Paperie Perfection

My love affair with pretty paper goods continues on stronger then ever. I have a serious soft spot for unique and well designed pieces and that is exactly what today's post on MaeMae Paperie is all about. The uber talented designer behind the blog Megan Knight Gonzalez not only creates perfectly curated wedding suites that are far cry from your typical invitations but also creates everyday stationary with a whimsical twist, stylish note cards and so much more. While this online shop has been on my radar since 2011 when I got hitched, I feel the boutique is chock full of gorgeous goodies more then ever. Even her blog is truly an addicting dose of everything on trend in the wedding world and inspiration for stylish living in the everyday world. Check out some of my favorites of her incredible work below.

Pre-Styled Wedding Suites

Amazing Custom Work

Note Card Sets

Adorable favors

Custom stamps for everything from addressing, save the dates, favors or a business card...there is something to suit every stylish need you could ever have!

Tunic Time

Tunics are one of those wardrobe staples that I always turn too for an effortlessly chic look. While in Nantucket, I lived in this sparkly Lilly Pulitzer number and most recently I gifted this lovely tunic in navy for my fabulous sisters birthday {the higher sides of this shirt keep it from looking like maternity wear}.  This loose fitting styled blouse pairs well with skinny jeans for a dressier look as well as shorts for a day time outing or can stand alone as a coverup for a summer day on the beach. I personally love the style every time of year wearing over leather pants {also seen here} and or with destroyed skinny denim with killer heels. It might be that I am disguising my german hips but I also feel comfortable and stylish whenever I wear them, which has me curious...what do you think of this style? 

one // two // three // four // five // six

Gifted - Part Two

Last week I featured a fun and simple DIY for gifting something small for the kitchen. This week is along the same lines but without any doing it yourself involved. I love pretty much anything monogrammed and thought I would present another fun idea for a unique gift for a housewarming, showering a bride to be or just for the hostess with the mostess. This time the rolling pin already has it's dipped painted edges saving the efforts of having to paint yourself but giving a plain old rolling pin wouldn't do. Wrapping in a monogram towel with beautiful grossgrain ribbon & a coordinating marble slab...yes that would be just fine...Check out all the pretty details below!

rolling pin // marble board // monogram tea towel

Weekend Wear - Target Style

I always try to mix high and low price points with all my weekly fashion posts but let's face it, as fabulous as that $500 cover up is, most of us cannot swing that hit to the good old bank account and if you are like me, if you can't pay cash for it, you can't get it! This leads me to todays stylish look with fashions all from my beloved Target. I always turn to Target for cute home decor but never knew just how great their clothing could be outside their famous collaborations. Check out all the details below!

denim jacket // floral clutch // striped peplum top // wedges // arrow bracelet // white denim

music to my ears

Wouldn't you agree that great music totally helps motivate you in every situation. Whether it be getting ready to go out, driving in the car or breaking a sweat at the gym, a great tune can totally change your mood and level of fun no matter what you are doing. Some new additions to my most listened to playlist definitely make me want to shake what my mama gave me and bring a smile to my face.They are all listed below.

What are you currently listening too?

Will.i.am - Bang Bang 

Capital Cities - Safe & Sound

Tegan & Sara - Closer 

Robyn - Call Your Girlfriend

{love the entire album}

Stefano  - I'm on a roll

Justin Timberlake - Mirrors

Rihanna - Right Now

Daft Punk - Get Lucky

Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines

Have a great weekend & don't forget to check back in tomorrow for a super wallet friendly outfit on weekend wear!

Sip & Snack - Rosé Sangria & Brie Crostini

Happy Thursday! Notice something different? I thought I would give this weekly post a new name as I have been trying some complimentary snacks along with my usual Thirsty Thursday drinks. This week I was inspired by a bottle of rosé gifted to me and my husband by my beautiful friend Gabrielle. Rosé was definitely our drink of choice while honeymooning on the french island of St. Bart's so I was reminded of our daily treat of brie, croissants & chilled rosé. However this time around I thought I would jazz up the rosé part and make a sangria with all the fresh fruit we had in the house. I have to admit, if there is one recipe that you try from my weekly posts - it has to be this one...Cheers!

Rosé Sangria

one bottle of rose wine

2 cups white peach cranberry juice

juice of 1 lime

juice of 1 naval orange

1 peach diced into cubes

1 cup blackberries

1 cup raspberries

1 cup strawberries

Directions

mix fruit, wine & juice in a pitcher, cover with plastic wrap & refrigerate for one hour

Brie & Honey Crostini

1 loaf french bread

1 wedge french brie {this one is my favorite}

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup olive oil

salt & pepper

Directions

drizzle sliced french bread with olive oil and season with salt & pepper

broil in oven for a few minutes till toasty

top with brie & drizzle with honey

Bon Appétit!

What's in my bag - The Weekender

My husband and I love weekends away. Whether it be stateside or abroad we live for the long weekend. Packing & repacking for all these little getaways means a good weekender bag is in order. While I tend to overpack at almost every occasion {hey a girls gotta have her options}, I am really trying to keep our shorter trip ensembles to a minimum. If it can't fit in my carry on and or my duffle, it can't come. This is a very challenging task for me to say the least. Organizing outfits before travel has never been one of my strong points, but here goes nothing!

packing essentials include my favorite striped top for cooler nights & sleeveless for the warmer days // a scalloped dress // white denim // denim jacket // destroyed denim // tan sandals // jade sandals // midi dress // easy day dress // skirt & tank // polka dot top // favorite pajamas // statement necklace one & two for layering // coverup & bathing suit

one // two // three // four {on sale} // five {more colors available} // six // seven // eight {style steal} 

gifted

I love giving gifts, everything from the brainstorming on what to get, the joy of shopping, and then the best part the actual giving to that special person. Start to finish it all makes me giddy. This leads to today's post on a little gift giving inspiration along with an easy breezy DIY. Back in New York where I grew up, most wedding showers had a wishing well where you brought a small domestic token for the bride to be. I always gave something off the registry but I love the idea of gifting something a little more unique and thoughtful. This also could work for a wonderful housewarming or hostess gift or even a favor at a stylish soiree. 

mark off the area you wish to paint 

{don't spray the area that will be exposed to food}

I held the area that wasn't getting painted with a paper towel and sprayed the opposite end till dry

wrap with ribbon 

or tie the ends with twine

 wooden spoons

Not quite ready to DIY? No worries, lots of stylish finds are below to add this look to your home!

runner // pitcher // pillow // baseball bat // napkins // towel // stools // flatware // planters // jar

{many items above available in multiple colors}

Meet Me In The Middle

Earlier this summer I jumped on board with the midi trend when I purchased this dress. The starburst printed dress quickly became a favorite of mine to throw on for casual and for dressier occasions as the length allowed me to wear a casual thong sandal or my beloved kitten heel version. This in between length is elegant and easy breezy to wear, a double win in my book. Unlike it's not too distant relative the maxi dress, your hem will not drag along the streets or cause you to trip as you walk around town {like I have done so many many times}. Since I am so completely smitten with this new to me length I purchased another midi length dress and thought I would share some other stylish finds in this lady like length so you can give it a try in your wardrobe!

one // two // three // four // five

one // two // three // four

Weekend Wear - Green With Envy

Happy Saturday friends, I am not sure where you are located, but it's been incredibly hot here in Boston. I literally walked out of the house yesterday and felt like I couldn't breath in the thick air. Dressing in this weather means wearing as little as possible, the thought of anything fitted or fussy just will not work when the temps rise into the triple digits. The little emerald number is a great example of the perfect little sun dress, it's breezy fit will keep you from feeling suffocated but the soft tie waist will also keep your look tailored. The beaded clutch may look fancy but it can easily go from day to night with it's long cross body strap. A simple yet chic look that can get you to beat the heat. 

Chelsea Flower Dress // Ray Ban Aviators // J.Crew Wedges // Calypso St. Barth Zig Zag Clutch // J.Crew Stud Earrings

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Take Me Away - Napa, CA

Last Fall my husband and I took a vacation to beautiful Napa, Ca for a magnificent wedding. While we  stayed at a hotel for that particular trip, we have been dreaming of returning with our family and renting a home this time around. Enter Villa Tranquilla, also known as the most amazing vineyard home on the planet. When I stumbled upon this property I was instantly picturing myself in this home having the vacation of a lifetime. Not only was it incredibly spacious and boasting outstanding outdoor/indoor living, it's location is truly magnificent. You practically can pick grapes from your poolside chair. Check out all the beautiful details below!

adorable guesthouse

hello stunning views of rolling hills & vineyards, can you flipping believe this kind of living space exists???

I am a total sucker for bedrooms with matching twin beds, so old fashioned yet stylish

more images & listing

Boston Happening's

One of the sweetest bloggers & friend of mine Amelia from colour Bloc is hosting a fabulous event tomorrow 7/20 at Boston's West Elm. The festivities start at 10AM and will be lots of fun shopping, admiring a beautiful gallery wall of incredible artwork she installed and mingling with other Bostonians. She will show us how to add color in our home in creative ways, something I definitely need so you know I will be there...come by & say hello!

Check out this teaser of what is to come at this colorful event!

Hope to see you there!