This Very Second

The Next Bachelorette

2012-01-26T17:42:00.002-05:00

ABC formally announced yesterday that Emily Maynard will be the next Bachelorette! I am SO excited. I have to admit, the Bachelor/Bachelorette seasons have been very mehhh the last couple years. Mostly because I haven't really liked the main person...yet I still have a standing 2 hour Monday date night with the hubs every week.

I am ready for Ben's season to be over and on to the next. ABC confirmed that filming will begin this March. Emily is such a sweetheart (not to mention her cute outfits) and I can't wait to watch!

6 Months

2012-01-25T16:57:00.000-05:00

We celebrated our 6-month anniversary this week, and the hubs made a deeeelicious lasagna dinner. This is his first stab at "real cooking" (as he calls it) and it turned out amazing. He even did the grocery shopping himself, so I didn't have to lift a finger.

For dessert, the hubs brought home 2 Crumbs cupcakes (omg YUM), which we devoured while watching our other guilty pleasure...The Bachelor.

He sure knows the way to my heart...through my stomach!

Sam Edelman Booties

2012-01-19T16:28:00.000-05:00

I got back from my trip Saturday night, and have been a bit under the weather since. Damn the airplane germs. Not to mention, my Blackberry seemed to have gotten sick as well. It just wouldn't turn on the morning after I got back. Maybe it was jetlagged too. I don't know. But I was sans berry for <72 hours and just about went crazy. Thank god Verizon came through and I have a brand spankin' new shiny Blackberry in my (tan and soft) grubby little hands.

But, that is not the point of this post. This post is to share with you all the most gorgeous pair of Black Suede Wedge Booties I just got.

If you're a size 10, you can get them for $65.00. But since I am sample size (6.5) and they always sell out, I had to pay full retail of $130 via [Shopbop].

Outfit with a view

2012-01-08T08:45:00.000-05:00

The view from our balcony in Aruba. Not a bad place to hang out before heading to dinner.

white jeans: Juicy Couture

top: Madewell [also seen here]

sandals: F21

gold cuff & earrings: F21

Austin Skyline & Chunky Sweaters

2012-01-05T08:12:00.000-05:00

I loved every minute of our weekend in Austin. We spent the day exploring South Congress and ate (and drank) our way through the city. The hubs and I were constantly telling each other how stuffed we were. One thing that stood out to me about Austin was the number of fabulous vintage shops there were. I (and my inner cowgirl) couldn't get enough. Definitely planning another trip to Austin soon. Next trip, less eating and more shopping.

sweater: Calvin Klein oversized chunky cable sweater [similar here and here]

jeans: Current Elliott [buy here]

boots: Old Navy Faux Suede Boots [similar here]

bag: Vintage Coach Station bag [buy here]

Hello 2012

2012-01-01T22:14:00.002-05:00

While the rest of the world is returning home from their holiday travels, I have one more trip to go.

Off to Beijing tomorrow! Goodbye NYC, see you in 13 days.

..but don't worry dolls, I have a few outfit posts from my holiday trips while I am gone so stay tuned.. <3

Wishing everyone a fabulous 2012!

A Picture worth 1,000 Words

2011-12-31T13:06:00.001-05:00

I wouldn't want to spend NYE with anyone else.

South Congress: Austin, Texas

Happy New Years Eve!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.008-05:00

Still soaking up the sun in Aruba...

...and wishing you all a relaxing and fun filled day!

Have a very merry Christmas.

Chevron & Neutrals

2011-12-13T09:22:00.003-05:00

Wore this to dinner over the weekend. If I had known it was going to be 30 degrees out, I may have reconsidered the bare feet and opted for boots instead.

white shirt: BCBG [similar: Splendid V-neck]

open tunic: Veronica M [similar here and here]

leggings: TopShop Ponte Leggings [similar here]

shoes: Nine West Suede Booties [Similar Here, here, and here]

bag: Michael Kors Large Joan Satchel $368 [here on sale! $165]

scarf: Banana Republic chunky wool scarf [similar here]

watch: Michael Kors [similar here]

Duke & The Christmas Tree

2011-12-12T13:13:00.004-05:00

Had such a fun weekend. The Duke game was awesome...and I have to share the view from our seats this weekend. Midcourt right behind the refs and media. I am a spoiled sports fan.

After the game, we stopped to refuel with some oysters and beer at City Lobster & Steak and watched my beloved Buckeyes fall to Kansas without Jared Sullinger. Painful, but Indiana made it better a few hours later by hitting a buzzer beating shot to upset #1 Kentucky.

Ok, enough sports talk...

This year's Tree

We make it a point to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree every holiday season, and I swear, it looks more magnificent each year. Something about being in Rockefeller plaza will the gazillion other people fighting to see the twinkling lights is just so magical. Le sigh. We had a perfect Saturday.

TGIF

2011-12-09T18:05:00.000-05:00

So glad that I survived this week to get to Friday. Still have 2 finals and a presentation to go...but giving myself the weekend (or at least tonight and tomorrow) off from studying.

I'm so excited to relax, order takeout, and watch a movie tonight.

For Saturday, we got court-side tickets to see Duke vs. Washington at Madison Square Garden. We're in the first row right at mid-court, so must figure out a cute outfit if I'm gonna end up on TV, hmmmm. The hubs is pretty excited to see this guy up close and personal:

It's a noon game, so hopefully we won't be too buzzed after the game to do a lil Christmas shopping a la Fifth Avenue and then go see this year's Rockefeller Christmas tree. I never feel like my holiday season is complete unless we get a picture with "The" tree =)

Happy happy happy Weekend!

Retail Therapy

2011-12-09T09:38:00.001-05:00

So I indulged in some retail therapy last night and placed my first order from ASOS. Picked up a few fun things for my upcoming trips:

1. Cupro Twist Front Mini Dress

2. Playsuit with twist Wrap Front

3. Shift Dress in Color Block

4. 60s Shift Dress with Round Neck

5. Lipsy Color Block Metallic Belt Dress

So excited to get all my goodies next week! Is there anything better than buying fun summer dresses in December?

Get me to next Thursday

2011-12-08T12:35:00.000-05:00

Needed a study break. There's nothing like beautiful pictures of beautiful places and things to cheer a girl up from the hell that is finals week.

A few things to look forward to that is getting me through this week:

Date night with the hubs tonight <3

Just a little obsessed with my FF team(s)...especially since I'm dominating in an all guys league this year. Woot!

I'm a sucker for pretty gift wrapping

I love getting coffee with the hubs on lazy weekend mornings

Can't wait for cocktails & lunch on the beach in Aruba

enough said

Rockefeller Center - I <3 Christmastime in New York

Staying just blocks away from Sixth street @ the Four Seasons Austin. Can't wait!

Sixth Street - Austin, TX

I don't know how I'd survive finals week without the hubs. He is simply the best.

I feel MUCH better already =)

9 Years

2011-12-06T16:56:00.004-05:00

December 5, 2002 was the first time I hung out with the hubs. We met in English class and were both in our freshman year at college. I had just gotten back from a party and he from a Tom Petty concert. Not exactly sure how we coordinated plans, but he made it over to my dorm around midnight and we talked....for 6 hours straight. Until we realized that the sun was coming up and a blizzard had come through to blanket the campus in a foot of snow.

That was the first time we hung out. And now 9 years later...I'm married to this man who I am absolutely smitten with, who can still talk my ear off, and who I still think is the best person I have ever met. I am so blessed to have had you in my life for 1/3 of my life.

Happy 9 years babe. Thank you for the gorgeous flowers. I am the luckiest.

What I Wore to Lunch

2011-12-06T12:22:00.004-05:00

Running out the door to lunch to meet a friend that's in town, but snapped a few pics for a quick outfit post

dress: Missoni for Target [available here]

s/s turtleneck: Moda [similar here]

leggings: LnA footless tights [similar here $8]

shoes: Cole Haan [similar here]

watch: Michael Kors Gold Bracelet Watch [here]

bag: Coach Leather Satchel [current here]

Not sure how I even made time for lunch as I am currently in finals hell right now. 2 exams this week, a presentation and 2 finals next week. It will all be over next Wednesday. Only 8 more days right?

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Bags Under $50

2011-12-02T14:53:00.004-05:00

I currently have a slight obsession with Satchels and crossbody bags. Can't get enough of them. So I'm feeding my obsession to you guys and compiled my favorites that won't make a dent in your wallet.

Get this season's hottest styles for under $50:

All Purpose Satchel, $39

Madison Clutch, $49.50

Double Handle Satchel, $38

Tan Crossbody Bag, $28

Striped Portfolio Tote, ~~$74.25~~ ON SALE $29.99

Kennedy crossbody bag, $49.50

Taupe Satchel, ~~$50~~ ON SALE $34.98

Happy Shopping!

Christmas in Paradise

2011-12-01T16:14:00.001-05:00

For the Holidays this year, I will be spending it in Aruba with the Hubs and his parents. We're going for 8 days and staying at the all inclusive Riu Palace & Casino.

This will be our second time in Aruba, and I couldn't be more excited to go back! I'm looking forward to being there with the in-laws, they're a blast and party harder than we do sometimes haha.

Before we leave for Aruba, the hubs and I are making a quick weekend trip to Texas. We're flying into Dallas Friday morning, spending a day there, then taking a short & sweet road trip to Austin for the rest of the weekend. Totally random, but it should be fun. I've never been to Dallas, so if anyone has any restaurant suggestions/things to do, I would love to hear them!

I just need to get through the next 2 weeks of class/finals...we're in the home stretch!

15 days and counting!

My Only (semi) Cyber Monday Purchase

2011-11-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

....and it was on Tuesday. I didn't do any shopping for Black Friday/Cyber Monday this year, surprisingly. Typically I'm an avid online shopper, but I've been trying to de-clutter and streamline my closet. But I bought This Dress for $44.10 yesterday. Because I love it and it's perfect for almost any occasion. The End.

Enter Promo code: PLUSH for an extra 10% off, and Free S/H and Returns.

My Christmas List

2011-11-30T14:39:00.002-05:00

1. DSLR Camera
I'm still trying to figure out which model would suit my needs best, so I've narrowed it down to these:

Sony A390 {Buy Here, $499}

Nikon D5000 {Buy Here, $599}

Canon EOS T3i {Buy Here, $719}

2. Silver Mint Julep Cups - I love the vintage look and even just a few blooms look gorgeous in these

{Buy Here, $8.99}

3. Decorative Storage Boxes - the first time I saw these was actually at a HomeGoods for $9.99 each, but some lady snagged them before I had a chance to make up my mind. I couldn't stop thinking about them and finally tracked them down! They're from ZGallerie and about 3x more expensive (so I'm kicking myself for not impulse buying), but they've made it on my Christmas list.

Set of 4 {Buy Here, $119.80}

4. Red Hunter Rainboots - I have a pair of Burberry rainboots from a few years ago, so I don't need another pair, but I love the Red Hunters. They just make rainy days that much more fun, no?

{Buy Here, $125}

What's on your list?

A Day in the Park

2011-11-29T12:28:00.006-05:00

We had gorgeous weather Thanksgiving weekend so decided to spend Black Friday in Central Park. Much better than braving the shopping crowds. Now that I think of it, I've never gone Black Friday shopping. Shocking huh?

leggings: F21 Sweater leggings

top/tunic: H&M [Similar Here]
vest: Zara [Similar Here]
bag: Etienne Aigner crossbody [Similar Here]
boots: Unknown Brand (old) [Similar Here]

Thanksgiving Menu

2011-11-22T09:56:00.001-05:00

2 more days til Turkey Day!

{image via Pizzazzerie}

Hubs and I are hosting Thanksgiving this year, which means that I'll be the one cooking. His parents are flying in from Ohio and my sister from San Francisco. Since it will only be the 5 of us, we won't need mountains and mountains of food, just a lot of variety. Besides the Turkey (MIL will be owning this), I think I can manage everything else on my own... *fingers crossed* and I'm definitely taking some short cuts on dessert since baking is not my specialty.

Just finalized today, here is our Thanksgiving menu:

Appetizers:
Bacon wrapped dates (I don't like blue cheese, so we replace it with fontina, Recipe here)
Cheesy Beef Nachos
Antipasto Platter (Fresh mozzarella, Tomatoes, Roasted Red peppers, Prosciutto, salami)

Sides:
Creamed Spinach (Hubs' favorite! Recipe here)
Brussel Sprouts with bacon
Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Mexican Corn (Recipe here)
Rosemary Garlic Parmesan Biscuits (Recipe here)
Sage & Shiitake Stuffing (recipe courtesy of Chef Michel Laudier, the hubs' uncle)

Entree:
Turkey!! I'm going to try Kate's Recipe

Trimmings:
Turkey Gravy (homemade)
Cranberry Sauce (homemade)

Dessert:
Pumpkin Pie (from Trader Joe's)
Apple Pie (from Trader Joe's)
Pumpkin Cheesecake (from Trader Joe's)

What's on your menu?

A New York Fall

2011-11-21T14:16:00.002-05:00

It was a quintessential New York fall day on Saturday, so the Hubs and I ventured out for a day in the city. We stopped at Sarabeth's for our morning lattes and had a delicious brunch at the Spotted Pig. Then we enjoyed the rest of our day hanging out in the park, window shopping (mainly the hubs taking notes for my Christmas list), and more eating before heading to a friend's place for the Ohio State game.

I am totally loving these wedges from Old Navy. This was my first time wearing them, and they are the most comfortable things in the world. I trekked around for almost an entire day and they didn't hurt my feet at all. I've never bought shoes from Old Navy until a few months ago, and now I own 3 pairs (seen here and here). I can't speak on the quality since I've only had them for a few months, but for under $30, I am loving.

bottoms: Current Elliott [Buy Here]
top: Sweet & Sinful boat neck sweater [Similar Here $29.97]
scarf: eBay [Similar Here and Here]
jacket: Wet Seal years ago
bag: Michael Kors Large Joan Satchel $368 [here on sale! $165]
shoes: Old Navy Wedges [Now on Sale! $19]

Stitch Fix

2011-11-19T12:26:00.136-05:00

I heard about Stitch Fix a few months ago and was really intrigued by the idea. So what is StitchFix? It's basically a mail order styling service that ships you a package with 5 picked-for-you pieces to try on at home with your own clothes and accessories. The initial $20 charge for the package goes towards any purchase.

When the Stitch Fix Beta first launched, I signed up right away. I took the style survey (it's pretty extensive) which gives their stylists an idea of what you like, provided my sizing information, and paid my $20.

When I received my first "Fix" about 2 weeks later, I was SO excited!

These are the items I received:

1. BB Dakota Blanket Sweater Wrap - $105 {Buy Here}

2. BB Dakota Red Dress - $54.99 {Buy Here}

3. BB Dakota Lace up Dress - On Sale for $49 {Buy Here)

4. Jaloux One Shoulder Sequin Top - $106 {Similar Here}

5. Unbranded Earrings - $20

Front view of Dress #3

Unfortunately, most of the items in my first shipment didn't fit me too well. I'll probably need to update the sizing I originally gave them so that they can adjust the sizes of my future shipments. The only items I liked out of this "Fix" was the Lace up dress (#3) and the Earrings (#5), but I'm only keeping the earrings as I'll probably end up buying the same dress elsewhere online.

Stitch Fix charges above the retail value online of the items which turned me off a bit (at least in my shipment). The same dress (#3 above) can be found on sale online for $49, but Stitch Fix's price was $80. Why would anyone keep the items if they could find the exact same piece online for less? Hopefully as Stitch Fix grows, they will identify this problem and "fix" it.

The returns process is very simple, which makes Stitch Fix so fun. You just pop everything you don't want back into the postage paid bag and drop it off at the post office. I think the Stitch Fix concept of a mail-order stylist is very good, and hopefully they will continue to grow and perfect this idea. For girls, being able to try on a variety of items that you otherwise may not have chosen in the comfort of your own home is huge.

I'll probably give them another shot in a month or 2 =)

I Lost My Davek

2011-11-18T11:37:00.004-05:00

I lost my Davek yesterday. I left it at school, and when I went back only 30 minutes later, it was gone. One of the saddest days this week.

If you all don't know, a Davek is only the best umbrella in the world. It's supposed to withstand winds up to 60MPH and has a classic and refined design. The withstanding wind part is super important because I've always had cheapo umbrellas that blew inside out, how embarrassing. Never again, since the Davek. I had the Solo, which normally retails for $99. I bought mine on Gilt for about $50 a couple years ago.

{The Solo, Buy Here}

So alas, the search for a new umbrella begins. My criteria are as follows:

1. Durable and withstand winds

2. Easy open and close

3. Sleek and cute

Here are some options I'm considering:

{GustBuster Metro 43-Inch Automatic Umbrella, Buy Here}

{Clear Bubble Umbrella, Buy Here}

{Galleria White Daisy Folding Umbrella, Buy Here}

{London Fog Auto Stick Umbrella, Buy Here}

And I'm also leaning towards just replacing my Davek with another one, but it's hard justifying $100 on an umbrella.. I'll let you guys know which one I decide on! Choosing an umbrella...the important decisions in life.

Thursday Outfit

2011-11-17T11:12:00.003-05:00

If you guys haven't tried on Current Elliot jeans, you must. These have become my favorite pair amongst all the Sevens, Citizens, AG's, and Joe's. The denim is softer than my other jeans which makes them more comfortable and there aren't any designs on the back pocket which I personally like. Check them out here and here.

{jeans: Current Elliot classic straight leg jean $210 (buy here), sweater: TJ Maxx $24.99 (similar here), bag: Michael Kors Large Joan Satchel $368 (here on sale! $165), flats: Tory Burch Snakeskin Revas}