Friday, August 30, 2013

8.30.13

Have you heard about ... Samantha Wills, Lauren Hope, and Sea Elise


As I've mentioned, one of Patty's cardinal rules is: Never leave the house without earrings on! This rule seems simple enough but don't let it fool you. Patty loves her jewelry and earrings are just the tip of the iceberg. As with most things in life, mom leans toward the "more is more" ideal. I, on the other hand, like to keep it a little more simple. Regardless of the quantity, both of us agree that it should be special. The following pieces are from a few designers that are fairly new to me. They are all so beautiful and unique, I thought I'd share them with you.

Samantha Wills
These earrings are very much up my alley. 
Studs are easy to wear and these are so detailed that they will 
make even the simplest outfit feel just a little bit more special.

I have been lusting for this ring for almost a year now. Isn't it gorgeous? 
This will most certainly be a conversation starter at any cocktail party.

 Loren Hope
Hello, gorgeous. The color combo on these is perfect.
* The name of this pair is Abba, which just happens to be one of our favorite bands, aka, 
I may have just found the perfect birthday gift for my mom!

I'm a sucker for anything coral hued and this necklace showcases the color beautifully.


Sea Elise
A pop of color set in delicate gold, 
this is a pair that Patty and I would fight over and eventually share.

How amazing is this necklace? It's very surfer babe chic. 
Made to order, you can even pick what color tassel you want. 
I could see all my LA friends loving this guy.








Thursday, August 29, 2013

8.29.13

Pesto Pasta Salad


Now that things have started to come together in my home, I've finally been able to get back to cooking. Don't get me wrong, eating out is fun but there really is nothing like a home cooked meal. Since Patty isn't around to do that for me anymore, I have to depend on myself (the downsides of growing up). As I mentioned earlier in the week, I made a pasta salad for my friend's BBQ. I have to say it was pretty delicious and have been munching on left overs for the last few days. Here is the pretty easy recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 box Gemelli pasta (or any other small pasta; * I used a 16 oz box)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes
  • your favorite pesto sauce
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts (optional)

Steps:
  • Cook pasta according to instructions on box, drain, and run under cold water
  • Put pasta, tomatoes, olives, and cheese in a large bowl
  • Add pesto sauce to taste ( I used about a 3/4 of a cup)
  • Sprinkle pine nuts on top
  • Refrigerate for at least an hour (or eat right away if you prefer)
  • Makes about 12 servings as a side




Finished product! 
* I had to use 2 containers to hold all the yummy goodness


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

8.27.13

On my mind ... Last Minute Summer Buys


I know I should start focusing on the upcoming fall season but I just can't. I'm not ready to say goodbye to long summer days and shorts weather. To help ease the pain, I'm thinking of finally purchasing some things I've been eyeing all summer.



last minute summer buys
Clockwise from top: Calypso St. Barth towel // Club Monaco maxi skirt // Coach heels // J.Crew scalloped dress // The Ropes Maine bracelet // Dolce Vita top // Jack Rogers sandals

* Collage made with Polyvore


Monday, August 26, 2013

8.26.13

Weekend Re-cap.


I can't believe this is the last week of August and most importantly, the last week of summer vacation for me. This summer has been pretty amazing and I'm trying to milk every last bit of it. Even though I am still working on getting my new place organized, I was able to have some fun this weekend. My friend Meghan bought a sailing lesson coupon that we were able to use on Saturday. It was a beautiful day to be out on the Charles River here in Boston. Colin and I also tried out another restaurant in Cambridge, called Rendezvous. It was pretty delicious. On Sunday, we did some more home improvements and then had a BBQ at our friend's. As always, the weekend seemed to fly by. How are you spending the last days of summer?

Our new coffee table that I am in love with. Plus it was a steal!

Until the new couch arrives, we are making do with camping chairs.

Vintage cocktail glasses, a gift from Colin's father.

Ready to sail!



Drinks at Rendezvous.

Nothing like a summertime BBQ. 
*Recipe for the pasta salad to come!

Berry pie to top off the weekend. Yum.







Thursday, August 22, 2013

8.22.13

On my mind ... One Piece Bathing Suits


Not to keep bringing up the cape but I have to say, I was loving all of my friend Maren's one pieces. The only ones I own are from my high school diving days and they are NOT the most attractive. After seeing Maren in all her cute ones I think it may be time to switch it up! Here are some that I am loving (and hoping they go on sale soon!)


Neiman Marcus


Left: Michael Kors, Right: Kenneth Cole
You can go back to basics in either of these suits. 
The one shoulder adds a little class and who doesn't love build in jewelry?

Ruching is always flattering and pineapples add a touch of whimsy.

Nordstrom
Who says beautiful details don't belong on a swimsuit? 

Zimmermann
I saved my favorites for last. 
The navy blue looks simple but the lace cut outs and low back make it special. 
The floral piece is very old hollywood glamour. 
* The best part is that both come in multiple colors and prints. I'll be saving up for one these!



Wednesday, August 21, 2013

8.21.13

Oh, August, what have you done to me?!

To start, I am so sorry for my absence. August hit me like a ton of bricks and I am just now getting myself together! Why did I think it was a good idea to go away for an entire week right before moving homes? I plead temporary insanity due to the summer heat. But I can't complain too much because Cape Cod was EVERYTHING. Beautiful beaches, drinks by the water, Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines everywhere you turn, and let's not forget the occasional boat ride. Since I'm still working on getting things in order on the home front, here are a few pictures from my trip.


First stop, the beach. 
This little walk way is what I think of when I think about Cape Cod beaches.

During my 8 day stay, we had all but 1 day of blue skies.

This place has the best mudslides on the island and the food is awesome as well.

The McCabe family.
A huge thank you to this wonderful family for hosting everyone for a week! 

Also, a big thank you to my friend Maren for dating Pat McCabe :)
Did I mention I was a third wheel for most of the trip?

Speaking of Maren ...
To her defense, packing for a 10 days is tough!

Have you ever tried a stuffed stuffed quahog? 
This is what it looks like.

We spent a day on Martha's Vineyard where we found Lilly Pulitzer koozies.

Pat found a Vineyard Vines corn hole set, too. 
Unfortunately, it was not for sale.

We went clamming, which, if you haven't been, consists of you walking around,
digging your feet into the sand and hoping not to get pinched by a crab! 
It's pretty fun if you like seafood and aren't scared of the ocean.

On a boat, near a lighthouse. Hello, New England!

Lobstah dinnah.

One last boat ride to finish off the trip.



Saturday, August 3, 2013

8.4.13

Hippie Chic.

Although I am a prepster at heart (thank you, all girls catholic school), I can appreciate all types of fashion. Case in point, the Hippie Chic exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. This new exhibit is amazing. It takes you through the different phases of hippie couture that emerged during the 1960's. It includes looks from both lesser known designers as well as high end haute couture houses. The exhibit is fun and carefree which reflects the vibe of the era. If you get the chance, you should definitely check it out.

My friend Erica and I attended the exhibit during MFA's First Fridays event.
* If you don't live in Boston, most museums offer similar 21+ events such as this.

To get in the spirit, we tried to bring out our inner hippies.

Retro hippie style used the glamour of old hollywood as inspiration. How fab is this look?

The ethnic hippie look was influenced by non-western cultures. 

In rejecting consumerism, hippies took to crafting their own clothing.

The hippie movement was so strong that it in turn influence well established designers such as Halston (pictured left) and Yves Saint Laurent (to the Right). You could call this a "rich hippie" look.

When I think hippie, this is exactly what comes to mind. 
Ethereal looking dresses with flower head pieces. 

An actual chastity belt.

The Hippie Chic Exhibition is currently open and will continue until November 11, 2013.

What's your favorite fashion moment?








Friday, August 2, 2013

8.2.2013

Hello, August, I'm not quite ready for you. Could you come back later?

Just kidding of course. Summer is the time where you make plans to do all the things you've been putting off all year. You think, "I've got June, July, and August to see friends I haven't seen, go to that museum exhibition everyone is talking about, see movies, host a BBQ, and maybe organize my house." Well, that sounds like my personal list but you get the idea. Did you notice that organizing was at the bottom of the list?

Organizing/cleaning/purging are words that tend to frighten most because it usually takes a lot of time and energy. Such was the case for my boyfriend's mother, Jillian. About 8 years ago, having both her boys living out of her home, she decided to downsize. Lucky for her, she had a basement to store the things that she treasured but could't fit inside her new home. However, her children are part of the boomerang generation, and boom! Both boys came back and brought along their own belongings which inevitably landed in the once spacious basement. Jillian was left with more than she had bargained for, so the basement stayed in disarray until I decided to help my girl out. We took two days to tackle it and let me tell you, those two whole days were worth it! I'd done some closet organizing in the past for friends and clients of my mother's so I had a general idea of what my game plan would be. So, in case you are thinking of cleaning out your own basement (attic, garage, office, etc) here are some of my starter tips:
  1. Do not bring anything in until you've taken things out: This may seem like a no brainer but seriously, don't buy containers or shelving until you know what you need them for. You might think, "look at me, I'm ahead of the game by buying 10 huge containers" but what if thats not what you need? You need to assess the situation first and then buy appropriately.
  2. Garbage bags: Make sure you have at least 5 on hand when you start. Over the course of two days, we filled up about 25 bags. Some were clothes to donate but mostly it was a lot of stuff that  no one had ever gotten around to throwing out (old curtains, half used notebooks, containers with no lids, etc). 
  3. Speaking of throwing things out, if you have not used something in the last 1-2 years, get rid of it!: This is a rule I've used for clothing and it applies here too. That computer paper from college that you said you may use later but alas has become deformed from the humidity? Toss it. That twin comforter you bought for that one guest? Donate it. Don't get attached to things that can be easily replaced. On the other hand, if you happen to come across your wedding dress, get it dry cleaned and buy it it's own special storage box where it can live happily ever after.
  4. If you must keep it, then it must have it's own home: I believe I learned this little rule from Nate Berkus. If it is special enough to keep then make sure it has a home. For example, Jillian had kept  many of her sons' childhood treasures. But they were all mixed up. We separated Colin's school related things from his brother's. That way, when the time comes, they can each take their own box and not have to wonder who's yearbook is who's. All children's books were put into their own box, as well as all large framed art and photographs. Everything must have a home!
  5. Focus on one area or one category at a time: Taking on a task like this can be overwhelming, don't make it harder on yourself. Start with what's already been done. For me it was starting with emptying out already opened boxes. But it could be a half filled holiday decoration shelf or a work bench with missing tools. By focusing on one task at a time you will be able to work faster and will be less likely to give up. 
I shared a few pictures the other day but here are some more:

When I walked in, this was to the left...

and this was to the right.

Treasures found along the way.

At the end of day 2, the left...

and the right. 

This section was left for another time. For the most part, 
most of the boxes had not been opened and were nicely stacked so we left them alone.

We used this existing shelving unit for things that had been strewn about. 
We were able to gather vases into one section, wedding silver and pewter into another, 
and Jillian's very first set of french china given to her by her mother. 

I can't wait until it's all done. 
Do you have any tips for organizing? I'd love to hear them!