leaving on a jet plane…

ls — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:20:26 +0000

Hi everyone! Sorry for my silence over the past two days…I always forget how much there is to do before leaving on a big trip! That’s right, I’m headed west to my favorite place on earth, Colorado. I’ll be there for three weeks and James will be meeting me next week! I cannot wait to be with my family and just kick back. Although, it’s going to be a little strange to not be in our house (more on that here.) While I was packing, I was sort of amused when I realized how much my packing habits have changed since getting involved in styling. I almost treat it like a photoshoot! I wanted to give you guys a little peek into my process, which was also a great opportunity to also practice with my new lens!

Have you guys been following my Capital Style blog posts? The last one was all about packing for travel, so if you want more information on some easy pieces to pack, be sure to click here. Anyways, I have been using my rolling rack when I pack so I can really see all the pieces I’m wanting to bring. That way I can easily hold up items next to each other to see what I can put together. The key is to stick to a lot of basics and changes things up with jewelry.

The easiest way to spruce up a simple travel wardrobe? A bright necklace! The first one is from Honey Rose & K, the second is from Forever 21. A clutch is another great travel piece because it makes an outfit more evening appropriate and it has a chain!

I pack all jewelry in small bags. Bigger necklaces go into invidual jewelry bags, bracelets that won’t get tangled can go together in a soft jewelry bag. I got this one in high school and it goes with me on every trip! A few other travel essentials include sunscreen and an extra camera disk.

Had some fun playing with a new app by A Beautiful Mess (find the app here.) I’m excited to wear my new bikini from J. Crew and I’m packing nail polish because I always end up wanting to paint my nails at some point.

Aaand I squeezed in a haircut yesterday and she cut three inches of hair! Feeling fresh and ready to go!

See you in Colorado!

it’s the weekend vol. 3

ls — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:14:00 +0000

Happy Friday! It’s just a few short days now until I’ll be in my beautiful home state of Colorado! I’m so excited to spend time with my family, breathe in that fresh mountain air, and soak up some serious Vitamin D from that Colorado sun. Here’s a little mishmash of things to distract you until that clock hits 5:00.

The first is this awesome behind the scenes look at the most recent Free People catalog and video shoot. Doesn’t it look like they had a blast? See the final video here and the full catalog here.

I have an obsession right now with finding the perfect pair of leather sandals. I finally decided on option number two, but they sold out right after I clicked buy! Grrr. What is it about this color of leather that’s so appealing? I want a style that isn’t necessarily trendy so that I won’t get sick of it next season. Any other suggestions would be much appreciated!

(1, 2, 3)

Lastly, I’m way behind the times on this, but did you see this amazing Ted talk? This guy, Ron Finley, plants gardens in South Central L.A. Such an inspiring and simple way to ignite change in a community.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

feeling fancy

ls — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:18:49 +0000

I had a little photography lesson with Lauryn (of Lauryn Byrdy Photography of course) and she let me borrow her fancy shmancy lens for a few days! James and I took these pics below. The fancy lens called for a fancy skirt and I’m loving this handmade one from Zara. Details below.

J. Crew sweatshirt (0ld), Zara Embroidered Skirt with Mirrors, Tory Burch Abitha Flip Flops from Shopbop, and Honey Rose & K necklace (c/o.)

life through instagram

ls — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:16:14 +0000

A few snapshots of our lives in the past few weeks…

Love how working from home allows me to set up my office anywhere. We finally got the patio furniture out and it’s been great to sit on the porch. Although, we’re being haunted by a bee who really loves to hide out under the table…

Rainy day uniform: Hunter boots, men’s Patagonia rain jacket, and my, now perfectly worn-in, Madewell tote.

Post-storm green.

Loved when I picked up my new pillows from Objects for the Home and my favorite styling trick was written on the tag.

The new couch. So comfortable.

A quick run to the grocery store.

Been loving Indian food so much that we started making our own paneer and pea curry.

Went on a five mile hike in Highbanks.

Had a love affair with tangerine.

Finally finished the Grace Coddington memoir and fell in love with her About The Author page at the end of the book.

Grocery shopping.

Hanging out with my best.

You can follow me on Instagram here.

have you seen this man?

ls — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:44:16 +0000

James and I were running around yesterday doing Sunday things when I saw this strange graffiti wall. I don’t know why I thought it would be a great place to take an outfit picture, but we did and I sort of love the contrast of the black and white and my red top. This top is actually a dress that I tucked into my jeans to fit like blouse. I also love to wear it half-tucked into jean shorts and, as it was meant to be worn, as a dress. It’s from Urban Outfitters and you can find it here.

Urban Outfitters The Furies Manchu Tank Dress, Joe’s Rolled Skinny Ankle Jeans, Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties (I’m still contemplating them in black), Honey Rose & K necklace (c/0), Ray-Ban Aviators, Madewell The Transport Tote, brass bracelet from Madewell (old, similar here), and silver bracelet from our trip to Tucson.

lessons in letting go

ls — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:16:56 +0000

Taking some time this week to just be. I see that the things are changing all around me and I am reminded time and time again that it’s impossible to control outcomes. Lessons in letting go.

capital style blogger series: my travel essentials

ls — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:50:33 +0000

Hope you guys had a great weekend! I wanted to share some images from my most recent shoot with Lauryn Byrdy Photography for the Capital Style blogger series! This post is about ten things that I would take with me on a vacation getaway. I wanted to show an easy day look that could transition into evening with a few changes. You can view the full post here. And thanks to Lauryn for taking these photos! Check out my other posts from this series here and here.

For the daytime look: I’m wearing the Perfect Chambray Ex-Boyfriend Shirt from Madewell, Printed Trousers with Side Stripes from Zara, Abitha Flip Flops from Tory Burch, The Transport Tote from Madewell, Ray-Ban Wayfarers, and a hat from my trip to Santa Fe.

Bracelets from top to bottom: Jewelmint, my mom’s old watch, Madewell (another one I love here), and Rowe Boutique.

For the evening look: I’m wearing the pants from Zara, Kate Spade New York Addie Top (c/o), Forever 21 necklace (old), Belle by Sigerson Morrison heels from Leal, and a clutch from Rowe Boutique.

it’s the weekend vol. 2

ls — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:30:57 +0000

It’s Friday, people! I’m looking forward to kicking back and enjoying these beautiful spring days. First, I wanted to share with you guys the spring 2013 collection by designer Nanushka that I found on HonestlyWTF. I could live in all of these pieces (which you can order online!) I love the amazing leather shoes and bags and the perfectly slouchy look of the clothing.

You all know my love of backpacks. This one from Nanushka is $76,900.00 HUF, which converts to $332 USD…you’re welcome.

Also, be sure to check out Reduction in the Short North tomorrow. Lot’s of great stores are offering clothing at huge discounts, including Rowe Boutique.

Also on my mind? A new spring hairdo. What is it about spring that calls for change? I find myself wanting to shed a few inches of hair, along with removing any traces of makeup. Spring is about ease after all. Elin Kling is going to be my hairspiration this time around. I also love Gwyneth Paltrow’s hair…so chic (check her out on Ellen explaining her scandalous dress choice for the Iron Man 3 premiere…too cute.)

Have a great weekend!

ring watches

ls — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:10:06 +0000

When my buddy, Amber, came over to hang out the other night, somehow I started talking about a box of random things my mom had recently sent me. Everything in this box is from my childhood room and, right now, it’s sitting in my closet because I have no idea what to do with it. But, I did find these two watch rings in there, which brought back so many memories of my elementary school days. I was totally obsessed with these rings. I also remember debating whether or not to sell them at the time at our family garage sale, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. What do you think, can I bring these back? They’re practically vintage.

life through instagram

ls — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:19:32 +0000

Hi everyone! Hope you guys had a great weekend! Wasn’t yesterday beautiful with all that sunshine? James and I went to Antrim Park for a run and it felt amazing. I’m so looking forward to this kind of weather in the coming weeks before it gets REALLY hot. Below are some pictures I’ve taken with Instagram lately. You can follow me here!

I knew there was a little patch of cacti in our backyard and I was sitting out there one day and I saw that one was out of the soil. I saved it and now it sits in our front window.

Had so much fun when James’ buddy, Dee, came into town. We took her to Northstar and Jeni’s.

Got to make some delicious sun tea.

And my legs saw sunshine for the first time in months.

Went to Target to run “errands.” I somehow always end up in the dressing room when what I really need is paper towels.

James and I typically do our grocery shopping on Sundays and this is what usually happens. Really green bananas.

From my last outfit post. I was so excited to be featured again as one of the winners of Capital Style’s look of the week!

One of the prettiest times of the year in Columbus (besides fall.)

So many nail polish colors, so little time.

Happy Monday!