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Instagram Snaps
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As you know, I’m in New York right now – just for a short time – anxiously awaiting my departure for Israel (yay!) I’m planning on taking lots of photos of my trip to share with you once I’m back. But today, I figured I’d share some of my Instagram photos capturing the simple things I’ve encountered over the past few weeks. So here’s a taste of the world through my eyes (and Instagram’s filters.)
And don’t think that just because I’m gone this week that I’ve forgotten about my blog. I have some fun posts scheduled for when I’m gone so keep checking back! Have a wonderful Monday, everyone!
Packing for Israel
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I’m leaving for New York to visit my family on Friday morning (by the time this gets posted, Friday will be today and I’ll be on an airplane). And from New York I leave for Israel on Monday.
To say that I’m getting stressed out about this trip would be the understatement of the century. In all honesty, I’m stressed in a good way. Maybe you could just call it excited? But whatever you call it, it’s making me run around the house like a mad woman.
A couple nights ago, I printed off the suggested packing list from the trip planner’s website. This is an “organized trip” so all of our days are planned out for us already. Our itinerary includes a combination of hiking, visiting religious sites, and exploring the cities. Most of the packing list sounded reasonable (who doesn’t travel with a fanny pack?), except for the fact that realistically, I have to fit everything into one suitcase because I’ll be carrying it all over the place. Ugh.
And seriously, what does one wear to ride a camel?
I adjusted the packing list just a bit to better fit my personal style and my needs (see below). And when I get back from Israel, I’ll let you all know how that worked for me. Maybe this new packing list will serve as a packing list for other women going on Birthright (that’s the name of the trip) in the Winter. Maybe not. Ha.
Oh yeah – and this is my first big trip out of the country as an adult without my family (college Spring Break in Cabo doesn’t count!) So wish me luck!
I’ll be gone until February 10th. I know that sounds like a long time, but it won’t feel so long and you won’t miss me as bad (ha!) knowing that I have lots of blog posts planned for this week and a half when I’m gone. So enjoy!
Cold Spell
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Pulling together cute outfits for an evening out on the town is tricky enough when there isn’t the threat of snow on the horizon. But when it’s snowing and raining off and on all day – all I can think about is curling up on the couch with Boyfriend and Puppy and enjoying some tea and a good TV show (The Big Bang Theory is our new favorite!) It’s times like these when it’s the hardest to pull myself together.
But… I managed. Boyfriend and I had a double date last weekend with another couple friend of ours and after piling on layer after layer of cozy essentials, I felt much better and ready to face the evening. All I can say is thank gosh for black tights. Believe me, women everywhere, young and old, are grateful to whoever invented them. I’m wearing my favorite pair in this outfit.
As the sun was setting, Boyfriend and I walked hand-in-hand in the freezing cold toward the Street Car that took us through Downtown Portland into the Pearl District for dinner and drinks with our friends.
What did you do this weekend?
Outfit details:
Old Forever 21 coat (similar style), Forever 21 scarf (similar), Steve Madden shoes, Roman Sunstone necklace & earrings (c/o Roman Sunstone), Gibson blazer (this year’s version) and (similar), H&M chocker (similar), Fendi bag, Spanx tights, NARS lipstick in ‘Jungle Red’
Also, Roman Sunstone was kind enough to send a bunch of jewlery my way! I’m wearing two of the pieces I received from them in these photos, specifically this necklace & these earrings. See more of their fashionable (and extremely affordable) collections at Romansunstone.com.
J Crew & Other Tots Adorbs iPhone Cases
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iPhone cases are kind of like handbags. There are so many simply adorable styles out there – there’s no reason to choose just one. It’s fun to switch it up! You can even match your case to your outfit. Or better yet, think of them as outfits for your iPhone. Seriously, why not?!
There are quite a few companies that design gorgeous iPhone cases and J Crew is one of my favorites. One of the reasons I have such an appreciation for J Crew cases is because they’re some of the most affordable of the designer iPhone cases available today. They’re also classic, high quality, and durable.
Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on how you look at it), J Crew iPhone case styles come and go in the stores and online very quickly. So a case you see today may not be available tomorrow. This means they’re rare and it’s unlikely you’ll have the same case as the next girl, but it also means that some styles can be hard to get your hands on.
These are the cases J Crew has available online right now:
1. Printed iPhone 4 Case ($25)
2. Rubber iPhone 4 case ($25)
3. Solid iPhone Case (on sale for $19.99!)
4. Leather iPhone Case ($38)
I actually used to have a J Crew iPhone case, but Boyfriend got me a new Kate Spade case (this one – which I love!) for Christmas so I’ve since switched.
Some other brands that make gorgeous iPhone cases include Rebecca Minkoff, Tory Burch and Dannijo. These are three of my favorites that are currently on the market from these designers.
5. Rebecca Minkoff iPhone Case ($38)
6. Tory Burch iPhone Case ($48)
7. Dannijo iPhone Case ($98)
So tell me… What outfit is your iPhone wearing today? How many cases have you had since you got your phone? Would you switch up your cases to match what you’re wearing? Or do you prefer to stick with just one case that you truly love?
T-Shirt Time
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There’s nothing I love more than good, old-fashioned T-shirts, as they were essential in every outfit I wore in college (usually accompanied by some oh-so-chic sweat pants and a messy bun). But when I graduated and started working, my closet obviously needed some updates. However, I absolutely can not and will not cut T-shirts out of my wardrobe.
So now I ditch the sweats for a more sophisticated look. The wonderful thing about a great T-shirt is it’s versatility. Yes, its natural compliment is a pair of workout pants – but it can also look totally chic tucked into a pencil skirt, over jeans, or under a blazer or classic boucle jacket (like this one).
Every woman should own at least one crisp, white one. But if you’re like me, and already own dozens of white T’s, why not get a little crazy and add some graphic T-shirts like the Batman one I’m wearing here to your collection?
When I was first approached by T-shirts.com and asked to style one of their shirts, this one jumped out at me because of the new Dark Knight movie coming out this summer, and of course, Boyfriend’s undying adoration of Batman himself. I had to have it.
But if Batman’s not really your thing, T-shirts.com has tons of other graphic T’s to choose from. Either way, I encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to wearing T-shirts. You’ll surprise yourself. And I guarantee you’ll be happy with the result.
5 Under $50 (Shoe Edition)
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I’m totally a shoe girl. And yes, I appreciate a good designer pair as much as the next girl (okay – probably even more than the next girl!)
Buuuuut, over the past few months I’ve been saving up for Christmas/Hanukah gifts, Puppy’s neutering (which turned into a tremendously expensive fiasco) and my Israel trip (did I mention I was going to Israel? More on that later.)
So unfortunately, a nice pair of Louboutins are not in the budget this year. But I’m okay with that. Even though I’m not splurging on anything soon – I’m still a total sucker for a good deal. Especially when it comes to fashion.
So between you and me, here are five fabulous pairs of shoes that totally don’t look like they’re under $50 – but they are…
1. Old Navy Faux-Snakeskin Flats ($26.94)
2. River Island Animal Print Chain Detail Flats (On sale for $38.19 – originally $54.54)
3. Payless Brash Women’s Konstant Block Heel Pump ($36.99) < -- Selling out online fast!
4. ASOS LEIGH Patent T-Bar Ballet Shoes ($45.45)
5. Urban Outfitters Suede Pump (On sale for $39 – originally $49)
Because the only thing that makes a girl happier than a new pair of shoes is a DEAL on a new pair of shoes! Am I right, or am I right?
Living Room Additions Part 1
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It has always been important to Boyfriend and myself that our space is comfortable and inviting. So plush pillows, soft fabrics and lots of seating were never optional, they were requirements. But when Boyfriend and I first started talking about moving in together, that is about all we could agree on.
But that was almost two years ago (ohmygosh has it really been that long?!) and since then our styles have really started to mesh together. I’ve had to sacrifice my life-long love of pink decor, and he had to sacrifice his hatred of excess pillows. (Relationships sometimes require compromise.)
And in the end, I think we did a good job settling on a warm, gender-neutral pallet of burnt orange, yellow, red and brown (and yes – a decent selection of throw pillows).
Still, our living room has (secretly) been my least favorite part of our place. You’ve seen glimpses of it on my blog (here and here) but I’ve never really felt the need to showcase it. Until now.
Fortunately, inspiration seemed to appear right before my eyes the other day while shopping at Home Goods. (If you have never been to Home Goods, get your butt over there right now – it’s the TJ Maxx of decor!)
You see, these chairs (below) used to drive me crazy with their neutral pallet and lack of pillows. But these tweed pillows with their safari images that we bought from Home Goods really add some personality to the chairs while simultaneously tying the white coffee table into the rest of the room.
We also bought these striped pillows for the couch. I love their shape and the fact that they make all the colors in the room cohesive.
The large gap between our coffee table and the TV used to drive me mad, but now we have these fun foot stools (that double as extra seating) to fill the room. If I had a few more dollars on hand, I would have ordered these instead. But I still like what I ended up with!
Honestly, there are still things about this room that aren’t quite right (in my mind). For example, the rug is much too small for the space and also quite torn up thanks to Puppy. And the art behind the TV doesn’t quite work for me – it needs something (maybe to be a part of a gallery wall?).
But all in all, I’m proud that this room finally has the personality I’ve felt that it has been lacking. It’s amazing how much a few pieces can really liven up a room.
Which pieces do you have in your home that really “make your space”?
For more home inspiration, check out my Pinterest board Home Is Where The Heart Is.
Winter shorts
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I’ve actually had these faux-leather shorts from H&M since I blogged about shorts with tights a few months ago. But believe it or not, this night was the first that I’ve been brave enough to wear them. I can now say with total confidence that leather shorts with tights are just as warm as a light pair of jeans – so if you’re going to brave the cold in shorts this combo is the way to go.
For more inspiration for how to wear shorts in the winter, check out this blog post.
The Modern Prep
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The modern-day prep is drawn to printed fabrics, tailored pieces, and unexpected pops of color. This look is young, vibrant, and fresh. Try pairing fitted jeans with colorful blazers, boucle jackets, and button down blouses. Throw on some loafers. Add a structured bag in a classic color. And finish off the look with some diamonds or pearls (they can be faux!) draped around your neck or dangling from your ears.
These are some of my favorite stylish, but hopelessly preppy pieces.
1. J Crew iPad 2 Case ($84.95)
2. Topshop Boucle Jacket ($175)
3. Crisp White Button-Down Blouse ($24.80)
4. BaubleBar Pave Earrings ($22)
5. Michael Kors Two-Tone Bracelet Watch ($195)
6. Pearl Necklace ($85)
7. Cambridge Satchel ($170)
8. J Crew Ankle Toothpick Jeans ($125) These are my favorite jeans!
9. Old Navy Printed Crew Neck Pullover ($24.95)
10. Steve Madden Loafer Flats ($69.95)
11. Aldo Yellow Pumps ($109.08)
Which are your favorites? Although I seriously love them all, I’m especially coveting the Topshop Boucle Jacket. So, if anybody wants to buy me a present…
In the mean time, I’m embracing lots of color and texture in my existing wardrobe as I lust after the clothes from above. Have a lovely day!
Pops of Color in the Darkness
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It has been SO DARK lately. I know that sounds like an excuse (and it is) for not taking quality outfit photos… But it really has been very, very dark.
So how do other bloggers get such bright and cheery pictures this time of year? Anybody know? (Seriously – this isn’t a rhetorical question.)
I think everyone in Oregon experiences a little bit of Seasonal Affectedness Disorder this time of year, what with all the rain and darkness. (Um, did I mention it’s dark? Oh, I did? Okay, I’ll shut up now.)
At any rate, Boyfriend’s brother’s birthday was the other night so I had an excuse to put on this skirt that I’ve been meaning to wear for sometime now. Usually pencil skirts are anything but flattering on my boyish hips, but this leather one happens to have some real shaping qualities that make it more attractive than most.
And I love the pop of beaded color in the shoulder of this top. It makes it more special than just another boat-neck. I was lucky enough to have this shirt gifted to me at a Nordstrom Rack blogger event a few months ago, and I’ve been wearing it with all sorts of bottoms ever since. On the evening when these photos were taken, I decided on this neutral black clothing base and let the pops of color in the shirt and the shoes speak for themselves.
