Birthday

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

#26. Today is the day that I start feeling old. I would love to say that I looked in the mirror this morning and saw my first grey hair, but who am I kidding?! I found one of those when I was back in high school. Instead I looked in the mirror and thought... here is to another awesome year! Gotta stay positive.

Instead of feeling old today I decided to keep it young. My day was filled with streamers and balloons, popsicles and a giant cookie cake. I am one lucky girl.  

I thought I'd be a little fancy today and gasp-- I wore sparkles. If there is ever a time that you can get away with wearing a full sparkle jacket, it is on your birthday! I paired it with a lace top, wide leg jeans and my favorite Steve Madden booties. 

Bobbins stole the show, while Buttons got a little camera shy. 

*jeans: American Eagle

*blouse: Aerie

*jacket: Kardashian line for Sears

*booties: Steve Madden "Pembrook"

*bracelet: JCrew- gift from Brian

Best Of 25

So tomorrow I turn 26. 

While I am scared to be on the older end of the 20's, I am excited for my birthday. I have a good feeling about my 26th year. I think many good things are coming my way. 

I have a lot to wish for when I blow out those candles tomorrow. 

But for now I thought it would be fun to look back at my favorite memories of my 25th year. 

Our road trip to the outer banks. Feet in the sand = relaxing.

Picking out Buttons and Bobbins. They were SO little!!

Hanging out with college friends for our annual tubing trip (which sadly got rained out) but we will had fun.

Scavenger hunt with my best girlfriends back home.

We had to do the most random things and it was amazing.

Rachel, Me, Kristen and Ellie (the creator of the awesome scavenger hunt)

Getting our Philly pride on at a Phillies game! 

Root beer at the National Apple Harvest. 

It feels like fall once I go to the apple harvest. 

Family get-together. We are one good looking bunch! :)

Halloween with David. He never disappoints when it comes to his costume. 

Christmas was amazing this year because Megra (far left) got engaged!!! 

Watching these little ones grow and grow. 

Getting matching tattoos with Casey Lea. 

Greg getting ready to do the honors. 

(I was scared and all he was doing was getting prepared.)

Twin tattoos. Even Greg got one too. We survived fashion school together... we carry this badge with honor. :)

It has been one amazing year but I know they will only get better and better as I get older. 

Now give me some cake!!!!

Shoe of the Week

This week's shoe is yet another sandal and one that made it to my birthday wish-list. As the weather warms up, my little piggy toes are beginning to ache for some sunlight and fresh air. They have been cooped up in boots for too long. 

These sandals caught my eye as a practical and sophisticated sandal that will work well with jeans and dresses. Since I don't own too many sandals, I look to only buy ones that can be worn for many occasions. 

I love the short heel on these sandals and the simplistic buckle. The sandal in general is simple in order to leave the drama for the metallic statement heel. It is the focus of the sandal and it is all that is needed to elevate a simple sandal and make it awesome enough to put it on my summer wish list.  

What? Sam Edelman "Trina" Sandal

Where? Nordstrom, Piperlime, Endless, Zappos

How Much? $100

all images via Nordstrom and Endless

Birthday Wishlist

Sometimes it is just fun to make a birthday wish-list. I would buy myself all of these treats if I could. 

1.  Steve madden flat $100--- I love any pair of shoes that sparkle, but on a recent trip to Nordstrom, these loafers caught my eye. 
2.  Sam Edelman flat heels, $110 --- As a soon to be "shoe of the week" these sandals will defentily be in my closet before summers end. 
3.  Marc by Marc Jacobs marc jacobs jewelry, $28 --- This bracelet comes in a bunch of different spring colors and would look great stacked on my wrist. 
4.  Marc by Marc Jacobs rose gold heart ring, $55 --- I love this delicate ring for my index finger. 
5.  Tarte mascara, $19 --- My favorite mascara!!! 
6.  Nail lacquer, $15 --- This will be a treat to myself for my birthday. It is little beads for your nails. The effect is extremely unique and cool. 
7.  Marc by Marc Jacobs Spectacle Iphone 4g Case, $38 --- I asked my awesome sister for this for my birthday. If she goes a different route, I will be buying this myself. I need a new case and what is cuter than those glasses?!

Flashback to Fur

I am dreaming of days when I can again wear fur trimmed cardigans... It is too damn hot out there already. And yes I know it is only going to be 80 today.  That is hot enough!  

I think it is time for me to move farther north. Wonder if Alaska has any room for me and all my shoes. 

I don't know if I really need to say that these photos are from a few months ago... but there ya go... they were back from when the weather was colder and wearing a fur collared cardigan wouldn't make you sweat your butt off. 

I found this cardigan at Ann Taylor Loft on Fashion Night Out. I was there with my friend Rachel and when I put it on I could see it on her face that she actually liked how it looked - not just a smile and pretend you like it- sort of response. A friend can always tell. 

As much as I loved it that first night I kept my bank account in mind and decided to wait for a good sale. Which is exactly what I did and any girl can agree that buying something half off makes the sweater you once liked into a sweater that you LOVE!

My kitten Bobbins also loves this sweater and I found his dragging it around the apartment as if it was a rabbit he had just killed. Needless to say, it (and all my other fur items) are now locked away in a closet where he can't reach them. Silly Bobbins. 

But since Bobbins adored this cardigan so much, I thought it only fitting to wear it with my Old Navy cat blouse. 

I am and will always be a crazy cat woman who will buy any item on clothing as long as there are cute cats on it.   What can I say?...I am obsessed. 

Side-note--- these Pembrook booties from Steve Madden have been my go-to bootie for the winter and now spring months. In hindsight I really should have suede protected them because they are really starting to show signs of wear, but I love them so much! After putting insets in them, they have served as the most comfortable heeled bootie I have ever owned. (Plus you can't see it here but the opening totally makes your ankles look super tiny!) I highly suggest you all run out and get them now that they are on clearance!

*jeans: American Eagle

*blouse: Old Navy

*cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

*booties: Steve Madden "pembrook"

Shoe of the Week

I just did a shoe inventory the other day and was surprised to find that I actually do not own many sandals. I always find a pair or two each season that I love, but I can resist sandals a lot easier than boots. I have a weakness for boots. 

But when I stumbled upon these Jeffrey Campbell sandals on the Free People website I was surprised with how quickly I tagged the page and made a mental note to keep an eye on these beauties. 

I love the studded detail, the caged ankle and the small wedge. 

I usually would buy the black sandals, but something about that color tan has me styling a dozen different looks with items in my closet. 

What??? Jeffrey Campbell "Paige" Studded Sandal

Where???  Free People

How Much??? $158

Too much for me to pay for a pair of sandals. Maybe someday they will go on sale. Until then, they will stay just a bookmark on my desktop and a Shoe of the Week. 

Bling Bling

Sometimes you just need a little sparkle in your life. 

 

I have to constantly remind myself to take risks with what I wear to work. When I don't find inspiration in my closet instantly I get flustered and give up. Giving up usually results in me wearing my tried yet true jeans, moccasins, and t-shirt. While there is nothing wrong with wearing the basics, I have a closet full of clothes that never get any love because at times I am a fashion chicken.

I sometimes need to challenge myself to avoid being a chicken. On this particular day my challenge was to wear a sparkle jacket that I just "had to have" when I saw it in stores. 

I found that pairing it with a simple white tee underneath made the outfit a bit more casual and work appropriate.  I wanted to look chic--- not like I was going to a disco. I also paired it with my ultra long jeans and 4 inch heels to add a bit of sassiness. I wanted to feel sexy but tuff and for me, that always includes cute shoes!

I also kept the accessories simple. While I do love a fun ring or necklace, I wanted to keep the focus on the blazer. You really don't need to compete with hundreds of sequins.

*jeans: American Eagle

*shoes: Tinley Road via Piperlime

*blazer: Kardashian Line for Sears

*white t-shirt: Target clearance rack