The Classics

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I have to admit, I am new to the world of lipsticks. Now that is not to say that I haven't tried my fair share, but rather, it's to say that I haven't actually committed to wearing any on a daily basis. Why? Because every kind I'd tried, whether from the drugstore or the department store, tasted like chalk and dried my lips out faster than a harsh winter day.

That is, until I tried YSL. Silly as I am, I was intially drawn to the YSL counter at my local Nordstrom a few months ago because of the brand's gold packaging. Told you I had an addiction... Anyways, I let the beautician apply the red lipstick shown above and I was sold. While the color was perfection and I could already tell it had staying power, not to mention moisturizing, what sold me was that it tasted like strawberries. Anyone obsessed with lipsmackers back in the day? Yeah, me too.

Since my intial purchase of the red above, I've added the fair pink, the perfect nude, above as well. You know what? It tastes like watermelon.

Now knowing that all the colors have different flavors, I'm tempted to add the burgundy and bright raspberry colors shown above. Any guesses on the flavor of those two?

Changes

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Today's post is a little different. As you well know, I typically post about homes, fashion, design, the pretty things in life. Instead, for today, I thought I'd get a little more real.

This morning, my bf of almost four years is in Seattle (we live in Portland), interviewing for a job. We are both finishing up college this spring and are no longer tied to being in Portland, where we met. In a few months, the real world starts as does the real challenges in our relationship. We will have the choice to move to different cities and start our new lives apart or continue to the one we have built together in whatever location life takes us.

I have to admit, originally, I was opossed to moving to Seattle. Side note: Seattle is where my bf grew up and where his family lives. I love Portland - the city is amazing, my family is here, my friends, my life. But throughout the last few months, I've been thinking a lot about where I see my life going. To be honest, it's a pretty foggy picture. I don't know where I want to live, if I see myself staying at my current job, but one thing I do know, is that I see him in it. I see us finding out whatever lies ahead together.

I guess the point I'm try to get to here is that sometimes you have to give up the picture you had in your own mind, accept that the future may be foggy, and hope on for whatever ride life decides to take you on. Life changes, be flexible and see where it takes you.

Good luck today babe! I'm routing for you. Seattle, here we come?!

Next in Line

Now I know that my first designer bag hasn't even arrived yet (next Wednesday, can you please come sooner?) but I've already started thinking about a neutral companion for it.

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Is this Salvatore Ferragamo bag not the perfect tote? Gold feet and neutrals, yes please. Yes please.

Pre-Fall 2012

To be truthful, most of my life I've steered clear of high fashion. Mostly because I can't afford it but also in part because I think it is just a little too over the top to wear on a daily basis. It has always seemed counter-intuitive to make a significant investment in a piece that demands the exact perfect circumstances to wear it. Typically, I only ever review the runway shows to find dresses I think might be worn during award season (okay, so watching Rachel Zoe got me hooked on this).

I sat down last night to do just this when I was pleasantly surprised with the investment-worthy pieces coming down the runway. The four designers featured below, 3.1 Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, Chloe, and MaxMara, in particular killed it with their Pre-fall 2012 lines. All timeless, classic pieces with that slight something that makes it high fashion. Yes please.

{All images via Vogue}

Side note, is it just me or is the Pre-Fall season a recent development in the fashion world? Designed simply for some girl brat to tell her friend frienemy that her outfit is so last season? Hmmm.

Who I am

seems to be someone who a serious gold obsession. After reading one of Liz's posts about similar fashion trends and interior trends, a light bulb clicked for me: my fashion style is very similar to my interior decorating style. Simple, classic, with pops of color or sparkle here and there to counterbalance the neutrals, and most importantly, dripping in gold.

Curious, I turned to my Pinterest boards to confirm and sure enough...

 

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...my idea of the perfect house closely resembles my idea of the perfect outfit. 

OhMyGoodness

Little bit freaking out here. I just ordered this:

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I've been hunting for an investment bag for what seems like forever and just pulled the trigger on this Givenchy beauty. So many emotions pouring over me. Did I pick the right one? I just spent how much?! I bought that and a computer and a vacation in one week? Am I crazy? To be honest, the hardest part of this whole process is committing to one. It's a lot of money to dedicate to something you're going to carry for the next decade rest of your life.

Yikes. Telling myself to breathe. 

It's Decided

Though it wasn't one of the places we were originally brainstorming, after finding an amazing deal on Groupon (less than $60 a night!), we've decided on Napa for our five day trip in mid-March. We were originally going to fly to Napa last summer for our anniversary but ended up moving and our plans were set aside. Needless to say, I'm incredibly excited and there is the possibility that another couple that we are good friends will join.

This will be our first trip to Napa so those of you that have been, any advice you can give us is greatly appreciated! Restaurants? Wineries not to miss? Surrounding towns to visit?

Ugh, can the next seven weeks just fly be please? I'm ready to eat and drink to my hearts content! Oh yeah, and do some much needed relaxing!

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You'll have to excuse me

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This weekend I so wisely used my tax return on a new Macbook and am in the process of getting it blogging-ready. In addition to transferring all my files and programs, my Internet at my apartment has decided that it wasn't to act bipolar and only work at certain times. Registering software, especially Photoshop without the Internet is no fun.

With that said, I'll make sure and get you an actual post at some point today - aka, when ever I can sneak one at work. Shhhhh, don't tell!

Dreaming

of the French Riviera, old world glamour, the feel of the sun on my skin, and no cell phone.

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Unfortunately, that trip will have to wait until I have more time off. Until then, the bf and I are trying to plan a short four or five day trip in Mid-March. Since I can't get a lot of time of work (middle of the busy season, ugh), we are limited to traveling to a place semi-close by airplane, essentially anywhere located on the western half of the country. We originally were planning on going down to Austin where the bf has family, but there is a musical festival taking place that week and EVERY and I do mean every, hotel is sold out. Now we are talking about San Diego but are open to any place warm... any ideas?

Fit Friday

I love dressing up - love it - but rarely do it. One of my goals for 2012 is to make more occasions to dress up for. Is it just me or do people in LA seem to always be going to some fabulous party? Why are there none of these in Portland? Am I missing something?

Anyways, as much as it pains me to say this, the two different outfits you'll find me in most are either work clothes or workout clothes. Granted, I'm not always in workout clothes because I'm pre- or post-workout. Sometimes I'll put on workout clothes (tops and bottoms) to lounge in or run errands in. They seem to be a much more fashionable version of the collegiate sweats I have in the back of my closet (reserved for when I'm sicker than a dog).

Because of this, I decided to share some of my favorite workout clothes. Because lets be honest here folks, leggings are the most comfortable article of clothing out there and you love 'em.

{LuluLemon Capri, Puma Gym Bag, Nike Hoodie, Ipod, Nike Capri, Nike Shoes, Lucy Headband, Nike Sports Bra, Under Armour Tank, Image}

Who doesn't love a sale?

I am a big believer in buying high quality, classic pieces. I am not a believer in paying high prices. Similarly, I don't believe in committing a lot to a trend until I see myself wearing it for more than one season.

Because of these guidelines I try to follow in my shopping life, I tend to wait to do most of my shopping until things go on sale. It just feels better... no? With that said, I wanted to share the Piperlime sale today. It is the last day of the sale so you have to take advantage of it today, but its 20% of their entire site... meaning you can get classics like the gold Michael Kors watch crossed off your wish list at $50 bucks off the normal price. Trust me, it never goes on sale, EVER. Oh, and Frye boots and Hunter boots, other classics that never, ever go on sale.

Below are my picks, some classics, some trendy, some already on sale, some not, but all beauties.

 {Ralph Lauren Boots, $130/ Steve Madden Boots $80/ Sam Edelman Boots, $105/ San Diego Hat Company Hat, $18/ Michael Kors Watch, $250/ Hive & Honey Jacket, $50/ Tinley Road Dress, $69/ Rag & Bone Jeans, $176/ Amanda Uprichard Skirt, $194/ Tucker Skirt, $145/ Current/Elliot Jeans, $168/ Ray-Ban Glasses, $155/ Hive & Honey Necklace, $26/ Tinley Road Dress, $69}

Anything catch your eye?

Lesley from Six Twelve Place

The second guest to the blog this week is Lesley from SIX TWELVE PLACE. Leslie is one of those bloggers who you feel like you immediately "know" when you read through her posts. I have to admit, I've read every single one of her posts - it was a fun afternoon. Incredibly sweet and talented, I'm honored to have her visiting today! Take it away!
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I am so happy to be participating in Miranda's birthday posts this week! Birthdays are the one day each year that are special to you and for that reason I am a big fan of birthdays! I believe that every birthday, regardless of age, deserves to be celebrated to the very fullest. Of course, some years are harder than others, but there is a well-known quote that says, "Do not regret growing older, it is a privilege denied to so many." So celebrate growing older and be thankful for each birthday because each year brings new friends and new experiences and that is definitely worth celebrating!

Of course, birthdays are also fun because they usually include a little gifting so I thought I would share some of my favorite gifts to give to your girl friends. They are, after all, the ones that support us day in and day out, celebrate growing older with us and keep us laughing the whole way through and for those reasons they deserve the very best...and then some!
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You can't go wrong with jewelry and the best part is, you can find great pieces in nearly every price range. {SHOP: slender rings/ jeweled earrings/ tassel bracelet/ infinity earrings}

Our homes are our havens, right? So why not give her something to make home more cozy, personal, functional and/or stylish? {SHOP: candle/ letter pillow/ tray/ gold wishbone}

Birthdays are for celebrating, indulging and pampering! Treat her to a pedicure, massage, dinner or gift her with chocolates and wine or champagne. {SHOP: Essie Polish Pink/ Gray/ Chocolates/ Wine/ Champagne}

Happy, happy birthday week, Miranda! I hope you celebrate to the fullest and thank you for having me over from SIX TWELVE PLACE.

Presents

Hello all. Since I'm really not ready to face the fact that my birthday has gone and past, I've decided to have a few of my favorite bloggers keep the birthday spirit alive here for the next few days.

I stumbled on Lauren's blog a few months ago and have absolutely loved getting to know her. She is incredibly geniune and sweet, not to mention motivated! Thanks for stopping by girlie!

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Hello loves! Lauren here from  L.A. in the bay. Happy Happy Birthday to Miranda! So happy to be with you all today celebrating Miranda's birthday week & sharing some lovely birthday gifts that I think any girl would love. Some of these gifts I have given to some of my bestest girlfriends and even some to my fellow co-workers. And the best thing about them is they are all in a super pocket-friendly price range!

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Hope this little birthday-gift-guide gives you a couple ideas when your bff's birthday rolls around!

xoxo

L

Good morning everyone! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend which, for the lucky ones, might not be over yet. Unfortunately for me, I am in the office today but it is my birthday so that helps a bit! My co-workers are really sweet and actually getting me cupcakes and we are going to have a little celebration here. Later tonight I'll be back with lots of pictures from my weekend of celebration and some updates. Happy Monday!

 

{All images via}

As Promised

an outfit post. When the bf and I set out to take these pictures this week, we were extremely optimistic. The sun was shining, the bf had a new fancy camera, and I managed to keep my outfit wrinkle free all day for these pictures (a miracle, I can assure you). As soon as we actually stepped outside, we were greeted by a Chicago-like wind, icy and forceful, in Portland. So with that said, excuse the whirlwind hair and red cheeks - it's just my dedication to uphold my promise to you all to get an outfit post in this week.

Enjoy!

{Helene Berman Coat, Off 5th faux fur scarf, H&M necklace, Joie blouse, Michael Kors watch, J.Crew gold bracelet, J.Crew cropped pants, J.Crew flats, Juicy Couture purse (older than the hills)}

Before I forget, the purse I pictured is one my dad got for me when I was 14... and it's Juicy Couture... Weird right? I'm dying for a new black bag and dug this one out of my closet the other day and thought I'd give it some love until I find it's replacement.

Spring Transitions

Good morning lovelies. I'm over at Small Shop Studio, a blog written by one of my favorites, Erika. I'm over there giving some pointers on how to dress for the fickle weather this time of year. Make sure you stop by!

 {Oasis Shirt Dress, Elizabeth and James Trench Coat, Equipment Blouse, Topshop Heels, Max and Chloe Necklace, Steve Madden Platforms, Lila Scarf, J.Crew Pencil Skirt, Urban Outfitters Umbrella, Topshop Jeans}

My Bedroom

is probably my favorite room in my apartment. It's the room I'm most proud of. I haven't spent a lot of time fussing over it or a lot of money on it but it has somehow just come together. I love the soft color palette, the way the afternoon light comes (as evident in the pictures- sorry!), the view, but mostly how much represents the two people that live in it. All of our favorite things are displayed and our DIY projects are in  use. In case your interested, my bf and I got into DIY-ing furniture last spring when we didn't have a lot of money and loved it! We hacked two Ikea nightstands and updated them to our style and made the headboard from scratch. Do you have a room in your house you're particularly in love with?

My Version of an Oscar

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I haven't been blogging very long so when I found out that fellow blogger Hello, Friday awarded me the two awards below, I was flattered. It is such a nice feeling getting recognized for your work! Thanks girl!

Because it is no fun not to share, I'm passing these awards to

Pearl @ Vintage Pretty

Viviana @ Fashion Truffles

Drew @ A Coral Cafe

Britt and Whit @ Britt + Whit

Mae @ Lili and Mae

Please pass this award ladies by;
1. Copy and paste the award on you blog.
2. Thank the giver and link back to them.
3. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

Just so everyone gets excited, there is more big stuff happening on the blog this week, including my first guest post for Erika over at Small Shop Studio and the blog's first outfit post- finally putting the bf's new camera to use. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

In Need of Neon

This probably won't come as a surprise, since I'm a blogger myself (did I just say that?), but I love the blogging community. Bloggers are incredibily inspirational. I've seen a few posts in the blogisphere this week about neon. While typically saved for the height of summer, this year neon is the perfect winter pick me up. It is as if the bright future the new year promises has rolled into our clothes, requiring all of us to open up the boxes under the bed where our summer clothes are packed and pick a few key neon pieces to awaken our dreary black or neutral based winter outfits.

What are your thoughts on the neon trend? Lover? Hater?

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{Equipment Blouse, Asos Jeans, BaubleBar Bracelets, BaubleBar Necklace, Topshop Heels, Anya Hindmarch Clutch, Shimmi Swimsuit, Marc by Marc Jacobs Earrings, Essie Nail Polish}