Monday, January 30, 2012

Bear Hug

I have been wanting these boots all winter. I finally caved this weekend and opted for the rich brown to try something new. The best way to describe how they feel on your feet...


bear hug!
SHARE:

Friday, January 27, 2012

Friday's Fancies - Blog Swap

Happy Friday!  This is Emily from All You Need is Love, guest posting today for Lindsay!  It's Friday's Fancies -  blog swap edition, so be sure to check out Lindsay's post over at my blog!  And visit Long Distance Loving for lots for Friday's Fancies goodness.

Today we are both dreaming of warm, tropical vacations, and the outfits we would be donning as we lounged poolside or dined on crab legs. 



I love the bright cobalt maxi skirt, and the bold neon bag just makes me smile! Add a plain tank, fun bangles, and neutral wedges, and you're all set. Although most of these pieces are a bit out of my budget, I bet they wouldn't  be too hard to replicate. Hope you enjoyed my creation!

Happy Weekend!
XOXO

Emily

Thanks Emily! Loving the outfit, especially the neon tote. :)
SHARE:

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

What I'm Loving...

Loving how this cosmetic case from Designs by Daffy turned out. I ordered one for my Kappa Prep Pink Swap partner, UGA Bama Belle, and couldn't resist one for myself.


I need this. I love a pretty and convenient place to keep jewelry!



I love that The City Boy @ Life Through Preppy Glasses tagged me in a post! I did the first portion last week so I'm going to answer his 11 questions.

1. Whats your all-time favorite store?
If you told me I could only shop at Bergdorf's for the rest of my life, I would be happy but very poor.
2. Whats your most memorable vacation?
My senior year of college I went on a cruise with 20 friends.
3. If there's one thing that bothers you more than anything else, what is it?
When I'm talking to someone and they are constantly texting/Facebooking/tweeting/ect. Do you really want to spend you life looking down at your phone? Can't say I'm not guilty, but I'm getting better!
4. iPhone or Blackberry?
Interesting follow up because I have both. The Blackberry is for work.
5. If you could, is there a moment you would take back in time?
I try not to dwell on the past and move forward.
6.  Whats your current obsession?
Bachelor and Toddlers and Tiaras. Both addicting! I'm actually watching T&T now.
7. What was your first car...did you love or hate it?
Jeep Grand Cherokee and I'll be driving it until it dies!
8. Did you ever picture yourself where you are now, 5 years ago?
No.
9. Do you love sweets, if so, whats your favorite dessert?
I can't choose only one! Right now I could go for some Cherry Garcia.
10. 2012 election, are you following it closely?
Yes, I read the news just about everyday.
11. What quality do you despise in others?
Negativity. Sure, we all vent once in awhile but I can't stand to be around others that are always miserable.  I surround myself with positive, happy people. (Do I sound like a Bravo Real Housewife?)

SHARE:

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Alpha Love

I was completely wrong last week when I said that Alpha Omicron Pi was out of the running for a Lilly Pulitzer sorority print. I was thrown off by a Facebook post with the current lead and thought the voting had ended. I'm very excited that AOII is part of the 2012 "Print Class" along with Alpha Xi Delta, Pi Beta Phi, Phi Mu and Sigma Kappa. Finally, this Greek alum can wear something to show some AOII pride besides a t-shirt at the gym!

circa 2005

Taking a trip down sorority memory lane... we would wear letter shirts over button downs with the collar popped (and in my case too much bronzer). I'm guessing this is no longer a trend... and that my "sisters" will yell at me for posting this. Unfortunately, the majority of photos in my archives are not Vineyard Loveknots appropriate. I do love to randomly email those old embarrassing photos to my friends to brighten their work day.


Anyway, I still have plenty of AOII t-shirts that I wear to bed, workout and when I'm lounging around. One of my responsibilities as New Member Educator was to organize bid day goodies including this Juicy Couture-inspired zip-up. Still proud of it.

I can't wait to see the new print! Lilly Fashion Director Janie Schoenborn announced the winners with Kappa Kappa Gamma at her alma mater, Rollins, via Facebook and referred to college as "your first 4 years of vacation." So... when is the next 4? Retirement?!
SHARE:

Preppy never looked so...

...scary? I can barely keep up on women's fashion let alone men's... not sure how I even came across these pink and green ensembles from designer Thom Browne's recent Paris Fashion Week show (I would be lying if I said I knew of him before now). Pink, green, plaid, argyle in "Punks face off against Jocks" fashion - more at Style.com.


So would your guy rock the pink and green or nautical look? Haha!


Maybe just the argyle socks... the best kind in my opinion!
SHARE:

Monday, January 23, 2012

Weekend Update: Highlights

via amc
Only one more season to go... I finished Mad Men Season 3. Some flashbacks of Betty's wardrobe for those of you that are into the show... that was an intense updo (topped with a mini hairbow) in Rome! Now I need to get my hands on Season 4 so I'll be on schedule for the return March 25th.


Saturday afternoon I met a friend at Cafe D'Alsace (88th and 2nd) for a long overdue "catch up" brunch. I highly recommend this spot and if you're in the city I'm sure you know of it. We split Brioche French Toast and Salmon Benedict - sweet and savory in one sitting. Even though it's been a couple years since we've seen each other we picked up right where we left off. You can all relate, make plans with that friend NOW!


I was near Free People so I popped in to check out those dresses I posted about last week. #1 will not be in stores until the end of the month, wasn't crazy about #2's color and #3 is adorable but unlined (completely missed that in the description). This pink elephant was on a parked truck outside the store, not something you see everyday!

How bout them Giants?! Can't wait for the Super Bowl!
SHARE:

Sunday, January 22, 2012

When you lose your wallet...

1. Retrace your steps.
2. Retrace your steps AGAIN, this time try to stay calm.
3. Leave your name and number where you were last.
4. Call your bank and report your cards lost, verify the last purchases.
5. Update your Facebook status for sympathy from your friends.
6. Make a list of what you need to replace to avoid surprises down the road (ex. insurance cards).
7. Plan to visit the DMV and pray your photo is better than the last.
8. Hope that someone will return it! 
9. Get over it and begin shopping for a new wallet.

Did I miss anything? I confess I called my parents and cried between 3 and 4. Has this ever happened to you? Such a horrible feeling.


Thankfully I don't carry much cash on me ("cash is gross" - one of my BFFs) and I typically keep gift cards at home unless I plan on using them that day. I'm more upset about the actual wallet that was a gift from my parents many years ago. If you made it this far, thanks for listening. I'm hoping someone will do the right thing and contact me. I have returned a purse, IDs, credit cards...karma!
SHARE:

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Little White Dress


Not only does every girl need a Little Black Dress, but a Little White Dress too! Somewhat hard to come by... and unfortunately white doesn't always stand the length of time. Which Free People LWD strikes your fancy? I'm leaning toward #1...
SHARE:

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Virtual Tag

I've been tagged by sSe from Seersuckered Sailor... here it goes!

The Rules
1. You must post the rules.
2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.
4. Tag eleven people and link them on your post.
5. Let them know you've tagged them.

11 Fun Facts
1. I was in Alpha Omicron Pi. (Was really hoping to get a Lilly Pulitzer print this year, but we are out of the running.)
2. I cut out Diet Coke a couple weeks before the New Year... staying strong! Trying to eliminate artificial sweetener from my diet.
3. The last fact reminds me that I never wrote a post about my resolutions. One of them was to only blog when I felt like it... so there ya go.
4. As much as I love pink I can't commit to it as my favorite color. So I don't have one.
5. I have saved the date for five weddings this year and I'm honored to be a bridesmaid for one!
6. I'm obsessed with Prepfection. It's one of my favorite sites to visit when bored.
7. Mmmbop... went to see Hanson with a friend in October. Still a fan!
8. I wonder how tall you think I am if you don't know me?
9. I'm really hoping for a Giants vs. Patriots Superbowl. GMEN!
10. Daily Mail is my favorite website/app for celeb gossip.
11. I can't sing. (Only alone in my car.)

11 Questions from Seersuckered Sailor
1. Favorite de-stressor?
Organizing my room... closet... drawers... etc.
2. Diet Coke or Tea? Early Bird or NightOwl? Soup or Salad? Milk or Dark Chocolate? E-books vs. Real books? Hair up or down? Water or snow?
Since I cut out the DC I have to say tea. Nightowl. Salad. Dark. Real books. Hair down. Water.
3. What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?
Night, Saturday, October. 
4. What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?
I mostly listen to Pandora - most played artist would probably be John Mayer.
5. Do you plan out blog posts or is it spontaneous?
Spontaneous. Occasionally I'll plan something ahead of time.
6. Are you and your friends like twins or polar opposites?
Twinsies!
7. When you have 30 minutes of free-time,how do you pass the time?
Shop or nap... depends where I am!
8. If you could offer a new blogger only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Quality over quantity. 
9. If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?
Blair Waldorf.
10. What's your biggest pet peeve?
I can't stand tapping noises. I will ask you to stop!
11. What’s the one blog post you’re most proud of?
One of my first posts on How To Clean Hunter Boots.

Tag!
4. Victoria @ Lamb Loves
9. Rebecca @ Beautie & the Belle
10. Elizabeth @ Life with Elizabeth

11 Questions from ME to YOU!
1. Favorite TV show?
2. Heels or flats?
3. Are you superstitious? 
4. Favorite perfume?
5. Are you a Jackie or a Marilyn?
6. Favorite magazine?
7. Favorite candy?
8. Siblings?
9. What celeb would you trade places with for day?
10. Favorite time of year?
11. Dream car?
SHARE:

What I'm Loving...

It's no secret that I love scarves. This winter pile is continuously growing and I refold it a couple times a week. (My beloved Vermont Teddy Bear from Teddy sits on top!) Currently wearing the green chunky knit infinity scarf.

via Racked

Love these shades for Spring 2012. Disco Biscuit (hot pink) may be my first Butter London polish. "Colour, not Carcinogens" - the brand is DPB, Toulene and formaldehyde free.


I absolutely love this new pattern from Vera Bradley called Ellie Blue. I just bought a new travel set last summer... bad timing.

Loving anything that I'm loving?
P.S. I'm really behind in my blog reading... hope to catch up soon! I've been trying to organize my Google Reader/Blogger and it's been a little challenging. As always, thanks for stopping by. xo

SHARE:

Monday, January 16, 2012

Cozy up, eh?

Brrrrrr it's cold up North.Wouldn't you love to cozy up under a Hudson Bay point blanket... or at least tote one with you throughout the day to bring warm thoughts? This bag by Rebecca Ray Design is made from the iconic Canadian vintage blankets and has over 40 options for the bridle rosette (I think I would choose the fox). Love love love!


Maybe I should have started this off by saying you could wear the blanket instead of tote it...Rachel Bilson in Smythe at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.


Luxe version... one side blanket other side coyote fur. I wish it came in faux.


The pattern is also known as the Glacier National Park Blanket by Pendleton (available here), as seen with Atlantic-Pacific last summer. You may have seen it at Urban Outfitters.

And if you're interested to learn more about the stripes...
Knocked off: The Hudson's Bay blanket's American look-alike (Toronto Life, May 2010)
Who Made That Hudson's Bay Blanket? (New York Times, September 2011)
--> MUST READ! Let's Cuddle (Tartan Scott, January 2013 - a great interior design blog I came across while researching for this post!)
SHARE:

Friday, January 13, 2012

Friday's Fancies: Color Crush


Mad Men fan? Can't you see Betty in this outfit? (Lately I've been wearing that shade of MAC lipstick... mwah!) Ted and I are playing catch up and just finished the second season of the show. This weekend will be spent watching the next season and football... lots of football!

Visit long distance loving for Friday's Fancies. Have a great weekend - Go Giants!
SHARE:

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Mexican Wine Tasting

via Instagram
Thanks to apartment 34 I was on the guest list for a preview of the upcoming Food and Wine Festival in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico at Hotel Americano in Chelsea. Along with Corinne and my newest blogging friends (Stripes and Sequins, The Urban SlantWalks with Bella and  Fashion Truffles) I learned about Mexican wine, tequila and mezcal from leading wine expert Mark Oldman. Don't you love the monogram on the inside of his blazer? So dapper!


What to do when you need to regain the attention of the group? Whip out the tequila shot gun. You can find this online and I think it would be an amazing gift!


I left the wine tasting with dreams of a getaway to the Food & Wine Festival in Mexico, a nice buzz and a copy Oldman's Brave New World of Wine: Pleasure, Value, and Adventure Beyond Wine's Usual Suspects. It has great reviews and I look forward to expanding my wine knowledge. So far so good, and I think the woman reading over my shoulder on the train would agree.


The Mexican theme continued throughout the evening with dinner at Tortilla Flats and a solo shopping spree at Forever 21 (they are open until 10:30). I thought this scarf had a little Mexican flair. Cheers!
SHARE:

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Cheap Picks for the Cold Front

My girl Lindsay is back with more skincare tips for the winter. I can always count on her for natural and organic product recommendations. She does the research and reads the product labels so we don't have to.

East Coast girls know that the winter months can be especially frigid and detrimental to our skin, hair and scalp. Central heat, space heaters and hot showers are just some of the factors that exacerbate the issue and lead to more dryness, itching, and flakes – yuck TMI!

After last winter, the sudden chill in the air has inspired me to research the warmest coats and boots and more importantly the best skin and hair care products to offset the winter dryness – minus chemicals and preservatives of course! Here are my findings and recommendations.


Extracted from a tree, this fatty substance is solid at room temperature and melts at body temperature to provide many natural skin benefits such as moisturizing, healing, anti-aging and sun protection. Shea butter is easily absorbed by the skin but does not clog pores and suffocate skin like many mainstream skin protectants such as petroleum jelly. Opt for the 100% pure, raw, unrefined kind to provide the most benefits such as the Organic Shea Butter Tin by Out of Africa.  I apply it to my hands every day before bedtime and find that it keeps my hands and cuticles soft and smooth as well as repairs dry cracked skin faster than anything else. Shea butter is also a fabulous natural alternative to lip balm!

More commonly known as a non-toxic cleaner around the house, baking soda removes bacteria from the skin and doubles as an exfoliator. Add a few teaspoons to your favorite cleanser to create a fantastic face scrub and eliminate the flakes. You can also combine a few teaspoons with just water to craft a more natural skin exfoliator for your face and body as well as a scalp clarifying rinse. I recommend using no more than once a week and following with a moisturizer to prevent over drying of the skin.

Cold process soap is very different than most commercial soaps and body washes since it contains glycerin, a natural skin humectant instead of sulfates, which are detergents that can strip your skin. Did you know that sulfates are the same foam forming ingredients found in many laundry detergents and dishwasher soaps?It makes sense to choose sulfate free products to boost softer, smoother and more hydrated skin. I like using cold process soap along with a loofa since it provides cleansing while exfoliating benefits. You can pick up cold process soap at your local farmers market or choose from a vast variety online at Etsy. Remember that keeping the duration and water temperature of your shower to a minimum will also help skin retain moisture.

Soma is a superior hair care line that boasts organic products of the highest quality. Everything is vegan, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, organic, sulfate/alcohol/paraben/formaldehyde free and has an optimal 4.5-5.5 pH level (anything higher can dry out hair and lead to frizz). In addition most of Soma’s products incorporate proteins into their ingredients to strengthen hair. I swear by their Moisture Shampoo, Reconstruct Deep Conditioner and Leave in Conditioner spray, and use all of these each time I wash my hair. I also recommend many of their styling products, particularly the Rage Out Styling Cream to achieve a salon worthy blow out.

Every time I see Lindsay (she lives in Boston) I swear I run out and buy new products. I gave Lindsay's Soma trio a trial run in Lake Placid and was impressed with the results. Placing an order once my current supply depletes. Have any natural products to add to Lindsay's list?
SHARE:

Monday, January 9, 2012

Par-tee

Mini golf in 5 inch heels... why not?


Saturday night I went to a going away party at the Greenwich Village Country Club that opened a few months ago in Union Square above Bowlmor Lanes. Mini golf, bocce, shuffleboard and beer in paper bags are some of the highlights. (The most challenging part of the 9-hole course will be juggling your club, drink and purse. No pond or windmill here!) I loved that it was a club/lounge/bar in one and I think it goes without saying I'm into the Caddyshack theme.


Stacie (front and center with the champagne bottle) will be moving to Singapore with her husband Vin next month and will be greatly missed! We're encouraging her to follow through with plans to start a blog after the move.

Floorplan and images via Greenwich Village Country Club

I was in heaven at GVCC... plaid and argyle everywhere!
SHARE:

Friday, January 6, 2012

Fashion Fridays:Resort




Linking up with Kori at Blonde Episodes for Fashion Fridays with a few of my favorite resort accessories. I think you could go on a cruise for the same price as that clutch and definitely for the shoes. Which would you choose? Have a great weekend!

SHARE:

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Basketcake

This post is off season but I couldn't wait to share. I've seen basket weave cakes before... but never with a handle. This Nantucket Lightship Basket cake by Jodi's Cakes is crazy fabulous!


Not just for weddings. It's hard to believe it's edible until you see this picture, right?



Many more Nantucket themed cakes in their Facebook gallery.


A perfectly preppy pair! (See more of this wedding here.)
SHARE:

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

ADK

Happy New Year! I rang in 2012 with friends in Lake Placid, New York.


A few of us visited the Olympic Jumping Complex to watch a competition and took the lift and elevator to the top of ski jump tower. The view from the 120 meter platform was unbelievable.


It rained on New Year's Eve so we spent most of the day on the couch watching a Jersey Shore marathon. We were more than ready to get out for the night and celebrate. It wasn't easy but we were up early the next morning to ski.

via Instagram

I got a gel manicure before the trip... it only lasted 3.5 days before it started to peel off. Should I blame the weather? Hand cream? Gloves? Oh well.

Cheers to 2012! Resolutions to follow...
SHARE:
Blog Design Created by pipdig