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.

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

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.

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

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.

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?

J. Crew

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

Nordstrom

Left: Badgley Mischka, Right: Robin Piccone

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!

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.

The Chart Room. 

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.

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?