Currently

Reading | Travel | Spring Accessory | The Perfect Dress | Listening to JT

It's a Clutch Thing

There's a few things about the clutch that make it the perfect accessory. First, its compact size means you have no choice but to pare down to the basics-wallet, cell phone, keys, one or two makeup essentials. Eliminating the extra things you don't really need helps get rid of a little stress, and some weight! Secondly, clutches have to be carried by hand. Some may see this as a detriment, but I like not having to carry the extra weight around on my already tired shoulders (and it gives your hands something to do if you're nervous or feeling a little out of place). Lastly, a brightly patterned or embellished clutch can instantly take an outfit from day to night, no other changes needed! Don't believe me? Check out some of my current favorites below.

 Left | Right

 Left | Right

 Left | Right

 Left | Right

Left | Right

Some of the beaded ones may be more of a dream buy than a reality right now, but I'm thinking about picking up a palm tree or flamingo inspired clutch for my trip to Mexico this summer! What's your favorite? Do you carry clutches, or are you a fan of bigger bags?

Corals

I got this incredible, silky-lined blazer at Forever 21 when I went to return another item earlier this spring-and I've rocked it at least a dozen times since. The color is freaking fantastic (hello, brights!) & the cut goes well over just about everything from t-shirts to blouses to dresses.

Jessica pointed out I went a little Corals and Cognacs with my look when she took my pictures-unintentional, but such a great color combo (looking at you, Hallie!).

Blazer, Forever 21 (similar) | T-Shirt, Victoria's Secret Pink | Jacket, Zara (old, similar)

Jeans, Joe's Jeans | Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs | Nails, OPI in Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It

Happy Friday! Looking forward to a warmer weekend full of sunshine & friends, hopefully getting some work done around my apartment for once, too. 

How to Dress Like an Athlete

Even if you aren't really one ;)

Maybe it's that I've finally made it back to my gym after a very long lapse between visits, but I have been digging sporty-cool vibes everywhere lately (bonus: doubles as motivation to actually get your butt to the gym).

Images 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5

The key is to look for the same kind of details you want out of fitness gear: vibrant colors (think lots of neon), racing stripes, geometric and graphic shapes, and a hint of cutout details. Sheer fabrics and mesh work great with this trend, as do crop tops-hey, if you're gonna sweat, you gotta show some skin! Top everything off with a bright, athletic jacket or parka, and don't be afraid to mix in actual workout pieces as long as you skip the running shoes at the bottom. Keep accessories simple, like a bright, rubber bracelet or some impossibly cool sunglasses (see below) and a swipe of bright lipstick.

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16

Dream Home: Spanish Barn House

I've always had some level of fascination with things that are old, either turning them into something new or studying the decay and decline...this house fits into the first category. Located in Spain, it's an old, beautiful, stone barn that was converted into a comfortably sized house! I know what you're probably thinking-barns are always dark, damp and dingy, and perhaps this one was before it became a house but someone must have had a wonderful vision for it because each room feels open and full of light. My personal favorite is the bedroom with a stunning open archway and a sliding door behind it for privacy.

 

Images via El Mueble

I could spend DAYS in that back yard! Pool? Check. Garden? Check. Lots of sunshine? Check. All that's missing is a good book and a tall, cold drink.

Happy Wednesday!

Pastels & Lace

I wore this pretty combo of pastels & lace sans jacket to the office for a day of meetings and easily moved to drinks that night, thanks to the metallic sleeves on the jacket. While my love of color is usually a little more saturated, this light touch of color got me through the cold days of early spring (yes, it's been a little while since these were taken-if you've seen recent pictures of the city, you know the flowers have been blooming & the trees have started leafing out). My favorite thing about this skirt, so obviously inspired by the Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 runway, is the way the lace extends just past the fabric underlay, giving an appearance of length & adding a sexy-but-work-appropriate touch. 

Jacket, Dolan Clothing (on sale!) | T-Shirt, Joe Fresh

Skirt, H&M (old, dress alternative, skirt alternative, skirt alternative)

Tights, Hue | Boots, Steve Madden (similar) | Pendant, vintage

Let's hope this spring weather we've been getting, ever so slowly, is here to stay! Looking forward to a bright & sunny week. 

Photos: Jessica

xx

Leopard + Florals (& Friday Link Love)

I've had a bit of a crush on floral patterns this spring, which may be old news to everyone else in the world but crushing on them this hard is pretty new for me-I've always been more of one for bright, solid colors. I also happen to have a cute pair of leopard shoes that I have ended up rocking with my floral print pants not once but twice this past month. At first, it felt a little strange, since the pants are so bright & a leopard print is a bit darker, but I actually came to love the combo! 

I am so looking forward to this weekend-it'll be halfway decent weather, and I get to spend it in my city without traveling again anytime too soon. I hope you have a good weekend planned (weather not included-snow in the midwest?!) wherever you are, too! Here's a few links to give you something to look at this weekend if you're stuck inside or choose to spend half the day in bed (there's no shame in that, I'll probably be doing the same)!

This little Etsy shop is full of cute prints in fun sayings & bright colors.

These abandoned places are absolutely stunning, and as my friend said when I sent it to him-I want to visit all of them.

All Saints recently became my new favorite store in NYC, & I am crushing on this dress (& a few others) hard. 

Victoria at SF Girl by Bay wrote a great post about the frustrations of using social media.

There's something sweet & romantic about a nice set of pajama's, & I really want everything from Imogene and Willie.

Dying to visit this garden shop in Brooklyn-definitely taking my mom when she comes out for a visit next month! 

How cool does this talk from entrepreneurs on Monday at the FIAF sound? I think I'll be picking up a ticket! 

I've never shopped at Uniqlo, but this collab might be the thing to get me in there.

I'm about to start reading World War Z-this tank top made me laugh. Also, a tee for baseball fans & kids of the 90's.

And finally, something to make you laugh.

Happy Friday!

xx

Image 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

She Hit Pause Studios

One of my favorite things to do on the weekend includes hitting up the Brooklyn Flea, especially now that it's moved outside & Smorgasburg has started back up (if you go, Milk Truck, Dough & the place that makes vegan beet sliders are my favorites)! During one of my recent thrifting trips, I came across these beautiful, faded, summery photographs that looked bleached by the sun and full of places I'd like to go, from She Hit Pause Studios. The artist told me he pulls apart photographs and rubs them on a watercolor paper, giving them their vintage, faded effect. How cool is that? I've considered picking up a few for my apartment, and I'll be out thrifting this weekend to find some frames for other artwork that's been sitting around for ages so I wouldn't be surprised if one of these beauties finds its way home with me! Which one would you pick?

*all images from She Hit Pause Studios & available on Etsy

xx

Dream Home: Floor Games in Barcelona

It's been a longer hiatus than I would have liked, but I'm back! I took another trip home to be with my family after my grandfather passed away this past weekend, rounding it out to a trip back every other weekend for a month straight and making for an incredibly busy and exhausting week. Trying to get everything back on track takes a few days, but soon I'll be back to a normal sleep/posting/life schedule!

I've never been to Barcelona, but I think if I were to live in an apartment in a city with such rich history I would hope it would have floors as cool as these (and bookshelves as long as those below, too!). The amazing tiles and artwork make this home feel like it would be perfect for company, whether it's an intimate dinner gathering or a loud & festive bunch!

I could see myself getting some work done next to these huge, bright windows. Nothing like a little sunshine for some motivation!

*Images via Planete Deco

I hope everyone's having a wonderful week so far-remember to keep the people of Boston in your thoughts, and if you're looking to donate make sure you know what's real and what's a scam. To find out how you can really help, here's a list of reputable charities & ways to donate.

xx