Birthday Boy

That's one handsome man. How could I resist starting off this (little later than usual) post by featuring the birthday boy himself? Especially when he's wearing the crap out this blue Ted Baker suit, a crisp white shirt, and BR pocket square (that he picked out for one of his birthday gifts). My outfit pales in comparison after that anyway. =)

Melrose Mesh Top - c/o Kiyonna / White pencil skirt - Macy's (Charter Club)

At least, I feel much less dressed up than I would have liked to have been. Quite disappointingly, the dress I was planning to wear didn't fit, so I had to scramble to put something else together that I could feel comfortable and confident in and wasn't too much fuss. This was Bobby's day, after all, and I wasn't going to let my frustrations damper the cheer of the day. I immediately thought of this great Kiyonna top that flatters all my assets and camouflages everything else, paired with, of course, a pencil skirt.

The real stars of the outfit were my accessories, however. I'd been plotting to debut some fabulous new shoes and my Trina Turk for Banana Republic pieces on this occasion, so it was imperative that whatever I wore would let them shine anyway. I do suppose it's hard to let a little box clutch and fabulous cocktail ring take center stage just by virtue of scale, but I sure as hell had to try.

Box clutch and Ring - Trina Turk for Banana Republic / Necklace - Anthropologie /
Earrings - Banana Republic (eBayed) / Sandals - SM Evan's Pump via DSW

Meh, the birthday boy still wins. =)

As has become customary, we dined at our favorite restaurant in town for the birthday meal itself, having course after course of delectable bites and a helluva bottle of wine to celebrate. Good people watching, excellent service, and just a relaxing evening spent together.

An upside down wine label has to mean good luck, right?

Today? A day off, a firmer footing on Weight Watchers (with a hope to fit into that dress eventually) and being ever so thankful that I get to celebrate birthdays and all manner of life's milestones with such a wonderful guy.

A Good Year

While watching Bridget Jones's Diary before bed last night (I couldn't imagine a better way to top off my birthday, by the way), I realized that it was Bridget's 33rd birthday for which she hosts that dinner party with her friends, joined by the incomparable Mr. (Mark) Darcy, joined later by the elusive Daniel Cleaver, ending by the two basically fighting over her. She finally wins the man of her dreams not long after the new year. (Can that kiss from behind be any more goose-bump inducing?) A good year, I say...

Betsey Ruched Dress - c/o Kiyonna / Bracelet - Banana Republic /
Clutch - Lodis (eBayed) / "Linzy" Pumps - Kelsi Dagger (via Piperlime)

So far, I can't say I've had any complaints. I got to celebrate my birthday a few days early with close friends, good food, and a dance party I'll always remember. Then I got to get dolled up for dinner with Bobby at our favorite restaurant in town, where they served a menu customized just for us and just for the 1988 Château Haut-Brion Bob had received last month from his parents. (Pause for the "Holy crap!" from all the oenophiles out there.) Another good year, indeed...

And with this outfit post I get to announce a super fabulous partnership with Kiyonna as part of their Blogger Brigade! They sent me this stunning Betsey Ruched Dress especially to wear for my birthday. It's been hanging in my closet for a few weeks now, and I've been beyond excited to finally wear it. I even found (the less expensive - and available size 11 - Kelsi Dagger version of) the gorgeous grey patent platforms that they'd paired with the dress! The restaurant was rather empty last night (it was a Tuesday night, after all), but the few that were around couldn't stop talking about the dress. The "devil in the blue dress," they told me...

Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - Anthropologie / Nails - "Designer...de Better!" (O.P.I. Muppets Collection)

Even Bobby was looking mighty fine (as he always does) in his Oxxford suit, striped french cuff shirt, and a new yellow and blue polka dot pocket square of his own choosing.

Suit - Oxxford (via Filene's Basement) / Shirt - Banana Republic / Pocket square - Loehmann's /
Watch - Seiko Chronograph (via Amazon) / Cufflinks - Zales (gifted)

You know, it was a rather low key day when I think about it, but a quiet evening over a delectable meal with my sweet boyfriend, who never fails to make me feel special, birthday or otherwise, was pretty wonderful. And the fact that I got to do it in a gorgeous dress that celebrated my curves in the best way possible made it even more amazing.

Thanks to Thad and the rest of the staff at Bacaro for helping, too!

As I Primp

I've had a lovely birthday so far, complete with a free peppermint white mocha from Starbucks, pedi/mani/eyebrow waxing (c/o Bobby), and lots of love from friends and family. But I'm really getting excited for tonight's dinner festivities and to finally get into that sexy teal dress from Kiyonna!

Since I won't likely get outfit or other fun pictures posted until tomorrow, I thought I'd share a few things I'm hoping to get for my birthday and/or Christmas! (Oh, the joys of being a late December baby...)

Hey Jade Necklace - Modcloth

As we all know, I love a statement necklace. This one reminds me of one Kendi has and wears often, and I know I could get equal wear-time out of it. T'would be a great pop of color for nearly any outfit!

Women's Alleyne Pump - Samanta (via Amazaon) 

Oh perfect red shoes, how you allude me so. When I think about my already ridiculous overflowing collection of footwear, the one basic missing is a pair of beautiful, all-season, all-occasion red pumps, ones that still scream "Jessica!" With their true red color and unique top-stitching and cut, I'm convinced these are they. And they come in my size (11) and then some (up to 14)!

Antique Magnolias Blouse - Anthropologie

I don't know about you, but I'm always stalking the Anthropologie website, constantly putting favorites on my wishlist. Sometimes I get them, more often I don't. This top is one I keep coming back to. Utterly gorgeous, it's everything I love about the feminine, structured, unique pieces that Anthro offers, and I know I could wear it with everything from jeans to a pencil skirt. But, at $188, it's pricey even with my 15% off birthday discount. We'll be making an Anthro store trip (for returns) while traveling, so if they have this top I may just try it on, and I may either fall out love or even deeper into it. And then I'll hope for a gift card. =))

Buxom's Big & Healthy Lip Polish is simply the best lip gloss ever. I don't like wearing lipstick, so these give the right amount of color and shine, and a fantastic tingle that even pumps up the lips a bit. I go through mine like water, whether by use or loss, so I shall always welcome more - a great stocking stuffer! My favorite shade is Sandy - a neutral pinky shade that's perfect dressed up or down.

Save The Earth Eco Fusion Porcelain Mug - Ruche

I'm an avid coffee addict drinker. Could there by any cuter - and eco-friendly - way to drink up? Also hoping to get my hands on the best of the best Kona Fancy from Maui Coffee Roasters. Or at least (more) Starbucks cards. =)

New England Patriots Women's Sweater Mix Jacket - Touch by Alyssa Milano  (NFL Shop)

We're huge Patriots fans. Bob's East coast loyalties meets my (latent) Midwestern football sensibilities and kind of creates a monster - or at least a very pleased boyfriend. I love to wear team gear but want to still look cute while wearing it. Alyssa Milano's line of just such girl-pleasing apparel, Touch, hits the mark every time. I have a jersey, tee and a few tops already; I'm just wanting to round it all out with this fabulous zip-up.

I may be the last person to not yet have the new iPhone - or any iPhone, for that matter. Though I've had T-Mobile for as long as have had a mobile phone, my contract is up and I'm ready to jump ship and on to that bandwagon. Besides, after 7 years, I think it's time Bob and I get on a family plan, no?

That's not too much, right?? ; )

What's on all of your wishlists this season??

You Say It's Your Birthday

Oh, hello there! It's 50 degrees today (a white Christmas is likely impossible at this point), my beloved camera has found its way home to me (via an exact replacement), this is outfit #1 of my birthday celebrations, and I'm so happy to bring you (albeit cloudy) outdoor pictures! Full disclosure, however: between frantic cleaning and cooking (and eating and drinking), I never got around to taking pictures yesterday. But I had no intention of letting either outfit or the rest of the day's events go to blog-waste, so I couldn't resist getting all dolled up in yesterday's ensemble (even the hair!) and took the pictures today. Forgive me, k?

"Trina" tunic - LucieLu / Dark skinnies - Gap

Last night we had wonderful friends over to celebrate my thirty-something birthday (which is actually not until tomorrow) in pseudo Bridget Jones style - we made a few tasty dishes and had folks also bring a few of their own. I even made a signature cocktail - cranberry martinis that were seriously A.MA.ZING. Though I didn't go whole hog with a theme of any sort, cranberries did seem to weave their way through most of it - from my centerpiece, to my signature drink, to some delectable sugared cranberries that I continue to enjoy today.

Our menu: Glazed half of ham (c/o Bob's work) / Stuffed mushrooms / Goat cheese and honey crostini (all local!) /
Sugared cranberries / Cranberry martinis / Chocolate chip banana bread (my specialty)

The tunic is a new favorite find from LucieLu. Aptly named the "Trina Tunic," it definitely reminds me of many of Ms. Turk's designs that I always love but cannot afford. I'd been lusting after it for a while, finally purchased it, and then waited patiently for the right time to wear it. When we decided to host a party for my birthday, I thought this would be perfect for the event - casual, stylish, comfortable, me! I really like its effortless vibe with skinnies, super nude (and crazy comfy) pumps (thank heavens for stylish closed-toes when pedicures just aren't possible) and some fabulous statement accessories, including a brand new ring I just received as a birthday gift!

Necklace and earrings - Anthropologie / Ring - Ruche (gifted) / Nails - "Suzi Says Feng Shui" (O.P.I.)

Handbag - Tano

Nude pumps - Nine West "Hollyce" (via Zappos)

The party itself was pretty fantastic. Great company, tasty food, super addictive drinks, and even a mini dance party to one of my long-time holiday playlist staples, N'Sync's "Merry Christmas Happy Holiday." Oh yes, my friends. Oh, yes. To top that off, if that were possible, I got some lovely loot as well!

Clockwise from left: Falling Snowflakes Dangling Earrings - Ruche / Vogue: The Covers - the most awesomest coffee table book ever / Ostrich-embossed clutch - ASOS (previously revealed) / I'll aways drink Starbucks (Caramel Brulee and Peppermint White Mocha, you're mine!) /A very unique scarf/wrap in cozy winter white

A table wine with probably the best description out there...for my blog =)

Thanks to my dear friends who helped me celebrate, and especially my Bobby for putting up with - nay, overcoming - my crazed bitch mode as we were preparing. Stay tuned for the main event on Tuesday (my actual birthday): a romantic dinner for two at our favorite restaurant in town, with me strutting some seriously fabulous digs from Kiyonna! I'm oh-so-excited!

Obviously, I totally support celebrating one's birthday more than once. ; )

Holiday Attire Sneak Peak

Oooooh weee! I'm so excited for all the festivities this month! Between my birthday next week, Christmas, and New Year's (also my anniversary with Bobby), I have so many occasions to get all dolled up. While this can often be more stressful than not (I distinctly remember having a helluva time getting dressed for New Year's last year), I'm ecstatic that I've not only found outfits for all of these events, but I look and feel fabulous in them! So here's a sneak peak.

Thanks to a thrilling new partnership with Kiyonna, I'll be decked out in the Betsey Ruched Dress (in teal) for my birthday next week! I really liked the bluish-grey patent platforms that the model is wearing, so I searched high and low for something similar. I think I found them! A shoe-loving girl can always count on Zappos or Endless, can't she? I snagged these earrings from Anthropologie with my 50% off sweater over the weekend. Ironically, the sweater is going back, but I think the earrings are absolutely beautiful and make a great match for the dress. Now if only I had her hair...

Betsey Ruched Dress - Kiyonna / Clara Chandelier Earrings - Anthropologie /
Grey patent Pumps - Type Z "Clara" (via Zappos)

For New Year's, a little sparkle is always a good thing, if not practically required. I bought this fabulous lurex stripe pencil skirt from ASOS on Black Friday (my first purchase from them, actually) and instantly knew it would be perfect for the holiday. But what to wear on top? I've been keeping my eye out for options as I've been Christmas shopping, and luck would have it that I stumbled upon this gorgeous stretch satin boatneck top from Banana Republic on Sunday. Plain though it may seem from the front, the back is the real show-stopper. I tried the whole ensemble as soon as I had returned home and it.is.PERFECT. I'll be wearing a wide black belt to marry the two pieces, sultry black suede heels, and possibly back-seamed tights to top it all off. Elegant, festive, divine!

Draped low-back top - Banana Republic / Pencil skirt in stripe lurex - ASOS CURVE

Seriously, I can't WAIT to get dressed for these events! And share them with you, of course. =)

And speaking of sparkle, check back later for my EBEW "Sequins & Sparkles" outfit!

Birthday Celebration

We celebrated Bob's birthday last Friday! Per his request, we went to our favorite restaurant in town (the same place we went for my birthday) and had a truly mind-blowing meal. We also had more than our share of wine (note the empty bottles and glasses in the last picture), making us grateful for a Saturday of nothing that allowed us to recuperate. (And boy, did we need it.)

Dress - Anthropologie / Shrug - LOFT / Nude patent pumps - Guess (via Piperlime) /
Purple patent clutch - MAXX New York (gifted)

For the event, I wore this Anthropologie sale score (it has pockets!!) that I had intended to wear for Valentine's Day, but since we didn't go anywhere, it continued to languish in my closet. I must admit that it doesn't fit as well as it could in my bust/back area (gimme a few more weeks on Weight Watchers, though...) but fortunately its full a-line skirt is very forgiving. (And thank goodness for shrugs and Spanx.) Besides, Bob insisted that I wear it because he simply loved me in it, so the decision was made for me. =)

Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - LOFT

The print is pretty spectacular - blue and purple and orange and lime green brush strokes - which makes accessorizing fun, and I sure took advantage of it! I even got a manicure in a bright violet shade just for the occasion.

Bob's Outfit: Faux-linen blazer - Lauren Ralph Lauren (Kohl's) / Shirt - Robert Graham / Pocket Square - Banana Republic / Jeans - Polo Ralph Lauren / Shoes - Donald Pliner 

The man of the night was looking mighty fine himself, I might add. But he always does.... =)

And the food!! The food!! Here's just a "taste" of some of the amazing dishes we enjoyed.

Fried sweetbreads with black summer truffles and garlic scapes; Copper River Sockeye Salmon with smoked fingerling potatoes, greens and a mustard sauce

Happy Birthday, my dear Bobby!

A Night to Remember

Thank you SO much for all your kind birthday wishes and compliments! This post is a little later than I had intended, but that's me - always late to the party. =7 I had a wonderful time with wonderful friends, and I am happy to share a few moments (and outfits) with you here! (In other words, this post is photo heavy!)

First, the obligatory full-body outfit pose from home, with fresh make-up, hair and sassiness:

Dress - Connected Apparel (I cannot remember where I got it, though) /
Navy faux suede pumps - Payless / Necklace - Urban Outfitters

Let me say a few words about this dress. It's been in my closet for a few years now. I first wore it for my sister's bachelorette party back in 2007 (I think). I was heavier then, so it was considerably tighter on me, but after I'd lost a bunch of weight, I still came back to this dress often - especially when I had gained a few pounds but needed a dead-sexy dress to still make me feel good. Unfortunately, I've gained back more than a share of those pounds, so I was so happy to be able to rely on this number for my birthday. It's a dress that really celebrates my curves, you know? And what better dress than that to wear for a birthday - one that celebrates YOU?? =)

The dress is just perfect for a winter night's event (long-sleeves, thick cotton material), with totally figure-flattering details. Its double-banded waistband perfectly defines and accentuates my waist, with a roomy but shapely bottom to conceal all manner of sins below. The deep v-neck showcases my buxom girls and narrows my broad shoulders. (A good bra - thank you Lane Bryant plunge - is imperative with that much cleavage, though!) The length is also perfect for my tastes - I love a retro length that hits below the knee (as you see for my love of pencil skirts), showing off just a bit of my calves and ankles (which I generally love), but not too much to make me feel uncomfortable - or cold!

I toyed with various pops of color in my accessories for a long time, vacillating between blues and pinks in shoes, jewelry, and handbag. This necklace filled the space of my décolletage the best, however, even though it was still a neutral color. So, I relied on the color of my fabulous fuchsia Gustto, and finished off with these rich (though not bright) navy pumps. I thought it was a good balance of colors, but I clearly think that my shape is the star in this outfit, rather than color. =)

Handbag - Gustto (via BBOS)

You saw a few preliminary pictures with this same backdrop at the restaurant. I just love the burgundy walls (especially with my dress) and I couldn't resist having a little fun with a "prop." As we were pretty much the only party in the entire restaurant at this point (we had an early reservation) I figured I could act like I owned the joint for a bit.

And now, meet my boyfriend of nearly 6 years, Bob. He's cute. =) He also knows how to rock an outfit like the best of them.

Bob's Outfit: Navy blue blazer, redone with mother of pearl buttons (his idea!) - Polo Ralph Lauren / White button-down with blue diagonal stripes - Banana Republic / Light blue tie with pink stripes - Haines & Bonner (via TJ Maxx) / Pink pocket square - Polo Ralph Lauren / Brown heathered pants - Jos. A. Bank / Brown cap-toe oxfords - Johnston & Murphy / Glasses - Ted Baker

I love the backdrop here - rows and rows of wine bottles in lounge room of the restaurant (located on the other side of the room from my picture above). I did actually try to take the outfit picture in front of it, but it sadly did not turn out well. (Stupid camera. I have a new one on my wish list, though! We'll see if Santa pulls through.)

Aw, the loving (read: schmoopy) gaze...

I'm clearly all smiles with this boy at my side. =)

Friends! Look at them rockin' that photo op pose...

Group shots!

This girl here, a (former fellow) grad student finishing up her dissertation, has always rocked an outfit, especially a jacket. She has her own style that I've always admired and has even inspired me on many occasion. I tried to talk her into starting her own blog, but she wasn't having it. Maybe I'll have her guest post from time to time. =) In the meantime, check back for an update of her outfit deets. (I have to get them first!)

I didn't take pictures of the food, which, as the (sometimes obnoxious) foodies that we are, we often do, but after a few glasses of wine, great conversation and laughter with friends, and extraordinary food, I didn't even think of taking food pictures. Oh, and this isn't a food blog. And I was hungry! Seeing as how we've been to this restaurant for all of our birthday celebrations, we can confidently say it was heart-stoppingly tasty. Thanks to the phenomenal staff at Bacaro for a memorable evening!

A Christmas tree made of wine corks - Awesome!