Memorial Day Weekend is Coming Up-What to Wear

I’m never as busy as I am between Memorial Day and Labor Day. I’m sure it’s the same for all of you-where you look at your calendar between November and March and not much is going on…. but if you look at your calendar between May and August you have at least 70% of your weekends filled before Memorial Day has even hit. So, the biggest question is what to wear for all these pool parties, summer weddings, bbq’s, bridal showers, outdoor concerts, and more. The good news is- you don’t need an entirely new wardrobe-or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. My strategy is to buy new summer accessories every year- sandals, bright colored blazers, silk scarves, neon bags… and pair them with clothes I already have. It surprisingly winds up saving me some money, but I feel like my wardrobe has been totally redone.

Below are some of my top recommendations for how to complete your summer wardrobe without going crazy-I’ll post some more next week. Here’s to an amazing, fun-filled and well-dressed summer!

Clockwise: Kate Spade Saturday Weekender Bag, Pucci Straw Hat, Lipstick in Macaroon from Topshop, Rebecca Minkoff Summer Clutch, DVF Wedge Sandals, 3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli Bag

Hair Today Gone Tomorrow

The title of this post couldn’t be truer when it comes to hair extensions. I myself don’t wear extensions, although a lot of my friends do for fun when they go out. I’ve already decided I’m going to wear my hair down for our wedding (I discussed in an earlier post my theory that girls in NYC wear their hair down for weddings whereas in other cities I find that girls wear their hair up).

In preparation for wedding hair styles, I went to explore Halo hair extensions yesterday. This is one of many brands I’m going to look into over the next several months (we hit the six month mark today-hello November 16). What attracted me to Halo is that it’s just one simple piece of hair that essentially hooks onto your own hair after making a part. It stays put once you comb your hair over it, and can be styled in any way that other extensions can be styled. I was told the price is $250 and comes in a ton of different shades. While the product is definitely appealing, especially considering how easy it is to put in, I’m also going to explore clip in extensions that come in separate pieces to see if that gives my hair the volume I’m looking for.

Some photos below of wedding hair styles I’m considering/generally loving. I’ll be sure to report back after trying different brands of extensions in preparation for wedding day!

On The Road Again

I’m not sure if any of you are like this, but if I don’t travel for a while I get really antsy. Every time I get an e-mail from JetBlue with a discount on flights and I see how many points I have, I’m tempted to book a flight right then and there. Now that we’re settled into our new apartment, Alex and I are planning a trip for this summer. Most likely for July since as of now we have nothing going on that month. We’re going to attempt to go to California for a few days, but other places are up for discussion as well if that doesn’t work out, considering I have a huge list of destinations I’d like to visit sooner than later.

Here’s some travel inspiration for all your summer plans. My first order of business is getting a new carry on bag that’s cuter than the one I have and isn’t about to pop a wheel. Also, here’s a cute video from Rachel Ray’s show that I saw a few weeks ago. It’s with Brad Gorski who has some great packing tips for your upcoming trips!

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Under a Vest

Admittedly, I have not worn many vests since the third grade. Back then, I hated vests and thought they were a needless accessory to a perfectly good outfit. But, my 27 year-old self would like to tell my 8 year-old self that actually, a vest is a fantastic third piece. More and more as I spend time walking around New York, I see women in vests. All sorts. Suiting vests, jean vests, long vests, cropped vests. It seems like there’s a vest for everyone. And really, why shouldn’t there be? With summer rapidly approaching, we all know how ungodly hot New York can be by mid-July. Cardigans seem so proper and blazers can weigh us down if the temperature spikes 85. So, here we are stuck, or pleasantly thrilled depending on how you see it…with the vest. Another great thing about the vest is, like the blazer, it can be worn with everything from shorts, dresses, pantsuits etc… let your imagination go wild.

Some inspiration below and links to my favorites.

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Buy It Now

1. Tibi Vintage Wash Denim Vest

2. Richard Chai White Vest

3. Tibi Floral Denim Vest

4. Hooded Gryphon Vest

Living Room Re-do

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend & Mother’s Day! Saturday’s weather was pretty iffy so we spent it indoors fixing up the house and puttering around. Since we moved in, I’ve been finding spaces that I want to redecorate. The first is our living room, and more specifically our throw pillows. I dragged Alex to Jo-Ann fabrics with me and picked out a yellow linen that I think would be perfect. Only thing is, I have no sewing machine and no inherent DIY skills whatsoever, so, I’m off to the tailor today to see if she can make me some small pillowcases out of this fabric. I hope it works!

Another part of my living room renovation includes getting new slipcovers for our couch. We really do love our couch- it’s a down feather, three-sectional, but I’m totally sick of the color(s). It’s a green, ivory and salmon colored stripe. I’m looking to update it to a navy-potentially in a suede. I had a friend purchase a navy suede couch not too long ago and since then I’ve had couch envy! Some photos of what I’m thinking below…

PS-What are you renovating in your house these days?

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It’s Almost Mother’s Day So Here’s Your Gift Guide

Happy Friday!! This week went pretty fast and luckily today is the most gorgeous of the last few days. While you’re out today sunning yourself or getting in an after work jog, don’t forget that Mother’s Day is in two days. I already got my mom her present (which I can’t share here since she reads this blog), but I thought I would put together a list of some gifts for the rest of y’all who are still shopping. Happy happy weekend!!

Papyrus Votive and Soap Gift Set

Clinique Pink and Plum Makeup Set

Philosophy Field of Flowers

Furla Satchel

Alexis Bittar Gold Earrings

Josie Island Flower Robe

Say Hello to Shorts Suits for Summer

I don’t know about you-but I hate wearing suits. I probably picked the wrong profession since most lawyers do have to wear a suit at some point in their life, but I can’t do anything about that now. Every time I have a meeting, I struggle to pick an outfit. While a suit is an easy choice because it’s practically put together for you, I either feel mannish in pants and a jacket, or I find that I can’t sit comfortably for more than 10 minutes in a pencil skirt. I’m hoping that the shorts suit becomes socially acceptable for professional meetings in the legal world because I could wear one all day. Luckily, wanting to focus on fashion and IP law, the odds are good that I could get away with some shorts suits in my career. Now the search has begun for the perfect set that I can adorn in a professional setting without feeling under-dressed. Some inspiration below and links to my favorites so far!

PS- everyone check out my friend Danielle’s fantastic blog Whisking Away Life. Danielle has not only finished law school this past week, but has also found the time to create this blog and share her incredible recipes with us. I would personally describe her cooking as comfort food meets decadent french cuisine (I might just feel this way because of all the time she’s spent in France). All her recipes are easy to follow and come out beautifully-so give her site a try!

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For Purchase:

1. Grayse Shorts Suit at Neiman Marcus

2. Elizabeth and James Jacquard Set

3. Black and White Set from Sass and Bide

4. Haute Hippie Set @ Shopbop

5. Fitted Ivory Shorts Suit Set by Thakoon

 

Obsessed with L’Objet

Looking to accessorize your new space like I am? I’ve been searching all over for unique furnishings that would add a lot of character to our apartment. Enter: L’Objet. You can find the brand in many department stores including Bergdorf’s or Neiman Marcus and can also shop online. Some favorite pieces below that I’m currently coveting.

Formal Dinner Charger

Pitcher

Round Platter

Oval Platter

Miniature Frame

Gorgeous Mugs

Small Box

A Night At The Met

I’m not sure about you, but anticipating the outfits that will turn up at the Met Gala each year makes me giddy. This year’s gala took place last night and all proceeds as usual went towards the Met’s Costume Institute. The theme this year was “Punk, Chaos to Couture,” and I cannot think of a theme that yields itself better to some amazing outfits. Hands down SJP’s gown and mohawk were my favorite, but there were definitely other outfits that stole the night as well. My favorites below- and if you’re in NYC, definitely check out the amazing fashion exhibits they have on display.

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Putting my foot down…

Khloe Kardashian’s Shoe Closet

One thing I learned when I moved a few weeks ago is that I have a ridiculous amount of shoes and unworn clothes. This would make sense if they were timeless pieces, items that had sentimental value, or could go with anything in my wardrobe. But, unfortunately that’s not the case. I’m proud to say that I think I’ve bought my last pair of H&M flip flops and from now am going to focus just on staple pieces (there does come a time in our lives where we should just focus on staple pieces, right?). I don’t know about you but my (big for) New York closets are already overflowing with clothes and accessories I’ve barely touched in the last few years. So, today I’m going to begin getting rid of all the extra pair of shoes I will never wear again. At the same time, I’ve made a list of shoes I think will actually add something to my collection-which you will find below. And, so the great shoe purge begins! Here’s to replacing those old gap ballet flats with some real gems.

Here’s what I’m looking for -and would love to hear what you’re searching for as well!

1. The High Top Sneaker

I’m not entirely sure this trend is going to stay-it most likely won’t. However, I need a pair of these sneakers. I’m not so much interested in the wedge sneaker so much as just the high-top itself. Anything in glitter will do.

both shoes by Michael Kors

2. The Lace-Up Black Sandal Wedge

Right now you’re thinking about how specific this shoe sounds…but it’s really what I want. I mean, what am I supposed to wear with my black cropped trouser pants this season? When I went shopping last week, I came very close to buying a pair, but unfortunately the lace up looked more “spidery” and less high fashion. What I’m looking for is so difficult for me to find, that it even took me a while to find some photo inspiration online and in the end I only found ones that are sold out…

(pair above by Matiko Paris and sold out on Urbanoutfitters.com)

by Mia Quincy-sold out on DSW’s website

3. The White Pump

Obviously the white pump can’t be worn all year round, but I’m determined to get a pair anyway because summer is approaching, and because my closet could use some brighter colored heels that can be worn with any dress.

BCBG White Pump

4. Valentino Rockstud Heel

This one is pretty self-explanatory. I desperately want a pair and am considering making them my wedding shoes as well (shhh don’t tell anyone).

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