For the Man in Your Life {Gift Guide}

Shopping for girls is fun and easy but when it comes to the boys, I'm usually completely stumped and end up purchasing something silly or completely practical and boring. After a week spent with the guy in my life I decided it was absolutely appropriate to put together a small gift guide for the masculine meets tech fanatic (aka the fiance) in your life (he may have helped me with this one). 

1. Orvis Knit Cap ($19)

2. Pocket Knife ($14.99)

3. Vintage Fleece Hoodie ($98)

4. Levi's Western Shirt ($69.50)

5. iPad ($499) 

6. iPhone 4 ($199)

7. "Bottoms Up" Leather Flask ($34.50)

8. iTunes Gift Card ($50)

9. Nike + iPod Sport Kit ($29)

10. Deerskin and Fleece Gloves ($39)

11. Skullcandy Headphones ($33.99)

12. Partying Penguin Boxers ($18.50) 

13. Ray-Ban Classic Wayfarer Sunglasses ($145)

14. Candy Taffy Set ($38)

15. Chunky Knit Scarf ($68)

16. Mr. and Mrs. Cocktail Glass Set ($18)*

PS: Masculine collages aren't nearly as pretty as girlie ones.

*Thanks to Taylor for this idea!

Metallic Nights

Alice + Olivia Sequin Cardi, Joie Blouse, Rock and Republic Jeans, JCrew Jewelry, Forever 21 Booties, Alexander Wang Bag

I had been saving my coveted Alice + Olivia sequined "cardi" for a special occasion and it just so happened that an evening in New York was the perfect excuse. I wore this outfit (along with my big puffy jacket) out for drinks (champagne in my case) followed by dinner at L'Artusi in the West Village. Tucked away in what felt like an alley in Europe, this little neighborhood gem made for the perfect ending to our action packed day. 

Weekend in the City {Part 1}

My weekend in New York City has come to an end. I'm back home lounging on the couch, sipping vanilla tea after a long day of traveling. New York was the perfect mix of holiday cheer, early Christmas shopping, laughs, and yummy food and drinks. We spent most of our time in Soho and the West Village but also managed to fit in a quick walk in Central Park and up 5th and Madison Ave. I miss it (and the fiance) already.

First Thanksgiving

I'm currently in New York spending my first Thanksgiving with the fiance. We enjoyed a walk through the Cornell campus this morning, and I managed to snap a few photos before the snow turned my fingers into icicles. This first Thanksgiving away from home means the stuffing and mashed potatoes won't be nearly as scrumptious as if my Mom or Nana were doing the cooking but the food isn't really what it's all about. Yes, I wish our families could be with us, but I'm thankful to be spending this day with my best friend. 

And secondly I'm thankful for Black Friday and a weekend spent in New York City starting tomorrow!

Ode to Jenna Lyons {+ Rue Magazine}

After yesterday's post in which I mentioned my love for Jenna Lyons and a night spent ogling Rue Magazine (those girls amaze me!), I have compiled the two for a little inspiration of my own... 

If there's one thing I've learned from Jenna it is: always mix and match unassuming pieces. Her edgy meets messy chic way of dressing and layering constantly inspires me to simulate the look myself.  I'm currently thinking about the camo pants I have hanging in my closet at home; perhaps they should be cropped into boyfriend jeans and worn with fur and pumps as pictured above. 

Photo Credit: Elle Decor, Iconic Blog, Life, Rue Magazine, Sartorialist, Style Caster

Casual Elegance

JCrew Sweater and Boots, gifted James Jeans, Vintage Stole, H&M Headband, Forever 21 Bracelet, Micheal Kors Watch

This past weekend was a wet one and therefore I spent 90% of it in sweatpants curled up on the couch. I was finally forced to put on real clothes late Sunday afternoon and decided to take this casual outfit up a notch with the addition of my fur stole (originally seen here). Casual attire mixed with elegant pieces always reminds me of my style icon: Jenna Lyons. She is known for pairing unassuming items such as sequins with chambray, in a very down to earth and attainable way. 

Have you tried pairing everyday attire with evening wear?

P is for Polyvore

Thursday night I attended a meet up for Polyvore. I enjoyed learning more about the application while mingling over Sprinkles cupcakes, spiked lemonade and delicious hor d'oeuvres.  Of course it was fun catching up with Tara and Meghan but I also loved meeting Elisabeth, Anh and Ashley as well. Polyvore will be announcing an exciting competition tomorrow (Monday) so definitely be sure to check it out here.

Top Photo Credit: mission:closet

Stylish 'Cheetah' Friends

Thanks to everyone who sent me pictures, they were so fun to receive!!

You all look fabulous in your cheetah / leopard prints - keep on rocking it ladies! 

Enjoy your weekend!

Heirloom Cafe

My supper club and I enjoyed an undeniably delicious meal last week at the quaint neighborhood restaurant: Heirloom Cafe. We unanimously agreed this was one of the best meals we've had lately yet in my opinion it was the atmosphere that truly made the experience. The below photo of the interior was taken just before the restaurant quickly filled up; this place was hopping around 8pm. The dim lighting, exposed kitchen and wooden tables all made for the perfect ambiance. Heirloom Cafe is so homey that you almost feel as though you're at a large dinner party. The four of us dined on onion tarts, burrata, chicken served with quinoa and brussel sprouts, wild pacific swordfish as well as roasted yam risotto with chanterelles. Let's just say our next supper club restaurant of choice has a lot to live up to.

Holiday Mode {Part 2: Gift Guide}

The first part of my 'Holiday Mode' post revolved around what I would love to wear over the holidays (lots of sequins!). For the second part I have compiled an assortment of items that would make perfect gifts for those fashionable ladies in my life. I'm hoping to knock out my entire list of loved ones while in New York next week (fingers crossed). Yes, I will be there on Black Friday, and yes I'm nervous it will be a bit crazy, but this won't stop me from enjoying the festiveness that is New York at Christmas time.

And naturally I had to throw in a few items from my Christmas list...

1. Madewell Pave Pyramid Bangle ($35)

2. Madewell Woven Chain Bracelet ($35)

3. Rag and Bone Chunky-Knit Beanie ($80) 

4. Sephora by OPI Only Gold For Me ($9)

5. Anya Hindmarch Lips and Eye Canvas Cosmetics Case ($80)

6. Nars Orgasm Blush ($26)

7. Nars Niagara Lipstick ($24)

8. Diane Von Furstenberg Gracey Animal-Print Scarf ($160)

9. Kate Spade Iphone 4 Hard Cover ($40)

10. Kate Spade Hi 5 Mittens ($65)

11. Jonathan Adler Banana Bud Vase ($48)

12. Hanky Panky Lace Boy Short ($32)

13. Rue de Jeans Pompidou Pant - Avion ($298)

14. Coated Poplin Large Brigitte Cosmetic Case ($85)

15. JCrew Marled Knit Snood ($49.50)

16. JCrew Glitter Card Case ($16.50)

17. Steve Madden Caryssa Pump ($129)

18. Crystal Bloom Earrings ($48)

19. Tory Burch Amelia Crystal Leather Ballerina Flats ($295)

20. P.S. I Made This Book ($12)

21. JCrew Sequinned Tulle Scarf ($150)

22. JCrew Calf Hair Belt ($60)

23. Vince Wool-blend box-knit sweater ($265)

24. Albertus Swanepoel for JCrew Fedora ($165)

25. Chanel Nail Polish Soho Collection ($23)

Crafternoon {a la PS: I Made This} + Cheetah Nails

Friday night I painted my cheetah inspired nails, Saturday was spent wedding planning and Sunday afternoon I made my my own version of Erica Domesek's gray sweatshirt. It was quite the crafty weekend. 

DIY Cheetah-esque nails:

2 coats OPI 'Bring on the Bling' 

dot on Essie 'Little Brown Dress' (connecting a few of the dots to make them appear more spotty rather than dotty)

I brought my camera everywhere I went this past weekend in hopes of capturing the bright colors of fall. I'm crossing my fingers that the leaves in New York don't all drop off the trees before I arrive next week! This is by far my favorite time of year.