in staley's atmosphere

working hard

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:25:00 +0000

The past few weeks have been swirling by, I feel like I have been constantly having an out of body experience, watching my life whirl by. Since I have gotten back into school I have been overwhelmed with school, babysitting, writing for Occasions Magazine, and then blogging. I have put blogging last and I apologize for that. I don't know if I have mentioned this on here yet but my senior magazine practicum class is making a magazine this semester and I am the photo editor meaning I am responsible for making sure all the photos get taken and they are great. Its a lot like a job except I'm not getting paid and I have 3 other classes and other stuff to worry about. So for right now I am taking a little bloggy break maybe for the next 2 weeks or so while I am trying to get a balance on my crazy life. I hope you all understand and will keep checking back in the future. I'm thinking that as hard as I am working right now, luck is sure to follow! xoxo.

bugging out

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:49:00 +0000

Saturday, I spent the day doing nothing accept watching Fashion Week streams and catching up on collections I had missed while I was at school. I saw this picture on Tumblr of the jewelry from the Prabal Gurung show, for some reason I loved the idea of jewelry with insects on it. Its kind of weird but I think its so fun and different. My sister has a pair of beetle earrings and I am thinking I am going to have to borrow them, I may not touch bugs in real life but I don't mind wearing them as jewelry!

via

a tasty little treat

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:39:00 +0000

(via)

The other day I started craving roasted chickpeas. Random, I know but I had eaten some that came with a salad once and they were so good that I really wanted some more. Its of course a really healthy snack because chickpeas are high in protein and since they are what is used to make hummus, I think they taste like little pops of hummus which of course is delicious. I found this recipe online (via pinterest-what else?) for roasted cumin chickpeas and y'all they are so good. I found myself just eating more and more out of the bowl... If you are looking for a good roasted chickpea recipe this is it, you won't be disappointed!

Roasted Chickpeas with Cumin

1 15-oz. can of chickpeas
2 T. olive oil, divided
1 T. cumin
5-6 generous grinds of sea salt
A few dashes of cayenne pepper, to taste
1 T. of chopped fresh parsley
Half a lemon, or one small lime

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Drain the chickpeas, and toss them with 1 T. olive oil, the cumin, sea salt, and cayenne pepper. Spill out onto a baking sheet and shake into a single layer. Roast for approximately 35-45 minutes, until the outsides of the chickpeas are crunchy and golden. About every 15 minutes, stir the chickpeas around a little.

Remove the baking pan from the oven, and slide the chickpeas into a serving bowl. Add the remaining 1 T. olive oil, juice from half a lemon or one small lime, and taste. Add a bit more salt, cumin, cayenne pepper, and/or citrus if your tongue deems it necessary. Stir in the parsley. Serve immediately.

Make these chickpeas this weekend for the perfect weekend snack, you will be snacking on them all weekend!!

School Girl Chic

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:37:00 +0000

With Fashion Week in swing, I can't wait to see what fun presentations lay ahead. Yesterday, designer Lauren Moffatt presented her show at a Catholic school in the city and had the ultimate school girl chic look. I love the fun prints and the skirts and of course the classic red nails. I think I'll be using this for inspiration in the fall when I (hopefully) have a job! If this is just the start of Fashion Week, I can't wait to see what else is in store!

(how gorge is this glitter top with the peter pan collar?? I am dying!)

What I'm Loving Wednesday: For the Face

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:41:00 +0000

As I get older, I start to realize that routine is necessary when keeping your face clear (I mean duh but sometimes I get lazy!). I've tried so many things and I think sometimes when I use things for too long my face starts to get immune to them. I've been sampling different things at Sephora lately and I have found a line that is perfect for me.

Dr Brandt's Pores No More collection is amazing. I can tell a big difference with my pores and my skin has been so clear. They have a mask called Vacuum Cleaner that is for shrinking blackheads and pores. I have a sample of it that I've been using and I'm going to have to buck up and buy it I think because its helped a ton then combined with using the Boscia Black mask my face has never been better. Last weekend I tried to cleanser and loved it as well. All around I cannot speak more highly of this line.

I've decided that every week when I get paid from babysitting I am gradually going to buy parts of this line because I can't live off samples forever! If you have horrible blackheads and big pores, this is the line for you!

What is your favorite skincare line? Do you ever feel like your skin starts to get immune to stuff after a while?

What Would Lady Mary Wear?

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:44:00 +0000

I have a new addiction and its Downton Abbey. I had seen people talking about it forever and was instantly intrigued. For those who haven't heard of it or don't really know what its about, its about the day-to-day lives of a family and their servants on their estate Downton, in the early 1900s in England. Of course there is drama,romance,scandal and a little bit of humor too. The Crawley family are the owners of Downton and Lord Grantham and his wife Cora, have 3 daughters, Mary, Edith, and Sybil.

Lady Mary is the oldest daughter, she is stunning but fiercely independent. Seeing as there are 3 girls in the family, there is no direct heir to inherit Downton, so Lord Grantham is always pushing Mary to marry the heir, their distant cousin Matthew (and of course there is lots of drama there that I could go on forever about). I feel a sort of connection to Mary, being the oldest of 3 girls myself, I can relate to her. You want to live up to your family's expectations but you want to be independent and do your own thing. I understand, although I would totally take cousin Matthew because he's a cutie.

The style on Downton Abbey is amazing, the Crawley sisters have a very intricate style with lots of lace and texture, they aren't afraid to take some risks with fashion for that time period. I, of course, started thinking about what Lady Mary would wear today. Coming from money, I took a more expensive approach that I have with some of my other what would they wear posts. I honestly think that Lady Mary's style on Downton Abbey is pretty amazing so I kept the rich colors and textures with some modern flair.

look #1 riding: blazer. pants. boots. watch. scarf.

Some of my favorite outfits of Lady Mary's are when she goes riding or out on the hunt. Sometimes its a tweed overload though so with my modern look, I chose a Red by Valentino Tweed blazer with ruffle detail and cord Ralph Lauren riding pants. I can see Lady Mary being a Hermes fan and I can see her heading out to ride with a Hermes scarf flowing in the wind.

look #2 evening: dress. shoes. clutch. earrings.bracelet.

For evening, Lady Mary does a lot of lace and sparkle, back then all the evening wear was floor length but today I can see Mary showing a bit of leg with this D&G gown that combines lace at the bottom with hint of sparkle at the waist. I kept it simple with gold accessories and this beautiful Jason Wu clutch.

look#3 daytime: top.pants.wedges.bag.ring.

A for a day in the village or a trip to London, I can see Mary wearing something like this. Gorgeous lace top (seriously obsessed with this top) paired with a bowtie cigarette pant and wedges. I can also see Lady Mary being lucky enough to have a Celine bag.

Are y'all loving Downton Abbey as much as I am? Who is your favorite character?

magnetic

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:19:00 +0000

For a while I have been seeing the Nails Inc Magnetic nail polish and I have been really intrigued as to how it works. My sister's birthday was Tuesday and my mom and I were shopping around Sephora for some little things to get her and I saw the nails inc polish. I convinced my mom that Peyton would love it (and it benefited me because I could borrow!) and so we settled on the Trafalgar Square shade and I was so anxious for her birthday because I couldn't wait to try it.

The instructions on the bottle are super tiny and kind of hard to understand so I went to Youtube and found a video (from Sephora actually) and they give you really clear and easy instructions. Basically all you do is paint your nails with one coat, let it dry and then put on another coat on each nail one at a time, you take the magnetic and just lightly hover it over your nail and not even 5 seconds later you can lift it up and see the really cool design. Me and my sister discovered if you do two coats let them dry and then do the magnetic on the 3rd coat it creates a darker effect. If you are looking for something different to do with your nails, I suggest picking this polish up!

Has anyone else tried this polish? What did you think?

bohemian flair

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:34:00 +0000

I go through stages with my style, sometimes I want to be preppy, or minimal, and I really love when I go through a boho phase.I love ponchos, big flares and floppy hats. I wish I was bold enough to pull off a floppy hat but right now I am on the cusp of going into a boho phase again. Sometimes the bohemian style is such dreamy ideal don't you think??

dress. boots. tights. bracelet. necklace. rings.

poncho. jeans. boots. bracelets. hats. ring.

shirt. flares. cami. wedges. bag. hat.

final round

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:32:00 +0000

Today is my first last day of school ever. Its the craziest, most scary feeling. Not knowing where I will be come the end of May is a little frightening but I am just going to roll with the punches and know that there is a plan for me. Its going to be a crazy semester between finishing up my classes for my minor and making a magazine for my senior print class, its probably going to fly by. It may be my last semester of school and I may be wanting to slack on the school work but I won't slack on the style. Here are some outfits I put together that are inspiring me when it comes to putting together my outfits in real life!

jeans. sweater. flats. polish. rings.

I love stripes and I wish I had this stripe sweater from TopShop but I can make do with what I have. Most days I alternate between skinny jeans and flats and boots and skinny jeans. So I would probably wear this on a warmer day which is what we've been having a lot here lately.

top. tee. scarf. jeans. boots

I love this color blocked tee from Madewell. I have a similar one from a local boutique with different colors. When I have a short sleeve tee I want to wear I usually put a long sleeve tee underneath it when its colder. Scarves are a staple of mine, always.

button down. jeans. boots. rings.

I am loving these tie up button downs. This one from Anthro is so cute, I love the colors and of course stripes! I feel like one of my bigger plaid shirts might work to tie up without showing too much. I would wear my wide leg flares and cowboy boots. I love these Free People boots that look kind of similar to mine that I got off eBay. These stacking rings from Forever 21 have become an everyday wear for me since getting them after Christmas.

hair envy..

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:52:00 +0000

(she has the perfect wave down- I've been trying to perfect this for months)

While I honestly can say that I love my hair and I am thankful that its thick and can do versatile things, lately I've had a little bit of hair envy. Elizabeth Olsen is quickly becoming my favorite Olsen I think. She is cute and has a cute personality and doesn't seem completely full of herself like her sisters have become. She also has great hair. I love her cut, its similar to my recent cut so I've been using her hair as inspiration for mine. I am also loving her color, its kind of an ombre but not quite, it looks different in different pictures (I think she changes it up often) but I love it every time I see it. I've been noticing lately my hair isn't holding the super blonde color that it is for long (thankfully lightening spray and blonde shampoo hold it out a little longer) but I'm thinking next time I head into the salon I may show Lizzie's lovely locks for some color inspiration too.

Ads of the Past

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:32:00 +0000

Being the journalism nerd that I am, I love looking at old ads. I almost analyzed ads for my senior thesis but then I changed my mind. The other day I discovered the Vintage Ad Browser which has ads that date back all the way to the 1800s. Its so funny to see how ads have changed as a print medium and I love looking at the fashion and beauty ones because some of them are pretty funny. Here are some that I thought were funny/neat!

Bow Ties in the 1920s

Boots from the early 1900s

Denim in the 70s (so much denim haha!)

Dresses from the 1890s

Hair products from the 1890s

Monday, my post talked about how Revlon first came out with the bottled nail polish and this is one of the first ads!

What I'm Loving Wednesday: Black Magic

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:41:00 +0000

I have incredibly bad blackhead prone pores. Its terrible, I used to go to the dermatologist and get them extracted it was so bad. They aren't quite that bad anymore but I still have one of those blackhead extracters and I'll steam my face with a really hot wash cloth and pull them out. For a while, I've been reading reviews about the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask. If you haven't heard of it, its a black mask that brightens and purges your pores. It sounds amazing right? Well its expensive, its 38 dollars from Sephora and the tube isn't that big. The other day I went in Sephora and asked on a whim if they had a sample of it. The girl told me, "We can make one for you" isn't that awesome?

I was so excited to get my sample and she mixed it up in a little pod and gave me the instructions and I headed home to try out this black mask. As you can see you look at little funny and the smell is a little strong so it might make your eyes water at first. You let it sit on your face until dry and then it peels off super easy. I was amazed, my chin (where I get the most blackheads) was almost completely cleared out and my face as a whole was noticeably brighter. My sample pod had a little bit leftover, enough to do my trouble areas (chin, nose and forehead) so I did it again last night and could tell another difference. I may have to make the jump and buy myself some or just keep hitting up Sephora every so often for a sample!

So next time you are in Sephora and you are looking around for a new product, I'd definitely ask them for a sample of this mask! You won't be disappointed!

Capitol Couture

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:29:00 +0000

(can y'all believe that this is Elizabeth Banks? She looks totally transformed and I can't wait to see her play Effie!)

As the Hunger Games movie draws closer and closer (59 days!) the Capitol of Panem is doing things to promote the movie. They launched Capitol Couture, a blog that features the wacky styles of the people of the capitol. For those who haven't read the books, the Capitol is a really high-fashion, uber trendy spot where everyone relies on the goods made in the other districts to be trendy. Trends include, crazy wigs, clothing and shoes. This has me even more excited for the movies, take a look at some of the crazy Capitol trends!

I can't wait to see more from this blog!!

The History of Nail Art

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:42:00 +0000

So its safe to say that I am addicted to nail polish. I am obsessing over chipped nails all the time, I am always finding new colors I need to add to my collection, its bad but I have accepted it! The other day I signed up for Refinery 29's daily email list for a contest so I started getting their daily emails. The other day I opened it up and the main article was "The History of Nail Art" of course I read and was completely fascinated. Did you know that painting your nails (or some form of it) dates back 7000 years? Here are some fun facts from the history of nail art!

So nail art dates back to 5000 B.C. to Indian women who would die the tips of their fingers with henna which is still done today but in a different way.

Next is 3000 B.C. when the Chinese came up a rough form of nail polish made out of gelatin, gum paste, beeswax and vegetable dyes. They would add flowers in for color and this process would sometimes take up to 24 hours to set up. Imagine having to wait that long for your nails to dry, I get frustrated when it takes longer than 30 minutes!

During the middle ages, manicures weren't that common (I would have died living then!) but during the Renaissance it picked back up and women played around with pattern and many decorated their nails with pictures of eagles. Interesting!

1932 was the year Revlon came out with bottled nail polish. Even during the depression, painting your nails was still popular because of the easy accessibility and affordability of Revlon polish.

In the 70s, the french manicure was "invented" and became every girls classic staple of manicure. Any time you just want a basic manicure, girls go with french!

Now we have stick on nails, nail stickers and the gel manicure. Its amazing to see where nail art started and where it is today. I can't wait to see what is in the future for nail art!

if i had a valentine...

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +0000

I would send him these Hunger Games valentines because they are just too cute ( and I would probably make him send me the Peeta one!). But sadly I don't have a valentine but I just love them I'll just have to send them to my fellow Hunger Games obsessed friends!

Only 63 days until the movie comes out! So Excited!!!

what would anne elliot wear?

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:19:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, Hello Giggles posted a post titled "Which Jane Austen Heroine Are You?" and I got to reading them. Of course every girl wishes they were Elizabeth Bennet but I realized I was Anne Elliot. I actually think I am Anne Elliot living in a Bennet household because my mother reminds me of Mrs. Bennet a lot and being in a house full of sisters- I feel like we are the Bennets sometimes.

"You are good natured and kind. Okay, so you’re not fun with a capital F kind of fun- you’re not the sort to sky dive or do Tequila shots with some random yahoo you meet at a club. In fact, you’re not really into clubs, unless, okay, it’s a book club. Still, you’re a gal with high standards. You know what real love tastes like and you arent about to settle for anything less. You’d rather be alone than end up with the wrong person. You were easily persuaded and influenced when you were younger and you own that. Even though it sort of kills you to admit that you used to be sort who couldn’t handle the mere thought of disappointing anyone, you are well past that phase. You do what you like, you take care of your own and you don’t make a fuss because it’s nobody’s business. You thank God every day that you aren’t and never will be a reality TV star. You are Anne Elliot."

I had never read Persuasion before but these characteristics sure did sound similar to myself. So I got to reading (all of Jane Austen's novels are free for Kindle!) and fell in love with the story. I have always loved Pride and Prejudice but I feel like Persuasion has a little bit more of a realistic storyline where Anne was persuaded when she was young to turn down Wentworth and never gets over it but over time he comes back into her life. While we would all love to have Mr.Darcy come into our lives and fall in love with us at first sight, I wouldn't mind Captain Wentworth except for that I haven't turned down any guys lately to come back into my life 6 years from now, darn.

I got to thinking about what Anne Elliot would wear today, I see her keeping a classic style. Textures like lace and ruffles but in neutral tones. Simple but chic is how I see Anne Elliot dressing if she were around today.

top. pants. flats. locket. ring

I see Anne wearing this when she goes to stay with her overly-dramatic but humorous sister Mary. Anne is put in position of nurse after one of Mary's sons falls and breaks his collarbone. Even though I wouldn't call that the most delightful job, I can see Anne wearing some cute flats and cigarette pants with a pretty lace top. She has to look good in case Captain Wentworth comes around am I right?

top. skirt. heels. clutch. cuff. necklace.

While people may have deemed Anne an "old maid" at 28, who says old maids have to wear lame shoes? The night at the concert in Bath wear Wentworth gets jealous of Anne giving attention to Mr. Elliot, I see Anne keeping her classic style but still looking amazing to make Wentworth's knees weak. I love the color combination of lilac and this burgundy red color.

dress. cardigan. sandals. earrings. bracelets.

Cue "We've Found Love in a Hopeless Place" because finally Wentworth and Anne are together and in love heading back to Anne's childhood estate Kellynch. I picture Anne ditching her solid colors with a little pattern, florals to be more specific. I see her hair down and flowing with her beauty restored now that she is with her soulmate. I am just obsessed with this dress from Asos- so pretty!

So have y'all read the Hello Giggles article? What Jane Austen heroine are you?

What I'm Loving Wednesday: My Beauty Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:16:00 +0000

Lately I've been in a beauty rut, I've been using the same makeup for a while and I've been looking for some ways to spruce it up. Here are a few beauty products I have been loving lately but I want you guys to share your favorite beauty products!! I am really needing some suggestions especially in the makeup department!

I love E.L.F. its so cheap and its actually a pretty good product considering how cheap it is. I've only used the eyeliner and bronzer but its almost all a dollar at Target which is a pretty good for the broke college girl! I have just recently started using bronzer and I am addicted. I love how it gives you a little glow when I am looking so pasty! I am a bronzer convert for sure!

Y'all know I love the John Frieda Lightning spray and I've just started using the shampoo and conditioner and it helps too. Like the lightening spray it lightens your natural highlights and touches up your roots. It is helping me not have to go to the salon quite as frequent. My sister uses the brunette shampoo and it has brightened her natural color too.

I am dying for the Hunger Games nail polish to come out from China Glaze. I found out you can pre-order it from this site and I really would love to order the whole collection. I wish the names were a little different but they represent each district and their resources. My favorites are Smoke and Ashes, Electrify, Harvest Moon and Hook&Line.

Whenever I go to get my hair done, my hair girl puts moroccan oil in my hair and I love it. The kind she uses is so expensive and the bottle is so tiny but I found this moroccan oil blow out creme by Organix and I love it. I put it in my hair before I brush it out when its wet, kind of like leave-in-conditioner and it makes my hair softer and shinier and it smells amazing!

Right now I have Prized Possession Purple on my nails which is a Justin Bieber color from Nicole by OPI. We have almost all of them because my sister has Bieber Fever. What are you guys wearing on your nails right now?

Happy Wednesday Loves!

Style Inspiration: Emma Stone

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:23:00 +0000

I think its safe to say everyone loves Emma Stone. Ever since I saw her in Easy A, she became one of my favorite girl crushes. Its crazy to think she is only 23, two years older than me. It seems like over night her style has transformed and is incredible. She is the prime example of being able to mature her style as she has gotten older. Another great thing is that she isn't afraid of color, I love seeing that your style can "grow up" but still have fun. I've recreated some of my favorite colorful but mature looks from Ms. Stone!

sweater. skirt. belt. shoes.

I am loving the mix of blues with this photo shoot look. I paired it with some nude pumps to keep it simple with the blue hues.

top. pants. blazer. pumps.

I am in love with this outfit. The kelly green blazer is a perfect menswear that gives the traditional jacket and button down look to a new level with the bright pop and the tie button down.

skinnies. coat. flats. scarf. hat.

Even dressing down, Emma gets it right. Of course I wouldn't mind having her boyfriend Andrew Garfield either but this outfit is easily achievable for anyone. I love the hat too- I need to start wearing hats more often.

Is anyone else crushing hard on Emma Stone's style? I love how she uses color and I totally loved the colors of her Lanvin Golden Globes Gown! I also love the belt!

winter style inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:02:00 +0000

One of my goals for 2012 was to "mature" my style a little. So for winter I've been trying spice things up style-wise and looking to my favorite blogs and celebs for some inspiration! I will be posting some OOTDs pretty soon but for now here are some of my favorite looks I am taking some major inspiration from!

Last week I posted about Jessica Alba's home, this week I am posting about her style. I seriously just love her style. She always has a great mix of fun printed blouses and an amazing scarf collection. I seriously wish I could raid her closet! I have been using her style when it comes to mixing scarves with tops. I have been wearing a lot of scaves this winter!

(via)

I am obsessed with cool tribal and aztec prints. I found a fun tribal sweater at Forever 21(broke my spending halt-ack!) and I am obsessed. Its just so fun and different! I saw a bunch more tribal/aztec at forever 21 the other day but I refrained myself from buying more

(via)

I have been living in my red skinnies. I am wishing I had some green ones. They are just so fun for adding a pop of color and I don't know if they really "mature" my style but they are totally fun and I love them

(via)

Pattern mixing. I love pattern mixing so much and I love this subtle-ness from See Jane. I love the polka dots and stripes combo. What could be better than two of my favorite patterns combined?

gingham love

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:11:00 +0000

I love gingham. I have a gingham shirt from the Gap Outlet that I love and wear all the time. On Pinterest I have started noticing gingham as a home fabric. I have never really thought of using it for curtains or a bedspread but I am seriously loving. It's not just for Dorothy to wear in Oz anymore, gingham is becoming a chic print! These are a few of my favorite fashion looks with gingham and home looks with gingham!

(seriouly wishing I could fit in this outfit!)

What I'm Loving Wednesday. Randomness

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Happy Wednesday Everyone!! The other day I discovered a new to me blog, The Awkward Girls. They are college gals like me and they both have amazing style. On Wednesdays, they do "We Likey Wednesday"and they feature random things that they like. I loved the different categories that they share each week, so for my WILW this week, I thought I would share my favorite things in the categories the Awkward Girls share!

Girl Crush:

Jennifer Lawrence aka Katniss Everdeen. I will probably forever associate her with being Katniss from now on but Jennifer Lawrence is a few months younger than I am and has already been nominated for an Oscar so thats pretty awesome and I dying for the Hunger Games movie to come out (only 72 days!) so right now she is my total girl crush.

Boy Crush:

This week I am going to have to go with Ian Harding. Mr Fitz. It is killing me that he and Aria are being torn apart by her parents now. Oh the struggles of dating your super hot former teacher.

Flava of the Week:

A few weeks ago, I talked my mom into buying this huge container of chocolate chip cookie dough from Costco. Its been awesome because you can just scoop out some cookie dough and eat it raw (which the thing says your not supposed to do but whatevs) or bake them. Sometimes at night I have been making mini ice cream sandwich cookies like these but with coffee ice cream in the middle and mine aren't weight watchers like these. Straight up delicious (say it in a Jean-Ralphio voice if you watch parks&rec) Not really good for my eating healthy goal but you just have to treat yourself. I should probably make the weight watchers version but oh well..

I want:

The entire Jason Wu for Target collection. I have never really loved any of Target's designer collections and never rushed to Target the day they come out or anything but with this one I may just have to. I just feel like they are classic pieces that look like your typical Jason Wu designs but with a reasonable price. I am really loving this top and skirt, and all of the bags I am obsessed with.

Tunes/Funnies

So my tune is also my funny but this video is just too hilarious. I am obsessed with the Black Keys new album but I am especially obsessed with the song "Lonely Boy" and its music video. You just can't not laugh at the guy dancing and singing all crazy throughout the whole video.

What are your random loves this week?

a little sparkle

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:32:00 +0000

I need a little bit of sparkle in my life. The bad thing is (well not bad but inconvenient) is that I am on a spending halt and can't add any sparkle in my life. I can online window shop though here are some dreamy tops I wouldn't mind adding to my collection right now

ruche

What about you guys, do you feel like sparkling today??

Jesscia Alba's Home: Chic and Green

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:37:00 +0000

I wish I could steal Jessica Alba's wardrobe, as many celebrity wardrobes I wish I could steal, hers just may be at the top. Its such an effortless style with sensible pieces that work. Also she has a great scarf collection that she accessorizes with often. The other day I stumbled across photos of her home that were featured in Instyle back in 2008, I don't know how I missed these then but I am obsessed now. Its a mix of old Hollywood gone green with eco-friendly elements. The house was painted with eco-friendly paints and a lot of things in the house are all green, especially in the nursery. A mix of high and low with things that she found at flea markets and craigslist. I love it when I see that celebrities appreciate finding good deals and of course it makes me like Jessica Alba even more. Lets not even get me started on her closet...its safe to say I want to steal it all!

(the nursery was featured in People a few months ago, I love the whimsy-ness of it. It doesn't really match the rest of the house but you can tell its for a baby. I love the bright blue poof as a foot rest with the rocker!)

a little cheer up..

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:23:00 +0000

I have been feeling under the weather (strep throat..ick!) but I think this sweet face would cheer me up if it were mine. I mean seriously, how could you resist it? Between this dog and Stella on Modern Family, I have french bulldog puppy fever! If I had a precious pup to walk around the park, I think I would wear something like this...

dog walk by staleymc featuring balenciaga bag

Hope you all have a great weekend! I will be spending it lying low, recovering (thank goodness for antibiotics!)

What I'm Loving Wednesday: Stack 'Em Up

noreply@blogger.com (Staley Mc) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:40:00 +0000

Another one of my 2012 goals (which I didn't really mention in my post) is to mature my style a little more. I am going to have a big girl job soon so I should probably start styling things differently and adding more mature pieces (after my spending halt). One thing I want to do is start wearing more jewelry. I have a ton but I never wear it. I really love rings especially ones with fun detail. My aunt gave me a giftcard to Forever 21 for Christmas so I went and was looking through the jewelry and found these flower stacking rings for $4.00! I love them, they are so fun and add a bit of boho flare to an outfit. I would like to add to my ring collection and add some more stacking rings. Here are a few that I am loving!

stacking by staleymc featuring stackable rings