Cocktail Bling

I finally found Essie's Cocktail Bling at my local Ulta. I have been looking for it everywhere and I scored the last bottle in stock. I also got a new topcoat that claims to dry in 30 seconds. We'll see about that.

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.

Spike the Punch

I first saw these amazing necklaces popping up on Pinterest and then featured this past week on Cheetah is the New Black. It seems like I acted right in time by purchasing one of my own because now they're all on back order. My neon orange necklace arrived this weekend and I can't wait to use it to dress up basic tees or on its own as a statement piece. Half the fun of ordering on Etsy is the great packaging that accompanies the items. I hope Elizabeth adds bracelets to her shop soon!

Fall Lineup

Fall lacquers are my favorite.

New Additions

I love these rhinestone bracelets from J. Crew. I found the bright yellow one back in May, but the color selection was limited. Fast forward to last weekend, when I was browsing the new fall collection (especially the adorable pencil skirts) and stumbled upon lots of new bracelet colors. I think the orange one is my new favorite!

Perfect Party

The Manrepeller's arm party trend has really hit hard this summer, and I'm totally a fan of the look. I have to say that this picture from Refinery 29's feature really has it all--the perfect mix of metals, texture, and femininity (and the coveted dinosaur bones cuff by Noir). I'm definitely in favor of the trend and I can't wait to keep tracking down fun bangles to adorn my own wrists.

Pre-Fall Shopping

With temps steadily in the hundreds this past week, it's pretty tough to think about the boots, sweaters, and layering that come with fall fashion, but Nordstrom eases the transition with its annual Anniversary Sale. It's always one of my favorite parts of July because the fall merchandise goes on pre-sale and you can get a sense of what's going to be hot for the upcoming season. I managed to snatch up a pair of boots and a cognac-colored pair of wedges that I can start wearing now. I'm hoping to go back once more before the sale ends next Sunday! Are you looking forward to wearing any fashion trends come fall?

Bangle, Bangle, Bangle

I made it out of clay!

As soon as I saw this post, I knew I was going to have to make some bangles of my own. I love stacks of bracelets (more=better), and these neon babies are a great addition to my collection. The process was so easy and much cheaper than shelling out dough for similar bracelets at J. Crew.

Scope out the full tutorial here.

Tribal Tribute

I scored this colorful scarf from Aldo recently for under $10! I've already worn it multiple times. It's a great way to dress up basic tees and tanks and an easy way to wet your feet in the major tribal-print trend. Also, it's hard to see in my photo, but there are little gold sequins and peachy tassels around the edges. For more summer scarf inspiration, check out Erin Ever After. I especially love her picks from Madewell.

It's Here!

I have to say that after a hellish three days, I was beyond thrilled to find that my Curly in the City clutch had arrived. Let me say it was totally worth the wait. Taylor did such a great job on this that I know I'll be ordering another one (and you should too). Check out her Etsy shop here and scoop one of these babies up before they're all gone! Thanks again to Danielle for having such a great giveaway. I cannot wait to take it with me to Chicago when I visit next week!

It's the New Post-It

What am I talking about? Pinning, of course! Erika Domesek (the mastermind behind PS-I Made This...) tweeted that exact line earlier today and I happen to be in total agreement. Yes, Pinterest is completely addicting, but it's also a great way of cataloging all of the amazing photos that you see on blogs, recipes you want to try, design inspirations, and wish lists for items you're lusting after around the web. I'm still getting the hang of how to use the site and organize my pin boards, plus finding new people to follow (like Maegan, Taylor, and Emily). You should definitely check it out and give it a try! It's so much fun.

Food Truckin' PVD Style

I was so excited to open the local paper today and read a whole article dedicated to Providence's food trucks! To my surprise, there are already several hawking their cuisine around Providence, with more to come this summer! I can finally follow in Tiane's foodie footsteps! I think I'm most excited to try the Hewtin's Dogs Mobile, which is conveniently parked every Saturday at the farmer's market right down the street from my apartment.

Have you tried any of your local food trucks recently?

Sew Psyched

I'm beyond that my mom dusted off her sewing machine to make me an American Apparel-inspired clutch. I know I'm going to be carrying it all summer long! Seriously, is there anything this woman can't do (besides spell)?

Love you, Mom!

Perfectly Edged

This amazing scalloped blazer arrived in the mail today and I can't wait to wear it all over Newport this weekend. I'm so lucky for friends like Tiane who can hunt down even the most impossible-to-find items. I first fell in love with the blazer when I saw Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere wearing it last week, but of course none of the Providence or local Massachusetts H&M's had it in stock. I even sent my sister to the Georgetown location on her lunch break, but she came up empty handed. Tiane was lucky enough to get hers put on hold in Chinatown and they had one in my size, too! Looks like it was meant to be.

Have I mentioned how much I love the scalloped edges?

Clutch and Go

By now you've probably all seen the American Apparel leather carry-all pouch on at least one of your favorite blogs. The first time I saw Bee from Atlantic-Pacific photographed with hers, I was smitten. Its simple, versatile shape and bold colors are the perfect complement to so many outfits (and the $50 price tag is completely justifiable). I love carrying a clutch when I go out on the weekends because it forces me to whittle my typically overstuffed bag down to the bare essentials.

Taylor from Curly in the City has a great DIY for the clutch, but since I don't have a sewing machine, I've been pleading my mom to make one for me (and waiting patiently for Taylor to open her Etsy shop, whichever comes first!). I just saw on Twitter that American Apparel has finally restocked the bags with a slew of fun new colors for summer. I'm thinking of snatching one up in buttercup (a bright yellow) and maybe even stone (a pale grey). In the meantime, check out some of my favorite bloggers and how they've styled the carry-all.

Carolina at Fashion Squad




Bee at Atlantic-Pacific (especially love the tied-on ribbon in the first photo!)


Taylor from Sterling Style


Kelly from the Glamourai

Do you love the clutch as much as I do?

Springtime Lusts

Take a peek at a few pretty pastels (and some fun extras) I wish would find their way into my closet this spring!


Shoshanna ruffle shoulder romper


Kate Spade coin purse


asos Jovanna scalloped dress


J. Crew deerskin moccasins


EmersonMade little blouse


Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air nail lacquer


J. Crew ruched bandeau tank

What are you coveting this spring?

Spring Staples

I'm excited for these new additions to my spring wardrobe from Anthropologie and Madewell, especially the striped maxi dress. Now I just need the weather to break to be able to wear them without a parka on top!

Just For Fun

Inspired by an article in this month's In Style magazine (the color issue), I opted for a non-traditional manicure to start off my weekend. I used Chanel's Riva (one of my favorites) on all of my nails, except for my ring finger, where I used Essie's Chinchilly. The verdict: I really like the look! I think it would be fun to choose colors in the same family, like hot pink with a pale pink accent finger. It was fun to change it up a little and I definitely got some compliments while out running errands. In other news, I am totally obsessed with the new way they brew chai tea at Seven Stars. It's spicy and frothy and it's making not having my morning coffee pretty bearable.

What do you think, would you experiment with this trend?

Feel Like a Kid Again

If you're in to all things retro, (and who isn't these days?), you should check out the cereal aisle of your local Target. They're having a special promotion with General Mills this month that features old-school designs from the 50s, 60s, and 80s on select boxes of cereal. I really like the Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Honey Nut Cheerios ones (both from 1984). It's amazing to see how much the logos and graphics have changed throughout the decades. Of course, they're only available for a limited amount of time, so hurry!

Keeping With the Theme...

...of big buns seen here, here, and here.


I especially love how Nicole Richie rocked a big bun on her wedding day
AND
the messy bun with soft face-framing bangs. Love!