Life Lately

Life lately, according to my instagram.

I will be running around tying up lots of loose ends for the next two days before I get a two week respite from the "real world".

I'm also DYING because my birthday is Saturday. My two best girlfriends have been super sneaky and have put a little weekend together to celebrate. I have absolutely NO CLUE what is going to happen. All I've been told is that I need a few dressy outfits and a few casual outfits for the trip. I'm so incredibly grateful to have amazing friends in my life who would go out of their way like this. I've never been "surprised" before so that adds to the excitement.

Eeek!!

Christmas in July

With my sister living in New Zealand for the summer season I've been thinking a lot about what it would be like to have Christmas with warmer weather. These two images make me believe it would be simply amazing! I don't think I could do it every year, but I'm really intrigued by the idea of a whole new Christmas color palette. Goodbye to red and green, hello to vibrant playful colors. The above image is of Anna Spiro's perfectly playful Christmas tree in her Australian home. How incredible are the fabric bows? With a young son, she decided not to bring out her cherished ornaments. The simple decor is gorgeous. I plan to copy this at some point in my life.

How amazing would it be to have a family Christmas dinner outdoors? I love the blue and white color scheme.

Have you started decorating for the holidays?

{images}

Cheers!

{iphone case} {sleep mask} {pencils} {sparkler bag} {gift tags}

I'm sending good vibes and positive thoughts to my little sister as she starts a whole new chapter in life. Cheers to LC who is MOVING to New Zealand today! I'm so proud of her, and literally in awe of her adventurous spirit. Christmas and my birthday simply won't be the same without her here, but I know that this is an opportunity of a lifetime! I'll be sending her presents for the holidays, and have already set a clock to New Zealand time. She better write, facetime, and email constantly. Have you ever had a family member go so far!?

Safe travels little one... love you so much!

xx

Gift Guide

This gift guide could easily be confused with my birthday wish list...

{one} These little dalmation loafers would put some pep in my step

{two} These gloves allow you to effertlessly access your iphone with their special "touch" technology. Perfect for the girl-on-the-go.

{three} I haven't been drawn to Kate Spade bags lately but this little lady is a show stopper! Now the tough question... blue, or black??

{four} I love little decorative dishes (it's getting out of control). Someone needs to scoop this one up.

{five} This bracelet is such a contradiction. Bold yet delicate? It's a nescesssity.

{six} My love for CWD Textiles is getting creepy. I need these pillows on my bed but I can't settle on a colorway.

{seven} Ever sience I saw this bracelet in the flagship J.Crew bridal store in NYC TWO YEARS AGO I've wanted it. I finally ponied-up and now it's on back order. Proof I should be more impulsive? I think so.

{eight} My very favorite silhouette for a holiday dress.

{nine} Short buckle boots in the perfect color.

{ten} The perfect everyday pump that goes with EVERYTHING. I just purchased it and it's by Ivanka Trump. Shocked? Me too!

{eleven} For the girl who loves her monogram. I like the idea of the smallest version layed with other necklaces. Part of the statement, not THE statement.

{twelve} MZ Wallace kills it with this one. I love a little camo now and again.

Happy Shopping

xx

Not Your Average LBD

It's that time of year. Holiday parties are in full swing. I love the idea of wearing something a little unexpected. I would totally rock this look.
Shop The Look

{pants, top, shoes, clutch, ring, earings, necklace, bangles}

My inspiration outfit for the look pictured at the top is from Saturday night. Both have red, black, and white incorporated but my look is a bit more conservative. And, YUP, I'm still wearing my white blazer in December, oops!

The pic is from my obligatory "I'm going out" text to my mom.

Happy December!

Just a few gift ideas

{one} stubbs & wooten slippers- prep perfection

{two} the perfect holiday gift for newlyweds

{three} "cheers" notecards-nothing better than a handwritten sentiment

{four} the perfectly imperfect home- deborah needleman's follow-up to "domino" Every stylish home dweller needs a copy this season

{five} Kate Spade's quirky mittens make "air quotes" that much funnier

{six} leopard print + a bow-need I say more?

Have you started your Holiday Shopping?

Naomi Stein's Loft on Design Sponge

I had to re-post these images from Naomi Stein's loft via Design Sponge. These four photos are my favorite, but you must check out the entire space on Design Sponge.

I love this bedroom because it reminds me of my little sister. Boho-chic, with a dash of prep, and a touch of class. The only thing that would have to be nixed is the Manroe picture. That wouldn't fly with the little one, but it's one of my favorite features of the room. Over-the-top glam, yes please.

The print is actually called the "Marilyn Monroses" and you can buy it here in various sizes and forms. The small poster (unframed) just shot to the very top of my wish list...(psst Santa, do you read my blog?). I love how its framed in white, it keeps the look so soft.

My other love in the bedroom is the headboard! Unfortunately, it was a steel for $60 at an Urban Outfitters sample sail. Fortunately, Target has the Monaco Nail Button Headboard which is spot-on and also on my wish list (can somebody in my family read this blog for goodness sake?). Of course, the killer pink pillows are non other than Caitlin Wilson of CWD Textiles (I have a small obsession with this fabric).

Bench Envy.

Note to self: Next home MUST HAVE a bar cart.

I also love exposed brick that is painted white.

Above, so BOLD. Love Naomi's ability to design outside of the box. Also, those little stools are a DIY project.

For more images and sources head on over to the original post. Also check out Naomi's blog, Design Manifest.

Beauty

I haven't been loving my cleansing routine as of late so I started supplementing it with an at home facial. I simply crush up 4-5 uncoated aspirin tablets and mix the powder with organic honey. I apply the paste and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. When I rinse if off the aspirin actually acts as a light exfoliant. I've noticed that it not only makes my pores smaller but it also cuts down on redness.

When I went home for Thanksgiving, I started using my sister's cleansing system- typical annoying older sister move. Now I'm hooked on these two philosophy products: the purity made simple, a one-step facial cleanser and the microdelivery exfoliating wash. After just four days my skin feels smoother, and cleaner.

Do you have any must-have beauty products you swear by?

Music+Mood Boards

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Happy Thanksgiving loves! I'm hopping a flight home later today. This is one of my favorite jams to throw on when I'm excited to leave on a trip. Must be the "I'll come running" line.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday.

*Sydney (I'll Come Running) by Brett Dennen

Fashion Focus

Fall layers.

I always get hot regardless of the temperature so I'm sure to dress in layers.

Faux Fur Stole: h&m, Blazer: banana republic, Oxford: madewell campfire cargo shirt, Sunnies: urban outfitters, Jeans: jbrand, Boots: frye, campus, Bag: urban outfitters.

It's only a matter of time until my fashion focus efforts begin to morph into a dance party. Below, the flying swan. I'll spare you of the running man.

Thanks, KG, for snapping a few quick pics with my iPhone.

Update:

I love my bag!

When I purchased it I wanted a cute, inexpensive work bag that I could beat up and not care about. I'm very careful with my "investment" bags so I don't often carry them at work. There was a small pen mark on the back of the UO bag so I asked for a discount and received 15% off.

SOLD.

I generally carry quite a bit. I have used the shoulder strap without any issue; however, I tend to carry it over my forearm or by the actual handles. I love the outer envelope storage and have not had any problems with the hardware. Inside the bag there is ample room as well as three small spaces (one zippered) for key's phone etc.

I generally carry a checkbook sized wallet, sunglasses, a makeup bag, my inhaler (geek), pens, and a plan book.

I wouldn't put a laptop or too many heavy books in (but again, I don't have that need).

For what I spent, and knowing that its not real leather, I am quite happy with my purchase. I would recommend it.