Olympic Memories

As I sit here flipping through the television channels, lamenting the lack of athletics available to me on my regularly scheduled TV programs, I contemplate watching YouTube videos of the Fab Fierce Five and the US Swim Team. Yes, I fully admit, I am going through Olympic withdrawal, which is no surprise considering my previous confessions of Olympics addiction. I quietly shed a tear as I watched the Closing Ceremonies on Sunday, mentally setting the countdown for Rio.

As I reminisce of my favorite memories from the Olympics, I can’t help but share a few of my thoughts:

  • Team Fencing would be way cooler if it was just one massive sword fight. Whoever is left standing wins gold.
  • I never thought the words badminton and scandal would make it into the same sentence. As if they didn’t have enough work to do defending the sport.
  • The number of US swimmers and gymnasts who won medals and are still in high school is awe-inspiring, yet slightly depressing for the rest of us. They’ve accomplished more before graduation than the rest of us will accomplish in our entire lives, but McKayla Maroney is still not impressed.

  • Oh, and the Spice Girls are like a fine wine. They’ve only gotten better with age (…and botox, breast implants, nose jobs and other assorted plastic surgeries).
  • And speaking of the closing ceremonies, the irony of Jesse J cruising around in back of a Bentley singing “Wanna make the world dance. Forget about the price tag.” is not lost on us, London. I’d want to forget a $14.5 billion price tag, too.
  • Kerri Strug, you’ve been one-upped. Sure you vaulted with an injured ankle, that takes some determination. Manteo Mitchell ran 200 meters with a broken leg. Sorry, Kerri, your reign as the best broken-limbed Olympic athlete is over.
  • Sanya Richards-Ross is a woman after my own heart. I consider anyone who can win gold while wearing Chanel a role model.
  • And, while we’re on running. Oscar Pistorius is without a doubt the most inspirational athlete that ever was.
  • Who run the world? GIRLS. The United States women won 29 gold medals; the United States men won 17. Womp, womp.
  • And, last but not least, Nathan Adrian, where have you been all my life?

I’ll leave you with that closing thought as we all wait for Rio – and perhaps another dose of Nathan.

 
 

5 looks with 1 pair of pants

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5 looks with 1 pair of pants

 

Recently, a friend of mind purchased a pair of these hunter green Gap slim refined pants. The purchase itself was heavily debated, as the slim cut and slightly stretchy fabric led her to purchase the same pair in black a few months ago, but the color present a challenge. Just what exactly can you wear with green pants?

If you’re asking me, which she did, pretty much anything!

This year’s bold color trend has everyone embracing bright and bold as the new neutral. Nearly any color can act as a neutral, pairing well with prints, patterns and even other bright colors. These Gap pants, similar to my favorite J. Crew Minnie pants, have a slim, tailored look which makes them great for work, play and everything in between. Add a funky tee and some bright accessories for a fun, casual look or a printed, ladylike blouse and bold pumps for a night out. Everyone has a white blouse in their closet, making it an easy outfit solution. Button up shirts are office appropriate, but chambray and leopard are an unexpected departure from the norm. Monochromatic looks are also an excellent option. With these hunter green pants, a breezy mint green top would pair perfectly!

Bold color on the bottom doesn’t mean you have to go safe with your choices on top. Just make sure your colors aren’t competing (neon yellow and neon green is an ode to the 80s) and if you do go for a basic top, punch up your look with fun, bright accessories.

The best part? Gap just extended their Friends and Family sale through today, so you can get these pants for 30% off! Enter code “GAPFRIENDS” at checkout for online purchases. Happy shopping!

 
 

Saturday Steals at the Old Town Sidewalk Sale

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Shoppers, set your alarms for tomorrow morning. Old Town is at it again, hosting its 3rd Annual Old Town Alexandria Sidewalk Sale. Get there early to score some awesome bargains from more than 60 participating stores, ranging from clothing to interiors and even purchases for your pup! Many stores will open at 9 am and all stores will feature a unique promotion or event in-store. Be on the lookout for discounted summer merchandise, with many stores offering up to 80% off! A full list of participating stores can be found here.

Old Town’s wide range of eclectic shops will make sure you do not walk away empty-handed. However, as with any big sale, make sure you have plenty of time to peruse and arrive ready to do a bit of sifting and searching to find exactly what you want. Nothing great ever comes easy, after all! When I visit Old Town, I have a select group of stores I make sure to never miss and they are all participating in the Sidewalk Sale, so be sure to check them out if you’re looking for something special!

First up, Current Boutique! I’ve been a customer at Current since back when they only had one location in Courthouse. Current offers new and consignment clothing and accessories. The store offers a killer selection of new dresses and jewelry, so be sure to visit if you’re looking for a hot new outfit and you can score 20% off your entire purchase! Here are some of the recent arrivals at the Old Town store:

L.A.M.B gray leather peep toe heels | Size 6 $152.95
(image courtesy of Current Boutique)
BCBG yellow satin bow w/ black embroidered skirt dress | Size 6 $104.95
(image courtesy of Current Boutique)
Tibi green and white floral silk dress | Size 12 $110.95
(image courtesy of Current Boutique)

Mint Condition is another must-stop-shop, however it is all designer consignment merchandise, so make sure you’re ok with some gently-worn merchandise. Mint has a great selection of all types of clothing, ranging from designer jeans to dresses and superb footwear from the likes of Tory Burch. Chanel and Michael Kors!

Check out this adorable ensemble they put together for 4th of July!
Shoes are Michael Kors size 8.5 $48 and dress is Rebecca Taylor $118, NWT size L. (image courtesy of Mint Condition)
The Shoe Hive is another great find and with summer merchandise discounted 60-80%, your feet will thank you. I stopped by this gem last summer and was drooling over all of the designer shoes and jaw-dropping prices!
These DVF Senegal wedges were originally $250 – and you can find them for $75!
You’ll also want to check out Lou Lou, which I’ve already named one of my favorite go-to’s for accessories, where you can get 20-60% off of specific items.

Once you’ve shopped your heart out, grab a glass (or bottle, I’m not judging) of wine with your girlfriends at Grape + Bean and congratulate yourselves on purchases well-made!