsays.

This watercolor painting-like print dress and paired with these leather, thick-heeled open toe-booties are what I'd called a "punk chic" look. It's what I'd wear to events around the city, and to feel even cooler (but stay warmer), I'd throw my leather jacket on over it.

Did you see the teaser video I made on Instagram for this post? If not, see it here. Which look is your favorite?

OUTFIT DETAILS \\
#1: Kate Spade dress, $99.99 compare at $168; French Connection shoes, $59.99 compare at $96, c/o
#2: Katherine Barclay top, $19.99 compare at $29; Katherine Barclay skirt, $19.99 compare at $29; Franco Sarto flats, $39.99 compare at $64, c/o
#3: Mercer & Madison dress, $29.99 compare at $42; Dolce Vita shoes, $34.99 compare at $77

Looking for details on the fourth look? Stay tuned!

SHOP THE POST \\

Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls of The TJX Companies, Inc. in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB. All opinions are my own.

By now you should already know my love for Salon Nordine & Day Spa. From my on air hair makeover and then our Cosmo Biz Salon Magazine collaboration, I continually turn to Rachel Wetsel and Diana Rivera from Salon Nordine when I want a fresh look.

The salon held a blogger brunch last month at their Mosaic location with delicious and healthy food from True Foods Kitchen and complimentary services. I was treated to a blowout, pedicure, and brow shaping! It couldn't have come at a better time for me as I can't see my feet anymore and am lucky if do anything but air dry my hair.

If you haven't visited Salon Nordine, (why haven't you?!) I have the perfect opportunity for you to go see them and get a FREE BLOWOUT! Check out all the images from the blogger beauty brunch and then see details on how to win a blowout from Salon Nordine.



Salon Nordine & Day Spa - Blowout Giveaway

Looking for a salon in DC to get both your nails and hair styled? Check out One80 Salon's "Mani Blowout Bar", a simultaneous blowout and manicure experience.


One80 Salon in downtown DC treated me to complimentary service at their "Mani Blowout Bar" for my baby shower. It was the perfect solution to a time constrained morning. Each service, blowout and manicure, normally takes about 45 minutes, but the "Mani Blowout Bar" experience is a total of 45 minutes for both. Since my hair is thick, I was there for about an hour - still fast enough to make it back for my shower before noon.

Before being introduced to One80 Salon's "Mani Blowout Bar", I would have needed to make time to get a manicure the day before and then scheduled an appointment for my hair at a different location that morning. The "Mani Blowout Bar" at One80 Salon saves time and stress.

The cost for both services is $65 (if you want shellac polish, it's an additional $15). It's an excellent gift idea for family and friend and is a service I will definitely take advantage of again after my baby arrives - when time will be even more fleeting.

In addition to their hair services, One80 Salon also offers spa services, including signature facials, waxes, massages, and collagen eye treatments.

For more details on the "Mani Blowout Bar" visit One80 Salon at 1275 K Street NW, online at http://www.one80salon.com, or call them at (202) 842-9113.

Thank you so much to Alanea (hair), Marina (nails), and One80 Salon for pampering this mom-to-be! Both ladies did an excellent job and made me feel beautiful.

To find a dress for my baby shower, I scheduled an appointment at the new Rent the Runway showroom in Georgetown. This was my first time using this service. I normally rent my dresses online and use the customer reviews to help me pick out the right size. With the free back up size that Rent The Runway offers, I've never had a problem and have always loved each dress rental. Though, now that I'm pregnant and it seems growing by the second, I had no idea what size would be right for me. Making an appointment at the showroom was necessary.

Appointments are $25, but they are not mandatory. You can definitely just pop in to try on some clothes. However, the appointment guarantees you your own fitting room and personalized attention from one of their stylist to help pre-select dresses, discuss more options, and get more sizes. Scheduling an appointment saves you time.

A few days before your appointment, you'll be emailed a confirmation and link to a "Style Assessment" where you will tell your stylist about your personal style, your size, and if you’re looking for a specific length, color, or designer. They can’t guarantee that specific styles will be available to try on for your appointment but will use the information you provide to pick out dresses for you.

Here are some dresses my Rent The Runway stylist, Ridasian, picked out for me based on my Style Assessment. Ridasian was very friendly and helpful and is also pregnant which made the whole experience even more fun and comfortable.


Want to know which dress we picked out together? Check back next week! I'll be sharing more pictures from my shower and what I wore.

Click here schedule your appointment at Rent The Runway in Georgetown.

SHOP THE DRESSES \\

Valentine's Day is less than 2 weeks away! It's not a day I normally get mushy and gushy over, but I'm feeling so much love this year that I've got cartoon hearts in my eyes and am overflowing with lust for pink and red everything. Inspired by that love, I've partnered with Marshalls to give you some ideas on what to get for your loved ones with items I've #FabFound at Marshalls. I LOVE Marshalls because it's a one stop shop for many unique gifts.

Surprise your Valentine with with breakfast or brunch in bed \\


On the menu: Pancakes with chocolate covered strawberries deconstructed served with the beverage of their choice - tea, coffee, or a brunch cocktail.

Get your relative or friend ready for a night out with red hot accessories \\

Whether they're coupled or single, everyone loves to be taken out and what better way to get into the mood for love than to wear red. Whether it's a casual night out with jeans or a night that calls for an LBD, these red accessories will look good with anything.

Ready to find the perfect Valentine's Day gifts at Marshalls? I'm giving away $25 to one lucky winner! Please use the widget below to enter. The giveaway will only run for 3 days (to give you adequate time to shop). Please read the instructions carefully.

$25 MARSHALLS GIFT CARD GIVEAWAYDisclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls of The TJX Companies, Inc. in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB. All opinions are my own.

Decorating my home has always been a very...slow... process. Most home decor is not like fashion where you can find things on super sale and change things up with your mood or the weather. Furniture and home items are often a big investment, and you need to think about their longevity. However, like fashion, you can refresh your home style with a few new accessories. This weekend I gave my apartment a little new year refresh thanks to Marshalls. It's amazing how adding a few small home accessories can completely change or upgrade any room. Check out all the new home pieces I #FabFound at Marshalls.


Bedroom Additions:
If I could make my entire home all white, marble errrthang, I probably would. So this marble box sent to me by Marshalls could not be more perfect. I placed it on one of our nightstands and filled it with all of our ultrasound pictures. I love keeping those images protected and close by.

One of the last things I do before bed is realize that I still have all my jewelry on. I'll sleepily take off every piece but my wedding rings and put them on my nightstand. Then I'll wake up in the morning in a panic when I realize one of my earrings has fallen on to the floor. Adding this small jewelry box\tray to my other nightstand prevents any jewelry loss.

I have a lot of decorative, bedroom pillows - the kind you don't sleep on. (My husband's not a huge fan of this.) Each night before bed we've been stacking them all in an empty plastic laundry basket. It's a bit of an eyesore, and so I replaced it with a large, weaved basket. It is so much nicer to look at. The best part is when it isn't being used, you can just slip it under the bed. My husband is a fan of this.

Living Room Additions:

Speaking of pillows, I also added two new ones to my couch. Previously, I only had knit black pillows and furry white ones (from Homegoods). I added another white pillow with texture, and then broke up the solid colors with a leopard pattern pillow.

I also added this magnifying glass, another piece picked out for me by Marshalls, to our coffee table. They really know how much I love black and white.

Nursey Additions:
You're probably already thinking it. Yes, I'm nesting. BUT I'm trying to nest in the most minimalist way. I want to buy things that are truly functional - especially since we'll be creating a nursery within our one bedroom apartment (more on this later). We've already created some space in our closet for baby clothes and supplies. This little storage flower box was perfect for the pieces that don't currently have a hanger or can't be hung up, and how could I say no to this adorable hippo?! SO CUTE! I also picked up a set of sleeping gowns with little duckies on them for only $7! That's $3.50 each!

At Marshalls furniture and home items don't have to be a big investment. Their prices always make it easy to say 'yes'.

Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls of The TJX Companies, Inc. in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB. All opinions are my own.

I'm excited to share that I'm in the December issue of Cosmo Biz Salon magazine! Cosmo Biz Salon is a trade magazine for beauty professionals with a circulation of about 10,000 nationwide. The magazine is mostly seen in beauty supply stores, major salons, and beauty schools. They reached out to me a back in October to see if I would be interested in being featured in a two page article, and I immediately thought it would be a great opportunity to collaborate again with my glam squad gals, Rachel Wetsel and Diana Rivera from Salon Nordine & Day Spa in Mosaic District. Together, we came up with two looks, day-time and night-time, with Diana and Rachel styling my hair and me styling the clothing. Here's what we came up with - I present...from Conference to Concert...


The day-time look is something I'd definitely wear to a meeting with a design client. Though now that I see it, I think the addition of black tights (maternity in my case) would be even better. I'm wearing a Brooks Brothers white button-up blouse under a fit-and-flare dress from Banana Republic. I added a plaid blazer from Zara, 'matador' tie, and black cape for some extra dimension and love how the look can change throughout the day as layers are removed. On my feet are booties from Dolce Vita.

To compliment the look Diana and Rachel gave me a sleek low ponytail that would keep hair out of my face as I'm writing\coding at my computer or showing a client that I'm 'a creative' that means business.


My hair is definitely the rockstar of the night-time look! With A LOT of teasing, hair product, and bobbie pins, Rachel and Diana gave me the coolest faux hawk with side braids and a clip-in piece of pink hair. I instantly felt like one of my style crushes - rocker mom, Gwen Stefani, and I also ain't no hollaback girl.

I'm wearing black faux leather leggings and black booties from Zara, a leather jacket, muscle tank, and sunglasses from H&M, and earrings and necklace from Hanuel (c/o).


What do you think? The night-time look was obviously my favorite, and I wish I could rock that faux hawk everyday!

See the full magazine article on page 58-59 of Cosmo Biz Salon. Thank you so much to Tabitha from Cosmo Biz Salon for providing these images (Diana took the first one) and to Hanuel for providing my jewelry.

SHOP THE LOOKS \\