Rendezvous with Cupcakes and Cashmere

This weekend I met Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere, and had more fun than I have in a while. I arrived in Chicago eager to meet the lady who inspired me to add simple beauty into my mundane tasks, reevaluate my wardrobe, and indulge a little. Book-in-hand, wearing my new J.Crew pave chain link bracelet, I walked down Michigan Avenue with my mom, and renewed my love for the city. It bustles with as much excitement as NYC, but with far less inconvenience and annoyance, and that particular day the lake provided the infamous windy chill in the air that complemented the sunshine to create the PERFECT temperature and backdrop... i was literally pointing my chin to the sky and smiling (if only i hat a hat to throw while i jumped in the air and clinked my heals). The architecture is mesmerizing, and is filled with a mix of old and new buildings that offer everything from midwestern comfort food to high-end shopping...I mean, its just amazing, and a la Carrie Bradshaw, I am having a love affair with a city, albeit mine is somewhat long-distance.

Anyways, the Estee Lauder counter was bustling from the moment we arrived, (Estee Lauder is being savvy and capitalizing on this book tour, so they are trying to get you involved in their products anyway they can) and the line to meet Emily began around 11:35, and was wrapped around the first floor by five-til-noon. While we waited, conversation varied from the weather to readers' favorite posts to what she might wear, while Bloomingdales employees passed around mini cupcakes, tarts, chocolates and wine glasses filled with water and lemon slice, in true Cupcakes and Cashmere fashion. Each reader was more fashionable than the last, I was throughly impressed. And then she arrived. She sauntered in glowing in a beige trench coat. Her outfit was, as expected, impeccable; I recognize the lace top from blog posts, and her smoky eye and tousled waves looked even more radiant in person. She is incredibly sweet, the few moments I had with her were spent explaining what an inspiration she has been and mentioning my little blog. I expressed my relief in her imperfections in her beginning posts, and she mused how embarrassing those posts are to her now. She told me not to be perfect, do to it for me and to be genuine, advice I had heard before, but advice I truly appreciate. I think that after some notoriety, bloggers get caught up in their "BL(alter) EGO". The persona they have created online is now a representation of who they wish to be everyday, but in reality, they have bad hair days and breakouts and wear yoga pants to Target. I never expect to ever have notoriety, but I do enjoy this blog tremendously, and thus want to be true to myself. So, you should know, I have three pimples right now that are really bothersome, I am in yoga pants and a sweatshirt, and have three different shades of chipped nail polish on my nails because I was deciding on colors and never had time to follow through with my decision.

New Girl returns tonight and I COULD NOT be more excited...Im singing this sentence right now.
xx,
Alex

Post Weekend Wishlist

Holy Cow. Do people who aren't from the midwest say that too? Well, anyway, WOAH. These past few weeks have been nuts. Job interviews, work, cleaning my room, and remembering to breathe have taken away from my beloved blog this past week. I literally have only found reprieve in my trips to target to kill time in-between obligations. Target is literally my mecca though. Target, to me, is like sequins...I've never met one I don't like. I could go to that store everyday and STILL find things I want  need! Anyways, the little treasures above are the only things I wish for that target doesn't carry...

1. Fur vest. I have been scouring the internet for one of these bad boys for fall, but can't seem to find one that is both affordable and nice quality. I don't like the look of many of the faux faux fur ( read: forever 21 quality..), but can't afford the real stuff. This option from Joie, at its sale price, might be just that....

2. I Dream of Paris print. The ABC's of French/Parisian lifestyle. This glossy 8x10 would look chic in a bathroom, closet, or bedroom and reminds me to take a second to remember all the beautiful details in life.

3. Michael Kors Runway Gold watch. I have the tortoiseshell version, and absolutely love it. I have been wanting a chunky gold version to stack with my bangles and want to buy it myself while throwing my hands up and singing "all my women who independent, throw ya hands up at me..." I don't need a boyfriend to have a boyfriend watch.

4. Perfect White T. Lauren Conrad devoted an entire chapter to the wardrobe staple in her book Style, The Olsen Twins developed an entire website on the basic, and Hanes has created an empire making the essential, and I understand why. There is nothing quite like the perfect blend of a broken-in, slightly frayed, and buttery soft t-shirt to pair with jeans, a pencil skirt, trousers, leggings and a dolman cape... really anything one owns besides this fundamental. Monroe makes one that I have wanted for a long time, and I think its about time I indulge.

5. Perfect Ballet Flat. Until you work on your feet all day on uneven floors, you never really appreciate how much work your shoes actually do besides just elongating your calves and complementing your outfit. The perfect ballet flats, especially in a neutral color, are much like the white T of shoes. These J.Crew slip-ons are chic, and most importantly, comfy!

6. Dainty stacking ring. I love the uniqueness of this ring, the surprise sparkle, and its versatility. Wear it alone for a dainty look, or stack it for statement.

I saved the best for last...I had my day off on Saturday and drove down to Chicago to meet Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere! I will do a post tomorrow on meeting her, the and the event itself, as well as some DIY projects I have been working on (for weeks now...), and my absolute favorite looks from NYFW and some wearable options I've found!

Also, I hope to dive back into network television now that I do not have a college social life to  get in the way, so hopefully we can discuss accordingly.
xx,
Alex

Post Weekend Wishlist

Monday, we meet again. Thanks to the back-in-action fall favorite at Starbucks--the Pumpkin Spice Latte, and a few wishlist items, I think I will make it through the Monday blues.

Sabine Chain necklace with Multicolored Rhinestones// this statement necklace is the perfect length, it hits right at the collarbone. It can be paired with just about anything, a black v-neck, dark jeans, and boots/ leather pencil skirt and white blouse/ peplum sheath...and you're out the door looking fabulous.

Get It done Zebra Notepad// The perfect size to be transportable and still be long enough to make a list, this little zebra drill sergeant would definitely make me check items off my to-do list!

Nikon D40 SLR camera// I have wanted a good camera for a while now, and have heard rave reviews from all bloggers who snap away with this heavy-duty camera...maybe someday I'll be fancy enough for this!

Essie Miss Fancy Pants// The perfect fall/winter shade of a muddy mauve/greige mix. It reminds me of a cup of hot cocoa after the whipped cream and marshmallows have melted

Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon tote// Another repeat offender on the wishlist...this bag just seems to be it! Roomy, functional, and chic-see, it is possible.

Free City Sweatshirt// I just cannot justify spending $200 on a hoodie, buttt, if I could, this would be it. I love the colors, decals, and california vibe!

Anthropologie Love Letter Sheets// How sweet it would be to fall into a love letter. These sheets are not only beautiful and authentic,all letters found in a vintage shop in Brooklyn, but the thought that you are quite literally wrapped up in a love letter warms my whole body from my heart to my tippy-toes.

Hope everyone has a great week!
xox,
Alex

ETSY-ITING!

Home grown (made) charm is something we treasure where I come from in the midwest. Aaron Rodgers in his jersey Monday nights, Cincinnati drawl from boys at the bar, well-wishes from locals at a corn-on-the-cob stand, Miller Lite, and mom's cooking. There is something different, rather, special, about knowing that something was made with love and care with you in mind. Combine these two sentiments and TA-DA: Etsy! And I have some very Etsy-iting favorites to share. Here are my favorite Etsy shops whose designers and items alike brighten up my life and make me feel more connected to the united streets of the US of A!

First thing is first, a la Cupcakes and Cashmere, this shop has colorful tassel garland to make any party, event room, office, or closet feel like a summer party just for you!

1. MarketaNewYorkShop  These colorful clutches come in the most vibrant shades and designs, and suede is perfect for fall!
2.SpikethePunch  These Rainy necklaces are a great piece to add to your collection, they can stand out alone, or be layered for a more dramatic effect. There are so many color combinations, I love them all, but neons are still my favorite.
3. Kari Herer I mean....how amazing is this?! I absolutely love mixing masculine and feminine designs, and I can't think of anything more perfect than faux-antlers with a rose head- matted on a frame, this can either be a centerpiece or blend into a wall of photos and art, but still stand out.
4. Cornerblogstore Colorful, sophisticated pinatas! My philosophy about these are pretty simple- why they stopped being at parties at age 5 is beyond me. You get to smack something and it rewards you-- plus they are so fun and festive!
5.colbyjune This twig bracelet, and all of her jewels are so delicate and beautiful. Perfect for stacking or solo!
6. MySaucyMustache Beer bottle mustaches- okay, I am obsessed with mustaches, only, not real ones. I am obsessed with the ones on cups, rings, baby onesies, and ESPECIALLY these sparklers that attach to beer bottles. I had a 'stache bash for my 22nd birthday, and these adorned the bottle of every one of my friends' beers! Host your own and include these!
7. MadebyCassandraSmith More antlers! I can't get enough of these chevron-painted antlers, and only wish I had a white mantle on which to hang one! Plus the girl who makes these beauties is from Milwaukee, HUGE bonus!
8. SparrowNestScript The script on this stationary is something I only dream of being able to do one day; each card is cuter than the next with messages for every occasion and cute illustrations to match! Anyone to receive one will spend an extra 10 seconds admiring the card, and wondering where the sender found such an adorable card!

Next time you need to liven up your decor, need a homemade gift, or are looking for a one-of-a-kind bauble, check out Etsy!
xox,
Alex

Gift Giving 101

As I have mentioned before, nothing excites me more than giving gifts. On Christmas Eve, I am more excited to give my siblings and parents their gifts from me than to open my own, when mailing a package, I get restless when the "notice: allow at least 48 hours for tracking information to post" message pops up, and when it comes to wrapping I just can't help myself! While I love it, I have multiple people around me who are a bit hesitant in gift exchange. First of all, it is important to note that the saying is true, it really is the thought that counts. If someone goes out of his or her way to give you something that is special or that he or she thinks you will like, it automatically becomes sentimental and extra special. That being said, it feels amazing when you know someone truly loved  your gift, and it is not a hard thing to accomplish! If anyone needs a personal gift giver, I am your girl, however, if you would like to master the act yourself, here are a few tips/ideas!

1. Gifts are most special if they are a treat. Not that I don't like getting a razor in my stocking, as I most likely needed one, but when it is something that I cannot justify spending money on and someone else gets it..all the better. Like nice nail polish from Debroah Lippman, OPI, Essie or Butter London--a plus if its in a shade that one might not pick for themselves but really works!

2. Something that lingers. A really nice candle is always a safe bet; it can always be used, decorates any room, and a nice scent reminds the recipient of you each time he or she gets a whiff!

3. Unless I find the perfect gift I know someone will love, or an item my friend has been pining for, I usually do the carepackage-esque gift. Things like small notepads with fun designs or sparkly hair-ties are things that one can use everyday, but because they are a little bit special, it makes using them so much more fun. Some people say they just don't have the "eye" or "knack" for finding things like that--help them out! These gifts don't cost much, but put together in a cute box or bag feel handpicked and significant.

4. Treasures with a duel meaning are some of my favorite things. The St. Christophers' medal, (in between the notebooks and nail-polish-size of a quarter) is a charm-type pendant that comes in multiple sizes and colors from a small boutique in my town, and I have given them as gifts to pretty much everyone I know. St. Christopher is the patron saint of travel, and even people who are not religious, or not the same religion as me, appreciate the gesture to have a little reminder that I hope they stay safe. The medal itself is beautiful, and thus you are giving a tangible reminder to those you love that they are meaningful, and that you are thinking of them.

5. Cute books. I love giving quote books, cocktail books, and books that are funny/helpful/random, anything that one can use from time to time, but also adds something to the home. It is fun to go through a cocktail book on a weekend and chose a new drink, or find a helpful quote on a particularly rough day. Again, it is something simple, but the advice will seem as if it came from you, and you get to play imaginary bar-tender for the night!

6. Indulge your friends/family/secret santa choice with things that you know they love and use/consume on a daily basis so that they can save a few bucks to treat themselves to something else. A colorful, monogramed mug that is pretty to drink out of combined with a Starbucks gift card, or bag of coffee beans, makes their day or week a little more delightful and a little more convenient. Likewise, a bottle of their favorite wine and a monogramed or personalized glass is rewarding their cravings with a little something extra.

If I could, I would spend my days buying little and big surprises to cheer up everyones' day...but for now, this is my advice, I hope you can pay it forward!
HAPPY HUMP DAY, PARTY PEOPLE!
xx,
Alex

Work it Out

VIA/VIA/VIA/VIA

I can whole-heartedly say that working out is something that I wish I loved to do. When celebrities say that they love going to the gym and spend 3 hours a day working out I just can't help but roll my eyes. Yes, I do feel good after I work out...but only because I know I am supposed to. I look like one of those pigs with an apple in their mouth on the rotating roaster at a barbecue, I am bright red, sweaty, and out of breath. I feel better only because I know that the extra 5 chips I grabbed from the cabinet won't matter as much. Don't get me wrong, I love being outside and have been whitewater rafting, biked down a mountain, climbed up a mountain, know how to water and downhill ski-you get the picture. So, I decided if I love these things so much, I must not hate exercise all-together, and have tricked myself into enjoying it-somewhat. I needed a goal, and seeing pictures from the color run and various 5k's, especially those that involve drinking beer at checkpoints, I decided a 5k is the perfect goal. I began the couch to 5k program, which I recommend to any non-runner looking to become a convert. I have the app which I use to pace myself and ease myself into running. However, even with my little Iphone trainer, I still need to do the work...which is where my dance party begins. I have composed a playlist that at times literally has me throwing my hands in the air at the gym because, in my head, I am in my best friends' house, dancing at one of our many pre-game or late-night parties. With my best friend Christy as the DJ, there was lots of Beyonce, Whitney Houston, and rap, thus, these are on my workout playlist. Anything that can take my mind off of where I am. I have even gone so far as to picture myself on a roadtrip with the windows down singing along, it makes the minutes tic by much faster, I promise. 

Next time you find your feet dragging to the gym, let one of these songs be your anthem: 

1. Big Sean: Dance (Ass): It reminds me of why I am running, and countless drunk dance moves that make me smile 

2. Nappy Roots: Good Day: This song automatically puts me in a good mood with the lyrics and the upbeat tempo is easy to run to, plus the it reminds you that if running is the worst part of your day...its a good day. 

3. Chris Brown: For Ur Love: I was first introduced to this song in a YouTube video of the Cal Soccer team music video and have loved it ever since- I can run thinking about those boys. 

4. Nicki Minaj: Super Bass: This is one of those picture yourself dancing/driving and you can get through the last  few minutes 

5. Paul Simon: You Can Call Me Al: All my friends and family call me Al, so this is my theme song, but I every time I listen to it imagine myself in Mexico, dancing to the local mariachi band, having a blast with a margarita in my hand--2:00, down. 

6. Annie Lennox: Walkin On Broken Glass: This is one of those my feet are now moving in different ways and my hands leave their clutched position because I am actually dancing songs 

7. Shop Boyz: Party Like a Rockstar: I am kindof embarrassed that this is on the list, but it seriously gives me a boost, it is really easy to run to!

8. Kayne West: Breathe In, Breathe Out: for obvious reasons. 

9. Nelly: Heart of a Champion: Nelly is working out during the song and telling himself he can do it...and I think he is talking to me. 

10. One Direction: What Makes You Beautiful: Another dancing song that gives me a boost 

11. Beyonce: Schoolin' Life: The refrain reminds me of Christy and I love the power in her voice, it pushes me. 

12. Shakira: Waka Waka: I am obsessed with the USWNT, United States Women's National Team, or USA's women's soccer team, and this song is the official World Cup song, I imagine I am on the field, and in front of a screaming crowd, I could manage to run a few more minutes. 

13. Cascada: Evacuate the Dancefloor: Its a fast-paced,go-to dance song. 

14. Jason Derulo: Riding Solo: It puts me in a great mood and makes me feel like a rockstar 

15. Whitney Houston: Its Not Right, But Its Okay: I sing this outloud, maybe other people at the gym think I am upset about a boy cheating on me...I'm not, but I can sing with Whitney whenever asked. 

16. Jay Sean: Do You Remember: Its upbeat, fun, and a good starting song. 

17. Katrina and the Waves: Walking on Sunshine: because if I wasn't (running) on sunshine, I am now. 

And look at that! YOU just RAN for 30 minutes! Don't you feel great?! Well, even if you don't, you just had a little dance party! 

xx, 

Alex 

Post Labor Day Weekend Wishlist

The last week of summer was a crazy one! I have been so busy, which is why I relaxed all Labor Day weekend with a Hills marathon and a leather recliner in my family room. Lauren Conrad is one of my style icons, she always looks put together, comfortable, and chic--so the marathon gave me some inspiration of things to add to my post-weekend wish list.

1. Striped long-sleeve shirt. My obsession with stripes knows no boundaries, and thus I am shocked I do not own a simple striped long sleeve tee. I have several variations of the style, but as fall is approaching, it is a staple that can be tucked into a pencil skirt, boyfriend jeans, leather shorts, skinny jeans, a flowy skirt...the possibilities are endless.

2. Bright Pencil Skirt. On a recent job interview, I wore a black pencil skirt with a blouse tucked in with black pumps and felt fabulous. I want to add as many of these to my wardrobe as possible. With a loose top and heels it is a flattering silhouette that will always impress.

3. J.crew pave chain bracelet. I have been lusting after this bauble for months now and I think it is time I give-in. It can dress up any outfit and who doesn't want to add a little chain-link sparkle to their life?

4. Pencil Skirts. As previously mentioned (read: #2) I am eager to add more pencil skirts to my wardrobe as they are versatile, it is the perfect day-to-night piece. You can wear them to work, look professional but still have a sense of style with the kind of pencil skirt you choose, and it transitions for after work drinks or a date by changing your shoes and adding jewelry! I am loving this leather one, as well as the color blocked stripes, from Piperlime. Look there, J.Crew, and Anthropologie for some great options.

5. DV by Dolce Vita Java Ankle Boots. I need a pair of booties for fall and these by Dolce Vita are just right. The perfect height, color and detail to give a cool-vibe to fall staples like flannel shirts, denim, vests, and chunky scarves.

6. J.Crew striped hoodie. Another item I own in bulk but just can't say no to--comfy hoodies. Perfect for fall, and I can't resist the stripes. How cute would this look with some boyfriend jeans, the DV booties from #5, and a olive-green vest?!

7. J.Crew jacket. I am obsessed with jackets. Especially in cooler weather when they are the first thing one notices about your outfit, a great jacket can go a long way. This navy-cargo jacket from J.Crew is perfect to wear casually, but can also be dressed up if belted and worn with heels.

8. Unfortunately for me, I cannot go pick up this wishlist item from my nearest shopping mall...but how amazing would it be to come home to this H&M model in his comfy fall flannel and puffy vest...a girl can dream!

9. Large gold hoops. Another classic that adds that extra something to an otherwise plain outfit. My mom has been holding my silver hoops hostage, so I need to invest in a new pair and this time around Im thinking gold.

10. I am on week 4 of couch to 5K and really trying to eat healthier and commit to working out daily, but the thing that tops my wishlist-- being able to eat a gouda burger and fries guilt free. That is my fairy tale.

Hope you had a wonderful Labor Day!
xx,
Alex