bag envy

henri bendel / coach / tory burch / fossil  / fossil

Every once in a while I get the urge to browse for a new bag! I rarely splurge on handbags, because when I buy a bag it goes through some goooood usage, let me tell you. After a little bit of time though, the usual wear and tear starts to appear and it loses the appeal it once had...ah! I also hate to have a bunch of unused bags wasting away in the closet, so I only keep a few "in circulation" to avoid clutter.

My current bag (pictured) is my work bag and sometimes weekend bag. I looove it! It's a piece from Urban Outfitters, which I mainly bought for its deep and roomy pockets (I am such a fan of pockets). My only complaint is that it doesn't stand up straight by itself like a normal tote does. So it is a bit floppy, which is causing me to eye up the following bags (above) for a next potential purchase?! Honestly, these bags are mostly out of my price range, but it is fun to dream. And I am really impressed by the bags at Fossil! I love the mint colored cross body with the leather strap, it adds such a classic touch and could easily fit into any outfit.

As you may also see I loveeee bright colored bags, and all accessories for that matter. I wear grey and black and other neutral colors SO often, that I find that my accessories are often my only bright POP of color.

Hope you have an  a m a z i n g  week!

ciao, xo

next stop: montauk

images sourced via pinterest

Okay, so we may not end up in Montauk, but I couldn't resist that title and it's definitely a location we're going to try to hit today as we embark to Long Island! It's a girls weekend that I have been looking forward to for a while. I love spending time with my mom and stumbling upon the most unexpected places. Some things I am hoping to do:

- shoot an outfit post somewhere along a cute main street.
- visit sag harbor, NY
- see the windmills
- whaling museum?
- get some fresh cut lavender or buy some fresh flowers.
- squeeze in a coffee diaries
- tour the theodore roosevelt home at sagamore hill
- see a lighthouse (I don't have a preference to which one) :)

I've got my weekender packed, the car is filled, to-go coffee in my hand. I'm wearing the most nautical chunky sweater I could find to fit in with the seafaring theme. Can't wait to get on the road! Have a great weekend, everyone! ciao, xo

spring wishlist

sandals / lens for nikon / jeans /  pouf / moisturizer / blouse / dress / socks / earrings 

I am feeling MAJOR, major major spring fever vibes! All I want to do is run through a field of flowers and be outside! I am craving cool spring mornings, sunny afternoons, and having longer days. The school year is almost over, warmth is coming, and I always get this jumpy wanderlust-y feeling about upcoming summertime travels.

This winter I have really found my stride with my go-to shopping picks: the items from above are on my radar to add to the arsenal! There are so many trends I am loving, in particular the marble-white jewelry with gold, flowy hemlines and ruffles, cropped high waisted jeans, and romantic yet minimalist details (like lace, or fluff as seen on that awesome ottoman/pouf!). Anthropologie and Urban have been unexpected favorites lately - along with the usual Loft, etc. 

As for beauty, Laura Mercier is my new favorite moisturizer. I actually own this already but I love it and wanted to share! I've been using this as a luxe weekends-only moisturizer, because it is so rich and nourishing I don't want to use it all up! It is $98/bottle, so it's not something I want to be stocking up on very frequently. Wish it was cheaper! I use this in the meantime as a great weekday choice that is light and super-hydrating. 

And...for the fun little tech piece...a new lens! I actually owned this lens at one point and switched it out after having second thoughts. But now I am having third thoughts (is that a thing?) and the verdict is: I wish I never sold it back. This lens has it all! I love the lens' ability to zoom in on the finest details like strands of hair, petals on flowers, etc. The f/2 aperture really blurs the background nicely and adds such a pleasing bokeh effect. So, I am thinking I need to reintroduce this glass into my collection.

what's on your must have list for spring? 

ciao, xo! 

some cool-weather europe travel inspo

As you can see...

I am craving chilled, foggy hills that emit a gloomy sort of glow.

Small villages perched on cliffs, with houses made of stones.

Lights of all kinds flickering on the snow.

Jagged rocks with cold salt water lapping about.

The distant shrills of the Orient Express as it passes on a long bridge.

Europe in the fall and winter is looking so attractive to me right about now! 

I am not sure why - but I am really itching for a visit in the England/France/Germany/Austria/Switzerland area.

So pretty much everywhere.

I'm envisioning midnight sleigh rides, 

light films of frost on the countryside,

bright waters and verdant landscapes.

sigh!! 

ciao, xo

organizing my desk with knock knock!

Once a year, I treat myself to a Knock Knock Pad - Two years ago, it was a Pro-Con list. Last year, it was a to-do list. This year, it's the Five Days a Week Keyboard Pad. Knock Knock sent me this awesome long pad that serves as a to-do list and weekly planner. This is a space saver, and rests at the base of your keyboard.

I tested it out at work and love how its 15" size aligns with my laptop. It is a colorful accent to my work space! The 5-day + weekend format makes the week seem do-able and visually spaced out.  I am sure that these pages will be increasingly full over the next few days, but I love the little countdowns at the bottom corners. "Can You Taste It?" is my favorite!! Checking those off will be so satisfying throughout the year...

The weekend pad consists of separate weekend sticky notes that are especially fun. It makes looking forward to the weekend even more fun for a stationery lover like myself!

It is definitely more useful in a work or office setting, because it actually gets use. My desk at home is more for personal stuff - blogging, pinterest-ing, and general reading. I really do enjoy using it at work, and have received compliments on it from like-minded people who love a good writing surface. I discovered that Knock Knock also makes a mousepad with a similar format, which will probably be my next purchase when this keyboard pad runs out.

Til then, it's a pretty nice rest for the wrists when typing. If you're in love with Knock Knock as much as me, then sign up for their e-newsletter!! New signups get 20% off your purchase of $50!  



Thanks Knock Knock! Can't wait to see what you come out with next!

ciao, xo

bag envy

one // two // three // four // five

When the anticipation of fall starts buzzing around I automatically think: time for a new bag. Is this realistic? No. But I can dream!! I got a bright orange structured tote last fall and I am loving the pop of color it brights to my outfits. I have a philosophy around accessories, based on my own style preferences -  because I usually tend to wear neutral clothes, I love a punchy and bright accessory. For instance, I would never wear pants or a sweater in that yellow shade (3) but in a bag I think its a little unexpected and stylish. Same goes for scarfs, shoes, you name it.

To contradict myself, I have also recently become smitten with that romantic blush shade - the slightest pink - to complement my love for neutrals. It is definitely more feminine, but I looveeee that look!! Of course most of these are out of my budget, but it is simple to find lookalikes for a much more reasonable price. Backpack 4 would be perfect for grad school, or even now being in California and always riding my bike (bikes and backpacks just go so well together). These kind of pieces are investment pieces, purchases to be spread out over time...but I am thinking about taking the plunge!!

Finally, bag 5 is actually a bag meant solely for cameras. It is a beautifully constructed messenger bag that can fit a camera body and 1-2 additional lenses! (Where is the heart eyes emoji?) I have been thinking about doing a DIY where I re-outfit an old bag into a camera lens bag, but this is definitely superior to anything I could make.

How about you - what are your dream bags of the moment? Which one, #1-5, do you like the best?

ciao! xo

carlsbad flower ranch

Carlsbad Ranch and their 50+ acres of ranunculus was the last spontaneous destination of the trip heading back from San Diego...and it was so. heavenly. beautiful. I truly have never been so overwhelmed by color. It was once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable.

One important reason why I am so fond of this memory is that it is so truly and completely spontaneous. I had never heard of anything like this in California, let alone the United States...I only thought that fields like this existed in Europe. I saw an editorial in a hotel magazine about the Flower Fields at Carlsbad the day before and was immediately curious and intrigued. And even more conveniently, it was located right on our way home - about 5 minutes off of our route. Fate? Yes!!

From the road, you could see the rows and rows and rows of vibrant bursts of color. Ask S - I think I was squealing. By the way, S was SO patient as we walked through here. It might not look like it from the pictures, but the place was teeming with tourists. It was also teeming with the happiest buds of ranunculus - a more delicate kind of peony - of every color imaginable. It was beautiful to see the variety of colors even within one row. From afar, it looks like blurred punches of one color, but when you walk up to the flowers and get on a closer level, you really see all of the flecks and variegated colors within the petals.

I could write a love letter to these fields. I want to sleep there, wear a big floofy dress in there, and just take thousands of pictures all day. As a photographer, this was a moment out of one of my dreams. I loved the cheerful vibes of the staff - I mean, I guess working at a place like this is the secret to happiness indeed. I want to cut a bunch for a gigantic bouquet, but then I don't - how could one ever willingly cut away from these gorgeous, undulating waves of color?

Carlsbad's peak season is from the end of March until May. I am so, so eternally happy that I was blessed with the opportunity to see this with S! He knows it meant a lot to me. I love the little hidden treasures like this. Go if you're ever down on I-5 by Carlsbad :)

Ps. Thanks to the @the_flower_fields for following me back on instagram! You guys are the coolest. Be back soon :)

ciao, xo

breathing

*photo from 2013, a trip to the french riviera town of nice. I can almost smell this!

This post was originally going to be titled 'april goals,' where I was going to talk about eating greener, practicing patience, living in the present, etc. But it's been a weird day and I feel like my goal for today, and for a while, should be to get better at breathing. 

And by breathing I mean a lot. Calmness and patience. Breathing is being patient, in times of screaming noise and still silence. I have been trying all year to get better at that. Sometimes my own impatience bothers me. I know it can be short. I talk fast, I multitask, I plan ahead a lot of the time. So, breathing for patience is one goal. To be able to breathe deeply and think calmly and walk and talk a little more gracefully is something I want to zero in on this week. Breathing will add that ease, making my mindset a little softer.

So, a lot is going on! March whizzed by and brought a ton of stress, so it is nice to mindfully breathe again a little deeper with appreciation as April dawns. The sunlight is starting to look different and hit at its higher angles every evening when the sun goes does. 

I hope you have a lovely week and b r e a t h e ! ciao! xo

spring's a comin'!

1. Street Level reversible tote \\ 2. Tieks \\ 3. j.Crew firefly earrings \\ 4. Anthro tee \\ 5. lime wallet \\ 6. lululemon shiny leggings \\ 7. t3 travel dryer \\ 8. Benefit FakeUp \\ 9. Anthro makeup bag

When you're getting ready to travel somewhere it's always fun to pick up a few treats to make the journey even sweeter! These are currently the items that I want and/or can't get enough of...and they are definitely what I want to be packing for CA in a few short weeks!

1. Street Level reversible tote. I own this beauty and love the versatility of the thin, b&w faux leather. It is super light but can hold stuff like a bucket! Wish it had more pockets, but for easy coming and going, it pretty much goes with anything. 

2. Tieks. I don't own Tieks but have seen them pop up all over my Facebook and other ads, which has sparked my curiosity because they look so darn comfortable and so fitting for travel. These remind me of Gap's city flats which fold up and come with a little baggy. The pastel shades are pretty - this ballerina pink couldn't get any more girlie. They come in pretty much every color under the sun...

3. J. Crew earrings. I lost a pair of loud rhinestone earrings not unlike these while out one night this winter...heartbroken! These are kind of like my old ones, and I am in need of a 'going out' replacement. Adds such a good amount of sparkle under my thick hair.

4. Anthro tee. Obseeeesssed with this shirt! I own it in this gorgeous light heathered grey. It is SO light and drapey. It's not ideal for cold days, but I love the ethereal look of it (even with leggings or jeans!). It is super long in the back too, so it can be worn as a tunic. The v-neck in the front is repeated in the back. Cool details, simple design. Love it and will definitely bring it to CA!

5. Lime wallet. My mom always told me growing up that a lady should have a bright wallet. Why? Because if you're looking in the depths of your bag...you should be looking for something that pops out, not blends in! I need a new wallet desperately but want one that I really love - this Tory Burch wallet is WAY out of my price range but I love the shape and color.

6. Lululemon Shine leggings. I own a pair of these and wish I could order 3,000 more. They are THE BEST. Currently sold out online, I've been unable to find another pair. I can't imagine my weekend without them, put it that way. They are comfortable, slimming, even appropriate for drinks or dinner. I love the high waist fit. 

7. t3 travel dryer. There is still research to be done on these travel dryers, but I have heard really good things about this brand. Travel dryers - especially dual-voltage international hairdryers - have a tendency to break, fizzle out, blow up (ha) with me...I put hairdryers to work. I always buy high wattage and can't seem to find out how much power this t3 packs. Jury's out on this one.

8. Benefit Fake Up. Best. concealer. ever. I am already on my second tube of this miracle stuff. I am not big into concealer, but this serves as a highlighter as well as a cover up. I sampled it first in a birchbox last year - I would definitely figure out your shade before purchasing the whole tube (although it's about $25).

9. Anthro calf hair makeup bag. This makeup bag is so cute. I've realized that I've gotten by in the makeup-bag department by using freebies from Clinique or Estee Lauder - bags where the zippers frequently break, or loose eyeshadow unfortunately explodes whilst traveling - ugh. So I've been hesitant to splurge on a new go-to makeup bag (especially with a tough exterior! calf hair!?) but hey, a girl can dream.

february goals

Can you believe February is almost here?! Already into chapter 2 of 2015...amazing. I am looking forward to a lot this month, including a lot of health goals I am setting for myself. This winter I am finding (much to my liking!) that I have a lot of me time. I am being responsible with balancing work and being 'productive,' plus a few fun things here and there. January was great - lots of yoga, spending smart, the Downton premiere, a day trip, plus some new interior changes which have felt like a breath of fresh air!

february goals

• top priority: running 3x a week and other small workouts in between, including vinyasa classes and maybe barre. I am almost ashamed of how relaxed I have been when it comes to working out. If I were to get together with myself now and a me back from September, the September-me would disapprove of my hiatus from running. SO - in the spirit of starting fresh, April & Mary and I (two blog friends from years back!) are going to be cheering each other on as we work on our personal health goals.
• Devote more time branching out with blogging. I want to get in touch with so many new or recent bloggers I've discovered - gotta get the emails rollin!
• Shoot a few more wintry-themed style posts while I can! I'll aim for 3-4 more between February and March. Expect one very soon, actually! 
• Save $$. I am in the process of planning a trip in April and I want to save up, keeping this big trip in mind. I want to limit purchases to cash...when possible. 
• Stick to the skin routine. I have posted about it before, and I still feel a little self conscious about this - but my skin went through a lot in 2014! I have been SO happy and comfortable "in my own skin," not to be cliche. But I am. I have established a much better and healthier routine to help this, and I want to keep it up. 
• Limit the take out and ordering out for dinner to once a week. I have gotten better in January about making dinners at home. HOWEVER, I usually just fall back on the easiest and most delicious thing I can make: pasta. Penne with pesto, chicken noodle soup, gnocchi...sigh. It is all so delicious (see next bullet*). I want to be a little more creative in the cooking department, without spending too much money and definitely without relying on take out like I have done in the past. Some ideas I have in mind already: chicken fajitas, breakfast for dinner, spinach soup, salads (ugh) and maaaaaybe even veggie bowls, I don't know. I just need to back off the pasta.
• Pasta only 1x per week. Deal with it. Plan accordingly.*

what are some goals you're setting yourself for February!?
Ciao e buon Febbraio!! xo

what do you do when all you want is grey?

sources: draped pant // pleated jumpsuit // lace crop top  // wool sneakers // vest // marled top // watch 

I recently promised myself I would stick to this 30-day challenge to 'use your wardrobe' (aka no new clothes shopping). I've tested my discipline by doing a little browsing...and I am finding that all I want are neutrals (especially greys!). I really want them allllll - some for work, some for weekend. I think the grey fits my wintry sort of mood - and in the summer it will be a total reversal. Spending my morning on pinterest and all these websites was probably not the best idea!

How was everyone's weekend? For me it was lots of naps, laying low, and last night a fantastic episode of Downton..anyone else watching? Have a lovely week and happy MLK day!

Ciao, xo

thoughts on white

Time for a poll! I need your opinions and thoughts on white walls. Do you think this would be fitting for a bedroom?

all via

I am deeply considering going for an all-white bedroom.  I am so attracted to the light, bright whites in this room - all about the natural sunlight streaming in the windows and casting a brilliant illuminance. I think with the right accessories it could be pulled off - what do you think? Here are some of my pro's and con's.

pros - clean light, reflects the brightness, makes room feel open and sunny

cons - it might resemble One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest a bit too much..

please, please, please! Let me know what you think!

ciao, xo & thanks!

{cold} style inspo

a few thoughts that popped in my head when I grabbed these inspo photos off of my pinterest:

1. Cowl Necks. 

The ultimate must-have (in my book at least). So cozy,

pretty much always flattering, not as bulky or awkward as regular turtlenecks.

2. Jeans or leggings?

Realistically there is only one pair of jeans now in my 'rotation,'

and the rest are leggings. Pair it with a boot, done.

3. I want a white olivia pope-ish coat.

4. same thing goes for a floppy wide brim black hat

5. Let it be known that dressing for the cold is not my favorite.

Long live the summer.

But these looks do kinda give me a little hope for what's ahead.

ciao! xo