Nordstrom Anniversary

    As a former Nordstrom employee I understand the importance of the Anniversary Sale will never elude me! Off season shopping is the best way to save money, get ahead of the trends and begin to flesh out your fall and winter wardrobe. Here are a few of my favorite Anniversary Sale items:

Louise et cie olivia leopard bootie
 Originally: $135

Now: $89

How to Style it: I am not an animal print girl, because I always worry that it looks tacky or gaudy. After careful contemplation and some coaxing from my favorite bloggers, I feel the urge once again to give this edgy print another chance.

From the moment I laid eyes on these shoes I knew that the color and composition would work well with other garments in my wardrobe. The first outfit that popped into my mind was fitted army green cargo pants with an oversized black top or a dark colored graphic tee.

The more I think about this bootie the more I open my mind to the unlimited possibilities! From skirts to  dresses- daytime to nighttime- they are worth it! And if you are not a fan of the leopard print they also come in black and navy too!

            

Rag & Bone, 'Kinsey' Bootie

Originally: $369

Now: $595

How to Style it: I love fall for the simple fact that we are one step closer to boots and booties season! This color is so neutral that it can literally go with anything! Dresses, skirts, boy-cut jeans, skinny jeans, leather pants... the works! My two favorite aspects about these boot are the color contrast of light and dark (this type of detailing is so sophisticated and adds so much depth to the shoes) and the high rise ankle. All too often my booties cut into my ankle bone making them uncomfortable. Love it!

Since the weather is still pretty warm I would wear these booties with a colorful skirt and chambray to keep it fun and feminine. For fall I would try several different styles including wearing the booties with cuffed boyjeans and an oversized sweater or skinny dark wash jeans with a graphic tee and blazer or leather jacket! The options are limitless!

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Henry' Watch
Originally: $275 
Now: $183

How to Style it: I am a huge fan of the arm candy look so if I was to ever commit to a watch I would  surround it with other silver and gold bracelets of different textures and widths. I am constantly drooling over watches, but I am unable to actually choose one that I would really wear. If I was to ever take the plunge this would be the watch I would do it with! I appreciate pieces that are versatile and this watch is exactly that. It can easily go from the office to the bar to dinner on a date! 

Devlin Pleated Skirt

Originally: $88

Now: $58.90

How to Style it: As you all know I am a skirt girl through and through! Especially in the summer I always reach for a dress or skirt first thing in the morning. Thus I was not at all surprised that I fell in love with this Devlin skirt at first sight! I adore the thick pleats and the textured waist band. I think that this skirt would create a wonderful shape on any body type. It can either hide problem areas under the skirt with the thick structured waist band or accentuate imaginary hips! Perfection!

Which anniversary style are your favorite? Shop soon, the sale ends on August 4th and you do not want to miss out!

Toodles!

Tastes of Spain & Italy

As my mom always reminds me I am not a "foodie", meaning I am not a big eater, but that all changed when I went to Spain & Italy. I literally ate my way through these wonderful countries. Everything was delicious! I loved all the pizzas,pastas,croissants,apple crumbles,salads,risottos and most of all the GOFRES (aka waffles in spanish)!

Here are a few of my favorite meals! Enjoy!

I am not a big fan of dessert crepes, but I love savory crepes. They are so tasty and filling! This one in particular I got in Spain, called the Milano included tomatoes, mozzarella, salami and arugula! Delish!  

By far the best sangria that I've ever had! The crisp chunks of Granny Smith apples was the cherry on top! So yummy that I will definitely be recreating this drink at home!

                               

Who goes to Rome and eats chinese food? My friend and I had a craving for chinese food while abroad and decided to seek out a place that would satisfy us. This was one of the best chinese food dishes I have ever had the pleasure of eating.                       

The whole reason that I went to Spain was for paella and that is exactly what I got! So much yummy seafood!

                 

Tapas with creamy spinach dip and goat cheese!

                 

Tortellini with meat bolognese. This was my first meal and Florence after hours of travel and it did not disappoint. 

                 

Caesar salads are by far one of my top 3 favorite foods! Surprisingly, it was hard to find them in Spain & Italy, but the one I found was to die for! The flavors were rich, complex and delicate all at the same time. I wish I could have taken this home with me!                     

Nutella and waffles is a wonderful combination that has captivated my heart and I always indulge in while I am abroad.

Hope you enjoy these delicious images! Toodles!

                             

I'm Back!

    

I'm backkkk!!!!! After a month of traveling with my best friend all over Spain and Italy I have finally returned home. I have to admit that it has taken me a bit of time to adjust back to my life in the states, but I am finally getting back into the swing of things.

Coming home was a bit bitter sweet and I can not even begin to explain how amazing my trip was. So when people as me, "how was your trip?" I am at a loss for words. Instead, I would rather show you...

Spending the day on the stoney beach in Capri was amazing. The water was chilly, but clear and docile.

Even though I was abroad for this 4th of July, I still wanted to represent my country!

Inside St. Peter's Basilica. I have studied almost everything about this Basilica throughout my years of undergraduate Art History courses, but I was not prepared for the grandeur and opulence inside the Basilica. It was absolutely breathtaking.

                     

Fresh flowers at the market in Rome. 

             

Finally, I have to pay many thanks to my trusty travel buddies. My wonderful, versatile campground wash chambray, my essex mini cross body mustard leather bag and my new sunnies that I picked up at the local market.

Without these key pieces I would have never survived my trip. The chambray went with literally EVERY outfit and kept me warm on breezy nights. Although, my bag was tiny it held all my necessities and kept them safe from the sneaky hands of pickpockets. And I love my new sunnies! 

Toodles!