Work Smart to Play Hard

I'm beyond excited to start the day because I'm spending it with the one and only DCFoodporn! I'll be updating a ton on instastories so make sure you follow along.  We'll be hitting up more than one place so it should be a good time - hopefully my food coma won't be TOO bad!

Then, I'm getting up early to teach on Saturday and heading to the Walters Art Museum to get my exploration on afterwards.  It's been years since I last went so I'm pumped!  On Sunday, I have a longgggg but awesome shoot planned with Jared Wolfe in Alexandria, VA.  I'm probably going to be there all day, but no complaints here!  We always get a lot of really cool shots so I'm pumped to work with him again.  What are you guys up to this weekend? Do you have any cool plans?

I used to be obsessed with working 24/7, but my mentality's changed quite a bit over the last few months. I genuinely DO think it's possible to have it all!  You can be a girl boss, while making the most of life.  Yes, sacrifice is obviously necessary, but if you work smart, your efficiency will allow you (at least) some breathing room.  Plus, it's all a crucial part of your education anyway so put yourself out there and try new things as often as possible.

I've been doing fun stuffs each week to challenge myself, and I feel so much happier which in turn helps my productivity.  See? I told you it was a total win-win!  So, join me on my journey to grab life by the balls and kick ass all day, every day.

Now, a few words on today's featured OOTD!  I decided to style a super casual look for you guys. I centered my getup around my new Laila Jayde tank and paired it with skinnies.  To battle the cold, I threw on a fab coat from Free People (I bought it at Last Call last year) and wore velvet booties to match.  I finished things off by carrying a statement bag from Handbag Heaven!  I don't know if ombre is still "in" or not, buttt I don't really care.  I like it, and that's all that matters, ha!  What do you guys like to wear on the daily? Describe your everyday "uniform."

 Tank:  Laila Jade || Bag:  Handbag Heaven || Jeans:  Aeropostale || Coat:  Free People via Last Call || Shoes:  Amiclubwear ($32.50)

Photos shot by the wonderful Sung Shin.

SS Eats: Fyve Restaurant @ the Ritz

Pumped to share my latest nom adventure with you guys!  I'll be reviewing Fyve's lunch menu for y'all today on SS. Now, before we get into it all, here's an interesting tidbit:  the name of their restaurant was inspired by the Pentagon, which has five sides, five points, five floors above ground, five ring corridors per for, and a five-acre centre plaza.  And, like all Ritz establishments, the place oozed sophistication and class - I was beyond impressed with the decor, and the service was (unsurprisingly) impeccable.

While we looked over the menu, the bf and I were served fresh bread with a trio of spreads:  whipped butter, olive oil, and an artichoke dip that was ridiculously yum.  We started our meal with two delicious cocktails.  Both of them were on point, but I enjoyed the Puzzle Palace (the one with the flower petals) more.  Made with Bowman Brothers Bourbon, St. Germain and orange + walnut bitters, it was expertly mixed.  I definitely want to go back and sample their other drinks!

Our starters came out shortly after - we decided to share the onion soup ($11) and beet carpaccio ($13), and both dishes were perfection!  The soup came out piping hot (as expected) and was a bowl of cheesy magic.  The beet carpaccio was almost too pretty to eat.  The chef used red, gold, and candy beets for the app and garnished it with mizuna.  To enhance its flavor profile, he sprinkled pine nuts and goat cheese on top.

For entrees, we went with Ahi Tuna Sliders, Atlantic Salmon, and Shrimp & Grits.  The sliders came with wasabi mayo and pickled ginger and were accompanied by fried onion rings.  The salmon was priced at $25 and came with a yukon potato puree, yellow & green patty pan squash, sea beans, and red pepper coulis. I don't eat fish so I didn't get to sample either of these, but my bf said they were both phenomenal.  In fact, he took his leftovers home and ate everything for dinner so I'm assuming it was all delish!

Now, while my bf enjoyed his food, I destroyed my Shrimp & Grits.  I mean, just look at that plate! The photo doesn't do it justice.  They don't mess around here!  They give you five ginormous pieces that are cooked and seasoned to perfection, and the stone ground grits are to die for.  It also comes with artisan chorizo, which is a do on so many levels.  Hands down, the best shrimp & grits I've ever tasted. 

At this point, I was pretty much stuffed, but I couldn't resist trying their desserts because I'd heard so many incredible things about their pastry chef.  Everything sounded hella good, but Robby and I ended up getting the Mocha Latte Creme Brûlée and Chocolate Caramel Peanut Crunch.

The creme brûlée was topped with whipped cream and came with mini-vanilla chocolate madelines. The presentation was on point, but it tasted even better than it looked.  Like, I finished the entire dessert...by myself, ha.  Luckily, Robby preferred the cake.  If you're a fan of peanut butter, you need to indulge in this goodness STAT. The layers are as follow: Valhrona Milk & Dark Chocolate Mousses, Salted Caramel, and Peanut Feuillittine.  Then all that yum is topped with caramel sauce, VA peanut brittle and served with vanilla ice cream.

If you're looking for a fab place to dine in DC, hit up Fyve for an incredible meal.  A huge thanks to the Ritz Pentagon City for having us.

Find of the Day: The Mesh Ruffle Top ($17)

I'm a huge fan of mesh, and although I own a lot of clothes with pops of the fabric, never in my life did I think I was ever going to wear an entire piece made of it.  When I saw this piece online at ASOS, I immediately added it to my cart...only to leave it there unpurchased.  To be honest, I've always thought it was a skimpy and somewhat scandalous material so I wasn't sure I'd feel 100% comfortable wearing it.  Well, as you can see, I decided to take the plunge.  I mean, it was on sale for $17, plus I could always return it if I wasn't feeling it.

Needless to say, I'm beyond pumped that I decided to step outside my comfort zone.  I seriously fell in love with the top the second I tried it on!  The piece has a relaxed fit with an asymmetric ruffle hem, and it's ridonkulously cute.  For those of you wondering, I'm wearing a US 4, and it fits me perfectly.

I paired the top with a lacy bralette and high-waisted skinnies to keep things modest and threw on a moto jacket on top for extra warmth.  To finish things off, I carried my Chanel boy and slipped on my favorite animal print heels!

Shop my look: 

Jacket:  Boohoo (similar) || Top:  ASOS ($17) || Jeans:  Aeropostale (similar) || Bag:  Chanel (look for less) || Bralette:  Gentle Fawn (similar)

Photos shot by the fabulous Sung Shin.