May Wish List

Well, hello May!

I cannot believe how fast the spring is flying! Between work and social commitments, I don't even know where March and April went. From the looks of my calendar, the rest of spring will be just as busy.

I have two weddings, a shower and a bachelorette trip to Nantucket coming up and this month's wish list most definitely reflects my packing and event needs. Nothing says Nantucket like a wicker handbag!

I also found a few bits and bobs for house. All that blue and white vase needs is some gorgeous blue hydrangeas. The gold and white vase is a lovely find from T.J. Maxx that I could display just by itself. I also spotted this adorable silverware caddy that is perfect for outdoor summer entertaining. Now all I need is the grill!

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Shop My May Wish List

Looking Ahead to Spring 2016

As I'm typing this, there is six inches of snow on the ground outside my apartment. That being said, I cannot wait for spring! Now that the holiday season is over, all of the fall/winter fashion is making its way out of the stores to make room for the gorgeous spring collections.

These are some of my favorite early spring 2016 picks from Nordstrom, NET-A-PORTER and Kate Spade.

Dresses from Left to Right: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 

Ring // Nude Sandals // Pink Pumps // Earrings // Glitter Sandals  

Pink Tote // Sunglasses // Espadrilles // Pink Crossbody // Blue Sandals 

September Wish List

Jeans // White Coat // Faux Leather Skirt // Acne Clear Dots
Origins Mask // Booties // Green Tank // Watch // Earrings
Necklace // Blazer // A Paris Apartment // Root Boost

September is finally here and it's time to break out the fall fashion! OK, that's not totally true, it's going to be close to 80 degrees in Boston this week, not exactly crisp, autumn weather. But I'm holding out hope for some cooler temperatures next week, hence the fall fashion included in my September wish list.

I've got plenty of skinny jeans and a few pairs of flares (is anyone else excited that the flared jean is back?) but there are no boyfriend jeans to speak of in my closet. This pair from Rag & Bone is on the slimmer side, which is exactly what I'm looking for.

One Maxi Dress Three Ways

According to the calendar, we've got plenty of summer left, but you wouldn't know it by the looks of things at the shops. The fall clothes are arriving every day, so for those of us still looking for summer things, it's slim pickins.

Luckily, you can get a lot of mileage out of just one dress. Take this classic striped maxi from Splendid. Flattering, comfy and at $158, not a bad price.

Below are three outfits I put together pairing the maxi dress with some fashion basics that you can find in your own closet.

Chambray Shirt // Wedges // Crossbody Bag // Gold Bangles

Get the Look: Jennifer Lawrence

I saw this look on the fabulous Jennifer Lawrence over the weekend and I thought it was adorable. I am generally not a big fan of the crop top but when paired with the pencil skirt it makes for a great summer looks for a fun night out.

Top // Skirt // Sandals // Clutch // Sunglasses

Fourth of July Fashion

White & Navy Dress // Sunglasses // Sneakers // Earrings // Striped Top // White Jeans
 Lobster Sweater // Polka Dot Shorts // Red Jeans // Bikini // Red Top // Wedges

June Wish List

Drink Dispenser & Stand // The Knockoff // Pink Dress // Watch 

MAC Highlighter // Green Skinny Jeans // White Skirt // Leather Flats // Woven Tray

Hello! After a long week of moving and unpacking, I am finally starting to get settled into the new place and back to a regular blog schedule. 

Despite hauling dozens of boxes into the new apartment, I still feel the need to purchase more home items. Do I need them? No. Do I want them? Hell yes! The drink dispenser and stand are perfect for fun party cocktail. Vodka Lavender Thyme Lemonade anyone? Speaking of cocktails, I'm going to need a tray to carry them on. And this one from Sur La Table is on sale.

I've been trying to make a conscious effort to trade TV/internet time for some reading before bed. It helps me wind down much faster and there is no chance I'll be up past midnight on Pinterest. The latest fashion novel, The Knockoff by Jo Piazza and Lucy Sykes, is on my reading list.

Speaking of winding down before bed, the circles under my eyes haven't been this bad since college (too much late night unpacking?) and something needs to be done. Getting more sleep is an option, but let's be realistic and skip straight to the makeup. I'd like to try this brightener under my current concealer. 

The Ralph Lauren summer sale is on and there are some great buys to be had. The white skirt and kelly green skinny jeans are on to-buy list. 

Eco Friendly Swimwear from Naja

I recently discovered a new lingerie brand called Naja. They believe in making a fantastic product with luxe details at a great price. Bras range from $45 to $70 dollars and underwear ranges from $15 to $28. For a high quality product that's pretty damn good. I like a well made bra and some of mine cost upwards $150 dollars.

I visited their website last week in search of some new bras but instead I made another great discovery: swimsuits! They have a small collection but each suit (priced at $95) is adorable. Another added bonus? You can feel great about buying them. Each swimsuit is made of recycled plastic bottles (you would never know) and a portion of every product sold goes toward supporting Naja's entrepreneurial sewing program for women.

When you purchase a product, Naja includes a lingerie bag with your order to wash your delicate items like bras and swimsuits. Each bag is made at home by a women employed by Naja's Underwear for Hope program, which teaches Columbian women in-need how to sew and then employs them so that they can support themselves. Talk about a swimsuit purchase you can feel good about!

These are my favorite suits from the collection paired with a couple of other items to give you
a complete look for a fun day at the beach, pool or lake this summer.

Taylor Crisscross Monokini in Navy

Flip Flops // Sunglasses // Hat // Top

Faye Racerback One-Piece in Get Happy Print

Flip Flops // Hat // Sunglasses // Beach Coverup 

Get the Look: Taylor Swift's White Romper

The Rachel Zoe romper and Michael Kors bag worn by Taylor Swift sold out as soon as the photos of of her outfit hit the internet. No need to fret. This look is pretty damn close to what T. Swift had on and it's a little more wallet-friendly, too.

Romper // Pumps // Bag

Pins for Thought 1.2

A basic cracker goes gourmet for a fun summer treat...saltine crack ice cream sandwiches. 

The perfect shade of green worn by Hanneli Mustaparta.

Summer 2015 Swimwear Guide

Beach season is officially here and it's time to break out the swimsuits.  I recommend having at least three swimsuits that you really love and feel good wearing. I currently only have one that I really love so I am in desperate need of a couple more. You can't go on vacation with just one suit, no?

I love a classic swimsuit because you can wear it season after season but I always enjoy looking at the trends for the summer ahead. These are some of the trends that I really loved. The majority of the suits below are from NET-A-PORTER and tons of them are on sale for up to 50% off as part of the U.S. Summer Sale. Happy shopping ladies!

Cutouts

Pink & Red // Black // Red // Green Print

Ruffles

Resort Recap: Peter Copping for Oscar de la Renta

The look book for Peter Copping's first resort collection for Oscar de la Renta was released yesterday and it's absolutely lovely. Beautiful gowns, day dresses and separates that you can wear season after season.

These are my favorite looks from the collection:

NET-A-PORTER US Summer Sale Picks

It's that time again ladies! The Net-A-Porter US summer sale has begun and there are tons of great summer items to be had.

These are my top picks from the sale:

Striped Skirt // Black Dress // Orange Bikini // Coral Cover Up // Red Bra // Striped Shorts

Blue & White Dress // Striped Bikini // White Jeans // Linen Romper // Blue Skirt // Pink Underwear

Pink Bag // Beige Tote // Espadrille Flats // Red Converse // Sunglasses // Beige Flat Sandals 

Sparkly Sandals // Gold Clutch // Woven Bag // Wedges  // Earrings // Scarf // Strappy Sandals

Happy Shopping!!

If It's Not Moving, Monogram It?

Actress Reese Witherspoon once said, "If it's not moving, monogram it." I agree with that statement but only up to a point. When Witherspoon said that she monograms everything, I'm pretty sure she was talking about her silver and fine linens, not plastic drink cups and koozies.

I have always liked monograms but not on everything. When someone walks into your home, they shouldn't immediately be able to spot ten monogrammed items in your living room. The same goes for your clothing and accessories. No need to break out the monogrammed hat, top, tote and matching plastic cup all in the same day. Actually, ditch the monogrammed plastic cup all together. 

But enough about what I don't like. Let's get into the monograms that I do like. Below are some of my favorite monogramed items for both home and fashion. 

Blue Tray // Soap // Napkins // Copper Tray

Leather Diary // Watch Box // Bathrobe

Travel Bag Set // Pewter Flask // Leather Tote

Tennis Racquet Holder // Earrings // Cufflinks // Wine Caddy

If you're unsure of what your monogram should be, Mark & Graham have a great guide that details traditional monogramming etiquette.

I'm interested to know your thoughts on monograms. Would you monogram everything you own if given the chance or do you save the family monogram for just a few special items?

Memorial Day Weekend Outfits: Beach & Barbecue

The holiday weekend is just hours away! It's time for sun, fun, beach and barbeque.

These outfits are perfect for this weekend and each of the pieces can be mixed and matched and worn all summer long.

Beach

Bikini // Coverup // Hat // Flip Flops // Bag // Sunglasses // Bracelets

Barbecue

Dress // Sweater // Wedges // Bag // Earrings // Bracelet // Sunglasses

Under $100 at the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale

Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale kicked off today. Now through May 31, save up to 40% of women's clothing, shoes and accessories.

These are my favorite salem items for under $100. Shop fast ladies, the good stuff always sells out first.

Navy Striped Dress // Blue and White Dress // Pink Pants // Blue Trench

Black and White Striped Dress // Floral Print Dress // Red Skinny Jeans

Gold and Crystal Studs // Pink Flats // Metallic Jacks // Blue Studs

Pink Bag // Brown Sunglasses // Black Sunglasses // Blue Bag // Neutral Wedge

White Bangle // Crystal Bangle // Blue Bangle // Gold Cuff // Pink Pumps

May Wish List

Nude Sandals // Pink Nail Polish // Striped Skirt
Eye Primer // Sunglasses // Shirt Dress
Monogrammed Clutch // Swim Suit // Mini Skirt
Navy Embroidered Dress // Bow Hair Tie // Platform Sandals

Where has the spring gone? I blinked and this weekend is Memorial Day! Things have been a little hectic in my world because I'm moving into a new apartment next month. I feel like I've spent the last few weeks doing nothing but organizing, sorting and looking at new furniture. I never thought I'd say it, but I'm sick of all the shopping (or maybe it's just spending all the money that sucks). Stay tuned later this week for a post on some of my design ideas for the new space.

Now that the warmer weather is (mostly) here to stay, I find myself wanting to ditch the pants for skirts and dresses. These options are great because I dress the up and down for both work and play. 

Speaking of warmer weather...as the heat rises my desire to blow dry my hair plummets so on the warmest days I opt to pull my wet hair back in a tight bun. A delicate, decorate elastic is nice change from my usual plain black ones.

I discovered the Le Specs brand on NET-A-PORTER and they have a ton of designer-style sunglasses for $70 or less. If you're a person prone to breaking the fancy designer sunglasses, this brand is a much more economical (but still stylish) option for you.

I don't know what my problem is lately but I cannot seem to avoid creasing my under eye concealer. Once I start smiling it's crack, crack, crack. It kills me because it looks like I have crows feet when I don't, and I'd like to avoid that as long as I can. This Benefit primer is designed to keep both your concealer and eyeshadow from creasing, so I figure it can't hurt to try. 

As I've gotten older (I'm 29) my tolerance for sky scraper heels has diminished significantly. I admire anyone who can tolerate the pain of five inch heels but I think those days are gone for me. I recently dropped off a ton of heels at my local Goodwill donation center and it's time to find some replacements. I love these neutral heels from Vince Camuto and cute but comfy platforms from Tory Burch.

Beach season starts this weekend, but I am still in serious need of some swim suits. I love this red one piece from Melissa Odabash.

Pins for Thought 1.0

My favorite look from Coachella. 

And she has the second best look, too.

I'll take it! And there are plenty more where that came from.

My Favorite Fashion Neutral: Gold!

When it comes to neutral accessories there is plenty out there beyond beige. Silver, navy and even leopard print (thank you Jenna Lyons) are great neutrals, and I love them all but nothing can compare to gold. I've had a long-tern love affair with gold because it helps brighten my pale skin.

I have a couple of pieces of gold clothing but where I really go all out gold is my accessories. They go with everything and I get so much milage out of my gold jewelry, shoes and bags.

Check out my favorite gold accessory options for spring:

Crossbody Bag // Flat Sandals // Pendant Necklace // Chanel Earrings // Cuff 

Belt // Driving Moccasin // Watch // Sunglasses // Hair Pins // Wedges // Ring // Mini Tote

My April Wish List

Gold Sandals // Earrings // Scarf // Hat
Dessert for Two //  Glamglow Cleanser // Confessions of a Serial Entertainer
Sugar Scrub // Top // Dress // Brown Sandals