MK

So I recently took a walk into the Michael Kors store and stopped in my tracks. Nearly everything for their fall collection is to die for, and I'm not one to carry bags, {I have last year's Uptown Astor Shoulder Tote sitting in my closet untouched} but I'd definitely make the exception for one of these beauty's. This year I have my eye on the Hamilton. Although I've seen this bag worn by many people, it's a piece that I wouldn't mind getting because there's such a variety of colors and styles, that the chances of someone else having an identical one as yours is slim. It's such a classic bag that's timeless and versatile. The hardest decision to make though is choosing which one. So many options! Burnished leather or python embossed? Black with gold hardware or navy with silver? Woven finish or studded detail?! For now I can't decide.. but what I do know is that my birthday's coming up and this bag is certainly at the top of my wish list :)

{via}

Microbead Mani

Remember back in March when I talked about the Caviar Manicure and how I couldn't wait to try it?  Well it finally became available at Sephora, but when it came down to it I really couldn't justify paying $25 for the kit.  I've been really into DIY projects lately, so that combined with my Pinterest obsession lead to my discovery of a more affordable way to try out this trend.  Instead of using the pricy stuff from Ciaté, I used Recollections brand microbeads that I got from Michaels for $3.99! They had shelves filled with all different colors, so I will definitely be making another trip back to grab some more.

Before starting, I prepped my nails with a nail strengthener and a base coat, and made sure I had my topcoat all ready for afterwards.

I only wanted to do an accent nail with the microbeads this first time, so for the other nails I chose a color that would pair well with it.  I used Essie's Little Brown Dress and Antique Copper microbeads.

After doing two coats of the polish, quickly dip your nail into the microbeads while it's still wet.  Flatten down the beads with your finger and gently wipe away any excess ones that have gathered around the edges or on top.  I didn't put a topcoat over this nail, but you can for extra durability.  

And, voila!

AG for Anthropologie

Yesterday I was lucky enough to get invited to attend a training event for AG Denim.  If you're a frequent Anthro customer, you're definitely familiar with the brand and probably have a pair or three in your wardrobe. Something that may sound familiar is our best seller, the Stevie, which is made exclusively for Anthropologie and is not sold anywhere else!

Anyway, a few co-workers and I went to this training seminar to get to know the brand a little better.  It was so interesting to learn about all the work that goes into producing something as simple as a pair of pants, and so exciting to see samples of the new styles set to hit stores for Fall in just a few weeks!

Another fabulous part of the day was getting to finally check out our newest location in the Walt Whitman Mall.  It opened back in June of this year and I've only heard great things about it since it's debut, so I'd been dying to get over there to check it out.  And I have to say, if you haven't gotten the chance to see it yet, I suggest you make it your job to go visit because the store is absolutely gorgeous!  I went a little crazy with my camera...

So come into Anthropologie and try on a pair of AG's!  I'll be happy to teach you all I learned about the brand :)

FNO Satisfaction

Last time we left off I was getting ready to celebrate Fashion's Night Out, and what a successful night it turned out to be!  My girlfriends and I decided to spend the night down in SoHo and check out all the commotion over there.  From Spring Street to Grand and in between we walked the cobblestone streets peeking into the various shops seeing what they had to offer and checking out the various outfits worn by all the little fashionistas passing us along the way. Our main event of the night lead us to Wooster Street where we got to attend the Piperlime grand opening party!  This new shop is the first in NYC.

Rev Run was the guest DJ for the night and he really set the mood with awesome mixes of classic songs.  After a little dancing and a free show we drifted towards the back of the store and were pleasantly surprised to find Olivia Palermo casually chatting away with fans!  Before long it was our turn to meet her, which was so exciting!  Rachel Zoe was another guest of honor that evening but unfortunately she was gone by the time we arrived.  But that didn't stop us from indulging in Zoe-tini's, the bartenders own take on the classic Martini, inspired by Rachel Zoe herself.  We also found our way over to a photo booth where we got to dress up with fun accessories and have a mini photo shoot to remember the night.  We all had a blast and I'm happy to say it was yet another successful FNO.  Can't wait to see what's in store for next year!

FNO Anticipation

Ah!  I'm back my lovelies from my mini hiatus that I unintentionally took for the summer.  I'm working on fully designing this blog myself, so it's currently in progress.  Little changes have been made so far but nothing's final yet, so bare with me :)

Anyway, I'm in complete disbelief that summer's officially over and we're already back into the school year.  I started my senior year {oh yeah!} and of course am already up to my neck in schoolwork and projects.  But if there's one good thing about going back to school for the fall semester, it's finding myself right in the middle of New York's fashion week!  It's one of the most exciting times of the year, between the runway shows, new collections, and seeing all the season's trends worn by everyone.  One of my favorite parts of Fashion Week is Fashion's Night Out.

FNO is the one night of the year where designers all over the city open their doors to fashionistas all night long.  It started in NYC and is now a worldwide event in more than 18 countries around the world.  Designers and retailers host events where we can meet our favorite celebs, watch live performances, and get first dibs at limited edition products.

I've been going to FNO since it started three years ago during my freshman year in college, and over the years I've come within feet of Justin Timberlake, Dakota Fanning, Nicole Richie, Victoria Beckham, and Kourtney & Kim Kardashian. Last year I even got to meet Simon Huck and Nicky Hilton!  My nights have always been a success with friends and I've always gone home completely giddy and starstruck.

But it's so hard deciding what part of the city you're going to spend the night in, depending on what events you want to check out.  But half of the fun is the thrill of not knowing what surprises you're going to run into along the way.  I'm still mapping out my route for tomorrow night, but I'm so ready to get out there and soak up all the excitement the night has in store!

Saturday, SoHo & Street-fairs

So I'm back from my trip to Birmingham. I had such a nice time and was upset to come back to reality, so I decided to take an uplifting trip into the city today for some shopping in SoHo. To my surprise, along the way I stumbled across the cutest little street fair! Various vendors lined up along Broadway selling food and other goodies while music played for everyone to enjoy. There was everything from lemonade, to henna tattoos, fresh fruit smoothies, and fried oreos! I spent a better part of the day checking out each little booth and ogling at all the fun jewelry, carefully picking out my favorites and making {many} purchases. I walked away with a nice bundle of goodies and am so excited that this day turned out to be so thrilling! I can always count on my city to never disappoint me. Thanks New York, I feel right at home again.

{ Fresh made Lemonade }

{ Roasted Corn }

{ Dainty Scarves }

{ Gyros }

{ Bracelets }

*All photos are my own

Lake House Loveliness

It's been just about a week since I've arrived in Birmingham, and I honestly have to say that I'm having such a nice time.  It's really nice to be able to get away from the chaos of my life back home and come to this peaceful place.  Birmingham has so many beautiful sites to offer and I really can't get enough of the amazing landscapes and calming atmosphere of it all.  It really is such a different lifestyle from the busyness of New York and I'm really falling in love.

We spent this past weekend at a lake house on Lake Smith in Crane Hill. It was so serene to wake up every day to the shining sun and just spend the day on the lake drifting in the water, surrounded completely by everything nature has to offer.  I was skeptical at first about swimming in a lake because I've never done that before, but I got over it quickly and floated merrily for hours on end.  It really was such a great family getaway and I'm happy we got to go!