Las Vegas

{The cliché Bellagio lobby ceiling photo}

Hello my darlings! It has been so long and I have missed this space dearly. No excuses from this girl just a simple I'm sorry. I'm back now though.

So now that we got that out of the way, let's talk about Vegas. Remember way back when I made a list of all the places I would like to visit this year? Well this is was the only trip that I definitely had lined up since it was work related.

I always find Vegas enjoyable. I really think that it holds something for everyone even if gambling is not your bag. I myself am not much of a gambler. I take a page out of the Carrie Bradshaw handbook, "I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet." However, my stepdad took me to the Golden Nugget, where he use to go with his dad, and gave me a thorough craps lesson. And I am happy to report that I am making progress towards my goal of making craps my game. I probably will never stop tallying my losses in clothing items though.  

As far as work goes it was a successful trip. It was one of those moments that remind that I am a working girl and no longer a college girl. I finished undergrad almost three years ago but I still have moments when I forget I've made a full transition into adult life.

The dSLR did not come with so here are a few 'grams.

{I don't do coffee (it's the Mommy's) but I do do dulce de leche croissants}

{This lady provided me my first bout of luck and I will not forget her}

{Flowering arches by the pool}

{Isn't it Grand?}

Boho Fleur

Rare Dress, Sam Edelman Shoes, and Essie 'Wicked' Nail Polish

Recently the weather dipped and I was able to wear this dress out for an old friend's birthday celebration. It was one of those impulsive late night buys. And had it not been for the recent bout of cooler weather it would have gone unworn until next winter. I got so much mileage out of these shoes this winter I am sad to have to put them away.

SXSW 2012

{Close to the action at the Shady 2.0 Showcase}

It seems that this week has a theme of confessions, so here is another one. I don't like music. Actually, let me rephrase, it's not that I don't like it but more than I'm indifferent, ambivalent. My love of music ended with the Spice Girls (to be clear my love for them has not ended). And out of all the places I could live I have chosen the self proclaimed "live music capital of the world." This year however I did partake in SXSW. As irony would have it I don't like music but I love to dance. Here are a few tidbits from the final days of the festival.

{Fired Up Kitchen, one of the best food concepts I have come across in a while}

{Top Chef spotting at the Perez party! I only care about Bravolebrities}

{The boyfriend's footage from the Shady 2.0 Showcase}

 

{And at the other end of the spectrum, Seasick Mama's performance at an intimate venue away from the hustle and bustle of downtown} 

Beauty Inspiration {Ponytail}

I recently re-encountered the above image from Louis Vuitton's much celebrated F/W 2010 campaign. What struck me this time around was the hair. I found the ponytails had just the right amount of volume at the crown and the way the ends were flipped up felt so fresh even though it is clearly a throwback. Christy Turlington's ponytail reads Barbie to me and I am smitten. I've been obsessed with finding even more ponytail inspiration to share with my hair dresser since I must confess I posses no hair skills and won't be re-creating any of these looks without professional help.

{Emma Stone's retro pony is a great option for those with some layers in the front}

{Bumped up and flippy Kate Beckinsale's pony is a more modern take on Christy's}

{Images via Logical Harmony and InStyle}

Who, What, Wear {SXSW}

Gap Shirt, BCBG Bag and Skirt, Zigi Soho Shoes, and Essie 'Wicked' Nail Polish

I have a confession, I am occasionally an outfit repeater. I wore this exact outfit during SXSW last year to a friend's birthday celebration. Dressing for music events can be difficult at times because I like to wear heels out and that is simply not an option. These flats are the most comfortable ones I own and have been dubbed my dancing shoes. The denim shirt does double duty because it keeps me warm and is on trend. And my skirt and bag add just the right amount of glam to counterbalance the other casual elements like the fishtail braid.

Paris F/W 2012 {Street Style}

{Buttery yellow + Eiffel} 

It wouldn't feel right to offer a retrospective of NYFW's street style and not Paris'. After all, everything is more chic with the tuileries in the background!

{Ulyana Sergeenko having a real life Carrie Bradshaw moment in vintage Balenciaga}

{I will be on the hunt for a jacket similar to Emily Weiss'}

{A classic ladylike ensemble feels fresh thanks to unfussy shoes, hair, and make up}

{I'm loving Olivia Palermo's vintage Ray Bans and deep center part}

{Lilac is having a major moment}

{Balenciaga heels}

{Hanne Gaby in fuchsia and green}

{A look I'd like to replicate— equal parts preppy and boho}

{Anna Dello Russo's Fendi clutch is both pretty and practical}

{White denim and a Cruella Deville-inspired coat}

{Feminine brights are nicely counterbalanced with dark neutral staples}

{Images via FabSugar, Harper's Bazaar, and Jak & Jil}

No More Excuses

Let me start off by saying I am not one for quotes. I am just not one of those girls. My favorite quotes are usually taken out of context from a novel not some clever one liner spewed on the fly. I do love me some puns; my nearest and dearest can attest to this. I blame Sex and the City for this penchant of mine. However, when I read this I had an "aha" moment. I proceeded to reference it in conversation to almost anyone who would listen. And today I remembered I had yet to share it with you! I don't think quotes will be regulars here unless they stop me dead in my tracks like this one did.

What I like the most about this one is that it can be interpreted in multiple ways. What do you usually make an excuse for? Perhaps, like I, you are a master at convincing yourself that weekends are not for working out and neither are weekdays because you work then and you're tired. Or do you shy away from situations outside your comfort zone? Perhaps you have someone in your life that doesn't make time for you and it is time you realize you need to stop making excuses for them.

Whatever it is I hope this provides you with some "aha" of your own. I'd love to hear what situations in your own life you have applied this to so please do share.

{Image via The Glitter Guide}

Favorites {February}

{A shaggy schnoodle}

There are a few ways to tell that seasons are changing. Flowers blooming is one of the most obvious and perhaps the most welcome. One of my personal reminders is when Sammy the Schnoodle outgrows his winter hair cut and requires a trip to the groomer. Sammy is almost four and while he is new to you he has been in my life since he was just a twinkle in his momma's eye. February was quite the whirlwind culminating in a visit from my besty and some much needed girl time for a friend's bachelorette party. I'm ready to welcome the warm weather and am most excited for what March has in store.

{A Lazy Egg and Cheese Sandwich— a new favorite}

{The first signs of spring}

{The prettiest door mat I've ever encountered}

{And wedding season officially begins}

Wanderlust 2012

I have a serious case of wanderlust. Travel factors into practically every decision I make. This year is slipping by so I've decided to get a grip by re-visiting my 2012 agenda or as regular people say resolutions. A big part of said agenda is travel. Yes, I actually made various travel-related resolutions. My list may be a little lofty but if I even manage to get through half that'll be something.

1. Washington D.C. A visit to the besty is long overdue, preferably when cherry blossoms are present.

2. Vegas It's for work, with my parents. Which means I'll finally learn to gamble!

3. Portland + Seattle This is something the boyfriend and I have had on the back burner for a while.

4. New York Another possible boyfriend trip. Who can say no to the city?

5. Hawaii I take a yearly beach vacation to Mexico with my family. Moving the locale has been in the talks.

6. Caribbean My recent trip to to The Bahamas has only made my beach lust worse. We could move the family vacay here instead! Anywhere but Aruba. My mom refuses to patronize a country where two American women have gone missing.

7. London Yes it has been calling. And I always want to get another stamp in my passport. #prioritiespeople

8. Greece Debt crisis be damned! I want to eat goat cheese and take pictures in front of blue doors.     

Red Carpet Review {Academy Awards 2012}

{Milla Jovovich looking stunning as usual in Elie Saab}

Why is it that no one shows up to the Academy Awards looking like a milk maid anymore? To be quite honest I miss those days. Lately it seems like every celebrity just plays it safe and that is oh so dull! The last time I was genuinely excited about a dress was in 2010 when Zoe Saldana wore Givenchy. Almost every look I liked this year was beige. Here a few of my favorites this year.

{Jessica Chastain in uniquely embroidered McQueen}

{I'm always happy to see something that isn't strapless. Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward.}

{Jennifer Lopez's Zuhair Murad gown is perhaps my fave}

{Finally a color! I'm loving the unique bust line of Viola Davis' Vera Wang.}

{Rooney Mara looked modern yet ethereal in Givenchy Couture}

{Images via Harper's Bazaar and People}

NYFW F/W 2012 {Street Style}

{This photograph epitomizes Fashion Week— the walking, Chanel, the rain, and an unexpected element like the hat}

Between Instagram and my RSS feeds I was slightly overwhelmed with New York Fashion Week madness. Now that it is all over I can happily sift through the chaos at my own pace. These are a few of my favorite street style moments. Isn't it amazing that what goes on outside the tents causes almost as much of a frenzy at what goes on inside?

{Fur hooded vest and those sunnies. Brilliant.}

{Caroline Sieber's ultra sheer tights suddenly seem so fresh now that matte black ones are so commonplace}

{Floral on floral. These printed pants aren't going anywhere. And how adorable is her curled bob?}

{Liz Cherkasova of Late Afternoon's contrasting top knot is making me want to ombré my hair}

{Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's boots remind me of this Anna Dello Russo moment}

{Lauren Remington Platt makes her spring dress cold-weather appropriate by adding textured tights, a collared blouse, and a bright jacket}

{Bright yellow trousers and that scarf! Linda Fargo knows what she is doing.}

{I'm loving Joanna Hillman's varying shades of blue and bright lip}

{Jewel tone Celine trousers}

{Yellow + coral + turquoise}

{Tweed paired with a graphic print}

{Navy lace with a white blazer and a dash of leopard}

{Images via Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and Jak & Jil}