What A Wore: Night Out in the Neighborhood

Hi C & C readers! Katie here...

Two weekends ago I had some time to myself and decided to head over to Mazza Gallerie (a shopping area a mile from our house) to return a few things and browse for anything I might "need." The timing was perfect! Neiman Marcus was having an INCREDIBLE sale and I got this Shoshanna dress for $130 down from $360! To add to the visit, they were serving gelato while you shopped! For a minute I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Discount shopping and gelato all in one? 

With summer (and its humidity) in full effect here, the lightweight dress was perfect for a night out with friends at our new neighborhood restaurant - Macon. Playing on the two towns, Macon, GA, and Macon, France, the cuisine is Southern meets French, and it is delicious! 

Our neighborhood (Chevy Chase DC) was in dire need of a local haunt with good food, wine, and cocktails. And I've got one word for Macon (in French or English), bravo! 

The service is friendly (just what you'd want in a neighborhood restaurant), the wine list is chalk full of obscure and delicious French wines, the cocktails are innovative, and the food is DELICIOUS. I had the cauliflower steak with ratatouille, spring vegetable emulsion, and thyme crumble. It was AWESOME. This is definitely going to be my go-to for our nights out here. 

Both of our friends ordered the shrimp and grits (a special that night) and gave it a 10 (and they are definite foodies). Unlike a more Southern shrimp and grits, they both said the French influence was very apparent in the dish.

Dr. B went for the class steak frites. I might have "borrowed" a few of his fries...and they were perfection. 

We started with an order of the biscuits with honey butter and pepper jelly (I didn't snap a pic). I'm not normally a bread person, but I've never turned down a biscuit - and these were worth every calorie. On our first visit to the restaurant (a few weeks prior), I also tried the le puy green lentils - which were savory, yet light all at the same time. These are going to be a favorite during the winter months. 

And, of course, I can't get out of a restaurant without dessert. The blackberry cobbler is served warm with creme fraiche in a mason jar. I've never met a cobbler I didnt' like, and this was no exception. We also tried the coffee praline sundae - and needless to say it looked as if we'd (okay, maybe me) licked the jar clean. 

If you live in the D.C. area, do yourself a favor and add Macon to your date night list (they take reservations). You won't be sorry. 

Reader Request- A Maid of Honor Dress

This week's "Reader Request" is from C&C follower Lydia, who is a total fashionista in her own right. This gal has style, so when she wrote requesting the help of C&C with a Maid of Honor dress, I knew this would be a big challenge, with some serious pressure to deliver. 

First, let's talk the details of the wedding. It's at an uber cool venue in New Orleans and the bride has asked Lydia to be her only attendant. Knowing her BFF well, and that she has such great taste, the bride gave no restrictions on the dress. Talk about confidence!

Let's start with this AMAZING dress. Ironically, I found this dress and sent it to Lydia, only to find out it was already a front runner. Her only reservation is the length, as she isn't quite as leggy as this model (as if any of us are)! Good news, it also comes in petite. It will be hard to find something to top this (at least "on paper"), but I am going to try.

Anthropologie Rubied Dusk Dress $298

I was purusing Shopbop and came across this stunning Zimmermann dress. If she wants a solid dress in a more muted shade, this would be perfect!

Zimmermann Draped Dress $310

In that same color "family" is this ASOS dress. It's a stretch poly blend, which isn't the most fabulous of fabrics and could look really cheap in person, but the draping is a definite statement! 

It also comes in the blue/black combo. 

ASOS Origami Bonded Mini Dress $101.85

While we are talking solids, I LOVE this open back peplum dress. It's "ceremony" in the front and "reception" in the back! The "pink grapefruit" would be a lovely pop of color!

AQ AQ Open Back Structured Peplum Dress $277.79

This Coast Eva Halter Dress from ASOS is stunning. I LOVE the color, the draping and the beaded neckline. I want this dress!

Coast Eva Halter Dress $138.89

And, as always, there is Rent the Runway. There are so many fabulous frocks to choose from, so I decided to stick to prints. Lydia is no wall flower. This girl can pull off just about anything. She would look incredible in all of these dresses.

And if they don't make the cut for the wedding, they would also be great for a rehearsal dinner! The prices are right too...all but the Milly dress rent for $30-$50 (it's $75).

Shoshanna Barbara Dress 

Milly Hologram Dress 

Slate and Willow Derek Dress 

Tibi Reality Versus Dream Dress 

Tibi Rocco Mini Shift Dress

Truth be told, I have a wedding coming up in May, and all of these dresses are on my short list! 

Planning Ahead

We will be spending New Year's Eve in Sun Valley with our good friends. None of us have ever really "done it up" on New Year's (I know...we're pretty lame), so we will be leaving our little people at home for the night and hitting the town. We've made reservations at The Lodge Dining Room at the Sun Valley Resort for a night of dinner and dancing, totally old school style!

So the big question, what to wear? As always, Rent The Runway is my go-to! Here are the dresses I am considering?

Badgley Mischka Fifth Avenue Show Stopper ($75 rental)

Milly Sienna Sequin Stripe Dress (Rental $60)

Shoshanna Primary Lace Dress (Rental $65)

And my front runner....the Tibi Confetti Sequins Dress (Rental $100)

Which is your favorite?

Renting the Runway

While Katie has "Rented the Runway" before, I have yet to take advantage of this fantastic service. With Katie's wedding quickly approaching, I am considering renting dresses for a bridal luncheon and for the rehearsal dinner. We also have a wedding to attend in Napa in September, and I think I am going to rent for that event as well. Here are some of the dresses I currently "heart"(if you've been to the RTR site, you know the significance of this).

These are two of my favorites, but I hate having to deal with a backless dress that requires a special bra (or none at all).

Milly Spin the Wheel Maxi

Tibi Calla Lily Cap Sleeve

A sweetheart neckline with ruching is a good silhouette for me given my small bust. I love these prints, and Shoshanna is one of my favorites.  And, I like a short dress to show off the legs!

 I am loving these Yumi Kim dresses. Fun color combinations, cute style and very easy breezy!

And you can never go wrong with Tibi!

Which is your favorite?

Things That Caught My Eye

With my magazines I like to rip. If I see something I like, I tear it out. The other day I was reading both the July and August issues of People Style Watch (I'm a little behind) and I thought I'd share with you a few items that made my magazine pages fall victim to my little habit.  

Brave Leather "Devon" leather clutch - Love these! I think the lilac and tan is my favorite.

JC Penny "Audrina" straw tote - This tote is on sale right now for $21.99 in 3 colors! You can't beat that! 

LuLu's "Bon Bon Voyage" dress - This dress is so nautical and cute.  I'm not sure I could wear it, but I thought it was darling.

Shoshanna Fall 2011 - Always a favorite. Her Fall line is amazing. Make sure to click the link to check it out..

Me Too "Lysette" flat - These were shown in the magazine in a leopard print calf-hair, which I ADORE. I'm going to keep checking back on the Nordstrom site to see if they show up. Would be an amazing staple for Fall.

Shoshanna Fall 2009

Shoshanna was first made famous at the age of 17 when she dated Jerry Seinfeld. But the reason I know and love her is for her fabulous fashion line which she launched in 1998.
Her Fall 2009 collection is to die for. Here are a few of my favorite looks, but really I love them all.