A Modern Day Audrey

I've always loved the actress Audrey Hepburn, and her style has always been an inspiration to me. So when I received this necklace from my friend Ali Levine's line at Sterling Forever, immediately I thought of Audrey. The necklace is a powerful statement piece that is ultra feminine at the same time, and pairs so nicely with my lilac colored Modcloth dress, and I knew I had to tie it all together with my perfume clutch from Unique Vintage!

Happy Holidays (and an update)

 

Hello everyone! It's crazy to think that tomorrow is Christmas Day. I know this is a bit late, but I figure I should probably at least post something to sign off from 2014. I had made a Christmas Wish List post and accidentally forgot to post it last week, so I'm doing it now! (Even though I know it's way too late for you to find it useful.)

This has been one crazy year. We moved into our lovely little place just last December, I got a new job in April, and as of now, I am looking for a new one, unsure of the future but excited, also, because I think I'll really be able to figure out what it is that I want to do with my life that will truly make me happy. It's a little scary to think that I still don't really know at my age (I'm almost 30!), but according to those around me who I've spoken to about it, I'm not the only one. 

I've also changed my eating habits around completely since November. I stopped eating sugar, carbs, starchy veggies and legumes. It's been hard at times (especially during the holidays), but I've stuck it out and have lost over ten pounds and have way more energy than ever before. I'm starting to feel like my old self again. So it's definitely working. I've also joined Pop Physique which I actually kind of love despite my anxiety about taking exercise classes. And that's been helping me to stay toned and motivated, too. There are definitely lots of positives that have happened this year, along with some negatives (mostly things that have just recently happened, so at least I didn't have to endure the whole year this way), but I'm trying to keep my head up and stay positive. I have so much to look forward to in the next few weeks: A trip back to Palm Springs (and a stay in an Elvis-themed room at a retro b&b!), a trip to Lake Tahoe to see a bunch of friends, a coffee date with a new friend, time spent with family, and a lot of cuddles with my cat (and boyfriend). If I can just remember those things, everything else will balance out. I hope.

I hope you all have a great Christmas/Hanukkah and New Year, and I will be back the first week of January with new posts. I couldn't be more excited!

Now on to this Christmas Wish List that is wayyyy too late to be posting ;)

01. shopbando 02. modcloth 03. wildfox couture

04. compartes 05. gia wines 06. preebrulee

07. kate spade saturday 08. voluspa

Summer is here!

I'm not that excited about it, though. I'm not particularly fond of hot weather, or beach traffic (which I'll be in plenty of soon). But there is something so nice about not having to put on a sweater at night, and eating tons of ice cream and s'mores. I recently ordered this dress from Bow and Drape, one of my favorite clothing companies from New York. You can customize just about anything - from sweaters to bathing suits, with appliques or letters. I already customized a sweatshirt (here), and a striped shirt with an elephant drinking a martini (I still need to take a picture of myself in that!) and now I've had the chance to put an ice cream cone on a striped skater dress. I received loads of compliments on it the other day when I wore it out, and I can't wait to wear it again soon. Plus, it's a great dress for twirling! Oh, and the fake ice cream cone is a little decoration I picked up at Target a while ago. I still can't figure out where to hang it, but I'm sure I'll come up with a good spot soon.

This was right after I had my hair done at Dry Bar (from my last post). They're the best!

Dress: Bow & Drape (customization available)

Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens

Hair Pouf: Ban.Do

I Scream For Popsicles

 

Summer is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with popsicles? I've also been seeing so many yummy popsicle recipes on various blogs, and felt so inspired! I'm gonna have to go out and buy a popsicle mold asap, and snatch up some of these cute clothes and accessories before they sell out. Psst.. the Forever21 socks are less than $2!

 01. Popsicle Sticks / 02. Pouch / 03. Bathing Suit / 04. Necklace

05. Dress / 06. Temporary Tattoos / 07. Ankle socks / 08. Patriotic Popsicle Dress

I can't not mention the yummy recipes that have inspired this post ...

01. Cake shaped like popsicles? Kelly, you've done it again. Genius! c/o StudioDIY

02. Popsicles with gummies hidden inside? So cute! c/o BestFriendsForFrosting/Horses & Heels

03. Tart rhubarb and creamy yogurt mixed into one delightful popsicle? Yum. c/o Apt 2B Baking Co

I'm Going To Graceland (Pt 2)

Lately I've been really into wearing black + neutrals, which is unusual for me considering my wardrobe is filled with so many bright hues. There's something so simple and chic about black, and a little rock & roll, which is what I'm hoping to pull off while visiting Memphis. Some of these items I own and will be bringing (like the bow dress and leggings), some that I've ordered in the mail (rock&roll top), and a couple that are majorly on my wish list (Kate Spade purse, denim jacket). I particularly love that Elvis tote and hope I'll be able to pick one up at one of the souvenir shops around town, and I'll definitely be wearing flats, leggings and one of my slouchy thin pullover sweaters (not pictured here) on the plane ride over. Tomorrow's the day that I embark on my long awaited journey to Memphis! Lots of photos to follow when I return <3

01. Diner Food Denim Jacket / 02. Elvis Tote / 03. Striped Dress / 04. Flats

05. Leggings / 06. Music Notes Top / 07. Bow Dress / 08. Rock&Roll Top

09. Dashboard Clutch / 10. Blush Sandals

* Also, just on a super awesome side note, the lovely Aileen of At Home In Love is featuring our apartment tour on her blog today, so be sure to check it out! Thanks again, Aileen! :)

Little Johnnies

I knew as soon as I saw this shirt on Modcloth's website that I had to have it. It's a little pricey for just a t-shirt, but the quality of the shirt is what makes it worth the price, and of course, the little Johnny Depp's all over it! I normally pair it with my favorite trusty black leggings and favorite denim jacket. It's simple and comfortable, which is how I like to dress most of the time. I think this shirt could also be cute tucked into a pinafore or a pair of overall shorts, too!

 

 Denim Jacket - Forever 21 (no longer available)

Johnny T-shirt - Modcloth

Shoes - Kate Spade x Keds (no longer available)

Ice Cream Pin - Sweet & Lovely

Elvis Pin - Ebay

Retro Fashion Inspiration: The Brady Bunch

 

 When I was little, I was obsessed with The Brady Bunch. So much so, that I wrote letters to every cast member of the show, hoping that I would receive a letter back. To my surprise, both Ann B Davis (Alice!) and the creator of the show (Sherwood Schwartz) sent me back signed photos, and hand written notes, thanking me for taking the time to write to them. I've always been drawn to innocent, wholesome shows (like Full House, another favorite), especially those that revolve around amazing wardrobes. I'm pretty envious of all the girls' outfits on this particular show (and their hair, for that matter), and thought I would pay homage by sharing a little collage of some of my current favorite Brady Bunch-inspired clothes and home accessories that are selling on Modcloth and Bait Footwear's websites right now. Enjoy!

01. Show Me The Honey Dress |  02. Prancing Through The Poppies Top |

03. Le Marais of Light Top |  04. Yesterday Aqua flats |  05. One in a Medallian Top |

06. Vinyl Fantasy Dress |  07. Colorful Charm Pillow |  08. Bandstand A Chance Dress |

09. Ring True Desk Phone |  10. Greenery Greetings Dress |

Quite the Ladybug

Most days, I throw on whatever's in my closet that I haven't worn in a while. I'm all about effortless outfits. This one in particular was thrown together in a matter of seconds. I love the sweet striped detail of the dress, paired with the scalloped red/orange cardigan. I just found this Beatles pin floating around in my jewelry box, and decided to throw it on as well. The wedges I wore to The Great & Powerful Oz premiere back in February, and I love them to pieces! Teal is pretty much one of my favorite colors and I always try to wear it no matter what. The ladybug purse I just purchased from Modcloth, and I am in love! I can't wait to wear it all spring and summer long.

 

Dress: Anthropologie [no longer available]

Cardigan: Anthropologie [purchase here]

Ladybug bag: Modcloth [purchase here]

"Hetty" Pump/Franco Sarto via Nordstrom [purchase here]

One thing I should also mention is that I styled my hair using all DryBar products (except for Moroccan Oil volumizing mousse which you can buy at DryBar, and 12 Benefits which is sold at some salons). Their hair products are a miracle! I now have their 1" curling iron, 100 heat proof oil (my all time favorite product hands-down), hairspray, both hairbrushes and dry shampoo and so far, they have done wonders to my hair. Curling is a cinch because the iron has a barrel that moves as you curl, which means it basically does all the work for you. It costs $125 and you can find it at any DryBar location or at any Sephora.

Whirlwind Weekend

This weekend has gone by incredibly fast! It was supposed to rain both days, but yesterday turned out to be pleasantly sunny and even a little warm. I spent Friday night with close friends celebrating my upcoming birthday, and Saturday ended up being spent in bed. I guess I had a little too much to drink at my party (two whole drinks.. total lightweight over here). Today, Chris and I spent the afternoon exploring downtown. We stopped by Bottega Louie for a box of macarons and their famous peanut butter terrine, and then made a stop at the Grand Central Market. I am now cuddled up in bed watching the SAG Awards, and I am getting super excited about my birthday on Tuesday. Hope you all have a wonderful start to your week!

 

I couldn't resist purchasing this cake hat from my favorite local shop, Sweet Xo. I plan on wearing it for my birthday on Tuesday, all day. I have no shame. I will be 28 going on 5 and I'm totally ok with that.

 Outfit Details:

Dress - Modcloth Glacial Relationships dress

Cardigan: JCrew

Belt: Anthropologie (no longer available)

Bag: Cambridge Satchel Co.

Boots: Forever21 (no longer available)