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Lately…

I was inspired by Tina of Like Ordinary Life to create this post, and she was inspired by Lauren of siddathornton, who started The Sunday Currently.

Well, today is Friday, and this is called Lately…but it’s pretty much along the same lines. Thanks for the inspiration ladies!

Lately I’ve been…

reading “Little Princes” by Connor Grennan – one man’s promise to bring home the lost children of Nepal. So far it’s really good!

writing Christmas lists galore! My holiday wish list, list of ideas for others, list for my Christmas cards, etc.

listening Yes, I am already listening to Christmas music. So sue me. I can’t help it if the first song that came on Pandora was ‘NSync’s “I Never Knew the Meaning of Christmas.” And I don’t hate it.

thinking That I am super tired today because of a long busy week, and looking forward to relaxing tonight. And that I feel bad about missing a birthday celebration tonight, but I’m just that run down.

smelling The Juicy Couture perfume I put on this morning.

wishing That I had more time for personal projects.

hoping To take a photography class this winter and work on some household DIY projects since we won’t have to travel as much this season.

wearing Gray denim skinny jeans with yellow and white striped 3/4 sleeved tee, Steve Madden boots, and a navy, yellow, and white striped cardigan. Casual Friday.

loving My hubby! We just celebrated 8 years of being together yesterday, and it’s been a year and a half that we have been married. Our weekend is jam packed, but planning a date night for Monday. Love him 🙂

wanting The annual Pollard Potluck to get here already! For those that don’t know what this is, it’s a potluck dinner followed by a crazy night with all my besties from high school in Maryland that we have been doing for 5 years on the night before Thanksgiving. Because clearly one Thanksgiving is not enough.

needing A nap. After a crazy week with no sleep including a Madonna concert that didn’t go on until 10:50pm (totally worth it) and a late soccer game last night, I am dead tired.

feeling That I’m happy it’s Friday! Looking forward to the weekend. Relaxing tonight to catch up on much needed sleep, a birthday brunch and bar crawl celebration on Saturday, catching up housework since my house has been neglected this past week, and coaching the kiddies at b-ball on Sunday.

clicking Through all my favorite fashion blogs for style inspiration!

What have you been up to lately?

Happy Weekend Everyone! 🙂

Love,

Gina

Hurricane Sandy Relief

This past weekend, Zack, Zigi, and about 40 University of Maryland Terp Alumni went out to Staten Island to help with Hurricane Sandy Relief. I have to say, the pictures do not do justice to the amount of devastation out there. Although I had seen photos and TV news reports of the destruction, it didn’t really hit home until I was walking around seeing it with my own eyes and talking to people who had lost everything. Houses were completely destroyed, houses and cars were moved from where they had originated, pavement was caved in around restaurants, windows were smashed, the streets were still partly flooded, and there was still no power restored to the area. Seeing lower Manhattan get cleaned up so quickly, most people probably think others areas have been cleaned up as well. Let me tell you, this is not the case. There is still so much to be done.

Saturday morning we loaded up our car full of supplies (thanks to $600 worth of donations from friends and family) and brought it to a drop off location where there were local police and volunteers ready to gladly accept. I noticed there was an overwhelming amount of clothing, and people had been so generous. But the real work was up ahead. We literally demolished the inside of a house that had been completely water logged. Luckily the foundation of this particular house was solid (I cannot say the same for the two next door – I am pretty sure those will need to be bulldozed). The owner of the house we worked on will be able to reconstruct, but the inside had filled with so much water that everything inside had to be thrown out (including the drywall and insulation). We spent the entire day hauling old heavy furniture and trash bags full of soggy wet drywall out to the street for trash pick up. We shoveled and shoveled, and it felt like we would never be finished. I felt horrible for this poor family. However, I did notice that they had friends there to help as well as volunteers. You could feel a sense of camaraderie and unity in the neighborhood of everyone being there to help each other get through this tough time, and that was nice to see. I don’t think I have done that much intense physical labor in a long time, but it was all worth it to have the homeowners’ faces shining bright afterwards knowing how much we were able to accomplish. The entire University of Maryland crew was able to clean out about 7 houses total that day. That being said, looking around the neighborhood, there was so much more work to be done, and this neighborhood was only a small part of the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy. They need a lot more help and volunteers for all the rest of the groundwork that needs to be completed. It makes me extremely sad, and I hope to volunteer again this week and as long as they need help.

If you are interested in helping with the relief, I posted some ways you can participate on my blog last week. Here is the link for your reference.

{Style Envy} Kelly Green Blazer

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.

What are some of your favorite trends this fall?

Veterans Day

271765_457932974229917_121548844_o — Photo Credit: Alexandra Chioini

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.

All photos (except for 1st one) courtesy of Misa Me Photography.

Homecoming signs created by Welcome Home.

Marvelous Mustard

Mustard Blazer: Piperlime by Tinley Road / Blouse: Piperlime by Ark & Co. / Jeans: Seven for All Mankind / Sequined Ballet Flats: Nine West Outlet / Chevron Ring Stack: BaubleBar / Bracelets: J. Crew, BaubleBar (black sold out – in light blue or light pink), BaubleBar, Wanderlust + Co / Lip: Lancome All Done Up / Nails: Essie Over the Edge

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.

Terps Sandy Service Day

Village Voice lists opportunities

NYC Service

Team Rubicon

Style blogger Keiko Lynn lists opportunities

Occupy Sandy

Join the Sandy Swap group on Facebook for Staten Island updates

List of shelters from Red Cross

NY still needs your help, so if you haven’t already donated or volunteered, please do!

Amaze

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!

Rock the Vote

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!

Navy Peplum & Black

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 😉

{Style Envy} Fall Fuchsia

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.

XO,

Gina

Happy Hunger Games!

…and may the odds be ever in your favor…

Despite all the Hurricane Sandy madness…I hope everyone has a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Hope everyone is staying safe. We lost power for a couple hours last night, but it’s now back on. Again, if anyone needs a place to stay or shower or eat, please feel free to come on over to Ditmas Park.

How to recreate Effie Trinket…

Effie has many different looks throughout the movie, The Hunger Games, so I chose to go with the pink/purple/fuchsia color scheme since that screamed the most fun to me.

Hair: Bought a super long curly blonde wig from Ricky’s and pinned it up to create the voluminous look of Effie’s hair. I then sprayed it with Jerome Russell Strawberry Blonde Highlight Color Temporary Spray, also from Ricky’s. To complete the look, you’ll need a huge headpiece or flower to place in the middle of the hair. I actually found this amazing piece in Union Square from a street vendor. I can’t believe I got so lucky! Voila!

Makeup

Base: Kryolan Aqua Color Wet MakeUp color 070 for the white / Eyes: MAC Paint Pot in Painterly for base of lids, Make Up For Ever Diamond Shadow No 303 via Sephora all over lid, outside of lid, Make Up For Ever Matte Eyeshadow No 26 Fuchsia via Sephora all over lids to eyebrow and outside, also underneath, Make Up For Ever Matte Eyeshadow No 58 Dark Raspberry via Sephora in eyelid crease, Korres Soft Eyeliner Pencil in Athens Black / Eyelashes: Paperself Peacock (not the original (Deer & Butterfly) from movie because they were sold out, but these were close!) / Cheeks: Make Up Forever Diamond Shadow No 303 (same as above) stroke from eye to cheekbone, Make Up Forever Matte Eyeshadow No 58 (same as above) very lightly on cheekbones / Lips: MAC Lip Liner in Magenta to outline the heart, Lancome Lipstick in Fuchsia Clutch to fill in the heart.

Clothing: Again, Effie has so many different outfits, and it’s almost impossible to recreate her exact outfits without having a seamstress alongside you or an amazing vintage boutique, so you can get a way with a lot in the clothing department. I went with this fuchsia peplum top that I found at Forever 21, and I pinned two flowers to it to give it the “Effie volume” which I purchased at H&M. For the bottom, I wore a simple black pencil skirt (that is so old, I have no idea where I originally purchased it.) For the shoes, I meant to pack my black booties, which are a signature Effie look, but I forgot them, so I went with these beautiful Betsey Johnson Zingerr pumps instead, which I think Effie would totally be able to pull off.

The girls and I celebrated Halloween this past Saturday, and I am so thankful they were such an awesome hair and makeup team to help me create this costume! I have never been more excited about a costume I don’t think! The girls (Alex & Marisa – also known as Pregnant Snookie & a 50’s Housewife) and I went out to downtown Annapolis on Saturday night and we literally bar hopped to almost every single bar showing off our costumes and trying to see others dressed up as well. It’s not often that I get this much bonding time with my cousins anymore, so I was really excited to have a little girl’s night. What a fun time!

Hope you all out there were able to enjoy the holiday as much as we were, and hope the Hurricane didn’t rain on your parade! Again, stay safe!

Love,

Gina