lifestyle Archives - Page 11 of 24

Flower Child

Flowing Floral Pants: Forever 21 / Top: Target / Jean Jacket: American Eagle – similar / Flower Crown Headband: Urban Outfitters – similar / Shoes: Nine West – similar / Earrings: Baublebar – similar / Medallion: old / Sunglasses: Vintage / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff – also like it in silver / Chevron Rings: Baublebar (sold out, but like these sets as well) / Bracelet: cara New York – similar / Watch: Michael Kors / Lip: MAC Snob

I’m not usually one for a wide leg pant, but I could not resist this vibrant floral pair from Forever 21. If you are looking for a pair of pants as comfortable as pajamas but acceptable to wear outside of the house, then these are definitely the pants for you! I wore these last weekend on a long walk to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and they were both flowy and light. I was clearly excited that spring had arrived as you can see from the multitude of florals in my attire. We had a great time exploring and seeing the new buds coming up showing the first signs of the season. I am definitely planning on going back here again toward the end of the month when things are in full bloom. I took a few more photos of our trip to the botanical gardens, so stay tuned next week!

Happy Friday!

XO,

Gina

Oxfords & Brights

Dress: Forever 21 / Jacket: Vintage / Tights: Target / Oxfords: CA by Carrini via Hautelook (similar here) / Hat: Habit Boutique / Bag: T.J. Maxx / Locket: Vintage / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Beaded Bracelets: Guilty Jean / Leather Buckle-Up Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Nails: Essie Ladylike / Lips: MAC Up the Amp

Don’t let the rain get you down! Although it’s dark and gray outside, your outfit doesn’t have to follow suit. Brighten up this rainy day gloom with some color in your wardrobe. I scored these amazing oxfords on Hautelook for only $16! Yes, you read that right. I paired them with a tribal print dress and some colorful tights to bright up my mood over the weekend as I headed to the sunglass convention to see my friends at Waveborn. We had a lot of fun trying on all their new styles for spring, and Nico enjoyed trying on the Babiators as well. Isn’t he the cutest?

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and wishing you a great week ahead!

XO,

Gina

{22} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading I finally finished seventh and final Harry Potter book! It took me a long time to finish the series, but it was definitely worth it, and I’m so glad I caught up with the rest of the universe. I’m currently reading a few magazines, and next on my book list is The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin. This book has been on my list for a long time, and I’m excited to see what it’s all about.

writing Cards. Birthdays and Babies galore!

listening I know this song has been out for awhile, but I’ve been playing Lorde’s Royals on repeat lately.

thinking Moda Operandi has taken emoticons to a whole new level. Poo on a shoe?!?! I’m shocked. Yet, I kind of think this new loafer line will sell like crazy.

smelling Pasta fagioli. I decided to make it again this year since it continues to be so cold, and we have been eating it all week. If you are interested, here is the recipe I posted from last year.

watching If you haven’t seen Resurrection yet, you must go to abc.com and watch it ASAP! I caught up on the first three episodes this week, and I am totally hooked. It reminds me a bit of The 4400, which is an old favorite of mine, and I cannot wait to see how the season progresses.

wishing My grandmother a Happy 93rd Birthday! She gained another year this past Tuesday, and she is just as spunky as ever. Love you Granny!

hoping My father-in-law has a speedy recovery from his surgery this past week. He recently broke his ankle, leading to his second surgery in a short amount of time. Poor guy. He and my mother-in-law were supposed to come visit this weekend, but we are going to have to postpone until he is feeling a bit better.

wearing Lots of layers…still. I’m ready to rid of some layers. Hopefully soon.

loving My current work and home balance. At times it is tough to be pulled in different directions, and it can feel like you I am not doing well enough at either “job”, but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way right now. I think I have a great balance of adult time v. quality time with Nico. I am able to get dressed for the day, have adult conversations, and feel like I am making a contribution to both my company and financially at home, all while witnessing Nico’s latest achievements, taking him to music class, enjoying playdates, and watching him grow.

laughing At these 25 Absurd Texts from Mom

wanting More sleep! While Nico typically sleeps through the night (lucky us), he’s been waking up in the night recently for unknown reasons. Thinking it could possibly be teething (although I have seen nothing thus far) or just developmental changes. Regardless of the reason, the entire family is a bit lacking in the sleep department this past week.

needing To hang up the family photos that I just got and framed. I can’t believe how tiny Nico was!

feeling A very bad pain in my thumb that has migrated to part of my hand as well. I think I may have something called trigger thumb most likely due to texting. How embarrassing. Basically my thumb gets stuck in a certain position, and the only way to “unstick” it is an extremely painful POP. My joint has also changed dramatically into a painfully hard knot. I thought if I tried resting it, it may get better, but it’s only getting worse and getting in the way of normal daily activities, so I think it’s time I saw a doctor ASAP.

craving A midi skirt. I know I probably have no business wearing a midi skirt at my height, because it will probably just make me appear even shorter, but they are just so darn cute! I love this one and this one and this one…oh and this one too.

clicking Through dessert recipes to find something I can make for a party this weekend. I enjoy this cupcake recipe, but I don’t know if I am ambitious or skilled enough to take this one on, considering my last baked good came out of a box. Please let me know if you have any ~~easy~~ good dessert recipe ideas to pass along!

What have you been up to lately?

This weekend I am planning on seeing my friends at Waveborn (yes that’s me on their website rockin’ their sweet shades!) to preview their new line of sunglasses. I am super excited they will be in town and that they have included me as a guest to their trade show. We also have a possible baby/family playdate for Sunday in the mix.

Also, a quick reminder that there are two days left to shop my Stella & Dot trunk show! Shoppers will be entered to win free jewelry and pieces at 50% off.

Hope you all have a Happy 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.

Spring Statements {Stella & Dot Series #2}

Dress: Forever 21 / Trench: H&M / Leopard Pumps: Liz Claiborne / Sunglasses: ModCloth / Lip: Lancome Fearless / Nails: Essie Mink Muffs / Norah Pendant Necklace, Norah Cuff, Nancy Studs, & Tia Crossbody: All on loan from Stella & Dot

Here is Part 2 of the Stella & Dot spring shoot featuring their new line of jewelry and accessories! How amazing is that Norah Pendant?!?! I love how it sparkles and compliments the blue from my dress. Versatility is a big trend this season, and the Tia Crossbody is a great example. Notice how I am not wearing it as a crossbody? The removable strap turns it instantly into a clutch. It photographed a bit pink here, but the true color is more of a coral. I am also a fan of their Sutton Necklace (not pictured) that you can wear 5 different ways.

Shop the shoot here at my online trunk show that I will be hosting for the next three weeks, and view the rest of this fabulous collection! Shoppers will be entered to win free jewelry and pieces at 50% off.

Hope you East Coasters are enjoying this week’s surprisingly warmer weather! Last night, I played in my first soccer game in over a year with 60 degree weather…and we won…and I didn’t suck too terribly. I couldn’t have asked for a better first night back!

XO,

Gina

Pops of Spring {Stella & Dot Series #1}

Cropped Sweater: Forever 21 / Skater Skirt: Forever 21 (sold out – similar) / Blue Suede Shoes: Sole Society (sold out – also like these) / Sunglasses: Vintage / Lip: MAC Candy Yum Yum / Nails: Essie Mink Muffs / Frida Necklace, Soiree Studs, Tribute Bracelet, Urbane Bracelete, Nikita Stretch Bracelet, & Citrine Perf Double Clutch: All on loan from Stella & Dot

I am so excited to finally share these photos with of my collaboration with Stella & Dot showcasing their spring jewelry and accessories line. I worked with Jessica Sigler to style the shoot, and we definitely had a tough time deciding which pieces to use as there were so many amazing options! I love all the pieces we ended up choosing, but I am especially in love with the colorful Frida necklace and the Citrine Perf Double Clutch. There’s nothing like taking a simple black and white outfit and turning up the volume with so many different pops of color. I am hosting an online trunk show starting today and running for the next three weeks. I guarantee you will find more than one thing you adore in this collection! If you shop the trunk show, you will be entered to win free jewelry and pieces at 50% off. Happy shopping!

I am hoping this little bit of nice weather will stick around for the long haul!

Hope you all have a great week!

XO,

Gina

Stella & Dot {Sneak Peek} And Trunk Show

I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with Stella & Dot to showcase their new spring line of jewelry and accessories! With the freezing cold temperatures these past couple months, I am so eager for spring and especially for an updated wardrobe. Stylist, Jessica Sigler, and I took advantage of the one warm day we had these past few weeks to take a walk around the neighborhood and capture these looks. Here is a sneak peek from the shoot!

Their new spring line is amazing, with one-of-a-kind statement pieces, pops of color, versatility, and twists on modern classics. There were so many beautiful options, that I really had trouble narrowing down the pieces I wanted to feature. Aside from their stunning jewelry, they have recently added bags, wallets, scarves, and tech accessories to their collection.

I am also super excited to announce that I will be hosting an online trunk show starting Monday March 10. Readers who shop through my trunk show will be entered to win free jewelry and pieces at 50% off!

Looking forward to sharing the rest of the photos from our shoot next week, so stay tuned!

Happy Weekend!

XO,

Gina

{21} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading The seventh and final Harry Potter book! I know it has taken me awhile to get through them all, but they are totally magical and worth it!

writing Tons and tons of e-mails for work including invites to our events and follow up from past events.

listening Patsy Cline. Nico’s new favorite lullabies. I know my Grandpa is with us when I sing to him at bedtime.

thinking That last week was insane. Zack went to San Francisco on Tuesday. I had three days of back to back meetings with a client in town, and then Nico and I flew out to meet Zack in San Fran on Friday. That’s right…I flew across the country with a baby…solo…into a three hour time change…this section should be titled not thinking. However, I am proud to say, we made it, and it was all worth it!

smelling Swiss Apple tea. Apparently it’s good for skin support. But I just love the way tastes and how it keeps me warm on these freezing cold nights.

watching Finally saw The DaVinci Code. The book was definitely better, but Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors, so I’m glad I finally saw it.

wishing That I had invested in snow boots this winter. Who knew we would be getting pounded with this much snow? I would have gotten this pair.

hoping That my husband has a Happy 33rd Birthday today! We love you.

wearing Coats, coats, and more coats. Thankfully, I have invested in some outerwear the past few years. Definitely came in handy this winter.

loving Nico’s curiosity! He’s fascinated with the alphabet, and always stops whatever he is doing when we start spelling something to give us his complete attention. He’s also obsessed with his daddy’s guitar playing, and it’s a sure bet to stop him from fussing. It’s so awesome to see him start to notice the world around him.

laughing I’m constantly laughing with Nico every day. The sound of his laugh makes me so happy that I laugh right along with him.

wanting Spring to arrive. Sooner rather than later please!

needing To pay the bills and do laundry tonight. Meh.

feeling Happy. Although the past few months have had their ups and downs, I feel happy knowing that I have such a warm and loving family to be with each day or talk to on the phone or online each night. My family is my happy place.

craving Warmer weather! I can’t say it enough!

clicking Through VRBO to check out places in New Hampshire for a weekend summer getaway with friends. Can’t wait!

What have you been up to lately?

I’m including an extra special picture in honor of the hubby’s birthday today. Doesn’t this just pull at the heart strings? Thanks to you, Zack, for being the best Papa in the world! Hope you have an amazing day. XOXO.

Have a happy one ya’ll!

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.

Winter Walk

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Coat: Old Navy / Blouse: ZARA / Jeans: Paige Denim / Boots: ALDO – similar here / Hat: Brooklyn ARTery / Scarf: Urban Outfitters – similar here / Necklace: Francesca’s (Christmas gift) – similar / Sunglasses: Vintage / Gloves: gift / Lip: MAC Red

First of all, we must talk about this COAT. I scored this amazingness for only $30 at Old Navy! As in 3-0! I don’t think I have ever gotten a nice coat for that cheap. I certainly didn’t need a new coat, but at that price, how could I resist?!?! I love the colors and also that the collar is detachable. Considering the constant snow we are getting this winter though, all my my coats are getting a ton of use this year. These photos were taken last weekend in Red Hook when it was a bit warmer out and the snow was starting to melt. However, of course we got pounded with more snow after that beautiful, nice day.

It’s been a bit of a rough week, as you can imagine, but I want to thank you all for the love and support you have shown my family. I truly appreciate it.

I am happy to be spending the day at home with my son today, and we are looking forward to the weekend (although not looking forward to more snow).

Happy Friday everyone!

XO,

Gina

I Hope You Had the Time of Your Life

I typically keep this space light and fun. However, those you have been reading my blog for awhile now know that I also don’t want to plaster on a fake smile when I’m hurting. Unfortunately, life is not just about the happy moments. We have ups and downs and ebbs and flows.

This happens to be one of those difficult weeks. It’s with great sadness that I lost my uncle, my mother’s brother, to a long, nasty battle with cancer. He had a rare type of esophageal cancer, and while he fought like hell, there was nothing more the best doctors in the world from Johns Hopkins could do for him. My only solace is knowing that he went peacefully and he is no longer in any pain or suffering. While my uncle was a bit wild on the exterior, he had a heart of gold and a kind soul. He was musical, artistic, funny, bright, and he loved his family more than ever. I will miss him like crazy, but I know he is still with here with us in some way.

I know this song is cliche, but it’s appropriate, and it reminds me of my uncle playing guitar, so I thought I would share it here today. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMJ0LOWlUbo]

XO,

Gina

Trending in Tartan

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Tartan Jacket: Gifted – Also like this one / Shirt: Urban Outfitters / Pants: Forever 21 – similar (a steal!) / Sneakers: ALDO – similar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Sunglasses: Street Vendor NYC / Hat: Gifted / Lip: MAC Red

I received this tartan jacket two Christmases ago, before tartan became popular this year. I’ve got to hand it to my aunt for being ahead of the curve on that one. 😉 I wore this a lot in December, but was too busy to capture it on camera, so I decided to break it out again this weekend since we had some warmer weather. And by warmer, I mean above freezing. Thank God. It’s been insanely cold here, with more snow than I could possibly want. Including a snowfall as I type. While I am enjoying a lot of new outerwear this season, I have to say, I am counting down until spring.

Hope you all enjoyed the Superbowl blowout this year. Hopefully you had some great parties to keep you entertained, since the game was anything but exciting! Congrats to the Seahawks.

Looking forward to a semi-chill week ahead.

XO,

Gina