Even though the season has been incredibly mild and it literally hasn't snowed, I feel quite stuck in a winter rut.
I feel like I've been wearing the same things and doing the same things and saying the same things. I hate to complain because life is really good and I don't want to sound bored or ungrateful, but the truth is that I just feel a bit stymied.
I've been living in my DVF wrap dresses and J. Crew Pixie pants. I'm over tights in the biggest way and have been wearing skinny jeans out at night whenever possible in an attempt to avoid all other leg wear. I've been going to SoulCycle three times a week and making lots of plans with girlfriends. All good things. I have been saying at least once a day that I need a vacation and that I'm dying to go skiing, or to the beach, but I haven't done a thing to actually plan anything.
One of my goals for the month of February was to try something new and as vague as that was, I didn't really do it. Not because I didn't want to, but because I couldn't think of something to do and time got away from me. And it bothers me, and I guess that's the whole point of this post. I've been playing it safe, and every so often I get a little stir crazy and the urge to step out of my comfort zone tugs on my sleeve. Do you ever feel this way?
I've been attempting to make little alterations and tweaks to my routine to help satisfy the desire for change but at the end of the day, I feel stifled. I keep saying I want to bake but I don't have an oven. I keep saying that I want to run but it's too cold out. I'm tired of the excuses! I don't want to make them anymore.
But the truth is that I really don't have an oven and it really is cold out, so in the meantime I'm going to use my parents' kitchen to try that recipe I saw on Bakerella and I'm going to bundle up for a short jog/walk combo in the park across the street. Where there's a will there's a way.
Am I alone in my principles or are you in a winter rut too?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Spring bargains
I want to talk fashion, but not Oscars fashion. I didn't even watch it!
Lately I've been paring down my wardrobe and have really been focusing on quality over quantity and investment pieces. However, that's not to say I won't snatch up a bargain every now and then!
I did a little spring shopping this weekend and wanted to share a few great buys with you.
I have been in dire need of new jeans but have a very tough time finding denim that fits well. I've been hesitant to invest in another pair of Sevens and now I'm glad I held off. I found these boyfriend jeans at Joe Fresh and decided to try them out. The denim is incredibly soft and the fit is actually surprisingly flattering for a slouchy style! Best of all, these were $29. I can't wait to wear 'em with ballet flats and a big necklace when it gets a bit warmer out. (They look better rolled at the cuffs. These run a little big. Let me know if you need sizing advice.)
If the previous item didn't tip you off, I love the 'boyfriend' look and always have. I always pilfered my beaus' Abercombie rugby shirts in high school. So it may be of no surprise to you that this gingham shirt is actually from... Crewcuts! Yes, I bought this in the boys section at J. Crew. This is one of the only times that I actually feel lucky to have what most fashion magazines would describe as a "boy shape" for a figure. Can't decided if I want to tie this at the bottom or tuck it in to a pair of white shorts... or perhaps don it over a preppy bikini. Any way you look at it, a great and versatile piece for $39.50. The only catch is that the buttons fall on me in a certain way that one button makes the difference between a very conservative look or a very sexy look. Will have to get a white lacy tank to wear under it. I'm just glad my body's not ALL boy.
My sister loves Topshop so when I met her in SoHo to do a little shopping this weekend, we stopped in. They had this flippy hem dress in a variety of colors and I picked up one in a wine hue. I'm envisioning dressing it up with my Louboutin pumps and Chanel bag. I love the simple silhouette and think it could work now with tights and in a few months without. (I'm not sure about the internet price, but the store had these on sale for $24 a pop.)
(And of course if you've ever been to SoHo, you know that one of the best parts about it is the abundance of very affordable costume jewelry! I picked up a great pair of big green earrings that will be so fun to wear once the sun comes out again!)
Have you picked up anything for spring yet?
Lately I've been paring down my wardrobe and have really been focusing on quality over quantity and investment pieces. However, that's not to say I won't snatch up a bargain every now and then!
I did a little spring shopping this weekend and wanted to share a few great buys with you.
I have been in dire need of new jeans but have a very tough time finding denim that fits well. I've been hesitant to invest in another pair of Sevens and now I'm glad I held off. I found these boyfriend jeans at Joe Fresh and decided to try them out. The denim is incredibly soft and the fit is actually surprisingly flattering for a slouchy style! Best of all, these were $29. I can't wait to wear 'em with ballet flats and a big necklace when it gets a bit warmer out. (They look better rolled at the cuffs. These run a little big. Let me know if you need sizing advice.)
If the previous item didn't tip you off, I love the 'boyfriend' look and always have. I always pilfered my beaus' Abercombie rugby shirts in high school. So it may be of no surprise to you that this gingham shirt is actually from... Crewcuts! Yes, I bought this in the boys section at J. Crew. This is one of the only times that I actually feel lucky to have what most fashion magazines would describe as a "boy shape" for a figure. Can't decided if I want to tie this at the bottom or tuck it in to a pair of white shorts... or perhaps don it over a preppy bikini. Any way you look at it, a great and versatile piece for $39.50. The only catch is that the buttons fall on me in a certain way that one button makes the difference between a very conservative look or a very sexy look. Will have to get a white lacy tank to wear under it. I'm just glad my body's not ALL boy.
My sister loves Topshop so when I met her in SoHo to do a little shopping this weekend, we stopped in. They had this flippy hem dress in a variety of colors and I picked up one in a wine hue. I'm envisioning dressing it up with my Louboutin pumps and Chanel bag. I love the simple silhouette and think it could work now with tights and in a few months without. (I'm not sure about the internet price, but the store had these on sale for $24 a pop.)
(And of course if you've ever been to SoHo, you know that one of the best parts about it is the abundance of very affordable costume jewelry! I picked up a great pair of big green earrings that will be so fun to wear once the sun comes out again!)
Have you picked up anything for spring yet?
Friday, February 24, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
The art of a brush
Makeup has always been a challenge for me. I've come a long way from the days of no bronzer (can you believe it?!) and my skills have certainly improved with time, but there's still so much to learn. In the past year or so I feel like I finally figured out how to do my eyes, but the rest of my face remained a complete question mark. I've had a few too many days recently where my face didn't quite match my neck and decided it was time to do something about it. While perusing in Sephora on Friday evening (killing time before meeting a girlfriend for dinner) I decided that instead of making more uninformed purchases, I would take advantage of their services. For a minimum purchase of $50, a Sephora employee will do your makeup. This is an offer I had forgotten about until recently. I figured I would spend at least that much, so I made an appointment to come back the next afternoon.
During my appointment, I asked about a hundred questions and was fortunate enough to work with a very patient employee who talked me through the entire application, explaining why she chose each product. My biggest concerns were foundation and concealer - how to select the type and color and how to properly apply. After she finished applying both, she turned me to the mirror and I was stunned. My skin was even and polished and ALL ONE COLOR. A world of difference from how I look every morning.
I told the makeup artist my absolute musts for face makeup: matte finish, moisturizing quality and light coverage. This is what she came back with. She said I have both yellow and pink undertones - the exact mix this particular color was formulated for. (I have "E".) Love that it's water based. To achieve the matte finish, she applied Cover FX Setting FX Translucent Powder.
Concealer is probably something every girl should have in her makeup bag, but every time I tried it I kinda felt as though I wasn't applying it correctly and it didn't look right. Putting it on yesterday, I realize I still somewhat feel this way and gave up on the brush a bit too and quickly used my fingers to blend it in. While my skills are still shaky, I like the product itself - Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer. What a great name! (I got the light golden color.)
I've always been an advocate for great, high quality makeup brushes and this trip helped me fill in a few blanks. I watched carefully as Audrey chose different tools from her pack and I inquired about each one. When I purchased the three products above, I picked up a concealer brush as I didn't own one. (This is the first time I'm wearing concealer in years!) When I used my new products yesterday morning, I realized I was still missing a few key brushes and ran back to Sephora, found my gal, and asked her to help me select a fan brush (perfect for applying light layers of bronzer - not surprisingly, I have a heavy hand and always apply too much) and an airbrush foundation brush (ideal for light coverage - the Trish McEvoy one I had been using is a paint brush shape and after using it to apply my new foundation, I realized - you guessed it - it made the makeup look like it was painted on).
I highly recommend the Sephora application service to any girl looking to improve her own skill set or change up her routine. But seriously, if you need to pick up a few things there, why not schedule the appointment before a night out? Getting your makeup done is such a luxury! I will most certainly be planning my Sephora stops strategically from now on.
During my appointment, I asked about a hundred questions and was fortunate enough to work with a very patient employee who talked me through the entire application, explaining why she chose each product. My biggest concerns were foundation and concealer - how to select the type and color and how to properly apply. After she finished applying both, she turned me to the mirror and I was stunned. My skin was even and polished and ALL ONE COLOR. A world of difference from how I look every morning.
I told the makeup artist my absolute musts for face makeup: matte finish, moisturizing quality and light coverage. This is what she came back with. She said I have both yellow and pink undertones - the exact mix this particular color was formulated for. (I have "E".) Love that it's water based. To achieve the matte finish, she applied Cover FX Setting FX Translucent Powder.
Concealer is probably something every girl should have in her makeup bag, but every time I tried it I kinda felt as though I wasn't applying it correctly and it didn't look right. Putting it on yesterday, I realize I still somewhat feel this way and gave up on the brush a bit too and quickly used my fingers to blend it in. While my skills are still shaky, I like the product itself - Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer. What a great name! (I got the light golden color.)
I've always been an advocate for great, high quality makeup brushes and this trip helped me fill in a few blanks. I watched carefully as Audrey chose different tools from her pack and I inquired about each one. When I purchased the three products above, I picked up a concealer brush as I didn't own one. (This is the first time I'm wearing concealer in years!) When I used my new products yesterday morning, I realized I was still missing a few key brushes and ran back to Sephora, found my gal, and asked her to help me select a fan brush (perfect for applying light layers of bronzer - not surprisingly, I have a heavy hand and always apply too much) and an airbrush foundation brush (ideal for light coverage - the Trish McEvoy one I had been using is a paint brush shape and after using it to apply my new foundation, I realized - you guessed it - it made the makeup look like it was painted on).
I highly recommend the Sephora application service to any girl looking to improve her own skill set or change up her routine. But seriously, if you need to pick up a few things there, why not schedule the appointment before a night out? Getting your makeup done is such a luxury! I will most certainly be planning my Sephora stops strategically from now on.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Five things I've discovered this week
The fruit and cheese bistro box at Starbucks... It's high calorie, so I skipped the nuts, dried cranberries and about half the cheese. The apple slices, 9 grain crackers and Brie made for the ultimate "it's 6pm and I'm starving but dinner's not 'til 9" snack.
The Arise bra from Lululemon... Perfectly flattering for a gal with my proportions (or lack thereof). I'm totally going to rock this (in hot pink!) with my Astro Wonder Crops in the upcoming Sports Bra Challenge. (Speaking of which, any local gals interested in participating with me?)
The Zite app for iPhone... This thing is incredible. Based on interests via your Twitter and Google Reader accounts and your own personal selection of topics that interest you (from a long list), Zite cherry picks articles for you to read and essentially creates your very own "magazine". I sometimes have a long commute and don't always want to carry a book or magazine around as my bag is already heavy. Best of all, it's free!
The fresh and fun spring collections hitting city windows and virtual shelves... most notably those of Devon Baer, Diane von Furstenberg, and J. Crew.
The detachable pony-o zipper pull on the inside of my DTB duffle... Gotta give it to those Lulu folks again. They really DO think of everything.
The Arise bra from Lululemon... Perfectly flattering for a gal with my proportions (or lack thereof). I'm totally going to rock this (in hot pink!) with my Astro Wonder Crops in the upcoming Sports Bra Challenge. (Speaking of which, any local gals interested in participating with me?)
The Zite app for iPhone... This thing is incredible. Based on interests via your Twitter and Google Reader accounts and your own personal selection of topics that interest you (from a long list), Zite cherry picks articles for you to read and essentially creates your very own "magazine". I sometimes have a long commute and don't always want to carry a book or magazine around as my bag is already heavy. Best of all, it's free!
The fresh and fun spring collections hitting city windows and virtual shelves... most notably those of Devon Baer, Diane von Furstenberg, and J. Crew.
The detachable pony-o zipper pull on the inside of my DTB duffle... Gotta give it to those Lulu folks again. They really DO think of everything.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Valenmines
I renamed the holiday to fit the theme of Teddi Seven and Teddi Twenty. Good, right?
To me, this holiday has never been about being single or taken, but celebrating all the love in my life.
But a few presents never hurt anyone.
I surprised my family with lots of Jacques Torres chocolate and I'm seriously regretting not picking up some for myself. Think I'll have to head back this week for the chocolate covered cheerios.
I will be painting my nails Mod Square pink for the occasion.
I ended up getting this romper from my birthday wish list. Too cute for words.
What's better than a pink bra? I have loved Natori since college and am really enjoying their line for Target. Great price points and equal parts sexy and sweet.
This Comme des Garcons cardigan is the epitome of chic. It looks like she's wearing her boyfriend's sweater and I love, love, love it! That heart says it all.
Valenmines or Valenyours?
To me, this holiday has never been about being single or taken, but celebrating all the love in my life.
But a few presents never hurt anyone.
I surprised my family with lots of Jacques Torres chocolate and I'm seriously regretting not picking up some for myself. Think I'll have to head back this week for the chocolate covered cheerios.
I will be painting my nails Mod Square pink for the occasion.
I ended up getting this romper from my birthday wish list. Too cute for words.
What's better than a pink bra? I have loved Natori since college and am really enjoying their line for Target. Great price points and equal parts sexy and sweet.
This Comme des Garcons cardigan is the epitome of chic. It looks like she's wearing her boyfriend's sweater and I love, love, love it! That heart says it all.
Valenmines or Valenyours?
Thursday, February 9, 2012
What's in JGIWC's gym bag?
A questionable title, as I actually don't actually belong or go to a gym, but you get the picture.
And if not, here it is!
I LOVE my Lululemon DTB Duffle. Its compact size coupled with its ample space and pockets (labeled for phone, keys, tunes, etc!) is perfect for me. Oh, and it comes with a removable shoe bag that I actually use for my clothes post-workout. Those Lulu folks think of everything!
After many rides with rented shoes, I decided to break down and get my own pair. I bought mine at SoulCycle, but they're easily available online too. They are Shimano SPDSL with Look clips.
I actually have a bunch of these little Lululemon coin purses now because I got so many gift cards for my birthday. Lucky girl! Great for spare change and my Metrocard.
My lips are always dry. This Vita-B balm is a great, affordable solution.
I like to think about cookies after exercise. I can't say this chocolate chunk hand sanitizer does the trick.
My hair is always in my face and it distracts me from my ride. I was so happy to get a few Lululemon headbands for my birthday!
SoulCycle is really good about stocking product in their locker rooms - I never have to be without a pony-o. There is shampoo and conditioner inside each shower but I bring my own. I use sulfate-free for my Brazilian blowout. I love Organix brand - affordable and delicious smelling. I got these handy travel sizes at Bed Bath and Beyond.
I don't always shower at the studio, but when I do I blowout my hair there as well. This Frederic Fekkai travel brush is small but mighty.
These Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes are a refreshing relief post-class. Plus, I can't resist packaging with a cute bear. It's the whole reason I buy Charmin toilet paper!
What do you think? Anything I should add?
And if not, here it is!
I LOVE my Lululemon DTB Duffle. Its compact size coupled with its ample space and pockets (labeled for phone, keys, tunes, etc!) is perfect for me. Oh, and it comes with a removable shoe bag that I actually use for my clothes post-workout. Those Lulu folks think of everything!
After many rides with rented shoes, I decided to break down and get my own pair. I bought mine at SoulCycle, but they're easily available online too. They are Shimano SPDSL with Look clips.
I actually have a bunch of these little Lululemon coin purses now because I got so many gift cards for my birthday. Lucky girl! Great for spare change and my Metrocard.
My lips are always dry. This Vita-B balm is a great, affordable solution.
I like to think about cookies after exercise. I can't say this chocolate chunk hand sanitizer does the trick.
My hair is always in my face and it distracts me from my ride. I was so happy to get a few Lululemon headbands for my birthday!
SoulCycle is really good about stocking product in their locker rooms - I never have to be without a pony-o. There is shampoo and conditioner inside each shower but I bring my own. I use sulfate-free for my Brazilian blowout. I love Organix brand - affordable and delicious smelling. I got these handy travel sizes at Bed Bath and Beyond.
I don't always shower at the studio, but when I do I blowout my hair there as well. This Frederic Fekkai travel brush is small but mighty.
These Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes are a refreshing relief post-class. Plus, I can't resist packaging with a cute bear. It's the whole reason I buy Charmin toilet paper!
What do you think? Anything I should add?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
#TEDDISEVEN
This past weekend was the grand extravaganza of #teddiseven. Before we get to the good stuff, I have to credit my dear friend KLR who coined the term Teddi Seven (instead of twenty seven). We added the hashtag for fun and the rest is history.
For my birthday this year, I decided to have a complete blowout with all my girlfriends to celebrate how good life is. It was exactly what I wanted and I couldn't be happier.
You know I love to tell stories though photos so here we go!
Where it all began. How fab is that banner?!
AEG hosted a little pre-party at her apartment. She and all the other Kappas (+ our favorite ADPi) surprised me and it was so much fun.
BFF.
I had a few surprises of my own! The party favors were miniature bottles of Patron, with miniature straw, naturally.
I also brought Funfetti cake for dessert! I live for this stuff. I'm going to serve it at my wedding.
The banner traveled with us all night. We hung it up at the restaurant and here we are hanging it up in da club.
I got a table because I wanted my girls and I to have lots of space to dance and put down our things. Awesome decision. This is when they were bringing the bottles over. A classic moment followed when the waitress asked me what mixers I wanted her to bring over to which I replied incredulously, "Mixers?! I drink it on the rocks!". I still have no idea what mixers she brought but for the sake of my guests I hope it was something.
Here's a better photo of the dress. I was in love with it for months before finally buying it the day after Thanksgiving with no specific event in mind (which you know I love to do). It had been hanging in my closet just waiting to be worn. It was definitely not the most flattering but so much fun to wear and very birthday appropriate. It's by Rebecca Taylor.
There are absolutely, positively no words to describe just how much I adore these ladies. They showered me in Patron and Sauvignon Blanc and Lululemon gift cards and SoulCycle gift cards and Lululemon headbands and Snoopy and jewelry and kate spade and most importantly, love. It just never ceases to amaze me how incredibly generous they are and how unbelievably lucky I am to have them in my life.
I can't. Too much fun. Is there such a thing? Thank you to everyone who was a part of it. #teddiseven has only just begun and is already the best year yet.
For my birthday this year, I decided to have a complete blowout with all my girlfriends to celebrate how good life is. It was exactly what I wanted and I couldn't be happier.
You know I love to tell stories though photos so here we go!
Where it all began. How fab is that banner?!
AEG hosted a little pre-party at her apartment. She and all the other Kappas (+ our favorite ADPi) surprised me and it was so much fun.
BFF.
I had a few surprises of my own! The party favors were miniature bottles of Patron, with miniature straw, naturally.
I also brought Funfetti cake for dessert! I live for this stuff. I'm going to serve it at my wedding.
The banner traveled with us all night. We hung it up at the restaurant and here we are hanging it up in da club.
I got a table because I wanted my girls and I to have lots of space to dance and put down our things. Awesome decision. This is when they were bringing the bottles over. A classic moment followed when the waitress asked me what mixers I wanted her to bring over to which I replied incredulously, "Mixers?! I drink it on the rocks!". I still have no idea what mixers she brought but for the sake of my guests I hope it was something.
Here's a better photo of the dress. I was in love with it for months before finally buying it the day after Thanksgiving with no specific event in mind (which you know I love to do). It had been hanging in my closet just waiting to be worn. It was definitely not the most flattering but so much fun to wear and very birthday appropriate. It's by Rebecca Taylor.
There are absolutely, positively no words to describe just how much I adore these ladies. They showered me in Patron and Sauvignon Blanc and Lululemon gift cards and SoulCycle gift cards and Lululemon headbands and Snoopy and jewelry and kate spade and most importantly, love. It just never ceases to amaze me how incredibly generous they are and how unbelievably lucky I am to have them in my life.
I can't. Too much fun. Is there such a thing? Thank you to everyone who was a part of it. #teddiseven has only just begun and is already the best year yet.
Monday, February 6, 2012
February goals
Here they are... A little bit of the same, a little bit new, and definitely a little bit silly. It's going to be a great month... February is already off to a fantastic start!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
January goals update
At the beginning of last month, I posted this photo of my goals for the month. Wanted to update you on what I accomplished (and what I didn't).
Maintain weight. Done.
Have a kick ass birthday. So done. And it's not over yet!
Start to plan girl's trip. Vague, because I have more than one girl's trip in mind for this year. But I did start planning one!
Read 3 books. So close! I read Eat This, Not That! 2012 and Why We Broke Up and really enjoyed both. I just recently started An Object of Beauty which is so good I can hardly put it down.
Write a quarter of mine. Not exactly, but making headway.
Take 10 SoulCycle classes. Did it! Was a bit tough to squeeze them in with two weeks of travel but I was determined.
Donate one bag of clothing. I've started to put the bag together, but there are definitely a few more things to add.
Try 3 new restaurants. Did it! Bill's Bar & Burger, Fishtail and A Voce. All delicious. Trying another one tomorrow!
Pay off MasterCard. Ha. No. This was almost sarcastic. I'll get there, though!
Get rid of 3 pairs of shoes. Argh. Haven't done it yet. Can't decide which shoes!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
NYJL Shops! Online Shopping Extravaganza
My Junior League committee is hosting an online shopping event that begins today! Please support us by entering NYJLSHOPNOW at checkout for special offers at the above retailers.
(You will receive a gift with purchase and free shipping at Lilly Pulitzer.)
Happy shopping!
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