Holiday Weekends + Link Love

I cannot even begin to tell all of you how happy I am that it's Friday! Not only has it been an impossibly long and stressful week, I am so very much looking forward to a three-day weekend. While I have no (current) beach plans like I did last weekend-the above photo was at Jones Beach out on Long Island-I'll be catching up with friends in town, celebrating a couple birthdays and trying to get a little me time in before NYFW starts next week! 

Link Love has been MIA for a few weeks by and large because I've been too swamped to spend much time kicking around the Internet. Thankfully, I've got friends who key me in to all the good stuff and a few sites I drop by once or twice a week.


Hallie shared a great list of how she preps for NYFW (which reminded me I hadn't done hardly anything! Definitely using this as loose guidelines each season from here on out).

An incredibly cool infographic of NYC & how it's changed since Bloomberg took office.

Sephora is clearancing out their nail polish line. Sorry, bank account!

This hilarious guide to Land of the Hipsters, aka Brooklyn courtesy of Refinery29.

Fall must, courtesy of Elizabeth and James.

How to take care of your lingerie.

Perfect art addition for anywhere in your place: Max Wanger prints.

I found a new favorite coffee & bagel house in my neighborhood.

I'm starting to change my mind about perforated boots, thanks to French Connection.

The coolest clutches I've seen.

Currently reading some more Bill Bryson, but thinking this might be next on my list.

A kick-ass card (literally).

Oh, good-reasons why you WANT your mind to wander!

How to ask for a raise.

Need decor inspiration? Look no further.

Finally going to Peels for brunch this weekend!


What caught your eye this week? Have a great (long) weekend!

Tailored Whites

Like I said yesterday, the neutrals combination is appealing to me more and more lately. I pulled these white separates together for a day of meetings and they transitioned perfectly to Jessica's Birchbox x Ann Taylor Ready. Set. Finished. event in the evening (check out her recap, and Kelly's, too, for some great photos) and then to dinner and drinks at night! The blouse, skirt & heels were all recently picked up on my last trip home and have quickly become wardrobe staples, along with my trusty black blazer.I can also picture the blouse in the fall with my green brocade Elizabeth and James blazer, dark denim & metallic heels.

It's also the perfect time to pull together some white-on-white before Labor Day...I've come across fellow bloggers Julia, Jessica, Merritt and Hallie all rocking white combos this week, too!

Blazer, Zara || Blouse, Elizabeth and James (similar) || Skirt, Aryn K (similar) || Shoes, Jessica Simpson

Necklace, Sequin Jewelry || Pedicure, OPI Teal the Cows Come Home

Photos: Jessica Sturdy

Weekly Wants

This week's weekly wants is a little clothing-heavy, probably because I've half a mind to do some serious wardrobe cleaning again as I prepare to put all my summer clothes away. As much as I love color (evidence here, here, here, here oh and here), I've been drawn to simple whites, blacks and military greens more often lately. Fear not-I'll never lose my color-loving side, but some days I think it'd be easier for me to get dressed in the morning if I had more neutral pieces to match some of my crazier ones. I'm also planning to pick up a French course this fall to freshen up my language skills (I did get a degree in it, after all), so a little "je t'aime" around my neck would be the perfect touch for fall. My love of gold accents is clearly showing no sign of slowing down, either. Oh, and can we take a minute to talk about 1820 House candles? I found a small selection of their items at a little shop in Boerum Hill earlier this summer and could not. stop. smelling. the sandalwood and cardamom scent the entire time I was in the store! One came home with me, but I've almost burned through it and am in need of several to go around my apartment. I have never smelled anything so wonderful in my entire life.

Clockwise from top left: 1820 House Sandalwood and Cardamom candle || Bailey 44 Leather Look Tee || Drink More Gin Print || Harvey Faircloth Plaid Jacket || Mettle Gold iPhone Case || Ragdoll Cropped Tee || Joie Bright Fire Ankle Boots (on sale!) || Sole Society Carla Tote || Jennifer Meyer Je t'aime Necklace || Rag & Bone Lariat Zipper Jean || Zara Waistcoat with Zips || Santa Maria Rose Wax Tablets

Weekend Casual + Inside My Bag

The weather in NYC has been beyond perfect over the last week or so, with warm, breezy temps during the day-but you can feel that touch of coolness on the underside of the air, whispering that fall is coming. While I'm admittedly not the biggest fan of fall (not helped by the fact that winter follows), I do love the crisp feeling in the air slowly ushered in by the change of season. Since we're still a bit off from sweater weather, though, I took full advantage of the weekend weather with a brunch date and a day in Central Park basking in the warm afternoon sunshine-and playing around with my film camera, which is making a reappearance in my life.

The people at Hobo International were kind enough to send over this Mariella bag, which is the perfect size to carry all my essentials for a day in the city. I'm also linking up with four other bloggers-Jessica, Laura, Lydia and Fran-to show you what those essentials are! Scroll down for a peek inside my bag.

Tee, Joana Avillez for Refinery29 || Pants, H&M (thanks, Jessica!) || Bag, Hobo Bags c/o

Sunglasses, Ray-Ban || Sandals, Kelsi Dagger (on sale!)

The great thing about the Mariella is it helps me to be a little bit more organized-if I'm carrying a tote, I just toss everything in, which can leave me digging for my keys in the dark (story of my life most nights!). I never leave home without my wallet, keys & phone, and during the day I usually toss in my planner (I know, I'm a nerd for still carrying one!), a notebook (Muji's are cheap and easy to carry) to jot down blog ideas and keep track of finances and other essentials, and a good book to read for the subway ride home. The Mariella fits my style perfectly, with a shoulder strap to keep me hands free when I'm lugging bags through the city and plenty of storage for the rest of my essentials.

I'm all over the place when it comes to beauty products, but I have a handful of essentials I can't leave home without. I've been carrying C. O. Bigelow's Rose Salve daily for almost ten years (!) and have been known to leave tins all over the place, from work to home to my parents' house, in case I need a quick fix-I kept so many at my college boyfriend's that he started buying them for me. I'm pretty minimal in my daily makeup routine, but I'm a huge fan of lip color and a little flush to the cheeks, so I keep a few options on hand for touch-ups. Having long hair requires some type of hair management on hand at all times, and a nail file is a must (these ones are $1 for a pack of three-I keep one tucked in my wallet and at my desk at work, too). All the little things tuck up nicely into a leather pouch so I'm not scrambling for them when I really need them!

Hobo Mariella Bag || Ray-Ban Sunglasses || Marc Jacobs Wallet || Quo Vadis Planner

Muji Notebook, Pen || Bill Bryson Book || C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve || Choward Mints

YSL Lip Color || Urban Decay Blush || NARS Multiple in Orgasm || Ms. Manicure Nail File

Goody Spin Pins || L'Occitane Hand Cream || Blotting Tissues

Inbal Dror's Paris Collection

I know, I know-this isn't a wedding blog, but it is a place for me to share beautiful things that I find, and how could that not include Inbal Dror's incredible, sensual gowns? I first fell in love with Ms. Dror's work when I came across this pin on Pinterest-hello, GORGEOUS! I immediately tracked down the designer and have had my eye on her since. I've always been a sucker for an open backed dress-strapless and poufy skirts aren't really my style (my prom dress was backless red satin with a thin criss-crossing strap up around the neck and back down).

Each gown has a stunning, sexy back and evokes the golden age of Hollywood glamour. Can't you just picture Rita Hayworth donning one of these stunners? Her 2013 collection, inspired by Paris, is even more beautiful than last year's (if that's possible!). I've pulled out some of my favorites, both in the gowns and the breathtaking photography, but you can check out the rest of the collection on the website and also over at the Inbal Dror Pinterest. If and when I ever tie the knot, I'll be one lucky bride if I'm wearing Inbal. Oh, and hopefully lucky with my spouse, too ;)

 

*all images courtesy of Inbal Dror

Terrain

Maybe it's just me, but staring longingly at the gardens of that French chateau this week made me long for gardening supplies & countryside chic decor. Whenever that feeling hits, I find myself on Terrain, an online site for all things garden-related and chock full of sweetly rustic, country-inspired decor. They carry a little bit of everything, from terrariums (perfect for adding a little green indoors!) to table settings to unique jewelry. High on my *lust list* is that cast bronze leaf coffee table-the perfect understated statement piece for any room. I'm also longing to pick up the vintage textile tote for weekends at the Brooklyn Flea & occasional farmer's market! Most of the items on Terrain would make an excellent gift for a housewarming or birthday, too. Who doesn't love getting a great candle, touch of greenery or interesting decor piece?

Clockwise from top left: Chalkboard Message Board || Mason Jar Shakers || Horseshoe Hook || Pressed Flower Sachets || Apothecary Jars || Chappy's Lemon Lip Balm || Sphere Bud Vase || Copper Foliage Coasters || Vintage Textile Tote || Wire Magazine Rack || Bronze Leaf Table || Wire & Wicker Basket || Crumpled Linen Throw || Rope Handle Terrarium || Jadeite Cake Stand || Footed Bowl Terrarium

Restored Gardens at a French Chateau

I know I've touched on this before, but one of the things I truly miss while living in NYC is an abundance of green space. Sure, we have parks (and really, Central Park is a LOT of green space), but when you grew up with an entire acre of it just for your family its loss can feel pretty poignant. Luckily for me, there's a large park only a few blocks from my apartment where I head whenever I feel too disconnected from nature, and since it's in Queens it's considerably quieter than those in Manhattan-always a bonus! When I stumbled across the renovated gardens of this French Chateau, I knew I had to share. They're incredibly simple and serene, making the most of the softly rolling green hills around them with a bit of manicured space to show off the splendor of the home!

*all images via Elle Decor

Casual Colors

Before summer slips away and my wardrobe gets a little more neutral, I'm making sure to have some fun with a few of the more colorful pieces in my wardrobe. I've worn variations of this look over the last few weeks both at work and on the weekend-a great statement necklace (I bought this one immediately after seeing it on Jessica) helps dress up the simple denim & tee combo!

Tee, Pickwick & Weller || Dress (worn as skirt), BCBGeneration || Necklace, Baublebar

Shoes, Rocketdog || Bag, Zara (new fall version!) || Bangle, Sequin

Toenail Polish, OPI Teal the Cows Come Home

Photos: Jessica Sturdy

Fall is Coming

Converting your wardrobe from summer to fall (used to be known as: getting ready for back to school) is all about pulling in a few key pieces without covering up too much at once. The weather in NYC has gotten considerably cooler lately, although it looks like summer is going to give its last gasping breath later this week. Since I spend most of my days in an air-conditioned building looking longingly out the window, I tend to dress more for the weather in the evenings when I'll be spending time outside. That means bringing back denim with slouchy tees gauzy tops, or pulling a blazer over summer dresses. Sleek gold accents make any look polished, like a classic gold chain necklace or metal hardware on your shoes & bags.

Clockwise from top left: Zara Checked Blazer with Elbow Patches || Helmut Lang Leather Pocket Shirt || Maxmara Printed Scarf || J. Crew Classic Link Bracelet || Pickwick & Weller Nouvel Tee || Nike Dunk Sky Hi Paris || Paige Denim Cropped Boyfriend Jean || Jeffrey Campbell Westin Boot || VPL x Otte Overhang T

Lust vs. Must: Leopard Print Satchel

In case you haven't heard by now, Elizabeth & James (yes, that would be one of the lines designed by the Olsen twins!) is releasing its first line of handbags this fall. Since I'm on a bit of a leopard kick, I feel in love with the leopard print satchel as soon as I laid eyes on it, but the $625 price tag doesn't quite mesh with my plan to pay down some debts-I'm looking at you, student loans-so I found a cheaper alternative. This studded duffel from Steve Madden still has plenty of room to store everything I find myself carrying around while looking chic, as leopard always does!

Lust || Must

Floral Leopard

And I'm back! The *unintentional* brief hiatus of the past week came about after a cancelled flight, followed by half a day in airports and a very busy weekend at home (including some of my favorite things like the Farmer's Market and the State Fair) where I barely touched my computer. To top it off, I somehow forgot my battery charger and my camera, naturally, died about 10 photos into the weekend.

Since I've been on a mixing prints kick lately and have drawn some inspiration from floral & leopard looks, I decided to pair the two together. I snapped up this LOFT blouse on serious sale after spying it on Hallie earlier this summer and I'm going to get as much wear from it as I can before fall kicks in (and even then, too!).

Top, LOFT | Necklace, Sequin Jewelry | Pants, Zara (similar, on sale) | Shoes, Target (old, similar)

Photos: Jessica Sturdy

Design Inspiration: Stripes

Today's post is going to stay pretty simple. Between market week at my office & getting ready for a quick trip that I'll be leaving for straight from work Thursday evening (speaking of, anyone feel like coming over to pack for me? I'm at the point I'd pay someone to do it) on top of plans with friends, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and even more behind.

I came across this great roundup of striped interiors earlier this week, especially relevant as I found out I may be switching rooms in my apartment sooner than I thought & that one is in desperate need of a paint job (or two). I haven't considered much other than a statement wall in one color, but given my love of all things striped & nautical, I'm digging the idea of bringing in stripes. Maybe in a great rug?

You can check out the rest of the striped interiors here!