Post Weekend Wish List

Just a few things that caught my eye over the week...

1. Cowl Scarf// Braided Headwarmer// Cowl scarves are my absolute favorite fall accessory, and paired with this braided headband and a top knot its the perfect menage-a-trois.

2. Fur Shawl Jacket// Camo Jacket// Wildfox Popsicle Sweater// I love olive for fall, and adding different textures and patterns makes it feel new for the season. This Wildfox sweater underneath? Call it the fall uniform.

3. SketchbookMKE Wisconsin Print// I am obsessed with this uniquely cool Wisconsin print for my gallery wall.

4. Madewell Flannels// Another fall staple that is done so perfectly by Madewell.

5. Moroccan Wedding Blanket// These beautiful handmade blankets make me feel like I am at a beach-y retreat all year long.

xx.

Post Weekend Wishlist

It is finally sweater weather again in cozy Milwaukee, and with the new season comes a whole new wishlist. Here's what I wish would show up at my door this week:

1. //Philip Lim for Target large Tote// Confession: It took me three Target stores, two and a half hours, and one skinny vanilla latte to track this down today...but I got it! When the Phillip Lim for Target lookbook first came out a few weeks ago, I have to admit I was underwhelmed. I'm still not crazy about the clothes, but I wanted to see the bags in person to decide if I really liked the military hardware-meets winged flaps-meets retro-shape trend. Annnnnd apparently I do. I just loved how the bag looked in person and decided it would be my new brief-case, travel, Mary Poppins carry-all.

2. SS Print Shop Print// I just recently discovered this adorable online print shop, and could not be more smitten. They have a variety of prints, all of which I love, but this deer pun won my heart.

3. CatBird Stacking Rings// I have wanted a stack of CatBird rings for about a year or so now. They are so dainty and beautiful and look so cool and effortless layered together. The recent addition of the gold band with all black diamonds is a m a z i n g. They are pricy, but made in Brooklyn, NY, and I love supporting a great local business.

4. Davines Hair Care// I recently got this trio as a samples in my Birchbox, and had waited to try them until now. I am so obsessed. They left my hair feeling soft, looking shiny, and smelling amazing. The shampoo uses Indian Fig to de-frizz and de-tangle, while the conditioner prevents breakage and dry strands.

5. Frye Engineer Boot// This is another wishlist item that I have had for a longgg time. My sister actually got them first, and they are just. so. cool. They roughen any outfit and juxtaposing girly and tough is one of my favorite trends. Plus they are easy to walk in, so that instantly makes them a classic.

6. Nordstrom Neon Scarf// I am of the opinion that a scarf completes any outfit. No matter what one is wearing, if he or he pairs a scarf with the ensemble, it looks better. Whenever I see someone wearing a scarf that is particularly chunky, colorful, or patterned (aka everytime I see someone wearing a scarf), I am envious of their outfit and wish I had put on a scarf that morning. This scarf is no exception and I need it immediately.

Let's have fun this week.

xx.

The Jay-Z/Beyoncé Theory of Success

Recently, my friend texted me a quote she found in a magazine that she said reminded her of me. It is one of the most flattering compliments I have ever received, and has become somewhat of a new life moto. 

Its the Jay-Z/Beyoncé theory of success. If you take an insecure approach to friendship, youre always comparing yourself to the smartest and most stylish girl in the room, and either feeling inferior or judging. You should just befriend her. Surrounding yourself with the best people doesn't make you look worse. It makes you look better.  

It is so easy to get caught up in stress, appearances, worries, and what-ifs, but if your ultimate goal is just to be the girl that everyone wants around because she is just fun, it takes the work out of the equation. You are too busy having fun to worry or compare yourself, and it won't matter anymore anyways. So, my goal for the rest of the year is not to do everything perfectly, or on time, but to make every single thing I do, fun. 

If i could be any celebrity's best friend...

...i would be hers. This was officially solidified with #candidlynicole, her new online show based on her tweets. She is so cool, fun, spontaneous, and so. fricken. funny. I mean, I have watched every episode at least 3 times and I only found out about it yesterday. Watch them now and fall in love with my girl Nikki Rich.

Post Weekend Wishlist

I am pretty smitten with this weekend's wishlist. I mean, I love everything that gets on this list, but this week is especially good. I need wish each of these would be waiting for me with a pretty little bow around a certain 23rd birthday!

1. J.Crew Stripped Cotton Pant// These pants are literally a must-have for anyone who loves to lounge. They are so soft, yet structured, and the stripes are a fun addition.
2. Cartier Love Bracelet// From the moment I saw this in InStyle's glossy pages, and stacked on Kourtney Kardashian's teeny tiny wrists I have always lusted after this bangle.
3. Polo Baseball Hat// For all those weekend strolls to get coffee, to hide a bad hair day, I need a staple baseball hat!
4. Kate Spade, Things We Love// Because there is not a page in that book that I do not love.
5. J.Crew Vintage Straight Jean// Part boyfriend, part tailored... these are my next pair of denim.
6. Alexander Wang The Rockie Bag// Another wishlist item I have wanted forever...and in a neon?! le duh.

Did I mention my birthday was in a week?!
xoxo

hey, i put my new shoes on

CounterClockwise from top: 1//2//3//4//5//6//

I have been looking for a new type of shoe for a while now. Winter in Wisconsin has been warmer than usual, and while I love all of my boots, I can't wear them everyday. My go to as of late/top wishlist item: driving loafers/moccasins/ smoking slippers. These particular bright versions and luxury textures are exactly what my toes need to get through the end of winter and step into spring! They go with any and every outfit, and bring a cool and effortless vibe.
xoxo

ORGANIZE.

1//2//3//4

Along with losing weight and quitting some vice, I feel like everyone’s 2013 resolution is to get organized. I have always been pretty organized, but I would love to have prettier organization style—it’s something people notice and it says something about you. As I’ve already mentioned, I started a new job at the beginning of January, so naturally, I needed to get myself a new planner. I think all of these are perfect options, but there is a local paper store near me, and I splurged on the Kate Spade 2012-2013 agenda. I love the cover, crisp pages, and beginning of each month graphics; they without a doubt make me smile in the morning and brighten my day. The only thing I would caution is that there is not a lot of room for each day, so if you are writing to do lists or have lots to remember, this might not be the planner for you. Luckily, I have about 17  cute notepads to write my lists on, and I just slip them inside each day. 
Happy Planning!


xoxo

Post Weekend Wishlist

 Last week was a great week. I had my first client meeting where I was wined and dined-- i highly recommend it, and have decided to make some life changes and take some initiatives. Of course, a few things never change, like my weekly wishlist. This week, I wish for...

1. Nars Schiap// I have been more adventurous with lip color and have heard amazing things about this NARS shade, so Im dying to try it. 

2.Jouer Sparkle and Pop// These party crackers have mini champagne bottle bubbles, cocktail ring, a jouer sample, and some other fun surprises, and now Im convinced that I can't have a party without one for each place setting. 

3. Piperlime Necklace// I've had my eye on this bauble forever and after watching all 6 seasons of GG lately, I want it more than ever to channel my inner SVDW. 

4. David Yurman Ring// This is a life wishlist item. I've wanted one forever and will always want one. 

5. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve// I just got this Fresh lotion in a recent Birchbox and am OBSESSED with it! I want the full-size ASAP. My face has never felt so moisturized, and I get the added bonus of youthfulness-forever. (right?!)

6. CC Skye nail bangle// One of my best friends has the Giles&Brother version and ever since I've wanted the hardware version of jewelry, and this CC Skye version is just that...

7. Rebecca Minkoff blazer// Ive been wanting a drapy-red blazer for a while now, and this Rebecca Minkoff one is just gorgeous. 

I hope this week you begin each day like its your birthday!

XOXO

I-LOVE-OLIVE

All VIA Pinterest

I love olive. I cant get enough of it. In cargos, in jackets, in you name it, I olive it...

xoxo

Tulle Talk

via

I know a year has gone by since I last posted (...get it? i cant help myself), but in my defense, the holidays really are taxing, what with the mandatory all-day-pj binges, family parties, food, booze, and being happy. PLUS, I've just started a new job. YAY! yay. yay? Right now its more of a ya..................y . Don't get me wrong, I am so fortunate to have a job, and am extremely excited for whats to come, but right now its in that stage like freshman year of college when your parents move you in and helped you organize all your stuff, while, naturally your roommate already knows 17 people. So she is off already having fun and you are just stuck reorganizing everything thats already organized and awkwardly opening your mouth to say something to someone passing, just in time for someone else to beat you to it. Its miserable. I remember when I went to college, everyone told me not to be worried if my roommate didn't turn out to be my best friend. What no one wants to say is, don't worry if you and your roommate aren't speaking by the second month of school and just the fact that she breathes the same air as you annoys you. So today, I came home from my second day, and naturally cried because its really my only defense mechanism. Everyone tells you how exciting it is to get a job and is so proud of you and wants to know when your 401k is vested...but no one tells you its really hard the first couple of days. Especially in my case, as I am at a smaller marketing agency, and I am literally taking time out of busy days to require training or ask simple questions. So, I just sit, smile, and try not to get in the way. I think about all the questions I wish I were asking but feel too trivial to ask. Like: is lunch really an hour, or is that just for people who are not busy, which does not seem like my department, and... what exactly is an appropriate time to leave if I really don't have anything to work on, and are people noticing how many times I'm getting up to use the bathroom? Or why do people generally avoid my direction, and did they feel this way when they got hired, and did I choose the right field, am I really going to be able to do the things they say I will be able to do? And where do I get pens and notebooks and is it weird if I decorate my cube? AND THEY JUST DON'T END. And no one tells you how hard it is. I know that in a month, I will look back and this will seem ridiculous and I will call myself dramatic, but right now, this is a serious reality, and seriously upsetting. and lonely. at least in college there are a few other people who feel the same way, and some brave enough to tell you. But in an office environment, while friendships will hopefully form, right now its all business. Everyone who has gone through what you're feeling either doesn't remember it, its too busy to tell you about it, or doesn't feel close enough to ask you about it. And the people on my team seem really nice, and have been really, really, nice...but in passing, or in offering me some leftover candy. So, tomorrow is the last day of my first week, and I'm really hoping for the best. It will get better, because 2013 is my year, and frankly, it has to. And I really do think I will enjoy what I am doing, and I'm sure there will be times where I look back at this week or first couple of weeks with envy because I will be too busy to think straight. Until then, wish me luck!

P.S. I resolved not to make resolutions, but just to try to better myself in general. Those may or may not include to get healthy. meaning less fries and WAYYY more hours logged at the gym. more blogging, and learning fancy blogging things, finish my 1001 in 101 list, have more firsts, less complaining, be more random acts of kindness.

xoxo,
Alex

(cobalt) CALLING

All pictures via Pinterest

I am having a moment with Cobalt. I love the color more than anything right now and I think it pops no matter what you pair it with, which is why I am trying to add more to my wardrobe. Blue, in really any shade, has always been my favorite color, and this reminded me why. So, IM CALLING ALL COBALT...get in my closet! 

Post Weekend Wishlist

This past week has been one of the best weeks in a longggg time! I have been going to interviews pretty regularly since I got home from school, and it has been slightly discouraging and frustrating knowing that I am eager to prove myself and ready to accept responsibility but just not see great results. This week changed all that!! I accepted my first real job and could not be happier. The team is so great and I could not be more excited. It just reinforces for me that everything does happen for a reason, and that my wait was worth it! So I am really enjoying the holiday season and looking forward to spending time with my family, and the post weekend wishlist is semi-focused on new things in my life!

1. J.Crew Hoodie// I just love the stripes on the bottom and anything loungy works for me anytime.
2. J.Crew Crystal Venus Flytrap Necklace// The absolute perfect necklace for layering and adding sparkle
3. Gap Striped Blazer// This is perfect for the casual office feel that I will have, but still put together and I cant get enough stripes, what can I say?
4. Gap Luxe Jersey Pocket Top //These slouchy tees come in a variety of amazing pastel and neon colors and are so flattering and soft.
5. Gap Two-Tone Leather Clutch// It is a great size, the colors are amazing, and with recent deals is totally affordable!
6. Keep Calm and Drink Up// Small book with witty quotes about drinking...as if I need another reason...
7. Anthropologie Wishbone Ring Holder// So dainty and sweet, it would look beautiful on any dresser.
8. J.Crew Pixie Pant// I have been delayed on the pixie pant bandwagon, but I am definitely adding these to the rotation for work and for lounge!

ONE WEEK TILL CHRISTMAS!!
xoxo,
Alex

2012 Gift Guide

The perfect gift, in my opinion, is twofold: it is something that you know someone wants or would love , but wouldn't buy for him or herself, and something you, as a giver, would be excited to receive. That being said, gifts don't need to be huge or expensive to be great gifts. Its the little things that seem silly to spend $20, but that a person secretly really wants that are the best gifts. So, my gift guide for little luxuries this holiday season:

1. Accessories--Anthropologie Beaded Clutch// One can never have enough accessories, and this beaded clutch is so gorgeous and delicate--the perfect thing to open at any gift exchange.

2. Subscription to a favorite magazine--Instyle// This is thoughtful because it is a gift that keeps giving, and is making the recipients life easier, and cheaper! How many times do you buy a $6 magazine at the checkout in the grocery store only to think for the umpteenth time that you need to just get a subscription so you can save time and money--having someone do this for you is thoughtful and reveals the person knows you well!

3. A few luxury beauty prodcuts--Butter London CatWalk Classics// Small but luxurious beauty gifts are a great gift because they are something that people feel guilty spending the money on, but want none the less. Like Butter London-- most people don't want to spend $14 on a nail polish, but a gift set containing a few polishes is perfect.

4. Anthropologie Coasters// Hostess gift for the host who has everything? Not sure of your friend's decorating style? Need a unisex gift? Coasters! They are the perfect gift for people who entertain, or even those who don't; they add pops of color and come in so many varities. These molten rock coasters from Anthropologie are my personal favorites.

5. Luxury Candles--Volpusa Candle// Nice,luxury candles are another great gift because they remind the recipient of you every time they burn--and who doesn't want their home/room/ bathroom to smell wonderful all the time?! And a nice candle is another item others might not splurge on for themselves but you can for them!! Just make sure the scent is not too overpowering and works in any room.

6. Convient electronics-- Powermate for J.Crew extra battery pack// Something that makes anothers' life easier in some way is another wonderful gift. Have a friend whose phone is constantly dying? or forgetful? This powermate charger that comes in bright pops and fun patterns thanks to a partnership with J.Crew, is a gift that makes life simpler and looks cute doing it.

7. Travel accessories-- Kate Spade luggage tag// Not to sound repetitive, but getting those you love or want to impress small, but luxurious things is the way to go! It is a gesture that is sweet, and thoughtful, and this Kate Spade luggage tag is cute and practical-- and you will be thought of on every exotic getaway!

8. Organizational tools--Anthropologie notepad// Help those in your life get organized, or stay organized, with cute pads, pens, address books, etc. and they will be happy to make to-do lists and cross each item off!

Also, as it turns out, its not always whats on the inside thats important, so make sure your packages look extra pretty and regardless of its contents eyes will widen!
xoxo,
Alex

Christmas Morning Style

I'm all for comfy/ casual. While I love a good sequined skirt and crisp button down, Im a jeans and t-shirt girl at heart. Normally, this means throwing together any combination of rayon leggings/ fleece-lined leggings/ target yoga pants/ j.crew perfect fit tee/ any hoodie or chunky knit sweater to lounge-around and/or sleep in, as well as the mix-matched pj pants and college beer pong tournament t-shirt. But Christmas morning is special, and everything is better when you are soooo comfy but can also look cute in your pjs. These are a few of my favorite to make the morning look like a folgers commerical.

Splendid Fair Isle Set// Not only is the color fabulous, but pair these with some chunky knit socks, and insert yourself into a lodge in Breckenridge, you hot little snow bunny, you.

PINK Set// Tailored, but loose, these are comfy but still look cute and presentable.

Target PJs// I mean...gold polka-dot PJ set?! I've never owned a pj set, but after buying this set from target, I am a believer, and want 17 more.

J.Crew Onesie// How cute is this?! While slightly impractical, maybe, it lets out your inner child and is still cuter than Prom 2007 sweats and and 2004 Old Navy St. Patricks day tank.

Nordstrom PJs// Another cozy PJ set with printed elephants!!!

Santa? take this as my personal fashion nod to your international marathon overnight. its really the least i can do.

xoxo,
Alex

POST WEEKEND WISHLIST

Its just like sometimes when I'm trying to live life, it gets right in my way, you know?! Even when my to-do lists are written in my phone, polka-dot target notepad, on my closet mirror in dry-erase marker, and up my arm, I still manage to forget or push things back. Like this little gem. But, it is an early new years resolution of mine to do this as daily as possible, and 2013 is my year, people. So, I'll get back to the basics, and start with a favorite of mine-- my post-weekend wishlist. These are a few things I have my eye on this christmas season...a few. 

One Good Deed A Day// This sweet little book has 365 good deed challenges, one a day, and its the perfect reminder to not only good one good deed a day, but to make yourself a better person than you were yesterday. even if its smiling at a stranger or thanking the mailman. 

MALIN & GOETZ Peppermint Shampoo // I want this shampoo for three reasons 1. the peppermint wakes you up, and I could use all the help I could get 2. its made for sensitive, dry skin/hair, both of which I have to an extreme, and I welcome remedies 3 (and possibly most important) have you seen the packaging? 

MALIN & GOETZ Cilantro Conditioner // SEE ABOVE which the exception of 1. the cilantro calms, its the ying and yang of shampoos and conditioners. 

Lulu Lemon Chervron Sports-bra// Motivation to workout, and to want to work out in only a sports-bra and shorts. 

Anthropologie Christmas Ornaments// I mean I want this bunny to be my cool aunt/ grandma/ future me/ best friend...its that too much to ask of a christmas ornament? And the bird is amazing, and would look perfect offsetting christmas-tree-green 

Anthropologie Sherpa Robe// This robe feels like Im wrapping myself in a polar bear. the end. 

Lulu Lemon Groove Pant// I have wanted a pair of these for a long time, who doesn't want to look right and tight running errands at the gym 

I, ALEXANDRA KATHARINE MCBRIDE, HEREBY SOLOMNLY SWEAR TO BLOG EVERYDAY THIS WEEK, OR FORGO PINTEREST PRIVLIDGES FOR A WEEK. 

xoxo, 

Alex 

Tulle Talk.

http://favim.com/image/414489/

Grab something warm to drink, change into comfy socks, and snuggle into the corner of a couch...we're gonna chit chat. The past few months have been a big adjustment period. Everyone tells you (or at least everyone told me) that graduating college is actually more fun than being in college because you don't have homework or tests and you actually have money. Instead, I have no full-time, big girl job--and thus no full-time big girl paycheck, I'm not near all my friends, I have 15lbs I could stand to lose from the last few weeks of binge drinking in college, and no significant other of which to speak. This has really been weighing heavy on my heart, but today, I decided that its the opportunity of a lifetime. I can reinvent myself and be or do whatever I want as long as I am willing to put in the time. There is so much pressure to do things on someone else's clock, and while I do feel a sense of urgency to begin a corporate career, I have the opportunity to shop around and decide what I really want to do, explore other cities, and make a few mistakes along the way. And thats what I'm doing. I'm actually considering a job in Alaska....as in, Alaska. But why the hell not? Im up for a year vacation and a pet moose named moose. I want to look back on this time with pride and nostalgia--that I leapt outside my comfort zone, and was still happy through all the craziness. Its really hard though! And no one tells you that part. It is hard making new friends in a city that you come home to--when you grew up in the suburbs and you're no longer close to your high school friends. Especially when you are leaving behind such an amazing group. But I'll get there... signing up for yoga classes, going to happy hours with acquaintances, paying people. Those 15lbs...I mean Pinterest makes it seem like all you have to do is take one extra flight of stairs a day to get rock solid abs. Well, let me tell you firsthand, its going to take more than one flight thats for sure. But its something I want for myself, so Im making small changes that will hopefully turn into big ones. It is so easy to get discouraged when you don't see immediate results, when you don't get a job offer after every interview, or pounds don't just fall off after you run three days in a row...especially when you don't have your normal support system around you. Thats why I love blogs so much. As much as I love my friends to death and can talk to them about these things, there are so many people, women who look amazing and who seem to have it all, who are feeling the same. So anyways, maybe I'll start to check-in every now and then with the progress...
But as for the boyfriend thing? I can't even get started. Mostly because I'm at a loss, so let me know all your secrets you gorgeous 20-somethings with amazing rings and adorable husbands, finances, and boyfriends.

Tomorrow I'm walking in Anthropologie Milwaukee's Fashion Show...Wish me luck I'm terrified.

xx

Post Weekend Wishlist

OMG. I've missed all the puns, sparkle, eye candy and general rose-gold colored (aviators) that comes with the blog world. In the real world, I've been busy with work, some unfortunate health issues for a close family friend, and the war currently being fought in my body starring my immune system and the little green germs from the Mucinex commercial. Here are a few things that made me do a double take this week...

1. Tory Burch Diaper Bag// While I am years away from needing a diaper bag for its intended purpose, this black nylon TB diaper bag seems like the perfect carry-on tote/over night bag.

2. Asos Aztec Sweater// I have been loving the aztec trend this fall, but I especially love it in these bright fall colors...plus that silhouette is perfect.

3. J.Crew Vest// I have been wanting a military style green vest for a while to mix with feminine pieces, and while I will keep that on the wishlist, when I stumbled upon this on sale summer version I loved it for fall. The color is unexpected and can brighten a neutral outfit, and so what if its meant for summer... breaking the rules is almost always fun.

4. Anthropologie Holiday Trim// I know this time of year has its nay-sayers, christmas music too early, blowup snowmen swallowing drugstore windows, etc. But I love it and especially can't get enough of the Anthro holiday trim. Half the fun of giving/getting a gift is how beautifully it is wrapped--the excitement just mounts. So I cannot wait to get my hands on these and have my gifts this season met with wide eyes.

5. J.Crew Vest// Another gorgeous alternative to the army vest. Its all over Pinterest in the best way possible and I need it.

6. Elizabeth and James Blazer// I just love the style of this blazer and need a new black one for the holiday season.

xx,
Alex

Need/Reed/Greed with Smitten and Swell!

Halloween has never been my holiday. There isn't much gift giving, there is so much pressure to either a. come up with a clever costume, b. if no ideas come to mind show as much skin as possible, c. enjoy being terrified. I am not good at a,b,or c, so I have never quite gotten into the Halloween spirit. This Halloween, however, comes with an incredibly special gift in my honor! Ashley Fine, adorable author of Smitten and Swell, has featured this little bloggy blog on her Need/Reed/Greed series! I am so flattered, I adore Ashley and her cheery posts to no end. If she were a cupcake, she would be a funfetti inside, with polka dotted-frosting and a sparkler candle...if that doesn't make you want to be her best friend I honestly don't know what will. Bounce over to her blog and see what I'm loving!

http://smittenandswell.blogspot.com/

wedded bliss

http://vimeo.com/50861039

http://vimeo.com/26502282

http://vimeo.com/24583774

I'm not tech savvy enough to know how to get these videos to pop up by themselves, sorry about that, but regardless, what Tuesday doesn't need a little wedded bliss? I am embarrassed reluctant to tell you that I have these wedding videos bookmarked and watch them from time to time when I need a good smile...thank me later. 

xoxo

WOAH. Last weekend and the weekend before have been a whirlwind. I went to Cincinnati to visit my friends from college and was heartsick on my way home. I love those girls more than anything, and any time I am with them it is like nothing changed. I did a few syringe shots, danced my little heart out, and ate out wayyyy to much, and loved every minute of it. When I got back, I had a busy work week--lots of fun unwrapping all of Anthor's holiday trim and getting giddy along the way, and my neighbor had three emergency surgeries on her knee so I was at the hospital and helping out at her house. As cheesy as it sounds, my post weekend wish list is health, happiness, and hot chocolate this week/month/year, and this week especially reminded me of just how lucky I am. Butttt, there are a few additional things that made me smile this week...

1. How adorable is this Anthro hat?! The colors are perfect, and the cozy knit is calling my red little head!
2. Mint headphones...I have wanted a pair of large-noise canceling headphones for a while to improve my street cred, and this pair from urban is preppy and cool- I'm sold.
3. I already own this honey-comed sweater/wrap in white and I want it in black and brown-- Its everything.
4. How can you not start the day off right with this Kate Spade mug that says wink, cha cha cha, and live color in fun colors?!
5. This gap Fair Isle sweater?! Yes, please.

Its gonna be a great week!
xoxo