Aug 29, 2013

Travel Essentials

Although I am staying in the city over the holiday weekend, I have a few upcoming trips that I am really excited about.  I will admit, I have neglected to spend money or time on my travel bags, suitcases, etc. Before moving to NYC most trips were no more than 5 hours, and I usually just packed all I needed in a Vera Bradley duffle, threw it in the car and went on my way. My means of travel and the frequency of which I make trips has changed quite a bit. I no longer have the luxury of my own car, to throw as many bags or over pack like I have been used to for years.  I now rely on public transportation to get anywhere, which means downsizing my "need" list when packing and only taking the essentials.  I have become really good at packing things I can wear several different ways or several times over the coarse of my trip. I guess I am becoming more of a savvy traveler, if you will.  But my suitcases and carry-on bags were in serious need of an upgrade. Broken zippers on my suitcases and bottomless totes where I was searching for tickets, passes, wallet,etc made traveling much more stressful every time I headed out the door. Would someone steal my belongings, would I lose my ticket before I get to the airport?  Traveling has become stressful enough, I didn't need to stress myself any more, AND with things that were under my control.  So what did I do? I purchased new luggage, travel bags, and a trusty carry-on tote.  With Fashion Week coming up, I don't have any travel plans for the next two weeks, so I won't be able to really experience these new babies until mid September.  But I have already tested them out as far as packing goes, and I'm really happy with the products I went with.  This girl will be one happy traveler from now on (unless of course, there are ridiculous delays!)

Since I am not really a serious traveler, I didn't want to spend a huge amount on a carry-on.  I did some searching and found this option on amazon.  This guy may look small, but it's super deep and has inside side pockets for shoes and pockets for smaller items on the top inside flap.  If you use the rolling method (I swear by this), you can pack a weeks worth of clothes in this baby! .I went with Navy (of course), instead of black.  My last suitcase was purple, so I wanted something a little less noticeable and classic.  And if my guy had to carry, it wouldn't look too feminine. (hear that honey, I'm looking out for you too!)


I like order and I like things in their own bags, sections etc. These bags are perfect for keeping things together and nice and neat. Things tend to shift when traveling, and these bags help keep things rolled and contained, so everything is still the same when you go to unpack.  These come in an assortment of colors and you can buy them individually if you don't want all three.  They also come in other sizes as well. 

THIS is the bag to end all travel/carry on bags!  I have been looking for a bag to use as a carry-on that keeps things nice, neat, reachable, organized and in their place.  I came across this bag on a few other blogs, and once I checked out their website, I was in love. There are pockets for your iPad, laptop, even a side pocket for shoes.  There is a hook for keys, and a front pocket with places for your wallet, phone, and other small travel necessities.  It even has a back slip for you to put over your carry-on handle. I mean, can we say perfection!? I had the hardest time picking a color, but ended up going with black.  I know how plain!  But my thinking was, I could also use this for a work bag (I sometimes have to lug my work computer home or traveling with me), and black just looks more professional.  BUT the army green color is still haunting my dreams! Maybe for my next bag? Check out this video to see what all you can pack into this beauty!
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Aug 27, 2013

Black and Navy Blue

Over the last year or so, Navy has become my favorite color.  I am just drawn to everything in this hue!  It just looks so classic and is a great change from the usual Black that I usually lean towards.  I have seen so many fall looks with blue and black paired together and I could not be happier! Taking my two favorite colors (no i'm not morbid, just like that you can't go wrong with either color for any occasion), and putting them together is going to make my fall wardrobe choices a breeze! I have already started thinking of how I'm going to wear this come fall, and I get giddy just thinking about it.  Call me crazy, or fashion obsessed, but I just LOVE putting outfits together! Coming up with different looks and being able to mix 90% of my closet together without having to purchase much, makes me an even happier camper!


What do you all think about this look? Is black and blue something you will pair together?



Black & Navy Blue



Uniqlo dress / Topshop navy top / Uniqlo silk top / Zara black faux leather jacket / French Connection knee length pencil skirt / Topshop high waisted black skinny jeans / Alice + Olivia ankle strap shoes / Jeffrey Campbell black ankle booties / Zara pointy boots
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Aug 26, 2013

Must-have Monday: Jewels

Adding new jewelry to your wardrobe is a great way to change your look or mix things up.  I love these necklaces and earrings from Baublebar.  These are great statement pieces to transition into fall. AND even better, they wont break the bank!

Barblebar

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Aug 23, 2013

There's a party going on over here!

Happy Friday! I know I always say this, but this Friday for some reason really is a happy one! Maybe it’s because it’s a gorgeous day in NYC,  the fact that I’m heading out of town for the weekend (hello Woodbury Commons), or that my SBF got a much needed face-lift! I’m sure you noticed that SBF doesn’t look the same as it did yesterday.  I decided it was time to do something different, and I LOVE how everything turned out. It’s like a brand new bag or pair of shoes, I just can’t stop staring at it! I would LOVE to know what you all think! What works or what should I change?


If anyone is looking to makeover their blog, Amanda is fantastic!

Have a fabulous weekend, lovelies! xx

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Aug 22, 2013

Crop to it!

I have been eyeing this crop top trend all summer, and just can't bring myself to jump on this train!  I want to, I really really do! But I come up with so many excuses as to why I shouldn't every time I attempt to (I'm too old, I enjoy eating burgers, shakes and fries too often, where can I actually wear this. You get the gist) 
Seeing Lilly Collins at the Germany premiere of her new movie, The Mortal Instruments, has almost given me the courage to give this a try.  There isn't much time left, so I better get on this while I still have time. (who am I kidding, I will just admire and envy from afar!) 

BUT if I were 24 years old, had a figure like hers (um, hello abs!) and not a care in the world, you can bet your pretty little high waisted skirt, I'd prance around in one of those as often as I could.  Until then, this miiiight be motivation enough to put the shake shack bag down every once in a while. . . Or at least contemplate the possibility. 

P.S. - I also have serious eyebrow envy! She is now my inspo for the "perfect" brows.  










images from NY Mag and Getty Images
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Aug 20, 2013

Transition to Fall

I know I did a post a few weeks ago on booties for fall, but I wanted to keep these lovelies for a post all their own.  These are THE perfect transition bootie! When these landed in my mailbox a few weeks ago, I literally gasped! They have the perfect mix of classic, trendy, casual and dressy all wrapped up into one fabulous bootie! You can wear these now with crop jeans, shorts and dresses.  And they will be perfect paired with skinny jeans or skirts to go into fall and winter. Pair them with tights and you will be set!  If you are looking for one shoe to get the most wear out of, this is it! And if I haven't sold you on this shoe, they are reasonably priced, which makes wallets everywhere happy.

Transition Booties

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Aug 19, 2013

Must-have Monday: Moto Jacket

Good Morning, Lovelies! I'm still full force into fall trends and making my "must-have list."  And another item that's high on this list is a new leather jacket.  I love this updated moto version.  They are a more fitted/tailored fit and will look great with skinnies or boyfriends jeans, as well as skirts or trousers.  This is a great statement piece, but also one you will have for years.  Below are a few of my favorites.  Some are a little out of my price range, but most are pretty affordable.  If you are looking for a piece to add dimension to your wardrobe, this jacket is just for you! xx


Must-have Monday: Moto Jacket
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8
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Aug 16, 2013

Frugal Friday

We are getting closer to fall, so my wishlist is becoming heavy with sweaters, scarves, boots and jackets.  I LOVE this berry skirt and ruffle front cardi These would be great additions to your closet and great go to pieces when you just can't figure out what to wear.

Have a great weekend, Lovelies! xx


Frugal Friday


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Aug 13, 2013

Label Lust: Joie

Joie is one of my favorite labels of all time! They just get it right every season! Take these beauties below. I have already added the booties and sweater to my fall wardrobe and I have a feeling there will be several other pieces I add very soon.

Joie Favorites


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Aug 12, 2013

Must Have Monday: Nest Fragrances

Good Morning! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! I caught up on some much needed sleep and continued to rearrange and buy furniture/decor for my apartment.  I have been in my apartment for almost two years now and have finally decided I need to treat it like a "home," so to speak, instead of just a glorified hotel room.  So operation decorate apartment is on, lovelies! I have two new side tables on their way and am currently looking for a rug! I know, sounds super exciting! Suggestions or consultations are gladly welcomed!

The one thing you will always find in my apartment and one thing I love to give as gifts are products from Nest Fragrances. I am obsessed! There isn't a scent I don't like!  They not only have candles and diffusers, but they also have soaps, body washes and lotions.  This is your one stop shop for the candle or bath product obsessed.  My favorite scents are Moroccan Amber and Peony Blache.  And for a seasonal scent, the Pumpkin Chai is to die for, it's my fall go to candle.  But trust me you cannot go wrong with any scent choice!  Whether you are in the market for a new brand or gift for a friend or family member, Nest is the perfect gift.  I have given a few candles as gifts and have always been asked where to purchase as everyone loves them! Luckily, you can buy online.  But if you want that perfect gift now, Bergdorfs, Saks, and Bloomies are a few of the big retailers that carry their collections.  



Nest Fragrances


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Aug 9, 2013

Frugal Friday


It's a rainy and humid Friday! UGH! And things were going so well between me and mother nature lately! Better weather is on the horizon, so I can't be too unhappy.  AND there are a few things I came across this week that have put me in a pretty good mood. Have a fabulous weekend, Lovelies! xx


Frugal Friday


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Aug 8, 2013

What's old is new again

Dooney & Bourke is making a strong comeback with their All Weather Leather collection.  I have seen so women and teens, for that matter carrying these bags lately.  And who can blame them?! They are well made, reasonably priced and are great options for casual bags to carry and could even be dressed up! Sold and Sold!
I am a HUGE fan of their drawstring style and have recently added it to my collection.  My first "nice" bag was a THIS style Dooney and Bourke and I carried it till it fell apart! How many of you carried this brand years ago?Or have brought it back into your wardrobe? It just goes to show that things do come back in style, so be careful what you throw out or give away (I should take my own advice!) xx







images from dooney & burke
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Aug 7, 2013

Current Craves: Bobbi Brown Navy and Nude Collection

Happy Wednesday!  We are half way there, lovelies! Today I wanted to do a beauty edition of my current craves.  Though I don't like to spend a lot of time getting ready in the morning, I do consider myself a beauty and product junkie and love buying new makeup/products.  I have purchased a few of these (the nail polish is AMAZE!), but the rest I am dying to get my hands on and try.  I think a few YouTube tutorials are in my near future.  I am just horrible when it comes to applying eye-shadow.  This palette is gorgeous and I need to figure out how to best apply! Please advise if you have used this palette.  What is the best color combination you have used?   I would love to hear! xx

Current Craves: Bobbi Brown Navy and Nude Collection


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