Barbados Plaid

J. Crew Top, BDG Jeans, J. Crew Flats, J. Crew Bag, Forever 21 Necklace, Michael Kors Watch

I'm not one to splurge on clothing (I'm more of a bag and shoe splurger, if anything), which is why I usually only shop the sale section at J. Crew. But then I saw this gorgeous bright button down in the new arrivals section, and tried it on for fun. That's never a good idea because if it fits, I have a hard time saying no. In this case, I'm glad I said yes. I wear this shirt nonstop! I'm definitely getting my money's worth.

2012 Oscar Favorites

1. Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton
2. Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab
3. Penelope Cruz in Armani Privé
4. Cameron Diaz in Gucci
5. Kate Mara in Jack Guisso Couture
6. Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli

Top Three

 Two new sheer polka dot tanks from Forever 21.

We had our home inspection on Wednesday, and lucky for us it went well. Only a few minor fixes need to be made before we move in. Now we just have to play the waiting game and hope that the bank says yes to our offer! The weather has been gorgeous all week so we celebrated with brunch at Sabrina's and a trip to the playground with Roman. I also discovered a new show this week, Life's Too Short. It's a mockumentary by Ricky Gervais and Stephan Merchant about the life of a showbiz dwarf, and stars Warwick Davis (who also starred in my favorite movie of all time...Willow). It airs on HBO at 10:30 on Sundays if you're interested!

A sampling of paint colors.

Had a delicious brunch at this Philadelphia mainstay.

Spring Trends

{all images courtesy style.com}

Clockwise from top left:

• Peplum at Rodarte
• Bra Top at Dolce & Gabbana
• Pastels at Louis Vuitton
• Printed Pants at Vivienne Tam
• Soft Pleats at Prada
• Colored Lace at Valentino

High-Low

Forever 21 Cardigan, Forever 21 Skirt,  Steve Madden Boots, H&M Bag, Forever 21 Necklace, Michael Kors Watch, Forever 21 and J. Crew Bracelets

Polka dots are everywhere this spring! I'm definitely not complaining...it's one of my all-time favorite patterns. And while I have plenty of polka dot blouses, this is the first polka dot skirt I've added to the collection. At first I was unsure of the high-low hem (or mullet hem, as it's often been called), but after trying it on I realized that it was quite flattering. I even bought another high-low hem skirt that will be making it's debut on the blog next week! This might be my newest obsession...

Baby Blues

Forever 21 Top, BDG Jeans, Forever 21 Flats, House of Harlow 1960 Necklace, H&M Bag, Michael Kors Watch, Forever 21 and J. Crew Bracelets

Blue has always been my favorite color (hence the name of the blog). So the fact that color blocking makes it possible to pair two vibrant shades of blue together and not look like a clown makes me very happy. After seeing this periwinkle top on the Forever 21 website last week I couldn't risk going to the store and not finding it, so I quickly found four other things to hit the $50 mark and get free shipping (and a free magazine subscription!). Can you believe it? Two tops, a skirt, a necklace, a headband, and a magazine subscription for $50! No wonder I barely shop anywhere else. 

Oscar Favorites

{all images courtesy People.com}

1. Mila Kunis in Elie Saab (2011)
2. Sandra Bullock in Marchesa (2010)
3. Natalie Portman in Rodarte (2009) 
4. Marion Cotillard in John Paul Gaultier (2008)
5. Emily Blunt in Calvin Klein (2007)
6. Michelle Williams in Vera Wang (2006)

Top Three

Pastel purchases: Forever 21 Dress, BDG Jeans, Forever 21 Top

We heard back from the sellers this week, and our offer on the house was accepted! Unfortunately since it's a short sale we still have to wait to hear from the bank, which might take a while. But that didn't stop us from doing some window shopping for furniture, hardwood floors, and granite countertops! We really did our due diligence and checked out pricing all over the city as well as in New Jersey. Our favorite find was a store in Manayunk called Material Culture. If you live in the area and haven't been, check it out! They have 60,000 square feet of amazing vintage furniture, rugs and knick knacks. It isn't cheap, but for antiques it's reasonably priced. We definitely want to go back once we have a house to put furniture in. Next week is our home inspection, so I'm crossing my fingers that it goes well!

Flowers from my Valentine!

 Snacks at Tria: warm poached figs with gorgonzola and prosciutto, roasted butternut squash with farmer's cheese, hazelnuts and brown butter, and truffled egg toast with fontina

Beauty Essentials

1. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray: $24

2. Sephora Lip Gloss in Pin Up Pink: $14

3. Cargo Big Bronzer: $32

4. L'Oreal Voluminous Volume Mascara in Carbon Black: $8

5. L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray: $13

6. L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: $8

7. Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave: $24

8. BareMinerals Matte Foundation in Golden Fair: $28

9. Nars Blush in Orgasm: $28

10. Burts Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Shampoo and Conditioner: $20

11. Tocca Giulietta Perfume: $68

12. Kate Spade Daycation Cosmetic Case: $78

On The Square

Forever 21 Top, Forever 21 Scarf, BDG Jeans, J. Crew Flats, J. Crew Bag

After trying these pants on at Urban Outfitters, I decided that it was about time to add another pair of colored jeans to the wardrobe. But then I got carried away and purchased a blue pair too. As I was leaving the store, an orange pair caught my eye, and I was extremely tempted but somehow managed to resist. I'm sure I'll bite the bullet and go back to get them next week. I just can't get enough! These babies allow for color combinations I never dreamed possible.

Red and Pink

Forever 21 Cardigan (worn backwards), J. Crew Skirt, Forever 21 Necklace, J. Crew Flats, H&M Bag

To those who celebrate, Happy Valentine's Day! I've never been a huge fan of the holiday, but it is a good excuse to go out to dinner so I'll take it! I know most people probably think it's strange, but I've always liked dressing in theme for holidays, even as an adult. For this themed outfit I used my backwards sweater trick again on a Forever 21 floral cardigan, and paired it with a purple/pink (what in the world is that color called?) wool mini from J. Crew and some bright red ballet flats, also from J. Crew. I think the result is perfect for Valentine's Day!

Crazy Catwalk for Kidds

That's Liz on the far right!

{image courtesy J Christian Studio}

My good friend, former neighbor, and personal hairstylist Liz participates in a hair show for charity every year. She works at J Christian Studio in Hockessin, Delaware and this will be their 5th Annual Showcase. It's called Crazy Catwalk for Kidds and benefits Supporting Kidds, The Center for Grieving Children and Their Families. The mission of Supporting Kidds is to provide a compassionate pathway to healing for grieving children and their families, and to empower the community to support them in the grieving process. Please donate if you can, or if you live in the area, go check out the showcase on March 4th from 1-5 PM at Hockessin Memorial Hall. 

Top Three

 My co-workers Stef and Riley before our annual staff party. They make my life about a  million times easier!

This week started off with a bang...Sunday night was Pub & Kitchen's 4th Annual Holiday Party (I know it seems a bit late, but restaurants are busy during the holidays!). I was lucky enough to attend the previous three holiday parties, so I knew this one was also going to be good. I had an amazing time...eating great food (Percy Street BBQ catered!), dancing to LCD Soundsystem, and winning every single game of flip cup. Can't wait until next year's party! After I spent a full day recovering, I went shopping with my sister Emily for Spring clothes. She made out like a bandit with three dresses, four shirts, two sweaters, a jacket, flats, and a headband. My parents met up with us afterward to check out a house that we've been thinking about putting an offer on. They gave us their stamp of approval, so after a long discussion over dinner at the Royal Tavern, we decided to make an offer! It's a short sale, so we won't be hearing back any time soon, but cross your fingers for us!

Forever 21 finds: Polka Dot Blouse, Purple Cardigan, and Peach Dress

 Sweet smelling Orchard Pear and Maple Pancakes candles.

Hollywood Glamour

{all images courtesy Apartment Therapy}

Since we've started looking at houses, I've been scouring blogs for inspirational interior design images. These images in particular are the ones that I was most drawn to. I love the light, airy wall colors and the luxe gold, mirrored, and velvet accents. I might have to take the girliness down a notch, since Paul will also have a say in the design of our home and he favors more rustic, masculine pieces. Together, our two styles can be called Hollywood Rustic...has a nice ring, doesn't it?

Ashbury Floral

Forever 21 Sweater, BDG Jeans, Vintage Dexter Boots, J. Crew Scarf, Rebecca Minkoff Bag, Michael Kors Watch, Forever 21 and J. Crew Bracelets

The floral print of this scarf is one of the prominent patterns in the Spring J. Crew Collection. Inspired by a vintage 70s caftan, it also comes in a skirt version, blouse version, and bathing suit version. After much consideration over which version to buy, I decided to go with the scarf because it was the least expensive and easy to transition from winter to spring. I think it adds a much needed pop of color to grey winter days like today.

Prep

Forever 21 Top, BDG Jeans, J. Crew Flats, Forever 21 Necklace, Karen Walker Sunglasses, J. Crew Brompton Bag

I feel very preppy in this look, like I should be hosting a book club somewhere in Nantucket. Lately I've been shying away from the feminine and romantic outfits I've long adored and starting to lean towards more classic, preppy pieces. Not to say that you won't be seeing me in floral prints and ruffles anymore--they're still a part of my style repertoire--but they just won't be the focal point of my wardrobe.

Colorful Cravings

1. J. Crew Sunflower Necklace in Mint - $68
2. J. Crew 5" Chino Shorts in Neon Pink - $45
3. Forever 21 Nautical Blouson Dress in Tomato - $23
4. J. Crew Olympia Suede Wedges in Bright Marigold - $198
5. J. Crew Edie Purse in Casablanca Blue - $238
6. J. Crew Toothpick Jean in Neon Persimmon - $108
7. Forever 21 Shawl Collar Blazer in Orchid - $29

Top Three

 Belgian Waffles with peaches, berry compote, and crème anglaise at Green Eggs Café.

I much prefer going out to brunch than to dinner. You get the same experience for half the price! My only issue is deciding whether I want something sweet or something savory. This week we went to Green Eggs Café on 13th and Dickinson, where I chose to go with something sweet and was not disappointed. There are so many great brunch spots in Philly, but Green Eggs is definitely in my top three. After brunch we went to West Elm to browse their gorgeous furniture. I could definitely do some damage in that store! But as of right now, we don't have a house to put any furniture in (we decided not to go with the house I mentioned last week and hold out for a better location). This week we also took the requisite trip to Cherry Hill mall, where I spent my J. Crew rewards card on a new scarf and plaid button down, and found a few things in Forever 21 to boot. I hope everyone has a great weekend, or for those with a schedule like mine, a great work week!

 Some new purchases: J. Crew Ashbury Floral Scarf, Forever 21 Striped Shirt, Forever 21 Floral Cardigan, J. Crew Boy Shirt in Barbados Plaid

 L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray is the only hair product I need.