Monday, October 29, 2012

The Reliables

While I'm all nice and warm, and happily still with power (knock on wood!), I was thinking about some of the things I've purchased that truly have staying power. Whether they're gifts or not, these are truly some of the best go-to items I know.
I bought this Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy key pouch as a gift to myself. For the price, it's been amazing. The leather is so soft and I use it every single day!
I have ordered this Lilly Pulitzer squeeze candle from Amazon since 2010. The scent is comforting but not too sweet and really fills a room. I love them so much that my fiance's mom bought me one for the holidays last year!
I've bought this picture frame twice for wedding gifts. It is especially helpful if you want to include something more personal in addition to something you've gotten the couple from their registry. It's subtle but looks really beautiful in a cluster of other frames or candles.
A lightweight scarf is perfect for fall. I am very much a jeans and t-shirt girl and rely on fun extras like scarves, rings, and bracelets to make my outfits more exciting. With its pop of pattern, this and a great pair of earrings can make my everyday basics into an outfit I can wear anywhere and still feel good about--especially because it is light enough to still be worn indoors.
I'm looking forward to posting more purchases that have really worked for me--as gifts to others or for myself!


The Reliables

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Cozy Storm Essentials

There's lots of Hurricane Sandy prep going on here in DC. Luckily, I live with someone who thinks of practical things like granola bars and bottled water...so I get to cover the extras!
Let's just say our apartment is well-stocked with Dean and Deluca malt balls, fragrant candles, and a multitude of blankets--all of which make waiting out the storm a lot more relaxing and fun.


Cozy Storm Essentials

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Man Organization

With an upcoming wedding and the holidays rapidly approaching (not to mention family visits), the dude and I are doing our best to organize our home.
He is also being sworn in as a member of the Virginia Bar Association next week--so logically, I started mentally decorating his office! (and also life in general?)
This briefcase is a great color and is work-appropriate without being too stuffy. It will also fit a business card book...great for organizing all those cards he gets at law school, fraternity, and other networking events!
When organizing our apartment, I have used a bunch of small trays and eclectic bowls to maximize space and organize. The bowl and tray would be great for doing the same thing on a desk--I have found that small bowls are especially perfect for holding multiple rolls of scotch tape, paper clips, and staples.
As I'm sure it does for many other people, fall makes me feel invigorated and productive. Let's hope this streak continues!



Man Organization

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Mom Says...Always Wear Earrings!

I may not always agree with my mom when it comes to style, but I have always agreed with her that pierced ears (especially if you only have one hole in each ear like I do) need to always have earrings in them. I need to have something, no matter how small, in my ears. Otherwise, I feel like I look strange; not to mention, adding earrings is one of the quickest and easiest ways to add polish to a laid-back outfit.

A couple of days ago, I lost a back to the pair of my everyday earrings. I am a creature of habit...perhaps too much so. I literally wear these earrings every single day! Instead of running to pick up a pair of earrings exactly like them, I decided to try and branch out a bit. I picked up a pair of gold pyramid studs and some button earrings similar to the ones below at CUSP. Together, the two pair of earrings cost around $65.

Even though I know I'll go back to my everyday pearls eventually, it's nice to shake things up. I have several events coming up that the blingy button earrings will be perfect for; also, they'll look great with all of my scarves. The pyramid studs will be a great backup basic for when I want to do something a little more exciting than my usual pearls.

Out of the earrings I posted below, I think the hexagonal silver pearl studs are the most interesting. It's nice to be reminded that it can be fun and productive to go outside my comfort zone!


Mom Says...Always Wear Earrings!


Pink earrings
etsy.com


Dara Ettinger rose earrings
maxandchloe.com



Stud earrings
$62 - thegrandsocial.com.au


Golden jewelry
cusp.com

The dude does fall.

I love my fiance's easy style, no matter the season. He is by far the preppier of the two of us and pulls off a bow tie better than anyone--Tucker Carlson included. I especially love how he dresses for fall. I know he doesn't think about it very much, but he looks fantastic when he throws on a pair of loafers and a sweater with fun details like professorial elbow pads.
When it gets cooler, accents like toggles on a coat and a plaid scarf carry his style into the season.
And yes, it may take some coaxing, but he will admit that he loves a candle that smells like a fireplace.
Cheers to him, pumpkin spices, and increasingly chilly temperatures!


The dude does fall.


Lacoste
piperlime.gap.com



Crew neck pull with elbow patches
$115 - scotch-soda.com



Monday, October 15, 2012

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Cozy Fall Candles


I can't express how happy I am that fall has finally come to DC. Summer was long, sweaty, and seemed like it would never end for a multitude of reasons.

Now fall is here and it's hard not to embrace scarves, boots, chevron pumpkins, hot tea, and all of its other accoutrements.

I am a big candle person and love to have several burning at a time in my apartment. There is something very comforting about them (although, considering their prices, my wallet would disagree.)

Here are some of my very favorites.


Cozy Fall Candles

Mother of the Groom


I'm getting married (ahh! very very weird to type) next June, and both my mom and my fiance's mom are thinking about what to wear.  Here is something I came up with for my fiance's mom--just a starting point, but I thought it was soft and pretty.


Mother of the Groom



Wallis pewter sandals
wallisfashion.com


Nadri post earrings
lordandtaylor.com


LowLuv vintage silver jewelry
shopthetrendboutique.com


Wedding shawl
etsy.com