What I’m Lovin’ Right Now

Posted in Series by C.

Happy Monday! As we start a new week, I’m determined to get things off on the right foot after such an exhausting one last week. As such, I’m looking to things that are making me smile, and smile big. It’s in the little things: sidewalks reminding us to be awesome (#1) or timely words (#7). It’s in the new: changing up that yummy, but very predictable strawberry smoothie at breakfast for something decidedly different (#3). And yes, it’s even in something rather surface, but still gives an equally delicious feeling…like the one you get when you see a cute pair of shoes for the first time (#5). In a nutshell, it’s in a little bit of everything – so everything it is. Here’s what I’m lovin’ right now…

(Oh, and come hell or high water, let’s make it a good week! x)

A reminder where you least expect it. | Flickr
My official style muse. | Wendy’s Lookbook
A new take on the breakfast smoothie. | Coconut, Vanilla & Almond Butter Smoothie
A clean (and inexpensive) why to finally prop up your phone. | Wooden Phone/Tablet Stand
Eye candy for the “sole.” | DV by Dolce Vita Caged Sandals (on sale!)
Inspiration for my next hair cut. | Good Short Cuts for Wavy Hair
“Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Enough” | The EveryGirl
Earrings that keep things simple. | Matte Stud Earrings
Keeping things personal and (easy to recognize). | Personalized Wooden Flash Drives
The best idea I’ve seen when you don’t want to commit to making a full stack of pancakes when it’s just yourself. | The Single Pancake

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11Nov2013

Anatomy of a Do: Wendy’s Color Love

Posted in Fashion by C.

When it comes to fashion bloggers, Wendy Nguyen is in a league of her own. I can’t say I’ve ever seen an awful outfit posted on her wildly popular site, Wendy’s Lookbook, and this fashion forward look from a recent weekend post epitomizes her fresh style. If someone approached me empathetic that an outfit with bright yellow, green, and red as combined solid primary colors worked without seeing this picture first, I’d likely beg to differ. Here, Ms. Nguyen proved me wrong.

Playing against a typically more dark aesthetic found in fall styling, this ensemble cheerfully covers up for the chillier change in temperature, without losing the lingering spirit of summer. I love the bright structured yellow blazer (that one would expect to see in black for this time of year) over the flow-y bright green silk peplum blouse. She completes the look with dark skinny jeans, bright red pumps, the perfect tote to have while out and about, and those oh-so-perfect over-sized angled print sunnies – keeping the look polished, yet weekend casual. My absolute favorite part of her look is the very unassuming but unavoidable statement necklace tucked gently underneath the collar of her button-down. At first glance, I thought this was a brooch.

So what did I learn from Wendy’s weekend casual look?

Don’t be afraid to mix eclectic and varying bright colors for fall – though sticking to solids in each piece is best.
You can pull off a bold statement necklace with a collard blouse, channeling the likes of a “vintage-esque” pin.
We all know I’m a sucker for a good blazer, but I’m inspired to grab one in the most off the wall color I can find.
Red shoes (pumps or flats) are always a good idea with dark jeans.
I haven’t personally jumped on the “peplum” trend, but pairing it with a fitted blazer or jacket is a great way to keep it stylish (and not preggers!).

She nails this look. This is the anatomy of a DO and it’s filled, as she so rightly dubbed in her recent post, with Color Love.

*please click image for unaltered, original photo source and shopping references.

9Oct2013

What I’m Lovin’ Right Now

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Food, Inspiration by C.

“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”
― Maya Angelou

I’m in the mood for a little sharing of wisdom today. I came across this great quote from Maya Angelou and the moment I read it, it spoke to me. The more I thought about it, the more the words rang true – and not purely from the perspective of building an intimate relationship with someone (which is sound advice), but in every single relationship in our lives (that so-called “friend” that always flakes on you comes to mind). This message, while pertinent to all, is particularly important for us gals – who have a tendency not to honor our worth at times and just take what we can get.

This theme also runs through a great blog post I came across yesterday, Hannah Brencher’s 25 Things Every Woman Needs To Know. She poignantly and humorously touches on this concept throughout her entry and reading her words brought some light to my day. I hope Maya and Hannah’s advice bring a spot of inspiration to yours as well.

Here’s what I’m lovin’ right now…

Blend

25 Things Every Woman Needs To Know.
A little bold liner, red lips inspiration.
One of my favorite photos of Wendy Nguyen from Wendy’s Look. Simply Breathtaking.
Apple Pie Sandwiches. Recipe from tasteofhome.com.
Essie Nail polish in Bangle Jangle – perfect for fall!
Franco Sarto Celeste Riding Boots.
Light Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Recipe via People.com.

8Apr2013

Dressed in Mint

Posted in Accessories, Explore, Fashion, Fun, Shoes by C.

If you haven’t noticed, mint green is THE hot color of the season and I’m totally into this particular chroma trend. While I do like to keep an eye on all things fashion and indulge daily in fashion blogs (Wendy’s Lookbook is my addiction right now), I’m not one to go out and personally buy a lot of expensive stuff that lasts one season (but talk to me in a few years when I’m loaded). In fact, I have a love/hate relationship with shopping in general. In a nutshell, I love the idea of finding the perfect piece and adding it to your collection. I certainly adore fabulous clothes, handbags (my fav!), shoes, and jewels as much as the next girl; but if I were to be perfectly honestly with you, I hate the physical process of shopping. In particular, the trying things on in a fluorescent lit dressing room only to get frustrated that it looks better on the mannequin than you part. Ugh.

This doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate a good fashion trend. I can’t think of a more refreshing salute to spring than the subtle yet vibrant shade of mint. And since I don’t have anything in my collection representing this craze, I’ve been dreaming of fun, yet affordable ways to incorporate this beautiful color into my look. I have a feeling this color might last longer than a season. Perhaps it’ll inspire ways to find you dressed in mint as well.

Blend

EARRINGS| Mineral Teardrop Earrings // Francesca’s Collections // $12.00

CROPS| Pilcro Stet Slim Crop Jeans // Anthropologie // $98.00

MANI/PEDI| Essie Turquoise & Caicos Nail Polish // Ulta // $8.00

SUNDRESS| Ribbed Dress with Metallic Belt // Forever 21 // $29.80

FLATS| Dolley 03 Mint D’Orsay Pointed Flats // Lulu’s // $21.00

SUNNIES| Hepcat Shades // Madewell // $55.00

27Feb2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, Explore, Fashion, Food, Fun, Handbags, Inspiration, Shoes, Travel, Treats by C.

Longer days and warmer weather are just around the corner! I can’t believe February has come and (almost) gone so quickly. Sadly, awards season is over. The Superbowl has come and gone. And Valentine’s Day now a memory. Despite all the events that the end of one calendar year so excitingly flows into the beginning of another, I’m excited for the changing of times. Spring brings sunlight until 8:00pm, blooming flowers, and fruit that subtly becomes all the sweeter as we make our way toward summer. Flip flops, dresses without leggings, iced lattes, and the need to be at the beach or outside as much as possible become the standard in my life. I can’t think of anything more exciting to look forward to.