Military Boho

Dress: Free People – last season, but view current dresses here / Jacket: Macy’s – old – I also like this one / Shoes: Aldo – similar here / Bag: TJMaxx / Sunglasses: Calvin Klein / Ring: Forever 21 / Tiger Cuff: BaubleBar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Skull Chain Bracelet: OiaJules / Necklace: H&M / Earrings: Aldo / Lip: Kat Von D Homegirl

Photos by: Zack Notes

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We spent the holiday with my cousins, and I must say I am still stuffed!  Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce (my fav), green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, chocolate pie, pumpkin pie (yes, I had two desserts) – what’s not to love?  After a night of gluttony, I am looking forward to getting a little exercise today.  I think a few trips around the neighborhood is definitely in order.

Anyone going out to fight the crowds for the Black Friday sales?  I must admit that rather than try to brave the madness at the Annapolis mall, I am going to be in the comfort of my parent’s living room with my computer in my lap doing all my Black Friday shopping.  Why stress out in long lines when I can just click my finger and poof! – a package arrives at my doorstep next week?  The decision is all too easy.

These photos were taken last weekend in the East Village before a big birthday brunch at the Sunburnt Cow for my favorite Aussie mate.  After a delicious meal and unlimited mimosas and bloody mary’s, we headed off on a little bar crawl to continue the celebration.  This Free People dress is probably the most comfortable dress that I own, and I decided to pair this soft boho look with a more tailored military jacket and combat boots.  Flat shoes were a must with all the walking we would be doing.  I think the birthday girl would agree that this day was a “great success!”

Happy Weekend everyone.

XO,

Gina

30 Days of Thanksgiving

I have seen friends on Facebook and Twitter posting about things they are thankful for this year, and it has inspired me to create a list of my own thanksgivings for 2012.

1:  First and foremost, I want to thank God for putting me here on this beautiful Earth and allowing me to wake up another day.

2:  My wonderful husband, for loving me every day, accepting me the way I am, faults and all.  He is my rock and my best friend, and I am very lucky to have such a fantastic partner in this world.  Who else would have taken me on a surprise skydiving trip for our one year anniversary this past year?  He just gets me, and I fall in love with him more and more every day.

3:  My parents for an amazing upbringing full of love and support.  For giving me everything I could have asked for, and although at times I thought they were too tough on me, it has made me stronger and more independent for it.  There have been a few bumps in the road this past year, and I am so thankful to have had my mom and dad by my side during these times.

4:  My sister for being the BSITWWW (Best Sister in the Whole Wide World).  For being the person that I can always come to if I need to get something off my chest, for making me laugh constantly, for reading my mind without ever having to say a word.  For being able to sing every song from The Sound of Music or Grease from start to finish with me, and for being my partner in crime growing up.

5: My in-laws for always accepting me from the start.  For never questioning the fact that I was Catholic and their son was Jewish.  For respecting me and welcoming me lovingly into their family.

6:  My extended family.  My grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, etc.  For always being there.  As crazy as we all are, we always have the most amazing time together.  I relish in our Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, Easter, and Outer Banks celebrations every year.  There are a lot of us, which only means a lot more love and fun times to go around.

7:  My friends.  I am very lucky to have made such wonderful friends throughout each and every moment of my life.  From Queen Anne, to Bowie Soccer United, the Beltway Lady Cougars, St. Mary of the Assumption, to Archbishop Spalding, to the University of Maryland, to my girls at Alpha Phi, to the Dewey Crew, all the way to New York City.  Each one of you has made a difference in my life for the positive.  You are also my extended family, and I would not be where I am without your friendship and support.

8:  Popcorn and Pandas.  The former being my favorite snack in the world and the latter being the most adorable animals on the planet.

9:  Brooklyn, for being an affordable way to stay in New York city without going broke.  Being able to have the luxuries of a washer/dryer, dishwasher, a 2 bedroom apartment inside of a house with the most amazing neighbors while still having Manhattan and all it’s glory right at our fingertips has just been a blessing.

10:  My boss for keeping me employed during an awful recession period, helping me continue to grow in my field, being a great mentor in the production, television, animation, and advertising industries, and for making the work day enjoyable.

11:  Uncommon Goods for employing my husband thereby, helping to keep a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, giving us the ability to travel back and forth to Maryland to see family and friends, and for making possible those moments where I “just had to have” those pair of shoes.

12:  My nephew pup, Finley, who I just met and already love and adore.  He is the cutest, sweetest little tyke I have ever seen!

13:  My health, for allowing me to run around and play soccer and basketball, run races, dance, and do all the other things that I love.

14.  The invention of photography for allowing me to capture almost every moment of life.  For without photography, I would probably forget half of the things I have done and accomplished.  People say I have a good memory, and while this may be true, I remember so much through my photos, and cherish those memories every time I view them.

15.  Music for putting me in a good mood, for enjoyable car rides, for awesome nights on the dance floor, for lazy nights at the beach, for getting me through house cleaning, to accompany me while cooking, for jam sessions with my husband, etc.

16.  Teachers and coaches for making a difference in the future of America.  I had many great teachers and coaches growing up, and wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance and leadership in the classroom and on the field/court.

17.  Our military for putting their lives on the line to protect our freedoms in this country.  Your service is much appreciated.

18.  Doctors, especially Dr. Q. for dedicating his life and career to curing brain cancer.  He fought for my friend John, and still continues to do so every day with Q’s Quest.

19.  Ice Cream for curing my sweet tooth always.

20.  The film industry for giving me a drive and passion to succeed and be creative.

21. Artists for continually reminding me that humans are capable of creating beautiful things.

22.  Technology for making it easier and faster to communicate with people from all over the world.

23.  Television for giving me an outlet when I am stressed to just chill and relax without having to think about anything.  Also to reality TV for helping me realize that other people are much crazier than me!

24.  For the amazing restaurants in NYC.  You provide a most delectable experience for those nights where I just do not feel like cooking.

25.  For online shopping, because with my busy travel schedule, I find it hard to make it out to the store as often as I would like.

26.  For children, who are completely innocent, and remind me of the days when things were so simple.

27.  For my long subway ride to work (I know, weird right?) for allowing me to catch up on all of my reading daily.

28.  Our car, so that I no longer have to take the Bolt Bus on every trip down to Maryland.  Having the car has definitely made traveling a lot less stressful, and being able to come and go at our leisure instead of being locked into a schedule has been bliss.

29.  My family home.  I’m so grateful that my parents still live where I grew up.  I am able to come back to visit and be greeted by all the memories of childhood.

30.  The Brown Family for cooking Thanksgiving dinner today, so that we can enjoy the benefits of a fabulous meal without having to do all the work.  Don’t worry, we got you on Christmas 🙂

What are you thankful for this year?

Hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving!  Enjoy!

Love,

Gina

A Sunday Stroll

Took these photos on a leisurely Sunday stroll this past weekend.  These new floral print leggings from StyleMint are my new favorite go-to choice for weekend wear.  They are super comfy and lounge-worthy for a day around the house, yet the fun print allows me get up and walk around town without feeling like a total bum.  They are currently on sale, so get ’em while they last!

Jacket: American Eagle / Top: Urban Outfitters (old) / Floral Leggings: StyleMint (on sale now!) / Bag: TJMaxx / Sunglasses: Ann Taylor LOFT / Combat Boots: Aldo / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Skull Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules / Ring: Forever 21 / Black Beaded Bracelets: Forever 21 / Necklace: H&M / Earrings: Aldo / Lip: MAC Venomous Villains Cruella de Vil Heartless w/ Wicked Ways Gloss

Photos by: Zack Notes

Today marks the end of the short work week here in the city.  After wrapping up at the end of the day, I will head home to Brooklyn to pack up my bags and get on the road.  Zack and I will be traveling down to Maryland to celebrate Thanksgiving with the fam!  It’s nice that both of our families are relatively in the same area, so we are able to see everyone for the holiday weekend.  I’m looking forward to our annual friends potluck dinner tomorrow night and spending time with loved ones throughout the next few days.  What are your plans for the holiday?  Traveling?  Staying bundled where you are? Would love to hear.  Stay safe everyone, and enjoy your time off if you have it!

XO,

Gina

Cheetah is My Favorite Color

This is probably one of my favorite posts, because of this amazing cheetah jacket I found on sale last winter for only $30!  Can you believe that?  This faux baby is insanely soft, comfortable and perfect for a night out on the town.  I had a big group of friends up visiting last weekend from Maryland, and I wore this out to our group dinner at Supper in the East Village.  The family style Italian was to die for, and we had our own private room where it was completely appropriate to start our own dance party.  We ended the night at Sing Sing with a little karaoke; always a crowd favorite with my group of friends.  Oh what a night!

Cheetah Coat: Ann Taylor LOFT (on sale last winter) / Peplum Top: StyleMint / Skinny Jeans: Zara / Sunglasses: Ann Taylor LOFT / Turquoise Bubble Necklace: Cheerfully Charmed / Butterfly Ring: nOir / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Polka Dot Bracelet: BaubleBar – sold out but yellow for sale / Buckle Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Shoes: Aldo (old) / Earrings: Aldo / Bag: TJMaxx / Lip: MAC Venomous Villians Cruella de Vil Heartless w/ Wicked Ways Gloss

Photos by: Zack Notes

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

 

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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.

Clothing donations at a drop off spot

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.

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{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

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), BaubleBarWanderlust + 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!