Cupcakes and Wine

I bought this wine solely based on the adorable label but Cupcake Vineyards won me over - affordable, tasty and again, adorable branding. 

I'm not one for big parties solely revolving around myself, but I've successfully proceeded to celebrate my birthday all week long with mini self-indulgences. Nightly glasses of wine, a luxurious afternoon spent reading my new book, Sarah's Key (have you read it? I can't put it down), new spiked bracelets and extra sweet treats -- just to name a few. 

Store bought sushi felt like a decadent lunch when placed on a Missoni for Target dish.

Forever 21 spiked bracelets (aka Edie Borgo minus the price tag).

Flowers from the Mr. in a Missoni for Target vase. He apparently googled how to make a flower arrangement... yep, he's a keeper.

DIY Wrap Bracelet

I recently made the above leather and suede wrap bracelet; the process was so easy (and supplies affordable) that I simply had to share the steps with you! I used a combination of both leather and suede because that's all I had at the time although next time around I would opt for just leather which is more durable and easier to braid.

Here's what you'll need:

Pliers

Leather (and/or Suede) Pieces

Leftover Chain

Clasp and End Pieces

1. Cut desired number and colors of leather or suede strands (I used a mix of both) and knot around a circular end piece.

2. Fish tail the leather / suede to desired length. This bracelet is meant to wrap around your wrist so the length doesn't necessarily need to be measured precisely. 

3. Knot the end of the fish tail and attach a left over piece of chain (for added length as well as aesthetic). 

4. Attach a clasp to the opposite circular end piece and your wrap bracelet is finished!

The final army candy - pictured here with a Michael Kors watch and DIY chain bracelet.

Trench Triplets

Topshop Trench. Twelth Street by Cythina Vincent Dress. Vintage Earrings.

House of Harlow Sunglasses. gifted DVF Booties. Trina Bag (from Lucky Fabb).

Helena (Brooklyn Blonde), Krystal (This Time Tomorrow) and I are triplets today in leather sleeved trench coats from Topshop. We purchased these coats together after a mimosa brunch at Balthazar a few weeks back (warning: champagne mixed with shopping can be dangerous)! The jacket reminded us of Burberry, and we simply had to have them. With just the right amount of class and edge, I plan to wear this trench as much as possible over the next couple of months (before it gets too cold), but for all of my friends living in San Francisco this may be the perfect year-round trench!

Hell's Kitchen

I spent this past Friday and Saturday in Manhattan and although my trip was quick, it was the exact city fix that I needed! I reunited with two high school girlfriends and spent the majority of my time exploring their neighborhood (Hell's Kitchen). Between dinner at P.J. Clarke's, wine and chick flicks, walking up 9th Avenue, ogling all of the antiques, furs(!) and leopard prints at Hell's Kitchen Flea Market, and a successful trip to M&J Trimmings in the Garment District, it was the perfect little getaway. Until next time NYC!

Flea Markets always make for fun photos (you can read my Alameda Flea Market post from way back when here)!

Chambray + Cornbread

JCrew Chambray. James Perse Tee. BCBG Skirt. House of Harlow Chelsea Sunglasses. Old Navy Boots. 

Alexander Wang Bag. Husband's Rolex. DIY Bracelet. gifted Bauble Bar Necklace. Peridot Chanel Nail Polish.

The husband and I celebrated my birthday a few days early (my real birthday is this Tuesday) and headed to Maxie's Supper Club for comfort food. We enjoyed fried oysters, cornbread, pulled pork, cajun fries, beer and wine. It was the perfect (and most satisfying) way to ring in my twenty sixth year! 

Beauty Newbies

Chanel Peridot Nail Polish.  Chanel Rouge Coco 36 Lune Rousse Lipstick.

While in New York City this past weekend I picked up Peridot by Chanel as well as a new plum colored lipstick (both early birthday presents to myself). The nail polish is the perfect iridescent green with a hint of gold, and the lipstick is the redish / purple I had been craving for fall! It's fun to treat yourself to new beauty products especially if you have an excuse! ;)

Fancy Pants

H&M Jacket. Equipment Blouse. J.Crew Pants and Cuff. Vintage Boots. 

Tory Burch Clutch. Kate Spade Ring. House of Harlow Sunglasses.

Living in an apartment building primarily filled with college students walking around in sweats 3/4's of the time has definitely rubbed off on me. I actually found myself walking out our door yesterday with furry slippers still on my feet (no joke). Needless to say, I was in a rut and needed to step up my game; taffeta floral pants were the answer. I toughened up these rather girly "fancy pants" with leather and my favorite rhinestone cuff. 

Can't Get Enough Of...

The way Taylor Tomasi Hill pairs combat boots with her knit skirt / sweater ensemble. 

3.1 Phillip Lim Fur iPad Case. JCrew Striped Sweater and Tee. Steven Alan Silk Top.

 Alexander Wang Loafer Pumps. 

Craving all things furry (even gadgets) and especially if colored - in the spirit of fall. Aren't these iPad cases fun? Also love this 3.1 Phillip Lim fur wrap bracelet. 

I haven't fully jumped on the heeled loafer trend but I would definitely wear these metallic ones by Alexander Wang (you must check out my friend Heather wearing them in silver on her blog here). 

Lastly, I'm constantly drawn to billowy blouses and simple tees. JCrew makes some great basic t-shirt options but if you're willing to spend a little more I like, T by Alexander Wang which feel rather pajama-like as well as James Perse (equally as soft). What are your favorite t-shirt brands?

Photo 1 via: WhoWhatWearBlog

Selby-Inspired

'Fade to Grey' Tortoise & Blonde Glasses.

Pure boredom led me to pick up The Selby for a little afternoon reading. 

I was instantly revived and inspired... hence the following snap shots. 

His and Her Snack Time: Almond Butter + Apple Slices. Skittles (Taste the Rainbow).

Thrifted Necklaces (debating whether or not I should attach crystals).

Currently Craving: Breakfast for Dinner.

gifted Boots courtesy of ModCloth.

Orange is the New Black

Zara Coat. JCrew Chambray Top. Current Elliot Jeans.

Rebecca Minkoff Bag. Mr. Dannijo iPhone Case. House of Harlow Sunglasses.

Orange has forever been (and continues to be), one of my favorite colors. Like cheetah and leopard prints, this color is vibrant, bold and happy. You sure can't have a blah or boring day when wearing such a cheerful hue. 

Crisp Mornings and Chunky-Knits

Vince Sweater. Equipment Blouse. Spike the Punch Necklace. House of Harlow Sunglasses.

Temps have dropped and the lingering summer humidity has finally disappeared. Fall is here, and I am beyond thrilled to experience my favorite season on the east coast. I'm looking forward to the changing colors of the leaves, cozy knit sweaters (this one by Vince has quickly become a repeater - and I currently have my eye on this one with fur trim!), my first apple picking adventure, bundling up for long walks, and college football games complete with butter popcorn and hot chocolate. 

gifted Snake-Print Katherine Kwei Bag + Deborah Lippmann Billionaire Nail Polish.

Afternoon coffee + M&M cookie. 

gifted Willow and Clay Sweater. Target Beanie. Linda Farrow for the Row Sunglasses.

The first glimpse of fall!

Jeffrey Campbell Boots (I also like this style in black and, of course, leopard).

Skulls, Skittles and Starbursts

Current Elliot Jeans and Tee. Kate Spade Scarf. Jeffery Campbell Boots. 

Rebecca Minkoff Bag. Linda Farrow for the Row Sunglasses. JCrew Earrings and Bangle. 

It's funny how one can find inspiration all around and in everyday objects. I was recently given the challenge to style a fall outfit based on Wrigley candies, and while skittles and starbursts aren't usually my dessert of choice, they sure inspired a colorful pop in my ensemble. Still on a sugar high, I strolled out the door in bold orange jeans and a playful scarf that maps Manhattan's streets. With thoughts of the Big Apple on my mind, I threw my lipgloss and phone into my skull bag, and was ready to conquer the day! 

*Fact: I wasn't much of a candy fan (I'm more of an ice cream girl) before dating my husband and now, gasp, we've already devoured our first bag of candy corn for the season. I'd like to blame it entirely on him, but unfortunately the damage was definitely equal parts me. 

Neon and Snake-Print

A photo-diary from the past week. 

Neon splashes have shown up all over the Spring 2012 runways. Add a little colorful bling to your ensembles with these necklaces from: Spike the Punch.

Lunch at Zampa in the West Village. I recommend the tuna nicoise salad and the barrata for a delicious starter.

Current Elliot Jeans. Mink Pink Blouse. Vince Fur Infinity Scarf.

Helena (Brooklyn Blonde)'s snake-skin booties. An a-mazing thrift find.

Greek fage yogurt + fresh strawberries makes for the perfect (and healthy) breakfast / snack. Add a drizzle of honey if you're craving an extra sweet touch.

I always dreamed of visiting the Conde Nast building. Breakfast at Lucky last Friday was quite surreal.