Friday's Fancies: April Showers

Burberry London Gabardine Trench Coat $1,095

Splendid Black Short Sleeve Dress $130

Kate Spade Gramery Grand Bracelet Watch $225

Bauble Bar Stud Earrings $26

Merde Il Pleut Orange Umbrella $45

Burberry Floral Print Rain Boots $225 $118.99

Are you ready for April showers? I carry a mini umbrella in my purse just in case of a surprise shower. As for the boots...I'm always rushing in the morning during the week and forget to wear mine when it's raining. Whenever I do break them out the weather seems to clear up immediately. If I could get my act together in the morning and check the forecast (and had an unlimited budget) I would wear the above ensemble and put my heels in my tote...

Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Shoulder Tote $125

I would have a Longchamp in every color to choose from. I hate when I'm caught in the rain with a leather bag. 

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Enjoy the weekend and if you're in my area stay dry!

Sephora Sale

Wooo! Sephora is having a 15% promotion for Beauty Insiders 3/30 - 4/5 (3/29 - 4/6 for V.I.B.s). Use code CHICWEEK at checkout. UPDATE: Code CHIC works :)

Here are just a few of my favorite products available at Sephora:
Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Earth Reflection 609 $59
I love the pink among neutral shades.
Benefit Cosmetics It's Potent! Eye Cream $32
I recommend this as a starter eye cream. I've been trying some other samples here and there but sticking to this for now.
Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing in 02 Medium $19
One of my favorite products. It's light and has great coverage.
Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer $35
There was so much hype about this moisturizer on the beauty blogs last year I had to give it a try. Hooked.
Boscia Luminizing Black Mask $34
Scary, but amazing.
Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15  $22.50
This lip balm goes everywhere with me. It now comes in a coral shade that I would love to try.
NARS Blush in Deep Throat $28
I can't even remember when I bought this blush, it has lasted for a looonnng time. The cult favorite, Orgasm, was out of stock so I went for this peachy shade as an alternative. It's less shimmery, which I prefer.

Over the past month I have been on a makeup/skincare purchasing hiatus to use all of the samples and half empty products I have. I'm glad this sale is at the end of the month so I could stick to my commitment! I also did a bit of spring cleaning - see this article from Allure on shelf life for some guidelines.

So, who is going shopping?

You can sign up to be an insider here.

Girls Night

Yesterday Jana left a comment that I am always jumping state to state... so true! It's easy up here. After the baby shower in Connecticut on Saturday I headed to Jersey for a girls night out. My friends Amanda and Sara were visiting from Pennsylvania.(Shoutout to George at Madison for taking our Ring Pop pic.)

Amanda's wedding is this September and Danielle just set her date for 2013. We celebrated in traditional fashion with pink Funfetti cupcakes and champagne. 

You can find these cupcake boxes at Home Goods and craft stores. I am always on the lookout at the end of the holidays for cute patterns on sale. I printed the note on cardstock and secured with double-sided tape.

We ate dinner at Johnny Pepperoni and couldn't resist ordering the Nutella dessert pie. When I Googled for a recipe (which I know is silly since it's just dough, Nutella and powdered sugar) the first one that came up was a variation from Caroline Manzo. Funny since I was in Jersey.

After dinner and drinks we watched She's the Man with Amanda Bynes. This was our #1 chick flick (that I know guys secretly like) back in college. I've seen it a million times and it only gets funnier. "Catch up with you later!"

Baby Shower

Over the weekend one of my best friends Erica was in Connecticut for her baby shower. She now lives in Virginia and I miss her so much!

We played lacrosse together in high school and became besties. She was in the grade above me and I really missed her my senior year. It just wasn't the same without my partner in crime. Here we are with our other friend Tricia at an alumni lacrosse game a few years ago and at her wedding.

I couldn't wait to go shopping... Baby Polo!

When I first saw a diaper cake at a shower a couple of years ago I was determined to make one myself. I will dedicate a post later this week with the tutorials I referenced and my how-to tips.

As expected there were lots of "awwwws" as Erica opened gifts. The theme "Little Boys are a HOOT" was adorable - take a peek at the invitation on Etsy. Erica's sister also made a themed diaper cake with baby clothes rolled into it.

Love you, Eeks! Can't wait until June to meet your little boy!

Friday's Fancies: March Madness

J. Crew Jersey cardigan $50

Splendid Cotton and modal-blend tank $40

GoldSign His cropped boyfriend-fit jeans $240

Tory Burch Reva Metallic Tumbled Flat $195

David Yurman Sterling Silver & 18k Yellow Gold Oval Link Necklace $3,750

If you filled out a bracket this year, you know Lehigh. I was crushed when my alma mater lost to Xavier in the second round, but that's okay. We beat Duke! Wish I had been there, wearing something along this line.

This celebratory video by DJ Hump kills me. 

"You know you made it big when Justin Bieber tweet about it."

I'm really fancying the Lehigh Beat Duke shirts made by UNC fans. I wish I could get a hold of one. This was the first year in forever that I didn't make a bracket. Now that Lehigh and Uconn (my other team) are out... who should I be rooting for?!

emmakisstina

I recently won a print by emmakisstina from Caviar Taste, Tuna Fish Wallet (I especially loved Lindsey's post yesterday! You will know why immediately). I had a really hard time choosing one and finally settled on the Louboutin Pair. My plan is to frame it and prop it up against the wall above my shoe shelf. So many fashion and beauty classics, you will love this Etsy shop too!

Green Weekend

Top & Scarf: F21. Pants: Zara (new). Shoes: Stuart Weitzman. Necklace: Max & Chloe.

For the past couple of weeks I have been seeing mint jeans everywhereeeee. I found the perfect pair at Zara and happened to wear them for the first time on St. Patty's for my friend Kate's birthday dinner in Boston. Before we left to eat in the North End I piled on more accessories. I know Coco Chanel said to look in the mirror and take something off... whoops. (Sorry boyfriend, I need another outfit pic!) I was paranoid throughout dinner not to spill anything on myself.

With the St. Patty's birthday girl!

JoJo Loves You, Kendra Scott, C. Wonder, KEP Designs

I packed all my green earrings for the weekend.

We spent Sunday in South Boston for the parade. It was a gorgeous day that drew a record crowd and some  "interesting" green outfits. I was boring and wore the same shirt I did last year. (If you saw my post on Friday, someone owes me a new LV!)

Friday Five

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Please excuse my lack of posts lately. I work on my blog late night and have been busier than usual. I neeed moreeee sleep!!

Shirt: Old Navy (similar here).

Last weekend my friends and I participated in an Irish Stroll around the Financial District for an early St. Patty's celebration. I'll be in Boston this weekend for my friend Kate's birthday and more St. Patty's festivities.

Since I cut out soda in December I've been drinking lots of sodium free seltzer with lemon to satisfy my cravings for a bubbly beverage. Add lemon to water and seltzer for taste and health benefits. 

I said bye bye to the red nail polish, bring on the spring shades. I'm currently wearing Essie A Crewed Interest on my fingers, Estée Lauder Rosa Rosa on my toes and Seche Vite on top. This is my travel nail kit in case there is an "emergency" while I'm away this weekend. Do you use glass nail files? Make sure it's made in the Czech Republic and not China.

March Madness! Lehigh (15) is playing Duke (2) tonight. Teddy said that if Lehigh wins he would buy me a new Louis Vuitton. Translation - he thinks Lehigh has no chance. You never know. Please pray for the Mountain Hawks!

Have a great weekend! xo

Tommy and Dee

Can you imagine what Tommy and Dee Hilfiger's Manhattan home must look like? Take a peak at this story from The Covetuer. 

Shoes a plenty. Dee's collection is to die for and I was equally blown away with Tommy's half of the closet.

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The story mentioned his ad campaign with Britney Spears before she "hit" big. Being the huge Brit fan I am, I loved the throwback!

Right Now

Zara Jacket with Piping and Zip $89.90

Zara Jacket with Piping and Zip $89.90

These jackets are a great "right now" piece to add to your wardrobe. The white is versatile and the zipper will tie in black clothing and accessories. I found the second jacket in navy and green and couldn't pass it up. I wore it with a grey tee and jeans for a casual Friday. I can thank my co-worker for the tip, I wasted no time getting to Zara. Things go fast there and I don't always have great luck with my size.

Do you shop at Zara?

What I'm Loving...

Kendra Scott Danielle in Chalcedony $60

Do you have anything mint in your wardrobe or jewelry box? I'm loving these Kendra Scott earrings. I bought this pair from F21 but once I got home realized they are kind of heavy.

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Did y'all watch GCB? Only one episode in, but I love it. This was one of my favorite scenes. (Anyone remember the show Popular with Leslie Bibb?)

Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade March Madness Party Planning Guide

Loving that it's March Madness! I'm going to watch Lehigh vs. Bucknell after work with a few girlfriends. Maybe one day I can host the viewing party and serve Sandra Lee's Tip Off Bloody Marias, Time Out Shrimp Shooters and Round  Ball March Madness Basketball Cookies. All recipes plus extras for the table (place cards, bracket runners) can be found here.

Vacation Roundup

While visiting Colorado with Teddy's family we skiied at Vail for a couple days. It was my first time skiing out West... hello powder!

The views were breathtaking - so was trying to keep up with Ted going down the mountain.I skied when I was younger and only picked it back up a few years ago.

I took a risk and wore these shiny leather-like leggings in an attempt to look like this. I bought them almost 4 years and finally ripped the tag off before I left. Good thing I don't always follow that rule about tossing clothes you haven't worn in a year.

That chess game didn't last long considering I don't know how to play.
Have you ever seen a chevron print elevator?

Ted got in a few morning runs our last day in the mountains at Beaver Creek while I enjoyed some breakfast at The Metropolitan and read the paper. Lindsey Vonn of Vail is one of my favorite athletes to watch.

We spent our last night back in Denver visiting Ted's sister. Thankfully she likes to watch Bachelor on Monday nights so we relaxed around the TV and had Colorado style pizza from Beau Jo's. (I gave up cheese for Lent so had mine topped with dairy free, does that count?) After a few nights of eating out at restaurants it was a nice change up. I've been lucky enough to visit Colorado twice this year, can't wait to go back!

Monogram Deal

If you are like me, you might have a hard time keeping up with all the daily/weekly deals out there. Luckily I opened the email with this $20 for $40 offer to Uncommonwares from Pop Sugar to share with you. (There was no word of monogram in the subject line.)

iPhone Cases $38

There are plenty of monogrammed items to choose from, but the iPhone case is a standout deal. After the offer, you will pay approximately $3.65 for shipping (which typically averages $5.65). I can't speak to the quality since I don't own this particular one, but I love the custom design options. (Back in high school I would probably have chosen the lacrosse motif. Cheesy?)

As always, be sure to read the fine print before you buy. This deal ends 3/12/12 12:59 PST.

The "It" Bag

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I know, I want one too. The Celine luggage tote was named the "It" bag of New York Fashion Week by WWD.

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I met Lindsey of little seed, Big Apple last month and her blog is one of my new fashion favs. Here she is with her new Celine in black.

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If you don't want to take the $2,000 - $2,500 plunge, J.Crew has a great alternative.

J. Crew Tillary Tote

#1 Warm Sienna $328

#2 Striped Canvas $228

#3 Canvas $228

Which color do you like? I love something versatile but it's always fun to have something bright and bold!

PS - Order J. Crew through EBates for 3% cash back. It adds up!

Vin48

I was really impressed with the food on my Colorado trip. One of my favorite restaurants was Vin48 Restaurant and Wine Bar in Avon.

Our waiter helped us pick out this Austrian red as an alternative to my go-to Pinot Noir. I did a little research when I got home about the grapes and learned it's a popular wine in it's homeland. I love expanding my vino knowledge and hopefully someday I'll know what I'm talking about.

The small plates were the best part of the meal. The sweet potato ravioli was delish.

Saving the best for last. These ahi tuna tartare sliders were amazing. I had every last drop of that chili bbq sauce.

So, who wants to go back with me?

vin48 Restaurant and Wine Bar
48 E Beaver Creek Blvd
Avon, CO 81620
970.748.WINE