Ruffled

Am I the only one who has noticed ruffles having a major moment right now? A frilly hem here and pinched gathering there, this feminine style is sitting front row center this season. I personally love the look of a ruffle and picked a few of my favorite pieces that are rocking this lovely little detail in all different styles.

dress // off shoulder top // indigo dress // stripe tank // blush skirt // white skirt // olive romper  // printed tank // navy dress // peach top // blush top // floral maxi // swimsuit // lace shorts // paisley romper 

Bucket List

I am a pretty handbag obsessed person. While I personally favor totes and cross-body styles, the "bucket" bag is definitely the new trend this season. I personally remember this pouch like purse growing up when my sister had a similar style from Coach.  Doesn't it seem like all trends eventually make a full circle and come back in style, which leads me to having to ask, are you willing to give trends a second chance???

one // two {$40!} // three // four {on sale & more colors avail} // five {love this blush one too} // six {the look for way less} // seven // eight

Feeling Blue

Ok, so I'm not literally feeling "blue", but feeling rather obsessed with the bright color.  After I wore some new affordable gym clothes in the bold oceanic color, I was paid several compliments by my husband and some gym friends {mostly because they were shocked to see me in something other then black}. So of course when I had to look up other ways to incorporate this color into my life. I was pleasantly surprised to see my research results had this pop of color available in a plethora of stylish ways from your closet to home decor.

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine {also love this one} // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen // fourteen 

Weekend Wear - Black & Blue

I am having a major moment with the color combination of blue and black. I find myself drawn to items that boast the color combo together, like this moto jacket and this amazing dress. So I thought I would take my obsession as inspiration for this weekends weekend wear. That little dress below is perfect for a date night or evening out with friends in the city.
Have a great weekend everyone!

Elizabeth & James Dress // Lanvin Belt // J. Crew Etta Pumps // Zara Coat {on sale} // One Clutch {on sale} // Wolford Tights // Elizabeth & James Earrings {on sale}

What A Handful!

Earlier this month this little blog celebrated its second birthday. Over seven hundred posts later I took a little trip down memory lane at a few of my first posts that are admittedly horrific in their presentation but the ideas behind them I still stand behind. One of my favorites and frequently visited was a fun little post on cocktails & cocktail rings. I thought I would create another little round up but this time around add in some fun nail polish colors to finish off the look of a well coordinated cocktail, manicure and of course a piece of sparkle to adorn your ring finger.



Rose Cocktail Ring // Tom Ford "Toasted Sugar" // Raspberry Rose Fizz // Sam Edelman Red Stone Ring // Nars "Tomorrow Red" // Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail // Butter London "Union Jack Black" // Elizabeth & James Metropolis Cocktail Ring // The Black Beard Cocktail

put a ring on it

I have been coveting a new right hand ring for some time right now but not sure exactly what I am wanting to adorn it with just yet. This beauty from one of my favorite local stores in Beacon Hill called Good has been lingering in my mind and might have to become part of my family asap. Cocktail rings are definitely a favorite of mine next to the beloved statement necklace and in my opinion the bigger the better but I know the dainty ring trend is huge right now so I threw a few of my favorites in the mix to give a variety of fabulous styles at all different price points. Which is your favorite???

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

Shopbop Spring Shopping Event

I don't know about you but my wardrobe is in desperate need of some refreshing and when there is a good sale like this one it's hard to resist the urge to not buy a few new things despite the weather still being frigid here in Boston. A few items in my shopping bag are below but I will likely narrow it down to a single item so I don't have to eat ramen for the rest of the month. 

What items are you craving in anticipation for the warmer weather???

Dying over Elizabeth & James embellished sweatshirt jacket, I would live in this all spring. The perfect neutral color adorned with gold studs that would go with everything in the closet. A dressed up Juicy Couture tee in navy lace will pair perfectly under blazers or stand alone with jeans. I have long been coveting these over-sized Ray-Ban Wayfarers, I might have to finally purchase. Layering necklaces is easy breezy thanks to this Alexis Bittar beauty. A comfortable Kors Michael Kors wedge that will make your legs look longer and be comfortable for walking around - yes please! Mixing stripes and patterns in one easy look with this Nanette Lepore stunner. Can easily be dressed up with a blazer and sandals or down with flip flops.

Color Crush - Emerald

Every year the source for all things color, Pantone select a "color of the year". This year I am completely  loving this years winner emerald green. I have always coveted this rich gemstone color for its ability to pair well with so many other colors. Its effortlessly chic when combined with with aqua, super preppy with navy and simply stunning with other favorites like cool grays and luxe golds. I constantly find myself buying more and more green every year, especially in accessories and clothing. However this color isn't only amazing for the wardrobe, it looks incredible in the home as well. Take a look at some of my favorite emerald items for your closet and for your casa.

dress // iphone //  ring // shoes  // earrings  // pants // clutch // top // belt

coasters // pillow // table // tray // le creuset // sofa // glass // towels // chandelier

Want to see more emerald inspirations like the beautiful dining room below - check out my color crush - emerald pinterest board.

Also check out the Spring 2013 color trends we will be spotting in a few {hopefully short} months. 

party to outfit

While scoping out an inspiring image for my latest installment of room to outfit I came across this image of a barn soiree that took my breath away. Most people would file it under wedding's and events but I immediately took a mental photograph and put into my house loves. I adore barns, ever since moving to New England and deciding this is where my husband and I would call home, I knew I wanted a barn on a future property. If/when John and I ever venture to the burbs, this is exactly what I imagine our barn would look like. He will likely agree on the exterior appearance but what we do with the inside will be a whole other story. He dreams of his very own lab space where he can continue on with his complicated projects of solving the wireless worlds communication issues (thank you in advance for this honey). I however would likely have the barn adorned with a killer kitchen, guest bedroom, entertaining space & outdoor living room just like my beloved Ina Garten (seriously look at this link, you will be wide eyed like a kid in a candy store like moi). It would be detached from the main house and be a retreat for our guests and family to stay when they came to visit  - a girl can dream!

Ahhhh - for the love of all things pretty can you even stand how exquisite everything is displayed in the image below, beautiful crisp summer evening, family around a big table, lounge area for after dinner drinks & a happy occasion to celebrate with people you love. The clean white exterior with the large sliding doors and perfectly draped curtains have me squealing with glee. 

The Soiree

image via

The Look

If I could day dream up an ensemble that was comfortable yet chic the below about sums it up. I can easily drift off into a wonderful evening with my friends & family, drinking good wine & laughing about our glory days snuggled up in those comfy chenille throws. 

p.s. I know that Lanvin sweater is ridiculously over priced but I couldn't resist its gorgeousness, here is a more affordable version with a separate flower pin here.

Go Shopping

Lanvin embellished top
$2,220 - net-a-porter.com

Elizabeth and James racer back tank top
$295 - net-a-porter.com

7 For All Mankind distressed jeans
$190 - net-a-porter.com

Hoss Intropia ankle strap sandals
$325 - calypsostbarth.com

Barneys New York leather clutch
$725 - barneys.com

Michael Kors silver jewelry
$225 - neimanmarcus.com

Earrings
$40 - baublebar.com

NARS Cosmetics lip makeup
$24 - Nordstrom.com

NARS Cosmetics nail polish
$18 - sephora.com