More Mara

I am a little late to this launch but still felt it was worth sharing. We all know New York designer Mara Hoffman for her bold prints and colors in fashions but what was news to me was that earlier this month she launched her first home collection exclusively at Anthropologie. I have long been a fan of her tribal prints in a slew of eye catching colors and love the pieces that she has created to amp up color in the home {something I need desperately to do in the future}. Her kaleidoscope style prints are the epitome of bohemian chic. 

The oversized floor pillows are awesome for added seating in a living room as well as a super stylish puppy bed. I adore the pyramid shaped candle and would totally keep the vessel well after the wax had burned for trinkets and such. The bold bedding is perfectly coordinated patterns without being too loud. The neutral grey curtains are subtle and totally my speed - big surprise there. While the journals are such a pretty addition to desk or nightstand. 

all items above can be found here

more Mara Hoffman favorites

jumper // maxi dress // coverup // rash guard // flip flops // shorts // tote // one piece // bikini bottoms // mini dress // caftan // iPhone case

Sign Of The Times

While popping in a few of the local boutiques on Nantucket I cam across the lovely mother of pearl zodiac necklaces below. I was quickly smitten with them even though I am not one to truly follow the  signs of the stars or their meanings etc. I simply loved their style and the layering option of adding a loved ones sign on top of yours. It's sort of the spiritual sister to the initial necklace trend that I also love. I put together a little round up of some other zodiac items ranging from beauty items to home decor.


zodiac cards // mother of the pearl necklaces // needlepoint pillow // compact mirror // smoking slipper // bottle stopper // clutch // scarf // nameplate necklace // cuff

Small Spaces

As John and I search for a forever home we often joke that we will one day buy a big home and probably live in one room of it. Since our current place is an expansive 500 square feet, we have grown to love cozy places. Even our current rental in Nantucket is one that we continuously choose to rent since 2009 is a petite barn with two bedrooms, which feels down right humongous to us. So after seeing this adorable home and it's incredible use of space which is also about the same size of our current apartment...I got to day dreaming and by day dreaming, I mean house-hunting. I found this little gem on Nantucket and started thinking of just how fabulous it could be with a little stylish retouching and renovating it could truly be. 

The Cottage 

I would replace that table setting with some chic outdoor furniture for lounging and a table for dining {who wants to sit on hot metal in the summer anyways}

image via

I always dream of an all white kitchen, but not like this one. 

With some new appliances & cabinetry I would use the below image as inspiration. The open shelving and butcher block counters are low maintenance with the all white palette is clean and crisp.

image via 

Instead of a boring dining area, I would amp up the cozy factor with lots of plush pillows, variety of seating and an oversized table like the image below. 

image via

A steel framed shower wouldn't cut it in a beach style home. 

A small corner shower can still ooze style in a modern color grey & white color palette and clever use of space for storage and bathing.

image via 

Finally the family room. The high ceilings with the exposed beams are just lovely but a little outdated.  I would paint the trim and banister white as well as the space in between the beams. 

All white walls and simple furniture keep the small room feeling cramped. I would eliminate the track lighting and swap out the table lamp vignette above for something more beachy like the look at the bottom. 

image via

image via

So what's your dream space, big or small?

Off to ACK

After we celebrate my friends amazing wedding this weekend we are off to Nantucket for a few weeks. I absolutely cannot wait to be out of the city and living a bit of an island life with my main squeeze. Packing always feels like a daunting task as I wish I could just bring my entire closet instead of planning outfits for the trip. But when it comes to summer getaways I find it easier to just pick a color palette like navy & white and go from there. Since Nantucket is the land of the preppy, I will be pretty much living in my favorite casual basics. While away I am not sure how the internet service will be at our little bungalow rental so my posts may not be everyday but I will be sharing some island enchantments on instagram so come say hi!

j.crew rope navy & gold bracelet // j.crew belt // banana republic fedora // tibi ruffle cami // rag & bone white denim //  tory burch coverup dress //  yosi samara flip flops // j.crew embroidered gauze shorts // clare vivier clutch // gap raw hem little white dress // striped phone case // c.wonder shirt dress // j.crew factory sea horse skirt // sara happ lip gloss // ray ban aviators // vince camuto sandals // j.crew ruches one piece

Day Dresses

As the warmer temps hit here in Boston, I find myself reaching for my favorite day dresses for running errands around town. Not only is it easier to not have to plan a full outfit but a casual day dress is also super comfortable. I recently wore that floral green number below and was stopped a few times asking where it was from {so affordable from gap}. So I thought I would put together a little round up of some of my favorites to keep cool and look good this summer!

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

Year 3

{marquee number}

Today I celebrate three wonderful years of marriage with my sweet husband.  Words cannot truly describe the happiness and love I feel every single day from this amazing man.  John asking me to spend my life with him was by far the best gift I have ever been given and I will always feel grateful that I have him by my side to go through the adventures of life with. Tonight we have a romantic dinner planned in our little Beacon Hill neighborhood where I can finally break out this new little number that I have been dying to wear.  So without overdosing you on too much gushy love. I leave you with a brief post today featuring a favorite Etsy shop with some beautiful hand painted prints on matters of the heart. Have a great day everyone!

{prints}

year one // year two 

Happy Anniversary to my very best friend!

Lady In Red

Growing up I pretty much wore a red dress to every special occasion I had. My sweet sixteen, numerous proms and pretty much anytime I had to wear a dress, I gravitated to the bold hue. I must have overdosed on the color during my younger years because after high school I never ever chose the crimson color in any part of my wardrobe. Well that is all changing this weekend when I celebrate one of my favorite peoples special days. After feeling like a whale in the dress I originally planned on wearing, I quickly ordered a back up dress online and decided to wear a red gown to the black tie affair. The ruby colored dress felt formal and elegant, just what I wanted.



formal // party // date // work // day

Portable Perfume

Last week while in NYC I had forgotten to pack my favorite frangrances. I was totally bummed but didn't want to splurge on replacing two bottles when I knew I had them back in Boston. So I popped by Sephora and checked out their portable perfume's that are perfect for throwing in your purse when you are on the go. I specifically fell in love with Viktor & Rolf's "Flowerbomb" and it's cute rollerball  applicator and perfume refill set but there was a serious selection for trying to help find the scent that works best for you, the best part is they cost so much less then investing in a full bottle. A perfect way to test drive a new fragrance without having commitment.



one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten

Turning Back The Clock

Confession, I have only recently become a beauty product addict. In my twenties, I pretty much washed my face with whatever soap was in the shower. However as I am in my mid thirties now I am well aware of how important it is to take care of your skin. So about three years ago I started using some anti-aging products, specifically by Peter Thomas Roth.  I'd like to start with a full disclosure that I haven't received any of these items for free {although I wish I had}, my review is strictly based on my own trial and error of numerous products and what I find to have the best results. I first started my regimen by using the "unwrinkle pads" at night. However since then I have added almost his entire anti-aging line to my daily routine and I have to say for the first time I am seeing big time results. The lines on my face are finer, the dark circles under my eyes are lighter/less puffy and overall my skin just feels smoother and well taken care of. So while I admit, I find the whole process of having to do this every evening a bit tedious, the prize of a good complexion is well worth it. Some of my absolute favorites from the line are below.



unwrinkle kit {great value for giving the products a test drive} // "to die for" nighttime lash serum // "to die for" mascara // mineral powder // concealer // cc cream {makeup line is great for quick touch ups & throwing in purse when your on the go} // glycolic acid peel pads

Ringly

My husband is BIG into technology. He himself is an inventor and is crazy involved with the wireless world. So much so that he has made a successful career out of his clever ideas. However when there is time for us away from work, he absolutely loathes having a phone out at a dinner or pretty much anywhere we are being social. I however am quick to admit I am a bit of a "power user" on social media. I love being connected and seeing/sharing what's going on in the world. A perfect compromise for us...enter Ringly, the perfectly pretty "alarm" ring that will notify you by different subtle flashes of light or vibrations all in a stylish cocktail ring. It's simply smart jeweled perfection for being notified on important reminders, appointments, emails and so on. Check out how it works below and pre-order your little lovely ring below!

                           

big thanks to my cousin chris for his editing talent of the above video & his fiancé for sharing this fun company with me!

Living The American Dream

When I first joined instagram, I really didn't know who to "follow". None of my friends were on there yet and I was still relatively new to the blogosphere. Feeling a tad lost on this new social media platform, I decided to look up some creative types that I researched from our wedding planning days. One of those talented folks was Erin of Lucky Luxe. I was quickly enamored with her vintage style wedding suites {my favorites are at the bottom of the post}. However what I didn't anticipate was the peak into her charming life in Mississippi. From their absolutely perfect craftsman home {I'd leave the city for a country house like this}, their adorable fluffy pups, to her crazy talented paper products...I was quickly an avid reader of her work and personal blog. So when she shared that her home was featured in Southern Weddings I knew I had to share her blog, work & home with you all! This Americana styled home is beyond fabulous...filled with old family photos, heirlooms and tons of good old fashion style! 

{how cute is this couple!}

I might need to get remarried {same guy of course} to have this little invitation suite below. 

Home Images via Southern Weddings // Invitation Images via Lucky Luxe Couture

Romper Room

Earlier in the season I tried on a jumpsuit and it was absolutely the most horrific sight I have ever seen on me. Despite looking absolutely ridiculous in them myself I was still drawn to the style of a one piece outfit. Like a dress it makes selecting an ensemble easy breezy and can be super comfortable. So when I purchased this jumpsuit, finally a onsie that I actually felt great in, I thought I would venture into romper territory. I personally am not a fan of anything too short but for those who have the gams to wear them, I think they can be very chic. I personally like the casual styles as a  beach coverup. A few of my favorites are below.

Loft

left // middle // right

Club Monaco

left // middle // right

Nordstrom

left // middle // right

3rd Anniversary Gift Guide

Next week my husband and I celebrate three years of marriage! It really is crazy how fast the time has gone by. Lots of happy memories have been made thus far in our relationship and I look forward to all the ones we still have to make together. So in honor of the traditional anniversary themes I put together a little his and hers gift guide all for the third year "leather" anniversary.



For Him

I love pairing gifts. So while a leather shoe carrier might be a tad boring on it's own, its a great gift when you fill it with a pair of new kicks for your guy. When you travel a ton like my man, a case for his tech accessories are key to keep them protected. I love the rustic leather cover for the iPhone and Jack Spades portfolio. A classic leather strap watch is always in style. Mont Blanc wallets in pebbled leather wear well and are super sleek.  A functional key chain to stylishly store his keys. Canvas and leather combo flip flops provide comfort and a pop of color for summer days. What guy wouldn't love a traveling flask set for his favorite spirits or gift him his favorite wine/port in these monogrammed leather carriers. My guy is a big writer, so a set of fancy pens and leather bound notebooks would definitely be utilized.

For Her

A brightly colored monogrammed tote in a classic silhouette is always in style as well is nautical stripes to have your phone well dressed. A gorgeous and soft noise free key chain. Cover up that iPad in style with this patterned case. A cheeky way to help your gal make decisions. Floral embossed beauty bag is perfectly paired with her favorite cosmetics. A leather jewelry box in a pretty hue filled with a some baubles will always be a win. This leather and lace cami is perfectly paired with this stunning fringe necklace. Anything in a little orange box is sure to make her swoon. Finally sandals that go with everything in her closet. 

Fun Favors

One of my favorite elements of party planning has to be putting together a little keepsake for the guests to bring home at the end of the evening. So last night when we celebrated my dear friend Kate's birthday last at a new to me Boston eatery I was quick to offer my assistance with creating a little treat for everyone. Since we were dining on Italian cuisine I went with that as our theme. I decided to make homemade limoncello and adorn the mini bottles with the phrase "salute" instead of cheers. The limoncello was made from this recipe but instead of using plain simple syrup I used the juice of the many lemons I had peeled and created a lemon simple syrup to give it a richer and sweeter lemon flavor. The results were pretty delicious and strong but something I would definitely make again!

Other examples of favors I have created are here, here, here & here. 

tags // twine // bottle