Filed under: Uncategorized
I am loving everyone’s “obligatory end of the year posts” because there seems to be an overwhelming optimistic look toward 2010 and I’m feeling more inspired and motivated than ever! I’m so thankful that Z encouraged me to start this blog this year and feel incredibly blessed to “meet” so many of you!
Working in the financial services world, it was certainly a challenging year, but nothing could make some of the fabulous milestones from 2009 seem less significant…
2009 was the year one of my closest friends, my sister, got married. The weather was perfect, the cathedral was stunning, and the bride was breathtaking.
Due to said wedding, I lost my roommate. I moved into an apartment all on my own for the first time, and realized how great it can be!
2009 was also the first year Z and I traveled together and spent vacations with each other’s families. We’ve known each other for over 6 years now, but this year was definitely a significant one in our relationship 
With Z’s support, I started this blog! It started as a outlet to share shopping finds, but I had no idea that thousands of people would be interested enough to read it! Thanks to all of you for making this sooo worth it.
I’m really looking forward to many more milestones in the coming year! I hate that resolutions get a bad rap for being promises we make but don’t keep. In my mind, if I don’t tell myself to do something, I won’t do it. If I don’t tell myself that something is possible, I won’t believe that it is. So in 2010, I’m going to travel to places I’ve never been before. I’m going to take more pictures (especially during said travels). I’m going to hang pictures on my bare walls. I’m going to break down the walls that make me feel antisocial. I’m going to be more active about social networking. And all the while I’m going to I’m going to bring more Wonderfelle-ness to the blogosphere than you can handle!
On that note, I’ll be contributing to the DC Ladies, an online collaboration of ideas from women in Washington, DC on everything from fashion to food and parenting to pets. In the spirit of the new year, you can check out my shopping resolutions for the new year here!
What’s everyone doing for New Year’s Eve?! More importantly, what are you wearing?! I’m not a fan of overcrowded, overpriced shenanigans, so we’re going to dinner with a small group of friends and attempting to ring in the new year like grownups. I hope everyone has a fabulous (and safe) celebration and I’ll see yall in 2010!
(Images via Wonderfelle)
Filed under: Etsy, dresses | Tags: dress, Etsy, Magnolija Dress, Sarah Seven, winter
(via weheartit)
Dear Winter,
I’m sooo over you. Please just take your snow and freezing rain and leafless trees and go away. It’s not you, it’s me…
Cold regards,
Wonderfelle
Nothing like some White as Snow ($455) eye candy from none other than my Etsy obsession Sarah Seven to make a cold and bleak winter white seem whimsical! Oh and there’s a band of pearls at the waistline – perfection, no?
The layers of lace and sparkly beads on this White Day Dress ($220) are a recipe for quite a delightful concoction as well. I’m totally feeling these light and airy dresses right now. Maybe that’s because it’s so cold it HURTS MY FACE. Spring, I neeeed you already.
Filed under: bags, dresses, feathers, necklace | Tags: Anthropologie, clutch, dress, feather, necklace, Sue Wong, Theory, Topshop, wedding
Wonderfelle’s back in DC and looking forward to the upcoming long weekend… It was really nice to spend some time at home with Z and my family, but I could use a few more days for some relaxing “me” time! One of the things we did when we were home was take Z to see the ducks at the Peabody:
They are adorable little duckies that come down the elevator from their Royal Duck Palace on the hotel roof and march along a red carpet into a fountain in the lobby.
It’s a little silly, but still a fun show for out-of-towners! Anyway, these little duckies resurrected my obsession with Sue Wong’s feathered dresses. I’ve long been a fan of her feminine and intricate designs, but I just came across this gorgeous number…
Sue Wong Long Strapless Feather Gown ($658)
Destination wedding dress? Yes, please.
Theory Feather Trim Dress ($219), Anthropologie Feathered Links Necklace ($305), Feather Chain Handle Bag (£30.00)
Completely frosted in feathers not your thing? These pieces are enough to let you sport some plumage in a more subtle way.
(more feathered inspiration via Chris Nicholls)
Merry Christmas to all my Wonderfelle readers! Yall are seriously the best!!! The snowstorm in DC turned into heavy rain in Memphis, and now that it’s Christmas the sun is finally shining! I’m all cozy on the couch at my parents’ house, watching a 24 marathon (I never got into the show until i got sucked into an episode the other day while I was packing and now I’m pretty sure I want to name my first born Jack Bauer…), trying to catch up on the hundreds of posts in my google reader, and plotting my plan of attack for after Christmas sales!
I hope everyone got exactly what they wanted for the holidays! I know I sure did Besides getting pretty much everything on my list and more (including another LBD, with bows. surprised?), my wonderful Z also got me the adorable bow necklace that I swooned over last month and the most beautiful velvet studded purple Prada pumps. Best. Boyfriend. Ever.
I’ll be back next week with regular posts, but I wanted to wish everyone safe and happy holidays wherever you are!
(Images via Wonderfelle)
Filed under: dresses | Tags: BCBG, dress, Frocktastic, Net-A-Porter, Roland Mouret
I’m comfortably aware of the excessive number of little black dresses both in my closet (and waiting under the Christmas tree) and in this blog… but I will never get tired of a classic black dress paired with an overload of accessories and pretty shoes (not that I would pair anything with ugly shoes). But this doesn’t mean I’m not attracted to colored dresses as well! I certainly don’t discriminate, but in a sea of brightly colored suitors somehow it’s always the LBD that manages to convince me to take it home…
Enter the RM by Roland Mouret Rainbow Collection for Net-A-Porter. Celadon, mango, tangerine, rose, magenta, turquoise, and navy dresses are available in seven different styles. Not a black dress in sight, but I’m a little smitten with them all! Of course since they’re priced from $1,495 to $3,070, they’re wayyy beyond my budget. Clearly this doesn’t mean I have to settle for yet another LBD to satiate my need for bright frocktastic delight…
Jacquard V-Neck Halter Dress ($124), Strapless Draped Dress ($139), Cowl Neck Dress ($27), One-Shoulder Tiered Dress ($110), One-Shoulder Jersey Dress ($90), Strapless Gathered Cocktail Dress ($248), Side Ruffle Dress ($218)
These BCBG dresses are reasonably priced (most are on sale) and perhaps even more brightly hued than the Rainbow Collection! I’m personally eyeing the Strapless Draped Dress in a this Persian Blue color. Is your closet full of little black dresses or little bright dresses? (or both ?)
This post has almost instantaneously brightened (ha) up my day – since the pretty snow is slowly melting into the dirty, sludgy mess that I will have to trudge through on the way to work tomorrow (the downside to living so close to the office “the roads are bad” is never an acceptable excuse)… I’m not the happiest camper. Plus the snow storm derailed my weekend shopping plans and forced me to pay for expedited shipping on a few last minute presents – at this point I’m just praying my flight makes it home for Christmas!
(Janeane Marie Ceccanti)
The season 7 cast members of Project Runway were announced last week and I am so excited! Luckily the epic snowstorm that hit DC has relieved me of some obligations, so I’ve has some time to google stalk them beyond the sample portfolios on the Lifetime site. Seriously, I’m so pumped. Project Runway was the original source of my Bravo reality TV addiction, and even though it’s changed networks it hasn’t lost the most important character (Tim Gunn of course) and I will religiously watch until designers cease to “make it work.” My early favorites for season 7? Check these out…
(Amy Sarabi)
(Maya Luz)
Filed under: Investment of the Day, dresses | Tags: dress, DVF, Fifteen Twenty, sequins
I don’t know about yall, but for me this week has been crazy busy and I have a feeling it’s only going to get worse through the end of the year! I actually feel guilty about not being able to blog as much which made me realize how much I really care about A Wonderfelle World. I’ve invested so much into this that it physically bothers me to feel like I’m slacking. Because if there’s one thing I’m not, it’s a slacker.
Sooo, somewhere between year end madness at work, holiday parties, and ya know, the rest of life… I’ve spent a bit of time looking for a gold sequined dress for a fun (but not too formal) new years option, I stumbled upon this almost perfect DVF number (as in, it was a winner until I looked at the price)…
Institutional Investor: Chika Dress in Gold Sequins ($850)
Retail Investor: Fifteen Twenty Sequin Dress ($160)
I think a simple silhouette looks best with allover sequins – just throw on a ton of fun jewelry, black tights, and sky-high heels – add a fab blow out and you’re good to go. I just can’t fathom making the institutional investment for one night of fun (or even two or three)… So it’s a retail win for me! Do your New Year’s plans call for sequins?
Filed under: boots, dresses, earrings, heels, necklace | Tags: boots, dress, earrings, heels, ModCloth, necklace
December is almost halfway over already, ackk! When did that happen??? No matter how early I start thinking about the holidays and all they entail, I feel like I am always waiting until the penultimate minute to find the perfect gift for the last few people on my list or the perfect outfit for that cocktail party that unexpectedly popped up on my social calendar … So it’s time to get down to business, for real. I’m sure everyone’s got a holiday party (or 10) still to come, but with all the other shopping for others that needs to be done, there may not be a huge budget for you to spend on your own festive attire. I think the easiest way to spice up what’s already in your closet is investing in some sparkly jewelry, but I’ve also found some great pieces- all UNDER $100- at Modcloth that would be perfect for a number of occasions…
Jill of All Trades Dress in CEO ($50), Red Eye Delightful Earrings ($16), A-Cute Triangle Heels in Black ($45), Putting on the Glitz Dress ($99)
My office holiday party is usually a classy affair directly after work at a nearby hotel – so in this case office attire doubles as party attire. Nothing too crazy going on here, but a little sparkle adds a festive touch whether its in the form of jewelry or an embellished neckline. The same conservative chic looks could also work for that potentially awkward holiday dinner with your significant other’s family – ya know, the one where you’re anxiously “trying to making a good impression” and not discussing how awesome Jersey Shore is…
Lucky Star Dress in Dance ($80), Saturday Night Disco Ring ($15), 24 Karat Heels ($43), Shine of the Times Dress ($70)
My favorite holiday parties are those of the cocktail variety 
But seriously, I love taking some time to actually primp and getting a little more dressed up than usual. And what goes better with a cocktail dress than a cocktail ring and some sequined shoes? Maybe a new faux fur coat… I’m just sayin.
Lava Lounge Dress ($60), What a Pearl Wants Necklace ($35), Motorcycle Maven Boot ($45) Etched in Stone Dress ($68)
For those dinner parties with friends that call for more casual attire, I’m adamantly against the idea of ugly Christmas sweaters and I don’t do “jeans and a insert-holiday-color top.” So in this case, festive attire for me might just mean playing with textures or metallics, layering on the jewelry, and showing up with a bottle of bubbly.
Like a good southern gal, you know I take my pearls seriously… so I’m all about investing in a quality pearl necklace (or several) and keeping things simple and elegant. However, for a more fun, less classic look like the pearl and ribbon necklaces below, I’m not sure that I’d make the institutional investment…
Institutional Investor: Lanvin Pearl Collier ($590)
Retail Investor: Ann Taylor Pearl and Tulle Necklace ($65)
That $65 could go a long way in dressing up a simple tee or tank and you’ll have plenty of dough left to spend on a pretty patterned bag or a gift for your guy too!
Filed under: ballet flats, dresses, skirts, tops | Tags: ballet, corset, dress, flats, Nutcracker, skirt
This time of year it seems like there are always performances of the Nutcracker taking place- regardless of where you might be. Z and I were reminiscing about how we used to go every year in our respective hometowns, and he mentioned he wanted to see a performance together, so… I’m surprising him with tickets to see it next week at the Warner Theatre (and he’s finding this out as he reads this – surprise dear!)… I know, I’m the best
(images via Rachel Papo)
Anyway, I must have had this post on my mind when I was shopping this weekend, because I might have bought a LBD inspired by ballerinas… There’s something completely delightful about layers upon layers of fluffy tulle, embellished corsets, and dainty ballet flats that’s drawing me to these feminine pieces right now…
Jasmin de Milo Nude Strapless Corseted Dress ($546), Needlepoint Corset Top ($168), Report Women’s Celia Ballerina Flat ($36), Tulle Ballet Skirt ($16)
This post is even more fitting since I’m spending this rainy day curled up in bed watching SATC reruns on demand… Who could forget this iconic ballerina get up:
