For a decade, the inner workings of Washington, D.C. politics were the primary focus of my life. My job was my life. To watch all that has happened over the past nine days from the other coast has been challenging. I feel a bit like the fish that flopped out of the aquarium. I find myself looking at D.C. apartments and job listings, and thinking “I could just go, and figure the rest out later, right? Right?!”
I’ve always been too impatient to keep to a plan (February bar, March MPRE, trip to Europe, then, life changing decisions). So if you suddenly open my Instagram account one day to see me standing in front of the Capitol Building in a business suit, you’ll know that my impatience seriously got the best of me. Until then, I play with Avery, study CivPro flashcards, and hunt the Interwebs for the fashions that make me go, “Oh, wow, need that.”
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Camel. Camel for days. No. not the dromedary or bactrian kinds, but the color–the rich caramel-brown that makes you think of cozy fall sweaters and crispy leaves.
Seriously, how much chic do these looks bring to a casual outfit?
If you’re hunting for a long camel cardigan, I would try this cable knit from Missguided ($34) or this long v-neck from Limited ($59). For something a bit higher up the food chain, I love (love) this drape cashmere cardigan ($131) and this LAMade Cocoon Cardi ($141). Plus-size? This long cardigan from Stylus ($50) is my pick.
If it’s a coat your after, I found this splurge-worthy Vince Camel Trench ($695). I also like this super sleek River Island coat ($188), and this affordable funnel neck coat ($88). Petite? Eliza J’s camel coat ($248) caught my eye.
I think we can all agree that having a pearl rose-colored suitcase is completely impractical. But, my Lord, is it pretty. This Rimowa Multiwheel Suitcase ($495 to $605) is probably only suited to a handful of fashion blog photo ops, but we can still admire her.
Looking for a durable clamshell suitcase? This Bric’s 21″ spinner is on deep discount from $335 to $139. It may not be a pretty blush pink, but it is a soothing, midnight navy.
I love cowlneck sweaters. Mostly because I hate turtlenecks; I can’t stand to have itchy wool suffocating me all day long. So a cowl gives me the look of a cozy, winter sweater without the discomfort.
This cowlneck tunic from Halogen ($169) comes in this delightful berry color. For an even more voluminous cowlneck, this Acne sweater ($450) is positively sublime. For something more affordable, I like this LL. Bean sweater ($79) in the smoky twilight color.
Decorating for the holidays has never been high on my to-do list. My Mother, on the other hand, look out. Her 12′ Christmas tree is legendary. It also takes three full days to put up, and two more to take down. This may or may not be why I don’t decorate much for the holidays.
I do, however, love this olive branch wreath. I typically hang a boxwood wreath on my front door, but this photo has me rethinking that plan. Add these brass bells to this wreath from One Kings Lane, and voila, copycat complete.
photo credit Shades of Blue Interiors
Maybe it’s because I love 1950s glam, but gloves are one of my favorite things about the fall. These gloves from Banana Republic ($88) mix a bit of Grace Kelly with cold-weather utility. Want to go all-in? How about an elbow length pair and a chic camel cape? Oh, I lost you. Too much, too soon, got it.
Need something a bit warmer? These Charter Club lined gloves ($44) are always a crowd pleaser. And if you need to be able to use your smartphone on your commute, try these touch-enabled gloves from Ralph Lauren ($44)
Working women are always searching for modern nail polishes shades that are still office appropriate. Because who can wear pale pink all the time? Not me, and probably not you. Essie’s Demure Vixen polish ($9) is a mix of taupe and mauve that is just stunning in person. It has just a hint of warmth that I really adore. It’s a great dupe for Deborah Lippmann’s Modern Love shade ($19), which is one of my very favorites.
I just want to say I laughed multiple times during this post. I always appreciate your wit, but this was an especially great one.
BTW – I tried the Essie gel top coat over regular essie polish, new favorite thing. I’ve been trying to break from my addiction to no-chip manis and may have just found the solution.
What do you wear as a base coat for this? I am tempted to splurge for the Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro set (and subsequent Deborah Lippmann nail polishes) but would prefer to a cheaper solution, if possible. Thanks!
I’m also liking the Essie top coat, and I’ve just been using old OPI base coat. It’s easier to apply than the Gel Pro which I found kind of thick.
I agree with Kelly re gel base. The gel top coat is thick by itself. I use the essie regular base, color, then the essie gel top coat.
I love that Essie polish. I hope you end up back in D.C., Belle. It’s where your heart is! Would love to see a post detailing where you are in your life right now, and which directions you and your boyfriend could take.
Please, please, please come back to DC Belle. Given this new administration, we need as many sane people involved in government as possible!!
Just from reading this blog, I know you have a work ethic that allows you to commit to a project and see it through without blaming others when things go wrong. I know you have the ability to moderate reasonable discussions and hear other views. These qualities make you 1000% more qualified than anyone whose name is currently being floated. Go for it.
Love this post! Are you doing the holiday gifts posts again? Last year’s were very helpful!
Demure vixen is my favorite nail shade and always a “go to” for business occasions!
I love that Rimowa suitcase — I was “window shopping” for it a few weeks ago and it has taken up permanent residence in one of my sidebar ads. Actually, there are 6 of them in the ad, an army of blush pink soldiers ready for battle. I’ve had many pink suitcases in the past and I don’t find them to be any less practical than other colors. I don’t think I would check it without getting one of those overpriced airport wrap jobs, but I’m sure a carry-on would hold up nicely with a little extra care.
Me, too. Two years out of state politics in Albany and I’m watching from the sidelines in San Diego.
That close-up of the little angel ornament from your mother’s tree….I remember those being sold at the Made in Oregon store(s) when I was growing up in Oregon. We had one (or more?) on our tree, too.
I don’t understand why any color suitcase is any less practical than any other color? Maybe someone can explain that to me? And that rose color seems to me to be nearly a neutral and is completely beautiful to me.
I just feel like it will show the dirt more. Maybe I’m wrong about that. Like owning a white couch.
On the other hand, no one is going to mistake it for theirs at baggage claim. See, it’s not completely impractical. Only mostly.
That’s a fair point.
If you’re so impatient, why the wait for he Feb bar? Seems like July would have made more sense…
I had a lot going on in my professional and personal life and July wasn’t a good time to take the bar. I was grateful for the summer off, but once everything was back on track, I still had months left to go.