Vacation Dreaming

It's that time of the year.  The school year is winding down to an end.  Every one's talking about their vacations and get-aways.  Unfortunately my husband and I don't have anything planned.  I am hoping to at least have a long weekend away out of state.  I'm at the point where I find myself daydreaming about an all inclusive trip or a cruise to an island.  Crossing my fingers that it will happen at least before the end of the year.  At least I can plan outfits in my head for when that time comes.

DKNY / A|X Armani Exchange beach shoes / Chloé Mare oversized beach bag / Mango spiral bracelet, $23 / J.Crew nautical jewelry / J.Crew lens case

How about you? Are you going on holiday this summer?  Any trips to a far far away place? 

Thrift Tour: All Mixed Up

Last weekend I had the pleasure of having back to back meet ups with Lydia and Megan. We've found that last minute planning always works for us for whatever reason. We ended up at our favorite place to go for great deals, Coco's of Madison. Since it was closing it's doors, everything was $5.00. Yes, you read right.  How in our right minds could we pass that up? We made sure to get there right when the doors opened to make sure that we beat the crowds and to get first dibs on some affordable designer pieces. After trying on a leather/tulle Dolce & Gabbana skirt that sadly had a broken zipper, among other items I was scrambling desperately to find SOMETHING!! I walked around several times, until I ended up taking home a pair of taupe slingback Seychelle's platform sandals. Phew! I was having one of those days where  I would've hated to go home empty handed.  Even though the store was closing, we can still visit their sister store Coco's on the Green.

Lydia then led our group to a new to us store called Cinderella's Attic. It will definitely be one of our places to hit when we get together, I can tell. They had a great selection of clothing and some surprising clearance items that were sadly not any of our shoe sizes. I was very content with not purchasing anything after trying on several things, when I found the most perfect orange/coral button down blouse. Why is it that I find things just when I'm about to leave?

Megan checking out what's good for lunch.

Megan and Lydia making sure the photos are just right.

We then headed to the next town over in Guilford for lunch. Of course a day with these gals is not complete without outfit photos.  These were all taken by our lovely photographer, Lydia.

top: tjmaxx / cardigan: merona / jeans: f21 / shoes: nordstrom rack

bracelets: alex & ani / rings: peter indorf / midi ring: urban outfitters

  Our last stop was supposed to be TJMaxx. For whatever reason Megan and I ended up at a different location than Lydia, at least four towns apart so we had to cut our meet up short. That's ok though, because I'm sure that the next time we do one of our meet ups slash budget friendly shopping tours we will be more planful...right? Maybe? Oh heck, who am I kidding.

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The Green

Last minute plans always work out well especially when hanging out with Lydia and Megan.  We had some delicious pizza and you know, a few outfit photos at the green since the sun was still out.  After pizza, we did some window shopping (and maybe picked up a few little things) and some ice cream!

[I'm not sure if you know how much I love Modern Apizza.  A lot....ever since I had one of my birthdays there in high school.  We go way back.  I am excited anytime I have a chance to have some eggplant pizza, even though the parking in the area is just painful.  Just a little note: Adam Richman of Man vs. Food did a segment there when he aired a show about New Haven, and he tweeted back to me!]

shirt: zac & rachel / jeans: vigoss / watch: fossil / necklace: elizajaycharm

leather cuff: tjmaxx

studded heels: steve madden

bag: plato's closet

Photos courtesy of Lydia

Stop! Grommet Time!

I recently purchased grommet pliers and some eyelets because I wanted to make something.  Mind you, this is the first time I have ever used this fancy tool.  Then, I was searching for some deals in the clearance section at a store and found a place mat that had a leather/knit/herringbone look to it.  Then, the perfect project came to mind!  A clutch!  I can't seem to get away from making more bags.  At least hubby approves of this one.

Materials:
place mat preferably with two layers
grommet pliers
eyelets
magnetic buttons
marker
scissors
ruler
felt not pictured
hole punch not pictured
clip not pictured

I measured 7 inches for the bottom part of the clutch.

Marked half an inch from the edge and one inch apart for the holes.  The clip is to keep the place mat folded.

Punched the holes with the grommet tool.

Since the holes were too small for the grommets to go through, I found that using a hole punch also worked better.

Once one side is done, do the same for the other side of the clutch.

I also punched holes for the front flap, using the holes on the other side as markers.

Once the flap is closed, the grommets will match up.

Find the middle part of the flap and mark it with a pen.

I cut a slit between the two parts of the place mat and attached the flat part of the magnetic button.

I used some super duper glue to close up the slit.

I matched up the bigger button part with the flat part, marked it, and attached it on the body of the clutch.

I covered the metal parts that went through the clutch with a piece of felt to prevent it from scratching what I
will be putting inside.

I also made a brown clutch with gold grommets.

I'm pretty pleased with my place mat grommet clutch that I can't wait to make more!  

Cobalt

Our March meet up included brunch, shopping, and of course some photos.  Tiffany, Lydia, Megan, and I took the opportunity to shoot some photos around the Yale campus.  Besides being historical, this educational institution has it's own characteristics that separates it apart from the others.  One of the reasons why I love New Haven.

jacket: Anne Klein
cardigan: Banana Republic
dress: Chico's
belt: H&M
wedges: Nine West
bag: Michael Kors

Photos courtesy of Lydia

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  Any plans?

eShakti

A last minute shopping trip with some fellow bloggers Lydia and Meg equals great bargains and of course a photo op.

I am wearing my new eShakti dress that I picked out from their website.  I've chosen something very simple knit cowl neck dress that I can pretty much wear work or even for an event.  I kept the cap sleeve and chose the length above the knee.  It so happen to be green too... my quest for a green dress is over.   Once I sent my order, it quickly arrived at my doorstep in less than a week.  Here, I've paired it with just a blazer since it was very spring like that day.
eShakti is a great women's online store where everyone who orders has the opportunity to customize the style of their garment - sleeve, neckline, and length of the piece can be changed to your preference. They offer all styles in all sizes: 0-36W and custom.  Who wouldn't want a dress fit like a glove?
eShakti also allows the customer to have the choice to have embellishments or not.

blazer: Calvin Klein
dress: eShakti
shoes: Nine West
bag: Deux Leux



Photos courtesy of Lydia

It's Not Easy Being Green

St. Patrick's Day is coming up, and the parade will be held this weekend here.  I thought I'd post a very green roundup.   As much as I am loving green right now, a little goes a long way because there's a thin line between being on trend and looking like a parade float.  I don't think I'll be going to any parades this year, but I do foresee lots of green.

Diane von Furstenberg / Topshop bag / McQ by Alexander McQueen mcq alexander mcqueen

Happy Friday folks, and hope you all have a great weekend!

Wishing For Spring

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for warmer weather.  The snow that came a few weeks ago pretty much was like winter times three.  Just the thought of the possibility of having more snow or just having frigid weather just makes me cringe.  While I wait for springtime, I will just keep on the lookout for what I'd like to get next time I'm out shopping.  Of course I'm not going to get most of what is pictured especially those $800 heels.  However, I will be fine with something similar that is a small fraction of that price!  What is something that you want to get to update your wardrobe for spring?  

Object Collectors Item boat neck top / Diane von Furstenberg pleated skirt / Yves Saint Laurent gold heels/ Clutch / Sam Ubhi chunky necklace / Michael kors watch / FOSSIL charm bangle

Night Out..Out

It's been a while since I've been out...out.  You know, like after 9PM.  Yeah, I sound like I should be eating the early bird special but that's just how it is.  I'm looking forward to celebrating my cousin's birthday this weekend even though there's more snow predicted (I'm really tired of that stuff).  So since I don't go out..out as often as I used to, I like to plan what I'll be wearing in my head.  It's a big deal, folks.  Here's what I thought of with what I kind of have in my closet minus the color-block clear wedge heels.  I'm sure that I will be in full recovery mode the next day just from wearing heels for several hours.  Wish me luck.  Hopefully I'll be able to take a nap before we head out.

Emporio Armani sequin tank, $255 / Maison Martin Margiela colorful blazer / Topshop skinny leg jeans / Pollini , $790 / Stephan co

Do you have plans this weekend?  

Prabal Gurung Collab

When I finally was able to get out of the house after Nemo, the first place to go was Target.  Whatever the reason, whether it was cabin fever or excitement for the collaboration I drove over even though driving conditions weren't so great.  Here's some of the snapshots I took before I stopped since there was a lady who thought I was crazy for taking pictures with my camera phone.  I bought the floral long sleeved tee in the floral crush print but really wanted the color block sweater.  I got home and wasn't so thrilled about the long sleeved tee and unfortunately brought it back.  Since I frequent Target all the time, I'll be stalking the sweater until it goes on sale.  Did you get anything from the collection?

Sparkly Things

Nothing wrong with wishing a few shiny things for my Birthday, right?  I think I need to update my jewelry box with some classics and some standout pieces.  These are just some that caught my eye.

Pretty shiny things by delachic

Dorothy Perkins sequin jewelry / Kate Spade bracelets jewelry / Max & Chloe stretch bracelet / Stella & Dot gemstone jewelry / Tiffany & Co. sterling silver jewelry / Blue Nile diamond jewelry

Four Eyes

Nowadays glasses have become so fashionable that someone can get one without a prescription and just add some flare to their whole look!! As for me, I've been wearing glasses ever since I was in elementary school when my Mom noticed me squinting a lot while watching television.  As an adult, I've pretty much just kept my pair of glasses for several years since I use contacts most of the time.  Plus, getting glasses at the optometrist costs quite a pretty penny!  When Firmoo offered me a free pair of glasses,  I was definitely hesitant but then I looked at my lame old glasses and I pretty much jumped at the opportunity since I just got my eyes checked.  Great timing!  

I like to try on my glasses in person, however, I uploaded a picture from my computer and tried on some cool glasses virtually.  I think deciding on "the one" was the toughest part because there's such a wide variety of styles.  I think I had five "favorites" before I narrowed it down to one.  I picked out this one since I thought it looked pretty good.  My glasses arrived less than two weeks after I sent my prescription.  These are pretty good quality glasses, and it came with a case, travel bag, cleaning cloth, and a repair kit.
If you're in need of some fancy schmancy glasses, sunglasses, goggles, or just cool specs you might want to try out Firmoo's first pair program where you can pick out some glasses and just pay for the shipping.  My husband also took advantage of the first pair program and they definitely delivered.

***These glasses were provided for review by Firmoo and all opinions about the product are my own.

Snow Day Thrifting

So mother nature gave us another whopper this week.  This time it was a nor'easter.  The weatherman wasn't quite specific of how much "dusting" of snow we were going to get and when the rain would actually begin (which we saw none of).  It was a nerve wrecking drive home from work which took me about an hour, and normally takes me ten minutes.  Morning after the snow, there was some shoveling involved.  I then treated myself to a latte and some thrifting.  A great snow day.

Stopped by for a latte and got it in the red cup. 

Seems like everyone is ready for the holidays, even the thrift shops!

I found a cute mug that Lydia of Chic on the Cheap would appreciate.

Ralph Lauren wool blazer; too bad it was a wee small on me.

Purchased: Leather clutch/wallet.  Of course I need one...I meant another one.

Purchased: Black leather belt with wide buckle.

Purchased: Gap straight leg pants w/tags and the extra button.

Purchased: Betsey Johnson pashmina still w/ plastic tag

Purchased: Facconnable black pencil skirt

I must say that I was pretty happy with my purchase seeing that I spent about $25.00 for all five items.  It definitely could have been more but I had to put some back.  I don't even know what my favorite piece is because I'm pretty excited about all of them.  Even though it didn't cost me much to buy these, a stop at the dry cleaners is a must for the skirt and the pashmina!

This weekend is supposed to be "nice" and I hope that the weatherman is right this time because I actually have some plans this weekend.

Happy Friday!