Retro Rainbow

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ModCloth had a sale recently, and I couldn’t help but snag a few retro-style items from their online store.  This rainbow frock totally brightens my day, and I’m in love with these new cat-eye sunnies.  I’m also excited that I was able to score another non-maternity dress to rock while prego.  That way, I can also wear it post-bump!  Little Man is getting bigger and bigger.  And Mom is too.  These photos were taken at 26 weeks, and today I hit week 27.  3rd trimester here we go!

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Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Dress: ModCloth / Cat-Eye Sunnies: ModCloth / Shoes: Nordstrom Rack / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Henri Bendel – similar  / Earrings: ? (old) / Lip: MAC Candy Yum-Yum / Nails: The Balm Hella Yella (from LOFT)

After a beautiful weekend of sunshine, we have been getting some crazy storms up here!  I have to say, I’m glad it wasn’t the opposite.  We spent the weekend getting some errands done, picking up supplies for a small DIY house project, hanging out with friends for a birthday party and a cookout, playing some corn hole, and an impromptu trip to Brighton Beach/Coney Island.

Please send some love and prayers this way as my Uncle is currently having surgery today.  He’s been through a lot these past few months, and this surgery is extremely crucial to his health and well-being.  So any positive thoughts you can spare would be much appreciated!

Hope you all are having a good week so far!

XO,

Gina

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Ride the Wave {Waveborn Part II}

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Remember my friends from Waveborn?  Well, they were also kind enough to send over a fresh pair of Baysides for my husband to rock this summer, so I forcefully…err kindly…asked him to show them off in this blog post since he was wearing them all over Arizona.  I love the look of these shades, and I have to say, my man is lookin’ pretty studly in them…or maybe I’m just biased 😉  Remember, every pair of shades you purchase from Waveborn also helps give someone the gift of sight!  Check out their campaign here.

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Sunglasses: c/o Waveborn / Button Down: Thrifted – similar herehere, and here / Jeans: ZARA – similar / Flops: Reef

Happy Hump Day everyone!  Yesterday ended up being a beautiful sunny day, and we enjoyed a lovely dinner outdoors at Spina in the East Village with two of my favorite Aussies.  The $5 mussels and meatballs were to die for as well as their homemade fresh pasta dishes.  Nom Nom Nom!  Tonight is going to be a low key one.  I’m hoping the sunshine will come out to play again despite the weather reports.

Have a good one ya’ll!

XO,

Gina

Walk on the High Line

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Here’s Part II of our little girl’s weekend in NYC.  Sunday, we got bagels at the best place in the city.  And yes, you can quote me on that.  We then ventured into Manhattan to do a little shopping and take a walk on the High Line.  For those of you who have never been, this park was built on top of an old abandoned elevated train track and runs down Manhattan’s West Side.  It’s so unique, and provides wonderful views of the city.  It was a gorgeous day, and I think the girls enjoyed it!

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Two of my favorite Baltimore blondes 🙂

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Outfit photos by: Nichole Cohen & Lisa Dannenberg / All other photos my own / Thanks to random stranger for the photo of the three of us

Coral Trench: GAP – sold out – similar here, herehere, and here / Mint Button Down: Express / Skinny Jeans: Motherhood Maternity / Ankle Boots: Target / Scarf: Gift / Sunnies: Vintage / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: ASOS and Gorjana – 2nd one sold out, but see more bracelets by Gorjana here / Lip: Lancome Groupie

Today brings a doc appointment and my 2nd to last photography class.  Hoping for a good report on the first and to learn as much as I can during the latter.

Crazy enough, we have a trip to Boston coming up on Friday for a dear friend’s wedding.  It still breaks my heart that people could purposefully cause harm to so many innocent others.  I am still praying for all of those in Boston that were affected by this horrible madness.   I am looking forward to the wedding and hoping it will bring some happiness and light to the Boston area.  In the midst of this tragedy, it’s nice to know there is still some love out there.

Happy Wednesday everyone.

XO,

Gina

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Dinner Party

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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!

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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

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A View From Weehawken

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Last Saturday we made the trek out to Weehawken, New Jersey for a good friend’s housewarming party.  I have driven through the Lincoln Tunnel many times, and have looked up at the houses up in the cliffs imagining the stunning views they must have of Manhattan.  Well, on Saturday I no longer had to imagine as I saw this view for myself!  WOW.  We spent tons of time hanging out on this ledge taking photos before joining the housewarming festivities…which were also a ton of fun by the way!  Congrats to my friends on their new digs and their fabulous view!

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Photos by: Zack Notes

Top: ASOS – now on sale! / Pants: ZARA / Boots: Steve Madden – on sale at Swell! / Hat: Union Square Holiday Market – similar / Scarf: Gift – similar here and here / Sunglasses: Vintage / Bag: TJ Maxx / Bracelets: Flair Accessories, ASOS, and Wanderlust + Co. / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Necklace: Forever 21 / Lip: Lancome Luxe

Last night we held our final screening for our Race to the Oscars.  We saw the Oscar Nominated Animated Shorts program!  Most people don’t get a chance to see the films in this category, so I always feel like I have an upper hand when guessing the winner.  I am always impressed by the level of talent, and this year was no disappointment.

If you haven’t already entered to win my giveaway, you have two more days to score these amazing stud earrings from Flair Accessories!

XO,

Gina

Accessorize Me {Flair Accessories Series #1}

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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!

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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

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

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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Happy (Belated) Birthday Papa Bear

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He’s funny.  He’s sweet.  He’s loud.  He’s crazy.

He’s friendly.  He’s fun.  He’s handsome.  Never lazy.

He’s strong.  He’s affectionate.  He’s lovable.  He’s grand.

He’s Italian.  He’s an entrepreneur.  Always willing to lend a hand.

He golfs.  He skis.  He dances.  He plays.

He smiles.  He whistles.  He works hard for days.

He cries during movies.  He smokes cigars.

He builds lots of things.  He has lots of cars.

He makes pizza and wine.  He loves to play bocce.

He built his own motorcycle.  He loves the movie Rocky.

He also likes the Godfather.  And Scarface too.

He quotes movie lines.  Probably better than you.

He’s a good friend.  He’s a good husband.  He’s a good father.  He’s a good lad.

This man that I speak of…

He is my Dad.

Happy Birthday Pops.  Love you!

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Can you guess which one is him?
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Dad on the motorcycle that he built himself. He named it “Sicilian Venom.” Haha.
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Wedding Day Father/Daughter Dance.  Frank Sinatra’s, “The Way You Look Tonight,” followed with a breakout disco dance routine to “She’s on Fire” from the movie “Scarface.”  Photo courtesy of Joe Brier at The Happy Couple Photography
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Bocce Champs
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Skiing together at Seven Springs in PA
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Dad with Sister and Me on Christmas Eve
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Family on another Christmas Eve
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Killing it on the dance floor.  Photo courtesy of Erin Lassahn Wedding Photography.
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Photo from a recent wedding we attended together.

I apologize that I am a day late on this post!  I originally meant to post this on my Dad’s actual Birthday which was yesterday, but I was on the hunt for some of those older photos.  Alas, here they are.  Hope you enjoyed following me on my trip down memory lane. 🙂

Happy Wednesday!

XO,

Gina

{Style Envy} Fall Fuchsia

I have decided to add a little featurette to the blog called “Style Envy” in which every so often, I will feature the style of others I admire.  While their styles may be very similar or completely different from my own, they will all be something that I adore, appreciate, and believe worthy of sharing.  The first up on my “Style Envy” segment is my cousin, Marisa of Misa*Me Photography.  You have seen her before, but mostly on the other side of the lens!  This time, I got behind the lens instead and had her show off her fashionista side.  Marisa is always on the prowl for a good bargain buy, and that is part of what helps in her ability to almost never repeat an outfit!  She always has the most spectacular finds!  We were roommates for a year in college at the University of Maryland, and I used to constantly go across the hall to her room to hunt for fun accessories, and it was always a fun day when she decided to clean out her closet!

I just love the vibrant color of this flowy tie blouse, and it pairs nicely with these black skinny jeans.  This outfit is perfect for a warmer fall day.  I am also obsessed with this gold vintage purse!  If I’m lucky, maybe she will let me borrow it sometime.  Hint Hint.  Nudge Nudge.  😉

Fuchsia Blouse: Forever 21 / Skinny Jeans: Forever 21 / Earrings: Tasha via TJMaxx / Bracelet: Burlington Coat Factory / Shoes: Nine West / Bag: Goldstrom Vintage / Lip: MAC Craving

Still no power at the office and subways still not running from Brooklyn, so I am hunkered down working from home probably for the rest of the week.  Last night, the hubs and I went to a shelter at the Park Slope Armory to help some older folks who were evacuated from their homes in Rockaway.  I feel so bad for all the people out there who have had it much worse than we have.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you, and if there is anything I can do, please let me know.

XO,

Gina