Glamorously Making Up For Lost Time Part 1

With my head spinning and swirling with thoughts of finals, graduation, making the most of my time in STL, how to occupy myself this summer, and moving to Knoxville - I haven't been thinking much about blogging (sorry!). BUT all of these thoughts did get me thinking about a few things- specifically daydreaming about glamorous carefree days filled with only the best of things to do in the Lou.

So, for part 1 of this post, I would like to share with y'all my personal necessities for a glamorous life:

1. Champagne in the fridge because (do you really need a reason?) you never know when you may want to celebrate or have a spontaneous sip of something bubbly

2. Opulent accessories to remind yourself how fabulous and glamorous you truly are throughout the day

(From the blog, Atlantic-Pacific)

3. Splurging on specialty baked goods and sweets for no reason at all

(Or try making something yourself, recipe for this cupcake can be found here)

4. Free time to be spent doing as you please- maybe this means taking a stroll to a local cafe for coffee in one of your best outfits or it could simply be an afternoon spent with dear friends that turns into an exciting evening out

(The Central West End sounds perfect for these activities)

5. Coming home to a fully made bed- tautly tucked in sheets (confession: I often skip this part) and all the throw pillows perfectly in place, only to be tossed to the floor

(Did you know Missoni is coming out with a line of bedding/ home accessories for Target this fall?)

Record Store Day

Today is Record Store Day! This day was started back in 2007 and now many stores participate and even have special releases in order to celebrate. If you looking for a fun way to spend your afternoon, go check out your local record store! For more info on the day, check out this Rolling Stone article. My plan is to spend the afternoon at Vintage Vinyl in the hopes of find some records to add to my growing collection.

It's Officially an Addiction

I really thought I had gotten enough stripes in for one week, but them I found this amazing artwork:

It's just too pretty not to share! Can you imagine if all our streets looked like this? Gene Davis is well known for his colorful vertically striped paintings. In 1972 he created "Franklin's Footpath," which was the world's largest painting at the time (pretty impressive huh?), in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Rainbow striped roads are definitely in my version of heaven...what's in yours?

Spring Stripes

After a day of shopping this week, I realized I have an obsession: stripes! Almost all of the items I purchased had some variation of the design. I love how this classic pattern can take your outfit to the next level by either making it Parisian chic or by keeping it young and playful.

I have been eyeing this flirty striped anthropologie dress for months, and I finally pulled the trigger. I can't wait to wear it with pearls and super tall grey heels around graduation time.

I also found the adorable shirt at H&M- I love how the bright colors add a twist to this otherwise classic design. Also pictured is this bag from Kate Spade, probably the cutest thing in my closet these days.

I think the next phase of my obsession (maybe addiction, but I would never admit it) will be introducing stripes into my home. I LOVE these pillows I found on etsy - they are made of vintage scarfs and would be the perfect addition to any room.

Delicious Deal

Bored with your usual go to dinner locations? Wanting to try something new, but don't want to spend a fortune in case it wasn't what you expected? Well you need to check out restaurant.com! This is a great site that offers discounted coupons (that don't expire) to local restaurants. The best part about it? Through March 31st, if you enter "tasty" when you checkout your $25 coupons (which usually cost $10) will be marked down 80% (yes thats right, you can get $25 worth of food for $2!) You also get a free $10 e-gift card to use on the site with every order. Restaurant.com ran this same deal last summer and I stocked up on coupons to great St. Louis restaurants, such as Sage and Terrene. It's just too good of a deal to pass up- so check it out and try out some new places in your area!

Delicious Entree at Terrene

Adorable Sweet Shots at Sage

Dreaming of Cream

This weekend I had planned on a fun filled day of record shopping at Vintage Vinyl in the Loop, but instead I decided to stay warm and cozy at my apartment due to all the snow (which I though was illegal after it officially became spring?) Nevertheless, I'm stuck dreaming of warm nights outside filled with delicate lace and light flowy layers as seems in these inspirational images below:

I'm hoping warming weather will come and stay soon so I can ditch my jacket and start soaking up some sun! What is your favorite thing to do on a warm day?

(photos from: http://www.thepinkandblueblog.com, freepeople.com, anthropologie.com)

Hello Spring, But Back to Reality

This past week, I was lucky enough to spend my spring break traveling to Knoxville, TN and Baltimore, MD with my dad to check out law schools. While the trip left me excited and confused about my future, I am so happy that I got to get in some quality time with my dad. Here are a couple of pics from my travels:

loved the cobblestone roads in Fells Point, Baltimore

Overlooking the Chesapeake Bay from the Inner Harbor, Baltimore

The Tennessee Theater Sign in Downtown Knoxville

But, now it's time to start hitting the books again and focus on finishing up my LAST college semester- so bizarre! I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted in St. Louis with actual spring weather (hello 80º!) The warm sun reminded me that summer is quickly approaching and I only have a few short months left in the Lou Loop- a bittersweet feeling for sure.

Spring Style Pick Me Ups

With spring just around the corner, I'm excited to add a few updates to my wardrobe- especially since I got this coupon for 30% off at all Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy stores! And get this- I'm sharing it with you! Just click here, print, and start shopping from March 17-20th! The best thing about it? 5% of all sales go to Teach for America, a wonderful organization.

My personal favorites are...

this silk dress that's perfect for a warm afternoon

the ruffles on this skirt are perfectly sweet and feminine

this top is exactly what a girl needs for a casual night out

and of course a cute umbrella for all those spring showers

Pardi Gras '11

We Decorated Matching Ponchos in Case of Bad Weather

This weekend, I participated in the 32nd Mardi Gras celebration in St. Louis. Did you know it is the 2nd largest U.S. Mardi Gras celebration? (or at least that's what they claim.) Although it was pretty chilly, the rain held off (which was amazing because being cold AND wet is the worst!). This event is one of the things my friends and I look forward to most during the spring semester, so I'm happy it was a fun time this year! I spent the afternoon doing a fair share of walking and hurricane drinking and unfortunately felt the effects of both of these on Sunday (but I'm taking that as a sign of a successful day).

Floats in the Parade

The Crowded Streets of Soulard

Hello March!

Yes yes, I know I'm a day late- but I still think it is worth writing about the beginning of the month of March... why you may ask?

Because it means we are one step closer to spring! With my favorite season (I do change my mind about this- but I am definitely over winter! ) right around the corner I'm itching to pull out my sandals, plan picnics in the park and enjoy the outdoors without a million layers on. I can taste spring - hopefully it will be here soon (you never know with St. Louis). For now, I'm just crossing my fingers it doesn't pour all weekend during the Mardi Gras celebration in Soulard (look for a post about it soon!)

TGIF

With another week behind me (and one step closer to spring and graduation...eek!), all I feel like doing is dancing the weekend away! As of right now, my only real plans are a belated new year's party being thrown by one of my girlfriends (which should get pretty wild), but I'm hoping to get some wear (and dancing) out of my new Seychelles shoes. The light colored suede makes them perfect for transitioning from winter to spring.

What are you weekend plans? Staying in or going out?

Just Another Manic Monday

Today has been one of those gloomy Mondays that has already allowed me to forget the amazing sunshine I soaked up this weekend. How to get out of such a funk? I suggest a good happy hour! International Tap House in Soulard offer 1/2 off 1/2 of their tap beers on Mondays during both happy hour and late night happy hour. They have an extensive selection (yes, the image above is of their actual taps), so you are bound to find one of your favorites or something new to enjoy. I have gone a few times in the past and have always enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. Plus, there is nothing better than a draft Guinness for only $2.50!

Celebrating LOVE

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm so excited the day has FINALLY arrived! Besides the excuse to eat chocolate all day and tell everyone close to me how much I care about them, I am really excited for the launch of BHLDN (pronounce beholden) today! I love pretty much everything at Anthropologie, so I am so excited to see what they can do for weddings. While I'm not one of those girls who has had their wedding planned out since they were 10, I'm a sucker for beautiful things and I doubt this new site will disappoint.

I hope you all have a great day and remember to tell someone you love them!

All You Need is Love

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I have to admit that I am one of those romantic saps that LOVES (probably way to much) this holiday. I think it is great to have a day that celebrates love. To me it means taking a day to appreciate the love you have for all those in your life- from significant others and family to friends and pets! I wanted to make a gift guide for all those special people in your life, but it kind of turned into things I (or any girl for that matter) would like - whoops! While the typical flowers and chocolate are great, I like things that last longer than a week so that you can remember the love your lucky enough to have all year long!

This Essie shade is so bright and fun- perfect for Valentine's Day!

I'm not really into heart jewelry, but this Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet is subtle and sweet.

This original letterpress print would be great for anyone you want to spread some love to.

This ring would definitely remind you to love everyday.

This heart can be worn as a pin or in your hair and I love that it is just a bit quirky!

Winter Reading

With all the winter weather that moved through St. Louis the past few days, I've had a lot of time (which probably should have been used for studying) to check out some new online magazines and read a few of my favorites. Although flipping through an actual magazine is one of my most favorite things, these give me the same sensation (and are eco-friendly too!). If you have some downtime this week/weekend, you should check out these great reads:

HIGHgloss is brand new and I love their premier issue. They cover just about everything, but I'm especially fond of their city chic and southern charm spreads.

Rue has been around for a couple issues, but it just keeps getting better! We are already a month into 2011 (can you believe it?), but I still love reading the Rue resolutions- there offer great tips!

Matchbook is also new to the game, and I really enjoyed their premier issues. I'm obsessed with the article on Haleigh Walsworth and want to move to Paris ASAP (a girl can dream right?) I also love their description of the matchbook girl:

Pop of Pink

With the weather in St. Louis warming up to above freezing temperatures, I'm already starting to get antsy for spring to arrive (too bad it is still months away!) Until then, I'm going to continue dreaming of warm weather and the colors of the upcoming season. After checking out several of the Spring/Summer '11 collections, it's clear that bright, bold colors are a major trend. My favorite of the bunch is a pop of pink! Check out these beautiful interpretations of this trend:

Prada Spring/Summer 2011

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2011

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2011

Nina Ricci Spring/Summer 2011

Jill Sander Spring/Summer 2011

I've decided to interpret the trend in a more subtle, wearable way this season with this adorable cross-body bag by Cole Haan:

I'm obsessed with all the zippers on this small bag and love that it is just the right size for all the essentials. But until the weather warms up, I'm going to have to secretly enjoy pops of pink under my warm winter boots!

Cherokee Street

The other day, my friend Grace and I took a trip to Cherokee Street- home of amazing (and inexpensive!) Mexican food and the largest antique shopping district in St. Louis! This area offers six blocks of antique and collectable stores. Although it has been miserably cold outside, it was lovely to spend the afternoon walking from shop to shop. We looked at everything from records to furniture and statues to trinkets. I was so excited to walk away with these:

I have been searching for vintage champagne coupes for months (and even added them to my Gift Guide), so I was excited to finally find this perfect set of 6 for only $10! While my favorite vintage store remains The Future Antiques on Morgan Ford, I recommend spending the day searching for treasures on Cherokee. It's impossible to not find something you love!

Snow Day!

There is nothing better than freshly fallen snow! I was so excited to be welcomed back to St. Louis with a bit of a winter wonderland. Since I'm not the most skilled driver in snow, I've decided to spend my day curled up with a good book (Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen- just as good as my friend who recommended it described it as). The one thing my day is missing is a fireplace- I would love to be sitting near something like this:

Doesn't that sound like the perfect day? I'm trying to make the most of my last week before the chaos of classes begins again, but I promise I will have some exciting stories to share soon- so stay tuned!