outfit Archives - Page 7 of 10 - Popcorn and Pandas

Dinner Party

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!

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

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

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.

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.

I am ticking off a bucket list item tonight, that I cannot wait to share with you next week!

Happy Friday Everyone!

XO,

Gina

{6} Lately…

Lately I’ve been…

reading Still reading Book 5 in the Harry Potter series…I can’t seem to stop falling asleep on the subway lately, which is cutting into my reading time.

writing Been taking lots of notes in my photography class. Weird to be using a notebook and a pen again.

listening Of course the Maryland girl has to listen to a little country every now and then. This song is a bit of a morbid love ballad by The Band Perry, and I can’t get enough of it. Check out “Better Dig Two.”

thinking About my spiritual self. It seems this is the time of year that I tend to look inside my soul. Today is Ash Wednesday (if you didn’t already notice from the photo above), which is the start of the Lenten season. It makes me think about what I can do to be a better person, and what I can do to help others.

smelling Citrus tea that my boss has been brewing daily in the office.

watching Still on my “Race to the Oscars,” and I have seen all but two films now that have been nominated for Best Picture! I have to say, there has not been one that I have disliked so far. Last night was Lincoln to celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday. It was a fantastic film, and I have a feeling it just might take gold at the Oscar’s.

wishing My butt buddie, Erin, a speedy recovery as she is undergoing Lasik eye surgery today. Love you Munchkin!

hoping For warmer weather on the horizon. I’m pretty much done with cold and snow. Unfortunately, I do not think I am going to get my wish just yet…

wearing My “Hi” “Bye” heart sweater with leggings and combat boots.

loving The genius behind Oreo during the Super Bowl a couple weeks ago. Did anyone see that Twitter ad during the blackout? Pure genius.

laughing At my husband and neighbors this past weekend as they attempted to invent a live version of “Frogger” with this Makey Makey invention kit. Just picture a grown man with 4 children jumping up and down around the room Dance Dance Revolution style while listening to techno music.

wanting The doctors to come to a diagnosis for my Uncle, so he can start getting the treatment he probably needs. He has been at Hopkins for awhile now undergoing tons of tests. Love you Uncle Johnny.

needing Rest. It’s been a busy couple of weeks. While I love keeping myself busy most of the time, I am looking forward to a little downtime at some point.

feeling Optimistic. I will leave it at that.

craving This shade of MAC lipstick – Rebel – Did you know MAC recycles? If you return 6 empty MAC products, you can get a free lipstick! I think I just may…yay!

clicking I have been click click clicking away on my camera since I started my photography class a couple weeks ago. So far, I have already learned a lot, and I am looking forward to learning even more.

What have you been up to lately?

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.

Promenade Brooklyn Heights {Flair Accessories Series #4}

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

Ombre Necklace {Flair Accessories Series #3}

Here is the third outfit post in my Flair Accessories Series. I had so much fun styling these pieces, and this one in particular certainly makes a bold statement. I love this mix of colors for winter. While many outfits during this season can feel rather dull, the pops of blue, green, and yellow made me feel vibrant and energetic despite the chilly temps. How would you style this piece of “Flair” this winter?

Photos by: Zack Notes

Coat: Express / Top: ASOS / Blazer: Piperlime / Pants: ZARA / Boots: Kohl’s / Ombre Necklace: Flair Accessories / Watch: Michael Kors / Lip: Lancome All Done Up

I spent most of the weekend hibernating in my Brooklyn abode due to snowy conditions. I did take a walk on Saturday and tested out some new things I learned in my photography class around the neighborhood. Other than that, I mostly relaxed, caught up on blogs and e-mails from last week, & watched a few movies. Last night, I had a dinner date with the hubby at a place called The Costello Plan in our hood. It’s a really romantic, quiet little spot, and I think I had the best gnocchi I have ever tasted there. We ended the night watching a bit of the Grammy’s. Shout out to Mumford & Sons for winning best album for their second album, “Babel.” I heart them. I’m sure you’ve heard this song, but here is a little something to get you going this Monday morning.

“I Will Wait” – Mumford & Sons

XO,

Gina

Animal Instincts {Flair Accessories Series #2}

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

Accessorize Me {Flair Accessories Series #1}

Here is the first outfit post for my Flair Accessories series. I started off with a simple business casual look — colored button down, black denim skinny jeans, black pumps. Simple right? What brings this look to the next level is the accessories. A little leopard print belt and gloves take this look up a notch as well as the vintage sunglasses. And lastly, the fabulous flair that was added to complete the look. Take note of the purple pop to my ears and the chain bling around my neck. I also added this fun cage style ring. Without the accessories, the look would honestly be quite boring in my opinion. Accessorizing is a key element to my getting ready process and can turn a look from “nice” to “amaze” in a matter of seconds. Definitely check out Carly’s amazing store online. I guarantee you will find a piece of flair you adore!

Photos by: Zack Notes

Coat: ASOS / Button Down: StyleMint / Pants: ZARA / Belt: J. Crew – similar / Shoes: Cynthia Rowley / Sunglasses: Vintage / Gloves: Dorothy Perkins / Necklace, Earrings, Ring: Flair Accessories / Lip: Lancome Red Haute

It’s a busy week here with work conferences, clients in town, movie nights, meetings, photography class, photography homework, etc. Hopefully I can find some time to fit some sleep in there. Right now I’m just whirling on through.

I saw Argo over the weekend and Beasts of the Southern Wild last night, which are two more Oscar nominated films to check off my list. Both were absolutely amazing. Beasts was especially impressive coming from a first time director, and that little girl was such an amazing actress. I would recommend both films though!

In other news, how was everyone’s Super Bowl? I really didn’t have a team to rally behind (since my beloved Redskins did not make it), but being from Maryland, I must say I have a lot of happy friends this week!

Hope everyone has a Happy Hump Day!

XO,

Gina

Flair Accessories

Hi there! I am really excited for this series of posts I have planned featuring statement pieces from the amazing jewelry company, Flair Accessories! Owner, Carly Botti, started this venture to spice up her otherwise simple wardrobe. Her typical clothing choices revolve around neutrals and mostly black, so accessories are her way of taking her look to the next level. Let me tell you, her pieces are anything but simple!

Carly loaned me a wonderful selection of jewels that I had my eye on, and I have styled them to give a little pop to my wardrobe as well. Here is a sneak peek of the shoot I partook in this past weekend. I have four different looks enhanced with Flair Accessories that I am psyched to share. Stay tuned this week and next for some inspiring ways to rock some Flair!

Photos by: Zack Notes

Girl’s Weekend

Oh how I love my girls!!! A couple weeks ago, some of my besties from Maryland came to visit for a fun Brooklyn weekend. The hubby went out of town, so this was actually the first time I had a real girl’s weekend at our place. It was honestly such a blast. I love spending time with my favorites. There is never any drama. Never any bullshit. Just plain old fun. It was really great to have a bunch of girls around to borrow clothes from and talk about make up and hair and just get dressed up. After living with my man for so long now, I sometimes start to miss those girly things that come with having females for roommates! It was also great to just have them there to snuggle and have deep conversations about life face-to-face rather than on the phone or through e-mail. I had such a great time, that I already want to start planning our next girly adventure together.

This little photo session was captured by my amazing cousin, Marisa of Misa*Me Photography. Unfortunately, she never made it to the other side of the lens, but the fact that these photos were taken are proof enough that she was there with us as well! This documents our little Saturday at DiFara Pizza and walking around my neighborhood. What you don’t see is the 90’s dance party that we got into later that night, but I have to leave something to the imagination, right?

Playing some cards while we wait for our pizza…worth the wait!

Most amazing pizza EVER

Teri’s hood rocks my world…

Black Coat Mafia…

All photos by: Misa*Me Photography

Coat: ASOS / Bag: TJMaxx / Sunglasses: Vintage / Gloves: H&M / Scarf: Christmas gift / Lip: Lancome Groupie

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all have a great weekend!

XO,

Gina

Currently Trending: Chunky Knit Sweaters

In this freezing cold weather, it’s time to bundle up. Keep warm with one of these adorable chunky knit sweaters this winter. Which one is your fav?

1. Heart Sweater : River Island

2. Mustard Sweater: Romwe

3. Gray Cape: Rachel Comey via La Garconne

4. Peter Pan Collar Mint: New Look

5. Navy Love Sweater: Dorothy Perkins

6. Snowflake Sweater: House of Fraser

7. Anchor Sweater: Wallis

8. Kitty Cat Sweater: Wallis

9. Green Cable Sweater: Romwe

_________________________________________________________________________________

Home sick for the third day in a row. Starting to get a little stir crazy up in here. Hoping to get out of the house tomorrow since we are supposed to see our next Oscar Nominated film set. I have to make a choice between Life of Pi and Zero Dark Thirty. Any thoughts?

Have a great day all.

XO,

Gina