Friday, March 29, 2013

The weekend is here!

Whew, what a week! But Friday has arrived. :) What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? I'm looking forward to relaxing and seeing this play, too. Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Thriller, the a cappella version.

Where to buy the cute sweater above.

Spring flower ideas.

Pretty ways to use a wardrobe rack.

Getting hitched in Austin.

Reasons to be happy. :)

A healthy approach to working from home.


One week until Mad Men!

A sweet note (just scroll down).

Reasons to visit Seattle.

A loving tribute.

(Image via Atlantic-Pacific)

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Print your Instagrams

Are you on Instagram? (If you are, follow me here!) I'm obsessed with Stickygram, the quickest, most simple way to print your digital pics and turn them into magnets. Matt gave this to me as part of a gift for my birthday, and I can't get over how fun it is. All you need to do is go to the site, log into your Instagram account, select which images you want to print, and you're done. The magnets are sent to you in the mail (and fast). I can't think of a better way to display all my favorite on-the-go pics (like this one and this one and this one).

(Images via Pinterest and Instagram)

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

French eggs

Happy (almost) Easter! To those of you who celebrate, will you decorate eggs? I love the French designs pictured above. They're so creative! Alison over at The Alison Show is the woman behind these designs. I'd actually never even heard of Martha Stewart's adhesive stencil film before, but now I realize this is something to always have on hand. :) What a fun and clever way to decorate Easter eggs.

What are your Easter traditions? I'd love to hear!

PS—Have you seen these subway eggs?

(Images via The Alison Show)  

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Jackie O would approve

Yes—as anyone who lives in New York can attest—it did snow yesterday. But that isn't going to stop me from thinking about spring. :) Which brings me to the pretty (and ladylike) bags pictured above. New York magazine did a round-up of the best, and while a couple are a wee bit out of my price range (hello, Valentino and Christian Dior!), they're still far too lovely not to discuss. More and more, I really like the structured look. It's so polished, and reminiscent of designs worn by former First Lady Jackie O.

What do you think? Would you splurge on a spring bag like this?

PS—Here's another option that comes in a more affordable price range. So cute!

(Image 1, 2, and 3) 

Friday, March 22, 2013

The weekend is here!

My darling readers, happy Friday! What do you have planned for the next couple of days? I'm excited to say that I'm skipping town and finally meeting my best friend's baby boy. :) He's only about five weeks old, but I'm bursting that I haven't met him yet. I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

A mod photobooth.

Perfect makeup in 5 minutes (or less).

The Bay Bridge all aglow.

Something sweet.


A fun way to give a gift.

Yum. Citrus.

Because 40% counts.

Pretty pottery (and tulips!).

Fine fellow.

(Image via Pinterest)

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Something sexy

Do you struggle to find a bra that is the perfect fit? I find that no matter which lingerie store I try, I leave exhausted—and with the sales person telling me that I'm a completely different size than what I thought when I walked in. That's why I love Ampere, a brand-new, online lingerie site that provides you with the tools to measure yourself so you get the right size each time you shop. Plus, every style is so feminine and pretty. I had the chance to speak with the line's co-founder, Jiabei Chen, and learn more about her gorgeous line. 

How did you come up with the idea for Ampere? 
My co-founder and I started Ampere because we believe in the power of lingerie to make a woman feel confident and beautiful. Shopping for lingerie, however, was a different story. As a petite yet busty girl, I had a hard time finding bras in my size that weren't boring. My co-founder has more traditional proportions, but had been wearing the wrong size her entire life. After speaking with friends, family and colleagues, we discovered that many women were similarly frustrated. We set out to find a better way.

What makes Ampere unique?
We designed our pieces with luxurious materials and with a woman's figure in mind. From the band to the straps to the lace, every element was chosen not only because we liked the look, but also to improve the fit of our products. Our bras come in 28 sizes so chances are we have something that will fit you, even if you're petite or full busted.

In addition, we developed a revolutionary way to shop for lingerie. Each Ampere customer is sent a measuring kit with instructions on finding her recommended Ampere size. Every bra order comes with a free matching panty and additional sister sizes so that she can try our pieces on in the comfort of her own home. Free shipping, free returns and excellent customer service completes the Ampere experience. All of this is possible at a very reasonable price point because Ampere is sold exclusively online.

What should you always keep in mind when checking to see how your bra fits?
The band should do most of the work in a bra. New bras should be worn on the loosest hook. Use your fingers to check how tight the band hugs you. You should only be able to slip two fingers between the center of your back and the band. Also make sure the band sits straight across your back. Anything that rides up or down is a sure sign of poor fit. 

What are your favorite pieces in your first collection?
My favorite bra is the Gramercy. I love the organic quality of the lace. It's delicate but not "too sweet." I also love the Madison Romper. It's made from 100% lace and feels absolutely divine when you wear it.

(Images via Ampere) 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Pretty as a bow

Nothing unusual—I was combing through Pinterest this past week when I stumbled upon this adorable bow necklace, made by jewelry designer Iveth Morales. It's so delicate and sweet! And I love that it comes with a 30-inch chain. It would look so pretty paired with a spring dress like this one or this one, don't you think?

To check out more of her designs (for example, these happy cloud earrings), visit her Etsy shop here. I'm obsessed!

(Images via Etsy)

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Wait until Dark

My Audrey Hepburn education continues—this weekend, I finally saw Wait Until Dark. I was avoiding this one a bit, simply because thrillers just aren't my thing. But one that was made 40+ years ago? I figured I could handle the suspense. But whoa, I was not prepared for Alan Arkin! How is that the same guy that I watched in Argo earlier this year? He's terrifying in this film. But I really enjoyed it, and continue to be captivated by Audrey's style, grace, and talent as an actress.

Have you seen Wait Until Dark? Charade is still my favorite Audrey Hepburn film so far.

(Image 1, 2)

Monday, March 18, 2013

Pause for pretty

Just a quick Monday moment—and a reminder to take a deep breath when you need to. :) Happy start to the week! xx

(Image 1, 2)

Sweet tour of Brooklyn

My dear readers, I'm so sorry for the radio silence last week! My sister came to town, and the days that followed were a bit of whirlwind with everything else. But I had so much fun showing her around my new neighborhood. In addition to seeing a Broadway show, going to Brooklyn Bowl, and more, we ended up on a 'sweet' tour of Cobble Hill. There are so many dessert places here (and nearby) to enjoy! We had a cupcake from One Girl Cookies; a hot cocoa from The Chocolate Room; a glazed doughnut from Dough (picked up at the Brooklyn Flea); and strawberry shortbread from Stinky Bklyn.

Sugar overload? Yes. Would we go back to each place and do it again? Absolutely. :)

(Image 1, 2, 3, and 4)

Friday, March 8, 2013

The weekend is here!

Happy Friday, my dear readers! How calming is this pic? Sigh. I thought it was the perfect way to kick off the weekend, especially with all this snow. I'm very excited because my sister is coming to visit all the way from the west coast. We've only got three days, but we have lots of fun things planned. That includes a trip to see the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens (can you tell I'm craving a climate that's a bit more tropical?). In the meantime, I'm wishing you a wonderful and lovely weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

A modern menagerie.

Pretty shoes.

Oh la la...ladureé.

Behind the scenes

Simplicity rules.

Bunny love!

My next design idea.

Breathing space.

A funny story about guilt.

Babies saying om.

Bear aware.

(Image via Pinterest)   

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Bringing plants indoors

A quick Brooklyn update: I'm starting to feel super settled in my new apartment. Yay! Now, I can focus a bit more on decorating, and adding the little touches that make every place feel like home. One detail I'm excited to add: House plants. Do you have any in your home? Our apartment gets a lot of natural light (which I love), but I want to pick plants that can endure that much sun. I'm thinking a dracaena would be a nice starter plant, but I'm only at the beginning of my research.

Do you have any tips? Here's a great list of recommendations from A Cup of Jo.

(Image 1, 2)

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Mila Kunis, unscripted


Have you seen this hilarious interview with Mila Kunis and Chris Stark? He's a British radio reporter who was assigned to talk to Mila about her latest movie, Oz the Great and Powerful. The only problem? He was nervous. After going way off-script, he ends up revealing a softer—and more playful—side of the actress. As if we didn't already love her enough! Anyways, it's six(ish) minutes long, but definitely worth a watch.

Will you see Mila's new film? I think it looks really good!

(Video via YouTube)

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

The perfect spring coat

Remember the gorgeous hot pink coat from Kate Spade that Zooey Deschanel wore on New Girl at the end of last season? It's so eye-catching! Much to my delight, Ann Taylor's spring collection includes a very similar style: The Afternoon Topper in lush hibiscus (aka hot pink). 

Would you wear a spring coat that's this bright? I think it's a fun and easy way to add a pop of color into your day. This coming from a girl who recently invested in a red winter coat. :)

(Image 1, 2)