vino pairing

this post is for the winos, the foodies, and anyone who is need of a fabulous pair of suede leggings.  but first, we would like to focus on some amazing food.

Angel hair pasta with Thai style prawns

Pumpkin bisque with Cajun toasted pumpkin seeds

Prosciutto wrapped greens

Feta and spinach stuffed chicken with a balsalmic glaze

Apple tarte

a local winery hosts their first "Harvest Dinner & Wine Pairing," so naturally Erika and I had to be a part of it.  the event feautured a gourmet, six course meal, where each course was accompanied by a hefty sample of one of their 100%, Virginian wines.  we really starting indulging in the wine community about two years ago.  honestly, I don't know how I went so long in life without it, but as they say, it's an "acquired taste."    after attending my fair share of wine festivals in the area, I have grown a fond love and appreciation for Virginia wines.  I bet you didn't know that there are only four states that have more wineries than Virginia,  how awesome is that?  believe it or not, Virginia's soil and climate are ideal for grape-growing.  given Paradise Springs is the closest winery in Virginia to Washington, it makes for a nice, cheap cab ride home too.

erika (left): Free People Sweater seen here on Cupcakes and Cashmere, Mimi Chica Dress found at Nordstrom, Lucky Brand shoes, Street Level Tote found at Southmoon Under
natalie (right): Hue Leggings, Forever 21 Fur Vest, G by Guess Nude Pumps, Ann Taylor Loft Tie Neck Blouse, Stella Dot Jewelry

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brown suede shorts

Erika came home for a little early fall break, aka Virginia Tech had an away game that weekend so there was no reason for her to not come home and hang with her favorite sister, (me).  we crammed a fair amount of  activities into this weekend.  we ate our favorite burritos from Anita's, danced by ourselves in a sports bar in Arlington, attended our first wine pairing at Paradise Springs (pictures to come), and then drove to FedEx Field for the Redskins vs. Eagles football game on Sunday.  all of which made for a flawless weekend in nova.  we have had a strange fall so far though,  filled with either really warm or really cold days.  I can't really argue with the warmer days, I will take as many as I can get.  every year there's always a little bit of denial when it comes to changing the season of my closet, giving away the breezy blouse's spot to chunky sweaters.  thankfully, this fall has let me hold on to summer a little bit longer.  the term "fall shorts" may seem like an oxymoron, but we're all for it.  our perfect pair for fall are these neutral, suede shorts, accommodating of our indian summer.  the structured pleats on this pair make for something easy to dress up or down.  and if you can't tell yet, I l o v e an item that transitions well from day to night.

FOREVER 21 SUEDE SHORTS, STEVE MADDEN WEDGES, FREE PEOPLE BLOUSE 

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fur-sure

who doesn't need the Beale Convertible Satchel?  firstly, "I die" over fur ever since Rachel Zoe made it a staple to every girl's want-list by showcasing how easily it can and will turn any outfit chic.  it was the Trendsday Item on Send the Trend and god knows, I love a good sale.  but I think the size of this bag is just perfect, to hold what seems as my ever-growing "must have with me at all times" items, and the fur detailing is just enough to not get tomatoes thrown at me by PETA when I wear it out for brunching in DC this winter (not that it's real fur, I am an avid animal lover, but because honestly I think those people love to throw things).  what fur peices are you incorporating in to your fall/winter wardrobe? I would love some more myself!

xo,

Natalie

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love & gelato

this post begins with crisp, cranberry nail polish and a toast to my beautiful cousin, the bride to be.  so clearly every girl dreams of this moment, and this is hers.  and I am capturing every single wedding particle that I can.  we just celebrated her engagement with a girls night out and it was pretty much a food wet dream.  starting off at Mon Ami Gabi, for champagne, baked brie, and a apple and beet salad that was more than pleasurable.  having no room for dessert, I un-did a belt buckle and we went across the street and indulged in a cup of gelato for dessert.  brittany and I naturally can't really resist a sweet treat that takes us back to our Italian roots.  Pitango is all natural gelato, that comes in way too many amazing flavors.  thank the lord, they give you the option of two flavors per cup.  not to mention the place is adorable, but everything is organic or freshly imported.  ok I'm done talking about food I swear,  and we can get to my favorite part - her perfectly pleated, coral, Jessica Simpson dress, with ruffles in all the right places.  she was stunning.  and given this indian summer we seem to be having, I'd love to see this dress again paired with a snazzy blazer. 

p.s. how about that rock?

JESSICA SIMPSON COLLECTION DRESS 

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knots & braids

So were all sitting down enjoying Natalie's 24th birthday dinner and all of a sudden we look up and notice our Aunt Chantal has created these stunning hairstyles in a matter of minutes. It just goes to show you what a few knots and braids can really achieve!  Chantal has also been a huge part of our inspiration for fashion and design, as well as the closest thing to a big sister that Natalie never had!  She pretty much taught us everything there is to know about being girly, from dancing and music, to the fact that nude lipstick is the greatest thing that was ever invented.  I'm pretty sure she had us loving MAC by age 11.  As creative as she is with hair, she also has a serious eye for interior design. I'm sure Natalie will soon post some pictures of her new adorable apartment that Chantal and her decorated, and I have also left you a link to her Facebook page which you should definitely check out!! 

Make sure you check out Its Done by Chantal Gibson on Facebook!  

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DSS: Part II

here's a few of my mobile uploads of District Sample Sale 2011  

we found ourselves having to attempt to try on clothes, drinks in hand. this takes pure talent.  solving this problem, sending a quick picture text to your sister asking 'yes or no?' gets the job done just as effectively.  except for of course when all that's left is size 8 and your already emotionally invested, that's when the only solution is that you make a promise with yourself that you will be first in line next season at the District Sample Sale.  and sixties mod threw up on fall 2011, seen here in this trench. to be clear, I am not mad about it.

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