Breakfast in Bed: Start the Day Right

One of my best girlfriends and I have a thing for breakfast. Cappuccinos and croissants always sound perfect in the morning. However, it's rare that we actually have time to leisurely get ready. Yesterday was different, thankfully. We spent the morning eating breakfast, picking out outfits together, watching our favorite show (Gossip Girl!) and painting our nails. What could be better?! Here's my guide to starting your day off right-- and don't forget someone to share it with!

Cappuccinos

I mean you need a little kickstart to your morning.

Vogue

Wake up your brain with great writing and great style.

Nail Polish

Make sure those digits are nice and neat! Deborah Lippman's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" seems appropriate.

 Pajamas

Stay in your PJs as long as possible. Seriously. It's the best!

Croissants

A girl's got to eat, right? And it better be something yummy! Croissants are perfectly light for breakfast.

Gossip Girl

We learned from the best. No one does brunch like Upper East Siders!

Good morning!

xoxo

Currently Obsessed With...

Every couple of weeks I do one of these favorites 'round up' posts to share what's been on my radar lately. So, here's what I'm loving at the present moment:

-----------------------Wearing-----------------------

Bow Headbands

It's no secret I love a good bow. They're just so feminine and chic. I recently received Cara NY's mesh bow headband as a gift (thanks, Mom!) and think it looks so cute with everything.

Red Hunter Rainboots

These traditional shiny rain boots add a pop of color to my otherwise neutral outfits (black and white for life). They look especially good with a polka dotted dress or patterned black tights.

Patterned Tights

Patterned black tights make wearing all black (guilty) a little less edgy and a little more chic. I love wearing patterned black tights with a black dress and bright shoes or a bright sweater.

-----------------------Primping-----------------------

Pureology Hydrate Conditioner

Seriously, this has transformed my much abused hair. I haven't gotten a haircut in a while (yikes), but this keeps my hair looking salon-shiny every day. And the fresh scent wakes me up in the morning!

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien

I love the shade Rikugien (so exotic) of NARS' satin lip pencil. It looks like my-lips-but-fuller-and-better and it fades naturally over time. 

Essie's Ballet Slippers

A classic staple. "Ballet slippers" looks gorgeous with everything.

-----------------------Organizing-----------------------

Moleskine Weekly Planner

I've been loving my new Moleskine Planner. I like that the days of the week are on one side and there is lined paper on the other so I can write daily to do lists and notes. It's also a great size and very light, so I can take it anywhere.

-----------------------Snacking-----------------------

Vitamin Water Zero in Glow

YUM. Not only does this taste amazing, but it also supposedly clears up skin (and lately mine has not been so clear... thanks midterms). It's a win-win!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

I wonder if my addiction to all things chocolate/peanut butter will ever go away. I surely hope not. This heavenly combo has been my go to treat whenever I need something sweet.

Croissants

Healthy, right? Kidding! Nothing is better than coffee and croissants in the morning. They're so light and airy- the perfect way to start the day!

Coffee

When is coffee not one of my favorite things. I realized this yesterday when I didn't have my morning cup of coffee. My day seemed... slow and slightly less warm. I guess a daily latte is a must!

Have a great day!

xoxo

Playlist: Prose, Pearls & Punk Pop

On Thursday, I went to a "Pop Punk" themed party. While I didn't dress up for the theme (I had just come from a formal event beforehand), I got so into the music. I mean, talk about middle school throwback. Anyway, here are some of my favorite punk pop tunes.

Happy listening!

xoxo

How To: Flower Arrangements

No one arranges flowers quite like my mother and grandmother. Maybe it comes from their love of art and understanding of color, but regardless, I've gown up watching my mom and Grandie buy fresh flowers for family events, gifts for friends or to liven up our home. And maybe because I've seen it my whole life or that I've inherited some gene that predisposes me to loving flowers, but I've grown to love making arrangements myself.

To place flowers tastefully, stick to two or three colors plus white/green (natural stems/filler colors). My favorite color combinations are pink, white and green / lavender, blue and white.

Next, place the largest size flower (for example, roses) in the vase. Add the rest of the stems by size- from largest to smallest- and finish by placing filler green or white stems anywhere you see gaps.

Alternatively, a single stem in a tall, thin vase can look elegant, especially when clustered with other single stems in vases (see photo below).

Here are some photographs for inspiration

Enjoy!

xoxo

Hair Baubles: Favorite Accessories & Storage Ideas

Other than boots, my biggest fashion addiction is hair accessories. They're just so versatile. A bow, sparkly hair clip or luxe headband just pulls an outfit together. Most (all) of the hair accessories I own are metallic, sparkly or tortoise shell. And if we're being honest it's not just because they look good in my hair- they also look adorable displayed on my dresser! Here are some of my favorite hair accessories followed by display ideas:

-----Favorites-----

Hair Baubles by prosepearlspolkadots

Nordstrom Berry Bobby Pins | Forever 21 Double Bow Hair Clip | Nicole Miller Antique Bridal Hair Pin | American Apparel Small Gold Bow Hair Clip | Anthropologie Deco Accent Hair Clip | Anthropologie Velvet Paillette Headband | Juicy Couture Pave Bow Hair Tie | Tasha Bling Jaw Clip | J. Crew Grand Stone Headband | Tasha Crystal Hair Pins

-----Storage & Display Ideas-----

Happy Saturday!

xoxo

Mood Board: Shabby Chic Interiors

I love well-themed interior decorating. I always have a few different "mood" boards on my Pinterest that are centered around images that evoke the theme I want an interior space to create. In my own room at home, I've followed a "shabby chic" kind of theme, using vintage apothecary jars to hold my headbands, hair clips and mini perfumes, white washed furniture from Pottery Barn Teen and, rustic mirrors for hanging jewelry and adorable candles from Diptyque. Here are some of the images that inspired me and some of my favorite shabby chic collections. 

Anthropologie | The epitome of shabby chic. Room accents from Anthropologie are always perfectly pastel-colored and charmingly washed out. The ceramic mugs and vases are dainty, yet functional, and clustered together, form the perfect windowsill or bedside arrangement.

PB Teen Lilac Collection | The whimsical details on this furniture are more chic than shabby, and the craftsmanship is so high quality that it will last forever. Absolutely a great investment.

Restoration Hardware's The Reproductionist Collection | These detailed curios look great alone or together on any dresser or shelf and add a charming apothecary-type look to your space. My favorites are the branch coral.

Target's Simply Shabby Chic: The bedding and furniture in this range are adorable and affordable, especially the British Rose collection. 

Happy decorating!

xoxo

Cold Weather Essentials

I can't talk enough about how much I love fall. But the one thing I don't love so much? How quickly autumn turns into winter. These last few days have been noticeably chillier. And while ice cold winter is definitely a long ways away, there are a few things every one should have on hand for those extra frosty fall mornings and nights.

Wool or Cashmere Scarf

Okay, so not exactly going to keep you completely toasty, but a wool scarf is amazing for protecting your exposed neck when it's chilly. And if it gets seriously cold, you can even pull the scarf over your nose and mouth.

Gloves/Mittens

I personally prefer gloves to mittens when it's just a little chilly, however when the temperatures really do drop, there's other way to go than with a pair of toasty, knit mittens. Pick up a pair before you get frostbite (seriously!).

Heavy Coat

A classic Barbour jacket has been an essential for many of my friends- both guys and girls. They really are made for any kind of outdoor adventuring. However, a wool peacoat will absolutely be fine (unless you're in Antarctica). 

Hats

I wish hats were more of a thing. They're so cute! Kate Spade makes the most adorable knit beanies with bows on them. Looks cute and keeps me warm? I'll definitely wear it.

----

Lip Balm

An intensely hydrating lip balm is necessary in the winter. I would highly suggest Elizabeth Arden's Intensive Lip Treatment. It's super hydrating for dry cracked lips (gross). 

Body Scrub

Buff away dry patches with an in-shower, grainy body scrub that will reveal soft, smooth skin. This is best applied after you've been in the shower a couple of minutes when skin has softened.

Lotion

A lotion filled with honey and shea butter is your best bet for something ultra hydrating. Just because you show less skin in the colder months doesn't mean that dry skin is suddenly a go (it's actually not healthy!). Keep skin silky smooth by applying lotion every night before bed or right when you get out of the shower to lock in moisture.

Facial Moisturizer

A heavy duty facial moisturizer for chapped cheeks is also a great thing to have on hand. If I'm out late in the cold with friends my skin usually needs a little bit of TLC after. I reach for Kiehl's Creme d'Elegance. Fair warning though- use a heavy moisturizer sparingly (I mean tiny amount!) or else it can break you out.

Happy autumn!

xoxo