travel in style

I'm all about comfort when traveling, but I also am all about style. I was never one to wear sweat pants and sneakers on a flight. My typical travel 'uniform' is a pair of fairly worn in skinny jeans, ballet flats, tank top, relaxed cardigan, and scarf. I'm still extremely comfortable, but not in gym clothes. As well, travel accessories are also pretty crucial when going on a trip, whether for business or pleasure. Functional, yet still chic, is the way to go.

travel bag from Kooba

passport holder from Henri Bendel

toiletries case from c. wonder

cross body bag from shop bop

cosmetic case from Tory Burch

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rainy days

While the weather may be getting warmer (although the past couple days have forced me to bring the heavy coats back out, which I'm less than excited about), Spring showers are also in store. While rain brings the gloom, it doesn't mean your ensemble and look for the day needs to suffer, too. In fact, you can rock the rain gear and still look fashionable, while staying dry. Starting with the essential rain boots...

Tretorn

Le Chameau

Chooka

Ilse Jacobsen

Sperry Top-Sider

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Jul's Gems

Some items that are currently on my 'to buy' list.

wine glasses from uncommon goods

One can never have enough wine glasses, and I love the splash of color on each of these.

pillows from stone textile studio

Still in the market for some decorative pillows for the new apartment, and I'm loving the folding, slouchy detail on this one.

slouchy cardigan tunic from al & alicia

Loving how comfortable this cardigan looks, paired with some skinny jeans, ballet flats, and some great accessories - perfect Saturday afternoon outfit if you ask me.

scarf from anthropologie

The colors of this scarf are perfection. 

cowboy boot cookie cutter from the cookie cutter shop

Considering I'm moving down to Texas next month, I think this item is something I need to get my hands on immediately.

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not the spring rolls you're used to

This weekend I made an appetizer that turned out absolutely delicious. I made spring rolls, but not the type of spring rolls you may find at your nearest Asian restaurant. I made spring rolls filled with ground turkey, onions, and parmesan cheese, with dipping sauces (soy and marinara). They sound simple, but those that I cooked for were raving about them. If you're looking for a pretty easy appetizer to make (although if you make enough they can easily be a meal) this should be your next recipe to try. Mmmm...

Ingredients:

• 12 Perdue turkey meatballs (I cheated because I didn't have time to make them from scratch, but Perdue is great because they already come seasoned)
• 1 medium sweet onion
• 1 cup of parmesan cheese flakes
• 1 package of spring roll sheets (they usually come in packages of 10-12 and can easily be found in the sushi section of your grocery store)
• Boiling water
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Cut onion into small pieces and sauté them in a pan with olive oil, add salt and pepper while cooking
• Heat turkey meatballs in microwave 
• Put sautéed onions and meatballs into food processor until the meatballs are turned into ground turkey meat and the onions are finely chopped (you may have to do this in shifts depending on how big your food processor is)
• Add in the flakes of parmesan cheese into the food processor and mix all together 
• Once these ingredients are mixed together in the food processor, take your spring roll sheets (they start out hard) and place them (one at a time) into a baking dish filled with boiling water.
• Leave each sheet in the boiling water for about 10-15 seconds each, until soft, and you may need to refill the boiling water throughout the process 
• As spring roll sheets are done, place them, one at a time, on a tea towel to dry out a bit
• Place them, one at a time, flat on a big plate
• Fill and roll as you'd like 
• Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Once all are rolled, spray non-stick cooking spray all over them and bake in oven for 10 minutes or until as golden on top as you'd like
• Serve with dipping sauces of choice 

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for the face

As I mentioned here, I have my go-to items in the beauty department. I also have my go-to items in the facial (and eye) cleansing department. I know I probably could and should try new items after using the same products for years on end, but I love them and they work well on my skin, so I'm sticking to my plan. If you, on the other hand, are in the market for a change, I highly recommend the following items for your face (and eyes).

Liquid Facial Soap - Clinique

I use the mild soap, twice daily

Clarifying Lotion/Toner - Clinique

I use twice daily

Moisturizing Gel - Clinique

I use twice daily

Beta Hydroxy Pads - Trish McEvoy

I use twice a week

Eye Makeup Remover Pads - Almay

I use whenever I wear heavy eye makeup

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(inexpensive) fabulous finds

I get so excited when I come across a great piece of clothing or jewelry that looks FABULOUS (and expensive), but in reality, is extremely budget friendly. Of course, there are times when one should splurge, but if just looking for some fun jewelry to spruce up your collection, I vote for inexpensive (previously mentioned here). Especially if the item is 'trendy,' there is no need to splurge because you will be done wearing it before you can blink. I found some great jewelry all for under $25. Yes, you read correctly - all under $25.

Dakota Silver Tone Pearl Disk Ring

from Pop of Chic

$15

'She's Electric' Bracelet/Necklace

from Brooklyn Stars (via Etsy)

$20

 LC Lauren Conrad Silver Tone Long Lariat Necklace 

from Kohl's

$14

Long Beaded Teardrop Earrings

from Forever 21

$5.80

Bracelet

from H&M

$19.95

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the desk nook

Ever since my boyfriend and I decided that the second bedroom in our new apartment would primarily be his for a study/man cave (and yes I'm perfectly fine with this!), I can't stop thinking about how I'm going to decorate my desk nook. There is an area in our apartment that the floor plan calls the desk nook, and it is all mine! I haven't had a true desk in a while, so this is very exciting. I want it to be primarily white with touches of color, modern, and a bit feminine.

to be continued...

(all products from Z Gallerie)

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not your man's cuffs

Innovative. Chic. Sexy. Unique. Fun. BOLBACH cuffs are THE item to purchase right now (previously featured here). They are the seasons (and for many seasons to come) hottest accessory. Coming in a variety of colors, these cuffs can truly be worn with anything and on anyone. Jess Bolbach, the founder of this insanely hot brand, took me into the world of BOLBACH cuffs, and let me just tell you, I can't wait to start wearing these. 

From Prosecco to Plaid: What is a cuff from BOLBACH?
Jess Bolbach: Bolbach cuffs are an innovative take on the traditional menswear trend, the french cuff.  Inspiration behind the line was drawn from a fascination with  the timeless elegance of menswear; namely the french cuff in this case. No longer are cuffs and cufflinks only for men-- they are now an essential accessory for a woman's wardrobe as well.  All cuffs are reversible and made of genuine python skin and lambskin leather.  

P to P: What was your inspiration behind BOLBACH?
JB: It has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember.  Not until some life changing events did I know this was what I was meant to do.  After my dad passed away in high school, I realized I had a mission, one that was further realized at Syracuse University when I studied Entrepreneurship. That on top of my love for classic pieces (i.e. menswear fashion) developed the concept of the women's cuff and cufflink. Bolbach is my last name and also is to honor my dad.

P to P: What was your inspiration behind the Spring collection?
JB: I wanted pieces that were bright, flirty and versatile.  I wanted things that would accent the season's top trends (like florals, neons, etc.)  

P to P: Which are your favorite cuffs?
JB: I am obsessed with layering these cuffs. The spring line is all about making it your own- all of the styles can actually be layered on top of one another so you have the ability ot create countless looks, and add to your collection throughout the season.  My favs: Gold Python Cuff with Purple Python Gold, Ring Cuff and logo cufflink, & Neon Pink Cuff. I also love the kids collection- they are so cute, and such a great way for kids to dress like their moms and share that special bond over fashion.

P to P: Describe different ways to wear the cuffs.
JB: All of the cuffs can be layered.  There is a section of the site called "Shop by Combo" which showcases our favorite combos that you can actually purchase so you don't have to pick and choose colors.  You can also create your own though! You can wear one on top of the other, wear different cuffs on each wrist, etc.  You can even wear them up higher on your arm to give a different look and pair it with bangles or a great watch.  The cuffs are sized to fit wrists 6.5", 7.5" and 8.5" so there is freedom to wear it different places on your wrist and even wear it over a long sleeved shirt while the seasons are still in transition.

Follow BOLBACH here
LIKE BOLBACH here

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weekend review

My weekend was perfection. I went to Boston, one of my absolute favorite cities, with my boyfriend to visit some of my very best friends. We ate a lot, drank a lot, walked a lot, and laughed way too much. It was one of those weekends you wish could go on forever.

Boston

my tried and true American Apparel St. Patty's Day shirt

my train read - Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

essential in the 70 degree, sunny weather yesterday - Ray-Ban aviators

cannolis from Mike's Pastry

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florals...with an edge

Floral blouses are beautiful, but whenever I wear one I make sure to pair it with a leather jacket, patent ballet flats or pumps, or edgier jewelry. I like to make sure that when I wear florals it doesn't look too feminine and 'dainty.'

blouse from Topshop

jacket from Doma

jeans from J Brand

patent ballet flats from Tory Burch

rings from Jennifer Miller

necklace from Nordstrom

cuff bracelet from Urban Outfitters

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