It's My Party and I'll Style If I Want To

Blazer:  H&M, Tee:  Urban Outfitters, Pants:  J.Crew, Bag:  Louis Vuitton Speedy 30, Shoes:  Zara, Necklace:  H&M, Aviators:  Ray-Ban

An outfit fit for a princess!!

We have very stylish family and friends!

I know I have been on a blogging hiatus for the past few days but I have good reason.  This past weekend was my niece Kennedy (the light of my life)'s 1st birthday party.  I spent weeks searching for the perfect gift for her, but decided that no ordinary gift would do.  I needed something unique so I put  my artistic abilities to good use and made her gift.  This was the end result:

Just what every 1-year-old needs - a full length mirror with the words to "Material Girl" painted down the sides.    I was really pleased with how it turned out and Kennedy and my sister-in-law absolutely loved it!!

Standardized

Top:  Madewell, Skirt:  The Limited, Shoes:  Aldo, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Necklace:  ColorBlockShop via Etsy

Just a quick post today to get us all through this hump day.  It has been a LONG week.  We have NJASK testing (the NJ state standardized test) all week.  It can be stressful at times because there is strict protocol we need to follow as proctors.  My outfits have been fun and playful this week - even with the unseasonably cold weather - in an attempt to boost the morale of my students and colleagues!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday! 

Blazer:  Zara, Pants:  AG  Adriano Goldschmied, Shoes:  Classiques Entier via Nordstrom, Necklace:  Spike the Punch via Etsy

Inkblot

Dress:  Zara, Necklace:  H&M, Clutch:  Anthropologie (on sale!)

When I first saw this dress I was hesitant to buy.  I love a floral pattern, but the first thing that went through my head is that it reminded me of the Rorschach Inkblot Test.  Once I put the dress on I knew it had to be mine.  I have worn it several times already.  It's different from anything I have in my closet and is perfect for an evening event, but can also be dressed down for a more casual conservative look.  I promise - when wearing - to refrain from asking people to interpret what they see.

Blazer:  Aritzia, Shoes:  Aldo, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff

Stripes Challenge

Today I had the opportunity to be part of a challenge hosted by Jessica from What I Wore blog.  The challenge was to wear two of your favorite outfits featuring stripes.  Being a stripe-lover this was easy for me.  I often find myself passing up buying striped pieces because I feel like I may be over-doing them.  Jessica's challenge proved that you can never have too much of a good thing!

I want to thank Jessica for allowing me to participate and Crystalin for editing my pictures for me (beacause I am still a little technologically challenged!).  To my new readers:  thank you for stopping by and for your support!

Outfit 1:  Blouse:  J.Crew (similar here on sale!), Pants:  J.Crew (similar here), Shoes:  Christian Louboutin, Necklace:  Forever 21 (similar here), Clutch:  Unknown Brand (similar here)

Outfit 2:  Top:  H&M (similar here, here), Skirt:  H&M (similar here, here, here), Shoes:  Me Too, Bag:  Louis Vuitton, Cross Necklace:  similar here, here, here

Products I Love

image via spa-view.com

As a kid I remember going into my grandmother's bathroom and among her beauty products there was always a can of Aqua Net hairspray sitting out on the counter.  I feel as though Aqua Net is an iconic hairspray of the 20th century.  There is definitely something wonderfully nostalgic about that familiar smell. 

Throughout the years I have been exposed to a plethora of different hairspray products (I have lived in NJ - the hairspray capital of the world - my entire life) and this hands down is my favorite: 

image via hairchoices.com

Healium aiHr Hairspray

It's the perfect amount of hold - not prom stiff and not fall out before you get to prom weak.  My favorite thing about the spray is that it contains UV sunscreen protectors that not only keep the integrity of your color, but also keep your scalp for getting scorched.  It doesn't make your hair flaky or leave a white residue, instead my hair is shiny and voluminous.  It smells fantastic too which is always a bonus!

A-Line

Chambray shirt:  Old Navy (similar here), Skirt:  Forever 21 (similar here), Shoes:  Zara (similar here), Bag:  LV Speedy 30, Necklace:  Spike the Punch (on Etsy), Belt:  Anthropologie (similar here)

I love the carefree flowy look of an A-line skirt, but have never been a huge fan of the way they look on me.  When I saw this one in Forever 21 I thought I would give them another attempt - for under $20 I thought 'what the heck!'.  I was really pleased by the versatility of the skirt and I like the way it falls on me.  It doesn't overwhelm my small frame (or accentuate my chicken-legs). 

 The chambray shirt and statement necklace gave the skirt a more preppy look for work, while the semi-sheer Zara blouse and delicate jewelry in my second outfit gave the skirt a more romantic look for a night out.

The verdict: a great fashion find for any occasion!

Blouse:  Zara (similar here, here, here), Shoes:  J.Crew (similar here), Clutch:  unknown brand gift (similar here), Necklace:  H&M, Pearl Earrings:  gift from my grandmother (similar here)

No Sleep Till Brooklyn

Sweater:  Zara, Jeans:  AG via Anthropologie, Shoes:  J.Crew via Ebay (similar here), Bag:  LV Speedy 30, Necklace:  The Limited (similar here), Bracelets:  H&M (similar here, here), J.Crew (similar here)

Hope everyone had a happy Easter!  My husband and I celebrated in Brooklyn with my mother, brother, and other family and friends.  Every time I go to see her I make it a point to go up to the roof of her building for atleast a few minutes to enjoy the beautiful views of NYC and the Statue of Liberty.  It was such a clear day yesterday that the view was breathtaking!  I had to share it with you.

After eating way too much, we took a stroll to check out the new beer garden that is coming soon to her neighborhood.  It was very industrial looking which made for some great iPhone shots.  We will definitely be spending a lot of time there this summer!! 

Products I Love

photo from EvelineCharles.com

I have never been one to sit under an umbrella at the beach.  Of course I apply suntan lotion while outside in the summer, but I do enjoy getting a healthy (or some would probably say that it's not very healthy) dark tan.  I'm not a fan, however, of tanning beds.  I just don't feel great afterwards and I loathe that smell of burning skin that stays with you until you shower. 

Last year I discovered a wonderful alternative:  Tan Towels.  I would describe them as a big wet nap.  They are super easy to apply you simply unfold and rub on your body in a circular motion.  The result is an even subtle tan (I have had oompa-loompa spray tan experiences in the past).  It's just the perfect amout of color for me to feel confident wearing a pair of shorts or skirt with no tights in the early spring.  They come in 2 shades ~ classic and plus, and the best part ~ they are super-cheap!  Spray tanning around where I live can cost you $75 just for one spray.  I buy my tan towels at a local beauty supply store where a pack of 5 costs just $24!!!

Singin' in the Rain

Trench:  Bloomingdales (old), Sweater:  H&M, Jeans:  AG via Anthropologie, Wellies:  Hunter, Necklace:  Luluka via Etsy, Bracelets:  J.Crew, H&M, Watch:  DKNY, Nails:  Essie Turquoise & Caicos

I have finally embraced the fact that the beautiful warm weather that we had a week or so ago was just a fluke and that we still have a few more weeks of cold weather before spring officially arrives.  It rained on and off pretty much all weekend.  I had to break out my favorite trench coat.  The vibrant orange color brightens the dreariest of days and automatically puts me in a better mood.  

My husband snapped the picture below as we were leaving for church today to celebrate my nephew receiving his first communion.  The perfect palm sunday attire.  Congrats Jakey-Bean! 

Blazer:  Aritzia, Top:  H&M, Pants:  Citizens of Humanity(on sale!), Shoes:  Christian Louboutin, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Necklace:  H&M, Earrings:  Gift from my Grandmother