What to Wear on a Date

There comes a time in everyone's life when they must date. We date, in hopes of one day, finding the right person. A partner, a companion, and who knows maybe even the parent of your child (if you so choose). No pressure, right? Actually, there isn't! A date is similar to an interview... but here's the thing, you are both interviewing each other. If you like each other, go out again. If you don't... don't. Simple as that. 

Since appearances are important, whether we like it or not... here are a few ideas of what you might want to wear on your date. 

Casual - The first few dates you will go on, will probably be casual, 'get to know you" sort of places. As you may or may not have guessed by now, I'm a fan of dresses. I think they are cute, flirty, and are appropriate for most every situation (plus that added air conditioning in the summer helps!) What's even better, dresses can be dressed up or down - so if you're going somewhere new and you're not sure how fancy you need to be, grab your "go to" dress. Add some fun accessories and heels or a statement necklace and some great flats. That way, regardless of the place you go, you'll be comfortable (and not too over or under dressed.) Other options, jeans and a fancy top - depending on your build, wear whatever is best suited for your body type. Obviously, you want to look your best, but also like you're not trying too hard. For guys, wear your favorite jeans and a cool concert t-shirt or a button down with the sleeves rolled-up. Flip flops or loafers, depending on what kind of guy you are. 

Dressy - Chances are, getting dressed up won't be your first date (unless you're in high school and you're going to homecoming together... but none of you are in high school... that I know of.) You're getting a little more into dates... and it's time to make sure the person you're dating isn't a total farm animal. You'll go to a nicer restaurant and maybe a special event - what then? Obviously, you're not going to wear what you once considered perfect during your single days. Granted, you're still single, just not exactly the same way as you were before. This is a great time to pull out some of your favorite dresses, heels, and accessories. For guys, don't be afraid to wear a well fitting suit! If that's too much for you... a button down and dress pants will always be fine. Also, consider investing in a nice pair of loafers or driving shoes. You'd be surprised how quickly they dress an outfit up. 

Night Out - The trickiest date of them all when you are starting to date someone. Here are some questions to help you figure out what to wear. What kind of night out will it be? Have you been to this place before? Have any of your friends ever been there? The best thing to do, if you've never been to this place before is ask your date (if they suggested it.) Is it a dive bar or more of a lounge? For ladies: this is a great time to pull out your hot skinny jeans and a funky top that may or may not have been purchased at Urban Outfitters (or some place equally as "trendy" and possibly a little younger than how you might need to dress). If you are a dress kind of girl, don't wear your littlest "single girl" dress, but wear the one you like the best and feel awesome. (Hey, if the date doesn't work out... you might meet someone else! But hopefully it works.) If you're a guy, go for jeans or my personal favorite denim cut non-jeans - a vital addition to any closet.

With these suggestions in mind, you're on the right track. The most important thing, be comfortable. If you're uncomfortable, your fidgeting and discomfort will only rub off on your date and make them perceive that you make them uncomfortable... not exactly the best feeling to give a date, huh? Relax, be comfortable, and most importantly, have fun!

Fun Date Ideas

Whether you just started dating or you've been married for years and years, date night is something I think is necessary to all relationships - and something I've seen my parents do almost weekly since I can remember. They're still together after 30+ years - so I'm fairly certain they are doing something right. It might not be ALL about date night, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it helps to take a little time to spend together - just the two of you. 

Dinner... movie... Blah Blah Blah. No thanks. Let's make it interesting. 

- Go to the local farmer's market together. You can buy each other thoughtful and yummy presents! You can pick up flowers, fresh veggies, and tons of other local goods. And don't even get me started on the people watching!
- Get active! Play mini golf, go bowling, go ice skating... something fun and exciting. It will get your blood pumping and whether you're terrible or the best ever, you'll be laughing the whole way. 
- Go to a local "point of interest". You may think these are just for tourists... but really, when was the last time you went to the local botanical garden? Never? It's a great place to explore and spend some time together. 
- Drive to the next town over and explore!
- Go to a grocery store that you don't normally visit, pick out food together and prepare a meal together at home.  
- Google: Local vineyards. Who doesn't love a wine tour? Bet you didn't know there are even a few near our tiny beach town. 
- A personal favorite of time... get friends together, everyone brings a dish and a bottle of wine. Eat, drink, and be merry. 
- A day at the beach or the park. Bring a blanket, lunch, some music, and a Frisbee. 
- Go to a theme park or the fair... Let your inner kid come out!
- Check out GroupOn or LivingSocial. They always have great activities you probably didn't know were even out there... and they are cheap! Kite Boarding? Beer School? It's all been available in the past week.
-  Take an art class together, painting, pottery, anything working with your hands. It will be fun and you'll have a little memento.

Don't be afraid to get creative. If you're an established couple, you might learn something new about your partner. If it's someone new, you'll learn very quickly what their comfort zone is and if it matches yours (or if it's something you want nothing to do with).

Letter to the Editor: Movie Premiere

Dear Nattily Natalie,

I'm going to a movie premiere in London! What should I wear?

Sincerely,

Your Devoted Reader, Dana 

Hey Dana!

What an exciting moment in your life! Especially when it is for an amazing cause! Movie premiers are so fun! You get a chance to dress up, see a great movie, and rub elbows with celebrities (and since you don't get to do that every day... who doesn't love a little sparkle in their lives?) 


Here's the plan for you, my lovely friend!! 

Dress: I suggest long. Truthfully. I know you dig the idea of a shorter dress, but if it's going to be cold. Thicker fabrics, maybe a silk crepe will wrinkle less and be more forgiving in any pictures. Here's my thought, if you want to go shorter cocktail length is fine - you want to look your best. But you also don't want to be that crazy girl who is trying to show up the celebrities on the red carpet (because that's what I would do). For you... I love the idea of a sweetheart neckline (classic glamor) straps are your choice. Nipped in a bit at the waist with a broad waist band to show off your curves. Colorwise, I would either stick with jewel tones (because they look incredible on you) or else a simple dark, bold color. Whatever you do... don't wear satin! It wrinkles and looks awful!! Another tip of advice: if you are taking a car to the premiere, take a towel from your hotel room and steam it while you finish getting ready. Take the towel and wrap it around your waist. The stream and dampness will actually cause your dress not wrinkle when you sit (or at least wrinkle less.)


Jewelry: Depending on the dress, my suggestion is go for a cocktail ring and great earrings. Bring the sparkle to your face and a little fun to your hand.


Make Up: For you, I'm seeing classic black, liquid eyeliner, perfect skin, and a bold lip. Maybe not red - but a deep berry! Something exciting and unexpected. Don't forget shimmer on your cheek bones, in the inside of your eyes, and right under your eye brows. Trust me - you'll like it.

Hair: What you want is an effortless half up, half down look with waves. Consider a 2 inch barrel to create waves (and don't forget your electrical converter!), pin your hair back with a few bobbies (but don't be afraid to let a few pieces fall out and not be perfect), and then spay the heck of our your hair!

In Your Bag: Consider a black clutch or a solid bag that "goes with" but doesn't match your dress. Make sure you have lipstick, mascara, pins, hair spray, and an elastic with you. Just in case you have any incidents. 


Good luck! Have fun! And don't forget your Spanx! I swear by them, anytime I get dressed up!!


xoxo,
Nattily Natalie

Valentine's Day Ideas

There is always so much pressure to get the right thing for Valentine's Day. But that pressure is coming from no one, but you - If it's coming from your partner, that's a whole different story/blog. Anyway, quit putting so much pressure on yourself! Unless your partner gives you a list (or you obsessively keep an ongoing list on your phone and update it every time your partner mentions "that would be cool to have", like me, because yes, I'm mildly insane) you probably could use some ideas. Here are a few fresh ideas on what to get that person in your life:

Beer Making Kit: From the Brooklyn Brew Shop. This contains everything you need to make your own home brews! brooklynbrewshop.com

Spike Your Juice: Have you read my blog entry? You should. This stuff is great! spikeyourjuice.com

The Hunger Games trilogy: This may not scream romance, but it will give you endless hours of conversation. amazon.com

Jonathan Adler Ceramics: charming and quirky ceramics and house decor for your stylish partner. jonathanadler.com

Other ideas - gift cards to a local spa, Living Social or Groupon deals to do as a couple, cupcakes or cake pops (Lollicakes! if you live in my town) at work or waiting at home.

My go-to gift websites: thinkgeek.com, uncommongoods.com, & etsy.com

The key - tailor gifts to your partner's tastes (obviously), but never underestimate the power of flowers at work and a homemade dinner. Valentine's Day doesn't have to be about grand gestures and romantic-comedy romance. It's about spending time with the person you love and letting them know how much you care.

What to Wear: Thanksgiving Long Weekend Edition

As we know, the beginning of the holiday season is around the corner... you didn't? Then you should probably start reading my blog more often! Sorry, before I so rudely interrupted myself, the holiday season is coming up. And I, like so many other America's will be traveling this weekend. Being from town that is generally warm year round, this weekend's impending trip will take me to a place where it actually gets cold!

As we know, preparing for a trip, the first plan of action is to check the weather. My trip looks like we're going to have highs in the low to mid 70s during the day, and the low 50s at night. Yes, you northerners - this is cold weather. Or really perfect weather!

Here's what the trip looks like - as always, with outfit plans

Wednesday night traveling: Obviously I'll wear something really comfortable, because, let's be honest here, I'll probably sleep most of the way. Non jean denim cut pants, a boyfriend t-shirt, a cardigan, fancy flats, scarf (duh!) and my obligatory giant travel bag.

Thursday: Thanksgiving. This might be my hardest day, we'll be outside for most of the day and with mid 70 degree weather it could get warm. But it will be a bit chilly in the mornings. I'm thinking corduroys, chocolate brown riding boots, a button down (can roll sleeves up or down), and a cable knit sweater. Add in a dash of pearls and maybe a headband for a bit of that Norman Rockwell, All-American feel we all so desperately strive for that seems appropriate on Thanksgiving. I'll pack a t-shirt in my bag for the day - just in case a quick change is needed.

Friday: Shopping? Probably/Hopefully not (Black Friday isn't my favorite - but that's another day and another blog entry) Should be spent running around town, visiting people. Followed by a bit of a reunion with my boyfriends' friends. For the day, my plan is a plaid flannel day dress and a pair of boots - possibly the ones from the day before, but more than likely a pair of bone colored knee highs (because it's terrible for your feet to wear the same shoes two days in a row). Then I'll change into either a dress with black tights and a pair of black booties or jeans and a fancy-ish winter top. Not entirely sure, just yet.

Saturday: Should be spent mostly at a game watching party, so anything supporting my school, Florida State University, will be appropriate. Garnet top & gold earrings maybe? This will be the warmest day of my trip up north, so maybe another dress will do the trick. That night will be the game, so I'll wear jeans and a garnet top and watch my team play their best.

Sunday: Looks like rain. All day. Which makes this the coldest day of my trip. We generally will do brunch and then head back home, so I'll need something decently nice, but also snuggly for a rainy day as well as a long car ride. I'm thinking jeans or corduroys, my fancy flats, a cute plaid shirt and a cardigan - maybe in a bright color, to counteract the gray sky. Do I need to mention a scarf and giant purse?

Okay, looks like I'm almost packed - in my mind at least. Time to hit the closet friends! Have a great Thanksgiving, good luck on your shopping, and Go Seminoles!

The Giggle Of Desperation

A few weeks ago, a few girlfriends and I were at an event that didn't have a clear dress code, but a definite theme. Some dressed in full theme (my friends and me, obv), while others were much more casual. Naturally, the overly done people are wondering why no one else wanted to be ridiculous too - but you can see from their stares that they are wondering why you didn't take your meds that afternoon. Awesome. After our obligatory hour and a half, we hastely headed towards a favorite downtown spot for drinks and to find a place for the group to discuss the awkward night - rather than continue to give the crazy wide-eyed "did you just see that?!" or the famous "get me the eff out of here!"
One of the girls brought a date, who mentioned a term that has been a topic of discussion for weeks and weeks: the giggle of desperation. You know what I'm talking about - that weird, high pitched, sometimes mechanical giggle that you get when you get when you are uncomfortable with your current situation. When someone is bringing up an odd topic or you really need to just need to get out of the situation you're in.

There are a few easy things to do to remedy the situation if you or someone you're with make the giggle of desperation. The key is to identify the issue.

- Awkward Personal Moment. If you're at a party, pop over to the food table to pick up something delicious and a new conversation. Or look for another person you know and join the conversation. It's mingling. Out of desperation. If you're at a bar with friends, make a bathroom trip or go to bar to grab another drink. Chances are, by the time you're back, whatever is making things weird will have corrected itself.
- Weird Topic. Change the subject. Feel free. I'm betting more than one person will be happy you did.
- I Need To Read More Moment. When there is something being discussed which you aren't well versed in, if you can learn something and the topic interests you, stay, ask questions, learn something. If the topic is offensive or something you are completely uninterested in, excuse yourself from the conversation or wait patiently until the subject changes. It's more than okay to not be the person leading the conversation.
- Group Clinger. Sometimes there is one person who is making everything weird. And they aren't with you. They won't get the hint to leave you alone - that's when the WHOLE group will agree on an unspoken move, whether moving outside to the patio or to a different floor or to a whole different location.
- Irritating/Ridiculous Person. Sometimes, there is one person, amongst your group who is making things weird. And everyone is really into them - or maybe they really aren't. There are a options here too. You can fake sick or tired or remember an early appointment and get the eff out of dodge. No shame in running from the weird. But, if you're looking to deal either your issues, sometimes just trading places with someone in a group chat circle and fix the awkward. You can change the subject or wait out the awkward to see if it subsides. If that doesn't work, feel free to make conversation with one or two other people.

Keep these in mind, and the giggle of desperation will likely occur a lot less. And be sure to keep an ear out if you're with someone who makes it - because there are few things better than a friend who can get you out of an awkward situation.

House Guests

I have piles of subjects to expound upon for you, my little friends, but today, it just isn't going to happen. I have finally gotten home after a day of errands and a not so relaxing three day weekend (Thank you Mr. Columbus for discovering America... sort of.) Why wasn't it relaxing, you ask? Well my dears, my lovely boyfriend's lovely parents came to my house for an overnight stay. They are on their way to the Keys for a vacation (where my boyfriend and I will be joining them in a few days time) and opted to break their long trip up and stay at my house for a night. 

Obviously, I lost my freaking mind and any sort of sanity I was hoping to have was a little nervous. This was the first time they have been to my town since my boyfriend and I started dating, but not only that, it was my first time ever having significant other's parents in my home. I spent two days freaking out, then the following three days cleaning my house and buying random trinkets, returning them, buying more, returning those, and then buying the original trinkets (and let's be honest, a few pieces of furniture). All in all, I'd say it was a great visit and completely painless (minus the mini panic attack I had yesterday afternoon). 

With that in mind, here are a few tips for how to treat house guests when they come to visit.

- Clean your house.
- Wash the sheets on the bed your guests will be staying on.
- Remove any clutter from the room your guests will be staying in. My guest room doubles as my office and craft room - so crafts go into their homes and office papers are filed or moved into a different room.
- Make sure there are fresh towels, as well as soaps, multiple rolls of toilet papers, and any other bathroom accoutrement that might be needed.
- Have an alarm clock as well as a place for your guests to hang their clothes.
- Make sure to have a few breakfast items available (coffee, tea, pasties, fruit, etc.) in case you have an early risers or in my case if you have gone to work before everyone else was awake.
- Leave notes on anything that needs an explanation that you might not be around for - Example, how to use the TV in your guest room if you have more than one remote.

If all else fails, think of what a hotel has and emulate that with your own personal style. The key, as I learned, don't freak out. It's important to make your guests feel welcome and comfortable. Sometimes going overboard can be uncomfortable for everyone, just be yourself and a gracious, lovely host/ess.