I'm currently coveting these ZARA Strappy High-Heel Sandals.
These could be the most perfect spring to summer shoes. They are strappy and fabulous and they don't care who knows it. Perfect pop of color (you guys know I love me a colorful shoe seen here, here, here, and here just to give a few examples) to complete any look. I see them with cropped jeans, a white flowy cotton dress, sexied up with a black mini...you name it and it fits the bill! LUSTING. LOVING. COVETING!
..Stolen Ensembles
March 27, 2013 • ASOS J.Crew J.Crew Factory michael kors Outfit Post ray-ban Steve Madden target
The deets: J.Crew chambray top; J.Crew Factory skirt; Prabal Gurung forTarget heels; vintage necklace; Ray-Ban sunnies; Steve Madden bag; ASOS spike bracelet; Michael Kors watch.
I've had this skirt for quite some time and have only broken it out a handful of times because I couldn't really figure out how to style it in a way that felt right and would get frustrated. My very fabulous coworker, Paige, happens to have the same one and rolled into work wearing it with a chambray top and a yellow necklace. PERFECTO! I told her immediately that I was totally going to steal her look...and then take pictures of it and put it on the internet because that's a totally normal thing to do, right? Right.
..Fashion Faux-Pas
March 24, 2013 • Boutique 9 Elizabeth and James Forever 21 GAP J.Crew Factory Outfit Post Piperlime wet seal
The deets: F21 jacket; J.Crew factory blouse; GAP jeans; Wet Seal necklace; Boutique 9 heels (sold out); Elizabeth and James sunnies; Piperlime clutch (old).
I know, I know. It's basically a faux-pas to wear the bubble necklace after it blew up, went totally out of control popular, and everyone and their mom started wearing one in every color but hey, I nabbed this guy for six dollars at the Wet Seal in the mall across the street (all their accessories were half off) and still think it provides a fun way to polish up any look. I'm just not one of those girls that needs to be two steps ahead and I'm totally okay with it. I say bubble-necklace on, folks.
I know it's finally spring and all but the weather hasn't gotten the memo and we're still freezing our fannies off over here. Thus - soup is on deck for dinner until it decides to warm up because it's easy to make a huge pot and eat leftovers throughout the week as lunch or dinner. I know some people are grossed out by pea soup but you guys are seriously missing out.
Ingredients (recipe adapted from Epicurious)
6 bacon slices, 4 chopped 2 regular
1 onion, chopped
1 leek (white and pale green parts only), sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 14 1/2-ounce cans low-salt chicken broth
1 1/2 cups green split peas, RINSED
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Directions
Sauté bacon in your large soup pot over medium-high heat until crisp and brown. Remove the two unchopped pieces and set aside for garnish. Add onion, leek, and garlic to the pot and sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 6 minutes. Add broth, peas, bay leaves and rosemary and bring soup to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until peas are tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. I also pulled out two cups of the finished soup, pureed it, and put it back in the pot for added creaminess.
Parmesan toast crostini things (optional)
Slice french baguette into half inch discs and lay on a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over them then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Bake on 350 until golden and crispy. Makes AWESOME dippers for the soup.
I'm currently coveting these SUPER Ciccio and Lucia sunglasses .
While I was in NYC visiting my friend Steph a couple weekends ago we took a little trip to the mother-ship Piperlime store. While perusing the amazing selection of everything dreams are made of I stumbled upon these perfect sunnies near the check out line. I fell in LOVE I tell you! Unfortunately as timing would have it I had like totally just fallen in love and taken the plunge with these ones the week before and my budget was all like "you can't fall in love with two pairs of sunnies that are over $150 bucks in two weeks"... so I walked away (that budget can be a real stickler). I so wish I hadn't though! How cute are they?
..My Favorite Beauty Products
March 19, 2013 • Beauty Benefit bobbi brown Josie Maren Lancome Laura Mercier MAC MAMA NARS products Rosebud Salve makeup Urban Decay
I figured that since I've already shared my hair routine and skin-care regimen with you guys it only seemed natural to introduce you to my kick-ass make-up team that saves my tired, hungover, broken-out, pale (you get the point) face from embarrassment on a daily basis. The products above collectively comprise my beauty kit and while I don't use every one every single day (esp eyeliner, foundation and lipstick at the office), if I were to do it up right, these guys are my first string.
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - When I want light all over coverage that wont irritate my skin or smear off. Not something I use daily, but the ONLY foundation I will go near with this sensitive face.
- Bobbi Brown Corrector - Of all the items on this list, this one is most important. Hardest working product I own. MVP. Covers the bags under my eyes, conceals blemishes, highlights, you name it. I finally found the perfect shade (light bisque) and it feels so good.
- Urban Decay Eye-shadow Primer Potion - I have eyes that are very set back and thus I get one crazy crease line if I don't take proper precautions. This guy is the antidote.
- MAC Eye-shadows - They are so wonderfully pigmented and blend-able. You can take a closer look at my exact hand-picked color pallet that I use daily here.
- Bobbi Brown Gel Eye-liner - Lasts for hours with out moving and I love the control I have over the line shape using a fine liner brush rather than a pencil.
- Benefit "They're Real!" Mascara - THE BEST MASCARA MONEY CAN BUY. HANDS DOWN. You have to try it to believe me. Non clumpy long gorgeous lashes for DAYS, y'all. I vined about my first go with it here.
- Josie Maren Argan Color Stick - I got this product as a gift and ended up really loving it. The neutral pink is a great every day cheek color and it smells fresh and minty (wakes up my face). I love cream blush over powder because I of how natural it looks on skin.
- Rosebud Salve - I get really dry lips which don't take on lipstick well no matter how expensive or moisturizing it says it is. I use this to help get them in shape before applying any lip color and as my everyday balm.
- Lancome "Midnight Rose" Lipstick - My favorite color for over a year now. It really works with just about anything and it's a nice shade for my skin tone. A pretty magenta-y pink that pops! This formula really is amazingly non-drying too!
- NARS "Laguna" Bronzer - The finishing touch to any look. That glow-y, sun-kissed, bronzed dusting that is absolutely mandatory for this girl to feel "finished."
And there you have it. xx
..Primary Colors
March 17, 2013 • Andrew Marc Boutique 9 Elizabeth and James J.Crew lisa leonard Outfit Post Purple Paparazzi Steve Madden
The deets: J.Crew pencil skirt; Francesca's top; Boutique 9 heels; Steve Madden bag; Andrew Marc jacket; necklace c/o Lisa Leonard Designs; Elizabeth and James sunnies; bracelet c/o Purple Paparazzi.
Oh hello insane wind, I see you've decided to photo-bomb all of my outfit post snaps. Anyway, I love my pastels and neutrals as much as the next girl but every once and a while I'm in the mood to rock clown primary colors and let them do their thing too (also seen here). If you love my love necklace, don't forget you can still enter to win a shop credit to Lisa Leonard Designs here. I hope everyone had as fun a St. Patrick's Day weekend as I did! My Irish definitely made an appearance (or two) as I had brunch with lots of my favorite people, held a DIY bar-crawl, and ended the weekend with Mike, shamrock shakes, and the pup on our Sunday night walk. Life is good.
..Navy and Beige
March 14, 2013 • ASOS Fornash Giando Massi Lancome michael kors Outfit Post Piperlime ray-ban shoemint Steve Madden
The deets: Piperlime dress (sold out); Ray-Ban sunnies; earrings c/o Giando Massi; necklace c/o Lisa Leonard Designs; Lancome "Wannabe" lipstick; ShoeMint heels (sold out); Fornash bangle; ASOS spike bracelet; Michael Kors watch; Steve Madden bag. Photos c/o LindsCon.
Here we have another work look documented for your viewing (or glazing over) pleasure. I went a little matchy-matchy-cray-cray but no regrets here. I maaaaybe miiight have been pushing the rules a little with this number (I didn't realize how short it looked until checking out these photos). The lucky people standing below me on the metro escalators might have gotten a little more than they paid for that day but I came out of the office unscathed so no harm done! Also - let's hear it for JMU making it to the NCAA tournament this year - HEEEEY! Go Dukes! Also - don't forget to enter the Lisa Leonard giveaway happening this week, enter below.
I'm currently coveting these delicate Lisa Leonard pieces.
How amazing are these hand-crafted trinkets? It's not often that I spot a collection in which each and every piece could easily be incorporated into my wardrobe as an everyday go-to. I am obsessed with the "xoxo" gold plate which would make such a cute gift for a loved one (or a wannabe Gossip Girl). Her designs really blow me away and lucky for you guys, this Currently Coveting Thursday is extra special because it comes with a giveaway! Woo-hoo! Two winners will be picked whom will each receive a $50 shop credit to Lisa Leonard Designs. I know you're drooling over that adorable little hand-stamped initial necklace so get to entering!
..Green Beans with Crushed Almonds
March 13, 2013 • almonds dinner Eats and Sweets green beans recipe post veggies
This is probably one of my all time favorite ways to consume vegetables. Green beans are a pretty non-offensive health food to begin with (who can really hate on them?) but with the addition of crushed almonds they really turn into a magical food. Great way to get your iron AND some protein - hooray! Super easy recipe below.
Ingredients
1/2 cup raw unsalted almonds (crushed or chopped via a food processor).
1.5 lbs of fresh green beans (trimmed and washed) .
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or (EVOO)
Salt, Pepper, dash of garlic powder.
Directions
Drizzle your EVOO around the pan on medium heat. Toss in your green beans and dash a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder over them. Move them around the pan until they are pretty evenly coated with the EVOO. Cook for 5 minutes on their own and then toss in the crushed almonds. Cook for 5-7 more minutes on the same medium heat until the beans are slightly tender and the almonds are toasted. Enjoy!
..My Skin Care Routine
March 11, 2013 • anti-anging Beauty Clarisonic Clinique Lancome MAMA Philosophy Sephora Skin care
Recently I've been on a product binge of sorts. In the past couple months I've nailed down an anti-aging routine that I love, found my new favorite mascara, dabbled in the world of lux shampoo and added the Clarisonic to my morning and nightly routine. I firmly believe that if you have beauty expectations for yourself (and everyone is different here obviously), you have to do your research and then invest. Above I have laid out the products in my skincare routine that have won my heart and landed a permanent place in my medicine cabinet. You can see my hair-care routine here.
Day: I wash my face with the magnificently gentle Philosophy Purity soap, apply Genifique Eye, then I alternate using Genefique and Visionnaire syrums each day.
Night: I wash with Clinique bar soap (tried and true since 7th grade y'all - NOTHING makes my skin cleaner and clearer - I have tried using other products and paid the price) with the Clarisonic Mia 2 (I used to use it twice a day but quickly realized that once at night was much more beneficial for keeping your skins natural oils, I saw SUCH a difference - I dare you to stop using twice a day and see). I then apply my Clinique Acne Solutions moisturizer (because I'm that lucky adult that never grew out of zits) and finish with my Lancome Lift Multi-Action eye cream.
I know it seems like a lot but if you're going to splurge on something shouldn't it be your money maker? I thought so.
..Printed Work-Wear
March 7, 2013 • ASOS Elizabeth and James express J.Crew Outfit Post Steve Madden
The deets: ASOS dress (on sale); Express blazer; J.Crew boots; Steve Madden bag, Elizabeth and James sunnies; Revlon "Orange Flip" mixed with Rosebud Salve lipstick; Anna Klein necklace.
Is it too early for floral? I'm so anxious for spring to get here that I'm attempting to will it here with my springy prints. I also love finding pieces I can wear with heels on their own on the weekend or layer up to wear to work. I even made it a mini-dress last weekend with a DIY hem job and paired with a leather jacket and my Prabal shoes to make it edgy. So versatile! Happy weekend, everyone!
I'm currently coveting the Lipsy Floral Print Dress at ASOS.
Springy, sexy, printy, gorgeous. Gimme! That's all I have to say about this week's most coveted item. I'm also a huge sucker for anything that manages to be classy and fresh at the same time (and allows me to wear a regular bra because I DETEST strapless ones). I really need an excuse to purchase this baby...hmm...suggestions welcome!
Okay so in case you haven't heard of this crazy giant blogger game going around I will sum it up for ya. Someone tags you in their five things post then you do one and tag some more people. Comprende? Good. The lovely Jessica tagged me in her post and we have been granted a snow day here in DC so I'm playing along! I found it surprisingly difficult to come up with five interesting (using that term loosely here) facts about myself so here are some...useless random things you now know about me. Hooray.
1. I have never dyed my hair before. Not a once. I feel strongly that I'd look gothic if I went darker and lighter just isn't an option with my skin tone. Now that I am sprouting white hairs in the front of my hair (omgeee scary nervous breakdown status) I don't know what to doooo! HELP!
2. Tears gross me out. Especially other peoples. I discovered this when I became a nanny right out of college for a year or two. Something about eyeball liquid spewing out of your face = barf. I'm going to probably suck at consoling my future children.
3. I have a Jalapeno chip addiction. Not like "omg I love jalapeno chips..." more like I can't have them anymore because once I have a bag, I need a bag EVERY DAY sometimes twice a day to get my fix. It's disgusting. I can name all of my favorite brands in order of deliciousness (Dirty/Mrs. Vikkis are tied for the best - Cape Cod is the worst and there are too many in between to list here). I have an internal struggle every time I checkout with my lunch sandwich and see them in the impulse buy section...I need counseling.
4. All my friends tell me I do really great spot on impressions of people. It's my weird hidden talent.
5. When I was a kid it was my goal to discover/invent a new color. I would always be looking in hidden nooks, crannies, places around the yard, and basically every where I went in search of this new uncharted color territory. Obviously I came up empty handed.
..I Heart NYC
March 4, 2013 • AWAY Elizabeth and James GAP Giando Massi girls trip Guess Lancome NYC Outfit Post Prabal Gurung seams to be Steve Madden target
The deets: GAP jeans; Target x Prabal Gurung shoes; Seams to Be hat; Steve Madden bag; GUESS leather jacket; Elizabeth and James sunnies; Lancome "Wannabe" lipstick; heart necklace c/o MASSI.
I had a TON of fun last weekend visiting one of my besties for her b-day in New York. We crammed six chickies into a standard NYC sized apartment, danced our booties off, had brunch and more brunch, shopped, drank some dranks, danced some more (oh yes we did), and really just enjoyed being around each other. It's not often I get so much uninterrupted time with my college AND high-school girlfriends at the same time! I feel so very lucky to have them. LOVE YOU GUYS! Quote of the weekend: Swag don't come cheap.
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