Love Me, Love Me

The Only Love Tee

As much as I dislike the thought of defining love to a particular month, or day, I find it hard to resist some of the cutesy stuff that comes along with Valentine's Day. After the New Year it's hard not to find hearts in pinks, reds and purples everywhere, and after some casual browsing I found a couple ways to keep the love theme around long after February 14th.



Use this Heart Hole Punch to make home made cards for friends, family or your lovah.



This Giant Magnetic Chalkboard Heart can be used year round to leave lovey dovey notes to your sweetie.



These Sweetheart Sunnies would look great with a summer dress... and maybe a convertible!

Tighten' Up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaPBCBjSVc

This artist recently caught my eye, thanks to a dear friend. Though they have been out quite a while, their soulful most recent album is much different than their rock past. This is one of my favorites.

Is This Love That I'm Feelin?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKhgsQlnWkw&feature=channel

I know I've posted about Corinne Bailey Rae before, but she is seriously talented. Music is such a huge part of my life and I'm always finding new artists that I love and what a gem is CBR? Oh my goodness, all her songs just put me in such a great mood. Like a frolicking mood. The Love E.P. was just released on January 21 and I'm beyond obsessed with these cover songs. Check out the soulful rendition of Is This Love.

Crave & Save

With the days getting longer it's hard not to search for the perfect summer sandal and spring dress. While flipping through a magazine a couple nights ago I found these Dolce Vita Strappy Sandals, which of course I fell in love with. The wedge is perfect and I love how the leather drapes the entire shoe. Although I fell in love with this shoe, I did not fall in love with the price tag. I immediately began searching for a cheaper look-a-like and, once again, Target did not disappoint. Check out these Strappy Wedge Sandals for less than a fourth of the price! Oh Yeah!

Jersday

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I know we all have our guilty pleasure television (if you don't just pretend you do so I don't feel as bad) that we're addicted too. Today is Jersday because promptly at 10p I will sit on my sofa, turn to MTV and watch the crazy, careless and insane lives of 8 individuals unfold before my eyes. Many criticize the show, but something about it reminds me of how much I enjoyed living carelessly in college. Just a few days ago MTV announced the crew will be heading to Italy to shoot Season 4 of Jersey Shore (which secretly makes me want to quit my job and head to Italy for a few months) and now we're all wondering what city will they be heading too?! I have a few predictions of my own below.

Milan

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Milan is famously known for the sophisticated fashion that is produced, but you might not know about the great nightlife. The downside to this city is that it's not near the beach.

Rome

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Rome's nightlife is definitely up to par, but I'm not sure how the residents of the city will handle the group.

Rimini

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Rimini is the home to beautiful beaches, beautiful people, and of course many bars.

Where do you think they will go?

Eeeek!!

Have you heard the good news?! Soon, well in about a year, you will be able to browse through the beautiful clothes from H&M in the comfort of your bed, pjs, or from your breakfast table. H&M announced today they will offer online shopping by the end of 2011! Read all about this ravishing news here!

I'll Stop The World And Melt With You...

It snowed again today. Instead of complaining...again, I decided to show some of my favorite things about winter. Yes, surprisingly enough, I can find some good in the dreadful season.

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I want to be able to do this one day... enjoy the snowman with waves crashing in the background.

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Hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows makes the dreariest of days instantly brighter.

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A nice fire and fuzzy socks to keep your pigs warm.

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I love how lights add beauty to naked trees.

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A glimpse of spring.

 

 

Class Act

No matter your political stance, one cannot deny the fact that Michelle Obama has incredible style. She truly exudes everything classy and fabulous. I can't think of one time I wasn't impressed with her choice of clothing. Below are a few reasons the First Lady is considered a class act.



Check out her equally stylish daughter, Malia, in the last photograph.

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Young Forever

I was browsing Forever 21's website this evening and started drooling over some of my new finds. Check out below what I will be purchasing in the near future.



I wish these Navy Pleat Shorts were available in a more neutral color, but I think the deep blue will work just fine in my summer wardrobe. I'm also dying to find some pumps like the model's in the photo. I'll keep you updated on my search!



I'm always looking for unique shades in different colors and I'm in love with this neutral pick.



Love, love, love this top! The back detail has me sold. And how awesome does it look paired with the striped skirt?! I'm in love with this entire outfit!

Tea For Two

Have you ever heard of Celestial Seasonings tea? If not, you need to check it out. It's probably the best tea I have ever had. It's line of herbal teas is definitely my favorite and I tend to buy Tension Tamer and Sleepytime teas more than any other. Usually, I drink one or two cups of the tension tamer tea during the day, and with a strong aroma of peppermint, ginger and chamomile and a natural lemon flavor, this tea has easily become one of my favorites. As cliche as this sounds, Tension Tamer really does what it says. I notice I handle the daily work stress much better after a cup of the yummy tea.



And if you have trouble sleeping, try out Sleepytime tea. It helps calm and relax you right before you hit the sheets. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Fudgey Brownies

You know when you have those couple of days in your life where something goes wrong EVERY day. Although, the 'wrong' isn't necessarily tragic, it sure does feel like it at the time. This afternoon when I arrived home from work the master chef (my father) had received the newest addition of Bon Appetit in the mail, and on the cover was the most yummy looking brownies. With very little convincing from M&D, I decided to try out the recipe. I thought to myself, "This would be a great blog post, let me get my camera." Much to my dismay, when I turned my camera on it made this awful noise (sort of like a car engine) and wouldn't take a normal picture. Awesome. So- here is the recipe straight from the website, and I promise this is a keeper for your recipe book.

Fresh Flowers

Sometimes the best way to brighten up a room or a face is with fresh flowers. I think roses are so cliche and I've found they have lost their appeal and gained the 'go-to-flower' name. Unique and different flowers are fun to play up in different rooms, but also make for a great 'just because' gift to friends and family.

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Movie Day

Honestly, I hate movies. I don't like going to the movies, sitting still for 2 hours, and not knowing whether there will be a good or bad ending. However, there are very few exceptions to this hatred. Below are a few movies I could watch over and over.



I first saw this movie with my sorority and all fifty of us were in tears.



Me and my girlfriends can quote this entire movie. It's our Christmas party tradition.



I believe my sister and I watched this movie at least a hundred times during the holiday season as children.

Urban Vintage

I believe I've mentioned before about my love for Urban Outfitters and their vintage appeal. This not only applies to their clothing and accessory collection, but also their home section. The quirkiness of the items are perfect accessories to any room.



This coat rack adds the perfect amount of color to a drab room. And when was the last time you saw a coat hanger anyways?



With this footed candy dish around I would most likely have candy on hand at all times. Isn't it fun?!



I love these gold mirrors, but i believe I would add a few more, in different shapes and sizes, for the perfect wall piece.



I'm infatuated with jewelry stands and holders. I believe it could almost count as an obsession. Here is one of my favorites from UO, but I'm certain you'll see many more in the future.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

I know I have totally slacked off my blogging this week, but I am back and plan to make up for the time lost by posting four blog posts today! So get ready to read your little hearts out.

It's always difficult to decide what is appropriate to wear to sporting events. If you are a fan of the team you're watching, maybe you wear a jersey, or a t-shirt supporting the team's name. I find myself always wearing the team's colors in a more glamourous way, through skirts and dresses. I have a few different outfit ideas for whatever sporting event you're attending.

{Forever21 Flannel Woven Shirt; JCrew Leggy Denim Pants; Steve Madden 'Intyce" boots}

This outfit seems simple, but with a few bangles, big earrings and wavy hair this outfit goes from simple to glamourous.

{Forever21 Shimmer Pleat Skirt; Express Racerback Tank; Steve Madden 'Trinidad' Sandal}

This outfit would be perfect for a summer sporting event. With a cute side bun and some shades you'll be ready to cheer on any team.

{Twenty8Twelve Dress; Aldo 'Onishea' Sandal; Aldo 'Patanella' Boot; Hunter Original Tall  Boot}

This dress is so versatile. You could pair it with any type of shoe, belt or accessories to make it work for any event you're attending. I have included three different pairs of shoes to show the versatility.

Best. Foundation. Ever.

I've discovered the best foundation ever. I'm not even joking about this, and I'm elated to share this wonderful news! I shared here in this post about my love for Bare Minerals, and they have exceeded my expectations once again with the introduction of Bare Minerals Matte. This foundation is a dream come true for oily skin folks. My hairstylist enlightened me about this new product and I immediately made a trip to ULTA to find my shade. I truly recommend waiting in the unreasonably long line to find your true shade of foundation; it's well worth it. After trying about 3 different shades, I purchased the Fair shade along with BM concealer in Bisque. In the morning I apply a light liquid concealer followed by a spot treatment of bisque, and then I finish up with the Fair matte foundation. In the winter I try to stray away from bronzer, but instead I add a swipe of blush to give my cheeks an, ever so slight, color.

Carolina Blonde

"Oh my God, what have I done" were my exact words yesterday as my hairdresser pulled the towel off my head. Ladies and Gents, I have never been this blonde in my entire life, so you can imagine, I went into a slight shock. I am still adjusting to the new 'do' I have, but I'm not so sure it will stay around long, so I had to post a picture as proof that I once was a blonde!

P.S. Yes, I am sporting a jersey; a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey, as a matter of fact. It is the only one I own and proudly support the black and yellow.

A New You

The new year always produces, what I call, new you resolutions. Usually, these resolutions include regular trips to the gym, eating healthy, and getting in better shape. Although I love to run, the cold winter months make it difficult for anyone to want to work-out in these conditions. It's easier to attempt a trip to the gym when I dress in cute gym clothes and Athleta produces just that. The fun printed tanks are hard to resist, but the price tag is a little high for my budget. That's why I turn to Victoria's Secret for cute work-out clothes. VS offers foldover yoga pants with matching bras and tanks, which are sure to make you look like a gym veteran. Though I favor the purple and gray color combo, VS offers so many different options I believe it would be hard to just pick one.

Salty Sweet

The frigid weather I'm experiencing is just a reminder that I'm made to live in a much warmer climate, preferably near the ocean. While I bundle up and try not to wince too much as the wind pierces me through my thick coat, I try to locate the nearest coffee shop. Where I work this is usually Starbucks. I love to wrap my cold hands around a warm beverage, my choice usually being the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. There is nothing like the mix of sweet and salty, especially in the form of hot chocolate. I highly recommend this sweet beverage during the snowy days of winter.

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Spring Forward

North Carolina is not supposed to have this much snow. We've already received a great deal of snow during the Christmas holiday, but once again, Mother Nature blessed us with more of the white stuff. I believe most people enjoy it and love watching it fall, but I could live very happily without ever seeing snow again. The snow has brought a good thing this time around; it has me searching for spring trends. Spring brings so many wonderful events (my birthday, spring break, St. Patrick's Day) and I cannot wait to slip into a few of  my favorite trends for 2011.



Prabal Gurung debuted vivacious citrus hues on the runway. These colors remind me of summer smoothies.



Tommy Hilfiger showed off preppy accessories including nautical striped totes and tassled loafers. I believe nautical prints are always welcome during the summer months.



Big bangles were a theme at the Marc by Marc Jacobs show.



This 60s inspired a-line coat is by far one of my favorite trends! Again, the citrus colors are displayed and I believe this lemon color would work well for a lightweight trench!



While many designers showcased citrus colored trends, Rebecca Minkoff took a different approach showing off nude colors. This spring and summer trend works well with the contrasting black pieces flaunted in the photo.

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California Chic

I believe my style, as anyone else's, is always evolving. I find comfort in bohemian outfits, but love to incorporate classy, girly pieces. Planet Blue defines California Chic. They offer countless bohemian pieces that can be mixed with sequins, pretty jewelry or fabulous hair pieces to glam up any outfit. Here are a few of my favorites.



{This tie-dyed one sleeve maxi can be found here}



{this piece would look lovely tucked in a bandage skirt}



{this hammered ring highlights a fresh manicure}



{this floppy hat would work perfectly for a summer outing}