Nordstrom Anniversary sale amazingness!

Friends, are you ready for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale today? I'm sure you've heard all the buzz leading up to it (since this sale is pretty legendary)... I'm so excited to browse through all the new fall items marked down up to 33% between now and 8/3. I don't have an extensive fall wishlist right now, but if I see any cute jackets, rain boots, or riding boots, I will probably do some damage -- after all, free shipping, free returns always makes a girl want to pounce first, think later! Here are some fun links from the sale...

Voluspa candle trio | Frye riding boots | Dogeared necklace | Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag | Bobbi Brown 'Nude on Nude' color set | Trouve leather moto jacket | Philosophy 'Amazing Grace' set | Longchamp expandable tote | Michael Kors watch | Kate Spade New York sunglasses | BP Wrap belted bootie | NARS 'Dolce Vita' lip & nail set | Halogen calf hair pump | Smashbox 'Studio Pro' brush set

 

(Top Instagram image via here)

a sweet pair of board shorts

Ben and I are heading on a trip with friends to Virginia for a July 4th long weekend tubing, BBQ-ing adventure, and he just informed me that he bought these new board shorts.... let's just say, Helen Hearts approved! Way to go, B.

Shorts via AMBSN

spring-perfect street style

Ah, spring fashion. I love it. Bright lips and bright details, mixed with cozy, streamlined silhouette and loose layers. Here's some street style inspiration for your spring wardrobe mix. I especially love the floral details and light jackets!

 

 

(Photos via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

this kate spade surprise sale...

... Is speaking to me. Up to 65% off select sale items across all categories and wedding themed.  Sarah's wedding is coming up in less than two weeks and I have no clue what I'm wearing. So excited for it! Anyway, the Kate Spade sale is here, and these are some cool things that popped up...

A gold bag

 

A sparkly necklace

A book clutch

8 favorite deborah lippmann nail colors

I don't own a single Deborah Lippman nail polish (mostly because I used to work on Essie when I was at L'Oreal and already own a ton of colors). Some of DL's shades though are super pretty and definitely tempting me to make a purchase. Here are 4 of my favorite party-ready glittery polishes and 4 classic colors. Just 'cause.

Party-ready (left side, top to bottom): 

Happy Birthday, Good Girl Gone Bad, Nefertiti, Let's Go Crazy

Classics (right side, top to bottom): 

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Daytripper, Fashion, Between the Sheets

3 swimsuits that look like art

I'm so ready for summer (and for the beach again). I'm trying to organize a rental home in the Hamptons this summer with 10+ girls, which has been upping my cravings for more swimsuits and sarongs. (And I was just talking about trying to be minimal - urgh!) Currently, I'm really smitten with suits that have beautiful textiles like works of art, which Asos happens to be carrying a ton of inventory of right now! Here are a few of my favorites...

Seekers Floral Halter Bikini Set With Double Strap (Just bought this one!)

Minkpink Spring Break Bustier Bikini (Top and Bottom)

Seekers Red Floral Bikini Set 

back to basics: 5 workout items you need

Nowadays, my workout clothes have become my weekend clothes, lounge clothes, and errands-running clothes all rolled into one, due to sheer comfort and all the stylish options available. (Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks this way, according to Business of Fashion.) So this means we have a free pass to invest well and often into our workout wardrobe, right? :) Anyway, here are a few of the favorite pieces in my fitness closet...

Colorful tanks that brighten your day and somehow make your shoulders look more toned (I don't know how they do it!). My favorite are the Lululemon Scoop neck and Power Y tanks.

Leggings are so flattering, I usually wear my Lululemon Wunder Unders with long sweaters too, outside of working out. These leggings are supposed to last to up to 10 years -- mine are certainly keeping up quite well so far.

These Old Navy bras are so comfortable and quality, yet ridiculously inexpensive. Score. 

I love how this GapFit Motion graphic T keeps me warm during an outdoor run. Also this grey pattern looks incredibly sleek (the curved side graphic nicely nips in the waist).

Asics are by far my favorite brand of sneakers. So comfortable! These running shoes have a rearfoot gel cushioning system which helps soften every step's impact. Also, coral and black is a badass color combination. 

What are your favorite workout pieces? Any items that you swear by? I'm obsessed with all things Lululemon because of their free in-store tailoring-- being 5'1" I literally tailor all of my tops and leggings!

3 winter wardrobe lessons

Every winter without fail, I get kicked in the butt because I'm irresponsible with my apparel choices. Here are a few regretful non-purchases that I'm hoping to remedy next winter season... 'cause winter is almost ending in New York, right? Right?? 

Fuzzy ear muffs. I'm not a fan of hats (mostly because I don't think I look good in them), but my ears end up freezing even with my hood up. Should've invested in these furry ear muffs from Ralph Lauren -- they multi-task as headphones!

iPhone friendly gloves. Why am I still wearing leather gloves that a) don't actually keep my hands warm and b) I have to remove every time I use the phone (which is a lot). Silly me. 

Shoes with Rubber grips. Somehow, I am still buying boots that don't have any grips on the outer soles. I have slipped way too many times on flat riding boots -- time to start looking at the bottoms before purchase.

PS: While I learned these three lessons this year, I can boast about two winter wins: loading up on Gap circle scarves (or "snoods" as some call them) and buying my first pair of snow/duck boots.

(Products: iPhone-friendly Heather Fleece Gloves, $11.20; Merrell Wedgeterian Lyla Boots, $179.99; Lauren Ralph Lauren Headphone Ear Muffs, $68)

$15 tops over at Nasty Gal

So this just happened... 150 tops for $15 at Nasty Gal. I just bought this sequin tank. Go, go, go!

PS: I'm also eyeing this sequin dress, on sale for $39. Would be great for New Year's!

must haves: snow boots & duck boots

New York just had its first snowfall of the season, and as I was walking to work this morning, all I could think about was how cold my toes were in my Hunter rainboots. I needed snow boots pronto! I especially like the duck boot design, so during lunch I conducted some research for the best ones out there for guys and girls. Here are some stand-outs...

For her: 

Sperry Top-Sider - Gosling (Black Quilted), $57.99

Lacrosse for J.Crew Duck Boots, $125

Tretorn Aspelina, $104

Tory Burch Jada Mid Shaft Duck Boot, $350

For him: 

Sperry Top-Sider Avenue Duck Boot in Camo, $75

SOREL - 1964 Premium T (Black), $140

 Sperry 'Cold Bay' Short Weatherproof Duck Boot, $120

Sperry Top-Sider Cold Bay Boot, $104

I ended up purchasing the black quilted Sperry's (such a great price!), but there were so many styles to choose from that it was hard just buying one -- I wanted them all! Do you own snow boots?

holiday gift guide #5: 8 gifts for the fashionable trendsetter

We all know her and love her: the most in-the-know stylish lady in our friend circle. Our fashionista friend is a trendsetter who makes looking glamorous look effortless, mixes her high-low wardrobe like a ninja, and somehow always knows what's on our Shopbop wish-list. Here are some gifts that are perfect for her...

 Because she is dying to try this latest nail launch: Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer, $18

Because she knows that metallics are the new neutral: Tory Burch 'Reva' Flats in Metal Luna Pewter, $235

Because this would make her laugh: Smooch Pillow, $58

Because leather jeans are on her to-try list, but these are on her must-have list: Blank Denim Coated Skinny Jeans, $88

Because she loves a little (okay maybe a lot of) sparkle: Limited Edition Bejeweled Vaseline, $45

Because she advises her friends' boyfriends to buy them this eternal "it" bag: Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. Clutch, $295 ("But not the mini one, the normal size!" she says)

Because she even shoots vodka in style: Perfect Destination Shot Glass Set, $26

Because she thinks a statement piece can brighten any outfit: Pim + Larkin Multi Disc Statement Necklace, $62 

holiday gift guide #4: 9 gifts for the foodie extraordinaire

Cheers to our foodie friend who always initiates brunch at fabulous places, whips up the most amazing chocolate chip blondies, and always has the best cookbooks lying around. She is such a blessing because she loves eating out and in. Here are some gifts that would fit her to a T...

Because this will always be on the top of her list: KitchenAid Artisan Design Series 5 Qt Stand Mixer - Azure Blue, $349.99

Because she could hang this on all her future Christmas trees to come: Cake ornament, $7

Because she deserves it: Cocktail Hour Every Month subscription, $280 for 3 months

Because she thinks owning a cookbook stand is a sign of real adulthood: Oak Cookbook Stand, £26

Because she would devour this cookbook: The Epicurious Cookbook: More Than 250 of Our Best-Loved Four-Fork Recipes for Weeknights, Weekends & Special Occasions, $20.04 hardcover

Because she is always buying smoothies after her workouts: Cuisinart 7-Speed SmartPower™ Blender, $100

Because the smell of oranges invigorates her: Voluspa Cut Glass Jar Candle- Goji Torocco Orange Scent, $26

And the smell of vanilla relaxes her: Philosophy 'vanilla birthday cake' shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath, $16.50

Because she of all people needs to own this film: Julie & Julia, $7.49