{15} Lately…

lately

Lately I’ve been…

reading  Just finished a couple books including Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan, and Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.  Maine was an okay beach read, but I honestly didn’t care for the characters all that much.  They were a bit bitchy and whiny, and while they were all family, it was pretty tough for them to all get along.  It was a decent read, but not a must for me.  Sharp Objects on the other hand was a really good book.  If you liked Gone Girl, then you will like this book as well.  This mystery/thriller is an easy read that captures your attention, and makes you unable to put it down.

writing  Finished all of my thank you notes for the many wonderful gifts we received for our little guy!  I’m also writing up my to-do lists for how to train our new employee who is coming in next week and will be filling in while I’m on maternity leave.  Can’t believe it’s almost that time!

listening  Loving this summer jam, Reload by Sebastian Ingrosso, Tommy Trash, and John Martin.  Makes me wanna dance.

thinking  It’s been a beautiful week here in NYC, and that I am incredibly lucky the weather has been kind to me this August.

smelling  The new Bath and Body works lotion I got for my birthday, Rio Rumberry.

watching  A French, indie film called The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.  I read the book a few years ago, and have been wanting to watch the movie ever since.  It’s a true story about well-known man in the fashion industry who became a paraplegic and learned to communicate and write a novel with the blink of his eye.  Fascinating.

wishing  That the rocking chair/glider that just arrived for our nursery didn’t feel like it was taking over the entire room.  I swear it didn’t look that big in the photos!  I think I’m starting to get used to it, but when it first arrived, I was in a bit of shock!

hoping  For a fun, yet productive weekend ahead!  Planning on finally checking out the Hester Street Fair (for real this time), attending a Brooklyn Cyclones game with friends, and putting in some more work on the nursery.

wearing  An old blue/green maxi skirt from American Eagle that I’ve had in my closet for awhile now paired with a coral and white striped maternity tee from Motherhood.  Old Navy white flip flops for comfort, and my vintage sunnies.  

loving  These sexy, fall booties from ALDO.  Gah, I can’t wait to wear heels again!

laughing  We’ve been listening to all the comedy stations on XM Radio during our past few long car rides.  I’m usually the driver, but Zack has had to drive a bit this summer due to my pregnancy sleepiness.  We find that laughing while driving is a good way to stay awake.

wanting  To be with my family this week in the Outer Banks, NC on our annual vacation.  It’s the one time of the year when both sides of my family all get together, and it’s one of my favorite weeks of the year.  However, I know I’m staying put in NY for a very good reason!  Luckily, the weather has been so great here, and I have been keeping myself distracted with a busy work schedule and prepping for the baby to arrive.  I just flash forward to next year when we will have an almost-one-year-old running around with us at the beach!

needing  To get my hospital bag packed.  Next week I’ll be full term, and they say you could go at any time between 37-42 weeks.  I know that is a big, open time frame, but you also never know when the little one will want to make his debut!  Therefore, that is on the top of my list for weekend priorities.

feeling  Pretty good!  Sometimes it’s hard to get comfortable, and I have to pee at all times, but overall, I am feeling pretty good in these last few weeks of pregnancy.

craving  Sweets.  It’s probably not good, and I typically have a sweet tooth anyway…but I’m finding myself wanting something sweet almost every day now.  I guess I can milk these last few weeks while I can 😉

clicking  Through many animated commercials that our new clients have done.  Been trying to familiarize myself with their work as much as I can.

*

What have you been up to lately?

Happy Friday!  Hope you all have a great weekend!

Love,

Gina

***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.

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Grecian Gown

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I was able to snag this Ella Moss beauty on sale via Gilt, and I couldn’t be happier (again, not maternity)!  I wore this gown on a beautiful night out to dinner in Maine.  I love the ease and flow of this dress as I walk, and the jersey material makes it super comfortable as well.  In these photos, I am 30 weeks pregnant, and this week, I just hit 32.  Little Monkey will be here before I can blink.

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Gown: Ella Moss via Gilt / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff / Shoes: ALDO – similar / Earrings: ALDO / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: ASOS, Gorjana, c/o Guilty Jean, Henri Bendel / Toes: Essie In the Cabana / Nails: Essie Forever Yummy and Set in Stone

Oh, how I miss this little lake house already!  Wishing I had the lake to jump into and cool off this week; it’s been brutal!  Trying to stay hydrated and enjoy the AC indoors.

Stay cool ya’ll!

XO,

Gina

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Skull Tank Revisited

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You may remember this top from earlier this spring when the weather was still a bit on the chilly side.  I decided to break it out again for summertime while it still covers my baby bump.  I paired it with some mint short shorts and some comfy sneaks for a fun filled family day in Maryland.  We had our belated Father’s Day celebration this past Sunday with both my family and my husband’s, complete with crab cakes (because that’s what Maryland’s all about right?), brisket, chicken, corn on the cob, pasta salad, strawberry salad, beans, homemade tortillas, rolls, ice cream, cake, a musical performance, a little rain, a little sunshine, and a lot of fun.

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Skull Tank: Hot Topic – similar / Mint Shorts: Motherhood Maternitynon maternity version / Sneaks: ALDO / Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean (2), ASOS, Flair Accessories / Watch: Michael Kors / Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean / Chevron Ring: Baublebar / Nails: Essie Turquoise and Caicos / Lip: Korres Guava Lipstick Natural Pink #13

Last night, we went to our final child birth class and learned a lot about breastfeeding and newborn care.  I’m really glad we decided to take the class, and now we feel a lot more confident going into the whole birthing experience.  Tonight, I am joining the ladies for a spa night in complete with manicures, pedicures, and facials!  Whoo!  Nothing like a little mid-week pampering.  The rest of the week, I plan on relaxing, and getting ready to travel back down to Maryland again for my friends Kurt and Tiffany’s wedding on the Eastern Shore!  Shortly after returning from that trip, we head off to Maine for our last mini vacay of the summer.  Fun times ahead!

Hope you all are stayin’ cool this Tuesday.

XO,

Gina

Spiked & Studded {Guilty Jean Series #3}

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I’m now back to my regularly scheduled posts for this week.  Here is my third look for the Guilty Jean series.  This look is a bit edgy and punk rock-ish.  It’s also super comfortable.  So glad the weather is warming up and I can actually think about wearing short sleeves!  Very exciting.

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Top: Forever 21 – similar here, here, and here / Studded Denim Vest: Forever 21 – similar here and here / Pants: Motherhood Maternity / Shoes: ALDO (now on sale!) / Skull and Cross Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Wood Agate Beaded Skull Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Lucky 13 Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Sunglasses: NY Street Vendor

I’m definitely going to have to venture outside at some point today to enjoy this gorgeous weather.  Maybe even head down to watch my soccer team play tonight at Columbus Park.  It’s been awhile since I’ve seen the gang.

Hope you all have a beautiful sunny Tuesday!

XO,

Gina

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Dinner Party

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There’s nothing like an impromptu Saturday night dinner party!  I broke out the fine china (for only the second time in two years…let’s just say was about time to put those amazing wedding gifts to good use), and whipped up a little Italiano meal for the hubs and my friends Brooke (a new Brooklynite) and Kendel (visiting from Baltimore).  Pasta with red sauce, breaded chicken, mixed green salad, and a bottle of red (or maybe two bottles of red).  Doesn’t get much better than that huh?  Except for maybe the little game of “Flip Coaster” we invented after dinner.  Don’t even get me started on how insanely good Brooke is at this game–she put us all to shame.  We had so much fun that we completely lost track of time, and the fact that we were supposed to be meeting friends out in Manhattan that night.  Zack ended up crashing, but the girls and I rallied for a fun little night at the Back Room on the Lower East Side.  The Back Room is a swank little speakeasy that serves cocktails in teacups and beer bottles in paper bags.  We had a great time, and I’m thinking we will need to have a repeat date sometime soon!

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: Free People (old) – view their current dress collection! / Leather Jacket: Vintage – love this asymmetrical alternative / Tights: Urban Outfitters / Boots: ALDO / Cardigan: Forever 21 (old) / Bag: Chinatown / Scarf: Gift / Necklace: Guilty Jean / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Baublebar / Lip: Lancome Luxe / China: Lenox Chirp

Hope everyone had a great weekend.  Mine was quite relaxing, and I’m looking forward to chilling out this week as well.  I’m a bit excited about the extra daylight hour.  It reminds me that spring is right around the corner!

Happy Birthday to my twin cousins, Briana and Victoria, today!  Love you girls!

XO,

Gina

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Promenade Brooklyn Heights {Flair Accessories Series #4}

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Photos By: Zack Notes

Coat: ASOS / Jacket: Macy’s / Top: ASOS / Leopard Skirt: ASOS / Bag: ALDO – similar / Shoes: Cynthia Rowley / Scarf: Christmas Gift / Earrings: ALDO / Druzy Stone Necklace, Pyramid Cuff,  Cage Ring: Flair Accessories / Spike Bracelet: ASOS / Buckle Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Lip: MAC Venomous Villians Cruella de Vil Heartless w/ matching gloss

This post concludes my Flair Accessories Series, and this look is actually my favorite of the bunch.  I hope you have enjoyed my little styling adventure!  The hubby has been wanting to take me to the promenade in Brooklyn Heights for awhile now.  We decided to stop in before a dinner and movie date a couple weekends ago.  There is a beautiful walkway along the water as well as a gorgeous skyline view.  What’s not to enjoy?  Well, I will tell you, I did NOT enjoy the windy cold temps that I felt up there!!!  While I displayed a smile for many of these photos, I was secretly freezing my bum off, and could not wait to get off this promenade.  I can happily say I will not be returning until the Spring!

Today, I would like to say “Happy Birthday” to our dear old friend Abraham Lincoln.  I am celebrating tonight by going to see the movie, Lincoln, on our little Race to the Oscars here at work.  I have heard a lot of great things about this film, and I am very excited to see it for myself!

Happy Tuesday everyone.  Hope you have a great day!

XO,

Gina

Animal Instincts {Flair Accessories Series #2}

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Photos by:  Zack Notes

Cheetah Coat: Ann Taylor LOFT – similar here and here / Blazer: Macy’s – similar / Top: GAP (old) / Jeans: Seven for All Mankind / Shoes: BCBG (old) – similar / Earrings: ALDO / Necklace: Flair Accessories / Lip: Lancome All Done Up

I cannot believe it’s actually Friday.  It feels like I have been in non-stop motion all week long.  I was looking forward to a night at home last night, and then I ended up getting stuck with a project at the end of the day.  I have not been home before 9:30pm any night this week.  Insane in the membrane.  I am starting to think maybe I have too much on my plate right now.  Then again, when don’t I?  Better than being bored I suppose.

Anyway, I can hardly think while writing right now, so I am going to keep this short.  We are buckling up for a Nor’Easter up here.  I am supposed to go to a fashion show/party tonight for a friend’s new collection, but I’m afraid I may end up having to stay in with this crazy whether we are supposed to get.  Stay safe and stay warm everyone.

TGIF!

XO,

Gina

Sir Mix A Lot

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Here is the full outfit from my lunch date you saw on the blog yesterday.  This post is all about mixing.  I have mixed pretty much everything you can imagine here–colors, prints, metals, hard spikes with soft bows–yet somehow it all seems to come together and work.  Although mixing can seem a little bit intimidating, it is a great way to get the most out of your wardrobe.  The more combinations, the more outfits to rock.  For some ideas on how to mix prints, check out this “How To” from Refinery 29.

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Photos by: Zack Notes

Sweater: GAP / Tank: J. Crew / Pants: H&M / Bag: ALDO – similar  / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack / Coat: Tulle via Nordstrom – similar / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: BaubleBar and ASOS / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Lip: MAC Venomous Villains Cruella de Vil Heartless / Nails: Essie Marshmallow

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All That Glitters is Gold

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Photos By: Zack Notes

Glittery Top: Forever 21 / (Faux) Leather Leggings: Strawberry / Jacket: Macy’s – similar at Old Navy / Shoes: ALDO / Earrings: Aldo / Necklace: Forever 21 / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Spike Bracelet: ASOS / Buckle Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Ring: c/o nOir Jewelry / Nails: Essie Metallics Good as Gold / Lip: Smashbox Maven

A fun little look to get you excited for the weekend!  I’m looking forward to dinner with friends, a birthday celebration, and some karaoke.  How about you?

Happy Friday!

XO,

Gina

Winter White

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This ivory jacket and polka dot tights were amongst some of my favorite Christmas gifts I received this year.  Paired with an ivory and gold shimmery dress and a gold clutch, this made for the perfect New Year’s Eve outfit this year.  I also had the opportunity to break out my old wedding shoes for the first time since the big day.  Who knew I would be ever wearing these babies again?

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Photo by: Zack Notes

Ivory Coat: Express (sold out) – other ivory coats I adore from Nordstrom (here and here),  Theory via Saks, Michael by Michael Kors via Victoria’s Secret, and Victoria’s Secret / Dress: Forever 21 / Tights: Madewell (currently on sale!) / Shoes: Nina (brides, there is a ridiculous sale on these beauties!) / Sunnies: Ann Taylor LOFT / Clutch: (old) / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Bow Earrings: ALDO / Necklace and Rings: Family gifts / Lip: Lancome Groupie / Nails: Essie Metallics Good as Gold 

Had a fantastic time this past weekend in the city.  Friday, I said my farewells to a good friend who is moving back to Connecticut to go to grad school.  My second bedroom is open whenever you want to come visit!

Saturday hung out with the hubs during the day, made some yummy breakfast, took down the Christmas tree (wahhh),  and…wait for it…went to see Les Mis!!!  Oh my gosh, it was so amazing.  Bring your tissues!  I have never seen the show, so I didn’t really know what to expect other than that it would be quite depressing.  However, I really enjoyed the movie, and thought Anne Hathaway had a spectacular performance.  After the film, I met up with a few friends in the East Village, and ended the night with the deliciousness of Pomme Frites.  If you have not been here, this place is a must for fabulous french fries dipped in more sauces than you could ever imagine.  Yum!

Sunday, the boy and I got in an awesome workout at the gym, went to Home Depot to pick out some paint colors for a new DIY project (and by DIY, I mean my cousin will be DIYing for us haha), and finally sat down to a fabulous home cooked meal while watching the Redskins game.  Unfortunately, our team did not pull out a win, but they gave a valiant effort.  Some decisions were pretty questionable, but what can you do.  The Skins had a great season, so still HAILING!

Hope you all have a great week!

XO,

Gina

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