Take Me Home

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Long Sleeved Rugby Polo: Ralph Lauren (old) / Blazer: Piperlime (old) / Denim: Rag & Bone / Boots: Target | on Luca: Overalls & Button Up Onesie from Carters

These photos were taken over Thanksgiving weekend on an unusually nice, warm day outside at my parent’s house where I grew up. There is something comforting in the fact that my parents still live in the house where I was born and raised. That familiar smell when you walk in…the same hand-sewn curtains hanging in my old bedroom window…the fact that I can still maneuver around in the pitch black dark and not run into the walls since I am just so familiar with every nook and cranny of this comforting abode. Staying up way too late past my bedtime, just because I am there and you know Dad will always be up (or asleep) in his chair before you hit the hay. Walking around those 2.5 acres of land and breathing in those fresh country smells of grass and trees…maybe even some horses down the road. It strangely smelled like spring there on this particular day. The familiar old tractor, the old shed, and that same spot to hang the hammock in the backyard. While things have certainly been updated since my childhood, I love that sense of comfort and security I feel when I am there. It’s nice that I am able to bring my children here to have a similar experience, much like I had in my grandparent’s house where my Dad grew up. Nico is always so excited when we arrive. He knows exactly what toys will be there, where his chair is, and the places he loves to roam outside already. It makes me smile to know although we live 4 hours away, he still feels that same sense of comfort that I do at his Mimi and Nano’s house. I am looking forward to when my little Luca will feel the same. If my dear parents are reading this, I hope they know they can never move away 😉

XO,

Gina

Stripes, Polka Dots, and Sparkle

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I donned this get-up on a “business” lunch the other week with my boss and coworkers.  Nico was in tow, which is why the business is in quotes, and it was more of a catch up session on what’s been going on in the past few months as well as a chance for my office to meet my little guy.  I liked this stripe, polka dot, and sparkle mix so much I decided to sport it again while on our trip to Maryland over the holiday.  Pattern mixing can sometimes be tough, but I think it works well when you keep within the same color palette.  How do you all feel about pattern mixing?

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Striped Blazer: GAP – now on sale! / Polka Dot Button Up: J. Crew (old) – similar / Sparkly Loafers: Seychelles / Jeans: Motherhood / Watch: Coach (old) – similar / Lip: Lancome Groupie

The holidays are in full force!  We put up our tree last night and decorated the house.  It was so sweet to watch Nico’s eyes and smile grow wide when he saw us putting up all the lights.  He was kicking so hard with joy in his rock-and-play, I thought he might jump out and try to help!  We did get him a super cute sock monkey stocking and a brand new ornament which he helped to put on the tree.  It’s crazy to think how different this Christmas is from last year’s.  I even cried while dancing to Silent Night with my little family.  Ok, enough of the emo stuff.  Nico and I are off to his 3 month doctor’s appointment today.  Hope you all are enjoying the week and the holiday season!

XO,

Gina

Rainy Days Can’t Get Me Down

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These photos are from Memorial Day Weekend before our ride down to Philly.  There’s nothing like bright colors to shake you out of your rainy day gloom.  Luckily, the weather got nicer later in the day, and we were able to enjoy an awesome cookout with friends.

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Seersucker Blazer: GAP – similar / Sweater: Old Navy (on sale!) / Tank (underneath): Old Navy (on sale!) / Jeans: Motherhood / Boots: Steve Madden / Necklace: Cheerfully Charmed – similar / Umbrella: borrowed – similar / Bracelets: c/o Guilty Jean, ASOS, and Henri Bendel / Watch: Michael Kors

This past weekend, I was on my own as the hubby went on a biking/camping excursion.  I spent the weekend doing a little housework, celebrating my neighbor’s 1st birthday, had dinner with a close friend, went to a 90’s themed birthday celebration, and lounged at a soccer team BBQ.  Last night when the hubby got home, we chilled outside enjoying our amazing garden on what was a gorgeous night, and just caught each other up with our weekend stories.  I have to say, I’m super happy it’s summertime!

Hope you all have a great week!

XO,

Gina

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Preppy With A Twist {Guilty Jean Series #2}

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Here is my 2nd look from the Guilty Jean photo shoot over the weekend.  I was definitely enjoying the sunshine on this beautiful, glorious Saturday!  For this look, I purposefully chose the same Guilty Jean jewelry pieces as my last outfit post to show how versatile this line can be.  Even if you don’t see yourself as someone who is “edgy” or “punk rock,”  you can still glam up your look with Guilty Jean’s designs.  This particular look gives the preppy business casual girl a little edge.  I love how these pieces work so well with a variety of different personal styles, and I plan to rock these jewels no matter what I’m wearing!

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Yellow Button Down: GAP / Blazer: GAP / Jeans: Motherhood Maternity / Pretty Little Evil Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Turquoise Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Sinner & Saint Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Clutch: Express – similar / Sparkly Flats: Nordstrom Rack / Watch: Michael Kors / Ring: Banana Republic – similar here and here / Sunglasses: Ann Taylor LOFT / Lip: Mix of MAC Candy Yum-Yum and Lancome Fuchsia Clutch / Nails: Essie Smokin’ Hot

Hope everyone is enjoying their week so far!  I have been busy busy, so I am looking forward to a little R&R tonight.

XOXO,

Gina

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Spring Fever

Spring Fever
1.  Yellow Trench Coat: Target / 2.  Butter London Spring 2013 Collection: Nordstrom / 3.  Wide Brim Straw Hat – Kate Spade / 4.  Fan Fringe Necklace – J. Crew / 5.  Rainboots – Charlotte Russe / 6. Rebecca Minkoff Striped Mini M.A.C. – SHOPBOP / 7. Polka Dot Short – Forever 21 / 8.  Floral Porchfield Dress – Jack Willis / 9.  Pink Blazer – Topshop / 10.  Blue Minnie Pant – J. Crew / 11.  Jeffrey Campbell Lace Ankle Bootie – Nelly / 12.  Anchor Studs: J. Crew
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I don’t know about you, but I am OVER this cold weather!  All the talk of snow and chill has me jonesin’ for spring.  I couldn’t help but scour the online shopping world for some of my favorite on-trend pieces that I cannot wait to get my hands on.  If only I could wear them right now!  Although I tend to wear a ton of black in the winter time, I am very excited to sport some color this spring!  This little collection above makes me happy, because it reminds me that spring is just around the corner.
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In other news, congratulations to “Befab4lyfe” for winning the Flair Accessories earring giveaway!!!  Please inbox me your shipping info to { gina dot notes26 at gmail dot com }.  Then, I will have these gorgeous iridescent studs on the way to your door as soon as possible!  Thanks to all who entered the giveaway.
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I am ticking off a bucket list item tonight, that I cannot wait to share with you next week!
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Happy Friday Everyone!
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XO,
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Gina
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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

{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?

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!