Monday Pick-Me-Up

Happy Monday, lovelies! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! As I mentioned on Friday, I was in Detroit over the weekend to give a training. Aside from passing through DTW airport and a quick visit to the Henry Ford museum while on a school trip, this was my first time in the city. I had a great weekend, however the very visible economic depression that I witnessed in Detroit was honestly overwhelming. Despite this overwhelmed feeling, what I really took away from my visit was the inspirational effort by so many to revive the city--it is truly amazing and beautiful to see! 

Throughout my weekend the quote below kept running through my head. I found this while visiting the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in 2009 and have been in love with it ever since.

So, my Monday Pick-Me-Up for you is a reminder to find beauty where you can, because even in the worst situations it really is there. Have a beautiful day!

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday! I'm off to Detroit this weekend to facilitate a meeting on how to deliver and design trainings...sounds a little boring, I know, BUT it's something I totally geek out over, therefore I am pretty excited!

Do you have any fun weekend plans? Since I'll be working, I'm living my weekend vicariously through you all--So, I hope your weekend is filled with little stress and many cocktails!

Have a wonderful weekend! 

 

Thursday Love List

Can you believe that it's already Thursday? I don't know about you, but my week has flown by! Continuing my Thursday Love List series, here are a few pieces that I'm lusting over this week!


I've been planning my summer vacation this week--My only requirement for this vacay is that the sun and beach are involved. With the beach on my mind, I've fallen in love with this royal blue and floral romper! I can already imagine slipping into this adorable piece when lounging by the water....is it summer yet??

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I've featured these amazing Rebecca Minkoff flats before, but just can't get enough! I prefer flats to heals and have a slight obsession with bright pinks this spring, making these cute shoes my idea of perfection.

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I love the color and simplicity of this Gorjana wrap bracelet! The design and color make it a great piece to transition through many seasons--something I'm always looking for! It's a must have, don't you think?

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One for the Gents!

After my Lemon Zest post yesterday, my friend C complained that I never post anything in "his shade," noting that he is more of a "cool colors guy." So today this one is for you, C!

Knowing his style and appreciation for a classic look, I sought out a few pieces from my all time fav, J. Crew (I have a mild serious obsession). This is the perfect look for any guy on spring afternoon, don't you think?

 Shirt / Shorts / Sunnies / Shoes / iPhone Case / Watch

P.S. I hope you enjoyed, C!

Lemon Zest

Since purchasing a citrus Vince sweater last week, I have been craving all things lemon/citrus! I've never worn this color much so decided to go with my lemon kick today and feature a few pieces in this bright hue. I know that lemon is not for everyone so, I'm wondering, will this vibrant shade be making it into your wardrobe during the spring and summer seasons?

necklace / dress / sweater / shorts / bracelet / tote / sandals / ring

Monday Pick-Me-Up!

Happy Monday, friends! Did you have a nice weekend? Mine was filled with shopping, cleaning (blah!), naps, and baking cookies!

Coming off the weekend and going into Monday I find that my spirit is sometimes a little low. In case you're feeling the same today, here's a Monday Pick-Me-Up reminder that always perks me up. Have a great day!

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'90s Throwback

Yesterday I held a big end of the year event on the college campus I work at. To add a little twist to this annual celebration, my students and I developed an all things '90s theme to our afternoon of fun! The event was packed with themed events from the decade including a Legends of the Hidden Temple obstacle course (complete with gold helmets, elbow/knee pads, & team shirts) , a Kenan & Kel orange soda ring toss, and a friendship bracelet making station--I fully committed to the occasion and  wore an old windbreaker & fanny pack (ugly, but oh so handy)! The event ended up being a great success and left everyone feeling very nostalgic about their childhood!

In honor of my campus event, I've decided to share images from the '90s minimalist inspired Tibi fall 2012 collection. Have a wonderful weekend! 

 

 

all images via

 

Thursday Love List

Today I have a huge and very fun event for work (you'll hear about it tomorrow!) , so you're getting the short and sweet version of my Thursday Love List! Here are three of my loves from the past week:

This "Crisp" Vince top made it into my Shopbop f&f sale purchase. I'm looking forward to wearing this bright piece throughout the spring!

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           Completely adore these Zara heels.             

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I've run across this amazing statement piece a few times over the last couple of days and am officially obsessed. It's perfect for spring and summer, don't you think?

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Toteable

There's nothing better than a great tote, am I right? Having the ability to toss my entire life into an adorable tote and head out for the day is one of the small things in life that I enjoy. My go-to is the Longchamp tote featured on the top left--it never fails me! What's favorite toteable piece?

top left/ top right/ bottom left/ bottom right

Floral Fancy

If you've read any of my posts or tweets over the last month, you have probably noticed that I love flowers--especially peonies and tulips! From fresh cut to fabric prints, I think anything floral adds the perfect touch of lovely to an outfit or home.

In the midst of this spring season floral seem to be popping up everywhere so tell me, would you wear this blossoming trend?

                                                                                                                                                                                             

Kate Spade jewelry, $378
Kate Spade Posey Park Studs, $58
Fashion Union floral print dress, £25
Elizabeth and James drawstring shorts, $265
Wet Seal floral wayfarer sunglasses, $7.50
H M woven scarve, £4.99
Current/Elliott floral skinny jeans, £230
Image Via

Floral Image (left) Via

Floral Image (right) Via

Monday Pick-Me-Up!

Happy Monday, lovelies! Here's my Monday Pick-Me-Up wish for you as you go throughout your day: 

 

                                                                                  Source: pinklemonadedesign.blogspot.ca via Holly on Pinterest

Have a wonderful day!

Friday Happiness

You may recall that on Monday I mentioned I would be making a big decision this week...well, decision day is here. After much debate and a dozen (or more) pro/con lists, I've decided that I will not be going to the grad school program I was accepted to this fall. The planner in me is so scared because I have no clue what I'll be doing next, but I had to listen to my heart on this one. While my future is a little unclear (gotta love being a twenty-something!) I'm doing my best to stay positive and embrace the adventure! In a effort to keep my positive attitude going,  I've decided to share a few things that make me happy! What's making you happy today?


 

 Elie Saab- Spring 2012 Couture

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Chai Lattes

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Hammocks

 
This Amanda Catherine Designs print. She has so many amazing pieces! 

 

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Anything neon pink is definitely making me happy this season, including this Shashi bracelet! 

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Thursday Love List

Can you believe that it's already Thursday? This week has been a bit of a busy blur for me, but I've still had time to fall in love with a few charming things!

I ran across this adorable ASOS dress earlier in the week and can't get it off my mind! I think this LBD would be the perfect addition to my wardrobe, don't you think?

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I picked up this incredible lavender Aveda lotion while at a hair appointment last Friday. The lovely scent is designed to be a stress reliever--something I've really needed this week! 

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This fabulous pillow is from the Design Darling Boutique and I am completely in love the pattern, color, and design! This little piece of perfection has me ready to redesign a number of rooms in my house my parents' house--gotta love being a twenty-something!

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Happy Birthday, L!

Today is the birthday of my beautiful best friend, L! We have known each other our entire lives and are more like sisters than friends. Here are a few H+L photos through the years...

 Dance recital at age 4. Weren't we adorable?!

College graduation!

L's wedding last August. I was so happy to be her Maid of Honor!

In honor of L's special day, I'm sharing a few pieces that I would buy for her if I wanted to blow my budget! Who doesn't have the urge to do that every once and a while?!

Knowing how much L loves Burberry and her iPad, this would be the perfect piece for her!

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This Tiffany bangle would be great with L's clean and classic style.

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Finally, I think this J. Crew dress would look adorable on her this spring! 

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Happy Birthday, L! Love you!!

The Dotty Details

While looking through photos of Easter gatherings gone by over the weekend, I ran across a one of me circa 1993 in an adorable little polka dot dress. No doubt this was part of one of the many Laura Ashley mommy-daughter sets that my Mom dressed us in--oh, the good ol' days! Inspired by the photo, I've pulled together a few current polka dot pieces that I love!

1. J Crew boat neck sweater, $85
2. Marc by Marc Jacobs wrap dress, $543
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs silk shirt, $250
4. Makeup travel bag, $70
5. kate spade new york Rainspot Ipad Case, $50
6. Zara polka dot umbrella, €9,95
7. J Crew circle skirt, $128
8. kate spade new york Dotted iPhone 4 Hardshell Case, $40
      

Monday Pick-Me-Up!

Happy Monday, dears! Did you have a nice weekend? Mine was filled with pretty Easter pastels and tons of chocolate...so.much.chocolate. This week, aside from detoxing from my Easter indulgences, I have a pretty major next-step life decision to make (scary!) so, I've decided to share this quote for your Monday Pick-Me-Up in the hopes that I'll actually remember it while making my pesky big decision. Have a wonderful day!

Source: onewomenshaven.blogspot.com via Holly on Pinterest

Casual Friday

Happy Friday! This is my first day off in a couple of weeks (working in higher-ed student affairs can be very consuming--but I love it!) and I plan to take full advantage of it. Thus far my day has consisted of copious amounts of coffee and sweats, and this afternoon will be filled with shopping and a fresh haircut. Sounds like a great day, right?

In honor of a my day off, here is a casual Friday look that is similar to the one you'll catch me in this afternoon. Have a wonderful weekend!

J Crew striped t shirt, $75
J Brand skinny jeans, €335
Tory burch shoes, $115
MICHAEL Michael Kors gold watch, $250
Essie cameo brooch, $8
Marc by Marc Jacobs chunky bangle, $128
Astley Clarke gold earrings, $795
Marc by marc jacobs sunglasses, $98
Lancôme lip makeup, $22

Thursday Love List

Continuing my Thursday Love List series, here are three things that I'm currently loving! What are your loves from the past week?

After finally getting to see The Hunger Games last night, I found myself drawn to this 'Girl On Fire'-esque ASOS dress this morning! I think this could be the perfect little rehearsal dress for an upcoming wedding that I'm in, don't you think?

Image via ASOS

In my Neon Pink post yesterday I featured an adorable Noir Jewelry neon crystal cuff. I have not been able to take my mind off of the bright cuff since posting, so I've decided to show you another Noir Jewelry piece that I'm lusting over. I think this necklace offers the perfect combination of neutral and glitz! 

Image via ShopBop

Continuing my trend of sharing some of my favorite songs, here is a longtime love of mine called "Welcome Home" by Radical Face. The use of percussion and piano gives the song a great driving momentum that leaves me wanting to listen to it on repeat...which I of course do! Take a listen here.

image via radicalface.com

Neon Pink

I'm loving neon pink this season! Seeing this vibrant color always brightens up my mood and adds the perfect pop of color to any outfit. You'll find me incorporating this hue into my wardrobe more and more as the temperature rises! So tell me, will you be wearing neon pink this season?

1.Noir Jewelry neon jewelry, $120
2. Michael Kors bright colored dress, $1,245
3. ASOS slimmer belt, $11
4. Miu Miu shoulder strap handbag, £260
5. J.Crew j crew shorts, $45
6. tour de finance, $8
7. Rebecca Minkoff patent leather shoes, $125

Bright Clutches

With spring in the air and wedding season just around the corner, I've been on the lookout for adorable clutches. I ran across this pretty trifecta of bright colors on Shopbop's Shoptalk last night. Aren't they gorgeous?! I'll take all three, please!

Shopbop Shoptalk: Wear, Worship, Will: Bright Clutches

Monday Pick-Me-Up!

Happy Monday, darlings! I had a jam-packed weekend filled with meetings, workshops, and networking at the conference I attended. While the conference was great, it has left me completely exhausted and dreaming of my pillow on this Monday morning. Whenever I have these "dreaming of my pillow" moments, I think of this Mark Twain quote. I can always count on it to give me the extra bit of inspiration that I need! Do you have a go-to inspirational quote?

Source: Uploaded by user via Holly on Pinterest