A Winter Love Affair

About a year ago, I was privileged to get the opportunity to work alongside some seriously talented ladies to bring a vision of a winter love affair to life. With Callie of The Ivy Blog's vision, my sweet friend Leigh's incredible photography skill, Madison House Design's amazing florals and a little styling from me (and modeling from my husband, how I convinced him to do this I will never know) we brought to life a rustic, snow-covered love story.

 I am thrilled to share that the photos have been featured on Midwest Bride this week! Hop on over to explore more of the story and hear about our process from Leigh. 

Snow Day

Despite mother nature stirring up a deadly cocktail of subzero temperatures and snow the last two weeks, corporate america has yet to produce a snow day. 

As a result, I've decided to take matters in my own hands by declaring my weekends as snow days. I've been avoiding the cold (and responsibility) by ignoring my alarm clock, overindulging in brunch, and spending far too many minutes upping my pinterest game. I did manage to breathe some fresh air for a few brief moments yesterday, when the husband and I ventured out to try a new coffee shop in town and of course, snap some outfit pictures. 

blanknyc jacket (last seen here) / old lace top, similar from topshop & nordstrom / zara jeans / vince camuto booties / gigi new york clutch

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Sunday Browsing vol. 31

First off, apologies for the severe radio silence this week. No amazing excuse here, just a crazy week at the day job. 

As for the weekend (also known as the best invention ever), it's been another one filled with low-key, lazy days on account of snow and less then ideal temperatures. No complaints on my end though, a chance to catch up on sleep and check a few things off of my to-do list makes for a good weekend in my world. 

Here's a few links to keep you cozy today, check back this week for some fun content I have planned!

• to read: love him or hate him, style.com's interview with kanye west is worth the read. What he has to say just might surprise you.
• to watch: the ever fashionable blogger behind damsel in dior shared a glimpse of her NYFW experience through a video that is equal parts entertaining & adorable.
• to shop: have you checked out Nordstrom's sale yet? I just added these to my cart. Oh, and everything at Kate Spade Saturday is 40% off (just use code EXTRA40).
• to wear: opera gloves done right.
• to travel: as a nice little follow-up to last week's travel link, an EveryGirl article compares hostels, rentals and hotels as options while traveling.
• to blog: as usual, I'm about 2 years late to the game on this one, but I just discovered the fashion guitar and I'm in love.
• to beautify: while getting my hair cut on Friday, my hairstylist told me about a new hair color trend, ecaille or tortoiseshell effect that combines multiple colors to create a dynamic ombre effect. I plan on trying soon!

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Sunday Browsing vol. 30

Happy Sunday, friends! Not much to report around here, considering the majority of the weekend has been spent hiding from these insane temperatures. I'm sorry, but -1 without windchill is just too cold to function in my opinion. Don't worry though, I have spent way a considerable amount of time browsing the web, sharing a few of my faves below!

• to shop: pretty obsessed with these and if you've been looking for amansur gavriel bucket bag bag , this is a wallet friendly alternative.
• to travel: 5 tips on renting a vacation home.
• to style: I have some serious catching up to do on the NYFW front, but from what I've seen so far I'm head over heels for the zimmermann collection. How good is this dress?!
• to decorate: 10 affordable hacks for the hottest interior trends.
• to know: in case you missed it, a full recap of the Kanye x Adidas presentation this week.
• to brunch: if you're looking for a recipe to brunch at home, I conned the husband into making baked huevos rancheros this weekend. Favorable reviews were given by all.

President's Day Weekend Sales

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope that you get to spend the day with someone you love, whether that be a significant other, relative, or friend. 

If, like me, you've been watching snow fall and temperatures plummet all day and wondering to yourself what you're going to do this President's Day weekend. I got the answer for you - online shopping (of course). It will provide hours of fun-filled entertainment and it will keep you from suffering from frostbite. Luckily for us, there are plenty of sales that are ripe for the picking!

• madewell: extra 30% off all sale styles with code AMOUR. 






• nasty gal: up to 70% off select items

• j.crew: extra 40-50% off sales styles with code WEEKENDMUST

• nordstrom: up to 40% off select items

& a few more!


• baublebar: 20% off sitewide with additional discounts if you buy 3+ items
• need supply co.: extra 20% off sale items
• asos: 20% off sitewide

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3 Last Minute Valentine's Day Ideas {& Outfits to Match}

Ah Friday, you are the sweetest music to my very tired ears. Anyone else feel exhausted from this week?

But enough about my lack of sleep, we have Valentine's Day rapidly approaching and if you're like me and my husband, no plans have been made (whoops!). Have no fear, for both your sake and mine I've put together a quick list of Valentine's Day date ideas that can be just as romantic as that pre-fixed dinner menu you had your eye on. 

• night at the arcade: If you have your heart set on venturing out Saturday night, plan a date that is casual and lets you indulgence in friendly competition. Pick a casual place for dinner that you've been dying to try (think artisan hot dogs, new burger place, etc.) and end the night battling it out at an arcade or pool hall. My husband & I took this approach last year and had one of our best Valentine's dates ever. outfit: baublebar earrings / topshop jacket / sincerely jules tee / topshop trousers / asos bag / asos loafers

• valentine's brunch: I'm totally biased considering my passion for brunch, but swapping your meal out on February 14th from dinner to breakfast can have many perks. It's my favorite way to check out a new restaurant that is a bit on the pricey side since breakfast is almost always going to be less expensive, you will avoid the crazy Valentine's Day rush and who can say no to a mimosa? Also, this is a great alternative for those who don't have a traditional 9-5 schedule. outfit:j.crew turtleneck (under $40!) / madewell jeans / zara vest / madewell heels (similar for less at sole society) / bauble bar necklace

• cozy night at home: After a long week, sometimes there is nothing better then hanging out at home. Pull out that recipe that you've been meaning to try (or order your favorite meal for takeout!) and gather all the blankets and pillows to make a big fort-style bed in the living room (because why not act like a kid again!) for a movie, or netflix marathon. outfit: h&m tee / topshop joggers / madewell socks / nordstrom rings / new balance tennis shoes

How are you celebrating Valentine's Day this year?

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Basic is Best

In the familiar scramble of figuring out what to wear to work one morning last week, I was reminded of a beyond simple principal: sometimes, basic is best. 

Obviously this is a new revelation, but a reminder that I have to tell myself often. Working in retail and trying to keep this blog updated, there are many days when I am searching my closet for the most "fashion-forward" outfit I can lay my eyes on. And let me tell you, that can get exhausting quickly. 

The lesson I learned? A favorite tee paired with classic denim and a few accessories can pack just as much punch as the latest birkenstock trend.

 forever 21 hat (similar) / j.crew tee / gap cardigan (similar) / madewell jeans / gigi new york clutch / j.crew belt / baublebar necklace / jeffery campbell shoes, similar from j.crew factory

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Teething Ring

After hearing about cos, H&M's higher priced concept, from a few of favorite blog ladies, I was intrigued. I'm a fan of the company's namesake, H&M (3 cheers for on-trend & affordable apparel!), and fell head over heels for their other new-ish concept, & other stories. 

Lucky for me, when we were in New York City this past December we happened to be in Soho the day the store opened. The space is gorgeous, filled with sleek, modern clothes that I pictured all the beautiful european women sporting on a daily basis. Quick side note - does anyone else always assume people from europse are inherently stylish?! However, my favorite of all was their jewelry collection, which was on point. All of their pieces are so unique, completely different from any other collection I've seen before.

Which brings me to this necklace, which I purchased as a souvenir of sorts. It has quickly become one of my favorites, and as an added bonus, a conversation starter. In fact, when I wore this necklace over to my mom's house for dinner a few weeks back, she told me: "make sure to keep that for when you have children, it will be a great teething ring". Well mom, I can always count on you to justify my purchases #multitasking.

 zara top / madewell jeans (similar & these are on a crazy sale) / cos necklace / french connection bag / vince camuto booties (sold out) / movado watch

Valentie's Day Cards {That Don't Suck}

1. julieannart /  2. theprintroomdesign / 3. seaandlake / 4. rifle paper co. / 5. bitter whimsy (can I get an "amen"?!) / 6. rifle paper co. / 7. paper source /  8. nocturnalpaper /  9. lief shop / 10. row house 14 (my pick last year)

I have a serious love affair with paper goods. When the invitations I ordered for a friends baby shower (designed by this awesome lady) arrived this week, I literally thought to myself "if I'm ever a millionaire, I'm will employ a full-time customer paper-goods creator". Because you know, I only think of responsible ways to spend money. 

The problem is though, when I go to pick out a card, I usually spend 30 minutes starring aimlessly at my options only to leave dissatisfied. Reason being is that every card either registers as an 100 on the sappy scale or misses the funny mark by a mile. So for Valentine's Day this year, I did the heavy lifting for you, finding 10 cards that are not only appropriate for the occasion and (in my opinion), don't suck. Most are from Etsy, so make sure to order soon so you have it in time for the designated day of love. 

If you have go-to places of websites for paper goods, please share!

Sunday Browsing vol. 29

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! How are planning to watch the game? The husband & I decided to take a low-key approach this year, enjoying the game from home. I'm planning to make my favorite wing recipe and try out a new appetizer (see below!). 

Now, let's not forget that this Sunday is simply a warm-up for what's happening next week: The Grammy's! And don't worry, the Academy Awards aren't too far away either, although I could use this extra time since I'm way behind on seeing all of the movies nominated for best picture. 

Here's a few links I've enjoyed this week, what have you been loving around the web?

• to read: Nicole of Cedar & Rush's post, don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle, features some on my (& probably yours) favorite blogger's first blog posts & pictures.
• to be inspired: I'm completely enthralled with For Love & Lemon's spring 15 lookbook it's beyond stunning. 
• to beautify: How to get valentino runway worthy hair. Now, where can I find a live-in hair stylist?!
• to celebrate: if you're in Columbus and planning a wedding or event, check out Events Held Dear - these ladies are a duo that have a series eye for design and will no doubt make your celebration fabulous & seamless.
• to shop: Nasty Gal is offering an additional 40% of sale items! I'm in love with this dress.
• to eat: I'm trying out this recipe tonight to enjoy during the Super Bowl (commercials). 
• to listen: I went a little podcast crazy this week, my favorite so far is invisibilia - it has amazing content that has left me wishing they posted new content daily instead of weekly. Have you checked it out?

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