Birks Are Back

I never had Birkenstocks in college. Even though EVERYONE had them, they seemed a little expensive for something that looked so hideous to me. I chose to spend my money on multiple pairs of shoes from Payless at the time. Oh, how things have changed in SO many ways.

I had been hearing subtle buzz on ironically pairing Birkenstock slides with luxury designer brands. I gave it some slight side eye and moved on. Then I started seeing some of the high profile fashion bloggers doing it. Then I gave side eye with a raised eyebrow. Then this came out and I couldn't deny that something is really going on. Yep. They're back. But they don't seem to be as hideous as I remember. My winter vacation to St. Martin is coming soon, so I scooped a pair to start styling my resort wardrobe.

I think the key to not looking like a bum in these is to always dress them up and never down. I'll have some resort looks soon, but if I had it my way, this is how I'd roll...

Shoes: Birkenstock Madrid Sandal | Shorts: Johnathan Simkhai Leather Shorts | Tank: Buy Me Brunch Oh My God Becky Tank | Hat: Melissa Odabash Eva Panama Hat | Sunglasses: House of Harlow Chelsea Sunglasses | Bra: Dolce & Gabbana Lace Bra | Lip Balm: Laura Mercier Lip Balm | Bag: Tory Burch Robinson Adjustable Mini Bag

Peer Pressure

My BFF from middle school is making her annual migration into town next weekend to to celebrate her birthday...unless we have a super blizzard like clowns on Facebook are pontificating. These parties always end up being sort of a reunion because tons of folks show up that we've known since elementary school. She had a personal request for me to dress down this year. Her exact words were if I were to "show up looking busted" it would be a thrill to see. Does this girl even know me? I mean, it's not my birthday, so I would never wear a tutu, but seriously. I took her request to heart because she is the sweetest and I only see her once a year, but as far as dressing down goes, all I could come up with was leggings. I don't know where the party is going to be this year because the bar under the bridge near the river that we usually frequent recently had a stabbing. Maybe leggings are good for this event...getaway pants?

Since DC Fashion Week is coming soon, I decided it was a good time to go ahead and get the Rodarte "Radarte" tee that I've been side eyeing. I hadn't really decided if it is going to be fashion forward for this area or just douchey. I'm just gonna go with it and take it on a test run tonight to GBD for fried chicken, beer and doughnuts. I want to layer it, but I haven't decided if it will be over a denim shirt with rolled sleeves (could be interesting) or under it (predictable and ordinary). I could also put a denim jacket over it, but I want the butt coverage of the denim shirt since I'm going for action pants. I guess I could put a long tank under it and put the denim jacket over it? Or maybe the weather will dictate boots? I'll be trying some looks over the next few days!

T Shirt: Rodarte "Radarte" Shirt in Black Heather | Shirt: Current/Elliott Denim Shirt | Leggings: David Lerner Classic Leggings | Jacket: Billabong Faux Leopard Jacket | Clutch: My own Marc Jacobs Quilted Zipper Clutch but similar here | Pumps: My own L.A.M.B. Oxeley pumps but similar here | Necklace: My own druzy from C. Wonder, but similar here

Boozey Bougie

If you know me, you know that two of my favorite things are candles and Adventure Time. Imagine my elation when this week I discovered that my two loves have been combined. It was like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup of life! Adventure Time introduced a new set of characters called The Hooligans Who Love Candles. These dudes really love candles. Like really. Actually more than I do because even though I have paid up to $90 for a candle, I don't think I'd actually rob anyone for one. Yet.

My holiday seasonal candles (pine, clove and animal butt) are almost spent, so it's time to replace them with winter candles before I start my spring rotation in March. I don't buy cheap candles. They will fill your air with fumes and synthetic fragrances that will smoke your walls and give you a sinus headache. I can't convince anyone that luxury candles are worth the price...it's just something you have to want. It doesn't really help that candle in French is "bougie". OK, I guess it does.

After my weekly key lime pie in Georgetown (2014 Resolution - MORE PIE) and some Bénédictine and Brandy courage, I scooted across to Blue Mercury for my winter candles. The boozey budget always says "Hey, it's not so bad. You can totally afford this."

I go back and forth about Diptyque. I remember when they used to be $45 and now they are $60. There are plenty of other brands in this price range that are made with quality ingredients with more burn time, but a Diptyque is always going to be phenomenal. I am never disappointed. The Ambre is spicy and warm...perfect for my bedroom.

For the animals that share my DNA, I got the Lafco Myrrh and Cassis which has been a consistent choice of mine for years. I burn this in the kids' rooms before they go to bed so they have a soothing environment for their bedtime rituals. They are straight up behaving like gremlins at that point in the evening so anything that encourages them to calm the hell down is key. Lafco candles are usually about the same price as Diptyque but with a 20-30 hour additional burn time. Their handblown glasses are always great to use afterwards.

Just remember an even burning candle lasts longer. Your first burn should melt the wax all the way to the glass edge, always trim your wick and snuff it, don't blow it!

Candles: Diptyque Ambre Candle and Lafco Boudoir Candle