April 27, 2015

Wear the Trend: Lace Up Flats


Last Spring was all about the lace up heels this season the trend is back with a different twist. As much as I love my heels, I also like to throw on a chic pair of flats and go. These lace up flats add a chic flair to a similar pair of flats. The best thing about this trend is that you don't have to spend a lot to get this trend, two of my favorite pieces are from Jessica Simpson Zeena Flat and my newly added sandals from Necessary Clothing. You can easily transition this trend from work week to the weekend.

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Top: Free People | Shorts: American Eagle | Sandals: Necessary Clothing | Bag: Coach | Sunglasses: Feather Boutique

Summer is all about the easy breezy looks. The lace up flat adds a touch of casual thoughtfulness to a look. Add a lace up sandal to complete a boho look; tunic top and cutoff shorts. This look is perfect for a stroll in the neighborhood or for brunch with friends.

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Sweater: J.Crew | Pants: Zara | Shoes: Necessary Clothing | Bag: Coach | Sunglasses: Aldo 

all photos by Brian Cavanaugh

Nothing says spring like printed pants and pastels! Take this trend to work by pairing the lace up flat with cropped printed pants and this summer's it pastel colors.  These sandals are a bit casual, so to dress them up keep the rest of your look office appropriate. These are even perfect to wear to just get you to work, a lot more chic then just wearing flats or a pair of sneaks to the office.

Are you digging this trend as much as I am?

April 24, 2015

Foodie Friday: Sparkling Margaritas

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Warm weather always has me craving to sit outside and sip on margaritas. As going out for drinks and dinner can get quite pricey I like to opt for making drinks at home on Friday nights or even on the weekends to enjoy up on our roof. I love whipping up cocktails and playing with unique takes on classics. This weekend I made my own version of margaritas with a bit of a twist!

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Ingredients:
Espolon Tequila 
Powell & Mahoney Margarita Mix
Canada Dry Lemon Lime Seltzer water
Lime

Steps:
In a cocktail shaker add ice, 1/3 cup of Margarita Mix, and a shot of Tequila. Shake. For a Margarita on the rocks add ice into a glass and strain Margarita over the ice. Top with 1/3 cup of lemon lime seltzer water. Squeeze a wedge of a lime into the glass. Garnish with a lime.

**If you don't have a shaker add ice to a glass then add 1/3 cup of Margarita Mix and a shot of Tequila. Stir. Add more ice to your glass and pour 1/3 lemon lime seltzer water. Squeeze a wedge of a lime into the glass. Garnish with a lime.**

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Of course you can increase how much tequila you like and play with the margarita mix levels as well. I found this drink not only yummy but quenching as well. I really like the Powell & Mahoney Margarita Mix over any others that I have tried, as it has a sweet taste and not so much sour so it doesn't leave a bitter taste in your mouth. The Lemon Lime Seltzer water from Canada Dry has a very strong taste so it pairs well with the mix and gives it a bit of bubbly to it. This is an easy cocktail to make for your Cinco De Mayo party or Summer BBQs.

What are your go to Summer Cocktails?

April 22, 2015

Wear It Like the Pros: The New Waist Tie

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Blazer: LOFT | Shirt: Forever21 | Jeans: H&M | Shoes: TiBi (sample sale) | Bag: Coach | Sunglasses: Lacoste

Move over denim jackets and plaid shirts, there is a new waist tie in town. Blazers are conventionally worn swung over the shoulders for a business look. J.Crew (see the look here) took out the business out of this look and gave it as causal new cool look by presenting us the blazer tied around the waist. Of course tying a blazer around your waist wouldn't work with business pants but more with white denim jeans. This look works best for casual Fridays in the office. Especially, as the weather gets warmer and the temperature in the office get colder.

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pictures taken by Brian Cavanaugh

To pull this look off keep things light and airy; casual button down top (like a cotton or linen shirt), white denim, and strappy heels to dress it up just a bit. The best type of blazer to tie around your waist is a light cotton and polyester blended blazer, these are typically made specially for the Spring/Summer weather. As I said before, this bring I'm all about the laid back chic looks and this look has that written all over it, even better that it's work appropriate too.

Would you wear this look?

April 20, 2015

Inspirational Monday: Trench Jacket + Cutoffs Shorts

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I saw the 1st image above of Jess Stein (Tuula Vintage) floating around on Pinterest. I was instantly drew to this laid back style. I love that this look is the well balanced Spring look, especially for the weather we've been having in NYC lately. It's for those days that are warm enough to bare legs but still to cool enough to wear a jacket. Of course, I took my own twist to this look. In her look she wore high heel booties (see her full look here) but I paired it up with this Spring's MUST HAVE
shoe; tie up flats.

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Trench: H&M | Shirt: LOFT | Shorts: Urban Outfitters | Shoes: Jessica Simpson via DSW | Sunglasses: c/o Lacoste
Bag: Coach

pictures by Brian Cavanaugh


How would you wear this look?

April 15, 2015

Fitness 101: Outdoor Workouts with Onzie

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Sports Bra: c/o Onzie | Capris: c/o Onzie | Sneakers: c/o Under Armour 

all photos taken by Brian Cavanaugh

Spring time means getting outside and enjoying the weather. After such a harsh winter, it's nice to take my workouts outside. Let benches and stairs become your gym equipment. I've teamed up with Onzie to show you how to spruce up your workout with some Spring gear and outdoor workouts!

BENCHES:

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Step Ups. There are different ways in which you can do step-ups using a bench. One way is stepping up with your right leg and bringing your left leg up to step on the bench, then step back down with left leg. Repeat this step 10 times on one leg and then repeat the process on the left leg. Second way is to step-up with your right leg and leaving your left leg straight, never touching the bench and come back down on your left without bending it. Repeat 10 times on this leg and then repeat the process on the left leg.

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Dips. Bench Dips are a perfect workout for your triceps. Sit on the edge of the bench, place palms at the end of the bench facing out, and place your legs stretched out in front of you leaving your heels touching the ground. With straight arms move your body away from the bench and have your heels of your feet on the ground. Begin to dip your body towards the ground by bending your elbows. You should be able to feel a stretch in your cheat or your shoulders. Raise body and repeat. If the move is to hard with your legs stretched in front of you bend your knees.

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Incline Push-Ups. Push-ups are not only great to strengthening your arms but as well as you abs. To do an Incline Push-Up with using a bench start by facing the bench and placing your hands at the edge of the bench slightly wider then shoulder width apart. Position your feet from the bench with your straight arms and body. Arms should be perpendicular to your body. Keeping your body straight, lower chest to the edge of the bench with bent arms. Then push your body up with straight arms, repeat process.

SHORT STEPS:

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Squat Jumps Up Stairs. Some see just a short staircase, I see a tool to use for a great leg and butt workout. Start at the bottom of the steps, stand with legs about shoulder width apart and do a regular squat (don't know how to squat? read here). As you come up from your squat explode up and propel yourself forward so that you land onto the next step, when you land come back into a squat position. Keep your landing soft. Once you get to the top of the stairs run down and repeat the process. This move is a cross between Squat Jumps and Box Jumps.

These moves are a great addition to any run that you do this Spring through a park or in your neighborhood. They can help you build muscle and get strong. Plus, like everything there are many variations to some of these workouts to assist you or make the workout a little harder. As you mix up your workout, don't forget to switch up your workout gear! Onzie has you covered is season with their bright prints and colors. Their workout gear isn't only just good looking but totally functional and comfortable! Plus, the price point is super affordable!

What is your workout routine this Spring?

April 13, 2015

Real Talk: On Personal Style

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Trench: H&M (old) | Shirt: Forever21 | Jeans: LOFT | Shoes: Forever21 | Bag: c/o Remi & Emmy
Sunglasses: Feathers Boutique 

photos taken by Brian Cavanaugh

My style is always changing; from year to year, season to season; even from day to day. I can go from something completely feminine to boho chic the next day. And thats what I love about my style. It's not solely dictated on trends or labels. I like to wear what I like, what makes me feel good and how I feel that day. As far as I can remember this has always been my style philosophy. In High School I was the emo/surfer girl, wore jeans, Vans sneakers, and if not a band t-shirts something from Billabong or Roxy. Over the years my style as changed but still incorporate what I use to love in a more grown up sense. This Spring I'm feeling a lot more laid back with my look; which means flats, relaxed destroyed denim jeans, and throw-on-and-go tops. As I get older I can see my style changing more and more. I now try to be a more practical buyer then a impulse shopper (don't get me wrong I still have my moments of buying things that I don't necessarily need).  This Spring I'm keeping a list of things I need rather then just buying on a whim. I want to continue to build a wardrobe of essential that will be timeless and chic, especially I get closer to 30 (turning 29 this year!).

How has your personal style changed?

April 8, 2015

Outfit Post: Off Duty Style

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Jacket: American Eagle | Sweater: Zara | Pants: LF Store | Sneakers: Steve Madden c/o Piperlime | Bag: Coach | Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

photos taken by Brian Cavanaugh

These leather joggers have easily become one of my favorite pieces in my closet. They are fun to dress up and easy to dress down. Since this Spring is off to a colder start it has allowed me to continually wear these leather joggers from the LF Store. Which is surprising to me, I knew I would wear these pants but I didn't realize how much of staple they would become in my wardrobe.

What is your off duty style?

April 6, 2015

Outfit Post: The Spring Pant

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Jacket: American Eagle | Top: H&M | Pants: vintage Dolce & Gabbana | Shoes: Jessica Simpson
Bag: c/o Rebecca Minkoff | Sunglasses: Feather's Boutique (in Austin) | Necklace: c/o Capwell + Co.

photos by Brian Cavanaugh

I scored these vintage Dolce & Gabbana pants from Feather's Boutique while in Austin. They had my name written all over them...and by some sort of miracle they fit me. I have been dying to break these pants out since I bought them but the weather hasn't been just right for them. But what better time to wear gingham printed pants then on Easter?  Especially since spring has FINALLY sprung here in New York and I could not be more excited. I'm starting to think I can now safely put away my snow boots.

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