WINTER GOALS

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Just before 2012 ends, I want to finish off the year knowing I performed a list of tasks that'll help me in the upcoming year to come. To do this, I created a list of five winter goals that I plan to complete by February 2013. The completion date is by the beginning of next year so it'll also help me ring in the new year with a productive start. Feel free to join me. Here are my five winter goals:

1. Re-organize and re-design my work space.

2. Collect more wardrobe basics and purchase more statement accessories.

3. Come up with a permanent blog design layout and create cohesive business cards.

4. Bake more sweets to share.

5. Exercise at least 4 times a week.

WEEKEND INSPIRATION

{Sophisticated sparkle}

{Updo + moody lip}

{Halloween "poison" rock candy}

{Light colors and dramatic artwork}

all photos from Pinterest

xo

FALL HAIR TRENDS 2012

With fall here, I discovered three new hair trends of the season straight from the runway photos. All photos from Pinterest.

1. Texture

Lots of texture creates a modern, effortless addition to any look.

Isabel Marant

2. Clean and polished

This look seems the most dramatic. This is a hair trend any woman (regardless of age or physical appearance) can easily pull off.

Jason Wu

3. Sleek ponytails

This is my favorite trend this fall. I think it's one of those things that has a simple concept, but can be as elaborate as you want it to be.

Marc Jacobs

xo

WEEKEND INSPIRATION

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{An all-black look}

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{Berry colors for Autumn fashion}

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{Small, tall cake + beautiful decorations + mint cake stand = perfection}

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{A preppy striped couch and gallery wall}

xo

WISH LIST'D

Marc by Marc Jacobs iPad case, Kate Spade Glitter Loafers, Rifle Paper Co. Calender, Topshop collar bib necklace, Asos clutch

I love pastels with feminine touches this week...or every week.

xo

HOW TO: DEFINE YOUR STYLE

Defining your style is one key factor to always consider whether you're out shopping. Here's my guide to defining your style....

1/ Pin, pin, pin. Pinterest is one of my most used blogging tools and actually one of my favorite social networking/media sites. Create a board and pin things that appeal to you. Once you're done, take a look back at what you pinned and analyze what it is that you really like about each image. From there, you can list any characteristics or traits that you like.

2/ Consider your personality. Determining whether you're an outgoing/shy/adventurous/preppy person can help you figure out what your style truly is.

3/ Gather up all the characteristics/traits and come up with your style. Example: I have a feminine, streamlined, and modern style with a vintage twist.

xo

WISH LIST'D: ALL THINGS GOLD

I'm a little in love with everything covered or colored in gold right now...

PIX: INSTAGRAM

I got this lovely book over the weekend as an early birthday present to myself. I spent the whole night reading all 173 pages, word after word. And then, I re-read it. I have to say, this is definitely one of the best investments I've made. It covers fashion, style, food, entertaining, and interior design all in one by my favorite blogger, Emily Schuman.

xo

WEEKEND INSPIRATION

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{Clean wooden tape holders}

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{Plastic bags turned into waterproof bowls}

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{A cool-looking haircut}

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{A cool way to add glamour to a centerpiece: sequins}

xo

WISH LIST'D

It's the little things that are on my mind right now: gold accents, delicate jewelry, calm scents, cute packaging, and a good read.

xo

WEEKEND INSPIRATION

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{Bold prints and classic silhouettes}

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{Shiny patent shoes}

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{Classic red lips and diamond earrings - Mid 50s Vogue}

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{THE best macarons in the world - Ladurée}

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{Sleek ponytails}

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{Lovely stair railing}

I'll be taking a week-long trip to Florida today and won't be back until next weekend. Meanwhile, I've scheduled some posts for you. I'll share some photos when I come back.

xo

WISH LIST'D

Just a few French-inspired things on my mind right now. :)

P.S. An awesome giveaway here.

xo

WISH LIST'D: COLORS AND PATTERNS

WISH LIST'D: colors and patterns by theenglishbreakfast featuring platform shoes

A. La Sardinia Lomography Camera B. Sanibel T Bar Clogs C. Mint Green Skinny Patent Belt D. Sparkle and Fade Pleated Chiffon Mini Skirt E. Aztec Embroidery Tunic

...just a few of my favorite things.

xo

PRETTY PASTEL

*all photos from Pinterest*

I've been seeing a lot of pastel on Pinterest lately and thought I'd share the inspiration.

xo

WEEKEND INSPIRATION

{Frozen mini fruit skewers as garnish for a drink}

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{Floral wreaths in hair}

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{Overlapping belt give detail to a simple dress}

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{Boyfriend jeans paired with vintage or rustic sandals}

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{Basket bags are the perfect summer bag}

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{The coolest and scariest staircase I've ever seen}

xo

WEEKEND INSPIRATION

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{Gold statement necklaces with pops of neon color}

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{Polka dot walls}

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{Half diagonal painted doors}

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{Beautifully addressed envelopes}

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{Colorful summer popsicles}

xo

WEEKEND INSPIRATION

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{Cut-out cold shoulders}

I decided to do my weekend inspiration post a day early because I wasn't sure if I would be able to post tomorrow. I might head down to New York for a little weekend trip. I'm not entirely sure, but if I do, I'll be sure to share some photos.

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{Bold statement necklaces}

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{Light, easy beach outfits}

via Pinterest

{Black and white beachwear}

xo

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Other than swimsuits and bikinis, easier, lighter pieces are the basis of a summer wardrobe. I've already  created this swimsuit and bikini inspiration board (here). Lighter pieces are comfier in the summer heat, but also give you the option to layer (regardless of the humidity). As for jewelry, I lean more towards delicate pieces for summer.

1/ Simple flat sandals in lieu of rubber flip flops (sandals are definitely a chicer option). I wear my sandals almost everyday since I've bought them. The sandals above are from Madewell. 

2/ Crisp, tailored shorts are a dressier replacement for just denim shorts. Mix and match with the colors, patterns, and prints. The shorts above are from Madewell. 

3/ Totes are a must-have when at the Farmers' Market or as a casual option. Bonus points for details like vintage leather like from the tote above.

4/ Chambray or denim shirts are great tucked under a skirt or over jeans. They are the ideal piece to dress up or down. I love pairing collared statement necklaces with these shirts.

5/ Fedora hat to shade your face from the sun. This hat really goes great with your hair up or down - it doesn't really matter.

6/ Stripe tank dress. I find dresses comfier than separate pieces (shorts, shirts, etc.). Very easy to accessorize and layer under and over.

7/ Delicate jewelry provide a more subtle, light effect on your whole outfit. In this case, more is less.

8/ Maxi dresses are easy to slip on when you're rushing or on-the-go and need an outfit quick. Add sandals to the mix and maybe a denim jacket and you're ready to go.

9/ Wedges are the summer heel. Great for parties or dressing up a casual look. I love the brown leather on the wedges above paired with a white dress.

10/ Light scarves are great to tie simply over a collared shirt or to use as a sweet headscarf. 

xo

SMOKY EYE

I thought I'd share how I do my smoky eye with you. I love the smoky eye because it's so versatile. It goes well with anything I wear and makes me feel polished, but not too over-the-top.

xo