Ah, New York, New York. Although you leave me exhausted, helpless, and a little dirty, I can’t help but to love ya. Just a few weekends ago, I visited New York with a full agenda. This included a visit to by CHLOE, an Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper live show (which was incredible), a visit to Cha Cha Matcha, and much more. Of course, I brought my camera along for the journey!
I have to admit, Cha Cha Matcha has been ALL over my Instagram feed and it was on the top of my priority list during this trip to New York. Funny enough- I hate green tea. Moment of silence for the money I willingly wasted at this establishment simply because it looked beautiful. If you say you have never purchased something simply for the Instagram, YOU. ARE. LYING. TO. YOURSELF.
Now that the weather is breaking a bit, I need to get my butt back to New York. What should I put on my to do list?
That’s all I got for today! I really cannot express how excited I am to get back to blogging. Unfortunately, the last couple months of school have completely drained every ounce of inspiration I had in me, BUT.. its a new semester and there are only good things ahead.
So many posts to come, I can hardly wait 🙂 Have an amazing day!
One of our favorite things to do while traveling through Europe, was to simply explore. When arriving in a new place, we would unpack our bags and immediately take the town. We weren’t necessarily sure where we were going half the time, but we always managed to get to the darnedest places…which also translates to a vintage art, clothing, and handbag market. Isn’t that convenient!?
Part of our trip was to the South of France. It was hands down one of my absolute favorite places I have ever been. Our first stop was to Nice, and turns out you can hop on a train to Monaco and Cannes and be there within 20 minutes which we took full advantage of for two days.
When arriving in Cannes, we started making our way to the city center where we quickly discovered the JACKPOT.
Strangely enough, the four of us ended up in the center of it all at a table full of vintage Louis Vuittons, Hermes scarves, and Chanel jewels (I remained totally calm during this entire endeavor). NOT. We made friends with two older French women who were selling these goodies and had THE TIME of our lives.
What did I find?
While looking through the glass case of Hermes vintage scarves, I was so overwhelmed by their beauty. What does she look like you ask?
I don’t know about you, but when I purchase or receive something this special I put it on display in my room just to stare at. I love anything vintage and this piece will definitely be in my life for a veryyyyy long time.
Thanks for reading:) What is your favorite vintage item you own?
Remember that time I said my new belt would be making an appearance more than once? I kept my word!
During my last week in London, I did some vintage shopping with the QUEEN of vintage. Christiana if you are reading this, I love you forever.
We stumbled upon this incredible vintage store that only left me teary eyed knowing I had found it JUST DAYS before I was leaving to come home. I mean, why did that happen!?
For being a vintage store placed in the middle of Central London the prices were amazing and the options were endless. I left with this cropped Rolling Stones t-shirt, that was a whopping £14. It is safe to say I grabbed it and ran.
Naturally I wanted to center an entire look around this find. So, I paired it with high waisted black jeans and my Gucci belt for some added detail. Not to mention, these backgrounds couldn’t be more perfect. (Nicole, you are a gem).
I would also like to mention that these photos were taken after consuming an entire bottle of prosecco with said Nicole.
I know it has been quite some time, but life has been a little weird lately.. and when I say weird I really mean I spend most days daydreaming about going back to London. Oh well, *one day*.
While back in good ole Philadelphia, I have had one of my favorite shoots to date with who other, than Nicole.
I quickly gathered all of my new goodies from my time abroad and threw together some makeshift looks, all centered around my new Gucci baby.
During my last and final week in London I took the plunge and am now a proud owner of a gorgeous Gucci belt. She is simple, slender and sleek.
You can probably tell from my smile in those photos that I was basically lusting over life.
Bershka Girlfriend Jeans (Purchased in London, don’t know if they are still available)
Bershka White Platform Sandals (Also purchased in London, but they are everywhere now!)
Gucci Leather Black Belt (with the smallest buckle size)
So that is my debut of my new belt that I can promise you will be seeing very often.
Now that I am home and in the midst of summer, I am starting to write again. One of my next posts is going to be a more personal one on my time in London (UPDATE: NEW POST IS UP). It took me a while to sit down and write it, but I did and i’m looking forward to sharing it. Stay tuned folks!
I never thought I would find myself traveling to Denmark. Not because I didn’t have an interest to, but just like a lot of things happening while abroad, I never thought it could ACTUALLY happen.
Copenhagen was AMAZING. One of those places that you want to go back to before you’ve even left. The vibes and the atmosphere were incredible and everyone could not have been nicer.
My friends and I stayed in a hostile for the first time which was super neat that I would recommend to everyone who finds their way to Copenhagen!
Between a 3 hour walking tour, canal tour along the Nyhavn, and discovering Paper Island (the best food market there ever was, basically the Reading Terminal on speed/crack/every drug ever)… it was such an amazing weekend.
My WOMEN
Even looking back at this post to edit it gives me all the feels. I miss this place so very much!
A day spent surrounded by pastel colored houses is always a good day♥
Naturally the day started off with an unexpected brunch/linner at Farm Girl Cafe. If you are making your way to London I highly recommend stopping by this trendy little cafe for some acai goodness and berry pancakes with amber maple syrup (not to mention they are gluten free).
Probably taking a photo of the glorious food in front of me. Actually I was, 100%
Notting Hill couldn’t be cuter. I would imagine when it warms up a bit the Portobello Market is crowded and their is more to do, but if you want to see some cute colorful homes that are worth more than your entire family including extended then I recommend.
Saw an available curb, figured I should take a photo per usual. I have discovered it’s my go to, but if it works then it works, ya know?
*Update*
Went back to Portobello Market on a warm and sunny day and it was AMAZING. 10/10 Recommend.
Over the last few weeks, I have been on quite a spending spree of all things fall themed. The stores are stocked to the brim with fall inspired gems that get me so excited and giddy for the upcoming season.
I thought I would share a few fun things I’ve purchased the last few weeks and maybe help spark your spirit. Warning: This is incredibly random
Treat yo self. I stopped at a brand new Nordstrom Rack that opened up by my house and picked up a few fun things (also threw in a Lush item). Not exactly sure who allowed this store to open up so close to me considering my will power is non existent, but nonetheless IT DID.
♥ Mario Badescu rose water & aloe facial spray – heard amazing things and was so so excited to pick this lil guy up for just five dollars (reviews to come).
♥ Rose Gold Stainless Steel Bottle (was able to find a link!!) Using this bad boy now for the first time and I am literally obsessed. I didn’t know a water bottle could put me in such a good mood but I guess it’s just the little things, ya know!? Keeps my water cold all day and there’s no sweating, not to mention its rose gold so…
♥ Anti Aging facial masks- really enjoyed my first time trying these out!
♥ Lush Honey Bee Bath Bomb- stopped in lush for the first time in what feels like ages and bought myself a little cute bath bomb. Honey is one of my favorite scents (honey I washed the kids soap is EVERYTHING) & was so excited to see they had this bath bomb. However, I was informed they are discontinuing this item *sheds real tears*
Going into fall I desperately needed a transition pair of shoes to help take me from birkenstocks to booties. I knew immediately that slip ons were the answer, and went straight to the Vans store to pick up a pair. I’m obsessed and have worn them with every one of my outfits!
*Blacks out and orders another pair of Vans*
TO MY DEFENSE… Urban Outfitters was having an extra 40% off on sale items and it would have been morally wrong if I didn’t get them. If I’m being honest, I really saw myself trotting around London in these and from there my debit card was just doomed.
*All the twinkle light everywhere* Nothing screams cozy quite like twinkle lights. Shoutout to my dad for buying these christmas lights that I have been on the search for. Quite a random haul item but I love the way they make my room look & feel. I don’t know what it is but they just shine bright like diamonds and make me feel some type of way. Definitely a fall necessity if I do say so myself.
Food, food, food! I stopped by Trader Joe’s (thank you Amanda for the inspo) for some basic pumpkin flavored necessities. Blacked out, once more. Two boxes of pumpkin macaroons, two bags of pumpkin flavored tortilla chips, and two boxes of pumpkin waffles later, Trader Joe’s did things to my soul. Go now. You will not regret it. You’ll just end up with doubles of everything in fear that you’ll never see it again.
I know I know, it’s time I stop talking about chokers. Or is it? I just can’t help it, okay!?
When I come across a good deal on something I love, I feel the need to share it with others! I came across a brand called UltimateZen via Instagram, and have been hooked ever since.
UltimateZen sells their chokers and other products on Etsy which is a jewelry addicts dream, with unbeatable prices.
I was given the opportunity to try out some of these chokers and I have been wearing them with almost every outfit. Take a look:
My favorite so far is the gold Mini O Seiki choker. One of my favorite things to do is layer dainty necklaces and this one is perfect for just that. The blush velvet choker is a must have as well and adds the perfect pop to a monochromatic or funky look.
Check out some of these chokers if you want to add a little spunk to your fall wardrobe:)
Tell me something more important than finding the perfect pair of snakeskin booties. I have really tried to ponder this yet nothing seems to come to mind.
My fellow fashion loving friend Nicole, and myself (check out her blog) have been on the search for some snakeskin booties. However, not breaking the bank was also a goal of ours. Who comes to the rescue of course?! Free People.
I know what you’re thinking. How can not breaking the bank and Free People be in the same sentence? Sales, sales, sales. A few weeks back Free People was having an extra 50% off of their sale section, and I picked up snakeskin booties, a fringe bag, and an awesome belt for SO CHEAP. I was living. Check it √
Beautiful right!? This sparked such inspiration within me and I just knew what had to be done. A back to school lookbook that is! I am slightly broken hearted to even mutter the words back to school, but that time is among us we need to face it head on!
Every outfit was focused around these snakeskin booties and I LOVE the way these looks came out. The amazing James Conley took these photos and I highly recommend checking out his website as well as his Instagram for more great stuff —> philatawgrapher.
Let us get into the lookbook shall we!
Look 1:
Clearly all about those neutrals. For both of our looks, we kept it simple with black jeans with rips at the knees. Nicole is sporting a throwback Harley Davidson off the shoulder crop top with AMAZING Free People sunnies that I need in my life despite my oddly shaped head. To finish it off, of course the bejeweled belt and snakeskin booties.
For myself, I wore my new favorite LF inspired tee with the ties going all the way down the front. Its super long so I tucked it into the front of the jeans so that the belt would still be visible. I wore my black Topshop choker as well as my metallic sunglasses from Forever 21.
Photo By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James Conley
THESE DETAIL SHOTS THOUGH!
Look 2:
Still keeping things quite neutral. For this look, Nicole and I still decided to let the shoes do the talking, I mean.. look at em. Nicole paired a black see through chiffon top with the same pants and belt, while I threw on my classic Urban Outfitters tee that is so slouchy and comfortable.
Photo By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James Conley
Look 3:
My personal favorite look. Yes it is a bit more on the wild side, but sometimes you just have to step out of the box even if it is for a school day.. (coming from the girl who wears workout clothes everyday, woops). For this look I paired my new Forever 21 red slightly bell sleeved top with the classic black jeans.
As you can see, every look changes one item, which is the top. You can completely transform an outfit by simply changing one item and not breaking the bank. A pair of black jeans can go a really long way! The choker, belt, shoes and sunglasses remained the same:)
Photo By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James ConleyPhoto By: James Conley
Bonus Look 4: !!TREND ALERT!!
More of the lady in red. After laying all of my outfits out I realized I had beige and red in front of me. I’m not exactly sure how that happened but hey let’s go with it. I found this amazing blazer vest just a few days ago on sale at Lord and Taylor. I’ve seen these vests everywhere and absolutely love the way I’ve seen them styled. I may or may not have also purchased it in white…
I threw on a black tight tank with the vest right on top. Not only does this give off a sophisticated feel, but it was very lightweight and comfortable. Not to mention it can be styled so many ways and bring you well into the colder seasons.
Photo By: James Conley
Photo By: James ConleyPhoto By: James Conley
Ending it off with my favorite photo with this beauty! So excited about this collab blog post with Nicole. Be sure to check out her blog post coming very soon including more pics from this fabulous, yet 1000 degree day.
s e e i t w i t h s a m i 