Blazer: Apt 9 Kohls – similar / Peplum Top: H&M – this one with sequins from LuLu’s is also fun! / Pants: Nordstrom / Shoes: BCBG via TJMaxx / Watch: Michael Kors / Earrings: Forever 21 / Necklace: Forever 21 / Lip: MAC Craving
So here is the 2nd edition of my “Style Envy” segment with my beautiful cousin, Alex. Creator of the beautiful homecoming signs from yesterday’s post, she is also stylish with her wardrobe. You saw her sister, Marisa, in the first edition of “Style Envy,” and the two of them are a fabulous shopping duo. They make some of the best finds and score some of the most awesome deals, like with this stunning kelly green blazer. I’m clearly into colorful blazers at the moment, and this one has such a gorgeous hue; I couldn’t wait to shoot it. I think it looks especially adorable with the peek of peplum coming out from underneath.
Since today is the federal observance of Veterans Day, I am dedicating today’s post to all the servicemen and women that have fought so bravely to protect us and our freedom in this country. Growing up close to Annapolis near the Naval Academy, spotting a man in whites was pretty much the norm, but back in those days we were more focused on how hot they looked in their uniforms and not really the work they were doing to serve our country. Both of my grandfathers were vets, but they served well before I was born, and although I had heard a few stories, I still didn’t understand the full capacity of what it was like for them and their families. As I got older, I started to see friends my age going into the service. Classmates of mine, both men and women, graduated high school and went on to the Naval Academy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, the Air Force, and the Army. They were shipped across the world on many different missions across the globe, and some came back with stories you wouldn’t believe. Most of them came home safe and sound after deployment, but I do know a couple who were not as lucky. Hearing of these losses was extremely difficult, and I cannot even imagine what their families must have gone through. It takes an unbelievable amount of bravery and courage to join the service, and I have the utmost respect for these individuals. I want to thank all of you, especially my family and friends who I know personally. You are all truly heroes.
My cousin, Alexandra Chioini, is a graphic designer and military (almost) spouse who has recently started a new company called Welcome Home. She creates original, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted signs for military homecomings. Having been through a deployment period where her boyfriend was gone for 9 months, she has first hand knowledge of what it feels like to be left at home while your loved one is out in (who knows where) fighting for our freedom. It’s such a joyous day when the companies return to home base and reunite with their friends and families. A sign from Welcome Home is a wonderful way to tell your loved one that you missed them while they were away, their service is appreciated, and you are happy they made it home safely.
Check out these photos by Marisa Crider of Misa Me Photography from a military homecoming. God bless the Vets. And God bless America.
I’ve been scouring the world wide web for a yellow blazer, and I finally found the perfect one at Piperlime! As much as I love going shopping, I rarely get out to the stores as much as I used to because of my busy travel schedule. So lately, I have resorted to internet shopping. I know that can usually be hit or miss, but recently, I have managed to get a lot more hits! I have found that the more reviews on the product the better, so you can see beforehand if it’s worth the buy. I hit gold at Piperlime with both this blazer and the blouse underneath. And to top off the look, I recently purchased this Chevron Stack ring from BaubleBar. They did a collection with blogger Blaire Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific, and there are tons of amazing pieces I suggest you check out. I liked this one in particular, because it comes with 5 colors of stackable rings which you can mix and match according to your outfit or preference that day.
A lot of people have been asking how they can help with the Hurricane Sandy relief. I have listed a bunch of websites with tons of information on how you can participate.
Amaze Sweater: ASOS / Cheetah Button Down Blouse: H&M / Pencil Skirt: Macy’s (old) / Bow Tights: Urban Outfitters / Pumps: Cynthia Rowley/ Tiger Cuff: Baublebar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Ring: Forever 21 / Lip: Lancome Red Haute / Nails: Essie Over the Edge
I’ve been recently crushing on “sweaters with letters,” and when I found this one from ASOS, I just had to have it. It’s really comfy, and thought it paired nicely with the black and white cheetah button down I purchased last winter.
No matter your opinion on the results of yesterday’s election, I’m hoping this country (and people in general) can “AMAZE” the world and work together toward a better future. Other than that, I’m looking forward to my Facebook newsfeed going back to normal!
There is another storm headed toward NY today, and I am working from home so that I wouldn’t get stuck in Manhattan should this Nor’Easter get out of hand. After all the Sandy madness (that isn’t even finished getting cleaned up yet), this storm is the last thing we need, but I am hoping everyone stays safe. I am planning on heading on to Staten Island this weekend to help with the relief efforts. Let me know if you are interested in joining!
Tank: J. Crew (red on sale!) / Pants: H&M / Shoes: Aldo / Bag: Coach
This is an old photo from the summer (4th of July), but I just wanted to show my red, white, and blue American patriotism for Election Day. No matter what you believe in or what political party (or not party) you belong, I hope you will get out there and ROCK THE VOTE!
Peplum Top: ASOS – now on sale! / Black Skinny Pant: Zara / Bow Studded Leather Pumps: Betsey Johnson – now on sale! / Necklace: Barami NYC / Panda Ring: nOir / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Lip: MAC Impassioned
Well, things are starting to get a little bit back to normal here in NYC. There were delays on my subway commute for obvious reasons, but I am super impressed with how quickly NYC is coming back from the disaster named Sandy. I am back to work today and trying to get back into the swing of things. Unfortunately, there are still people out there who need our help, and so I am looking for any opportunities to volunteer with Sandy relief this week if there is anything I can do after work, or for anything during the daytime this weekend. Let me know if you hear of anything!
In other news, I escaped from the city for a quick trip to Maryland this weekend for my high school ten year reunion…yes I said TEN years! How fast does time fly? The Archbishop Spalding Class of 2002 held our reunion at Yellowfin in Annapolis, and it was a blast. There were about 50 of my classmates there, and it was so great to see everyone and catch up. It was a little funny to have name tags on considering in this day and age, most people are on Facebook, and we really know a lot about what everyone is doing already. But it was still nice to have some face to face conversations with friends I hadn’t seen in awhile. ASHS is a place that I remember fondly, and I really enjoyed my four year experience there. It’s a place that I made some of my best friends and a place where we created memories I will never forget.
“We’re the best, you know it’s true. We’re the class of 2002!” -our class cheer 😉
I have decided to add a little featurette to the blog called “Style Envy” in which every so often, I will feature the style of others I admire. While their styles may be very similar or completely different from my own, they will all be something that I adore, appreciate, and believe worthy of sharing. The first up on my “Style Envy” segment is my cousin, Marisa of Misa*Me Photography. You have seen her before, but mostly on the other side of the lens! This time, I got behind the lens instead and had her show off her fashionista side. Marisa is always on the prowl for a good bargain buy, and that is part of what helps in her ability to almost never repeat an outfit! She always has the most spectacular finds! We were roommates for a year in college at the University of Maryland, and I used to constantly go across the hall to her room to hunt for fun accessories, and it was always a fun day when she decided to clean out her closet!
I just love the vibrant color of this flowy tie blouse, and it pairs nicely with these black skinny jeans. This outfit is perfect for a warmer fall day. I am also obsessed with this gold vintage purse! If I’m lucky, maybe she will let me borrow it sometime. Hint Hint. Nudge Nudge. 😉
Fuchsia Blouse: Forever 21 / Skinny Jeans: Forever 21 / Earrings: Tasha via TJMaxx / Bracelet: Burlington Coat Factory / Shoes: Nine West / Bag: Goldstrom Vintage / Lip: MAC Craving
Still no power at the office and subways still not running from Brooklyn, so I am hunkered down working from home probably for the rest of the week. Last night, the hubs and I went to a shelter at the Park Slope Armory to help some older folks who were evacuated from their homes in Rockaway. I feel so bad for all the people out there who have had it much worse than we have. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you, and if there is anything I can do, please let me know.
