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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

Kiss Me I’m Irish!

Hope everyone had a HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!! Being half Irish, this holiday always means a bit more to me than the typical American “let’s get wasted” mentality. I make sure to call my off-the-boat Irish Granny to wish her a great day as well as my mother, sister, aunt, and uncle. I dream of my roots, and wish to someday actually visit Ireland. Of course, I also usually take part in the fun festivities as well, but obviously this year was a bit low key! This weekend, I ended up going to church instead of the bar, hung out with my guy and some friends, went shopping for new clothes (that fit–yay!), and of course, still sported some green in my attire. It was a nice switch up to St. Paddy’s Day this year.

In addition, my photography class assignment this week was to do self-portraits. Ahhh!!! Scary! Definitely out of my comfort zone, but it was good for me to actually take my tripod out of the box and learn how to set it up. I decided why not use this as an opportunity to learn how to take my own blog outfit photos if I get in a crunch or the hubby is unavailable. I was limited in my ability in the sense that I could only do the landscape set up (as opposed to the long-ways portrait set up) with the tripod. It was also difficult to focus the lens without having anything to focus on, so I had my hubby stand in for me while I focused, and then I mind-marked the position he was standing so I knew where to go. Trust there was a lot of trial and error, blurry shots, etc. But I eventually ended up with a few shots that I was satisfied with. Of course, you are your own biggest critic. To be the subject AND the photographer at the same time was something very new and different for me. However, I am glad I was presented with this challenge as it ended up making me more confident in my abilities.

Top: ZARA / Skinny Jeans: Motherhood Maternity / Boots: Steve Madden / Watch: Michael Kors / Claddagh Ring (Irish Ring): gift – similar / Madonna Necklace: gift / Shamrock: Wedding Gift – here / Pearls: gift – similar / Lip: Lancome Luxe

Let me tell you…I think ALL jeans should be made like prego jeans…they are ridiculously comfortable!!! Haha.

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

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

#14 Take a Photography Class

This was me on my birthday this past summer. So excited for my brand new camera. Cameras have always excited me. Ever since I was a child, I loved taking photos. I remember I got my first camera in Disney World when I was 7. I went around that park taking photos of everything I could. Back then there was no such thing as digital. So we took our photos to CVS or Ritz Camera to get them developed, and it was always exciting to remember what pictures I had taken or which ones turned out properly. My passion continued through middle school and high school. I would bring my camera to field trips, recess, prom, and other school dances. I brought my camera to college documenting football games and sorority functions. I loved having a physical memory to hold on to. I had albums for days. And I still have them. Memories locked up inside books that I could flip through at my leisure. People always ask me how I am able to remember everything so well. Well, I think it’s because of my photos. I can remember where we were or what we were doing or even what we were wearing, because I can see the photo in my mind. Eventually photos became digital, and I started taking so many photos that I could not keep up with my albums. They were starting to takeover my room, and I had no more storage for them. Luckily, Facebook was invented, and I have since been storing all my memories on the computer. As much as I have always loved taking pictures, I never had a good camera until this summer. I would try to take artsy shots with my point-and-shoot, but they never really turn out how you want them. When I decided that I really wanted to start blogging more often, I realized it was finally time to get a nice camera. The only problem with that is…I don’t really know how to use it. All this money for a beautiful new camera and lens, and not a clue of how to get the most out of it. Which is why I decided to sign up for a photography class at the School of Visual Arts. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time (bucket list/great adventure item #14!), and I am very excited to embark on this journey. It might be tough, and I may get frustrated, but I cannot wait to learn and become completely enthralled with this craft. Today is my first class, and I am not quite sure what to expect, but I know I am definitely looking forward to it. I am hoping to be able to share with you some of what I learn on this blog, and most importantly, I am hoping my new skills will show in the photography I continue to post.

Happy Wednesday Everyone! 🙂

Gina

Turquoise Tights

These shots were taken last weekend before heading out to our little karaoke night. So much fun by the way! Mr. Biggs seriously has the BEST karaoke in the city in terms of talent. Although your average Joe (ahem me) might be a little uncomfortable getting up there to sing after someone belts out “Diamonds” almost as good as Rihanna. Seriously, I’m not lying. This place has some amazing talent, and considering there is no cover charge, it’s like getting a free Broadway quality performance every time I go. Fortunately, my girl Melissa and I don’t care if we aren’t as good as the rest. We just say, “Even though we may not have quite the singing talent they do, we can sure put on a hell of a show!”

Photos by: Zack Notes

Dress: Mystique Boutique (old) / Tights: Target / Jacket: Wilson’s Leather – similar on sale! / Booties: Go Jane – similar here (Donald J Pliner), here (Sam Edelman) and here (Target) / Clutch: NY & Co – similar / Panda Ring: nOir Jewelry / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Bracelets: Oja Jules and gift from cousin / Lip: Lancome Fuchsia Clutch / Nails: Essie Marshmallow

It’s FRIDAY!!! And guess what that means? GIRLS WEEKEND IN BROOKLYN! The hubby is heading out of town after work today to hang with his college rugby buddies in DC, and my girls from Maryland are coming up for a Brooklyn weekend! Yayy! This will be the first true girl’s weekend since moving into our Brooklyn apartment (which has now been over a year). So excited to get some quality girl time with good friends.

What are you up to this weekend?

XO,

Gina

Winter Wedding Wonderland

You saw the “Milk & Cookie” themed bridal shower. You saw the Atlantic City Bachelorette. And now it’s time for the main event. Milk and Cookie finally get married!!! Let me set the scene. We awoke on a crisp Saturday morning before the sun came up, and shortly after got a light dusting of snow. The bridal suite overlooked Camden Yards in Baltimore, which was a gorgeous view. We got ready, took tons of photos, and headed off to the church in Elkridge, Maryland. After the wonderful ceremony complete with the Arch of Swords military send off, we headed back to Baltimore to a lovely little venue called the Belvedere. The ballroom was stunning and so was the bride. The dance floor was packed and the photo booth was hysterical. The bridesmaids even had a little special dance prepared for the guests to enjoy. I was honored to be a bridesmaid in my cousin’s wedding, and this was definitely one for the books! I had such a great time with all my family, and it was the perfect end to 2012. Congratulations Alex & Seamus! XOXO.

Sir Mix A Lot

Here is the full outfit from my lunch date you saw on the blog yesterday. This post is all about mixing. I have mixed pretty much everything you can imagine here–colors, prints, metals, hard spikes with soft bows–yet somehow it all seems to come together and work. Although mixing can seem a little bit intimidating, it is a great way to get the most out of your wardrobe. The more combinations, the more outfits to rock. For some ideas on how to mix prints, check out this “How To” from Refinery 29.

Photos by: Zack Notes

Sweater: GAP / Tank: J. Crew / Pants: H&M / Bag: ALDO – similar / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack / Coat: Tulle via Nordstrom – similar / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: BaubleBar and ASOS / Necklace: Family Heirloom / Lip: MAC Venomous Villains Cruella de Vil Heartless / Nails: Essie Marshmallow

Your Favorite Holiday Things

Thanks to all of those who sent in your favorite holidays things! I loved getting them! We all have our own traditions and things that make the holidays special for us, and I appreciate the little peek into how you celebrate the season.

From Justin – @justin_goldberg

Favorite Holiday Treat:

Amazeballs – cooked by his wife, Jessica of The Quest to Be Cookie Queen

From Angela – @acguaragna29

Favorite 2012 Holiday Present:

Finley

Favorite Movie:

Love Actually

Favorite Christmas Album:

The Carpenters

Favorite Cooks:

Grandma & Aunt Marie for Christmas Eve Seven Fishes Italian Dinner

From Zigi – @zigisitch of ZiGiSituations

Favorite Place to Shop:

Macy’s Windows + Bryant Park w/ the fam

From Olivia – @PressTerp

Favorite Holiday Tradition:

Decorating my trees…big and small!

Thanks again to all those who participated and sent in your holiday favorites!

Today I am headed to my aunt and uncle’s house to celebrate Christmas Eve Italian style – the Seven Fishes dinner. Clams, rockfish, codfish, shrimp, escargot, and whatever else today’s dinner will bring. It’s one of my favorite days of the year where all of my crazy family gets together to celebrate, eat good food, drink yummy cocktails, sing songs, share gifts, and eat Grandma’s delicious homemade cookies.

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! Hope you have a fantastic day!

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