On Vacation

Greetings from Ohio! Assuming the winter storms didn't cancel my flight (and that the Mayans were wrong) I got into Columbus late last night. I'll be spending the next 10 days with my family and returning to Boston to spend New Year's Eve with my sweetie. I've only been able to see my family once a year since moving to Boston, so I always try to make the most of the time we have together.

Today my mom, sister, and I are getting family pictures done. It'll be the first time we've had professional family pictures in over a decade and the first time ever with just the three of us. I can't wait to share them with you, but in the mean time here's one of my favorite pictures of the three of us from Christmas 2008. Little sister is about a foot taller now!

I probably won't be very active in the blog world until after the new year. I'm hoping I can persuade my sister and mom to be act as my personal photographers while I'm here, so that I come back with lots of outfit photos to share. I do promise to tweet lots of pictures. I guarantee there will be cookie decorating, an animal print themed Christmas tree, and more matching pjs so make sure you follow me on twitter!

Happy Holidays to you and yours. See you in 2013!

Holiday Wishlist Part 2: Stocking Stuffers

I apologize for doing so many wishlist posts lately, and not so many outfit posts. Sometimes life gets in the way of taking pictures, and I'm learning to be okay with it.

A few weeks ago I shared a few of the items on my holiday wishlist. This week I thought I'd share some of the items I'd love to find in my stocking Christmas morning.

This adorable Stocking. Y'all know how I feel about polka dots!

Stila Major Lash Mascara- This is my go-to mascara. It doesn't clump, has a tiny applicator brush, and it's under $10!

A Tea Ball for brewing loose leaf teas.

Some Smashbox Mega Tint lipcolor in a peachy tint for every day wear. I love, love, love smashbox lip glosses, so I've been wanting to try this.

This sparkly Rose Gold Colored Ring from Dorothy Perkins is also under $10!

For my at home manicures I'd love some Ridge Smoothing Base Coat by Essie and these beautiful lacy Sally Hansen Salon Effects.

... and lots of chocolate!

What stocking stuffers do you have your eye on?

Weekly Wishlist: A Little Sparkle

In college I had a lot of sparkly clothes in my wardrobe. When I graduated and stopped going to dance parties I got rid of a lot of my "going out" clothes. Gone are my sequined party dresses and glittery belts. As a result, I struggle when it comes to putting together outfits for events that require "cocktail" attire. I want to invest in some sparkly basics that can be remixed for formal events, or just for days when I feel like wearing a little something sparkly.

image via DSW.com

Plenty by Tracy Reese Naia Wedge Bootie- $129.95 at DSW

It's boot weather in Boston about 60% of the year, so these sparkly little booties would definitely come in handy. I can see them with a cocktail dress and some funky patterned tights for an event, or with opaque tights, a black pencil skirt and a sweater for the office. 

image via forever21.com

Cropped Sequined Jacket- $29.80 at Forever21

This color is listed as bronze on the website, but I think it looks more like a rose gold color. I'm a little obsessed with rose gold jewelry right now, so I love this little cropped jacket. I'd use it to dress up jeans and a tee.

image via Nordstrom.com

Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress- $140 at Norstrom

This dress isn't technically sparkly, but it's lacy and it's one of my favorite colors. It's sleeveless so it could be layered in cold weather or worn alone in warmer weather. There's also a 3/4 sleeve version if you don't like showing your arms.  I would style this dress with a sparkly blazer and pumps for an event, or with a cardigan and flats for the office. 

image via oldnavy.com

Braided Sparkle Belt- $8 at Old Navy

I love a braided belt, and this one is covered in pewter sequins! At $8 I'm strongly resisting the urge to order it for myself right now.

image via forever21.com

Sequined Scallop Skirt- $24.80 at Forever 21

Quality at Forever 21 is always a gamble, but how beautiful and delicate is this skirt? The sequined arches give it an art deco vibe, which I love. I think it would look great with a simple black sweater.

Which is your favorite?


PS: I did some blog design changes yesterday with my limited tech abilities. What do you think?

 

Smart Polka Dots

It's no secret I love polka dots. I have three polka dot dresses in my closet (1, 2, 3) and I've been trying REALLY hard not to buy any more, so I was delighted to see this dress on Gwynnie Bee! Borrow a work appropriate polka dot dress whenever I want? Yes please! And the color is divine. It reads as navy in photos, but it's more of a really deep plum color in person. I kind of want to wear it again before I send it back, but there are so many other pieces I want to try! 

Outfit: Dress- Eliza J via Gwynnie Bee; Boots- Madden Girl (similar); Tights- H&M

I wore this dress to work and also to a panel discussion on Boston Fashion hosted by Boston Globe. The discussion "Boston Fashion is Smart" was co-moderated by Jay Calderin of Boston Fashion Week and Chris Muther, a fashion reporter for the Boston Globe and featured some really cool panelists. The discussion focused on how fashion in Boston is evolving and coming into its own. 

While a lot of the discussion was a little too high fashion oriented for my taste- one point of discussion really resonated with me. The features that Boston is often criticized for are actually its strengths. Being a "college town" actually gives Boston its character- it is the ever changing population of students and faculty that make Boston a global city! 

Autumn 2012 in Review

I can't believe it's December already! I know winter doesn't officially start until the winter solstice on December 21st, but I always think of December 1st as the unofficial start of winter. With that in mind, here is a look back at some of my favorite outfits from Autumn 2012.

There are definitely some trends in my fall favorites. I loved cobalt, mustard yellow, horizontal stripes, and my denim jacket! Which outfit is your favorite?

Playing Favorites

I love new clothes. There's something really satisfying about ripping the tags off a garment and wearing it for the first time. Some items go on to become favorites, worn over and over until they literally fall apart. Other items get worn a few times and then get thrown into the "donate/ sell" pile. This dress is one of those items that I will wear until it can't be worn any more. 

I bought this dress at Target  back in February or March and I have worn it once every two weeks ever since. It works for every season, and I love challenging myself to style it in different ways. (Like here, here, and here). When I bought this floral and leopard print scarf (on super clearance for $5!!!) at Urban Outfitters, I knew I would eventually pair it with this dress. Pardon the pattern explosion, but I think they're a perfect match.

Outfit: Dress, Cardigan, Belt & Tights- Target; Boots- Matisse via DSW; Scarf- Urban Outfitters 

Do you play favorites with your clothing? 

Frost and a Borrowed Skirt

I did it! I got up early enough to take outfit pictures before work! Okay, so it only happened once, but  at least it happened!  It wasn't exactly a warm evening either. It's hard to tell from these pictures, but there's frost on the grass! 

Outfit: Skirt- Kiyonna via GB; Shirt- H&M; Cardigan- Old Navy; Belt- Steve Madden; Boots- Madden Girl; Tights- Hue 

This skirt is my first item from Gwynnie Bee. I decided to take advantage of their first month free  promotion and sign up. After getting my first few pieces, and seeing the items they'll be adding to the collection in December, I'll definitely be continuing my subscription for at least a few months. Wondering what Gwynnie Bee is? Think rent a swag.

This skirt fit me perfectly except for the length. I like my pencil skirts to hit me at the knee and this one hit a little below my knees. I don't think styling it with boots was the best choice, but it was a chilly day. I think it would look better with platform sandals and bare legs, so maybe I'll borrow it again in the summer.

Holiday Wishlist 2012

So I'm a little crazy and started my holiday shopping a few weeks ago, but today officially kicks off the holiday shopping season. What better way to commemorate the biggest shopping day of the year, than with a list of what I want for Christmas? (Mike and Mom- this one's for you!)

image via SquareHue's Pinterest Page

Lots of nailpolish.
So I'm kind of obsessed with nail polish right now. I've been looking into various subscription options, and Square Hue is definitely the most appealing. For $14.99 a month you get three .5oz bottles of polish and they donate part of their profits to an anti- human trafficking group? Sounds awesome. I would love a few months for Christmas!

image via rei.com

A fancy travel mug.
I have a beautiful ceramic travel mug that I love, but on really cold days my coffee is cold before I even get on the train. I'd love a fancy travel mug that would keep my coffee hot for a few hours, like this one from REI.

image via asos.com

The cutest sweater ever.
I never thought I'd buy into the animal sweater trend, but then I saw this adorable Asos Curve Sweater with a Polka dot Robin. I must have it.

image via nordstrom.com

A cozy robe.
When I get out of the shower, I like to put on my makeup before I get dressed. Lately I've been stealing Mike's robe in the mornings while I do this. I could really use a robe of my own like this adorable and cozy Kensie robe from Nordstrom. 

image via modcloth.com

A cross-body bag that can hold everything.
This is another commuter must have. I like to keep my hands free to hold the aforementioned travel mug, and hold on if I'm standing on the subway. I've been looking for a cross body bag that can hold my laptop, lunch, umbrella, wallet, keys, etc. I love this "Truly Gritty" bag from Modcloth.

image via sephora.com

image via ulta.com

Multi-product cosmetic gift set.

I love cosmetics, and I'm always looking for an excuse to try new products. I'd love a sampler set of multiple brands like the In The Glow gift set from Sephora. Or a set of products from one of my favorite brands like the Benefit Sexy Little Stowaways kit from Ulta

A little something sparkly.
Jewelry is, of course, always appreciated, but this sparkly polka dot sweater from JCrew would do just fine:) 


What's on your holiday wishlist?

A Trip to the ICA

My friend Kelly was kind enough to invite me along on her visit to the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. The last time I visited the ICA I left feeling a little underwhelmed, but this trip did not disappoint! I loved the new exhibit This Will Have Been: Art, Love and Politics in the 1980s.  

The ICA is just a few blocks from the site of the Boston Tea party and has amazing views of the harbor. I couldn't help but take some pictures in some of the glass lobby areas overlooking the harbor. 

Outfit: Dress- Gap; Cardigan- Old Navy; Tights- H&M; Boots- Me Too via DSW; Belt- Urban Outfitters. 

The lighting in these photos was a little tricky. I had to clean them up a lot in photoshop, and I still couldn't get them right. This dress is actually a charcoal gray flannel, but it looks a little blue in the photos. My photos of the harbor turned out much better. Seriously, how beautiful is this view?

I want to thank y'all for sticking with me despite my sporadic posting. I probably won't post again until after Thanksgiving, but I'm going to try my darnedest to take lots of pictures (and dress really fabulously) over the long weekend! I hope everyone enjoys a day full of friends, family, and delicious food! 

Weekend Only Skirt

I am so thankful that the storms we had last week didn't knock all of the beautiful fall leaves off the trees. I'm just not ready for the grays and browns of winter, at least not when I can have fiery yellows, oranges and reds! I couldn't help but stop and have Mike snap some pictures of me in front of these beautiful trees on our way home from Haymarket Saturday

I love this skirt, but I always forget about it. I think I only wore it once last winter.  It's too short for work, even with tights on, so it gets relinquished to my "weekends only" wardrobe. And let's be honest, I'd rather wear leggings or jeans on the weekend than a skirt. While I loved this outfit, I think next time I'll tuck in my shirt and belt the skirt.

Outfit: Skirt- Thrifted; Sweater- Old Navy; Cardigan- ?; Boots- Me Too via DSW; Tights- Hue via Marshalls 

Unfortunately these were the only outfit pictures I got over the weekend. On Sunday I wore leggings and a long sleeved tee all day. In my defense, I didn't leave my house except to get some tomato sauce from the grocery store! Here's hoping I can get up early a few days this week. I miss should go the gym, and take outfit photos!

Negligent Blogger Alert!

I have been really negligent about blogging lately and it makes me sad. Finding the time to take blog photos in the fall and winter is really difficult! I know I should be used to it, since I started this blog in January, but I took indoor photos then!

I wish I had considered an indoor space with good natural lighting as part of my apartment searching criteria. Between the wind, the rain, the snow, and it getting dark at 5:30 I have taken outfit photos only on Saturdays 3-4 weeks. Terrible! I miss it!

These photos were taken in the Boston Common this past Saturday. Mike and I had brunch in Beacon Hill and then headed to Haymarket for some cheap produce. I think we're going to make brunch and Haymarket a weekly ritual. The prices really can't be beat! For less than $10 we got 3 peppers, an eggplant, a bushel of bananas, 3 avocados, a bushel of asparagus, and 6 apples. 

Outfit: Sweater: H&M; Leggings: Danskin via Marshalls; Boots: Me Too via DSW; Jacket: JCrew thrifted 

Today felt like winter (rain, snow, wind, freezing temps) but Saturday was gorgeous. The foliage on the common was absolutely beautiful. I wish we'd had more time to walk around, but Mike had homework to do and I had a birthday party to get to. 

Hopefully you'll be seeing more of me in the coming weeks. Maybe it's time I start toting my tripod to work and take advantage of the lighting in my office? Thanks for sticking with me while I work out the kinks that come with the change in seasons. 

VOTE!

It's not just about the president. For information about what's on the ballot in your district, visit Project Vote Smart. 

Calm Before the Storm

The nonprofit I work for told all nonessential employees to stay home until noon Tuesday,  so I am enjoying a lovely, lazy hurrication. As I sit in my apartment on Monday night listening to the winds of Sandy/ Frankenstorm howl outside, I can't help but feel thankful that I am warm, dry and still have power. I know many others on the eastern seaboard are not as lucky this evening. Stay safe y'all!

I keep thinking about how beautiful and calm the weather was on the days leading up to this storm. Saturday was absolutely gorgeous. I spent the day having some Halloween fun in Salem with my friend Kelly and two of her friends. Although the whole town is pretty cute, the Derby Wharf is my favorite part of Salem. I love this little walk on the waterfront.

Kelly and I took a ton of pictures by this cute little light house.

It was my third trip to Salem. I had a decent time people watching and walking around, but I learned that I enjoy the city better without the Halloween weekend crowds. I think if I decide to visit in the fall next year, I'll visit earlier in October.

Outfit: Shirt and Jeans- Old Navy; Cardigan- Target; Boots- Rampage via Marshalls; Bag- H&M

For this Marylander no trip to Salem is complete without a trip to the only Ritas in Massachusetts. 

Foliage and Shopping

The foliage is absolutely beautiful in New England right now! In my walk to the train or bus in the morning, I just want to stop, sip my coffee outside, and take it all in. This past weekend was mostly sunny, so I made sure to enjoy the many parks in my neighborhood and take in the foliage. 

What better for a walk in the park than a comfy pair of jeans, a tshirt, an over-sized cardigan, and some loafers I've had since high-school?

I took these pictures during my weekly scramble to find shopping something to do to get me out of the house while Mike watches every football game ever on Sunday.

Outfit: Jeans- F21+; TShirt- Old Navy; Cardigan- Vintage Men's, thrifted; Loafers- Naturalizer circa 2004

This Sunday? I went to not one, but two Marshalls. After trying on every pair of booties in my size between the two stores, I bought some nail polish, a pepper grinder and some gummy dinosaurs. Success?