Marni Takes Over

This might be old news by now but I had to share for those of you who live under a rock...the new collab at H&M is Marni! I'm very excited for this one, which will be dropping in the spring. The Versace release was pretty rad for H&M, but I'm not into the whole over the top studs everywhere kinda thing. A little too much for me. But, like I said, it was pretty amazing. Marni, however, is going to be HUGE. Looks like there are going to be tons of tribal prints (gahhh!) and tons of cropped pants (double gahhh! perfect for my 5'3 hight!). Better yet, there will be jewelry, scarves, bags, AND shoes. Heaven! This will totally warrant me waiting in line (I never do this btw... lines are SO not for me). PURE EPICNESS right here. Cannot wait! Here's some behind the scenes footage courtesy of Marni/H&M. Enjoy!

Wallet Wishlist

Wallet's are one of those things that you often need, but never really want to splurge on. Think about it, it hides in your bag most of the time and is rarely ever seen, so why spend money on a new one? Think again though, if you are carrying a gorgeous Louis Vuitton (like this one that I've been obsessing over for years-cough, cough boyfriend!) or a cool and edgy Rebecca Minkoff (like this one that I'm currently lusting over), you don't want to pull out an old ugly wallet do you? Of course not! Which is why when I find a wallet that I love, I try to take super good care of it and usually find it hard to part with. However, I've had my lovely red Coach wallet for a few years now, and I think it is time for an update; hence, my wallet wish list. I've always loved simple wallets that zip all the way around, this way if I don't feel like lugging a bag around, I can grab my wallet and go, without having to worry about losing things. And hey, all the more reason to have a handsome looking wallet!

I love the patent neon, python embossed leather Marc Jacobs wallet. It's fun, but still classic and definitely a head turner.

I've always had a thing for this Michael Kors python wallet. It scream lux to me, without being tacky or over the top.

This red patent Tory Burch wallet is very similar to the Coach wallet that I currently own. Something about the red is so chic to me, and it isn't straying too far from my comfort zone.

Shimmery gold has become my new favorite accessory and I'm IN LOVE with this Kate Spade wallet. I think it's so sophisticated and totally wearable.

Oh Prada how I love you. This wallet is definitely a wishable piece, but totally a splurge item...any takers? I love the color (my favorite actually!).

Spike the Punch

I was exploring Instagram yesterday (pretty sure it is my favorite app on my iPhone), and came across this awesome jewelry designer, Elizabeth, of Spike the Punch. Her necklaces are so fun, so girly, and so sparkly. I love the painted stones mixed with the blingy stones and want them all! Actually ordering one for myself today! Will update you when I get it! If you are looking for holiday gifts for the gem obsessed girl in your life- sister, mother, best friend, girlfriend- definitely look into Elizabeth's shop on Etsy. It won't disappoint :) And follow her on twitter too @spikethepunch_ I just started today!

Here are some of the cool necklaces:

Friday Happiness

I am still so full from Thanksgiving! I officially need to put my game face on and get back in the gym and start kicking some butt! But everything was so delicious, I couldn't help myself! How was everyones day yesterday? I travelled to Connecticut where all of my dad's family is too celebrate. I love getting to see all of my aunts and uncles and cousins. We laugh, catch up, and reminisce, which is always so much fun. 

The rest of this weekend should be pretty chill. We MIGHT venture out later today to Bloomingdales and Lord & Taylor, but I am still not sure. All of my years spent working Black Friday when I worked retail in college has totally deterred me from ever wanting to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving. The crowds, the limited parking, the germy kids, the grumpy employees (I used to be one), the nasty attitudes of other shoppers...let's be honest people, is it really worth it? Not so much. Butttt, I did tell my mom that I would run to those stores with her today, so I may be entering a war zone. Ahh! 

Other than that, I am hoping to relax and enjoy some time with my family (all 4 of us are home together!), my boyfriend, and my friends! Ohh, and I am taking one of my BFFs, Taylor, to get her hair highlighted! Super excited for her to finally take the plunge :) And I can't wait to see her again...now that she lives in Boston I never get to see her! So yay for that!

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the long weekend! See you back here on Monday! xx

A little happiness from the week...

-thanksgiving shoes!-

-tuesday was sushi date night with babe-

-new spring 2012 rockport shoes that were gifted to me...i love them!-

-mom only makes this bread on thanksgiving...its so delish-

-table at my aunt gloria's...so pretty!-

I'm Thankful

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Not because I can stuff myself with lots of yummy food and not feel guilty (although that is sooooo fabulous), but because it reminds me of everything that I am and everything that I have. We all seem to get caught up in our crazy lives and we tend to forget the importance of everyday life.

My best friend lost her life two years ago after surviving a horrific accident she lived through when we were freshmen in high school. She was the first friend that I ever made on my own in school (we were just in kindergarten when we met) and she was the sweetest and the kindest. I don't talk about her much because it still hurts to know that she is no longer with us, but on days like today, I am thankful for the strength that she has given me. While she may not have known it, she's taught me to be thankful for all that I have. Life is precious, and I cherish mine every day. I miss you and think about you everyday... I love you Rena.

Thanksgiving brings me back to reality (down from this crazy world of material things and the 'I wants' and 'I needs') and allows me to really appreciate all that I have. I am 23-years-old and I have an amazing job (in a field that I've always wanted to explore) that I worked really hard to get. It may be frustrating at times, but if there weren't any challenges I wouldn't grow and prosper as a human being. I have an amazing family who is always here to support me no matter what. We may bicker and fight and get mad at each other (we are all pretty strong headed), but at the end of the day our love for each other is stronger than words can say. I am in love with a guy who I trust my whole heart with and who I know will always have my back. He's been there for me through so many life changing moments and he always supports me (<3 you Nick!). My friends are so amazing and I love them all so dearly even though I may not see all of them as often as I'd like (that's what makes the reunions so special though!). The rest of the material objects-like the shoes and the bags and the clothes- as fabulous as they are, they are just things. Pretty things, that I'm of course always thankful for, but at the end of the day, they're just things. Sometimes, there are more important things in life than the new Prada heels that I'm dying to have...and I'm thankful that I have those things to keep me grounded.

Take a moment and reflect on all that you have and be thankful for it. That's what today is all about after all. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Zara Favs

Came across these new holiday looks on the Zara website. Would love to own everything! I think my favorite is the lace top with sequin shorts. Perfect holiday party outfit. My creative juices are flowing now..what to wear, what to buy?! What's your favorite holiday party look?

photos taken from here

And I also came across these as well...obsessing over coated pants right now. I love the burgundy. Perfect look for Thanksgiving dinner actually.

photos taken from here

A Little J.Crew Wishing

Wish lists are one of my favorite things to put together during the holidays, mainly because it gives people an idea of what to get you, and you're practically guaranteed to get something that you want. I've always been a "clothes are great!" kind of girl, but I've learned that I need to be specific with the particular kind of clothes that I  ask for...otherwise you end up with the ugly christmas sweater that sits in the back of your closet for one too many years--sounds snobby of me, but let's be honest, you've all been there at some point! That being said, I've put together a little wish list of pieces that I'd love to own from J.Crew. I think it is safe to say that ANYTHING from J.Crew would be great, but these are some of the pieces I'm lusting after...hint hint!

the sparkle sweater is too cute. the plaid shirt is a staple that i need to have. you can never have too many chambray shirts! the glittery skirt is perfect for holiday parties. that stripe coat is to die for. cozy scarves are my favorite. plaid pants, enough said. gold iphone case! the leopard hat is super cute. basic bronze flats, perfection. pretty gold link bracelet.

Springing for Stripes

Promise, last post of spring looks until after the holidays...too soon, I know! But I feel in love with these stripy looks from Juicy Couture and have found myself wanting them, badly! How cute is the hat? And I love the stripe on stripe look. So many ideas already for spring looks!!

Club Monaco Love

Forget waiting for spring, I totally want these 9 new looks from Club Monaco in my life NOW! Obsessing really hard...

want this whole outfit

i'll take that jacket

pretty freakin cool

city chic...i love

perfect for date night

that jacket is perfection

so me

so many layers

pants are killer

Change Up

I'm a Nordstrom girl. Always have been, and always will be. Bloomingdales is great, don't get me wrong. And Saks and Neiman, come on, to die for! There's just always something so great about Nordstrom. I don't know if it's the killer return policy (they literally take anything and everything back!), or the super kill you with kindness attitudes of the staff, but I always manage to have a great shopping experience...and they always seem to make SO much money off of me! My poor credit card...and mommy and daddy's too!

Anyway, I always look forward to getting their seasonal catalogs in the mail. They are always so well done, featuring some of the best looks and the best brands. They do a great job of mixing affordable and lust-worthy pieces, and I could literally look at it a million times and find something new to purchase. This time around (I took a peak at the catalog early last week), I found these adorable Kate Spade coin purses that I'm totally swooning over. I think they'd make great holiday presents for friends. Seriously, how cute?

Handle With Care

I'm notorious for saying "my hands are cold!". Which is why I have an obsession with gloves. Normally, I can be seen wearing child size gloves (my hands are about the same size as a 5-year-olds...no, but really, they are), but I do love when gloves add a little punch to an outfit, and sometimes have to cross over into big girl glove world to achieve that. Since the holidays are coming, and despite the unusual warm weather we are experiencing here in the city, I've decided to share some that I am currently crushing on...you know, in case you want to buy me a little present-I'm obsessed with #2 and #7 ;):

1. Echo $78

2. Valentino $384

3. Madewell $22 on sale!

4. Aqua $36 on sale!

5. Juicy Couture $68

6. Kate Spade $65

7. Juicy Couture $58

8. Roxy $25

9. UGG $75

10. Missoni $245

11. Echo $35

Friday Happiness

taken from here

Time flies way to fast. I cannot believe it is November 11th already...as in 11/11/11. Crazy insane. Feels like yesterday that it was 2006 and I was itching to come home for my first Thanksgiving home from college...that was 5 years ago. And now, here we are at the end of 2011 and I have no idea where the time went. But forget about the past 5 years, where did this week go?? Last week seems like a blur because I was in LA on a shoot with Rebecca Romijn (she's the nicest! and I really love LA), and the earlier part of this week was crazy busy prepping for a big cover shoot here in NYC. It never ends. But it is indeed Friday...time to get our weekend on. I'm meeting a friend for dinner tonight--margaritas by the pitcher, I think so--and tomorrow night I'll be celebrating a friends birthday. And then I get to take part in Sunday Funday with my boyfriend and the guys, watching football all day and drinking beer. I'm actually pretty excited. Viva the weekend baby...

Instagram happiness from the week (and some from last week too!)...

-todays outfit: j.crew sequin tank, joie cashmere sweater, michael kors trench coat-

-santa monica-

-my boy...with his ugly scruffy beard...must be a man thing-

-our convo for date night..sushiX1 is our fav sushi restaurant-

-cuddle sesh with my puppy this morning <3-

-some rebecca romijn action...shes hot!-

Cozy on Up

clockwise from left: chinti and parker, vince, topshop, ralph lauren black label, j.crew, mango   

One of my favorite things about this time of year is being able to wear cozy, chunky knit sweaters. I love the idea of layering them with flannel button downs and jeans for a super casual look, especially when they are neutral colors that go with everything. My closet is filled with lots of creamy colored sweaters, but in my eyes you can never have enough, so I put together a little wish-list of sweaters that I'd love to get my hands on this winter. There's just something so warm and romantic about them don't you think? Or maybe its the picture I have in my head of laying by the fire with an oversized blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and a good book that is romantic. Either way, they're pretty dreamy.

In fact, I wore one of my many today...what do you think?

bcbgeneration sweater (similar one here)