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Happy 1st Birthday to Popcorn and Pandas

Would you believe that today marks one whole year that I decided to make the change to my little ole blog, popcorn and pandas? I know, I can’t believe it either. It’s been a crazy year full of adventures and travel, fashion and fun, pregnancy and now a new baby. It’s been wonderful and therapeutic to have this creative outlet to share with you all, and I am completely grateful that you all have chosen to follow along for this past year.

Below I have reflected a bit on some of your favorite posts this past year:

My first two outfit posts with the amazing photographer Marisa

Reminiscing a Rockin’ Summer

Summer Stripes

Lettered sweaters were my jam

Sported my favorite Halloween costume

Rang in the New Year in Winter White

Foxes became super trendy

I had some ups and downs, announced my pregnancy, and did a cool photo shoot with Justin to find out the sex of our Little Monkey

I added some Flair to my wardrobe

Craved everything peplum

Felt a little Guilty

I ate my first mangosteen

Went to Arizona and saw the Grand Canyon

I made some waves with Waveborn

Made fresh homemade tomato sauce and pesto from the garden

Enjoyed the sunrise on Branch Lake in Maine

Watched as my belly grew larger and larger

And gave birth to a beautiful baby boy

It’s been such a great year, and I am hopeful that this year will bring even greater joy. Thank you so much for following my adventures. Would love to hear any feedback that you have of things you want to see from me in the coming year. What you like/don’t like. What you want to see more or less of (outfit posts, lately posts, shopping posts, personal stories, photography, baby stuff, etc…) I have less free time on my hands, but hopefully I can make things happen!

Happy Friday everyone!!!

XO,

Gina

Boho Bump

You may remember this Free People number from last fall when I styled it with a military flair. These days, flowy dresses are the most comfortable thing to wear, and I love that this dress is so versatile and adaptable from season to season. I paired it with a sari bag and handmade bracelets from Uncommon Goods as well as a beaded headpiece for a summery bohemian look. These photos were taken at 36.5 weeks pregnant on my trip to the Hester Street Fair last weekend, and I cannot believe I only have a few more weeks of outfit photos left with this baby bump!

Photos By: Zack Notes / Edited By: Myself

Dress: Free People (old) – Free People Dress Shop / Headpiece: American Eagle / Flops: Havaianas / Sari Bag: Uncommon Goods / Bracelets: Uncommon Goods and Guilty Jean / Necklace: Guilty Jean / Watch: Coach / Elephant Ring: nOir / Lip: MAC Up the Amp / Nails: Essie Naughty Nautical

Happy Friday Everyone!

XO,

Gina

Wedding Wear

The last weekend of June, the hubby and I headed down to Maryland to see our good friends Kurt and Tiffany tie the knot on the Chesapeake Bay. I struggled with whether or not I should buy a maternity dress for this event, but ultimately decided that it wasn’t worth the expense for one night, since this is the last wedding I am going to be able to make before the Little Monkey gets here. Instead, I decided to wear this number I purchased from Forever 21 a few months ago. I wore it to another wedding earlier this year, and because of the stretchy middle material and the flare underneath the bust line, it works perfectly for my prego shape. I topped off the look with earrings from Amrita Singh (a bridemaid’s gift from my friend Katie’s wedding), and these gold sparkly bow pumps. My husband calls them my “Wizard of Oz” shoes, but I absolutely love them. Before you think I am insane for wearing 5 inch heels while 6.5 months pregnant (ok, so maybe I’m a little insane, but heels just make a girl feel prettier, right?), I did end up changing into flats for the dancing portion of the evening. No one needs a pregnant woman falling over on the dance floor.

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: Forever 21 (now on sale!) / Sparkly Glitter Bow Pumps: ALDO / Earrings: Amrita Singh – this pair is also similar / Watch: Michael Kors / Gold Clutch: (old) – similar here / Lip: MAC Candy Yum Yum / Nails: Essie Boom Boom Room

We got back from our mini-vacation to Maine this weekend, and wow did we have an amazing time! I have so much to share from our trip, but first I want to share some fabulous wedding photos from Kurt and Tiff’s big day. I have lots to edit and catch up on from my time away, so stay tuned this week and next for some exciting posts to come!

XO,

Gina

Preppy With A Twist {Guilty Jean Series #2}

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!

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

Spring Has Sprung {Guilty Jean Series #1}

Here is the first outfit post from my Guilty Jean series, and this is one of my favorite looks of the bunch. The weather was gorgeous for the first time this spring, and I was clearly loving it! This look is girly, flirty, and fun, but definitely has a bit of edge as well. When I found this dress and floral crown, I immediately couldn’t wait to add my Guilty Jean jewelry to complete the look. I love how the skull and bow necklace sits at the perfect length, and the pop of turquoise on the bracelet is a perfect compliment to the pink and black color palette. Spring has finally sprung!

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: Hot Topic (on sale!) / Jacket: Macy’s / Shoes: Betsey Johnson / Pretty Little Evil Necklace: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Turquoise Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Skull and Cross Bracelet: c/o Guilty Jean (on sale!) / Ring: Forever 21 / Floral Crown: Urban Outfitters / Eyes: Make Up Forever – Lid: No 26 Fuchsia – Crease: No 58 Dark Raspberry – Brow: No 303 Diamond Pink / Lip: Mix of MAC Candy Yum-Yum and Lancome Fuchsia Clutch / Nails: Essie Smokin’ Hot

Of course, now that I am back in New York, I am feeling much chillier temps this week. I am eager for that sunny, warm weather I experienced in Maryland this past weekend! Come back to me!

This week has been a bit busy with unpacking, eating Easter leftovers, a girl’s night, and tonight I have photography class. Hope you are all having a good week so far!

XO,

Gina

Introducing Guilty Jean

They’re a little bit girly…a little bit rugged…a little bit dark…a little bit spiritual…and a little bit rock and roll. They are…Guilty Jean! The phenomenal jewelry collaboration by artists Nicole Rivera and Maria Vaspasiano is a personal favorite of mine. Connecticut born and New York City based, these two ladies handcraft each piece of jewelry in their collection. They are extremely talented individuals with a passion for fashion and a love of all things edgy. I was so excited when Nicole and Maria surprised me with these fabulous pieces from their “Sinner & Saint Collection,” and I could not wait to style them. This line has an element of gothic punk mixed with spirituality. It’s flirty, yet edgy at the same time. I love the mix of skulls with religious symbols and bows. If you know designers Nicole and Maria in person, you know this line totally fits their personality. Take a look at some of my favorites from the collection below. I know you will love it just as much as I do!

IMG_7146v2 — Guilty Jean provides detailed write-ups in their packaging about the materials they use to handcraft your jewels.

Stay tuned this week and next for some upcoming posts on how I decided to style this amazing jewelry line. In the meantime, stop by Guilty Jean’s website to browse some of their other pieces. Both the “Sinner & Saint” and “Rockstar Buddha” lines are currently 20% off all designs. And you’ll definitely want to check out their new 2013 Spring/Summer collection called “Love, Gypsy.”

Gentlemen, don’t feel left out! They also have a men’s line which is equally amazing.

Enjoy, and hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday!

XO,

Gina

Lunch Date

Had a nice little day with the hubby over the weekend. Woke up and did some yoga together, relaxed, ate breakfast, and read my book. Then headed out on a little neighborhood stroll on Cortelyou. Had a wonderful lunch at Mimi’s, and then browsed around at a few new shops that have opened up. It seems our little Ditmas Park is growing and growing.

Where’s Waldo? Tee from Urban Outfitters

photo-6 — Semolina pancakes with honey, mint, and strawberries.

My favorite house in Ditmas Park. I like to call it the “Gingerbread House.”

photo-8 — Lots of new shops on Cortelyou. Check out the Brooklyn Artery and support your locals!

photo-7 — New hat from the Brooklyn Artery.

In addition, today, I would like to send some love and prayers down to Maryland in memory of my dear Aunt Sylvia. She passed away last week, and unfortunately, I was unable to make it down for the services. She was a wonderful lady with admirable strength and courage. She had a fantastic sense of humor and could always make you laugh. In addition, I will always remember the quilt she made me for my room growing up. She was very talented. My thoughts and prayers go out to all my family and cousins who are remembering her today. Love you all.

XO,

Gina

Feeling the Holiday Spirit

Red Cable Knit Sweater: Gap – similar here / Oxford Blouse: Express / Bow Tie: ASOS – similar with studs / Black Skinnies: ZARA / Black Suede Pumps: Cynthia Rowley / Watch: Coach / Bracelet: Bridesmaid Gift / Ring: Forever 21 / Pearl Earrings: Birthday Gift / Lip: MAC Venomous Villains Cruella de Vil Heartless

Photos by: Zack Notes

With the celebration of Chanukah last week, and Christmas only 8 days away, I am really starting to feel the holiday spirit! (if you couldn’t already tell by the red sweater and the bow) My holiday shopping is almost complete, and this week will be dedicated to wrapping and packing. I am currently trying to decide which Christmas movie favorite I am going to watch while doing so. Some contenders on the list are Love Actually and Elf, but I am open to suggestions, so fire away! Christmas tunes are blasting at the office, and we have our office luncheon scheduled for this Thursday. What are you doing to celebrate the season?

Happy Monday all!

XO,

Gina

Fashion My Legs

Quick update! Wanted to let you all know that I was recently featured on a blog called Fashion My Legs (FML), which showcases all things tights and hosiery. Their editor, Lisa, loved my “Amaze” post in which my look included a pair of sheer black bow tights from Urban Outfitters. Check out her blog for more inspirational ways to wear cool tights. Thanks for the shout out Lisa!

Happy Friday everyone! XO.

Gina

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!