dress Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Popcorn and Pandas

Dinner Party

There’s nothing like an impromptu Saturday night dinner party! I broke out the fine china (for only the second time in two years…let’s just say was about time to put those amazing wedding gifts to good use), and whipped up a little Italiano meal for the hubs and my friends Brooke (a new Brooklynite) and Kendel (visiting from Baltimore). Pasta with red sauce, breaded chicken, mixed green salad, and a bottle of red (or maybe two bottles of red). Doesn’t get much better than that huh? Except for maybe the little game of “Flip Coaster” we invented after dinner. Don’t even get me started on how insanely good Brooke is at this game–she put us all to shame. We had so much fun that we completely lost track of time, and the fact that we were supposed to be meeting friends out in Manhattan that night. Zack ended up crashing, but the girls and I rallied for a fun little night at the Back Room on the Lower East Side. The Back Room is a swank little speakeasy that serves cocktails in teacups and beer bottles in paper bags. We had a great time, and I’m thinking we will need to have a repeat date sometime soon!

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: Free People (old) – view their current dress collection! / Leather Jacket: Vintage – love this asymmetrical alternative / Tights: Urban Outfitters / Boots: ALDO / Cardigan: Forever 21 (old) / Bag: Chinatown / Scarf: Gift / Necklace: Guilty Jean / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Baublebar / Lip: Lancome Luxe / China: Lenox Chirp

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was quite relaxing, and I’m looking forward to chilling out this week as well. I’m a bit excited about the extra daylight hour. It reminds me that spring is right around the corner!

Happy Birthday to my twin cousins, Briana and Victoria, today! Love you girls!

XO,

Gina

Oscar Favorites

Happy Monday!

Today I want to share some of my favorites from the Oscar Red Carpet. Two major trends I saw this year were metallics and pale neutral colors. Of course, there were a few pops of bright color in there as well. There were so many to choose from this year (even the gentlemen rose to the occasion!), but these were on the top of my list.

JessicaChastain — Jessica Chastain looking gorgeous in Giorgio Armani – Steve Granitz/WireImage

StacyKeibler — Stacy Keibler in a stunning metallic dress from Naeen Khan – Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

AmyAdams — Loving Amy Adams in this gown from Oscar De La Renta – I could be biased, because it reminds me of my wedding dress – Kevin Mazur/WireImage

JenniferLawrence — Oscar Winning Best Actress Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture – Steve Granitz/Wire Image

CharlizeTheron- — Charlize Theron with a sexy haircut and sleek white dress from Dior Haute Couture – Michael Buckner/Getty Images

AmandaSeyfried — Amanda Seyfried looking sophisticated in Alexander McQueen – Kevin Mazur/WireImage

HalleBerry — Halle Berry never fails to be a showstopper. Looking amazing as always in Versace. – Steve Granitz/WireImage

ChanningTatum — Oh Channing, I know you have a pregnant wife, but you are so ridiculously handsome. – Getty Images

JenniferGarner — Jennifer Garner supporting her hubby, Ben Affleck in this beautiful bordeaux number from Gucci – Steve Granitz/Wire Image

NaomiWatts — Naomi Watts sparkling in Giorgio Armani – Jason Merrit/Getty Images

KerryWashington — Kerry Washington brings a pop of color to the Red Carpet in this fabulous dress by Miu Miu – Jason Merrit/Getty Images

NicoleKidman — Nicole Kidman shining bright in L’Wren Scott – Steve Granitz/WireImage

EddieRedmayne — Les Mis star, Eddie Redmayne dressed in Alexander McQueen and looking dapper. Loving those shoes. – Kevin Mazur/WireImage

DanielDayLewis — Best Actor, Daniel Day Lewis rocking navy and black by Domenico Vacca – Jason Merrit/Getty Images

SandraBullock — Sandra Bullock looking ever so classy in Elie Saab – Jason Merrit/Getty Images

BradleyCooper — Loving the slicked back hair, baby blues, and Tom Ford tux on Bradley Cooper – Steve Granitz/Wire Image

HughJackman — Hugh Jackman looking smashing in Tom Ford – Jason Merrit/Getty Images

JenniferAniston — The always adorable Jennifer Aniston donning a bright red gown from Valentino – Steve Grantiz/Wire Image

Would love to know your Red Carpet favorites as well!

I had a great time watching the Academy Awards last night with the hubby. I felt very knowledgable about a lot more of the films this year, because of our Race to the Oscars. I also thought the competition was really fantastic this year. So many amazing pieces of work were nominated, and so many categories held really wonderful options for winners. There was a even a tie in the Sound Editing category this year. I have never heard of an Oscar tie! What an honor to share. The performances were great, and there was even a guest appearance by our First Lady–what a surprise! Congrats to Argo and Ben Affleck for winning Best Picture. How exciting!

I had a great weekend fulfilling a bucket list item (more to share on that later!), date nights with the hubby, coaching basketball, and relaxing. Looking forward to a busy week ahead as well.

Hope you all have a great week too!

XO,

Gina

Turquoise Tights

These shots were taken last weekend before heading out to our little karaoke night. So much fun by the way! Mr. Biggs seriously has the BEST karaoke in the city in terms of talent. Although your average Joe (ahem me) might be a little uncomfortable getting up there to sing after someone belts out “Diamonds” almost as good as Rihanna. Seriously, I’m not lying. This place has some amazing talent, and considering there is no cover charge, it’s like getting a free Broadway quality performance every time I go. Fortunately, my girl Melissa and I don’t care if we aren’t as good as the rest. We just say, “Even though we may not have quite the singing talent they do, we can sure put on a hell of a show!”

Photos by: Zack Notes

Dress: Mystique Boutique (old) / Tights: Target / Jacket: Wilson’s Leather – similar on sale! / Booties: Go Jane – similar here (Donald J Pliner), here (Sam Edelman) and here (Target) / Clutch: NY & Co – similar / Panda Ring: nOir Jewelry / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bracelets: Oja Jules and gift from cousin / Lip: Lancome Fuchsia Clutch / Nails: Essie Marshmallow

It’s FRIDAY!!! And guess what that means? GIRLS WEEKEND IN BROOKLYN! The hubby is heading out of town after work today to hang with his college rugby buddies in DC, and my girls from Maryland are coming up for a Brooklyn weekend! Yayy! This will be the first true girl’s weekend since moving into our Brooklyn apartment (which has now been over a year). So excited to get some quality girl time with good friends.

What are you up to this weekend?

XO,

Gina

Winter White

This ivory jacket and polka dot tights were amongst some of my favorite Christmas gifts I received this year. Paired with an ivory and gold shimmery dress and a gold clutch, this made for the perfect New Year’s Eve outfit this year. I also had the opportunity to break out my old wedding shoes for the first time since the big day. Who knew I would be ever wearing these babies again?

Photo by: Zack Notes

Ivory Coat: Express (sold out) – other ivory coats I adore from Nordstrom (here and here), Theory via Saks, Michael by Michael Kors via Victoria’s Secret, and Victoria’s Secret / Dress: Forever 21 / Tights: Madewell (currently on sale!) / Shoes: Nina (brides, there is a ridiculous sale on these beauties!) / Sunnies: Ann Taylor LOFT / Clutch: (old) / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Bow Earrings: ALDO / Necklace and Rings: Family gifts / Lip: Lancome Groupie / Nails: Essie Metallics Good as Gold

Had a fantastic time this past weekend in the city. Friday, I said my farewells to a good friend who is moving back to Connecticut to go to grad school. My second bedroom is open whenever you want to come visit!

Saturday hung out with the hubs during the day, made some yummy breakfast, took down the Christmas tree (wahhh), and…wait for it…went to see Les Mis!!! Oh my gosh, it was so amazing. Bring your tissues! I have never seen the show, so I didn’t really know what to expect other than that it would be quite depressing. However, I really enjoyed the movie, and thought Anne Hathaway had a spectacular performance. After the film, I met up with a few friends in the East Village, and ended the night with the deliciousness of Pomme Frites. If you have not been here, this place is a must for fabulous french fries dipped in more sauces than you could ever imagine. Yum!

Sunday, the boy and I got in an awesome workout at the gym, went to Home Depot to pick out some paint colors for a new DIY project (and by DIY, I mean my cousin will be DIYing for us haha), and finally sat down to a fabulous home cooked meal while watching the Redskins game. Unfortunately, our team did not pull out a win, but they gave a valiant effort. Some decisions were pretty questionable, but what can you do. The Skins had a great season, so still HAILING!

Hope you all have a great week!

XO,

Gina

The Lady is a Vamp

Photos by: Zack Notes

Dress: H&M / Tights: Duane Reade / Shoes: ALDO – other black booties I like here, here, and here / Necklace & Bracelet: Gifts from family members / Panda Ring: nOir / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Lip: Kat Von D Homegirl / Eyes: MAC Knight Divine all over lid with Carbon in crease

Taking a little walk on the dark side with this vampy look from H&M. I’ve worn this a few times on nights out on the town in NYC, DC, and AC. Unfortunately, it’s tough to get photos on nights out due to poor lighting (and my dislike of the flash).

Only a couple more days in the Big Apple until it’s time to head to Maryland for the holidays. Today we are having our office Christmas luncheon at a surprise location. I have 100% finished my shopping and wrapping, so I can now focus on the packing. Looking forward to a little holiday retreat as well as a wedding before the new year!

Wishing everyone well!

Gina

Hi

HI!!! While browsing for sparkly sequined outfits to wear for my AC trip a couple weeks back, I also came across this adorable sweater. I love the color palette, the comfiness, and the “Hi” lettering that speaks volumes to my personality. I am the type of person who will pretty much talk to anybody, even strangers on the street. While of course every now and then I like to have my “me” time, I usually love being around others, the overall energy of people, meeting new friends, and hearing their stories. My family and friends know that if we go somewhere, I will most likely run into somebody, and they will have to drag me along to keep me from talking to them all day.

Speaking of meeting new people, I went on my first “blogger date” this past Saturday. I would like to introduce you all to Alex of She Is Red. We have been “blogger friends” for a couple months now, and it was fantastic to finally meet her in person. She is an Oregon native who recently moved to New York City from just outside Copenhagen. She has a wonderful blog featuring fashion, food, and sparkly things. You definitely need to check it out!

We met at The Farm on Adderley (one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood) for a delicious brunch, and then did a little photo op in Ditmas Park. Five minutes into our photo op, we were just getting warmed up to photographing in front of someone other than our close relatives when we were screamed at by a psycho lady! This woman came storming out of her house yelling at us to stop taking photos of her house, because there was no sex offender living there and this story and these lies had ruined her life for the past 10 years. Umm…WHAT?!?! First of all, we are fashion bloggers taking photos of our outfits. Second of all, your house was not even in our shot. Third of all, we had no idea about this “sex offender” story and had no plans to broadcast it (until now of course). And lastly…you are PSYCHO! It was a little bit of a shake up for our first photo op together, but we nervously shuttled off to another street with normal, sane neighbors to finish our shoot. I suppose as weird as this incident was, it does make for a great crazy story!

Alex and I had a wonderful day, and I didn’t even notice how quickly the time had passed. I am happy to now call her a real friend instead of just a blogger friend. We realized we have a mutual love of karaoke, so I’m thinking that will be our next adventure!

Photos of me taken by Alex. Photos of Alex taken by me. Photos of us taken by a nice neighbor 🙂

Please excuse our messy manes…it was rainy and humid!

On me: HI Sweater: Forever 21 / Floral Print Dress: H&M (old) / Boots: ALDO -similar on sale here / Tights: Urban Outfitters / Bag: TJMaxx / Butterfly Ring: nOir / Bracelets: Wanderlust + Co. and BaubleBar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: MAC Snob

On Alex: Pendleton Coat: Vintage / Faux-fur Scarf: Vintage / Skirt: Forever 21 (sold out, but other pleated skirts I love here and here and also here) / Watch: Caravelle by Bulova / Necklace: Forever 21 / Bag: Forever 21 / Shirt: H&M / Boots: Acne

And how cute is the back of the sweater too!?!? I just love it. BYE! (for now!)

Enjoy the phenomenon of 12/12/12 today!

XO,

Gina