Wait, It's May Already?

Life has been busy lately! I had so much fun on my little weekend solo jaunt to New York City last weekend. I survived a great barre class at Exhale Spa, did tons of walking around the city and through Central Park, and met up with a friend who recently moved from Chicago. Jessica's bridal shower was a great celebration and I loved being able to hang with her close girlfriends before the wedding next month (already!). The group ventured out to the Standard's biergarten on Saturday afternoon, where I could have continued people watching for daaaays. I was super diligent about packing my camera, but somehow forgot to put the battery back in it before heading out, so I was only able to snap some iPhone photos. Oops! I need to get better at remembering to actually use my real camera. 

This past weekend was spent enjoying a little Cinco de Mayo action, grilling on the porch (steak fajitas), and finally meeting up with Lauren (for mani/pedis + cocktails), who was in town from DC. I only wish the weather was warmer. I'm ready for more spring-like temps and less rain! 

What about you! How was your weekend?

favorite new polish combo: Chanel's nouvelle vague + gradient glitter

remnants from Saturday's homemade margaritas using this recipe (which was so good!)

late takeout sushi lunch on Friday (sashimi is my fav!)

pretty packaging + tape from Anthropologie

minty fresh watch and neon bracelets for warmer weather

Life Lately...

There's been some serious downtime around here since returning from San Diego. Between the time change and getting back into the work routine, my weekends have been reserved for leisurely brunches, walks in the fresh springtime air, and catching up on my favorite blogs. I've also been trying to tackle some of the recipes that I've been pinning for months. Among my new favorites: Pioneer Woman's cold brewed iced coffee (liquid gold, if you ask me), Taza's puffed pancake (which I've been justifying as breakfast during my 40 days of no sweets + alcohol), and the best homemade salsa ever. Seriously, I am not exaggerating when I tell you this salsa comes together in under 5 minutes and will make your taste buds incredibly happy (and leave you craving a frosty margarita). Make all three recipes and tell me they're not amazing.

How have you been enjoying these springlike temps?


puffed pancake right out of the oven


...and with a drizzle of real maple syrup


home-brewed iced coffee (in its sludgy mid-brew state)


fun, springy polishes


my favorite orangey-coral hue by Chanel

Matte is the New Ombré

Completely obsessed with the new Chanel matte topcoat. Thanks to Quyen for making me run out and track it down as soon as I heard about it. And can we talk about how perfect Essie's Cocktail Bling is, too?! I think I've found my go-to winter shade already.

Ice, Ice, Baby

Wintry mani inspired by this freakish October snowstorm. Chanel Riva with Deborah Lippmann's Today Was a Faity Tale glittery accent nail. I'm in love with this pale blue polish.

Color Me Black

I'm not usually a fan of matte nail polish, but Chanel's black velvet is an exception. It goes on smooth and really does have a rich, velvety finish. It's the perfect polish for October (duh, Halloween) and I'm even thinking of using gold glitter as an accent nail later in the month.

Sparkle and Pop

I obviously can't get enough of the accent nail trend. In this case, I paired two Chanel shades: the sparkly Graphite and the hot pink Pulsion, which complement each other really well. I feel like I'm getting better at giving myself a manicure, too! Got any tips? Nail polish remover pens seem to make the job a lot easier.

Fall Lineup

Fall lacquers are my favorite.

Ariel Nails

Kicking off the holiday weekend with a sparkly mermaid manicure inspired by Emily. Next time I'm definitely going to try out the sea-foam green color.
So pretty!

On Deck

As much as I love my nail effects, I'm thinking I may need a little mimosa in my life this weekend (in the form of Chanel's punchy new polish). The forecast for DC is sunny and warm and I honestly can't wait to celebrate my sister's graduation!

What's your current go-to nail polish shade?

Contemplating Colors

The warmer temperatures today have me craving a bright, punchy manicure for the weekend! I've narrowed it down to my top three shades but can't seem to make the final decision (surprise, surprise!).

Which one is your favorite?

Channeling Summer

There's nothing like starting the weekend with a pop of color!

Sparkly Riva Nails

inspired by tiane

Cloudy With a Chance of Sparkles

It's extra gray and gloomy out today, which is fitting seeing as how it's my last day of vacation. I'm feeling especially drawn to muted neutral nail colors (mixed in with some metallic sparkles) as fall quickly approaches.


Butter London - All Hail McQueen. My favorite of moment.


American Apparel - Mouse.


RGB - Haze.


Essie - Chinchilly.


Alice + Olivia for MAC - Military. Fell in love with this at All Lacquered Up.


Chanel - Particuliere. What I'm wearing right now. Very versatile.

Which shade has your vote for fall?

top image via we heart it

Swoon

I love this photo. It combines two of my favorite things: My Little Pony and Chanel nail polish. When I was a kid, I used to paint the toes (hooves?) of my own Little Ponies. Seriously. I was obsessed. This photo brought me right back to sitting on the porch at the beach house and giving my pony a pedi.

Image seen on The Cherry Blossom Girl. I love the girly feel to all of her photos. So pretty.

Somebody Stop Me!

This is becoming a problem. I'm on the verge of needing a Chanel nail polish intervention, and I blame it all on Tiane! Just kidding. I do think I have mild anxiety over having another Jade mishap. I just don't want to miss another color that comes out! So, that's why I check the All Lacquered Up blog at least every couple of weeks to see if there are any announcements. I currently have my eye on that gorgeous shade of purple above (called Paradox) that's due out this fall.

I guess there are worse (i.e. more expensive) things to collect!

Chanel Cruise 2010

I just can't get enough of this photo from the Chanel Cruise fashion show in Saint Tropez. Gorgeous! Karl Lagerfeld is just so regal (not to mention a total genius). I wonder what it was like for those lucky people with the balcony views?!

Ahoy Mates

I've always been a lover of all things nautical, especially in the accessories department. I think my love of anchors and stripes comes from my Pop-Pop being in the Navy. Every spring, it seems like there's always some sort of sailor-inspired trend and this year is definitely no exception. I've spotted tons of cute things and I'm dying to share them with you all!

Chanel resin cuffs


Chanel handbag

Louis Vuitton cuffs

Forever 21 tank

J. Crew swimsuit


Anthropologie tote made from recycled sails


Antropologie sailor-inspired pencil skirt



I can't decide which pieces I love the most, but the cuff bracelets are up there! What's your favorite way to wear this trend?

Chanel Summer Secrets

I'm so lucky to have great friends like Tiane, who just sent me a link to Chanel's hottest color for summer. It's a robin's egg blue shade known as Nouvelle Vague and I really, really want to get my hands on it. Unfortunately, it's not hitting stores until May, but I hope to snag a bottle. It reminds me of the pastel bottles of Hard Candy nail polish (with the little plastic rings on top!) that I used to buy in middle school. That makes me happy and full of late-90s nostalgia (yikes). I even like the other two colors in the summer collection, Riviera and Mistral (bright popsicle-pink shades). If anyone hears of this collection on pre-order please let me know. I must own it asap! Thanks for the info Tiane!

What do you think of the summer colors?

The Ultimate Ultra

I've had my eye on these rings from the Chanel Ultra collection for several years now. I love them because they're simple and elegant, but they make a serious statement. I think my favorite one is the white ceramic with diamonds. It's beautiful! Wouldn't they make cute his & hers presents? I don't even want to think about what they cost--I still love them. A girl can dream, right?!

What's on your Valentine's list?
taylor

Just Call Me Picabo

I've been feverishly packing and and mentally preparing myself for the upcoming weekend of skiing and relaxing at Attitash in New Hampshire. The only problem is I've never skied before. Ever. I've only been to a ski resort once (as an observer) and my cousin ended up breaking his wrist. Not exactly an encouraging experience. Nonetheless, I've decided to go into this trip with an open mind and loads of anticipation. I keep having crazy visions where I get stuck on the lift or one of my skis falls off and hits someone below. That stuff doesn't actually happen, right?!

Most experienced skiers I've spoken to have suggested taking a lesson right off the bat. This way I won't even have the chance to develop any bad habits. I can ice skate and rollerblade so that has to count for something. I feel like the right skis could make all the difference. I wonder if these Chanel beauties will be available to rent:

At least I know there will be plenty of hot cocoa waiting for me at the bottom of the mountain (or bunny slope). Do you have any secret tips that would make my experience more successful & enjoyable? Please share them! I'll be sure to take lots of photos and absolutely zero videos!

Wish me luck.
taylor