Monday, February 3, 2014

Valentine's Day Gifts: Jewelry

I decided that this week will be Valentine's Day Gift week on the blog!  All week I'll share my top gift picks for just about everyone in your life.  Today I'm starting with jewelry, which is probably one of the most popular choices of gifts for this special holiday.  


I think jewelry can either be super personal or just a fun little gift.  In the past I've gotten some pieces that I cherish and really value, and others that I wear but don't think anything other of it than it was just a really cute gift.

With that said, it's important to pick a piece that's appropriate for the message you want to say with your gift.  If you want it to be more special, spend a little more money.  For a fun present for your best girlfriend, find a quirky piece that fits in your piece range.

Valentine's Day Gifts: Jewelry





{Click the picture above to shop the pieces!}


For your friends, these Gorjana-Griffin rings are perfect!  The 'Cutout Heart Ring' and 'XOXO Ring' are fun and perfect for pairing with other rings!
You can never go wrong with a Dogeared necklace.  They have the perfect charm for everyone in your life from your best friend, mom, or that special someone.
The cobalt & gold wrap bracelet from Henri Bendel is perfect for the chic and trendy girl in your life.
A Michael Kors watch is always a great gift.  Every time they check the time, they'll think of you!
If you are looking for something a little more expensive and special, you can't go wrong with a David Yurman or Hermes bangle.  

**The Gorjana-Griffin rings are now 35% off (+Free Shipping!) with code: SWEETHEART**

Check back this week to see more gift guides!
xoxo

Saturday, February 1, 2014

LF Sale!


Today I did a little shopping in SoHo and came across a wonderful surprise.
LF is having their 60% off sale!
Today was the first day of the sale, and it continues until everything is gone!
So run to your nearest LF for some AMAZING deals!

If you've been to LF during their sale before, you know how insanely crazy it is.
Think about a store on black Friday.  Then times that by 10.  Yes, it's that crazy.
But the sale is so worth it.  I promise.
Just be prepared!  Bring a water, charge your phone, and wear comfy shoes because you will be standing in crazy lines searching through high piles of clothes.

The girls at the SoHo location in New York are the absolute sweetest!
They bring clothes for you to try on, search for your size in those crazy piles and are the best stylists. 


So I wanted to share what I got to give you an idea of how amazing this sale is!
CAR MAR Rayon Denim Mid Rise Black Zipper Jegging
Originally: $216.00
Sale: $86.40
I love these jeans!  I was in the dressing room and one of the girls brought them to me.  I couldn't be happier!  They were on an amazing sale and fit great!


Katsumi Mix Chiffon Flounce Sweater
Originally: $156.00
Sale: $62.40
I love the chiffon fabric under this sweater!  Since it's attached, it's easy to throw on yet it looks like you carefully planned this amazing outfit.

Katsumi SpecYarn Sweater Tunic
Originally: $148.00
Sale: $59.00
One of the LF girls was wearing this sweater with a lace tank (the one below!) underneath and the side zipper open - it looked so cute!  The color is great and the zipper makes it really unique!


Millau Scalloped Edge Pleather Skirt
Originally: $138.00
Sale: $55.20
This skirt is so perfect!  From the pleather to the scalloped edge to the little cut out design, this is the skirt for a girls night out.

LOVE MAR Strappy Bra 
Originally: $48.00-$52.00 
Sale: $19.20-$20.80
These are my favorite bralettes!  They are perfect for shirts with a low neckline and literally come in just about every color.

Emma and Sam Lace Hem Tank
Originally: $108.00
Sale: $43.20
I got this tank in black but my sister's white tank showed better on camera!  I am in love with this lace trimmed tank top!  It looks great under sweaters, flannels, and with leggings!  If you hit the sale, definitely get this!

Stretchy Bracelet with Charm
Originally: $28.00
Sale: $11.20
I bought this bracelet for my best friend for her birthday!  The color is great and it's perfect for layering with other jewelry!

I would love to hear your LF Sale experiences and the great deals you score!
xoxo

Saturday, January 25, 2014

DIY Jewelry Holder

I love, love, love anything DIY.
My DIY board on Pinterest is filled with tons of projects I can't wait to tackle!
{Check it out here if you're looking for some new projects!}

Here's the story behind this project:
So one day I was in Hobby Lobby and saw a really cute frame to hang your jewelry on.
It was really pretty and so unique but didn't go with the colors in my room at all.  So I decided to try and make one myself!  I'm really happy with the outcome and wanted to share how easy it is with you guys!

Here's what you need:
- an empty frame
- a piece of ply wood to fit in your frame
- a piece of fabric (i got a half of a yard and still have enough to make another one)
- some knob fixtures (i ended up using 5)
- scissors
- hot glue gun
- ruler
- pencil
- drill

[Just as a reference, it cost me about $50 for all the supplies to build this frame.]

Here are the steps:
1. Measure the ply wood to fit your frame.  Then cut accordingly.




2. Next, drill holes for the knobs.

3. Then lay the fabric over the wood so that it covers it completely.  If you have a lot of excess fabric, you can cut it, but make sure it still folds over the wood.

TIP: I taped down the sides so it would be easier to glue.

 TIP: The fabric will bunch in the corners, so I found it helpful to cut it trough the center of the corner so it could be folded.

 Then glue down all the the edges of the fabric to the glue.  Make sure the fabric is completely flat on the front before gluing!


5. To glue the wood piece to the frame, place glue on the inner part of the frame so that the two pieces stick together.
TIP: Be cautious of how much glue you use!  If you put too much, when the pieces are put together, glue will spread and show!


6. Then to create holes for the knobs, use a knife to pierce small holes through the fabric.  Let the holes on the back of the wood serve as a reference as to where to cut the fabric.

7. Almost finished!  To install the knobs, take off the backing and screw it through the holes.  If the length of the knob is too long for hanging on the wall, you can cut the metal (or have someone else cut it like I did haha).

And you're done!


If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!

xoxo



Wednesday, January 22, 2014

All the Motivation You Need: Health & Fitness

I feel like working out and eating healthier are two of the most common new year resolutions people try to keep.
Let's be honest: every one wants to be skinner and healthier, right?

Loosing weight and changing your lifestyle isn't an easy task.

I like food.  A lot.
I don't believe in depriving myself of sweets or a few chips.
I don't think it's healthy to live that way.  I've tried only eating "healthy food" and I can't tell you how many times depriving myself of these little treats has been unsuccessful.

So instead of making unrealistic goals to only eat healthy and work out everyday, I plan on setting goals that will help me work towards living a healthy lifestyle without jumping right to this huge lifestyle change.

So I thought I would share how I plan on incorporating steps and reaching my goal of living a healthy lifestyle into my everyday routine.

1. Eat Breakfast
Okay, so I know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I really just don't like eating that early.  Nor do I really have the time to eat before school.  But I'm hoping to start eating breakfast on a regular basis now.  I'm hoping to get in a lot of fruits in the morning since it's easy to just grab and go!  I love these Naked Juices - especially the berry one!  They are very filling and filled with the same vitamins and nutrients that fruits contain!

2. Try New Workouts
I feel like such a loser for saying this, but I actually do enjoy working out.  However, I do get bored very easily.  That is why for me, it's important to change up my routine every once in a while.  I'm hoping to try out different workouts this year like barre classes and the so popular, Soul Cycle (they just opened one in the town over!).  


3. Find a Workout Buddy
I have always been a solo kind of girl at the gym.  I have never liked going with fiends because I feel like I don't get a good workout in because I'm too busy gossiping with my best friend.  But maybe a gym buddy would be fun and make the hour go by faster!


Still not feeling motivated?

Don't worry, I got you covered.

Again, being completely honest here, new stuff always makes everything better.
I live for cute workout clothes.  Between Nike, LuLuLemon, and every other store that now sells great workout clothes, there is definitely a sports bra or sneaker that will make you want to hit the gym!!
All the Motivation You Need







Okay, so you got the clothes.  But don't know where to start with the squats?
Again, I got you covered.

Meet my friends (not really, but I like to think so!) Karena & Katrina.
They are the two most fun girls to workout with (again, not literally, but virtually!).
They have amazing personalities and create workouts that are extremely easy to follow.
And did I mention they also have numerous yummy, and of course healthy, recipes!
Check out their videos here!

Another amazing 'Youtuber', Cassey creates fun, but challenging videos.  These are perfect to do during a homework break since they aren't too long.  However don't let the short time fool you, I promise you that you'll feel it the next day!
Check out her videos here!

I'll stop rambling now but to end this on a serious note, I'm committed to working toward a healthy lifestyle and hope that you'll join me on this journey! (#cheesefest)

Let me know how you work towards a healthy lifestyle!
xoxo

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Sunday Snapshot [SAG Awards 2014]

There was nothing exciting this week to put in my Sunday Snapshot. So instead, I thought I would share some of my favorite (and least favorite) looks from the SAG Awards red carpet last night!

1. HIT - Sandra Bullock in Lanvin & Fred Leighton
I'll start with my favorite, Sandra, in this absolutely gorgeous shimmery green gown.  I wasn't too fond of the color-blocked Prabal Gurung dress she wore to the Golden Globes, so I was really excited to see her in this.  The color is perfect and the slit shows off her amazing legs.  

2. HIT - Sofia Vegara in Donna Karen Atelier
Let's be honest, Sofia Vegara always kills it on the Red Carpet.  She is stunning and has an amazing figure.  Even if she wore a trash bag, she would still end up on every best dressed list.  I love how this dress is a little different from what she typically wears.  The beading is beautiful and so is this look.

3. MISS - Giuliana Rancic in Basil Soda
I usually always love what Giuliana wears, but I was a little disappointed in this dress.  The only thing I like about it, is the color.

4. IRDEK(I REALLY DON'T EVEN KNOW) - Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior
I love the dress from far away.  But up close, it doesn't look as beautiful and expensive.  I don't hate it.  But at the same time, I don't love it.  Although she has been doing amazing collecting awards, her red carpet looks haven't been so great. 

5. MISS - Kerry Washington in Prada & Harry Winston
I love the idea of this outfit, but it just really doesn't work.  The top is beautifully beaded, but it doesn't go great with that skirt.  Simply, it's unflattering.

6. HIT - Renee Bargh in Steven Kahlil
Renee Bargh donned a beautiful gown by Australian designer, Steven Kahlil.  The color is amazing and I love how the lace overlays the top of the dress.  Her simple hair and makeup beautifully complement the dress.

7. MISS - Clair Danes in Vionnet, Jimmy Choo & Forevermark Diamonds
It literally looks like Clair is wearing pieces of four different dresses.  I really wish it was just one of the four different fabrics.

8. HIT - Amy Adams in Antonio Berardi
I love the color and shape of this gown.  The cut is really unique and flattering.  I also really love the belt.  

9. HIT - Elizabeth Moss in Michael Kors
This dress is just really great.  The color, the cut, everything is just great.

10. MISS - Cate Blanchett in Givenchy & Chopard
Oy vey.  I don't know what to say except that it looks like she has a napkin tucked into her collar.

{all photos from Huffington Post}

What were your favorite looks of the night?
xoxo

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Links

This week was actually just horrible.
Literally never had so much work.  And I feel like I say that all the time.  But for real, it was pretty bad. 

So I didn't write or schedule any posts this week, but I did want to share some of my old posts until next week!

Winter weather got you dry?  Check out some of my favorite products for this time of year!

Emma Stone and Charlize Theron killed the red carpet two years ago.  Who was your favorite this year?

For all of you just starting second semester!

How awesome is this year's Coachella line-up?

Get a head start on that bikini body!

Talk to you soon!
xoxo