Ends and Beginnings

Ah, the official end of winter—only, if you live in NYC like myself, it's got us in a vice grip for as long as it can. These photos are actually from earlier this season, and I realized this week I needed to post them before the weather changed...ha, ha! By the way, if you're a curious weather nerd like me, today isn't actually the first "day" of spring—it doesn't start until 6:48p tonight! Fingers crossed for a warmer, more spring-like tomorrow.

The West Village is, hands down, one of my favorite places to be on weekends (and, ok, it makes for cute photos). The little side streets are never crowded, and my friends and I tend to wander around admiring the brownstones and joking about owning one someday...#marryrich, right? I like to get brunch around noon at Joseph Leonard—if there's a wait, my friends and I usually head across the street to a cute letterpress shop or the nearby puppy store. I would never buy a puppy from a puppy store (#adoptdontshop!) BUT, it's not the dogs' fault they're there and playing with a puppy is a 100% guaranteed way to put you in a good mood. Post-brunch, if the weather is playing nice, we usually wander around Bleecker and the surrounding streets, popping in to cute shops. Since I have a sugar problem, it's a safe bet I'll be scooping up some candy from Sockerbit.

This weekend is going to have a different kind of puppy time in it, though. A few months back, I signed up for orientation with Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue so I can start volunteering, and I finally made it off the wait list! I used to volunteer with a rescue league back home and have been wanting to get involved out here in NYC for quite a while, but I actually found that a lot of shelters are outside the city besides the big ones like ASPCA and the Humane Society, and I wanted to work with a smaller rescue where I can get more involved and be of help. 

Alright, back to wishing for spring weather to match up with the start of the season. Anyone going someplace warm that can fit me in their suitcase soon?

wearing:

Zara Coat

Zara Plaid Scarf

360 Sweater Cashmere Sweater

Rag & Bone Dre Jeans in Surfer

Loeffler Randall Fenton Bootie

Illesteva Sunglasses

Sole Society Bucket Bag

Sunday Morning // Link Love

This post is brought to you by my desire to be lazy this morning—because even though we're now halfway through March, spring is stubbornly refusing to come join us…today is barely 40 and very windy, and we're even going to see a night or two below freezing this week. Meanwhile, back home in Iowa, they're going to be above 80 tomorrow. That "8" is not a typo, unfortunately—but at least we've been warm enough to melt most of the snow, although a little has been lingering in a corner of my front yard that doesn't get much sunlight. This countdown is for real, though.

Despite the less-than-ideal weather, I'm still making an effort to end my usual winter hibernation (which never really even got into its full swing this year) and start exploring again. Recent weeks have included many a spring press preview, a trip to both the ballet and a favorite off-broadway theater, Orchid Night at the New York Botanical Gardens (though the grounds were smothered in snow at the time), an ass-kicking workout at The Fhitting Room that left me sore—in the best way—for two days after, an intro party for this year's Spring Street Social Society members and a meet-and-greet with one of Instagram's most famous dogs yesterday. So, this year is off to a pretty decent start…although I do need to be getting a few more workouts in somehow, because eventually we'll get some beach weather, right? 

Anyway, though I've not had much time for blogging lately (let's just say there have been a few too many nights lately where I fall asleep with all the lights on before I even wash my face), I have been bookmarking some things around the web that I wanted to share!

Read this:

• The other side of getting healthy–and how it can make you financially un-healthy.
• The Scam of Olive Oil, and how to avoid it. 
• Why writers should talk about where their money comes from. I think this should stretch to blogs, too. 
• Fascinated by this blog. What would you save if your house burned down, and what does it say about you? 
• This is not a new concept, but why you should aim to create more than you consume.
• 10 Truths You Need to Accept to Get Good With Money (yes, I visit Chelsea Fagan's witty and smart blog daily). 
• Really intrigued by this investing app. Have you tried it? What do you think?
• How to freeze herbs so they last.
• This topic isn't new, either, but one that still needs examined—on why "busy" is a sickness.
• Opting Out of Motherhood. While I'm glad to see this topic is becoming less taboo, I still dislike that women have to defend their personal choices. 
• And, speaking of motherhood, 10 questions to ask your mother.

Shop these:

• Zappos has a killer selection of Converse sneakers for the spring and summer. 
• Speaking of shoes, it's no secret Loeffler Randall makes some of my favorites, and their SS '15 collection is no exception.
• Remember those rag & bone shorts that were everywhere last year? They're back—I'm already planning to scoop up a pair. 
• Madewell's got a great selection of sunglasses right now—these ones remind me of sunshine incarnate!

*image via

Vibrant Color

Ahh, colorful street art! Every time I see the mural on the Bowery Wall, my mood is instantly lifted. My company has a store around the corner and when I first spotted the change in mural (I'm not sure how well-known this is, but they commission artists to change the mural on the wall every few months. The last one featured a lot of portraits if I remember correctly!) I knew I had to get in front of it for some photos at some point. Sadly, this was not the day I was dressed like a human highlighter, but maybe it's a good thing I was a little more neutral for a change. 

I wore this to a (seriously yummy) brunch with Emily at Balthazar a few weeks ago when the sun finally decided to come out and warm up the city for a day. About halfway through our photo taking session it felt like my jacket was adhering to my skin...not a pleasant feeling, but a welcome change from constantly shivering.

Another quick tidbit about the mural—the artist's name is Maya Hayuk and she's done some amazing work around the world. You can check a full list of all the walls she's painted here; I highly recommend checking one out if it's in your area!

I've also been on a street-art spotting and 'gramming kick, and this is another favorite of mine recently spotted in SoHo. Don't be surprised if you see it pop up in the background of some photos soon!

Leather Jacket (similar) || Steve Madden Fringe Bag (this season's version) || Forever 21 Top || Boyfriend Jeans

Zara Boots || Ray-Ban Sunglasses || Michael Kors Watch || YSL Lipstick in Rose Culté

Warm Weather Beauty

I know I'm not the only one who equates spring/summer weather with all kinds of lighter layers—both in clothing and in beauty! I like to shed a lot of my makeup when it's warmer and opt for just a few layers of skincare—moisturizer, sunscreen, and a sheer tint, topped off with a bright lip and a hint of a cat-eye. 

If you're irked that all the images I've gathered for my beauty moodboard are blondes, well, hey—I go with what I know! I've always been a blonde but in the summer sun my hair really bleaches out. It takes a lot longer now that I work a desk job and not at a pool (insert nostalgic sighs for summers past here), but I definitely get a white-ish blonde layer on top and I fully expect this summer to be no exception. I'm already prone to letting my hair keep the mind of its own that's developed, but in the summer I really let it go and opt for braids, beach-y waves and tousled tresses as much as possible. Even if I won't be spending this summer on any other beaches than New York's, I'd like to pretend I can fool passer-by into thinking I just got back from a Mexico vacay.

So, tell me—how do you simplify your routine for warm weather?

Get the Look

Parisian Dreaming

Have you ever had a moment with a piece of clothing (or pair of shoes or some other accessory) where you thought, "It will be mine. Oh, yes, it will be mine"? That was me with this yellow jacket—and yes I just made a Wayne's World reference. 

I first spotted it on Pinterest and immediately tracked it to Zara online, but knew I'd need to try it on (thanks for the wide shoulders, Mom). Later that night, we had a fateful moment through the window as I passed Zara with Jess and Hallie after SoulCycle. I couldn't admit my obsession then, but the jacket and I made a date for Tuesday and the rest, as they say, is history. 

It's been buried in my closet for nearly two months, but the last few beautiful weekends have finally justified its grand arrival and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to shoot it on this quiet street near Washington Square Park. Once I looked at the photos, I realized my look was rather Parisian—which felt appropriate, since across the street from these pics is the Institute of French Studies for NYU! I was so hoping to finally make a trip to the city of light this year, but duty my sister's wedding calls. As of now I'm just testing out my wardrobe for when I do finally get to make the trip—Paris does call for the best version of oneself (c'mon, 2015!).

Zara Jacket || Madewell Linen Tee || Anthropologie Scarf || Boyfriend Jean (25% off with code INTHEFAMILY14)

Jeffrey Campell Studded Flat || Ray-Ban Sunglasses || Michael Kors Watch

On the Waterfront

 Ahh, sunshine! It *seems* like spring is finally starting to poke its head from the bunker it's been stashed away in, but I'd rather not gush too much for fear of jinxing any hope we have of ever putting our coats and jackets into storage.

A recent sunny weekend and a friend in town called for a walk along the riverfront in DUMBO...after brunch at Joseph Leonard, puppy playtime with some fuzzy friends across the street and a stop by my favorite hat shop in the West Village. This was naturally followed up by a tour of several of my favorite croissant stops, including Balthazar for almond and Bottega Falai for cream-filled (both around NoLIta) 

Definitely earning my#croissantconnoisseur status.

Jacket (similar) || Express (Minus the) Leather Top || Acne Skin 5 Jeans

Loeffler Randall Boots || Sequin Collar || Ray-Ban Sunglasses || NARS Lipstick in Niagara

Catbird and WWAKE rings (in ring finger stack)

Get the Look

Mary Katrantzou x Lyst

Bringing you a short & sweet post today, as I'm currently stuck at the airport hoping to make it to Phoenix for the weekend! The quick version is I've switched flights four times and at one point ended up on an overbooked one; currently, I'm cautiously optimistic I'll be in the air shortly. In the meantime, I wanted to draw your attention to one of the most beautiful collaborations I've seen to date. 

I first came across Mary Katrantzou several season back while performing my bi-annual browse of Style.com as the shows rolled in. She recently collaborated with Lyst on 10 items, exclusive to their site—I've long lusted after her pieces, and I can honestly say I've never been more tempted to spend $1k on a pair of jeans (above, bottom right) than I am right now. Unfortunately, or really rather fortunately I suppose, that's a bit outside my budget at the moment. Here's hoping they bring her on for an affordable collab at Target or a similar vendor soon—I need some of these gorgeous prints in my life!

Top image via Atlantic-Pacific // All items available at Lyst

Weekly Wants, Spring Shoe Edition

I think we've come to realize weekly wants isn't exactly reliable from me, but as I get into my rhythm for the new year I'll do my best to bring it as often as I can—and when I do, expect a little visual feast, and don't be surprised if you see some items turn up in later outfit posts from time to time (it's called "weekly wants" for a reason!). 

It's a double dose of torture look at the stunners above right now. I've put myself on a bit of a spending freeze while I juggle multiple plane tickets for weddings and friends with making a run at paying off one of my student loans this year (I'll definitely celebrate with a new pair of shoes if I make my goal) and to make things worse, I slipped on some ice a few weeks go, bruising my foot and causing lingering pain that's made it tough to wear anything that's not flat for more than an hour or two. 

So, while I suffer through the double pain of not having or getting to wear any of these, which are your favorite? 

Clockwise from top left: J. Crew Metallic Callie Sandal || Aquazurra Positano Pump || Gianvito Rossi Ankle-Strap Sandals || Kenzo Neoprene Bootie || J. Crew Collection Glitter Etta Pumps || Paul Andrew Nydia Heels || Loeffler Randall Fern Slip-On Bootie || Supra Cuttler Sneaker || B Brian Atwood Lodosa Lace-Up Bootie || B Brian Atwood Levens Cutout Bootie || Pertini Contrast Sole Brogues || Alexander Wang Jodie Pumps || Nicholas Jocelyn Pump || Sophia Webster Leilou Stripe Sandal || Carven Jungle Print Slingbacks || Alexander Wang Malgosia Lace-Up

Shop the Post

Flower Friday + Link Love

Happy (finally) Friday! This week has felt impossibly long, which is the biggest tease when it's been so nice out. Sorry to all my friends back in Iowa who have been dealing with snow the last two days-I can't say I miss any of that crazy weather! May is easily my favorite month, although I'm probably biased since it brings my birthday with it. It's also an incredibly nostalgic month for me-not only did it usually mean the end of another school year, but May also brought dance recitals (there's a certain type of weather during this month that makes me feel as though I should be heading to a rehearsal) and the beginnings of summers at the pool. Life doesn't get much better than spending your summers outdoors, every day, working at a pool with your friends. I'm hoping I get to spend enough time in the sun this year that my hair gets at least half as blonde as it used to, even though I work indoors now!

Speaking of May, how gorgeous are those flower arrangements? We never have too many blooms in my apartment, but I'm planning on finishing my deep cleaning projects this weekend & setting up a few pretty arrangements to bring a little bit of sunshine in! Peonies and lilacs are at the top of my list right now. I hope everyone has an equally enjoyable weekend ahead of them, but if you need a little weekend reading/web browsing, here's some of what's caught my eye this week:

Refinery29 shared a fantastic article on easy steps to get yourself debt-free. Not included: a little bit of willpower (my mantra: I will not shop at Zara, I will not shop at Zara...).

Speaking of shopping, these yellow sandals need to find their way to my closet before I head to Mexico next month, and at under $100 they're a steal (no credit card required)!

I don't own a single collared shirt, but being friends with Jessica is slowly convincing me, & her recent post on styling a chambray shirt has me thinking that a chambray might be my first!

The days are getting longer & brighter, which means more sun exposure-time to stock up on my favorite sunscreen (non-greasy & great under makeup).

Kiley featured a bag from the Port Leather Company this week & a custom bag has ended up on my wish list! (Isn't the mint one she carried gorgeous?)

These West Elm vases would be a perfect addition to my already colorful apartment for all the fresh flowers I plan on keep around this summer.

The Everygirl featured co-founder Danielle's apartment this week & I fell in love with this little etsy print hanging in her bathroom! It will make a great housewarming gift for a friend who's moving soon.

I'm still searching for the right dress to wear to a wedding next month, but if I had unlimited funds this pink Oscar De La Renta dress would be it.

I loved Victoria's post last week about some of the best DIY bloggers & projects around the web. They're easy enough even the DIY-challenged can give them a try.

*all images via

Spring Launch to Love: Pickwick & Weller

Spring. It's all about new beginnings, from warmer weather to spring cleaning whether it be our homes, wardrobes or, in some cases, entire lives (what better time to make a big change than when the days are warmer, longer & all around better??). Another one of my favorite things about spring? Seeing some of my favorite companies roll out their latest & greatest. And, okay, maybe I use this as an excuse to do a little shopping, but I did just clean out half my closet this weekend.

Pickwick & Weller released their spring line earlier this week and I'm more than a little excited about it. Not only was the company co-founded by (considerably more famous than myself) fellow Iowan Ashton Kutcher, but each tee is made here in the United States from a variety of fabrics including silk, cotton and linen. They design with the creative professional in mind, but worry not-their tees are great no matter what field you work in. Brighter colors and a larger variety of styles are included in their spring offerings-a few of which you can see below.

 L to R: Nico, Nouvel, Odine

L to R: Ashley, Gale, Hayward

If you've been with me for a while, you know I think a girl can never have too many t-shirts (evidenced here, here, here, here oh-and here). Owning a great tee is like having the right foundation-literally and figuratively-it can anchor a wild printed pant, layer neatly under an architectural blazer or let a statement necklace sparkle. Bonus? Unlike a beaded silk top, you can keep it on after you get home & change into your PJ's (guilty, all the time).

Ready to shop Pickwick & Weller? Visit the spring collection here (shopping for a guy in your life? They've got you covered there, too). On the fence? Don't worry, they'll send you a free fit kit based on your style. Want to learn more? Check out this short video (if it doesn't work below, you can click here to view its original format).

*compensation was not provided by Pickwick & Weller. I just really, really love a good t-shirt.

Getting Inspired: Black & White Fashion

I started a seasonal deep cleaning of my wardrobe over the weekend to take inventory of what I have and don't have for the upcoming months, along with getting rid of things I haven't worn in ages (I am really, really bad at this, FYI). These seasonal cleanings are also a springboard for getting inspired or trying new trends, as most of us have all the right pieces, we just haven't seen them together yet (or, if you're like me, you have little closet space so everything gets buried in stacks & you completely forget about things you own. Who even knows what shoes are hiding under my bed). 

Black & white is a popular, easy to pull off trend for spring but one that's harder for me to try, because in case you haven't noticed I have a slight love of wearing as many brights as I can. I'm trying to remind myself that wearing neutrals or muted colors can be just as fashionable and the above images are perfect inspiration! I'll add my color with a bright accessory or punchy lip color instead.

all images via

xx

Happy Friday!

And, happy March! I'm so glad the month of almost-spring is here. I would say this winter has felt unusually long, but I think I really say that every year. I'm still not sure why I didn't move somewhere winter barely exists, like LA, but I suppose I'll never know! I thought I'd round out the week with a little link love.

West End Architectural Salvage (one of the coolest salvage shops I've seen) has its own HGTV show now!

I just ordered these jeans on a serious markdown & I can't wait to get them.

Fellow bloggers shared their spring lusts this week (with lots of color!), some favorites are here, here & here.

Adorable paper shop.

Feeling inspired by this kitchen redesign.

Really fun cake pans.

I stumbled across this blog recently & it's a new favorite.

I can't wait for Smorgasburg to return!

Pretty flora & fauna.

I'm working on my 101 in 1001 list, inspired by Mackenzie Horan of Design Darling. 

Fun, affordable sunglasses.

Workout wishlist includes these compression pants.

Classic black pump.

Happy weekend!! I'm looking forward to a warmer one & hitting up the FIT shoe exhibit with friends tomorrow. Follow me on instagram to see what catches my eye this weekend!

xx

image via