shell chic'd

Little Bach Dress

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black off the shoulder dressIf summer is wedding season, spring is bachelorette season. And nothing says bachelorette party more than party beads, penis straws, and the little black dress.

Unless you’re team of bridesmaids I saw wearing rottweiler t-shirts this passed weekend? Guess we had to be there.

Recently I found a picture of myself at one of 2016’s last-flings-before-the-ring wearing a black scallop shift and then I crawled into a hole and cried because I’m 28 not 58. Newsflash girlfriends who let me get away with that:: Just because I have a blog does not mean I always make appropriate choices when it comes to dressing myself and you should probably let me know that.

Anywho, Tobi.com to the rescue this year—this little black off the shoulder dress is the perfect combination of too-married-for-bodycon-but-I-can-still-show-some-skin and so-comfortable-it-almost-shouldn’t-be-allowed-in-a-bar. Win WIN chickadees.

bachelorette party dressesoff the shoulder dresses with strapsblack off the shoulder dresseskate spade lilac Cameron Street Byrdie Crossbodylisi lerch purple tassel necklacepink wall bostonblack off the shoulder top outfit Tobi Tuscan Nights Black Off the Shoulder Dress c/o | Lavender Tassel Necklace | Cameron Street Byrdie Crossbody | Similar Embellished Heels 1; 2; 3

So playful, right?

Do you have your GNO looks in order for bachelorette season? Next stop, Drybar!

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There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl’s complexion

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Easy Holly Golightly CostumeHappy Halloween beauty queens!

It’s been a bit since we’ve celebrated around here, no? In the spirit of today, and to honor the recent addition of Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Netflix {#weekendplans}, I’m offering you a quick look—take it or leave it—at an easy Holly Golightly costume. Because, Emily Fanning = basic AF since 1989.

audrey hepburn halloween costumeYou all know eShakti, right? We’ve chatted about this pick-your-own-adventure clothing brand before. I was in need of a fresh LBD and have been on the search for one with a drop-waist or flounce skirt. This poplin shift dress was close, but I’m always hesitant about ordering short-sleeve dresses without trying them on first, on account of my lack-of-Katie-Couric-toned-arms. Easy fix though: for this dress alone, I had seven sleeve types to choose from. To top that, 20 neckline choices. TBH, I was too overwhelmed by that to take full advantage of the customization. As shown, please.

I’m not going to pretend eShakti is for costume hunting-only purposes—it boasts hundreds of choices of customizable pieces for every occasion—but it would have been so easy to be Eleven. Kate Middleton. Cinderella even?

black drop waist dress Black Drop Waist Dress c/o | Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses | Multistrand Pearl Necklace | Elbow-Length Gloves | Pink Suede Heels

Off to reminisce on college Halloweens and drown my sorrows in KitKats…xo

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Little Black Scallop Dress

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Pink Suede PumpsOne of my favorite Valentine’s Days spent with MJF was at Trident. No prix fixe menu, no candlelight. Just panini and some post-dinner book shopping in a little nook on Newbury Street.

…that sounds slightly more romantic now that I type it out. It was casual and I was dressed in yoga pants, I can assure you.

BUT I wouldn’t be a #fashionblogger if I didn’t at least pretend to dress up for a Valentine’s Date Night.

It’s been a while since I’ve hung out with eShakti! Though this black scallop dress caught my eye recently, reminding me of this one from Club Monaco last year. ‘Cept the thing with this brand is, you can customize your purchases. I was drawn to the tiered scallop goodness on its own, but add some cute cap sleeves and bring that hem line up a bit? Oho now.

Lilsi Lerch Pink Tassel EarringsBlack Scallop DressBlack Cap Sleeve DressVintage Black Coach BagValentine's Day BostonClub Monaco Scalloped DresseShakti Dress Review

eShakti Black Scallop Dress c/o [use code shellchicd for 10% off your eShakti purchase until March 4th!] | Lisi Lerch Coco Tassel Earrings | Target Tortoise Sunglasses|  Vintage Coach Clutch | H&M Pink Suede Heels [similar]

Whatcha doin’ for Valentine’s Day this year bettys? Do kiss and tell xx

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Britt Ryan Holiday

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Britt Ryan Holiday 2013 Review

Bold prints. Classic shapes. Feminine details. Local brand. Does it really come as any surprise that I am thrilled to be working with Britt Ryan this season?!

I’ve partnered with Britt Ryan’s signature store, conveniently located here in Boston on Newbury, to show off some pieces from their stunning Madmen-inspired holiday collection. But first, in case you haven’t been in, I want to reveal how darling the boutique itself is. It’s pretty much like taking a step into my dream walk-in closet…

Britt Ryan Newbury

girly dressing room

Pearl Bubble Necklace; Gold Sequin FLutter Sleeve Dress

ribbon hangers

blue bangle bracelets

Birdcage Jewelry Case

You all must know by now that I can’t resist a little black dress [I think they are the ultimate investment pieces; example a + b], so when store manager Christianna handed me this one with beaded details and a big ol’ bow, I swooned.

photo 1

[ Draper Dress, $238 | Cream Cuff, $24 ]

Black Bow Dress

photo 34

Bow Collar Dress

pssst! And if you’ve got longer legs than me, it’s even more stunning!

I’ll be sharing more party-perfect looks from Britt Ryan this month + next, and if you’re not in the Boston area, don’t panic! Britt’s designs are sold in boutiques all across the US [click here for a full list], plus online at Tuckernuck [another favorite of mine!].

If you buy or order [anna@brittryan.com] from the Boston store, be sure to mention shell chic’d for 10% off your purchase! Holiday season is here you all—time to start stocking up on glittery essentials 🙂

[ Britt Ryan ]
[ 291 Newbury Street ]
[ Boston, MA ]
[ 857-284-7196 ]

A Stroll Around Beacon Hill

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image-1A few months ago, I was asked to participate in BostInno’s Fall Lookbook, and I’m so excited to finally be able to share all of the photos today! [ You can see the BostInno feature here. ]

Acorn Street Beacon Hill

I knew I wanted to share the classic style of one of my favorite Boston neighborhoods, Beacon Hill. I could spend hours in this corner of the city, anytime of year [it’s definitely the location of my dream home], but I especially adore it during the fall. The crowds have calmed down, and it’s beyond picturesque for strolling around, latte in hand.

Black Scalloped Dress

[ outfit details ]
Scalloped Dress, J.Crew [similar 1; 2] | Trench Coat, London Fog | Pearls, vintage [similar] | Earrings, Pistachio via Mint Julep | Knot Bracelet, Oh Buoy Boston | Clutch, vintage Coach [similar] | Ballet flats, Kimchi Blue

DSC_0858

Hair by BeStyled Blow Dry

My curls are courtesy of BeStyled in Chestnut Hill— read my review of the new blow dry salon here!

Beacon Hill Macarons

London Fog Tan Trench Coat

I think one of the ultimate outwear investments for New England gals is a good trench coat. They’re classic, and incredibly versatile. I love this London Fog one with its removable liner for extra cold days— it can take you from 65 degrees and drizzling to 30 degrees and snowing!

Beacon Hill Fashion

[ neighborhood summary ]
who:: There is a romantic feel to Beacon Hill, but it’s just as fun for girlfriend brunch-and-shopping dates, or strolling on your own.
what:: Lots of history [Nichols House Museum; Museum of African American History], shopping on Charles Street; coffee breaks in cafes, and Acorn Street— the most photographed street in America!
when:: Anytime of year, though crowded on summer weekends and slippery in the winter!
where:: Breakfast at The Paramount | Coffee at Cafe Vanille | Macarons at Beacon Hill Chocolates | Dinner at 75 Chestnut
wear:: Beacon Hill is chic. Rarely do I walk around this neighborhood and find folks underdressed. That being said, it is full of cobblestone streets and—obviously—hills, so avoid heels and other uncomfortable shoes!

bonus (in the spirit of this week!):: You aren’t a true Bostonian unless you can claim you’ve done Halloween in Beacon Hill… or at least stopped by for a glimpse of John Kerry greeting trick-or-treaters at his home in Louisburg Square 🙂

What are your favorite things about Beacon Hill?

LBD

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audrey hepburn breakfast at tiffany's

Audrey Hepburn has taught me a lot of things over the years, but one thing that always stands out is the fact that you can never go wrong with a little black dress. eShakti is an online retailer that offers clothes customized to your body, and when they offered to send me a dress of my choice, I couldn’t resist snagging a classic LBD that I knew would be versatile and I could customize to perfectly suit my body. Give them your measurements, adjust the neck, sleeves, and hemline to fit your shape and your taste. How can you go wrong with that?? Bonus: As a limited time offer, eShakti is offering a $25 gift certificate and free customization to new customers on their first order!

eshakti black bow dress

Dress, c/o eShakti [sold out; similar favorites 1; 2; 3; 4]
Patent flats, Kimchi Blue for Urban Outfitters [similar]

audrey hepburn dress

black bow dress

Disclosure: I was provided a dress for review by eShakti; all opinions expressed are my own.

Happy Anniversary!

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Today is the 50th anniversary of my favorite classic movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I don’t remember how old I was when I first watched Holly Golightly stroll down 5th Avenue with her pastry (the taste of which Audrey actually hated!), but I do know she has been my style icon ever since.

Hope everyone is rocking their LBDs in this film’s honor today!!