{Prabal Gurung x Target Top, Zara Skirt, Celine Handbag, Stuart Weitzman Shoes}

I’ve gotta admit that I was a bit skeptical of peplum tops when they first jumped on my radar two years ago, but now I can’t get enough of them.  It’s all about finding the perfect peplum placement (say that three times fast!) for your body type.  I purchased (and eventually got rid of) a top that flared out at my hips and made me look huge, but I like how this one hits a bit higher on my waist and effectively covers my tummy.

Peplumania!
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{Kenneth Cole Jacket via Century 21, J. Crew Top, Forever 21 Jeans (similar here and here), Chloe Handbag, Fendi Sunglasses via Nordstrom’s Rack, Miu Miu Shoes}

Extremely frustrated with the (FREEZING COLD) weather right now, but still managing to keep a smile on my face.  I hope you’re enjoying warmer weather in your neck of the woods!

More Peter Pan Collar Tops
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{Old Navy Blazer, c/o eShakti Dress, Express Belt, Faryl Robin Shoes, Chloe Sunglasses c/o ideeli)
{More cute dresses from eShakti : Red Floral , Yellow , Grey Polka Dot ,  Green Floral,  Pink Floral}

It’s been ages since I’ve ridden a bike, but I just couldn’t resist the adorable print on this dress.

{H&M Jacket, c/o Ivy & Blu Maggy Boutique Dress (25% off w/ code MOM25), Tignanello Purse, Pour La Victoire Ankle Boots}

I’ve had my spring dresses and sandals locked and loaded for several weeks now, but there’s still quite a bit of chill in the air.  Consequently, I’m relaying heavily on transitional pieces like ankle boots and layering up like a pro (I bet you didn’t even notice the carefully camouflaged  cardigan I’m wearing under my jacket).

More Dresses by Ivy & Blu
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{Stradivarius Jacket via eBay (similar) , Old Navy Tank, Zara Coated Jeans (similar), Celine Handbag,  Prada Sunglasses, J. Crew Heels}

Believe it or not, shopping for jeans is one of my least favorite activities.  The sizing is all over the place, and let’s face it: no new pair ever fits like your trusty old ones that have been broken-in to perfection.  In any case, I was in dire need of a new pair when I finally broke down and bought these leather-like concoctions.  As it turns out, there was no need to fret at all because this  pair fit like a glove as soon as I put them on (and didn’t stretch out over the two days in a row that I wore them!).  And dare I say they look a little bad@$$?!

My Favorite Faux Leather Picks
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{Erin Fetherston Dress, Judith Leiber Overture Clutch, Amrita Singh Bangles via Hautelook, Forever 21 Sunglasses, J. Crew ‘Everly’ Pump)

I’m a HUGE fan of the LWD for warmer months, and I’m excited to reveal the latest addition to my collection.  The billowy sleeves and gold lurex dots are what completely sold me on this dress (not to mention the sale price!), and I can definitely see it becoming my go-to piece when I need to get all fancy this summer.

I also want to tell you guys about my new clutch (first seen here).  I’ve been wanting a really nice, go-to evening purse for a couple of years now.  Since I could never settle on one that didn’t break the bank, I always wound up just getting a cheap-y bag from Forever 21 or H&M and then not really loving it a short while later.  But that all changed once I discovered Judith Leiber’s Overture collection.  I’ve long admired the brand’s pricier, crystal-laden pieces that are more like works of art.  However, the hefty price tag always kept them out of my clutches (pun intended).  Luckily, the Overture bags start at a MUCH more palatable price point but still boist great quality and design.  I couldn’t be more pleased with my bag, and I look forward to carrying it for years to come.

More Fancy Clutch Options
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{Glamorous Sweater c/o Trinity Place Department Store, Zara Leggings, Imported Clutch via eBay (also available here), Maison Martin Margiela x H&M Booties, c/o INPINK Bracelets, Prada Sunglasses}

Other than a turkey avocado sandwich with walnut pesto, there’s nothing I like better during my lunch break than a wee bit ‘o window-shopping.  So when the folks over at Trinity Place Department Store invited me over to take a look around their new digs located just steps away from my office, I jumped at the opportunity.

Trinity Place has a great mix of funky, moderately priced clothing and accessories, and the selection reminded me very much of some of the fun high-street stores that I visited during my recent trip to London.  While there was an array of cute dresses on display (mainly for casual day wear), my eyes were immediately drawn to this bold graphic sweater.  It’s definitely a departure from my standard fare, but I love it to pieces (and I may or may not have worn it 3 days in row already).

If you’re in the area (the store’s right down the street from Century 21 near World Trade Center), I highly recommend stopping by and taking a look.  The staff is genuinely friendly and helpful, and they carry a lot of unique statement pieces.  In addition to TONS of girly frocks, shoes, handbags and accessories, they also carry menswear and a small selection of furniture and home goods.  For those of you unable to make it to NYC, no need to fret… they also have an online shop!

P.S.
ENTER this month’s sweepstakes to win a $500 Gift Voucher to Trinity Place Department Store!

{Vintage Jacket, Halston Heritage Dress, Miu Miu Shoes (similar options), Judith Leiber Overture Clutch, c/o  INPINK Bracelets}

Last week, my husband and I celebrated our 8th anniversary.  After our initial thoughts of, “holy crap, we’re getting OLD!”, we enjoyed an amazing dinner at Jean-Georges.  I even had frog legs for the very first time!

More Trapeze Dress Options
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Guess Coat, Banana Republic Dress, Forever 21 Hat, Missoni Scarf, J. Crew Boots

After spending a few days in London, we jumped on the Eurostar and made our way to the Paris.  My high school and college french skills were a little rusty, but we managed to get our point across and had a fantastic time in the City of Light.

Rather than go with a traditional hotel, we decided to rent an apartment through AirBnB.com... BEST. DECISION. EVER. For the same price as a week at a Holiday Inn (no joke), we wound up with beautiful accommodations in the 2nd arrondissement.

Not gonna lie... a major focus of our trip was FOOD! I did a round of Whole 30 before I left, but I happily scrapped my diet and ate to my heart's content while I was away.

And of course, after dinner there's always dessert!

Place Des Vosges is touted as one of the most beautiful squares in the world. And after seeing it in person, I'm inclined to agree.

Walking shoes were definitely in order as we spent hours each day meandering the streets and visiting beautiful parks and squares. There was something beautiful to see at every turn, and we didn't want to miss a thing.

Lovers Locks on Pont des Arts Bridge

We spent almost an entire day at the Musée du Louvre on our first visit to France a few years ago but still only managed to only scratch the surface of its treasures.

Approaching the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau... proudly wearing my raspberry beret!

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

The beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre

All of the walking and exploring pretty much had me beat, but I managed to sneak in a quick catnap at the Musée d'Orsay.

No visit to Paris would be complete without the obligatory picture in front of the Eiffel Tower!

I was not prepared for how breathtaking the view would be atop the Eiffel Tower... nor how cold it would be! Temps were in the 50s that day, but it was snowing when we got to the top.

Thanks for sharing vacation memories with me. I hope you enjoyed it!

Here’s a quick rundown on the places we enjoyed during our stay:

Food

• Iolanda
• Petite St. Benoit
• Derrière
• Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecote
• La Creperie de Josselin

Activities

• Palais de Tokyo
• Musée d’Orsay
• Tour of Fountainbleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte
• Capitaine Fracasse Dinner Boat Cruise

Every year, my husband and I try to take at least one major vacation. So last month, we packed our bags and hopped across the pond to London. It was a second trip to the city for both of us, and we had a blast doing the usual touristy bits, scarfing down local cuisine (I drew the line at black pudding), and just simply enjoying one another’s company.

Check out a few snaps we took along the way…

I scored big time by doing a blind bid on Priceline.com for our hotel accommodations. We wound up at the beautiful St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

I had every intention of taking daily outfit pics, but there was one slight problem: IT WAS FREEZING! Seriously, these few snaps outside my hotel room were about all I could muster.

Outfit Details: American Apparel Dress, Uniqlo Hat, Missoni Scarf via eBay, J. Crew Boots

Harrod's Department Store! I could happily have spent an entire day here. The furniture and gift departments were especially breathtaking. Word to the wise for my fellow Americans: the exchange rate is NOT in our favor. So this was strictly a "window-shopping" excursion.

And of course, it wouldn't be a proper British experience without High Tea at The Ritz!

Taking a spin around The London Eye was definitely one of our tourist highlights. Rumor has it that they're building a similar (but taller) structure in Staten Island. I can't wait!

A breathtaking view of the Palace of Westminster

One of the perks of being a New Yorker is the ability to navigate foreign subway systems like a pro.

Even the phone boots were quaint! Well, at least from the outside... if you know what I mean.

The weather was pretty dreary during our stay, so it was nice to see a welcome blast of color

And that concludes my London photo journey. Hope you enjoyed it!

And when we weren’t taking pics, here are some of the other things we enjoyed during our stay:

Food

• Hawksmoor at Spitalfields
• Tayyab’s
• North Sea
• High Tea at The Ritz
• Balthazar
• Ben’s Cookies

Activities

• Dennis Severs House
• Spitalfields Market
• Tate Modern
• Hayward Gallery
• The Woman In Black
• London Eye