TGIF + Links

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Happy Friday everyone! This week has felt incredibly long, yesterday being the worst. There is a reason for late posting and all around absence from social media yesterday. Yesterday morning while walking back from class my water bottle somehow opened in my bag and managed to soak my computer in a matter of minutes. So the rest of my day was spent running back and forth from the Apple store to Tekserve (they were incredibly helpful) to see if my baby of four and half years could be easily fixed. Sadly, the answer everywhere was no. Moral of the story, don't keep your water bottle in a bag with your computer because it could lead to disaster. I'm also now on the hunt for waterproof laptop slips, so if anyone knows about any please let me know!

At the end of the day all I wanted to do was relax and indulge in some Netflix binging, but an NYU event at The Met was not going to be passed up. A night with friends ending up being the cure for my ridiculously long and exhausting day, but boy am I happy it is finally Friday. 

I hope all of your weeks have not been as long and arduous as mine has! 

Here are a few things I've been loving this week...

Stolen from Dana's list earlier this week is Jenna Lyons' Guide to New York.

This designer who lives outside of Copenhagen opened a cafe below his workspace and it is such a cute place!

These quotes from Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Mindy Kaling are both funny and inspirational. 

After heating from BBC America's Marketing Director this week I've realized that I need to watch their series Orphan Black ASAP before the second season premieres!

20 flats for spring from Style Caster, most of which are surprisingly affordable, including this pair.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

TGIF + Links

Friday, March 28, 2014

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Outfit: Bridge Sunset

{Necessary Clothing jacket, West Kei top, Gap Jeans, INC flats, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC, Urban Outfitters bag}

Here are the last of the pictures from my spring break! After picking up this striped top at a Bloomingdales outfit I wanted to wear it right away and I snapped a few pictures while at home. Then last Saturday it was incredibly warm in the city and I turned back to the same look, just switching the shoes (black ankle boots not shown). 

I've been to the Brooklyn Bridge many times since starting school in the city. However, this was the first time I'd been at sunset. These pictures don't do justice to just how incredible the sky looked and you also can't see that it was 60 degrees out!! I was so happy to just be able to throw on a leather jacket and show one of my best friends around the city. It was truly the perfect last night of spring break spent with friends! 

Outfit: Bridge Sunset

Thursday, March 27, 2014

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Shop: Spring Cardigans

{J.Crew, Madewell, J.Crew}

Living in New England for most of my life has taught me a lot about layering. Whatever the season layering is essential to keep warm in the cold, whether it's a 10 degree winter day or the air conditioning is blowing in stores. During fall I love adding jackets to my outfits, but when spring comes my go-to is always a cardigan. I used to have these sweaters in every color, but over the last few years I've consolidated to my favorite three basics.

A light sweater in both color and weight is perfect for hotter days and can easily be worn with bright items or neutrals. I love an all white or neutral look, but in the spring adding a patterned scarf or bright statement necklace is the perfect way to bring color to a white outfit. 

On the opposite side I love having a slightly thicker boyfriend fit sweater in a dark color. I'm used to chillier spring days in New England and windy nights on the Cape where a thicker sweater is perfect for staying warm. To dress it up wear the sweater over a flowy sundress and to keep it casual pair it with boyfriend shorts and a floral camisole. 

Lastly we have my favorite pattern, stripes. I'm sure you all know that I own a million different striped pieces from tops and sweater to skirts and dresses.  Stripes of course go with my favorite nautical spring and summer looks so I wear a lot of them during these seasons. Having a striped sweater in neutral colors is an easy way to add a little pop to your outfit. You can keep everything else simple with a pair of jeans and white blouse or add other patterns and colors to really play with the pattern!

Hope you all have a happy hump day! I know I'm counting down the hours until friday evening. Does anyone else feel like this week is incredibly long?

Shop: Spring Cardigans

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

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Weekend Brunch

{J.Crew Factory sweater, Timex watch, Essie Bikini So Teeny polish}

Happy Monday all! It's been longer than usual since I posted (computer problems ugh), but I wanted to share a highlight of my weekend with you all. One of my best friends came into the city for the weekend and since she'd never been to New York before we had to do all my favorite touristy things (more to come on that later!) along with brunch of course. 

I've been dying to go to August ever since I saw it on Design Darling in the fall and let me just say it's as incredible as the pictures look. We were one of the first people there since we were packing a lot into the day and the dining room was incredible. The combination of cobblestone floors and a glass ceiling with flowers around the edges was beautiful and made it feel like spring!

And I must mention the food. Everything was incredible! The iced coffee was perfection and my friend and I inhaled our food (eggs benedict for me and french toast for her). We also both agreed that the french fries were the best we have ever had. 

As the weather warms up slowly I'm getting more and more excited for exploring on the weekends. Hope you all have a great start to your week! 

Weekend Brunch

Monday, March 24, 2014

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Outfit: The Last of Winter

{Zara coat, Vince scarf, Forever 21 tee, Gap jeans, Express boots, Webster bag}

Happy spring everyone! I really don't care how cold it is from now on because I'm officially in spring mode and will be busting out the flats and skirts that have been packed away for most of this horrible winter. These last winter pictures highlight a few of the things I did love this winter (ankle boots, my zara coat, and comfy scarves), and will miss the cozy layers in a few months it is definitely time to say good riddance. 

For our last day of winter over 'spring' break my roommate and I headed to Salem, MA to do a little exploring. The harbor views were beautiful and the seafood lunch was delicious, but I think I'll wait until summer to go back to the beach since the wind made it feel about 15 degrees on the water. 

Cross your fingers that the official beginning of spring brings sunny days and warm temperatures!

Outfit: The Last of Winter

Thursday, March 20, 2014

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Outfit: Printed Blazer

{Joie blazer, Forever 21 blouse (similar), Joe's Jeans jeans (similar), Topshop flats, Timex watch}

Today I'm doing a collaboration with Dana from Pink Champagne Problems to see how we both style printed blazers for spring. She's just as obsessed with blazers as I am! Don't you just love her striped blazer and sweatshirt combo? You can check out her post here!

I picked up this blazer from TJ Maxx a few weeks ago after being in love with it all last spring (see it here on Luella and June). At the time the blazer was far far above my price range (even for a splurge!) so when I saw it for a severely reduced price at TJ Maxx I snatched it up. I'm sure by now you all know my love of blazers, but I love that unlike most of my blazers this palm print option is really the statement piece. It's still too cold to wear this blazer exactly how I want to (white tank, denim shorts, & sandals) so I promise you'll see it again in the coming months!

Outfit: Printed Blazer

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

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Shop: Summer Sandals

Happy Monday all! I'm have spring break this week and so far it has been incredible! Even though I'm far far away from any place warm I've only been able to think about the warm months ahead. 

While flats are definitely my go-to shoe in any season I love to wear sandals when the temperature warms up. However, I've always been the pickiest about sandals when it comes to buying shoes. They must have the right amount of coverage, straps, color, etc before I actually commit to buying a pair (and all that can be hard to find). Luckily, this spring I've been able to find more than a few pairs that I love! A simple strap across the toes and an ankle strap is definitely my favorite combination, but I also love options with more foot coverage.

Hope you have a great start to the week! Look out tomorrow for a fun collaboration!

Shop: Summer Sandals

Monday, March 17, 2014

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Spring Break + Links

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Happy Friday or Spring Break if you're like me and have all of next week off! I sadly won't be heading anywhere tropical, or even remotely warm, since I'm heading home to Boston. While I would never turn down a beach vacation, I am excited to sleep in my own bed, eat a home cooked meal, and catch up on all the family time I've missed. 

I'll also be showing my roomie around Boston since she has never visited before! On our list is Newbury St shopping, harbor views from the aquarium, and of course cannolis at Mike's Pastry. I love New York more than any place (ok, a beach might win right now), but Boston is definitely my home city and I can't wait to play hostess for the week.

Another exciting fun fact is that this is my 300th post! It's funny to see what has changed and what hasn't since some of my first posts. I would still wear all of these fall essentials I picked out in August of 2012, but back then I would have never thought my favorite layering piece could be a maroon leather jacket. 

And finally here are a few things I've been loving this week...

These hand picked pinterest fashion DIYs thanks to WWW! My favorite is either the fancy friendship bracelet or the zipper sweater. 

If you are going somewhere warm for spring break please please please buy this dress, wear it with fun wedges at sunset, and send me the pictures so I can live vicariously through you. 

I love SJP just like every other Sex and the City fan and this interview (and apartment tour) with 73 crazy questions is hilarious.

After saying how much I love slip ons for weeks now I finally bought the perfect pair for spring from Asos (for only $34!) after seeing them on Shades of Style. 

Spring weather makes me want ice cream and sorbet, but I've been compromising by drinking smoothies instead (most of the time...). While I'm home for a week I want to try a few of these delicious looking recipes.

Clearly I have a lot of love for my new city and Hallie's Love Letter to New York made me think about all the memories I've made here in less than six short months. 

I hope you all have a great weekend and/or spring break (whether it be warm or frigid)! If you want to keep up with my spring break you can check out my instagram. 

Spring Break + Links

Friday, March 14, 2014

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Outfit: Searching For Color

{Zara blazer (similar), Gap sweater, J.Crew necklace (similar), Madewell jeans, City Classified boots, Free people bag}

It felt like spring for two whole days in the city and everyone went outside to celebrate. Washington Square was finally bustling with people and musicians again after being depressingly empty for months. I didn't even feel like a crazy person while drinking my iced coffee as I was walking to class (When it's below freezing I get at least one awkward stare in the 50 foot walk from Starbucks to class). 

Warm weather makes me want to pull out all my spring pieces, but I've been trying to wait to buy anything new, so I ended up going back to the incredible blazer I bought a few weeks back. I wear so much black and grey during the fall and winter that the first days of warm weather cause me to search through the back of my closet for the few white and bright pieces that are left. I've already posted about the blazer here, but I just couldn't help taking pictures of it again. It really is the perfect spring layering piece and I love the way it paired with my striped sweater and mint necklace. Have any of you already found your go-to spring piece? 

Outfit: Searching For Color

Thursday, March 13, 2014

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Save Vs Splurge: Cargo Jackets

{Old Navy, H&M, Gap, J.Crew Factory}

One of my spring must haves is a great cargo jacket. I found a great option last fall at J.Crew, but I thought I would share some of my favorites with you all. The most important things I look for when shopping for a cargo jacket is the weight, the color, and details. For spring you want a relatively light weight jacket so that you can wear it with other layers. Color and details are definitely personal choices, but I usually look for a darker jacket with a defined waist. 

Since cargo jackets have become commonplace finding your perfect jacket is possible at whatever price range you're looking in. Looking at places like Gap and J.Crew that have classic style is the best way to ensure that your jacket is stylish for years!

Save Vs Splurge: Cargo Jackets

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

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Outfit: Comfortable Saturday

{LOFT jacket, Target tee, Joe's Jeans jeans, Forever 21 flats}

This weekend was the perfect break from school work and I'm really looking forward to going home for spring break next week. Not only did it feel like spring on Saturday, but I got the chance to actually read all of my Elle Magazine and part of the third Divergent book, and that never happens. Saturday morning when I headed to breakfast with one of my friends I was really feeling like wearing something comfortable. So of course I threw on my favorite jeans and a super soft tee (though I'm still looking for the perfect tee!). 

Hope you all have a great start to the week!

Outfit: Comfortable Saturday

Monday, March 10, 2014

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Styled: Weekend Wear

{Topshop blazer, Madewell tee, J.Crew Factory jeans, Sole Society flats}

 {Poverty Flats bag, Bauble Bar bracelets, Kate Spade case}

I have so much fun creating these weekend wear posts, mostly because I dream of spring and the days where I can throw on a blazer over a tee and head out the door. This look will be perfect for spring days exploring farmers markets and more importantly Smorgasburg in Brooklyn. 

Hope you are all having a fun Saturday! I'm definitely enjoying not having to worry about exams and spring break will be here soon!

Styled: Weekend Wear

Saturday, March 8, 2014

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Happy Friday + Links

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Happy Friday to you all! I'm really looking forward to a relaxing and fun weekend with friends after spending all of last weekend studying. I also have to comment on the weather... this weekend is actually going to feel like spring. I don't care if it's just for a brief second because I'll take anything at this point. A variation of the outfit Jules (from Sincerely Jules) is wearing above is what my uniform will be this weekend. Jeans, light sweaters, and ankle boots are the easiest pieces for spring exploring.

A few things from this week...

I still haven't picked up Porter Magazine, but after reading this piece about Jenna Lyons on A Piece of Toast I may have to splurge!

These gorgeous earrings make me wish I liked wearing earrings because they are perfect for the summer

Finding pieces my style icons are wearing that I can actually afford is a treat and this article has some great finds

I have to try Amanda's Boyfriend jean DIY, because let's be real, finding the perfect pair of bf jeans is impossible. 

My obsession with all things pale blue is getting worse (and so is my love of Joie, which is especially bad since I really cannot afford anything on that site) after seeing this skirt and this blazer

Retail therapy reality... We are all guilty of this at some point

Gap's pale pink ballet flats are high on my wish list for spring and they're only $40!

I've been obsessing with everything and anything study abroad related, and even though I'm not going anywhere for over 6 months I'm already worried about packing. I'm horrible at packing for a weekend trip so packing for four months is going to go badly. This article has some incredible tips though!

I'll make sure to take some pictures this weekend since I haven't shared a look in a while now! Hope you all have a great weekend, especially if you enjoying spring break like many of my friends. 

Happy Friday + Links

Friday, March 7, 2014

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Hello Madrid!

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Hey all! I'm so sorry for the lack of posts this week. After finishing midterms yesterday it has been nice to just be able to relax a bit (and watch some Parks and Rec... I'm obsessed). Sometimes tuning out and taking to catch up on all the things, like cleaning my room and organizing school stuff, is just what I need. 

However, I found out some incredible news yesterday. I'm pretty horrible at keeping secrets so not writing about my excitement on Peachy Keen wasn't possible. I just found out I've been accepted for a study abroad program in Madrid for this fall!! I have loved traveling ever since I traveled to Ireland the summer after my freshman year of high school and now I'll be spending four months in another country. Madrid is an incredible of city and I plan on experiencing it as much as I possibly can during my time there. Improving my spanish skills, seeing the beautiful El Retiro Park, feasting on delicious spanish food, and really just experiencing the culture are all on my wish list. Of course the list goes on with all the other places I want to visit, including Marrakesh, Barcelona, and many different cities in Italy that I've been to before. 

I'm sure I'll be writing about my excitement and preparations in the coming months and I cannot wait to share my experience abroad with all of you!

Hello Madrid!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

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Styled: Slip-Ons

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My go to pair of shoes has always been flats. My friends know that even if it is 20 degrees outside I love to throw on a pair of flats as I run out the door. If you had asked me a year ago what I thought about slip-on sneakers I would have looked at you like you were crazy, because my only impression of those shoes was the classic checkered Vans that 'skaters' wore. With my comparatively feminine style the thought of wearing a pair of slip on sneakers seemed crazy to me, that was until recently. 

Even though the slip on trend started a while ago it's taken me until now to actually see the appeal. I believe this is partly because I'm getting oh so sick of boots and slip ons have a bit more foot coverage than my usual flats, but I also am loving them for spring/summer. I love the idea pairing patterned slip ons with white jeans or a dressier skirt (or even just the classic jeans and striped tee) as an alternative to my normal flats. Another plus I've started to consider is the comfort factor of slip ons. When the weather in the city is nice I love walking around and exploring and slip ons are most definitely the nicest shoes on my feet! 

What do you all think of the slip on trend? Shop some of my favorite picks below!

Styled: Slip-Ons

Monday, March 3, 2014

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