Valentine's Day // 4 Ways

feminine: top / skirt / earrings / heels / watch

casual: top / beanie / necklace / jeans 

classic: earrings / dress / clutch / heels

edgy: top / bag / bottoms / heels

The husband and I usually have a pretty quiet Valentine's Day, but this year we are venturing out to eat some hot dogs and check out the newish barcade downtown. With our night in mind, I will likely default to casual outfit but couldn't pass up the opportunity to plan a few looks for alternative plans. What type of look are you channeling for this Valentine's Day?

On a completely unrelated note - check out Nasty Gal's shoe collection - it's nothing short of amazing. 

Pattern Play // Valentine's Day

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There's no better time to embrace cheeky, over-the-top-girly prints then Valentine's Day? Whether single or taken, I'd recommend seizing the day and celebrating all the love in your life!

How do you guys celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you celebrate at all?!

I Believe In // Having Perspective

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A few weeks back I had a conversation with a friend about the repercussions of social media on the way we view the world. It's no secret that the majority of the population doesn't post pictures or a status chronicling a failure or showcasing the 10 year old sweats that were worn to the grocery store but I had never thought of how this may effect us. What we discussed, is that the perfect world portrayed on instagram, facebook, blogs, etc. can create unrealistic expectations for our own life and even cause feelings of inadequacy.

My favorite part of this conversation, that has stuck with me since, is when my friend proclaimed "life isn't always beautiful". I love that. And while I'm not trying to start a mass campaign against social media, I wanted to share the reminder with all of you that I am telling myself today. Life isn't always beautiful, even if it's potrayed that way, and I think that's okay. So this weekend, and weeks forward, I'm trying to keep persepective, and keep from comparing.

Wanderlust Wednesday // Ellicottville

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In a few weeks we are headed to Ellicottville, New York for a weekend of skiing with friends that I am so looking forward to. We went for the first time last year, where I spent half of the day falling on my face like a scared little girl, and the other half screaming in fear going down the most non-threating runs known to man. It's baby steps over here people. 

Even though we will be in the cold, I can't wait to bundle up and try my hand at skiing for the second time. I will be borrowing all of the necessary cold-weather gear, but here are a few things I would love to pack for our time in the cabin. I mean, what's better then enjoying the winter from a hot tub? 

Pattern Play // Garden Floral

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With the calendar slowly inching towards the possibility of warmer weather and spring collections being released, I have been drawn to prints that remind me of a beautiful English Garden on a warm, sunny day. Of course, I've never been to said English Garden, but it sounds pretty amazing. I mean, throw in a picnic and you probably have the perfect day. 

A Quarter-Century

baseball jacket / old top (similar) / belt / jeans / booties / handbag

This weekend was filled with continuous celebration, as I turned 25 yesterday and got spoiled by friends & family.

On Saturday, my husband treated me to brunch at Katalina's (highly recommend!) followed by a trip to my favorite park, where he purposed almost two years ago. It was such a sweet afternoon and was only improved by warmer temps that allowed me to wear the jacket that he surprised me with on Friday night.

30 (be)fore 30

Today I am 25 -a whole quarter-century! Yikes. It's funny your perception of adult-hood when you're younger - I remember thinking that by the time I was 25 I would surely be making millions, traveling the world, and living a life similar to a character in Sex & the City. Perception (and ignorance) is funny, isn't it?

While my current reality is far from my 16-year old dreams, I feel fortune to be celebrating another year of life today. My first 25 years brought a lot of new beginnings and a few endings, but I am most thankful for the roller coaster that is life - it's far from easy, but isn't it beautiful how all events, however big or small, good or bad, seem to shape us and teach us who we are?

In celebration of my quarter-century birthday, I've compiled a list of 30 things (both significant & insignificant) that I'd love to accomplish before the next milestone age...30. (double yikes!)

1. Learn Italian.

2. Travel to Italy.

3. Host Thanksgiving and/or Christmas for my family.

4. Visit the Grand Canyon.

5. Buy a home.

6. Throw a themed party, turn it into an annual celebration.

7. Plant a garden.

8. Complete the Contentment Challenge.

9. Find a signature scent.

10. Attend the olympics (I'm thinking Rio!)

11. Develop a respectable taste in wine, then visit Napa Valley.

12. Join or start a club (I'm think book or brunch).

13. Learn to appreciate the winter & cloudy days.

14. Take photography classes. 

15. Get my motorcycle licensee and finally ride my scooter.

16. Visit Disneyland.

17. Spend a weekend at a cabin without cell phone or internet service.

18. Go vegan (or at least try for a month).

19. Visit Maine in the summer. Indulge in multiple lobster rolls.

20. Figure out how to cook an egg so that it actually looks edible.

21. Travel to at least one new city every year.
22. Learn how to (successfully) make my husband's grandmother's famous German Chocolate Cake.
23. Know what it means to be so content in who I am that I don't worry about what other's may think.
24. Find a balance between spending time online & reading a book.
25. Learn how to reupholster and repaint furniture without it looking like a 5th grade art project.
26. See Jay-Z and Kanye West in concert (judge all you want, I love 'em).
27. Go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
28. Try one new restaurant every month.
29. Attend a music festival (any recommendations? I'm thinking Lollapoolza).
30. Stop being hesitant to share my faith boldly and confidently with others.