Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Friends! Whether spent with friends, family or just a day lounging by yourself, I hope it is wonderful, truly. See you on Monday!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Wanderlust Wednesday // Going Home


casual: ruby studs / floral top / denim leggings (on sale!) / ballet flats

Sometimes the best place to travel destination is home. We're headed to my Dad's in Pennsylvania early Thursday morning (gotta arrive in time for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade!) and I couldn't be more excited - quality time with family topped off with some amazing food - doesn't get much better. 

I had an epiphany the other day when I realized that the legging is the MVP of Thanksgiving dressing -  sure skirts and dresses are great but I need something that is going to give when I house my weight in food. Lucky for us, there are no shortage of options out there - which means whether you're having a casual or glamorous celebration, you're covered.  

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // All that Shines



While a little shine and sparkle may be reserved for special occasions for most of the year, the holiday season seems like the perfect time to bust out a all the glitter, sequins and shimmer you have hidden in your closet. With so many great options, it is easy to find something for an office work party (pair these leggings with a black blazer & heel), celebration with friends, or christmas day with the family. I personally can't get enough of Madewell's shimmer collection, everything is amazing!

Are you planning to add a little extra shine this season? I'd love to know how!

In the Tundra

Here's a little 'behind the scenes' information if you will - I was freezing in these pictures. Remember when I said I was ready for winter? Well I lied. I'm ready for winter if it means a low of 40 degrees.  Unfortunately, I don't live the land of temperate weather, I live in Ohio and winter means 20 degrees with my worst enemy - windchill. Yuck. 

But, I digress. Back to the outfit at hand. I got this leather jacket a couple of weeks ago and I'm in love. A leather jacket was on the top of my list for fall, and I couldn't be happier with this one. It is perfectly structured with great details - and surpisingly warm when used as a winter coat for a night out. In full disclosure, not pictured: a chunky scarf, hat, and gloves.

warby parker glasses / mac ruby woo lipstick / leather jacket / minkpink top / old leopard clutch, similarold denim leggings, great option here / similar leopard socks / booties

Thursday, November 21, 2013

I Believe In // Making Christmas Lists

Here's a quick fact about me - I love making lists. To-do lists, grocery lists, you name it. The best kind of list in my opinion though, is one that catalogs activities and events for celebration! So while I am fortunate enough to be able to send my lovely mother a list of a few things I'm lusting after, I thought I'd take a different approach and write down my must-do's for this holiday season:

1. Skate under the Rockefeller tree during our trip to New York in a few weeks
2. Spend an entire day decorating our apartment for Christmas
3. Watch White Christmas (best holiday movie!) as much as humanly possible
4. Perfect my Bing Crosby impresssion
5. Try a new Christmas Cookie recipe 
6. Visit our local zoo's Christmas Light display
7. Find the most hideous Christmas sweater for multiple parties we have lined up
8. Handmake a few Christmas presents
9. Start a new tradition - maybe breakfast Christmas morning?!
10. Let those I care about know I love them

I'd love to know, what's on your holiday to-do list?!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Wanderlust Wednesday // Vermont


I don't know if it's because I've grudgingly come to terms with the fact that I won't be seeing much of the sun until April or that I've secretly set my alarm to a Christmas music station (sneaking it in!), but I (think) I'm ready for winter. 

And when I say I'm ready for winter, I really mean I'm ready for more excuses to have lazy nights cuddled up in a blanket watching movies or binging on episodes of Scandal (starting watching Sunday & already my favorite show of all time - or a close second behind Laguna Beach). For some reason, when I think of a cozy winter vacation, I instantly think of Vermont. I image snow-covered woods with  old red barns, sleigh rides, and crisp air - sounds perfect, no?

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials: Tulle Skirt

tulle skirts clockwise from top left: blushmidilayeredmaxi
pair with: plaidsequinedembellished

Okay, so "essential" may be overdoing it. Obviously you will survive without a tulle skirt for the holidays, but we're bringing on the drama over here. 

When I think of dressing for the holidays, my mind immediately goes to ultra-girly pieces that perhaps would seem out of place any other time of the year. While I think tulle has play outside of the holidays, I think it is the perfect excuse to branch out from a typical skirt - all in the name of celebration & cheer! 

I feel like tulle can be so verstile, and I love the idea of pairing a skirt with everything from plaid to sequins! I think this tartan print would be fun too!

Looking for a few more options - loving tulle skirts from lofturban outfitters, & anthropologie

Monday, November 18, 2013

In Transition


So, I'm not used to the time change as it relates to this here blog. This weekend, I was getting ready and noticed that I had about 10 minutes of daylight left (it was 4:30pm - argh!), so I got my rear in gear and rushed out the door to take a few pictures - and then it started raining. The husband and I tried to snap a few photos on our apartment steps and needless to say, it just wasn't happening. Can't win 'em all.  

Luckily, I had a few photos left on my computer from last winter before I launched this little blog. I think these were taken in February and it made me even less excited for this winter - hello freezing cold conditions that are not friendly for any type of outfit photo. On the bright side, it made me remember to borrow my husband's hats more often. 

husband's beanie, adorable option / tory burch sunglasses / old blazer, loving this / old express sweater, similar / old white jeans, similar / old black booties, crushing on these / zara shopper, very similar

Thursday, November 14, 2013

I Believe In // Being Thankful

Can you believe we're already halfway through November? Real crazy! 

After a weekend spent with best friends celebrating and Thanksgiving right around the corner, I have done a lot of reflecting lately and have started to become more thankful for the life I have been given. It's so easy in this world of consumerism to become unsatisfied with life, and constantly want more. I admittedly struggle with this, so I thought it would be helpful to document a few things I am thankful for lately:
1. The most caring and loving husband this gal could have asked for
2. Friends that know my soul, and have become my family
3. A supportive family who cares deeply for me
4. An apartment that is warm and cozy, one that we call home
5. The blessing of food & not having to go hungry for any meal
6. Celebrating small traditions
7. Quiet mornings for reading and reflecting
8. This little blog that allows me to pursue a passion 

I'd love to know, what are you thankful for lately?

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Wanderlust Wednesday // Riviera Maya



This time last year, I was on the beach at Riviera Maya soaking up the sun on my honeymoon. My husband and I refer to this as the "best week of our lives" because simply, it was. Newly married, hot sun, ocean breeze, drink in hand, no responsibilities - I honestly can't think of anything better. 

With the first snowfall of the season arriving yesterday, I am closing my eyes this week and pretending I am at the beach again. If I was lucky enough to go back this year, I would turn to breezy dresses and fun bikinis (want to try a retro inspired one!) to keep me fully prepared for some serious relaxation. 

Anyone have a trip planned to Mexico soon, I'd love to live vicariously through you :)

If you're traveling to Mexico and looking for a resort, I highly recommend Karisma Hotels - this is where we stayed, and loved it!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Get the Look: Leopard Booties

Leopard Booties: 1, 2345
I am fortune enough to work at a company where I am inspired daily by what others are wearing - it is amazing people watching - rivals the airport! A few weeks ago, I spotted a girl whose outfit was so good I wanted to steal everything from head to toe. She was decked out in the cutest peter pan collared sweater, leather pleated skirt, and you guessed it - leopard booties!

And thus, my little obsession with leopard booties began. While the print seems classic on a ballet flat, I find that on booties it is a bit unexpected, and has the ability to freshen up a go-to look. After stalking some street style, these booties seems to work with everything, but I think my favorite is when they are paired with a monochromatic look, similar to Olivia's above. 

Thoughts on leopard booties? Which one's are your favorite?! I'm digging 2 & 3 - high on my christmas list this year!
images from my pinterest board

Monday, November 11, 2013

Sleeping In

After a weekend celebrating a best friend's beautiful wedding and my one year wedding anniversary, I've allowed myself to sleep in this morning. Be back tomorrow!

image via

Thursday, November 7, 2013

I Believe In // Commitment

This weekend is guaranteed to be one of the best yet. Not only do I get to watch my beautiful friend walk down the aisle, but my husband and I's first anniversary is Sunday.

My husband and I dated for 7 years before getting married, but even then, marriage seemed scary - it's the biggest commitment I think one can make, and odds for staying married are not on anyones side.

One year later, I still wake up every morning beyond thankful that I am married to this man and get to live the rest of my life with him. All my pre-concived notions and expectations of what marriage would look like have been turned on their head - with everything so much better then I could have ever imaged. The grace I don't deserve, devout support, constant care, and never-ending laughter that has defined are first year of marriage has blown me away.

John, thank you for showing me what true commitment looks like, for making the decision every day to love me despite all of my (many) flaws. I love you more then I could ever put into words and nothing make me more excited then the thought of spending the rest of my life with you.

Image via Agape Photography

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Wanderlust Wednesday // NYC: Round 2


I know this is my second post about New York City, but with my husband & I's one year anniversary this weekend, it means that our anniversairy trip is less then a month away! I'm so so excited! I've never been before, and I can't wait to experience New York during the holiday season with the Rockfeller tree and storefronts decorated with some Christmas cheer. 

When I start my packing for our mini-vacation, I plan to include pieces that can easily transition from day to night, with plenty of black. For some reason, New York City just makes we want to get decked out in black head to toe, and add pops of color & print in a small way. 

Any must-see places/ must-eat restaurants while we are there? We're starting to make our list!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Casa de Confetti: Art in Unexpected Places

While decorating our apartment this past year, I have quickly learned that art can come from an unexpected source, and doesn't have to cost a fortune. 

A little while ago, I found this beer graphic in the Crate & Barrel catalog, and thought it would be perfect above our bar in the living room - I added a frame from Michael's and viola - art for less then $15! We also repurposed wrapping paper with a print of New York City, framed it and hung it above our couch. As we continue to decorate I'm keeping my eyes on these fun graphicsmap prints, and all that rifle paper & co. has to offer. 

Have you found art in unconventional places? I'd love to know!

Monday, November 4, 2013

Confetti Chronicles: Volume II

Isn't Monday exponentially harder when you had a weekend that you never wanted to end? I am experiencing a serious case of the Mondays this morning after a weekend spent in Louisville celebrating one of my best friends who gets married this weekend!

Our weekend contained a little of everything - relaxing & laughter on Friday night with the help of Cards Against Humanity (inappropriate & so good) followed by a wine & paint class during the day on Saturday and some serious dancing & singing at a Piano Bar that night. While I'm extra tired today, I can't wait to reunite with all of these ladies this weekend to watch my beautiful friend walk down the aisle, it's going to be amazing :)

What were you up to this weekend? Experiencing some Monday blues too?