2012: 67 & 68

Just a quick peek at the last two days before I'm off to NYC for the weekend to see Jason Aldean/Luke Bryan/Miss Lauren Alaina. SO much excitement - and as usual, lots of debauchurous fun to be had. Of course, photos soon. 

Happy weekend!

PS - I am (very) ashamed to admit that I painted my nails Mint Candy Apple AT WORK this morning in preparation for this weekend. Full blown addition is undeniable.

2012: 66

Today, this happened. 

 

 

Nothing like a little red pant/nautical stripe and Jack Rogers to get you in the mood for summer...

No seriously, how about we just skip spring. Yeah? Yeah.

(J.Crew Jackie Cardigan | LOFT Blouse | J.Crew Minnie Pant | Jack Rogers Navajo | Vintage Jewelry)

2012: 62, 63, 64 & 65

 

Getting ready for work by candlelight - not one of the best way to kick off a Friday, but at least it smelled pretty.

 

Kelly green trousers (F21, sold out) and nails (Essie Pretty Edgy) for the "real" St. Patrick's Day... 

And then this lovely concotion (Baileys and Nutty Irishman iced coffee) to kick off Southie's St. Patrick's Day (it's only real if there's a parade!)

Newest Essie: Lapis of Luxury. Totally in love with this periwinkle shade - definitely helping to put a little "spring" in my step (I'm hilarious?) alongside this weather...

Budget Basics: The Boyfriend Jean

There are many times in a gal's life (okay, maybe just mine) when she is faced with the all-important question, "To splurge, or not to splurge?"

I am one of the belief that it is justifiable to spend the extra hundo if the item is something basic that you will get a lot of wear out of. You're paying for quality, aka longer life, aka since it IS something you will wear a lot, you are more than getting your money's worth. If your $20 purchase falls apart after one washing, you were ultimately better off spending 120 on something you wear bi-weekly for years.

That being said, sometimes there are pieces that are both basic AND fit the budget - and I was lucky enough to come across just that at Old Navy this week (booo, sold out online!). Here they are in white, but RUN, don't walk to your local ON and you can scoop them up for $19.50 - I ended up buying them in the light AND dark washes (extra $20 for more versatility - I couldn't resist!):

I have had my eye on this style for quite some time, but was never able to pull the trigger on the Current Elliott pair that I fell in love at first sight with on Atlantic-Pacific this past fall.

They are adorable and seriously go with everything for a laid back look. Since I tend to steer toward a more polished style, and because they're really only cute rolled up past the ankle, I held off because I knew I couldn't wear them 'till at least April (hey, thanks March weather!).

I'm honestly so glad I did. As much as they are super versatile (and amazingly comfortable), I know I will be hesitant to pair them with a good portion of my wardrobe that is super structured, so dropping $230 on the "real thing" was not exactly a necessity. For $190 less, I got two in different washes - so I can feel pretty darn good about that.

After a rough St. Patty's weekend,  the last thing I wanted to do was dress up for work today. It's super warm out, so in honor of the weather and my laziness, I'm sporting the lighter pair (pictured) with these comfy springy classics:

Too good. I feel like I'm still in PJs.

BONUS: I finally scored a chambray (that I actually LOVE the fit and weight of!) at Old Navy too. I have tried the chambrays at J.Crew, Madewell, etc etc multiple times and they all just make me look like a sack 'o potatoes (too heavy, to baggy, weird shade with my jeans...the list goes on), not to mention they are on the pricier side. This loveliness set me back a measly $24.95.

Honestly, ON is straight killing it this season - and I don't hate it.

2012: 60&61

Fresh flowers & magnum sav blanc: this is how we do bad days. 

 But seriously - hyacinths are perfect for early spring, and don't even get my started on any/all South African wines. They are so amazingly perfectly dry and crisp and I just can't get enough (and PS - this magnum was $11. In the city. YES.)

2012: 59

First deck night of the year: a little after hours work never hurt nobody when garlic hummus and a BL are involved.

Currently Coveting: Piperlime Edition

I have always thought of Piperlime as a source for shoe shopping, and I am a pretty faithful endless.com customer (for their service and selection), so the buck stopped there.

Recently, I stumbled upon these jeans, sourced from Piperlime, and that was all, folks. I got sucked into browsing and I'm a total convert. They have so many fun options that you don't find everywhere else online, a lot of it is super budget friendly, but still (at least seems) very well-made.

I've needed a good, quality (NOT F21, though I still adore you) alternative to J.Crew for my recent blouse addiction (aka trying to not look 12 years old) and I think I've found it (the prices are even better!). Don't even get me started on how clutch the Olivia Palermo, Rachel Zoe and Rachel Bilson picks sections are. Talk about perfect marketing/easy (wallet draining) inspiration...

Here are MY current picks (because you obviously care as much about them as Rachel Zoe's...).

1. Animal Ruched Blouse (can you say most flattering shape ever?) | 2. Polka Dot Blouse | 3. Lace Shift Blouse | 4. Roberta Roller Rabbit Kurata | 5.  Trina Turk Chara Silk Dress | 6. 7 for all Mankind Crop Skinny Jeans | 7. Leopard Print Blouse (this WILL come home to live with me - it's the perfect subtle leopard print) |  8. Pleated Front Blouse (still in love with this vermillion hue - plus chevron nod)

2012: 57 & 58

We have had absolutely amazing weather for the last two days, and it seems to be continuing to go my way - and I am embracing it with open arms.

Crazed seagulls on at Castle Island. This walk really made me not want to move more than a few blocks in September.

Dress with no tights for the first time since last September. In the outfit that started it all...

No seriously. I saw a girl wearing this dress, with these shoes on the T and I HAD to have it. As if fate stepped in, I was en route to shop on Newbury Street and happened upon it at H&M - only one left, in MY size. It's become my go-to; it's insanely comfortable and forgiving, but super adorable.

And then I found the shoes: these Michael Kors driving mocs are seriously perfect (similar). Snakeskin, comfy, gold hardware.

Obligatory picture of my new case again (obsessed).

FINALLY cooked for myself (for the first time in 2 weeks) - and went with a summery selection of quinoa with zucchini, eggs and avocado lime cilantro dressing.

Looks like mush but this health bomb is gonna be lunch for me ALL week.

2012: 55 & 56

Major slackage yet again - but alas, a glimpse into my Friday & Saturday...

These green bean "fries" that I grabbed from A Cozy Kitchen were a great idea in theory - but they are super, super dry. Next time (if there is one),  I will definitely try adding some olive oil to the trays for the baking.

The main event - this asparagus & goat cheese frittata - has been on my recipe to-do for ages.

This was my first-ever frittata...

But I'd say it was a good choice (and bf approved), which is always important.

Recipe here. I fully plan on mastering this using egg whites so I can bring slices in daily for lunch.

Easy Saturday outfit...

Chambray shirt & dark skinny and...

 My new DV booties - amazingly comfortable (horrible photo).

Bonus: new iPhone cover from Southern Belle Boutique - I'm in love.

2012:54

 

The "newest" addition to my room: gold chevron lucite lamp. Light & chevron both make me equally happier.

Lampshade & base via Target.

Nearly Nautical

Not to say that my teabag (har har) is really what kicked me in the arse to come back to my blog - but it almost is, in more ways that one. I have been pseudo sick for the last few weeks (thanks, Philly) and haven't had the energy to get out of bed in the morning, let alone put together a post of any value - so I copped out and opted for the silence route.

I am finally feeling better (admittedly dragging my lazy bum to gthe gym helped immensely), and it was time to get back to my ever-growing list of boards to put together. I have ALWAYS been a sucker for nautical touches (note: stripe addiction) from navy and red to straight up anchors, but I can very easily go too far with it and can end up looking more like a sailor costume than straight out of a Sperry ad.

There are plenty of ways to add a nautical nod to an outfit this season without taking it too far. If you're going to do something as literal as an anchor, it's really important to keep the rest of your pieces in the nautical vein (ie a stripe, red OR navy, etc.) so that everything you're wearing isn't themed. Here are a few of my faves (and I had to cut about 15 that wouldn't fit - sad!):

1. F21 Striped Nautical Short | 2. Kate Spade Sailor's Knot Bangle | 3. J.Crew Tillary Tote | 4. J.Crew Factory Enamel Bracelet | 5. Port Winsor Longwood Tunic | 6. Kate Spade Sailor's Knot Studs | 7. Pink Pineapple Cape Knot Dock Belt | 8. Dorothy Parker Navy Knot Waist Belt | 9. J. McLaughlin Monogrammed Sailcloth Duffle | 10. Tory Burch Penny Loafer | 11. Kate Spade Nera Coat | 12. F21 Two-Tone Braided Headwrap | 13. James Jeans Sailor Trouser Jean | 14. LOFT Vintage Stripe Shift Dress | 15. Milly for Sperry Laceless Sneaker | 16. J.Crew Garment Dyed Toothpick Jean in Festival Green | 17. Kate Spade Anchors Away Bracelet | 18. Anchor Rope Necklace

2012:53

 

Perhaps you are right this time, Good Earth tea.