Monday, October 31, 2011

Candy Colors

Vintage Blouse, Vintage Suede Skirt, J. Crew Belt, Kimchi Blue Heels, Vintage Clutch


The three vintage pieces in this outfit are all from Retrospect, one of my favorite vintage stores in Philly. Retrospect has an amazing selection and unlike most vintage stores in the area, their prices are actually affordable. The blouse was $12, the clutch $10, and the (real suede!) skirt was a steal at $22. Since Retrospect is only a few blocks from my house, I find myself in there a little bit too often. You can check out some of their amazing finds on their blog. And if you ever find yourself in Philly I highly recommend stopping by!



Friday, October 28, 2011

Top Three

 The giant pumpkin stenciled with a pabbit at work.

I'm trying not to spend too much money on myself until after the holidays, and I started off on the right foot this week. The only money I spent was to go to the Ritz for a matinee showing of The Ides of March (which I highly recommend). And I bought some tea and a banana chocolate muffin from Cups & Chairs, the adorable tea cafe next door. Other than that, my wallet has been left untouched! The rest of my week included watching lots of House Hunters International, babysitting Roman, and going home to my parent's house in Oxford for a nice fall dinner. Next week I'll open my wallet back up so I can start my Christmas shopping!

 A hot cup of tea in my favorite mug.

Paul's nephew Roman. I love this little guy!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Florals and Furs


H&M Blouse, Vintage Levi's Belt, Vintage Skirt, Steve Madden Oxfords, Urban Outfitters Faux Fur Stole

Last year I had a brief addiction to buying maxi skirts at thrift stores in the hopes that I would eventually get them hemmed. I would purchase three or four at a time, and then they would sit in my closet unworn and unhemmed for months until I woke up one day with nothing to wear. I would then grab one of my many maxi skirts and cut a jagged hem in desperation. This skirt is the product of one of those days. I actually like the way it turned out, although my other maxi turned mini skirts didn't fare so well. I've learned to spend the extra $15 and let a tailor handle my alterations. It's worth it!





Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Print Mixing

H&M blouse, J. Crew Skirt, Steven by Steve Madden Flats, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Forever 21 Bracelets

I've found that the easiest way to mix prints is to pair a simple black and white polka dot (or striped) print with a floral print. It adds just enough visual interest without being overwhelming. This polka dot blouse in particular has become one of the most versatile item in my closet. It literally goes with everything! After I bought it I went back the next week for the black and tan version and then the following week for the forest green version. I should have bought all three the first time around. I stalked the skirt for weeks on J. Crew's website, hoping it would eventually go on sale before it sold out. Finally, it did go on sale so I snatched one up (and there are still plenty left if you're interested!)




Tuesday, October 25, 2011

An Old Favorite

Kimchi Blue Dress, ByCorpus Cardigan, Forever 21 Belt, Forever 21 Jacket, Vintage Justin Roper Boots, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Forever 21 Bracelets

This is my absolute favorite dress. I've had it for four years, and I still love it as much as I did four years ago. Florals were just starting to become a popular print back then and when I saw this one at Urban Outfitters I was smitten. As a huge floral print fan, I've amassed quite a collection of floral dresses, skirts, scarves, and blouses over the years, but this will always be my number one. Another reason why I love this dress so much is that I wore it on my first date with Paul and again a year later on our first anniversary. Hopefully I'll be wearing it for years to come! 





Monday, October 24, 2011

Autumn Sweater


It's nearly impossible for me to find a flattering and non-itchy sweater, but I think I've finally succeeded. I found this one at Forever 21 last week and tried it on without high expectations. To my surprise it was both comfortable and chic...so I had to take it home with me! I wore this outfit to dinner at Paul's Uncle Steven and Aunt Becky's house in Manayunk. It was perfect for a relaxing Sunday night, and will be the outfit that I rely on when I want to look put-together but still feel cozy.



Friday, October 21, 2011

Top Three

Part of my costume for our Prohibition-themed Halloween party at work: Forever 21 Tiered Embellished Dress


I got off on the wrong foot this week, waking up with a cold on Monday. Everyone at work has been sick, so I knew it was only a matter of time before it caught up to me. The week progressively got better though. We babysat Paul's 19-month old nephew Roman for the first time in ages. He's grown so much and can even say our names now! I can't wait to see him again next week. We also took a trip to my favorite mall, Cherry Hill, in the hopes that I could find a non-cheesy Halloween Costume for our 1920s party at work. Lo and behold, I found the perfect dress at Forever 21. Now all I need are some accessories!

Erin Morgenstern's debut novel The Night Circus is so good that the rights have already been sold to turn it into a movie.

Honeycrisp Apples. I'm a sucker for anything seasonal.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Christmas Wishlist


I know it's a bit early to be making a Christmas wishlist, but my mom wants to get a head start on her shopping this year, and so I will happily oblige. This wishlist is only part one. I have to make two separate wishlists -- one for her and one for Paul -- so that they don't get duplicates like they did last year!


1. J. Crew City Mini in Bright Dahlia - $85
2. Steve Madden Pembrook Boots in Taupe - $104 (with coupon code pref20)
3. Real Housewives of New Jersey Seasons 1 & 2 - $38
4. Design Sponge At Home - $23
5. J. Crew Suede Invitation Clutch in Tropical Green - $118
6. I Love Lucy the Complete Series - $135
7. J. Crew Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves in Celestial Blue - $98
8. Real Simple Dinner Tonight: Done! - $13
9. Forever 21 Native Poncho in Coral/Cream - $23
10. House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Abalone Pendant Necklace - $80
11. Forever 21 Cable Knit Sweater in Pink - $20


P.S. - 25% off and free shipping on J. Crew orders of $150+ with coupon code LOVEFALL

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Savannah

Forever 21 Sheer Floral Cardigan, UO Slip (part of another dress), Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Forever 21 Flats, Forever 21 Bracelets, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch


Since we only had one day in Savannah, we tried to pack as much in as we could. After a delicious lunch at Belford's in City Market, we walked to the Mercer Williams House (made famous from John Berendt's Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil) to take the house tour. Paul and I are both antique nerds, so it was definitely a must see for us. We then continued down Bull St. to Forsyth Park, the crown jewel of Savannah's many breathtaking squares. As much as I love sightseeing, I love shopping even more. So we checked out ShopSCAD, an incredibly cool store filled with one of a kind pieces from Savannah College of Art and Design students. We then headed down to Broughton Street for some window shopping and ice cream at Leopold's. And finally to the Riverfront shops to pick up some chocolate covered almonds for Paul's dad. For dinner there was only one option: the buffet at Paula Deen's The Lady & Sons. Considering the limited amount of time we had, I think we got a pretty good feel for the city...but I still want to go back!







Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Boone Hall Plantation



On our second day in Charleston we woke up bright and early to make the drive out to Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant.  We were in awe as we drove through the stunning Avenue of Oaks to get to the Plantation grounds, where we took a guided tour. As a huge Ryan Gosling fan, I was thrilled when the tour guide told us that they filmed a few scenes from The Notebook here! It was a bit chilly when we arrived in the morning but I knew it would warm up eventually, so I wore a long sleeved button down paired with some shorts. I love the contrast of the blue and green plaid of the shirt against the rusty color of the shorts. It felt very Autumnal, even if the weather in Charleston felt otherwise!




Monday, October 17, 2011

iPad Cases


1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon iPad Case in Manatee Grey Multi  - $68
2. Juicy Couture Gemlock iPad Case in Midnight Sea - $128
3. Tory Burch Flip E-Tablet Case in Raspberry - $225
4. Jagger Edge Floral iPad Case in Black - $198
5. Juicy Couture Glitter iPad Case in Gold - $68

Friday, October 14, 2011

Top Three

Some recent purchases via the Columbus Day Sales: UO Kimchi Blue Suede Kitten Heels, J. Crew Fisherman Sweater, UO Sparkle and Fade Paperbag Shorts, UO Kimchi Blue Pleated Skirt, UO Sparkle and Fade Printed Skirt

This week has been a bit hectic, between getting settled back in Philly and going back to work after our vacation. Nothing can get you back into the swing of things quicker than a few new outfits! I also had a chance to go home to visit my family for the day which was a nice treat. I delivered all of their southern souvenirs (including an alligator head and a signed Paula Deen cookbook!) and had a delicious pasta dinner followed by a screening of my all-time favorite Halloween Movie, Hocus Pocus. It was just what I needed before delving back into a full work week.

A fresh stack of November issues delivered right to my door.

My favorite Halloween movie

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Charleston


Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses, Forever 21 Top, J. Crew Belt, J. Crew Skirt, J. Crew Factory Ballet Flats, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Forever 21 Bracelets


Paul and I took a little trip down south to visit his family and to check out everyone's favorite southern cities: Charleston and Savannah. We spent our first day in Charleston walking around the historic district, making sure to stop and admire Rainbow Row, the Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park, and all of the gorgeous homes and gardens along the Battery. The weather couldn't have been more perfect and I was excited to wear some bright and breezy separates. The yellow blouse was a recent purchase, and to my surprise it goes with nearly everything in my closet. I'm looking forward to layering it this fall with a cozy cardigan, jeans, and my favorite pair of boots.

{Rainbow Row}


{Pineapple Fountain}

{The Garden at Calhoun Mansion}
{Palmetto Pale Ale at the Blind Tiger Pub}