wedge sneakers

I have always loved trying out new trends and seeing what they are about. But every once and a while a trend comes along that I just cannot get on board with.

Wedge sneakers are one of those trends.

{Target}

Maybe it's because I see sneakers as something to run and work out in. Or maybe it's because I just find them to be just plain ugly. Whatever it is, this hot new form of footwear bothers me.

I love shoes a lot, I own countless pairs. I also love sneakers.

I even have four pairs of Converses.

It almost seems wrong to me to mix the classic summer look of a wedge with the sporty look of a sneaker.

Celebrities seem to be all over this trend though:

{Source: examiner.com}

People are calling this the next comfy shoe choice, but I just can't get behind that. Wedges and heels are for fashion, not for comfort.

If you want to be comfortable, try flats, smoking slippers or flip flops..

Or how about old fashioned sneakers?

Just a thought.


How do YOU feel about this trend on the rise?

_____________________________

Linking up with Long Distance Loving

outfit of the day - transitioning into spring

One of the fun things about working in the exciting world of media is that I have the opportunity to get creative with my outfits!

We have a business casual dress code that also allows jeans, so I'm not confined to the boring structure of wearing a suit every day.

Most people, including myself, dress more on the side of "business trendy". So I get really excited about planning my outfits for the day and showing them off in the office.

Since it's starting to get warmer, I was excited to cuff the bottom of my jeans up a bit. Not that there's anything crazy about showing a little bit of ankle on a late March day, but it's the small victories that
make me smile.

I love these teal jeans for spring, and paired with my nude/gold t-shirt shirt length sweater, and nude pumps, I think it makes for a great "transitioning to spring" work outfit.

And while gold jewelry isn't usually my first choice, but it definitely pairs perfectly with this ensemble.

 

Unfortunately, I am the last person to leave the house for work in the morning so mirror pictures will have to do!

Top: Frock Candy, Tank Top: VS Pink, Pants: (They're teal I promise! Bad lighting!) LOFT

Bracelets: Kate Spade, Necklace: Frock Candy, Shoes: Jessica Simpson

All unlinked items are old!

wednesday wants - back to basics

This week for my Wednesday Wants, I'm going back to basics.

As every girl knows, there are some essentials you always need in your closet.

Here are the list of those "classic" needs that I'm craving right now!

{Old Navy}

Old Navy isn't my favorite store, but when it comes to basic layering pieces, they are IT.

The price is definitely right on this Perfect Rib-Knit tank. It comes in tons and tons of colors, is extremely comfortable, and just perfect for layering all year long!

{Madewell}

A black blazer is one of the greatest pieces a girl can own. Plus it's so easy to add it onto any outfit to fancy-it-up!

{J. Crew}

Black skinny jeans go with almost anything, and can give a more sophisticated look then your typical pair of regular jeans.

{Lulus}

LBD. Need I say more? Every girl needs a little black dress in her closet, and this one is just adorable!

{Madewell}

I may have a slight addiction to my chambray shirt, seeing as I wear it all the time. I have one in a darker color, but this light one needs to be mine ASAP.

There is nothing like having a few core basics that you can pair with fun different pieces to mix and match for amazing new looks!

What do YOU consider to be your basics?

my beauty basics

While I do not consider myself a beauty or makeup expert by any means, I do have my beauty essentials just like every girl.

As you can see, I seem to have an overflowing collection, but I tend to stick to six essentials that I use every day.

Personally, I try to keep my look on the more natural side.

I start with face primer first before I put anything else on. This is to ensure that my makeup stays on longer. It also puts a barrier between my face and my makeup, which protects against breakouts.


After that, I put on my tinted moisturizer. I used to use BB Creams
but happened to get NARS Tinted Moisturizer for free through a work
event and I have been using it ever since.


Tinted moisturizers exist to give you hydration and minimal coverage. BB Creams, on the other hand, provide you with those functions in addition to SPF, skin correctors, firming aspects, etc.

I'm thinking about switching back to BB Creams once my tinted moisturizer runs out since it has so many added features.

Does anyone have any recommendations of a good one? I've been thinking about going with Smashbox.

After that I'll throw on some blush, though not a lot because I DO NOT want to look like a clown!

Then on to my eyes! First I'll put on a separate primer for my eyes to keep my makeup on all day and to prevent smudging.

Then comes the eyeliner. Always brown, and just on the top lid!

After that, of course, comes mascara. I've perfected the whole routine to where it only takes about 5 minutes, which is completely necessary, because most mornings, I'm in a bit of a rush.

Below are the items that I use every day:

1. NARS
2. NARS
3. Lorac
4. Sephora
5. Smashbox
6. Urban Decay

So what are the items YOU use in your daily routine?

___________________________________

Linking Up with My Thrifty Chic & The Sapphire Bee

low key weekend recap

In my opinion, there's nothing like a relaxing weekend that features the return of some long-lost friends!

Friday night was a night in with Bryan spent with a little pizza and channel flipping.

Low key and perfect.

Saturday was a little bit more productive. The day started off with a trip to Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Huntington. Which if you've never had it, is the greasiest but most glorious thing in the universe!

We then spent most of the day shopping around before going out to eat at Hurricane Grill and Wings in Syosset.

If you like wings, you HAVE to try this place.

I mean, you can even sample any of the sauces! My personal favorites are Mango Barbecue, Chipotle Raspberry, and Cyclone!

My beer choice that evening was called Leaf Pile. And while I found it to be extremely weird that a fall beer was available so close to April, I was more than happy to give it a go since fewer things make me happier than a glass of beer with cinnamon sugar on the rim.

Later in the night we went to Miller's Ale House, which is the usual hangout spot of choice for my group of friends. We had two of our out of town friends in for a visit and sometimes there's nothing to brighten your spirits like seeing some old friends.

Finally, Sunday was just another bum day with Bryan watching movies and eating snacks. Basically, a perfect lazy day is sometimes all you need.

It's always sad to see the weekend end, but it's back to the grind today. As always, I like to start my week in good spirits.
So I say to all of you: Happy Monday!

___________________________________

This is a Weekend Shenanigan link up with Samis Shenanigans!

new places and old faces

There are fewer things I enjoy more than trying new places and reuniting with old friends.

This week I had met up with my old friend Marissa, who've I've been consistently attempting (and failing) to hang out with since Hurricane Sandy.

We finally met up on Wednesday at a place called Thunder Jackson's on Bleecker Street in New York City.

This place had a fun dive-bar vibe that I really enjoyed, but what really stuck out to me were the fantastic deals.

Every day is happy hour from 11:30 - 7:00 with drink specials between $3 and $5 dollars. Wednesdays and Thursdays are Ladies' Night which brings additional $3 and $5 dollar specials through the end of the night.

In addition to that, there are incredible food specials to boot.

Basically, these are incredible prices for The Village.

I took advantage of Ladies' Night by indulging in the incredibly priced $3 glasses of sangria. I then had a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich for dinner.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches aren't the most difficult meal to make, but as far as they go this one was awesome!

For your side - definitely get the Filthy Fries, which have a little Cajun kick. No extra cost, but it is extra wonderful.

This blog isn't for restaurant reviews by any means, but I just enjoy sharing my interesting and fun experiences with the world.

With that said, have a great weekend.

And try something new!

color of the year 2013 - emerald

As you've probably heard by now, Pantone has announced that the 2013 Color of the Year is Emerald.

Just like everyone else, I am so excited to find some new and different ways to rock this color all year long!

Here are some items that I'd love to add to my collection to sport this hot new hue:





1. GAP // 2. 7 For All Mankind // 3. NARS
4. Tory Burch // 5. MICHAEL Michael Kors //6. MICHAEL Michael Kors

wednesday wants - dresses

In honor of the first day of spring, I want to celebrate an item that

I am so excited to bring back "sans tights" - dresses!

Of course it goes without saying that a dress is such a versatile item to have in your closet.

It can be worn with a pair of Toms and a denim jacket for a casual look.

Or maybe a blazer and heels for a work-appropriate look.

Or even with a sweater, tights, and boots to bring a summer look into one for winter.

So without further ado, these are five dresses that I really want at the moment:

Has anyone else been hypnotized by those Old Navy commercials for their new eyelet dresses?

Well I have.

They are just so cute AND only $25 each!

{Old Navy}

 And with Easter just around the corner, I think that it's appropriate to mention that I think that the yellow one needs to hop into my closet as soon as possible.

{Urban Outfitters}

I love everything about this dress. From the bold pattern to the exposed back, there is simply nothing that I think looks better.

I could easily see transitioning this piece from day to night once the weather gets warmer!

{Anthropologie}

And speaking of the change in seasons, this dress might be the perfect combination of fun and color that I need to jump start me into warmer days.

{H&M}

I love the shade of green in this dress, and you can never argue with H&M's low prices.

{Loft}

Just like i mentioned yesterday, big and bold stripes are HOT right now! And on top of that, these colors would brighten any day!

And while I'm always looking to add more dresses to my closet, the real question is what dresses are YOU currently craving this Wednesday?

runway to closet - stripes

While a lot of trends seen on the runway during Fashion Week can seem a little bit out there, some can easily be converted into everyday wear.

Stripes in particular were seen all over the place this season, but these were not just any stripes - the hot variety these days is "Big, Bright and Bold!"

Below are some examples of how this was used on the runway:

{Dolce & Gabbana}

{Christian Dior}

{Oscar de la Renta}

Of course, sprinkled into stores everywhere are fun ways for the everyday girl (and guy, we won't discriminate by gender) to rock this look for spring.

{J. Crew}

{Gap}

{Forever 21}

Even though the first day of spring is not technically until tomorrow, and here in New York the weather is still very much stuck in winter mode, I am just SO excited that I needed to get a jump start on this trend a day early.

{Shirt: Loft, Skirt: Express, Tights: H&M, Boots: Ciao Bella}

While this shirt is from last year, this is inspiring me to think of all the fun striped items that I need for my closet this year.

Are you excited about stripes for spring?

st. patty's day weekend recap

Well, St. Patrick's Day Weekend 2013 was a great success!

Saturday was the start of festivities with my friends. For the first part of the day I had a small group of people over to my house for what I intended to be some fun in the sun.

Little did I realize it was supposed to snow that day.

My friends and I being the crazy people that we are, we all decided that we weren't going to let a little snow ruin our plans.




After hours of snowy beer pong, we headed over to the local bar to meet up with the rest of our friends. Needless to say, the day turned out perfect overall.




It really just goes to show that you can't let silly things, like snow, get you down.

Since Saturday was so wonderful (and a little wild!), Sunday was a little bit more low key.

I spent the day with Bryan and his family, where despite the fact that they are not the slightest bit Irish, they served a traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage.

It was my first time trying this and I was pleasantly surprised to how much I enjoyed the corned beef. There was also potatoes, carrots, Irish soda bread, and Guinness to be had - all of which were great!

All in all, this St. Patrick's Day weekend was everything I wanted it to be and more.

Great friends, great food, great drinks, and great fun.

So until next year...

st. patrick's day style

It is worth noting that I love any holiday that involves dressing up, having a few drinks and hanging out in the sunshine with your friends.

This, of course, includes St. Patrick's Day!

Below are some fun outfit ideas for this fun and festive holiday that everyone, Irish or otherwise, can enjoy.

{Made on Polyvore}

This outfit is NOT for someone going on a pub crawl! If you're staying at one party and looking for a trendy and edgy look, this might be the way to go.

{Made on Polyvore}

An outfit like this would be the more casual choice. If you plan to run around from bar to bar, this is the perfect way to look good and stay comfortable for the long day ahead.

While I'm not entirely sure what I'll be wearing on St. Patrick's Day just yet, I'm sure it will include shamrock stickers and necklaces with green shot glasses attached.

The main plan, however, is to get out there and celebrate with my favorite people!

So I say to you, friends and readers:

Drink green beer.

Make green cupcakes.

Mix a boozy Shamrock Shake.

And above all - wear green!

Happy St. Patty's Day everyone!

wednesday wants - shoes

This week for my Wednesday Wants, I'm going to focus on the finest accessory that your feet can flaunt: shoes.

So without further ado, the five shoes that I really want right now:

{Cole Haan}

Of all of the shoes I have (and I have a lot), how is it possible that I don't have a pair of classic black pumps?

This should be a staple in every girls closet, and it somehow is not in mine!

Regardless, this pair is beautiful, and Cole Haan footwear is always a good choice.

{Tory Burch}

I love Tory Burch flats (I already have two pairs), and have been wanting nude flats for a while. So it goes without saying that these just seem like the perfect fit!

{Steve Madden}

You give me five seconds of warm weather and my mind is officially on the fast track to summer. With that said, these sandals belong in my collection.

{Steve Madden}

As you've probably gotten from my past entries, I love the color mint. So these flats are right up my alley!

{Urban Outfitters}

I love my black ankle boots in the winter, but this peep toe taupe pair are a perfect way to transition the style into spring.

As if I don't have enough shoes already, I always want more!

But enough about me! What shoes do YOU want for spring?

rainy day fashion

No one enjoys a rainy day. That just seems to be a fact.

But more specifically, no one enjoys how a rainy day can inhibit your outfit choices!

This morning I had an outfit already laid out from the night before, which is a rarity for me, only to realize that I couldn't wear it today since it was not "rain friendly."

And thus began the search.

This morning I chose an over-sized sweater and a skirt with a fun pattern to be worn over leggings with boots. I would've taken a picture, but as usual I was running out the door to catch a train this morning.

And while I definitely love my current clothing choice, especially because I love leggings and any excuse to wear them, my typical rainy day outfit is pretty solid. And pretty stylish!

Top: sweater, a chambray shirt, or both!

{All tops from Madewell}

The name of the game is comfy and cozy on a rainy day, so an over sized sweater is just perfect in my opinion. A chambray shirt is also such a staple, and also very comfortable - and if you're anything like me, you'll instantly fall in love with layering the two together!

Bottom: Colored Jeans

{Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Old Navy}

Now, you may be asking yourself, why colored jeans versus regular denim?

My logic is, it's already a gloomy day. So there is nothing that I like more then finding the light in every day and situation, and if that's as silly as wearing bright pants on a dark and rainy day, then that's what it is.

If nothing else, it'll make someone smile!

Footwear: BOOTS (of course!)

{Hunter, Tretorn, Ralph Lauren}

Now, a neutral pair is always good to have so it can go with any outfit, but if you're like me and have multicolored boots (I happen to have white Coach boots with pink and purple C's), make sure to fit the rest of the outfit accordingly.

Hair: ANYTHING but down!

{InStyle}

My go-to choices are a high bun or a side braid. Basically, anything that's not going to be destroyed by a trip outside is the key.

Also, as obvious as it seems, get a strong and sturdy umbrella.

The only reason that I make a point of saying that is because the wind turned MINE inside out at least 100 times on my walk to the train this morning.

And personally, I did NOT care for that.

my boozy foodie weekend

Well, another relaxing and wonderful weekend is in the books.

In my world, Friday usually seems to fall as the casual night out with my friends. As much as I love how consistent we can be about that, I am so excited to mix it up this weekend with a holiday I love way too much for someone with no Irish blood whatsoever: St. Patrick's Day!

Saturday, Bryan and I went to The Good Life in the Massapequa Park area of Long Island. This evening was set up as a surprise dinner for me which as always, I was more than thrilled to go along with. 

While driving to the mystery destination, we went past this very interesting place that had a classic English telephone booth as its doorway. Of course, I felt the need to point out how interesting I found this to be and got even more excited when I found out that was indeed the spot he had chosen! 

Dinner consisted of an amazing beer selection and some of the best, if not the best, appetizers I've ever had.

If you ever get a chance to go, the Chicken Cordon Blue Balls will change your life. I promise.

After that we decided to go home for some wine, cheese and Saturday Night Live. For everyone else who has not had the pleasure of experiencing it, we make a mean cheese platter.

Of course, the purpose of this blog is not to review television shows. However, the fact of the matter is I watch a lot of TV that I am very passionate about and will probably end up discussing it here from time to time.

It is worth noting that SNL is one of my favorite shows. Not because it is the most funny or smart show on right now, because it isn't. The main reason I love it so much is because of the history that comes with a show that has been on as long as this one, not to mention the comedic geniuses it has produced. 

This reason was reconfirmed in this latest episode when Justin Timberlake officially became a member of the coveted Five Timers Club. To celebrate this occasion, many of the greats that have also achieved this honor such as Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and Alec Baldwin all made surprise appearances. Needless to say, I think we could call this the best episode of the season!

On an unrelated note, I must say that I am excited for this week to start if it is going to bring weather similar to this weekend. Because quite frankly, I am over the snow. 

winter woes

Last time I checked, didn't the Groundhog say spring was coming soon? Apparently he's a liar. To anyone else here in NY you know exactly what I'm talking about. THIS was not a pleasent thing to wake up to on this lovely March morning:

 

Thanks, but no thanks. Also, my train getting in to the city 20 minutes late was not a nice start to my day. I was really in the mood for spring too. St. Patrick's Day is next weekend (which I'm SO excited about!) and I even painted my nails last night in the spirit of spring:

{Essie Navigate Her and Good as Gold}

 

Not necessarily well (self painted nails is not my strong suit) but I tried! What are your feelings on the accent nail? I've been a huge fan of the ring finger accent nail for a while but lately I've been trying out the pinky, and am enjoying it!

Hopefully this is the end of snow until next season. I don't think I can take much more!

At least it's the weekend. Happy Friday!