Brunch on Me

By Katrice

MVL Reader: I'm meeting a friend in D.C. on Sunday for brunch ... I'll also be meeting a few of her friends (whom I've never met before). The place is pretty trendy and contemporary ... What should I wear?

MVL: Brunch with friends is such a fun outing to dress for because you can be as trendy or classic as you like. The object is to bring your look up with accessories and to integrate pieces that will allow you to be prepared for whatever may arise -- from a chilly restaurant to impromptu plans afterwards. Here are a few options.

Brunch on Me

Look of the Day

By Katrice

Army-inspired Button-down, H&M, $12.99

Levi's 524 Too Superlow Skinny Jeans, $39.99

Chandelier Earrings, Charlotte Russe, $4

Louis Arden Bronze Boyfriend Watch, $24.99

Nine West Pumps, $24.99

Look of the Day

By Katrice 

T-Shirt, H&M, $5

Pleated Skirt, Express, $29.99

Black Peep Toe Pumps, Dollhouse, $17.99

Handmade Faux Pearl Necklace

Cocktail Ring, The Avenue, $9.99

Smoky Bones

By Katrice

The smell of an open pit always conjures a taste memory of my Uncle D's barbecue. His specialty: a sweet and smoky sauce, just thick enough to compliment the meat without overpowering it. Because the truth is, the flavor of his ribs and chicken is so distinct that you could easily opt to bypass the sauce. Ahhhh. Well, sadly, he is miles away in Ohio and I am in Georgia; searching for a substitute to quench my craving for gooood bbq.

First stop, Rangler's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q in Jonesboro. Here's what I enjoyed. 

{Brisket, pulled pork, yams and green beans}

MVL Radar

By Katrice 

NARS Chelsea Girls Lip Lacquer, $24

ASOS Faux Croc Bowler, $44

Archipelago Botanicals Signature Soy Wax Candle, $24

West Avenue Jewelry Sterling Initial Necklace, $98

Crate&Barrel Jolie Table Lamp, $189

Vera Wang Grosgrain Bordered Oyster White Personalized Notes, $169

Statement Piece

By Katrice 

Want to know what makes me giddy? Finding out that one of my favorite wardrobe staples from last season is still on trend. Enter: Statement necklaces.  

1. Forever 21, $12.80

2. Forever 21, $8.80

3. Loehmann's, (collar necklace) $10, (link) $5

4. Forever 21, $7.80

5. Loehmann's, $10

Sunday Best

By Katrice 

As with the rest of our wardrobing, it's time to start transitioning from summer to fall attire for church. I especially love getting dressed on Sundays. One of the most profound signatures of the black church is that we look forward to coming out in our very best ... I guess it was probably my introduction to fashion before I even realized that I fancied the art of good style. 

Sheath Girl by my Vicarious Life featuring a shift dress

Color Blocked by my Vicarious Life featuring stud earrings

Fancy Free by my Vicarious Life featuring heart shaped rings

Patent This by my Vicarious Life featuring dsquared sunglasses

Going the Distance

By Katrice 

MVL Reader, Sabrina: So, about 4 months ago I was inspired and treated myself to several pairs of fabulous shoes. Three-, four- and five-inch pumps and wedges in all colors. They are sexy - but they hurt like crazy (some more than others). I have purchased different variations of insole and shoe support, but some I have put aside for weekend/2 to 3-hour event wear only. With trying to stay in shape, I am also trying to walk more at work, which means I have been taking the stairs and walking to meetings on our campus vs. driving. I am writing you because 1) you have a serious shoe game :-) and 2) I find it hard to believe that they all feel good on your feet. Or do they? How do you manage it?

MVL: Dear Sabrina, I know exactly what you mean about trying to include more activity in your day and how being in heels can make that cumbersome. I do wear heels four days a week to work and love them so much that I generally wear them on weekends, though I'm making a more concerted effort to wear flats in my downtime. How I manage it, however, is by keeping a pair of Isotoner ballet slippers in my office, and carrying a pair of flats in my car for the days that I want to run errands on my lunch break or have an event for work. As far as the heels I buy, I tend to lean toward heels that have an invisible platform because they give the balls of my feet more support and absorb quite a bit of the pounding pressure of walking. 

Paradise Comes to You

By Katrice

I posted about some of my favorite spas around Atlanta back in April, and I'm back to add one more to the list. Yesterday I enjoyed my first in-home massage, courtesy of Spa Flow. Before hearing of the mobile massage company, I hadn't even considered the possibility of having a relaxing treatment at home where I could get the full benefit of it without losing some of the calm on my way home. It was nothing short of pure bliss. Sound like something you'd need? You call, they'll come. Spa Flow massage therapists will travel anywhere within 15 miles of their studio, which translates into about a 25-30 minute drive. 

Fab Find: Mybagandshoes.com

By Katrice

Ever since first hearing of www.mybagandshoes.com, I've been anticipating the site's full launch. Well, it has finally happened and the Ireland-based company's stock does not disappoint. Going live with a modest but exceptional selection of goods, I am confident that I will be hanging around the site from now until. To celebrate, I've already started a wishlist.

FNO: The Goods

By Katrice

Well, Fashion's Night Out in Atlanta came and went with little fanfare on my chosen shopping route. People were out ... and they were shopping, but I couldn't quite tell whether they were out because Vogue had ordained it or if they had planned to hang out at Atlantic Station tonight. I stopped by Sugga's Thrift Boutique first, and was glad I did because now I know where it's located. But, it wasn't open -- though it had been publicized as a part of the festivities. Nevertheless, Atlantic Station hosted a group local artists in Central Park selling their wares, and the FNO participants (including Banana Republic, White House Black Market, H&M and Ann Taylor Loft) had especially good deals to mark the occasion. All was definitely not lost. 

Tiger Cocktail Ring

BCBG Generation Wedges

Cameo and Pearl Multi-strand Necklace

Navy Myztique Leather Handbag #Love

MVL Does Fashion's Night Out

By Katrice

I've been waiting to see which stores would be added to the roll of Fashion's Night Out participants in Atlanta so that I could plan my itinerary, and it's finally done. If you're going to be out, I'd love to hear where you'll be on Friday. And be sure to check back here for all of the epic MVL details. 

Sugga’s Thrift Boutique
(Located behind Vita, across from Fresh Market)
45-D Bennett Street
Atlanta, GA 30309

fab'rik Boutique (Buckhead)

3400 Around Lenox Road Northeast

Atlanta, GA 30326

Atlantic Station

for H&M, GAP, AnnTaylor, Loft, Banana Republic, K-LA,White House Black Market, Old Navy and Dillard’s. 

Shoppers who present receipts totaling $150 at the Atlantic Station tent in Central Park between 6 and 9 p.m. will receive a $15 Dining Gift Card, good at one of Atlantic Station’s restaurants.Shoppers will also a score a free screening of “Confessions of a Shopaholic” in Central Park at dusk.

FASHION FORWARD

By Katrice

Mark your calendars ... Fashion Week S/S2011 is coming to a computer near you. No need to lament not being in the tents at Bryant Park or abroad when you can watch some of the shows right in your living room. Use the links below and enjoy! xx

BADGLEY MISCHKA (SEPT. 14, 10 AM, RSVP)

BCBGMAXAZRIA (SEPT. 10, 10 AM, LIVE ON FACEBOOK)

DIOR HOMME (MENSWEAR)

DOLCE&GABBANA (MENSWEAR)

GUCCI (SEPT. 22, 2 PM, RSVP)

MARC JACOBS COLLECTION (SEPT. 13, 8 PM)

MARC BY MARC JACOBS (SEPT. 14, 8 PM)

PRADA (MENSWEAR)

Look of the Day

By Katrice 

Emanuel Ungaro Blazer

White Tee

Express Army Cargo Pants

Dollhouse Booties

Ralph Lauren Gold Link Necklace and Bracelets