High Low

With temperatures dropping {into the high 80's} everyone is making small talk about the weather and how much they love it. I tend to keep those little thoughts {which I find kind of awkard because they clearly come from there be nothing else to talk about} to myself, even though inside- I'm loving the minimally noticable change in weather too. I've already debated on whether it's time to slowly make the change in my closet from "high summer" to what I'm calling"pre fall". Pre Fall is fabulous because it's still warm enough to enjoy dinners outside in the evenings, and it's never too cold OR too hot. Here are some trends I'm loving this fall and some ways to get them at the high or low.

Clogs left to right: Christian Louboutin $1495, Calypso-Celle.com $250, Steve Madden $80

the Trench: Burberry $2480, Alexon $200, TopShop $160

Sequins: Phillip Lim $475, J.Crew $268, TopShop $170

Oversized Sweater: Vanessa Bruno $183, Delias $50, JohnLewis.com $47

please refer to

In an effort to not disappoint while also taking the easy way out of skipping a post...please refer to My Cup of Te for a fabulous recap of the weekend, "Lunch Dates and Tailgates". Since I spent all weekend with one of my best friends, you can read all about the details on her blog! Very cute Rox, thank you for letting me take a post break =)

My Cup of Te

Have you had yours?

flirty friday

Usually Friday's are the one day you want to feel comfy and relaxed before the weekend. You've dressed up all week for work and most company's have even proclaimed Friday's as a "casual" day. It's funny how as soon as you have the go-ahead to be more casual; you want to do the opposite. Sometimes it's nice to feel dressed up when you don't have to be. So make more Friday's, "flirty friday" and dress yoursefl up just because. Here are some cute ideas.

Happy Friday!

from right to left:

French Connection Navy Ruffle Top

Forever 21 headband

Vanessa Bruno Skirt

DVF Ruffle Gloves

Mulberry Skirt

from right to left:

Misselfridge.com Black Dress

Topshop Ditsy Tunic

Topshop White Dress

Topshop Melon Dress

Milly Belted Top

love letters

My Mom always taught me to write letters. Whether it be a thank-you letter for something, a miss you letter, or a "just because" letter; they are all way better than getting an email and sometimes even a phone call. I truly believe that the seemingly old-fashion hand written letter is far under rated. I really only get them these days on my birthday or an occasional "just because" letter from my Grandma. But I really wish sometimes that I'd get the mail and have a hand written love letter. How cute and original!!

Happy Wednesday

pic

Summer in Paris

It's been several years since I spent a summer in Paris, but I still remember it like yesterday. Partly because of the ridiculous amounts of pictures I took during my time there, and partly just because of how memorable the city is. But then there is also the constant reminder that I haven't taken a true vacation in far too long, that makes me want to jetset to Paris for a long weekend. Here is my vacation dream

...river boat cruise on the Siene Rover to watch the sunset over Paris

...shopping and people watching on the Champs Elysees

...brunch and a day laying in the Luxembourg Gardens

...dinner and wine picnic during the flashing lights on the Eiffel Tower

...fresh breakfast croissants and then heading to the flea market

Ballerina Dreams

As a little girl, I was a ballerina. I wore the cute little pink tutu, pink tights and my pink ballet slippers! And even now I still love all things "ballerina". American Apparel has made tutu's acceptable for an older customer {thank goodness}, but the easiest way to get the ballerina feel without all the tulle; is with ballet flats. Since they now come in every color possible {including my favorite Steve Madden's in sparkles}, you can now be the ballerina you've dreamed of being again since you were a little girl.

1. Frye Carson

2. Tory Burch

3. Lanvin

4. Miu Miu

5. Steve Madden (love!)

6. Olsenhaus

Round and Round

1. JJ Winter
2. Isharya Ring
3. Jaeger Top
4. Elsa Peretti at Tiffany's
5. United Bamboo
6. Isabella Oliver Bracelet

Baskets or Bunnies?

by WiltsieBridgeCS at Etsy.com

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn

WillaSkyeHome and Nenavon at Etsy.com

BlueBirdHeaven at Etsy and Pottery Barn

Lunch and Vintage

I recently met a couple of my girlfriends for lunch and afterwards we found ourselves in a nearby antique store rummaging through jewelry boxes full of vintage jewelry. As we wandered the store that was mostly full of antique furniture, the owner asked us if we'd like to look through her jewelry boxes and "make her an offer". Although we didn't end up buying anything, we had the most fun just trying on vintage brooches, necklaces, bracelets and clip-on earrings. Nothing will ever quite compare to lunch and vintage with girlfriends; but if you're looking for a quick purchase with lots of variety, then Etsy.com is the next best thing.

VintageInBloom from Etsy.com
VintageInBloom at Etsy.com
MadAboutVintage at Etsy.com

Simple but Sweet

Since my cooking skills are seriously lacking, I have to offer somethig up in the kitchen. That usually leaves me being in charge of drinks or something pre-made. Lucky for me I've found some very simple, yet sweet summer drink recipes that even I can make!
I'm a huge fan of mojitos and mimosas; so both of these recipes are very fitting. One includes mint leaves and the other one, champagne- delish!

Cava Sangria
Ingredients:
8 large mint leaves
1 bottle Cava Sparkling Wine (chilled)
3/4 cup white grape juice
1/2 cup fresh strawberries
1/4 cup orange liqueur

Press mints leaves on edges of cup with wooden spoon. Stir in Sparkling wine and next 3 ingredients. Serve over ice.


Champagne Limencello
8 lemon rind strips
8 tablespoons Limencello
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 bottle Champagne

Roll up each strip of lemon rind. Place 1 into each of 8 Champagne flutes. Add 1 tablespoon liqueur and 1/2 teaspoon juice to each glass. Divide Champagne evenly among glasses.

tanks and tees

The last few weekends have been packed full of parties, weddings, luncheons and traveling. So this weekend, I took advantage of finally having on the calendar and I resorted to tanks and tees as my weekend dress code. There is something to be said about a comfortable basic tank or t-shirt, also seen here and here. One of my favorites is actually from Target. It's a grey tagless "boyfriend" tee with a little pocket and it's the most comfortable thing in the world. {I might have worn it for about 24 hours straight this weekend}. And the fact that it only cost $8.00 is even better! Here are some other cute tanks and tees- and they don't have to be boring just because they're comfortable.

Happy Sunday!

right to left: Marc Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel, Kain, Splendid, DAY birger

right to left: J.crew, James Perse, Madewell, American Eagle, Splendid

sushi Fridays

Sushi Friday's are more common than not these days. I haven't always been a fan of sushi, until I found a local restaurant that I just fell in love. I found my signature dish (the "Southpark" roll) and have stuck with it ever since. There was a point were I craved sushi from this particular restaurant almost on command every single Friday night. So tonight is no different. I'm ordering my Southpark Roll and some edamame and curling up to a good movie.

Happy Friday!

big mistake

You know those days when you feel like all you've done is eat junk! Well I've felt like this quite a bit lately and when I ran across this "intervention ware"; I decided it's not a bad idea to have this around the house.

black versus brown

For quite awhile now, there has been a trend towards brown being "the new black". Although I love my browns, I don't think brown can even begin to compete with all the black I already own. But I think...why not both? I love black and brown together!! The pair has really grown on me and I definitely don't see a problem with mixing the 2 colors, that used to be a major no-no. What do you think? Black versus Brown or both?

right to left:

-Carven Heels

-Marni Crossover Bag

-DVF Dress

-LAMB Heels

-Michael Kors Watch

Spa Day Please!

Today is one of those days I need to spend at the spa! Swedish massage, pedicure, and total relaxation is much needed today. This is all because of my most recent decision to join a friends soccer league. The same soccer league that I thought was going to be all about fun and meeting new people...turns out to be all about serious competition and winning! I'm all about winning, but I did not know that you needed to be in terrific shape to play in this league. Oh well, better luck next week {once I get feeling back in my legs}.

Here is where I wish I was for now...

Shhh....relaxation in progress

in the middle of nowhere

read a good book and lots of pillows!!

Oh Happy Day!

Congrats Sarah and Ryan!!

The wedding weekend was so much fun and so beautiful.

I love you both and hope you have a fabulous honeymoon.
Happy Monday! xoxo

Sarah and all the bridesmaids and her beautiful wedding dress!!!

blushing

Like most girls, I have a huge makeup bag filled with lots of fun goodies! Most of which I rarely even use, but bought either because I liked the pretty packaging or thought it would be fun to have for special occasions. However, there is one thing that I can not get enough of and have several to choose from- and that's blush. I have pretty fair skin, so I am always in need of lots of color on my cheeks. Needless to say, I have several favorites and I'm still discovering new ones to add to my collection. Here are some of my current faves:

1. Benefit "High Beam"

2. NARS

3. Benefit "Posie Tint"

4. Laura Mercier

5. Bare Minerals

6. Bobbi Brown

Flower girl

In the spirit of another wedding weekend, I thought I'd take a moment to say how how sad I am to now be 26 years old and have never been a flower girl. This has always been a dream of mine, and for some reason none of my friends find it amusing and will not entertain the thought. At this rate, I might have to be the flower girl at my own wedding one day. I just love flowers and the little girl (I know, not a grown adult) that drops the petals down the aisle. It's just the cutest thing ever!

pics from instyle

Wedding Weekend!!

I'm off for another wedding weekend, but this time it's one of my best friend's and I'm a bridesmaid. I am so happy for her and I'm looking forward to a great weekend with friends that's full of celebration. I love weddings anyways, but getting to be a part of one is even more exciting. Getting to be a part of several celebrations leading up to the big day, from showers, to the bachelorette party, the bridesmaid luncheon, rehearsal dinner, and of course the wedding and reception! Which also means, lots of dresses for every occasion!! Which I always love. Packing is so much simpler when you can just wear dresses. And it's even better that the big day is picked out for you already. Happy Wedding Weekend Sarah and Ryan! I love you and am so excited for the big day.

Cocktail dresses for a rehearsal dinner or even the bridesmaid luncheon: dressy but fun! Wear color; it's happier and perfect for a summer wedding.

right to left: Red Valentino, Haute Hippie, Anthropologie, Alice & Olivia, and Red Valentino

ruffles, rosettes, one shoulder , and waist details

right to left: Topshop, Forever 21, and French Connection

mixed prints, shoulder emphasis, and belted looks

right to left: Anthropologie, Miss Me (navy and yellow)

Windy City

Our trip to Chicago was beyond amazing! I had always heard great things about the "Windy City" but I never really knew what to expect. Well, I couldn't have loved it more. The Chicago River, Lake Michigan, the Magnificent Mile....I might be moving soon. I took a ton of pictures (like such a tourist) and put a lot of them in black in white to have printed. Hope you like!

Enjoy and Happy Thursday!!

grey Monday

After an amazing weekend in Chicago and Milwaukee, it couldn't have been harder to get the week started this morning. I fully intended on waking up and doing a little yoga to get started on the right foot, but instead I woke up late and rushed right to work. And it didn't help that the day was filled with grey skies! On days like today, I think it's okay to want to cozy up!! It's just a grey kind of Monday.
Happy Monday!

from right to left:

-Delia's

-Vanessa Bruno

-James Perse (middle)

-Steven Alan pocket tee

-Rebel Yell "Bonjour Tee"