College Prep

It's hard to believe that I am going to be a sophomore in college!!

Any of you incoming freshman? If so, here comes some advice... college is a complete adjustment but in the end you will love it. Don't be discouraged if you feel like you aren't getting acclimated as quickly as you want or as quickly as other classmates because ultimately you will! It took me until second semester to begin to get friend groups situated and learn the lay of the land but now I feel like an old pro or I try to think like one at least! The key is to be confident and to introduce yourself to as many people as possible, be open to all different personalities and cultures and ultimately you will learn about yourself and about others in the process.

Okay, now that I got my advice out of the way, down to the fun stuff... dorm room decorating. My family and I shopped around for dorm room stuff for a good month! I have to say, it was a lot of fun making my dorm room my home. Here are some pictures of my room last year...

You have to squeeze a lot of things into a little space... so, under the bed drawers

are essential, and putting the fridge under the bed helps a ton! 

I also made a London Wall with all my favorite photos to make it more homey! 

Here was my desk... bulletin board/ white board was essential for reminders and for photos

and the drawers you see next to the desk were from Target and held snacks and plates.

*You can tell I love Post-it notes just from my board alone, hehe*

This year I want to make my room less dormey if that makes sense and a little more like a room. So I'm going to be getting a new rug, my shag one didn't hold up... maybe this one.

I also have a closet this year instead of a wardrobe like last so that means I will be stuffing that closet full and hopefully leaving some of the under the bed drawers at home. 

I have to say, as much I have been enjoying these couple of months off, I am excited to get back into the swing of things with a new year. I like having a schedule and have things to do all the time and I am going a little bit crazy without a daily check list! Do any of you feel the same way? 

Have a wonderful day! 

P.S- I'm happy to answer any questions about college life, dorm room essentials (post coming soon) or first year transitions so please feel free to ask away! 

Monday's Motivation & Weekend Recap

Love this quote! It just reminds you to always roll with the punches with a little bit of panache! A smile is essential for every occasion!!! 

Here are a couple photos from my weekend... it was filled with eating fabulous food with great company (high school friends and family), shopping, some working too (babysitting and working at an interior design firm). 

My office space... aka the dining room table.

 It is a little like Bethenny Frankel's office where I work, everyone is spread out everywhere. 

Olympics inspired dinner with some high school friends! I've been 

watching the games all weekend too! 

Shopping with the family... new J.Crew corduroys, skirt and socks.

Some Gap workout clothes came in the mail too! 

Dinner with the family on Saturday night... 

baked brie cheese and bourbon onion appetizer... yum!

Babysitting Saturday night for a 5 year old and 1 year old...

she LOVED my Kate Spade shoes, she already has great taste! hehe

What does everyone have planned for the week? 

Enjoy! xoxox

Week Recap

Shopping day at Bloomingdales with mom and sister... look at the adorable Kate Spade china set that I fell in love with!!  

Then we went to one of my mom's client's house and got to enjoy this stunning view.

My little brother got a new haircut... and guess what? He is going to be in the newspaper for it! 

My sister is the new braid master, look what she did to my hair! 

Loved this flower arrangement at Lilian August, layers and layers of color.

What a great print this is! I love the colors.

This purple/ lavender china set is adorable... love it! 

Well hello there Mr. Fox!

My wonderful sister. 

Dinner at Bodega in Fairflied with my friends from high school. 

One of my friends got to dog sit this big guy so even though the lights were out we got to play with little... I mean big Bruce! 

Summer Fete

Anyone having any summer dinner parties and in need of tabletop inspiration. If so... first, I envy you, I can't wait for the days when I am old enough to decorate my home and throw a magnificent outdoor dinner. But I've compiled a list of inspirational photos that I am going to keep for my own parties some day, for now, I'll share them with you! 

Love how natural this table looks, right outdoors! 

Beautiful chinoiserie setting with color and pattern to boot! 

Umm... hello. This blue and white setting is stunning!!! 

How gorgeous is this for a summer wedding, the hues of purple are phenomenal. 

Have a wonderful Friday. I am off to work in a bit and then going to meet up with some high school friends for appetizers, swimming and desert! 

Enjoy! xox

Summer Uniform

There is something so chic and elegant about white jeans paired with a blue blazer. This summer ensemble can be worn for just about any occasion... to work, to dinners, on the weekends. I love how each of these women paired the two uniform staples with an element of their own... Which is your favorite? 

I love the blue button down addition with the brown accessories. 

Polka-dot chic! 

Add some whimsy with animal print.

Jean jacket and black accessories... sophisticated and sassy. 

What does your summer uniform look like? 

Enjoy! xox

Summer Braids

I've always been a fan of summer braids especially on the beach, they always look so pretty and natural. I have to admit, I'm a horrible braider so essentially these are some dream hair-dos that I love to look at but don't quite have the skills masters to do them. hehe

Nevertheless, here are some of my favorite summer braids! 

Do You Know About.... Furbish Studio?

After seeing the fabulous Trina Turk rug that Sequins & Stripes used in her decorating process post I couldn't help but want one of my own! So I jumped over to Furbish Studio, and fell in love with nearly everything they are selling. If you don't already know about the site it is worth stopping over... here are just a few of the many things that I'd love to purchase if I had my own home!

What items are you currently coveting? 

Enjoy! xox

The Allure of Blue

I've always loved pink and green but as I'm getting older I realize that blue is a classic color that evokes sophistication and timelessness in interiors as well as in clothing. Mixing blue jeans with trendy accessories or high gloss blue interiors with patterned fabric and texture adds style but still looks mature. 

Love the walls, moldings and floors! 

Mixing blue denim with fabulous and funky accessories. 

Look at how this kitchen glimmers...

Blue demin but with sophisticated loafers.

Blue accent wall in a kitchen... with some fabulous blue and white china! 

Celebrity Style A La Jessica Alba

I've always been a fan of Jessica Alba's classic and chic style. She mixes trendy pieces whether they be colorful, patterned or whimsical with staple items to make her pieces look polished and still fun. Her day to day outfits are just as impecable as her amazing evening options... gorgeous!

She has effortless style down! Which is your favorite JA ensemble? 

Monday's Motivation

Being proactive, motivated and passionate about everything you do is essential! I've always been the type of person who will take the "bull by the horns" and put 110% effort into everything I do. I will admit, I like to strive for perfection and that is only possible with drive and hard work! 

Have a wonderful Monday! xox

Relaxing Sunday

How has your weekend been going? 

I caught up with a few high school friends last night... a lot of fun and laughs! Got back this morning and felt so productive that I worked out. The productivity continues... helping my mom with work stuff now and tackling my to-do list, then I'm going to sit by the pool this afternoon and relax a little with the family. 

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of Sunday! 

So Very Pinteresting

Hats Off

T.G.I.F... after two days off to run errands and learn about the research project that I will be working on this year, it is time to get back to work for today. I just recently got a job working for one of my mom's designer friends and have gotten a few babysitting jobs so I've been keeping busy! Hopefully this weekend will have nice weather (its pouring here now) so I can spend some time by the pool. 

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not much of a hat wearer, I will throw on a baseball cap when we are on vacation and I'm sitting in the sun but that is pretty much the extent of my hat wearing. After seeing these pictures, however, I might be more willing to accessorize with more hats. 

Which one is your favorite? 

OOTD

Around The World

After getting back from Italy, I can't help but want to pack my bags again and travel through the rest of Europe. I was talking with my mom and sister yesterday and we realized that what we love most about living in Europe is the lifestyle. Everyone is more laid back and actually takes the time to enjoy the little things, like going and meeting friends for an afternoon cafe each day or getting fresh bread and pastries  from a local bakery each morning. I also love the history and the sights that come with traveling abroad, here are two places that I would love to see to next. 

Mont Saint Michel, Brittany France

Santorini, Greece 

Macry Cave in Greece