Preppy Summer Staples: Sale Edition

You know fall is nearing when summer sales top the 50% off mark.  It's a bittersweet time of the year when you can stock up on summer seersucker for a great price, but soon temperatures will be dropping and vacations will be ending.  But, if like me, you prefer to look on the bright side, then your closet can also become just a little brighter with these preppy summer staples (I confess to have stocked up on a few, myself).

Seersucker: Brooks Brothers Skirt | J. Crew Dress | Sperry for J. Crew Boat Shoes | J. Crew Swimsuit

Nautical: Tommy Hilfiger Striped Shirt | Brooks Brothers Silk Scarf | Brooks Brothers Knot Link Bracelet | Brooks Brothers Espadrilles | Sperry for J. Crew Boat Shoes

Tennis Whites: Tommy Hilfiger Dress | Lacoste Dress | J. Crew Flats | Ralph Lauren Belt

Even better, J. Crew currently has free shipping (even to Canada) if you spend over $100, and if you order in-store through Brooks Brothers, they will also wave any shipping and duty costs (such a relief for us Canadians). If you're in Toronto, pop by the Flatiron store on Bloor and St. George for 50% off all of their summer items.  You can stock up on crisp gingham or striped collared shirts for under $50. And by the time you add up all of the extra 40% off at J. Crew, or extra 50% off at Tommy Hilfiger, you're seriously getting more bang for your buck.

Here's hoping the late spring means a longer summer, so these staples can stay out just a little longer.

xoxo,

Lilly Pulitzer Pattern Play for Tech

I always vow to banish the bland, play up patterns, and make every day just a little brighter - and that includes my tech.  As a former Floridian, downplaying colors just doesn't seem right to me.  I've been a fan of Lilly Pulitzer for as long as I can remember, and I just love that the brand has broadened its reach to downloadable desktop wallpapers (see here for a library). I've been using their patterns on my desktops for a while,  but I've just been over-the-moon with the most recent prints they've posted.

Inspired by the sea, creatures galore, and beautiful blooms, each design is bursting with color and charm.

I've updated the library of Lilly prints, so check it out for some of the newer and older designs, but here are some of my recent favorites.

Watch Out - Lilly always calls the seafaring girls home.

Lobstah Roll - For those obsessed with this year's favorite summer food.

I Herd You - The Royal Tenenbaums, anyone?

Sunny Side - A vintage-looking print for the Lilly Leos of the world.

xoxo,

Work Trip Essentials

Unfortunately I don't get to travel often for work, but when I do, I have a few essential rules to ensure I'm always prim, professional, and smartly packed.  You really never know who you may run into, or what the occasion may call for, so it's important that everything you bring can contribute to your professional persona.

Pajama Sets: Polka Dot Joe Fresh | Vintage J. Crew 

Single Color Palette: Striped J. Crew Shirt | Giant Gray Kate Spade Bag | Dusty Blue J. Crew Cardigan | Flared Pink Tartan Skirt | Boden Dot Dress

Flats: Quilted  Ann Taylors | Banana Republic Bows | Kate Spade Snakeskins

Pajama Sets - It may seem silly to be concerned about pajamas, but last year at my agency's annual conference the fire alarm went off at 3am in our hotel... I ended up in the lobby with coworkers, delegates, and even clients.  Leave those cartoon boxers and worn t-shirts at home and invest in a spiffy pair from J. Crew or Brooks Brothers, or even a classic affordable pair from Joe Fresh.

Single Color Palette - Always find yourself with an over-stuffed suitcase?  My rule of thumb to minimizing packing is to stick to only a few colors.  Black, green, and white, or navy, grey, and light blue - there are so many great palettes from which to choose that can take you from day to night and from hot to chilly.  You can easily mix and match between a few shirts, skirts, and sweaters, and even more easily accessorize.

Fancy Flats - It doesn't matter how comfortable even my kitten heels are, after a day running around at a conference and networking at cocktail events, my feet still beg me for flats.  I always keep a pair of fancy flats in my giant leather tote, just in case.  

From travel bags, to day totes, to notebooks, to glasses - you always want to look your best.  You never know if your flight will carry other delegates, the fire alarm in your hotel goes off in the middle of the night, or you break a heel at a networking event.  Each piece you bring should be a reflection of a young professional who is organized, stylish, and always prepared.

xoxo,

Vintage Finds for the Family's Matriarch

Every girl remembers those key pieces her mom always wore.  If, like me, you're a product of the 80s and 90s, those pieces included giant clip-on earrings in obnoxious colors, stacks of bracelets, and silk scarves.  The patterns and colors may change, but those pieces remain key staples year after year.

I once dismissed all giant clip-ons and silk scarves as matronly, but now I embrace them.  They say that we eventually become our mothers as we age, and I fear I've hit that stage a little prematurely.  I now yearn for that matriarchal, polished, grande dame look, sifting through vintage markets and antique stores for daring clip-ons and bright scarves to tie around my neck or purse.  And of course, I've rummaged through my mother's closet and jewelry box a few too many times.

This Mother's Day, it's time to replace some of those pieces I have "borrowed" over the years.  As much as I'd like to splurge and buy my mother a classic Hermes scarf, it's simply not even close to my budget.  I'll be hitting the NYC markets next week and shamefully sending my mother her gift a tad late, but I'm inspired by some of the great vintage pieces on Etsy.

Here are my favorite pairings of earrings and scarves, fit for any grande dame (and each under $50 to boot!):

From top: Bill Blass Scarf | Dior Button Earrings | Aurora Borealis & Rhinestone Earrings | Dior Scarf | Celine Scarf |  1950s Equestrian Earrings | Kenneth Jay Lane Earrings | Geoffrey Beene Scarf (extra 30% off!) 

I can't wait to rummage through some of New York's finest antique markets, but until then I'll just swoon over these pairings and figure out which style speaks loudest to my family's magnificent matriarch.

xoxo,

Why Don't You...

Everyone needs a little inspiration now and again to boost their mood, creative spirit, or work productivity.   From Pinterest to magazines to blogs, there's an endless supply of inspiration out there to cater to whatever it is you need "boosting."  As much as a I love a novel to drift me into some fantasy of 1920s parties or trips along the French Riviera, biographies and memoirs are one of my greatest sources of inspiration.   I love reading about how real people stumbled into their current dream roles, worked through prejudices and misconceptions, and somehow managed to make the world just a little better or brighter through their talents.  

It's no secret that I love art and fashion, so I frequently impulsively buy biographies of artists, designers, and stylish tastemakers from Amazon.  Over the winter break I found myself devouring books by and about Diana Vreeland.  Now there's a woman who had no qualms about showing the world who she was.  She dared to wear rouge to her ears, defy traditions, and embellish a story to make it oh-so-fabulous.  

Indicative of her sometimes outlandish (but always charming) nature, her column for Harper's Bazzar named Why Don't You... challenged readers to add a little extra pizzazz into their lives.  I may not want to wash my blonde hair in stale champagne, but I am trying up the grace and charm in my life and celebrate every moment.   There are so many ways to instantly lift a foul mood, indulge during a dull moment, and simply live life to its fullest.  In keeping with Diana Vreeland, I'm going to start challenging myself and others to add a little bit more pizzazz into the everyday. 

Today I begin with a favorite pick-me up.

xoxo,

Spring for Winter Swaps

Yet again the city has been blanketed by a white and fluffy layer of snow.  While I love the effect of walking in a real life snow globe, I'm more than excited about the prospect of spring.

With that, here are five winter-for-spring swaps I'm very much anticipating:

Anyone else making an anticipatory list of swaps?

xoxo,

Another Year, Another Set of New Resolutions

Somehow 2013 just flew by, and it was full of memories, milestones, and personal growth.  

Turning 25 was perhaps the most frightening milestone, leading to a few panicked "quarter life crisis" moments... but I've realized that I still have plenty of time to get that dream job, figure out what my "thing" is, and explore the many places that have been on my to-visit list since I was a kid hit with extreme wanderlust.  

This year I screamed and squealed at concerts featuring some of my favorite bands (Vampire Weekend, Belle and Sebastian, Band of Horses); started a new project with a friend that is making me extremely excited about the year ahead; finally made a dent in conquering my sleep, caffeine, and stress issues; moved to a fabulous new apartment with an old friend from school; and soaked up all Toronto's fashion weeks had to offer.  There were still plenty of tears, regrets, missed opportunities, and forgotten dreams, but I've come away with learnings to help me conquer 2014.

So here they are, a few of my top resolutions help make every 2014 minute count.  Here's hoping I keep more than just a few of them!

Anyone have any great resolutions they're striving to keep in 2014?

xoxo,

New Specs for a New Year

Looking to update those frames for a new look in 2014?  Then look no further than Lookmatic.  Until January 2nd, all frames are 50% off... meaning you can pick up a pair of prescription glasses for less than $50! Oh, and shipping is free, and they ship internationally!

I picked up a few pairs last year, but I'm thinking this dainty Davenport pair may need to be added to my ever-growing collection... #nerdalert.

xoxo,

New Year's Eve Sparkle and Glitter

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

 

1) Karolina Heels | 2) Multi Glitter Carousel | 3) Pave Bubble Ring | 4) Aurora Borealis Earrings | 5) Etta Satin Glitter-Sole Pumps | 6) Privette Glitter Clutch | 7) Somervell Necklace | 8) Crystal Earrings | 9)  Brooke Sequin Evening Clutch

xoxo,

Gift Guide: First Lady in Training

1) Jackie Glasses Correspondence Cards | 2) Jennifer Nail Polish | 3) Pearl Twisted Hammock Necklace | 4) Italian Leather Monogrammed Opera Gloves | 5) Hamptons Navajo | 6) Jacqueline Kennedy Silk Scarf | 7) Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years | 8) New York Times Subscription

xoxo,

Gift Guide - Workaholic

1) Brightspot Avenue Large Debra | 2) Pink Recycled Leather Business Card Case | 3) Pink Signature Set | 4) Larabee Road Cup and Saucer | 5) Wellesley Fallon XL Tote | 6) Inspirational Poster | 7) Jungle Red Lipstick | 8) Starbucks Gift Card | 9) You Got This Pencils

xoxo,

Gift Guide - Martha Stewart Worshiper

1) Jay Gatsby Tea Towel | 2) Row Boat Salt Cellar | 3) Everyday Food: Great Food Fast | 4) Martha Stewart's Cooking School | 5)Aqua Seersucker Apron | 6) Say the Wordsearch Dish | 7) Charmed Dots Serveware | 8) American Mini Cheeseboard 

Three Looks for the Office Holiday Party

With December in full swing, it's time to start juggling the countless parties, get-togethers, and reunions - and finding the perfect ensemble for each can become an exercise in hair-pulling, rather than playing dress-up.

And if you have more than one office holiday party and client obligation, well that token LBD is going to be logging far too many hours, and probably one too many dropped hors d'oeuvres or spilled drinks.  With a bulging holiday schedule, it's best to have a solid rotation of go-tos to avoid any last minute wardrobe freak-outs! There's no shortage of great LBDs (or LB&WDs) and fun accessories this season, and I'm oddly smitten with the prevalence of gold (although I'm swooning over that triple strand pear necklace from Kate Spade... I can't say no to pearls!).  

Here are some of my top picks for office holiday parties:

Necklaces: Kate Spade | Forever 21 | Kate Spade 

Earrings: Forever 21 | H&M | J Crew 

Dresses: Banana Republic | H&M |  Lilly Pulitzer

Bags: Talbots | J McLaughlin | Lilly Pulitzer 

Shoes: Ann Taylor | Kate Spade  | Talbots 

xoxo,

A Canadian Lilly Pulitzer Birthday Celebration

Known for bright and whimsical prints, an embrace of femininity, and easy-to-wear cuts, the effortlessly fun and chic late Queen of Prep's birthday is this weekend - and now Canadians can join in the celebration!  With a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store in Greater Toronto, we northern transplants who grew up wearing the beloved brand (and even those new to the Lilly-Pulitzer-for-Life fan club) can enjoy cake and refreshments while shopping for the bold and whimsical prints that are sure to brighten up the inevitably approaching bleak winter days.  

I think this sweater says it all for me....

So stop by Island View to stock up on your cheerful resort wear, prolong the start of winter just a smidgen longer, and celebrate the woman who taught us that "anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink!"

xoxo,

It's Game On!

There's nothing like pulling out your stash of board games to instantaneously take you back to that childhood sleepover, epic cottage rained-out weekend, or frozen winter night spent with your best of friends.  I should confess that I grew up as a board game fiend... my friends and I played each day during our limited lunchtime in high school... and I may or may not have gotten "kicked out" of our games club after being a little too loud and aggressive during a game of Pictionary.  True (and unfortunate) story!  

My friends and I had been yearning for another great games night, when Lady Luck (or in this case Mattel) bestowed upon us a box filled with games and the perfect occasion to get us together to compete against one another once again. The kit was personalized according to my Gameology sign, the Wittian (see the here for details and to learn your own Gameology sign!).

I came home one evening to find this personalized beauty from Mattel waiting for me.  Inside was a collection of games, colored party favors, and instructions to throw my own Mattel Game On! Party.  And then the Martha Stewart party-planning wheels inside my head began to turn…

I created a Facebook event and sent out the invites to the girls, told them to start training, and carefully planned my menu.  With a growing cookbook library and Pinterest easily on-hand for inspiration, it took a while to pick the favorites - but if there’s one thing I know, it’s that my friends enjoy their cheeses.

Recipes: Asparagus & Gruyere Tart from Martha Stewart | Apricot & Goat Cheese Amuse-Bouche from Reluctant Entertainer | Feta-Yogurt Dip from Bon Appetit Cookbook | 3-Step Mini Cheesecakes from Kraft (a personal favorite!)

And then suddenly it was Game On! Game Day!  I finished my baking, set up the G&T bar, and put on some classic cocktail party music (I highly recommend Cocktail Party Jazz, Martini Swing, or Thanksgiving Dinner Jazz from Songza).

With G&Ts in hand, cocktail plates full of cheesy goodness, and preliminary catch-up conversations taken care of, we started the night with Mad Gab (my personal favorite).  The game that tells players “it’s not what you say, it’s what you hear,” it’s the game that elicits the greatest laughs and most aggressive hand-gesturing.  It also quickly reveals the thought-processes and streams of consciousness that each friend follows…. Beware the danger of these new insights.  In the end, no one could match my 9 phrases in 2 minutes (total Wittian, right here!), but I was starting to worry as one of my friends started getting phrase after phrase correct. Check out the Game On! Facebook page for Mad Gab Monday posts to test your own skills.

UNO is the classic favorite, played at virtually every game night I’ve been to.  It’s easy to learn, easy to play, and incredibly satisfying to catch your friends forgetting to say UNO! when they were oh-so-close to winning (sorry, Andrea!).

Although we were starting to fade after many rounds of games, too many rounds of G&Ts, and oodles of gabbing breaks, we were determined to finish the night with Apples to Apples.  Each player is dealt a round of cards with things like Frank Lloyd Wright, Elvis, Tattoos, and other nouns or proper nouns. One player gets a card with an adjective, which everyone else has to match with a noun card, facedown.  The player with the descriptive card reads through the pile of items to pick the one that best matches.  The key to this game is playing to the person with the descriptive card.  While Jenn may always pick the most hilariously ironic or inappropriate combination, I go for the classic (Timeless and Frank Sinatra was my final chosen pair -  kudos to Lauren for that one).  Reading all of the potential pairs out-loud can be a riot, especially after a few rounds of drinks.  

In the end, one grand winner of the night walked away with her own mini Ladies Game Night kit – a bottle of gin, a lime, a Phase 10 Dice Game, and a cocktail pitcher (way to go Katherine!). 

We laughed loudly, enjoyed our fair share of cocktails, got aggressively competitive during tight rounds, and ended the night promising to make Ladies Game Night a regular event.

Thanks to those that came out and to Mattel for the games!

xoxo,