Fruity Tootie

Via

Seriousness is for the birds. I love being young and I think that talking about silly things is one of the most fun and interesting ways to get to know even the people you know the best. I have been known to send a mass text or two asking my friends and family what type of fruit, color, animal, etc. they could be and why. Explanations are a combination of fascinating, hilarious, and indicative of personality. Its also a fun way to get to know strangers--a friend of a friend when the conversation drops, or the like. If I could be any type of fruit I would be a Pineapple. I think Pineapples are so fun. I love their color, inside and out, I love their spikes, they are tough on the outside but sweet on the inside. They can be eaten plain, or grilled for an extra sweet dessert, they are at the top of Carmen Miranda's hat--I didn't know her name, I had to google the lady that dances with fruit on her hat, but who doesn't want to be at the top of her hat?! I want to be a pineapple because they are so much fun, which most of my friends and family would tell you is very indicative of my personality. Im the first one signed up for karaoke, will talk in accents in any given moment, and love to live life for the fun of it.  I have gotten some pretty good responses so far in the form of strawberries, raspberries, apples, and a kiwi- but if you could be any kind of fruit, which would you be?
xoxo,
Alex

Post Weekend Wishlist

This weekend flew by, and as I was working both days, I let myself sleep in this morning-this has been the best Monday in a while! In normal fashion, I have found a slew of things I wish were mine throughout last week and the weekend, and hope to acquire at least some of it this week!

1. Volupsa Candle These candles are literally the best thing I have ever smelled, that fill any room with a subtle but AMAZING scent. They have a variety of scents and the tins are so chic, they add style as well as beautiful smells to any room.
2. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil These jumbo eye pencils are a no-brainer; they are easy to use, coat your entire lid, are extra-pigmented, and this particular bronzy-gold color is called French Fries- uhhh, duh!
3. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Lara's Theme I have been wanting to try a Deborah Lippmann nail polish for a long time, but the $16.00 price tag has always been too much of a deterrent. That was, until I came across this tangerine color, and Amazon.com offers them for less! It is such a beautiful color that will compliment all skin colors.
4. Hunter Boots I have wanted a pair of Hunter Boots literally forever, and even ordered one once, but returned them because of some unsightly skid marks. I have been flip-flopping between original green or a bright yellow or red, but when I saw these limited edition ones, I knew that these were perfect. (side note: I am a sucker for anything limited-edition...I know they're a gimmick, but I can't help myself)
5. Piperlime. Anything and Everything. Piperlime is one of my favorite places to shop because of the variety of brands and options they offer, their vast catalogue of types of items (shoes, accessories, apparel, etc.), free shipping AND returns, and their adorable packaging. So, I would loveeee a shopping spree at Piperlime. The sooner, the better.
6. La Tartine Gourmande I love a good cookbook. The images, how sometimes the ingredients get on the page, and the end results. As I've mentioned, I spent a semester in France, and am obsessed with all things French. As an aspiring baker, this is the perfect cookbook for great recipes and even more beautiful pictures.
7. Tory Burch Classic Reva Flat. I love Tory Burch and her classic flats are some of my favorite shoes I own. I have a metallic pair that I have literally worn to death, and its time to replace them. I think its time for a classic, and black with gold detailing is just that.

Have a fabulous week!
xoxo,
Alex

TGIF...TAPAS TIME!

If the above plate does not make you salivate instantaneously, you should probably never go to Spain with me. I've already mentioned favorite pastimes of mine include traveling and gift giving, however, my all time favorite hobby, activity, passion, OF ALL TIME is eating. I would never go as far as to enter myself into contests, as I feel like that defeats the purpose of really enjoying a meal, but don't count me out as far as how much I can consume in a sitting. For this reason, and a number of pairs of my favorite jeans sitting in my drawer whose buttons may or may not have seen their closures in some time, my absolute favorite way to dine is eating tapas. I became obsessed with this tradition while in Barcelona- I insisted on only eating in Tapas restaurants while there, and now that I am back in Milwaukee I partake in this style of eating on most Friday or Saturday nights. Eating tapas-style is not only enjoyable for the food, but also for the experience. The menus at most tapas restaurants frequently change as the chefs create new specialties, and if you're lucky, they change with seasons as local ingredients do; its a surprise each time you go, and if you order in increments of two or three, you are able to try out all sorts of menu items. It is usually my experience that the next is better than the last, anticipation builds with each round. Another great things about tapas is that you are able to try all sorts of foods without making a serious commitment, if you order octopus-crostini, only 3 or 4 small servings will come, if each person you are with tries one, the ones who enjoy it can split the remaining, and the ones who don't can cross octopus-crostini off their food-bucket-lists! You end your meal having wonderful conversations about the food, and a satisfied, as opposed to a too-full-to-function feeling. Tapas are also a great way to entertain, look to Pinterest for small appetizer recipes, or adapt your go-to favorite foods into tapas form! Create cute presentations with chalk paint or washi tape and toothpicks and you are sure to create an evening to remember!
In case you are ever in Milwaukee- a restaurant you HAVE to try...

The Odd Duck in Bay View, Wisconsin 

The Odd Duck is a new restaurant opened in the eclectic town of Bay View. It is a small setting, but it its flavors are anything but. It offers both small and large tapas, for both vegetarians and carnivores, alike. I am going tonight, and already have a few favorites I will be ordering...

Meat plate with chef's choice of local meat for the night, gouda-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon (YEAH), locally -grown heirloom tomato salad.
Who wants to meet me at dinner?!
xoxo,
Alex    

Birchbox

Via

Gift giving is one of my absolute favorite past times- when you are supposed to list "hobbies" or "activities" on any kind of admissions form or the like, mine pretty much consist of collaging things to give as gifts, shopping for gifts, giving gifts, and collecting souvenirs...as gifts. I just love the feeling of picking something out that I know someone will love, or surprising someone with something fun to brighten their week! Needless to say, when I heard about Birchbox I was immediately hooked! I have gotten both my mom and sister, cousin, and some of my friends hooked too! What is better than a one-time gift-- a monthly surprise gift filled with deluxe-sized beauty samples and "lifestyle" extras! It arrives toward the beginning or middle of the month and is themed each month to allow samples to coincide- most recently, Birchbox has paired with Teen Vogue, Glamour magazine, and Gossip Girl, and have also had Natural Wonders, Jet Set and Beauty School as themes! It is only $10.00 a month, and is truly something to which I look forward everyday leading up to my box being delivered! What's great about this subscription service is that you can fill out a beauty profile, and you can provide feedback on the products in your box to help Birchbox identify the kinds of things their subscribers like best. For each item for which you provide feedback, 10 points are awarded to your account, and 100 points=$10. Its not hard to rack 'em up, I have had my box for 9 months, and am already at 500 points=$50. You can use your points to buy full-sized items of samples you loved! It is a simple way to make your day/week/month/year a little more exciting!!

Things I have received in my Birchbox that I have loved most:
-Essie Luxe Effects full-sized nail polish
-Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint
-Kerastase Elixir Ultime
-Twist Band Hairtie
-Befine Exfoliator
-Dior Mascara
-Shu Uemura Oil Treatment
-Tili Bags
-Comodynes Self-Tanner Towelette

Along with tons of other products that are perfect for traveling, throwing in your clutch for a night out, or testing out at home!
Find a way to treat yourself this month!
xoxo,
Alex

Post Weekend Wishlist

I spent my weekend covered in mod-podge, J.Crew catalogue cutouts and glitter-not that I am complaining. If I had my way, that would be my go-to-wardrobe. I am collaging a mirror for my younger sister who moved back to NYC this weekend to begin her sophomore year at Fordham University, and want to get it done quickly so she has a little slice of me in her tiny little haven. I have, however, obviously found time to lust after a few things this week, and here is the top of the list...

1. Black Blazer I have the perfect J.Crew Navy Schoolboy blazer, but I have been wanting a black one for EVER, and this one from Zara is the perfect twist on the classic; it has a flattering, classic silhouette but the details on the shoulder give it an extra flair that makes it stand out and upgrades any outfit.

2. Rebecca Minkoff bag in Mint I have been wanting a Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac ever since it appeared on two of my favorite online websites, shopbop.com and piperlime.com; and the Mint color is at the top of my list. I have been able to find pictures of the color, but it has been sold-out or unavailable online...challenge accepted!

3. Swizzle Sticks Here, here, and here. Most of my friends have moved into their apartments or post-grad lives, one at med school, one in Micronesia, one traveling week to week, and the others in (somewhat) grown-up apartments. Give me an inch of decorative freedom and I'll take a mile...this time in the form of housewarming gifts. One of my favorite past-times of all time is giving gifts, and gifts for the home are especially exciting. I found these homemade swizzle sticks on Etsy, and find them so charming-they are a great gift or D-I-Y to have any hostess showered with compliments all night long.

4. Olive Parka Fall and winter are my favorite seasons. Free people cozy sweaters, boots, J.crew Camp socks, lots-o-layers and coats are undoubtedly my most treasured wardrobe staples. Living in Wisconsin, fall sometimes feel like winter, and winters sometime feels like Antarctica. Thus, coats must have a duel purpose: look cute, AND keep me warm. Enter this olive parka with a fur hood from Zara. IN. LOVE.

5. Moroccan Boots Recently, one of my good friends with impeccable taste and a closet I would love to raid returned from a semester abroad. Needless to say, I rushed to her house so she could point out each souvenir piece-by-piece. Leather motorcycle jacket and fur coat from Florence markets, post cards from Yves Saint Laurent's personal garden, and leather boots from Morocco had me swooning. The boots, imparticular. They are so unique, unlike the typical black-brown-tan riding boot of the season (which I also love, but are everywhere). I immediately began my internet search, turning to ebay and contemplating spending close to $300.00 to have boots shipped from Marrakech. And then my guy Steve Madden came through with these new boots that have the perfect Moroccan-influence with a worn-into-the-ground distress.

6. Stackable Rings I have been wanting stackable rings to layer on one finger, or spread amongst three, for a delicate statement, and these gold rings are just that.

7. Ombre Necklace  This is a true wish-list piece, as it carries a hefty price tag, but when I saw it on Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere, who might as well be my permanent wish-list inspiration, I was immediately drawn to the sparkle, color, and design. It is perfection...

Have a fabulous week!
xoxo,
Alex

Mark your Calendars...3,2,1 LAUNCH!

I always have been, am now, and always will be, excited about a deal. So, it comes as no surprise that I have literally marked my calendar for a YEAR ahead in anticipation of these new launches and collaborations...get ready: H&M Home, and Neiman Marcus for Target. I mean I can hardly stand it I am so excited. And you should be too, you get designer duds and digs for home at amazing prices!

H&M Home in the United States is set to debut with stores in early 2013, and according to WWD, the decor is "Divided according to the different rooms of the house," and "the trend-driven collection mines themes seen on the runways!" Literal couture for your crib! You can preview a few of my favorites off of the H&M Home's current UK website! Hangers with sweet reminders, western-inspired throws, French Bakery-esque dish towels, shoe bags with brightly colored designs, and cool storage baskets to name a few!

Neiman Marcus for Target will debut on December 1st, 2012 in-stores and on-line, and will feature a limited edition holiday collection designed by 24 CFDA designers, including  Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam,Diane von Furstenberg, Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs,Oscar de la Renta,Tory Burch, Alice + Olivia,Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Eddie Borgo, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marchesa, Philip Crangi, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist Taylor,Thom Browne, and Tracy Reese. Pause for Minor heart attack. According to Fab Sugar, each designer is reported to have designed three pieces, ranging from "apparel (women's, men's, and children's) to home decor, electronics, and even pet accessories," as well as "50 limited-edition gifts and will be priced from $8 to $500. However, expect most items to retail for less than $60." So don't only mark your calendars, but dust off your piggy banks and start saving so you can splurge when the time comes!
I think I am more excited about these launches than Charlie was in Willy Wonka's Factory. 
xoxo, 
Alex

Travel Essentials

My family and I took a trip this week to Colorado for a little adventure: whitewater rafting! More on that later, but I am currently looking out on the mountains of Breckenridge, glass of cupcake Sauvignon Blanc in my hand, LITERALLY LOVING LIFE. I am fortunate enough to call myself well traveled; I have been to eleven countries in Europe, spent two weeks in a Mayan Village in Belize, and have been to multiple states. That being said, I cannot claim to be the most efficient, or even best prepared traveler. However, I have picked up a few essential tips that I think make the process of traveling a little bit more pleasant!

1. A roller carry-on or checked bag: This one happens to be DVF, but any kind/brand will do! The reason these are so practical for girls like me is because it is simply IMPRACTICAL that I would under pack, and a definite that I always over pack. You have to have those what-if outfits, right? I have gone through the Vera Bradley phase, and have seen the cute cross body bags from places like J.Crew and H&M, but trust me on this: they only lead to agony. The smart way to travel is to drag your belongings behind you, duh! Seriously though, rolling a bag through the airport is so much simpler than constantly switching shoulders, or nervously checking if your stuffed-to-the-brim cloth bag’s handles are going to break at any second. This is a definite must for me.

2. A long, cozy sweater or wrap. These two options are from Piperlime, one of my absolute favorite sites for fashion, and look just perfect for flights. They are long enough that you can wear leggings or jeans, and loose enough that you don’t have to worry about sucking in for the duration of your travel. Being comfortable in sometimes-uncomfortable situations is a must. Also, if you opt for a wrap it can double as a blanket or pillow!

3. J.Crew Camp Socks. I have these in every one of my carryons as my feet always get cold from the temperatures on the plane. They are super soft, warm, and cute, and will keep your piggies toastie all flight long.

4. Love quotes scarves. These are a definite splurge or item for your next Christmas list, but they are worth it. They are 100% cashmere and are extremely chic. Not only do you look nonchalant and fashionable, but these are also great for doubling as pillows or blankets for a long or cold flight. In the unfortunate event that you are stuck near the bathroom or a particularly potent traveler, don’t feel ashamed to bury your nose in one of these-no one will know!

5. Tili bags. These TSA approved quart sized bags are too cute to pass up! They are perfect for storing snacks, toiletries, makeup, or any of your travel essentials.

6. Longchamp tote. These are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reasons, they are roomy, lightweight, and nylon, so they can endure the travel wear and tear. I like the traditional black, but they have come out with some amazing colors as of late. Check out sites like ruelala.com for potential discount sales.

7. Kind Bars. These super nutritional bars are the perfect travel snack, packed with protein, fiber and tons of other nutritious goodies, they will satisfy hunger on long flights or lengthy layovers without the guilt the fries at McDonalds boast. Plus, with a variety of yummy flavors, you can find something for every taste-bud!

8. Camelbak. I love these waterbottles for multiple reasons. One, they are large enough to hold a good amount of water so you are not constantly running out. Two, they are BPA-free, so you conveniently will not contract cancer from hydrating your body! Three: the straw feature makes them easily accessible in every situation: on the plane during turbulence, in security while carrying six other things, and waiting in lines. 

These of course accompany the understood, such as headphones, cash, and the like, but for now...enjoy your own cocktail and plan your next dream vacation!

Hope your week is as amazing as it is here in the mountians!

xoxo, 

Alex