Feeling the Holiday Spirit

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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

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Hi

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HI!!!  While browsing for sparkly sequined outfits to wear for my AC trip a couple weeks back, I also came across this adorable sweater.  I love the color palette, the comfiness, and the “Hi” lettering that speaks volumes to my personality.  I am the type of person who will pretty much talk to anybody, even strangers on the street.  While of course every now and then I like to  have my “me” time, I usually love being around others, the overall energy of people, meeting new friends, and hearing their stories.  My family and friends know that if we go somewhere, I will most likely run into somebody, and they will have to drag me along to keep me from talking to them all day.

Speaking of meeting new people, I went on my first “blogger date” this past Saturday.  I would like to introduce you all to Alex of She Is Red.  We have been “blogger friends” for a couple months now, and it was fantastic to finally meet her in person.  She is an Oregon native who recently moved to New York City from just outside Copenhagen.  She has a wonderful blog featuring fashion, food, and sparkly things.  You definitely need to check it out!

We met at The Farm on Adderley (one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood) for a delicious brunch, and then did a little photo op in Ditmas Park.  Five minutes into our photo op, we were just getting warmed up to photographing in front of someone other than our close relatives when we were screamed at by a psycho lady!  This woman came storming out of her house yelling at us to stop taking photos of her house, because there was no sex offender living there and this story and these lies had ruined her life for the past 10 years.  Umm…WHAT?!?!  First of all, we are fashion bloggers taking photos of our outfits.  Second of all, your house was not even in our shot.  Third of all, we had no idea about this “sex offender” story and had no plans to broadcast it (until now of course).  And lastly…you are PSYCHO!  It was a little bit of a shake up for our first photo op together, but we nervously shuttled off to another street with normal, sane neighbors to finish our shoot.  I suppose as weird as this incident was, it does make for a great crazy story!

Alex and I had a wonderful day, and I didn’t even notice how quickly the time had passed.  I am happy to now call her a real friend instead of just a blogger friend.  We realized we have a mutual love of karaoke, so I’m thinking that will be our next adventure!

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Photos of me taken by Alex.  Photos of Alex taken by me.  Photos of us taken by a nice neighbor 🙂

Please excuse our messy manes…it was rainy and humid!

On me: HI Sweater: Forever 21 / Floral Print Dress: H&M (old)  / Boots: ALDO -similar on sale here / Tights: Urban Outfitters / Bag: TJMaxx / Butterfly Ring: nOir / Bracelets: Wanderlust + Co. and BaubleBar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Earrings: ALDO / Lip: MAC Snob

On Alex: Pendleton Coat: Vintage / Faux-fur Scarf: Vintage / Skirt: Forever 21 (sold out, but other pleated skirts I love here and here and also here) / Watch: Caravelle by Bulova / Necklace: Forever 21 / Bag: Forever 21 / Shirt: H&M / Boots: Acne

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And how cute is the back of the sweater too!?!? I just love it.  BYE! (for now!)

Enjoy the phenomenon of 12/12/12 today!

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

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Mom’s Turn for a Birthday Shoutout

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My Mom and Dad are literally two days apart in age.  They usually end up celebrating their birthday’s together (much like my sister and I did growing up), but I figured I would give them each their own individual shout out on the blog for their special days this year.  So Mom…now it’s your turn…

She’s the one who tucked us into bed at night.  She’s the one who said goodnight at the bottom of the stairs.  She’s the one who made up songs with our names in them.  She’s the one who performed these songs while giving us a bath.  She’s the one who always tickled our backs.  She’s the one who made us dinner every night.  She’s the one who also made us eat it whether we wanted to or not.  She’s the one who drove us to soccer and basketball practice.  She’s the one that was cheering or coaching at every single game.  She’s the one who watched TGIF with us on Fridays.  She’s the one who thought of cool birthday party ideas.  She’s the one who took us shopping.  She’s the one who helped us with our homework.  She’s the one who helped us study until we were falling asleep with our books in our laps.  She’s the one who took me to her lab and showed me what scientists do at work.  She’s the one who helped me apply to thirteen…yes thirteen different colleges.  She’s the one who went with me to visit a lot of those colleges. (Loyola New Orleans was particularly fun.)  She’s the one who understood the true meaning of being a Terp since she’d experienced it herself.  She’s the one who taught me how to balance my checkbook.  She’s the one who still pretends we are five years old when we are coming down the stairs on Christmas morning.  She’s the one who cooks Christmas dinner every year.  She’s the one who has her own special Redskins touchdown dance.  She’s the one who makes sure there is always food in the fridge when I come home to visit.  She’s the one who comes to visit me in New York City.  She’s the one who is afraid of the subway.  She’s the one who shares my love of singing.  She’s the one who plans our OBX vacations.  She’s the one who sacrificed so much for us throughout the years.  She’s the one who taught me how to be a woman, a daughter, a friend, and hopefully one day a mother myself.  She’s the one who has no idea how much she means to all of us.

She is my Mom.

Love you so much Mernie!  Hope you have a fantastic Birthday! XO.

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At my 8th grade graduation. Look how stunning she is!
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My bridal shower with my main girl
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Photo courtesy of Joe Brier from The Happy Couple Photography.
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The fam
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Me and my gorgeous Mama

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AC

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Atlantic City!  What a weekend.  First off, congratulations to the bachelorette, my cousin Alex.  I think we showed her a pretty good celebration, evident by the fact that she wore her tiara the entire time, and even on the way out of the casino.  She clearly did not want the weekend to end.  It was wonderful to get some quality girl time complete with constant squealing, dirty shirley’s, sequins, stilettos, and dancing.  I am not a huge gambler, but I did get into a game of black jack, the Sex and the City slots, and a little roulette as well.  This weekend was definitely one for the books, and I am now super excited for her wedding at the end of the month!

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View from our hotel room at the Revel. You can see a bit of destruction left over from Hurricane Sandy. Boardwalk and casinos were pretty much in tact though.

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My cousins Marisa and Alex. Matron of Honor & Bride.

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The crew
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Bride with one of her bridesmaids
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My sister and I. On me: Forever 21 dress, Betsey Johnson watch, Lancome Fuchsia Clutch lip, bracelet (gift from cousin), ALDO earrings

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Well, I am looking forward to a little relaxation tonight after a crazy fun-filled weekend.  Planning on maybe a little work out, dinner with the hubs, and catching the Redskins v. Giants game on TV.  HAIL!

Happy Manic Monday everyone!

XO,

Gina



Comfy Cape

Knitted Sweater Cape Poncho:  Ann Taylor LOFT (last season) – also love this tribal poncho from Piperlime / Long Sleeved Tee: J. Crew / Mint Skinny Jeans: ZARA / Boots: Steve Madden / Leg Warmers: K Mart / Necklace: H&M / Bow Earrings: ALDO / Watch: NY Street Vendor / Lip: Lancome Luxe

Happy Hump Day!  This week has been all about catching up from the holidays.  Between work, e-mails, laundry, unpacking, cleaning, grocery shopping, ordering our Christmas cards, and trying to get back into the gym, I have been a busy bee.  The rest of the week is filled with more chores and errands (and hopefully getting that Christmas tree!)  I’m counting down until this weekend where I will be celebrating my cousin Alex’s (remember her? also here) bachelorette!  We will all be headed off on an exciting girl’s weekend to Atlantic City!  Luckily, I was able to find a few festive outfits this past Monday to sport for the occasion.  Decisions decisions.

XO,

Gina

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Meet Finley

Meet Finley…my new nephew pup!  My sister and her boyfriend went to Deep Creek Lake for the weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family, so Mom, Dad, Zack, and I got to meet and spend lots of quality time with this little guy over the weekend.  Isn’t he precious?  Besides, being ridiculously handsome, I found that Finley was actually quite smart!  At only 9 weeks, he was sitting, shaking paw and other paw.  By the end of the weekend, Zack had taught him to play fetch, and I had taught him to go up and down the stairs.  I was very impressed.  I am missing this little snuggle bug already.

Long Sleeved Tee: J. Crew / Knit Sweater: ZARA / Jeans: Seven for All Mankind / Boots: Kohls / Necklace: H&M / Watch: Coach / Skull Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules / Ring & Earrings: Passed down from Grandmother / Lip: Lancome All Done Up

Photos by: Zack Notes

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend with our friends and family in Maryland complete with a potluck dinner with friends, two family Thanksgivings, a lunch date with a friend, a trip to DC to celebrate my cousin’s 21st birthday, a jam session with the Notes fam, and of course playing endlessly with little Finley.

We returned to Brooklyn last night and ate the famous DiFara Pizza for dinner which definitely hit the spot.  Not that we really needed pizza after all the feasting, but we didn’t have any food in the fridge, so it is what it is.  We also tried to honor our tradition of picking up the Christmas tree when we got back to NY, but unfortunately, our local spots did not have any trees yet.  I’m hoping the trees will arrive by at least mid week so I can get started on my decorating!

Hope you all have a fantastic week!

XO,

Gina

Military Boho

Dress: Free People – last season, but view current dresses here / Jacket: Macy’s – old – I also like this one / Shoes: Aldo – similar here / Bag: TJMaxx / Sunglasses: Calvin Klein / Ring: Forever 21 / Tiger Cuff: BaubleBar / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Skull Chain Bracelet: OiaJules / Necklace: H&M / Earrings: Aldo / Lip: Kat Von D Homegirl

Photos by: Zack Notes

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We spent the holiday with my cousins, and I must say I am still stuffed!  Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce (my fav), green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, chocolate pie, pumpkin pie (yes, I had two desserts) – what’s not to love?  After a night of gluttony, I am looking forward to getting a little exercise today.  I think a few trips around the neighborhood is definitely in order.

Anyone going out to fight the crowds for the Black Friday sales?  I must admit that rather than try to brave the madness at the Annapolis mall, I am going to be in the comfort of my parent’s living room with my computer in my lap doing all my Black Friday shopping.  Why stress out in long lines when I can just click my finger and poof! – a package arrives at my doorstep next week?  The decision is all too easy.

These photos were taken last weekend in the East Village before a big birthday brunch at the Sunburnt Cow for my favorite Aussie mate.  After a delicious meal and unlimited mimosas and bloody mary’s, we headed off on a little bar crawl to continue the celebration.  This Free People dress is probably the most comfortable dress that I own, and I decided to pair this soft boho look with a more tailored military jacket and combat boots.  Flat shoes were a must with all the walking we would be doing.  I think the birthday girl would agree that this day was a “great success!”

Happy Weekend everyone.

XO,

Gina

A Sunday Stroll

Took these photos on a leisurely Sunday stroll this past weekend.  These new floral print leggings from StyleMint are my new favorite go-to choice for weekend wear.  They are super comfy and lounge-worthy for a day around the house, yet the fun print allows me get up and walk around town without feeling like a total bum.  They are currently on sale, so get ’em while they last!

Jacket: American Eagle / Top: Urban Outfitters (old) / Floral Leggings: StyleMint (on sale now!) / Bag: TJMaxx / Sunglasses: Ann Taylor LOFT / Combat Boots: Aldo / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Skull Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules / Ring: Forever 21 / Black Beaded Bracelets: Forever 21 / Necklace: H&M / Earrings: Aldo / Lip: MAC Venomous Villains Cruella de Vil Heartless w/ Wicked Ways Gloss

Photos by: Zack Notes

Today marks the end of the short work week here in the city.  After wrapping up at the end of the day, I will head home to Brooklyn to pack up my bags and get on the road.  Zack and I will be traveling down to Maryland to celebrate Thanksgiving with the fam!  It’s nice that both of our families are relatively in the same area, so we are able to see everyone for the holiday weekend.  I’m looking forward to our annual friends potluck dinner tomorrow night and spending time with loved ones throughout the next few days.  What are your plans for the holiday?  Traveling?  Staying bundled where you are? Would love to hear.  Stay safe everyone, and enjoy your time off if you have it!

XO,

Gina

Cheetah is My Favorite Color

This is probably one of my favorite posts, because of this amazing cheetah jacket I found on sale last winter for only $30!  Can you believe that?  This faux baby is insanely soft, comfortable and perfect for a night out on the town.  I had a big group of friends up visiting last weekend from Maryland, and I wore this out to our group dinner at Supper in the East Village.  The family style Italian was to die for, and we had our own private room where it was completely appropriate to start our own dance party.  We ended the night at Sing Sing with a little karaoke; always a crowd favorite with my group of friends.  Oh what a night!

Cheetah Coat: Ann Taylor LOFT (on sale last winter) / Peplum Top: StyleMint / Skinny Jeans: Zara / Sunglasses: Ann Taylor LOFT / Turquoise Bubble Necklace: Cheerfully Charmed / Butterfly Ring: nOir / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bow Bracelet: BaubleBar / Polka Dot Bracelet: BaubleBar – sold out but yellow for sale / Buckle Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Shoes: Aldo (old) / Earrings: Aldo / Bag: TJMaxx / Lip: MAC Venomous Villians Cruella de Vil Heartless w/ Wicked Ways Gloss

Photos by: Zack Notes