Hothouse Florals

After the long four-day weekend, it really feels like my trip to Mexico was forever ago! It's only been about two weeks, but I'd trade a lot to be back on those gorgeous, cerulean beaches right now (especially after swimming in the cool, salty, dark green waters lining the coast of NYC over the fourth). I picked up this tropical print Zara dress one of my very first times in the store after I moved here, but had yet to find a good reason to wear it. As much as I love a good reason like a wedding to shop for something new, I knew I already had the perfect dress in my wardrobe. It was way too hot, windy and sticky to wear my hair down, so I did my best impersonation of Blake Lively hair.

Dress, Zara (similar, similar) || Clutch, Gap || Shoes, Rachel Zoe || Earrings, Bracelet, Sequin

...and, because my cousin made such a beautiful bride (& said I could share with you all!), a few photos of the wedding. I was particularly joyed to be there since I met her groom a few weeks into their relationship over four years ago. He is a wonderful, honest guy and I'm glad he's officially part of our family. 

Snapshots from Mexico

You know that feeling when you get back from vacation, where you know it wasn't all that long ago but the miles between you and that place make it feel like an untouchable memory? Yeah, I'm feeling that right now. It's only been a week since my last full day on the beach but it's kind of feeling like a dream! In an attempt to stay steeped in the memories, I'm sharing a few snaps from my week with you here (wedding pictures & a little of what I wore to follow!). 

 Wearing: Pickwick & Weller tee | Shorts | J.C. Penney Aviators | Kate Spade bag

Those last few (before the iguana!) are from the ruins of Tulum and the beautiful, rocky beach there. While it was incredibly hot and humid the day we went, I tried to enjoy it as much as I could! It's astounding to think of the civilization that called the very land you were standing on home so many thousands of years ago. Despite thousands of tourists visiting each week, the beach stays pristine and breathtaking-I can only imagine its beauty back when the Mayans used it as a trading port. I'm not really sure what was going on in the photo second from bottom, other than that a man was sitting on top of that pole playing traditional music and they slowly started to drop down as the ropes unwound.

I've got a few more photos from my trip, including a peek at the beautiful bride my cousin made, but in my heart-until next time, Mexico!

To Do: Live a Little

It's hard to believe in less than 24 hours, I will be on my way to Mexico. Until now, I've only left the country once, in college on a study abroad to Italy for a few weeks. I also haven't had a "real" vacation in over two years as all of my trips since moving to NYC have either been back home, or down to DC for a few days to visit my brother (and honestly, I really don't think that counts as a real vacation). 

This time, though, I get a full WEEK on the beautiful beaches near Playa Del Carmen with loads of sunshine & sand, culminating in seeing my beautiful cousin and lifelong friend marry a wonderful man. 

While I'm looking forward to trading the computer screen, work and technology for coastline, friends and family, I'm not leaving you completely alone while I'm gone! Since I'll be heading to the airport at about 4 a.m., some good friends & fellow bloggers graciously agreed to step in for me while I'm out. Make sure you stop by each day to hear about their dream vacation & packing essentials (& trust me, there's some really good stuff in there. I'm already wishing I could take half their selections with me on this trip!). You might get a little peep from me over the weekend, but in the meantime you can follow along with me in real time on Twitter and Instagram.

*image via

It's a Clutch Thing

There's a few things about the clutch that make it the perfect accessory. First, its compact size means you have no choice but to pare down to the basics-wallet, cell phone, keys, one or two makeup essentials. Eliminating the extra things you don't really need helps get rid of a little stress, and some weight! Secondly, clutches have to be carried by hand. Some may see this as a detriment, but I like not having to carry the extra weight around on my already tired shoulders (and it gives your hands something to do if you're nervous or feeling a little out of place). Lastly, a brightly patterned or embellished clutch can instantly take an outfit from day to night, no other changes needed! Don't believe me? Check out some of my current favorites below.

 Left | Right

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Left | Right

Some of the beaded ones may be more of a dream buy than a reality right now, but I'm thinking about picking up a palm tree or flamingo inspired clutch for my trip to Mexico this summer! What's your favorite? Do you carry clutches, or are you a fan of bigger bags?

Mexico Dreaming

I made myself a big, long fat to-do list of everything I wanted to accomplish this weekend on Friday before I left work. Naturally, I'm only going to be able to check off a couple of things, but a big one was booking my trip to Mexico for my cousin's wedding this summer! The trip might still be a full four months away, but that doesn't mean I can't daydream about what I want to pack now that I'm officially booked.

Beach vacations make me think of oversize sunnies, bright colors, fun prints, breezy fabrics & LOTS of sunscreen (the Shiseido one above is my go-to). The only makeup you need is a bright colored lip & you can top everything off with sunglasses and a floppy hat. If you're a hat person, that is. I look ridiculous in them.

Stella McCartney Square-Frame Sunglasses | YSL Volupté Sheer Candy in Pomegranate

Norma Kamali Ruched Bikini Top & Bottom | Joie Rubina Top | Just Cavalli Printed Shorts

Etro Printed Beach Dress | MICHAEL Michael Kors Tote | Rachel Roy Pleated Dress

Jeffrey Campbell Skull Studded Sandals | Tibi Daisies Dress | Shiseido SPF 50+ for Face

Tibi Linen Pant | Vince Camuto Nedra Sandal | Clover Canyon Drawstring Pant

I've been crushing hardcore on those Vince Camuto Sandals since a friend tipped me off to them. They're high on my shopping list for the spring & summer!

xx