Monthly Archives: October 2013

make. my. monday. with blair ritchey

I was first introduced to Blair Ritchey at a Bitches Who Brunch event through my friend Cori Sue.

The petite designer is not only talented but also one of the sweetest ladies I know. We have worked together on a few projects and I die for her handbags. If you haven’t checked out her line, you’re missing out! I have a weakness for cognac leather and the quality of leather in her bags is superb.

Blair and I also enjoy catching up over nutella lattes and strawberry mojitos and since she just moved from DC, you know I am missing those dates.

Her motto is Simplistic – Functional – Luxury. What better words to make.my.monday?

And SURPRISE! This week only, Hosting & Toasting readers get 15% OFF with special promo code: HOSTING15

Here are some of my picks for fall:

1. KANTNER – perfect crossybody bag and all Blair’s tassels are removable and interchangeable so you can mix up the colors or go without.

2. GOING TO MARKET TOTE – I mean, isn’t this the cutest thing in the world? I love my GTM tote and use it at the pool, for flowers, traveling and yes, even the market. Every time I wear it I get asked about it!

3. LULU FOLDOVER – I also love this bag and own it in cognac. It is the perfect clutch to tote year round. I take mine out on the town and also throw it in a larger purse or tote during the week. It fits everything you need and even has a small handle to clutch onto on the back.

4. BELT BAG – So Blair is hip, way hipper than me and she wears this bag so well! When she first told me about this design coming out, I had no idea I would love it so much. The lock and details are impeccable and it’s perfect for running around, a night out, concert or just running errands. Look how great she looks in it HERE.

Take advantage of the 15% OFF (HOSTING15) this week and don’t forget to keep up to date with Blair on instagram!

last minute sales!

SALE ALERT!

We all get 10101 emails in our inbox from our favorite stores so in case you missed these 2 amazing sales, just a friendly reminder they are ending soon so hurry and shop now!

1. J.CREW –  Sweaters Sale = 25% OFF Sweaters with Promo Code: SWEATERS. Ends TONIGHT, Sunday, October 6th. 

  

{Merino Pocket Tunic – Images via J.CREW}

2. Tory Burch – Friends & Fan Sale = 25% OFF ENTIRE SITE + Free Express Shipping with Promo Code: FRIENDS. Ends Monday, October 7th.

{Image via Tory Burch}

Happy Shopping!

off to the patches!

Even though it feels much like summer in DC this weekend (90 degrees, what?), that won’t stop me from heading out to Virginia for pumpkin patches and wine tasting!

Be sure to check back next week for what we find & follow along on instagram!

drybar minis: don’t leave home without ’em

So, it’s no secret. I love a good blowout and when Drybar came to DC last year, my life (or hair) was forever changed. I first chronicled this obsession in an article for Sweet Lemon Magazine earlier this year (check out the photos and how-to on curls HERE).

Everyone always asks me what I order off the “menu” and well, I sort of cocktail my own blowout. My favorite look is a Southern Cosmo (combine a Southern Belle + a Cosmo).  The stylists at Drybar Georgetown have pretty much perfected this look for me and I’ve become quite talented too, if I do say so myself. This and a glass of bubbles, good chick flick and pop music provide the vital ingredients for a “pick-me-up” any day of the week.

If you don’t have a Drybar near you, fear not,  you can still take advantage of all their amazing products!

Full Disclosure: You know you have a problem when you check a bag just to take a bottle of Money Maker along for the journey so thank goodness this bad habit of mine can be brought to a stop with the launch of Drybar minis (travel sized products).

The best part? The VIP PACK has my 3 favorite products. This is the best excuse to test out all these lovelies for just $25 (a $40 value).

{Image via Sephora}

 VIP PACK = 1. DETOX // 2. MONEY MAKER // 3. SOUTHERN BELLE

1. DETOX – Drybar’s dry shampoo, works like a charm to not only keep you hair clean but add extra volume. Brunettes? They recently came out with a spray just for you!

2. MONEY MAKER – I’ve mentioned before on a previous post but it smells amazing, is lightweight and the only hairspray I’ve liked (ever). No, LOVED.

3. SOUTHERN BELLE – Volumizing moose, same great smell and aids pre-blowout in obtaining that big hair.

Check out all the Drybar products and tools HERE. (I also love Happy Hour Shampoo + Conditioner).

Try them out and let me know what you think!

Perfect all the purses, totes and clutches of the world.

 

 

 

tablescape tuesday: halloween ready?

Alright, maybe the very eager stores have had Halloween candy stocked on the shelves for weeks but it’s October 1st and NOW it’s officially appropriate to decorate the house, carve those pumpkins and fill your candy dishes to the brim.

Last year I hosted a Halloween dinner party and was a hostess for my book club’s October “reception” (which alas was also Halloween themed). Needless to say, my house had seen its fair share of pumpkins, candy and ghosts by the end of last October.

So I find it quite fitting that the first Tablescape Tuesday of this October provides you with orange and black inspiration with plenty of time to prepare for the 31st!

Many more Halloween posts to come!