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