I always find things throughout the week that I wish I could have posted in my Monday posts, but by the time next Monday comes there’s so much more to talk about. That’s why I’m creating a new segment called “Finds Friday.” Just a short post to talk about things I’ve found interesting and would like to share!
First up: I’ve got a #girlcrush on The Blonde Salad. This girl is living the life I want to have one day — and she’s my age?! Shockingly enough I had never heard of her, but when I saw her gown on the Cannes carpet I had to do my research to figure out who this It Girl was! Her story is amazing — take time to read these articles 1 and 2.
Second: I love Melanie Laurent and her french je ne baise pas avec vous attitude. I have no idea if that is right or not .. I took a semester of French and loved it but couldn’t speak it at all. You should check out her new movie with Jake G. titled Enemy. It’s super weird but you have to look into the symbolism to get it. Anyways, Laurent talked of missing the way the Cannes used to be, a quaint festival to celebrate the art of film. Now it’s all flashy with parties until dawn thrown by big time labels, and don’t get me wrong that’s fun, but it seems to be less about the movies and more about the paaarrrtttttttttaaayy. … but I wouldn’t know I’ve never been. womp womp. (see article here) Also, her dress is gorgeous.
Third: Fitzgerald’s house is for sale — at the luxurious price of 3.9 Million — maybe if I get up to the blonde salads level I’ll be able to buy it. Look at the photos of the crisp white interior and exposed beams in the dining area. #goals (see article here)
Fourth: Topannnngaaaaa! I loved Boy Meets World and I’m going to be honest I still watch reruns on abc family. I always loved Topanga’s character and I still do, I think the show teaches great values. This article is a great read on how Topanga influenced many millennial girls.
Fifth: It’s the 75th anniversary of the American Ballet Theatre! I miss my ballet days of buns, tights, and tutus. This article goes in detail about the commemorative exhibit bringing together all of my loves — art/fashion, dance, and history.
Lastly: I’m so proud of this painting that I finally finished. It’s not fantastic, but still to be able to paint something and say that you created it is a milestone for me. I always start cool projects, but I never finish them.
Well this previous weekend I got it right, the roses are actually blooming, so now I can go enjoy the Raleigh Rose Garden again! While I didn’t quite make it to Raleigh, I got to explore downtown Durham — again — particularly the American Tobacco Campus with my friend Katie. We decided to shop at the mall, then grab dinner downtown, and just hang out trying out new things in Durham. We tried out Bull City Burger & Brewery and while it is no Chucks, it was still pretty good! #iputonformycity
I finally got a boater hat from urban that I had been dying for, and couldn’t wait to wear it — but my hair was a hot mess, so I waited until I got home to put it on. It also could have been due to the fact that hats still make me feel uncomfortable, but I’ll get over my insecurities for this hat. #reallove
My dress is really old and I got it from Marshalls– I think? It has rope as the straps and it’s super beachy. For some reason it reminds me of The Little Mermaid? I’m not one of those girls that’s still obsessed with Disney Princesses, but for some reason it still reminds me of Ariel? Maybe it’s the rope and overall bagginess?
The dress is great to just slip on when you’re in a hurry. I also have another denim shirt dress by J. Crew that I adore (similar). I think having denim dresses as a go to casual look is almost necessary for your closet. You can do so many things with a LDD — little denim dress — wear it with boots or booties and a scarf, wear it with playful tights, wear it with sandals — it all works!
I had so much fun this previous weekend — and guess where I’ll be tomorrow? lol, Durham! It’s my brother’s birthday this Wednesday and to celebrate were going to a baseball game and dinner. I hope you all have a lovely weekend!
Happy Friyay! Don’t forget to enjoy the roses while they’re in full bloom! xx
Yep Lorelai — I feel you on that. Hopefully this post will cheer you all up about the mean reds and get you ready for the week.
1. MUSIC: Tame Impala – Their latest release titled Eventually is fantastic,but I recommend checking out Disciples, ‘Cause I’m a Man, and Let It Happen as well (other releases within 2015)
2. FILM:Crimson Peak- I usually HATE horror films, but I found this trailer the other day and it actually looks interesting — Super gross and horrorish, but interesting none the less. I love Penny Dreadful and I’m getting a similar vibe from this movie as I do from the show- super dark, super weird, but cool. It’s got a pretty solid cast — Jessica Chastian (A Most Violent Year — Great movie), Tom Hiddleston (Loki from Thor), Mia Wasikowska (Stoker — another great movie and Jane Eyre), and Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy). I love the Gothic Age architecture and clothing design — so detailed, and wouldn’t it be fun to be on that set as a costume or set designer!?
3. BREW: While I can’t drink beer anymore *womp womp* (it’s okay I still get to have champagne and whiskey — classy and sassy.) I still love going to breweries and seeing all the different beers and how it’s made — and I enjoy being with friends and having a fun time no matter what we do. I also enjoy preservation and revitalizing old buildings and warehouses. This article combines the two and is a great read about North Carolina Breweries and Preservation. Also, I plan on making a weekend trip to Asheville at some point this summer — Deco Buildings, The Biltmore, and fantastic food — Can’t wait.
4. Faith and Fashion: Clothe Your Neighbor as Yourself-This is a great clothing line that gives back all profits to those in need. The video below explains it all — follow them on instagram here to see the work being done around the world. It’s so inspirational to see good people in the world making efforts toward bettering the lifestyles of many — and overall society in general. Anyone can make a difference. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. … And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Also, Kate Spade has a partnership with artisans in Rwanda. See here. How cool is that? I’m so glad companies are trying to help out communities across the world.
5. TV SERIES:Mercy Street- If you all are as bummed as I am that Downton Abbey is on its last season then say no more there may be a new show coming to PBS that may spark your interest. If you love history like me and that’s why you loved Downton then Mercy Street should peak your interest. It’s a story of two nurses for opposing sides during the Civil War, and it’s filmed in Virginia! So close! While a preview hasn’t been released and an air date hasn’t been set in stone — I do know that Anna Sophia Robb is going to be in it as well as Josh Radnor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and many more. To read more click here. I hope that this series won’t spark controversy, and instead highlight the convoluted state the U.S. was in during the Civil War Era.
Also, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody are having a baby. Can’t wait! See article here.
Warmer weather means beach days here in NC. It’s so nice to be just a few hours from the coast. You can make it a day trip or stay the night and still make it back to where you need to be in Raleigh the next morning (if you resist the temptation to quit your job and move out to the beach and work at an ice cream shop for the rest of your days. .. Seriously, I’ve thought about it.) Why do we worry so much about our jobs and financial security? I read this awesome article about a woman who quit her well-paying job to move to a tropical island and become a bartender. How amazing, right?! If only I had the courage to quit worrying about the superfluous things of the world, and made time to enjoy the beauty we live in. Instead, I’m writing a blog post about swim suits and caring too much about worldly things.
Anyways– In the words of Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother) “SUIT UP” .. retire the business suit and change to a bathing suit to soak up some UV rays – even if for a day!
Give me Polka Dots, Scallops, Stripes, Bows, or Ruffles and you’ve got me sold on a swimsuit. I absolutely love the high waist suits and I was swooning over the swimwear this year! Here are a few of my faves! For more visit my pinterest.
This week was so much fun, I thought I’d share with you all!
I went to Durham Monday afternoon with a friend and went shopping. I stopped by all of my favorites– J. Crew, Madewell, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Free People, West Elm .. This list could get rather extensive .. so I digress. It was fun getting out and seeing all the upcoming trends for Summer. We grabbed Chipotle and headed to Raleigh to watch the movie It Follows. I hate scary movies/things, but with this new friendship I’m learning to have an appreciation for the fun in being scared occasionally (and trying new things in general! I hated Chipotle before, but now I love it – just as an example.) I want to break out of my shell and experience life to the fullest, and I think it’s a good thing that I’ve found people in my life with different interests from my own. I’ve been trying for so long to break out of my comfort zone and it’s really quite a relief to know that I am capable of not remaining stagnant in my ways.
Tuesday we went shopping at the outlet malls to try to find good deals. Needless to say nothing was free, and for this unemployed girl — she went home bagless. ~womp womp~ ALL DAY I tried to figure out if the Toro Y Moi concert was sold out, because I couldn’t buy tickets online (it didn’t say it was sold out and said to call cats cradle to purchase over the phone). I called but it went straight to voice mail and just as we were about to leave for the concert I checked the website once again– and it finally updated to say SOLD OUT. Such a bummer — but I’ll figure out this concert thing eventually.
Wednesday we went to the beach all. day. long. Soo relaxing and nice! We stopped by Flaming Amy’s in Wilmington before heading to Kure Beach. If you’ve never had a Flaming Amy’s burritos before you are missing out. I get the ‘poboy’ — minus cheese — because I hate cheese. *gasp* (I like mozzarella but that’s it and I’m not supposed to have cheese with my diet.) See picture below (I was so hangry I couldn’t even wait to not take a bite for my picture.)
When we got to Kure we walked around, listened to music, played in the water (like children), and just had a great time enjoying the beautiful weather. I refused to put on sunscreen — which is stupid because I’m so unbelievably pale, and of course I got burnt (and as I’m writing this I regret said decision). However, now I’ve got a great base burn that will hopefully turn into somewhat a shade darker than the translucent I normally am.
Thursday was depressing as my time in Raleigh had come to a close. Before going home we stopped by Lucettegrace and got breakfast. This place is PERFECT for me. Coffee – Pastries – Exposed Brick – Edison Bulb Lighting – Reclaimed Wood. — and it’s SO clean! I feel like I could drop a delicious treat of theirs on the ground and still be safe to eat it (#threesecondrule!) Just kidding. I wouldn’t ever do that.
If you happen to be in Raleigh you should check it out for sure and get the Dixie Cannonball. I usually don’t like gravy, but there is gravy inside the muffin! I am currently craving it, and that just goes to show how good it actually is! The muffin almost tastes like the breakfast casserole my mother used to make for breakfast for Christmas and Easter, which of course makes me like it that much more!
After our (late) breakfast in Raleigh we headed toward downtown Durham. I’ve always wanted to walk around the renovations in the city to see what’s going on. I lovee old buildings and preserving the architecture that is so gorgeously and meticulously crafted. Deco buildings are my favorite. We first checked out the Carolina Theatre, who knew that was there?! I’ve lived so close to Durham my entire life and never knew such a cool place existed.
While walking around Durham we tried to find Full Steam Brewery, but we weren’t successful. Funny story– we parked at the Durham Bulls parking lot, and I walked all around the place thinking I had seen it before. I had — but I couldn’t remember how to get there. Regardless, walking around to find Full Steam I got a really good tour of downtown and all of the cool places! It really is beautiful with scenic areas especially in the American Tobacco District. I also got a really big appetite after walking for what felt like forever, so we decided to grab lunch. I had never had a panini before (again shocking) and I must say I now love it. We went to Toast and I ordered the chicken, roasted peppers, and mozzarella (I cheated, sorry) panini. #yumyum
This week was a much-needed break from reality, sometimes it’s nice and even necessary to escape for a few days — turn off your phone for a bit — and just live life. Although, I didn’t turn off my phone I wish I had. Next time I’ll consider it as a personal challenge to myself and only use it to take photos for the blog (or to navigate when I inevitably get lost in a new place.)
Just a thought ** Maybe we should all take an hour out of each day without social media and phones just to spend time uninterrupted with those we care for? Or maybe even spend that time alone as a moment of reflection. I think we get too caught up in the fast paced world that we oftentimes get overwhelmed with things, and like I said I’m trying to enjoy life to the fullest not watch it as it passes by.
When I’ve got the blues it helps me to dress up and make an effort toward my appearance. It can make me feel like a rainbow of color from the inside out. (Apparently, even blue to me is a rainbow of color? Blue is getting gutsy for me — straying from the black I normally wear, lol) Knowing yourself worth is important, and I feel that your dress and hygiene/beauty routine is a direct reflection of such. I say hygiene/beauty because I consider them to be equivalent.) I struggle with it on a daily basis, but when I channel that insecurity into fashion and things I find beautiful I can tell a significant improvement with my life.
These photos were taken by Katie a few weekends ago for the food truck rodeo. It was the best time getting to check out all the amazing foods. I wanted so so badly to try out the crepe truck but the line was so so sooooo long. If any of you know of a good place to get crepes in Raleigh let me know (or NC in general .. I’d drive quite the distance for a good crepe!)
This is by far my favorite outfit I’ve paired up so far this spring. I bought this top from J. Crew maybe a year ago and haven’t put much use to it until now. I was obsessed when I first bought it, but never knew how exactly to wear it. I usually layered it with a blazer or sweater, but never broke it out for the Summer/Spring months. Alas, here it is in all its glory not layered and feeling fabulous in the 70+ weather! It’s perfect for layering but also not too bland to wear by itself! The jeans are actually from Forever 21 that I bought years ago, recently I’ve lost a lot of weight and they’re really the only pants that fit (not to gloat–I’m just super happy to be at a weight I feel confident and comfortable with.) These jeans are super comfortable, but of course I know they won’t last long with the quality of Forever 21, therefore only paying $15.00 for them was quite the steal in my opinion. The shoes are also old and from Madewell. They’re similar to the sideline skipper, but they wrap around the ankle and are super cute for the spring/summertime!
Again, I am no model — I added some outtakes just because I found them hilarious.
1. Fitness & Beauty: I’m trying harder to stay on track with getting fit, eating right, and maintaining my appearance. I struggle with the balance of those, just as I think everyone does. Lets face it — I’m lazy and I love sleep. I found this article that focuses on how to do low impact workouts for just a few minutes a day, make it to work/school on time, AND look presentable. (the only thing is they say to use facial wipes after workout. Some facial wipes don’t truly clean your face. I think a cleanser is best — which I will be doing. Read the article on make up wipes here.) I go to an all girls school so no one really cares if you come in looking like you just crawled out of bed, in fact it’s become the norm with our school. However, I would like to challenge myself with the daily task of — well-being an actual adult and doing what is necessary to live a healthy life. I love dressing well and looking presentable, but not necessarily working out and eating clean. However, on the days that I actually maintain a balance of all these things I can tell a huge impact on my life. I surprisingly have more energy and motivation to do well in the other parts of my life; like school, work, and my jobs. Getting these things scheduled and together before the school semester starts next year is necessary to ensure I will continue them as soon as I have more to do when I move back to Raleigh. I’m also doing the squat challenge you’ve seen all over pinterest and buzzfeed — look out Jen Selter (jokes).
#Y.G.G.
2. Organization: Yet another thing that I need to get right with my life. I currently live in an “organized” chaos – but with the way my life has been and all that I want to do in the future — I need to get more organized. I’ve read tons and tons of organization tips with time management and what not. There are great planners out there like the simplified planner and the Day Designer. Last year I even ordered a Day Designer – and that was nice, but I needed even more organization than that. I know it’s crazy, but when I’m actually organized it is VERY particular. Therefore, I am creating my own planner. Which I will hopefully share with you all once I have all the kinks worked out. Anyways below is a picture of the washi tape (obsessed) that I found at AC Moore to coordinate with my planner/organization binder. I’m so excited about this washi tape, lol. I’m ridiculous — I know.
3. Fashion & Art & Music:Fly Art- I found this site last year and I have yet to buy one of these shirts, but I’m obsessed. I find these t-shirts hilarious. They incorporate lyrics from popular songs and layer the lyrics on a famous piece of art. Interesting right? Here is the tumblr. Here is where to buy!
4. TV Series: Big Little Lies- Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon to star in a TV show together? I rarely see Witherspoon in anything without a southern flare, so is it going to incorporate that? Is it going to be Stepford Wives meets Sweet Home Alabama? WHO KNOWS. All I know is that you have my attention HBO. Lets make it happen. See article here. In the meantime I’ll be hitting up netflix and Penny Dreadful on Showtime. Oh. My. Gosh. Random thought, but who else is excited for True Detective?! I know I am!
5. History & Art & Fashion:This article on Frida Kahlo’s wardrobe is fascinating to me. Her life was colorful and bold, naturally. After reading this article I decided to delve into the public response to the release of her most treasured items. This is a great article and this one as well. I learned so much about Kahlo that I didn’t originally know. Of course I had seen her work, but I had no idea of her background. It’s fascinating and disturbing. I highly encourage those to read more about her life.
Have a fabulous week & Drop it like it’s hot.
PS: Start off your week with this quiz — which beyonce are you? I love these things. lol. I am “Dangerously In Love Beyonce”
Downtown Raleigh was booming all weekend. There was First Friday, Out! Raleigh on Saturday, and the food truck rodeo on Sunday. I took photos near a new french bakery in Raleigh called Lucette Grace. There is a really cool mural of fire escapes on the back of a building that I’ve always wanted to take photos with. I don’t know why I find it so interesting, but paired with the black and white outfit it was the perfect backdrop. While Katie (my friend– not girlfriend, lol) and I were already downtown enjoying the festival Saturday, we decided to go ahead and take the photos then.
It was the best day for basics–jeans and a tank top. This tank from J. Crew is slightly elevated with fringe at the bottom, and with the contrast of the white jeans it definitely makes a statement. The wind was blowing a slight bit so I decided to pair a black blazer with the outfit just in case I got chilly. Since the fringe on the bottom of the tank was already flamboyant I decided to accessorize with a minimalist necklace and layering rings. The purse has a scalloped edge which instantly made me fall in love at first sight. I stalked this purse for months to see if ASOS would put it back online, fortunately they did and I snatched it right in time. #creeperstatus With my luck a few weeks later the crossbody strap broke (and I have yet to figure out how to fix it) so I have to awkwardly carry it around. Nonetheless the cute aspect outweighs the dislike for carrying a purse. I wish I still had these wedges (see below) to have worn with the outfit– it would have been perfect, but they completely fell apart from wearing them nearly everyday last summer. (I think I may be a little too rough with my clothes and accessories!)
Instead I decided to pair the Madewell Sidewalk Skimmer, which happens to be my favorite flat. They’re hard to break in at first, but once you do it’s the most comfortable shoe you’ve ever worn. I like them even better than my J. Crew Cece Flats, and that’s saying something! I hope you all enjoyed a simple outfit for a Sunny Spring Saturday!
I was so inspired on pinterest/instagram tonight with the Met Gala postings so I decided to share a few of my favorites and least favorites. There are a few “categories” for best because I had difficulty narrowing it down and only one for the worst.
Best Overall with theme, coloring, and trends considered:
Fan Bingbing — you WORK. IT.
One theme tonight from the big booty girls–sheer:
Bey is killing it, naturally! Kim was shaking her tail feathers? lol. Jlo looked like she was on fire. I loved all of these looks!
Simple and Elegant:
Carey Mulligan wearing all black looking chic and structured. Emma Roberts in emerald-green is absolutely stunning. Maggie Gyllenhaal contrasting in black and white pushes emphasis on the varying line detail within her gown.
Classic with an Edge:
Anne Hathaway incorporated a hood onto a dress.. I’d wear it! Julianne Moore wore black with Art Deco influenced beading detail. Kate Hudson in laced gold foil with a train. Kate Mara with a plunging neckline — could have done without the ombre flowers at the bottom though. Rosie Huntington in a nude one shoulder sassy dress. It’s a bird? It’s a plane? No it’s Emily Blunt in a cape! So elegant!
Pants:
Diane Kruger, Cara Delevingne, Jenna Lyons, Sienna Miller, and Maggie Q all embraced the pant trend on the red carpet. It just goes to show that pants can be elegantly worn to a formal event without looking like a boring pant suit.
Flowers and Shoulder Fluff:
Poppy Delevingne and Anna Wintour — some may think it is insulting to put Anna Wintour in the same category as Poppy — sorry. Both wore flowers and had a lot of tulle around the arms. Loved both looks!
Over the top:
The stars that tried overzealous looks and didn’t look too ridiculous. Rihanna rocked a yellow number fit for a (sexy) Queen. (It also reminded me of big bird ..) Lady Gaga layered her look and looked fabulous. Zendaya looked like something out of Alice in Wonderland. (but what’s with the stars/suns/compass looking thing?) SJP wore an interesting headdress that completely went along with the theme.
The worst:
The first few looks by Katie Holmes, Vanessa Hudges, and Selena Gomez aren’t all THAT bad. I just found them to look slightly tacky for the Met Gala. Katie Holmes is wearing a dress that would have looked much better without the detail at the bottom, it almost looks like Suri got a hold of it. Vanessa Hudgens looks like she stepped back into her High School Musical days, and the beading looks a little cheap. I like the attempt at the birdcage veil, but it is way too much with the contrasting beading on her dress. Selena Gomez’s dress would have looked much more elegant without the boob tassels (sorry sorry sorry!) and cheap looking flowers in her hair (again sorry). I get she was going for the theme with the tassles, but it just looks a little odd to me. She also could have worn smaller flowers with her hair down in pretty waves and it would have looked much better.
The second few looks — NEED TO GO. Katy, Madonna, and Miley — What were you thinking?! If you are invited to the Met Gala please do not show up looking like a back alley full of trash! I do not want to indulge in those attempting to keep their face in the lime light with negative antics, but dear god! These looks are utterly repulsive. I wish these women (who are fabulously talented singers) would realize that their talents would shine much more if they stopped screaming “look at me! look at me!” I get not wanting to conform and wanting to set trends, but this is getting ridiculous– Especially between Miley and Madonna!
lo's life 