ZARA HOME

Zara Home launched today and to be completely honest, I am underwhelmed. I obviously found a few things that I love and that I wish were in my home, but these are, in my opinion, the best of the best. I cant resist these sweater looking blankets, anything with a british flag but this rug especially, or the gold-plated skull flatware. I also love the pineapple box, but I have a thing for pineapples (mostly because if I could be any fruit it would be a pineapple), rope door stopper (because it reminds me of a cottage on the beach), and this turquoise tumbler. And I am absolutely OBSESSED with this black globe, skull box, tableware, chain link picture frame (SO CUTE), and  this lucite tray. This tray would make such an amazing bar cart; its modern, perfectly sized, and so chic.
I'll try to keep up with the seasonal changes and add to the list, but I'm hoping there are better things to come on this one.
xoxo,
Alex

Tulle Talk

via

Today started out fantastically. Although I had to wake up early, I managed to put together a look I would pin on pinterest, or admire on the street. Nothing fancy, but I felt good. Then I took my two favorite boys to the beach for some adventures. There is something about being the only person for miles and miles on the shore of a rocky beach in fall that centers you. Add looking through the lens of two three year olds, and you're feeling like life is alright. Then, you spill your coffee everywhere, bang your elbow on the car door, and get your credit card statement in the mail, and cry out of frustration because you can't understand it correctly, and the customer service rep asks if you "really understand the concept of a billing cycle" well, sir, when you put it like that, I'm not too sure anymore.  So, I lit my favorite candle, turned on my go-to playlist, texted some of my best friends, and changed into a big sweater and leggings, cause its comfy, and familiar, and there is nothing I don't understand about a good knit and some fleece-lined leggings. As I was shedding my presentable exterior, a little piece of sea glass fell out of my pocket, and stung my heart. Everyone gets wrapped up in their daily lives and complain about things that don't really matter in the sitting-on-the-porch-at-sunset-looking-back-at-life-as-a-movie-reel scheme of things. And then that Sarah McLaughlin commercial comes on, or someone tells you that other people would be lucky to have the things you have, or you see something horrific on the news and start feeling bad for yourself all over again. At least things happens to me. So today, when that little piece of sea glass that my two little guys looked so hard to find fell out of my pocket, it brought me right back down to reality. Its impossible to be happy and optimistic all the time, and some people find those characteristics even bothersome, but I really believe its better to wake up trying to be better than you were yesterday a worthwhile cause. Small things like complimenting others instead of complaining about yourself, appreciating little things, finding the good in others, and giving life the benefit of the doubt in the end, benefits you more than anyone. No one wants to come to a pity party, they are boring and they're aren't even mason jars filled with lemons and a party straw. Instead, live life a la Kate Spade "with a cocktail in hand and confetti in [your] hair." Celebrate life, and don't sweat the small stuff. I am luckier than I even know, so if all I have to complain about is a credit card statement and an early morning, I am doing just fine. So Dan, from USAA, thanks for your patience, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week.

Incase you are having one of those days and need a playlist: if you want to sulk for just a second:

New girl is on tonight! I can't get enough of Jess, Nick, and especially Schmidt.
xx,
Alex

Post Weekend Wishlist

Its Monday, I had to be up at 5 am this morning, I talked to at least four strangers before noticing I had something in my teeth, and there was no mail today. At least the things I'm loving this week cheer me up some...

1. Vince Wrap Sweater. I have been obsessed with wrap sweaters these last few weeks. They are so cozy,
comfy, and easy to wear. This Vince option looks like a blanket...

2. Anya Hindmarch Coffee Coins Key Pouch. How cute is this little keychain pouch for keeping loose change or my Starbucks gift card? Saves me the hassle of digging around in my bag and looks good doing it!

3. White Infinity scarf. I have been wanting an warm, bulky infinity scarf and this one from Etsy caught my eye for its soft looking texture and warm color.

4. Philosophy Inner Grace Firming Body Emulsion Body Lotion. This stuff smells AMAZING and according to my good friend Megan, who allows me to rummage through her belongings and test each and every one of her latest purchases, swears this scent lingers.I have VERY sensitive skin and used it the other day without a problem, plus it firms...no brainer.

5. Butternut Squash soup. I have been wanting to have butternut squash soup all month. Especially now with the leaves falling, its the perfect warm meal while wearing leggings and a big sweater.

6. Tomato Patagonia. I have wanted a patagonia forever, and just recently saw the most beautiful salmon/tangerine color that I HAVE TO HAVE. I can't find it online, but this tomato color is almost as gorgeous.

7. Anthropologie Arrow Necklace. The perfect layering piece; I would love to wear a warn-in grey v-neck with some jeans and this necklace, or pair it with some other gold necklaces and a chunky knit sweater.

Tuesdays are always better than Mondays...Right?
xoxo,
Alex

TGIF

This is my attempt at a futuagram...an instagram from the future. As you might be able to tell from my futuagrams, my weekend will be spent relaxing in this Stylemint hoodie, eating breakfast sandwiches, reading, and taking naps in the sun. after all, in dog years, I am 154... a lady needs her sleep and what better way to do it than under the warmth of the sun?! While I do not yet have the dream nap nooks above, I'm sure I'll be just fine. I have already flipped through Paris in Color, which features the author's view of Paris through her camera lens and collaged by color. It reminds me of my semester spent in Aix-en-Provence, in the south of France and melts my heart. Domino's book of decorating releases my inner interior designer, AND lets my use my plethora of sticky notes. And then....Paris, a Love Story. A story of an American in Paris who falls in love in more than one way and shares recipes along the way. My heart literally skips beats describing it. I went a little crazy this week and used my mastercard in place of my daily gym routine, soooo I am also anticipating a few run in's with a certain man in uniform. woo!

Hope its a full-tank-of gas, favorite-song-on-the-radio kind of weekend!

xoxo, 

Alex 

SEEING RED

All images via my Pinterest

Of all the things I love most about fall, and trust me, the list is long--from apple cider and pumpkin pie to flannels and scarves--I think the freshness in the air is what I love most. It feels like a new start, and what better way to re-invent myself than with color! This fall marks the very first fall in 18 years that I am not in school, and more importantly, the first fall in 4 years that I am not in college. Graduating college is made to be such a happy event, I am now realizing, to lessen the blow. I LOVED my college experience, and graduated with my best friends who are now dispersed among the world (yes, world!). Some still living together, some starting new exciting jobs, and others (me) trying to live each day like its my birthday to avoid the depression that is deep in my heart. It is hard to navigate a city when you grew up in the suburbs, make new friends and meet new people. Add to that a lack of career at the moment and there you have my current state of self-medicating with wine. I love my family and my parents, and living at home definitely has its perks, but I miss the old me. The me that knew who I was and where I was going and had my best friends dancing around me with beers in our hands. So, in an effort to dress for the life I want (build it and it will come type thing) I am taking inspiration from the color and the oomph of fall. So, I'm seeing red. The different red shades of leaves are amazing, and red is powerful, confident, energetic, warm, loving, and slightly exotic. My top red picks: lips, nails, wellies, doors, scarves, jeans, skirt, apples, starbucks holiday cups, umbrellas, J.Crew tissues tees, and poppies.

WHOO HOO, TOMORROW'S FRIDAY!!

WEDNES(DiY)

Hello, Lovahs! I hope everyone is having a wonderful hump day! Just to reiterate what every other blogger/instagramer/tweeter/ human being has said over the last three days: I LOVE FALL! I really do. Boots, hats, parkas, leaves, cozy knit sweaters...I can't get enough. The air is crisp, the smells warm your whole body with a sense of nostalgia, and you can look cute and rosy without having your face numb and your rose running from the bitter winter chill (that happens to you too...right?!) Even though I could go on about my love affair with this particular season, I did make a little DIY project that will have me thinking of the summer sun well into winter--plus they look so cute on the free people blog--my very own terrarium! These little guys are so darn cute! Normally, they are either contained in a covered glass bowl, fish bowl, or some variation of the two, but I found an anthro-planter that I decided would be perfect for my little friends. The best thing about these mini gardens is that they are so easy to maintain (read: you can't kill them unless you give it some effort). I water mine about once a week, but could probably get away going longer!

What you'll need:
- a glass bowl/home of some sort (preferably one without drainage holes, but Im sure there is a way to do it if you have one in mind)
-succulents of your choice (you can get these at any garden store or home depot!)
-soil (i just used potting soil my mom had)
-pebbles

I got my succulents from Home Depot as I found them to be the smallest option available:

 And as I mentioned, my pot is from Anthropologie:

As I am lucky enough to live near Lake Michigan, I walked to the beach and collected pebbles of all sizes for the bottom and top of the pot, and washed them to get rid of the lake smell: 

Next, I placed the smaller pebbles into the bottom of the pot, and added the soil halfway to the top:

I added the succulents and some larger rocks for a completed feel, and voila! I have a green thumb!

The first picture is my little terrarium living on a coffee table in my room! This is the perfect thing to make if you live in a small space, constantly kill plants, or need something to work with any decor! 

xx, 

Alex 

Post Weekend Wishlist

This weekend was a much needed weekend off. I went out to dinners, out with friends, and took one of my cousins shopping for her homecoming dress which left me full of relief. The options for a sophomore that are affordable as well as accessible are limited to put it mildly. Of course I spent some of that time coveting some items that remind me of a different kind of homecoming-- in college, with my favorite fall items playing flip cup and drinking spiked apple cider.

1. Free People Destroyer Boot. I have been lusting after these boots since last winter when they became popular on pinterest with tall boot socks. The warn-in feel, zipper up the back, and jet black color are all you need in a good boot.
2. YSL Rouge Lipstick.  More than wanting this creamy coral lipstick is wanting the ability to wear it. I just can't convince myself to wear a bright red lip, but that doesnt mean I don't put on red in the comfort of my own bathroom and sip on a glass of wine just to leave the lip marks.
3. J.Crew Flower Necklace. J.Crew can do no wrong in my eyes, and this flowered statement necklace is the perfect example. The colors, the way it lays, everything is perfection. Throw in a perfect T in grey and I'm set for life.
4. Paul Macroons. These were an important meal for me when I lived in Provence. They fell somewhere in between breakfast/ espresso/lunch, and are almost too pretty to eat. almost.
5. Veda Max Leather Moto Jacket. The silhouette of this jacket is so beautiful and flattering, and the leather looks like butta.
6. Asos Bear Hat. I mean...does this even need explanation?
7. Tory Burch Wallet. I desperately need a new wallet. I am that girl at Target/the grocery store/ Starbucks/ H&M who has to dig through her bag only to drop $0.17 cents and 3 receipts. Not only would this gorgeous wallet fix that little problem, but there would be no need for a bag as this stunner can stand alone. voila!

Cheers to a fabulous week!
xoxo,
Alex