(Summer) Style Inspiration - COZY CROCHET

The thought of crochet might take you back to images of your Nana diligently stitching together patterns with these funny looking sticks, or, in my case, it causes flashbacks to your home EC classes where you forced to master the technique. Needless to say, typically speaking, crochet does not elicit images of high fashion. Yet this delicate and breathable fabric is the perfect antidote to hot summer days when running around clothe-less is not an option. Whether you have a date, dinner with the girls, a beach soiree or an afternoon outdoor lunch, one of these dresses is perfect for you!

White Backless Crochet Shift Dress, Yellow Crochet Shift Dress

& Black Crochet Village Midi Dress (Clockwise: all images via ASOS)

Baking Time - Overnight Coffee Cake

image via MyRecipes.com

Super easy recipe! You can mix this all tonight and put in the fridge. Then, when you wake up tomorrow, pop it in the oven make some coffee or snooze some more before the delish smells warm up your home and slowly make it into your belly. Perfect for Mother's Day, Birthdays or just spoiling the special peeps in your life! 


Ingredients

• 
  2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup butter, melted 
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs 
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Shopping Tips - 5 Fashionable Mother's Day Gifts under $100

For many Mother's Day is a bit of a stressful occasion given you want to show the love to the Moms in your life but do not particularly have the funds to spoil them as you wish too. My first and most frequently used thank you gift is that of baking. I believe baking cookies, cakes or whatever your choice of dessert may be sums up all the ingredients of a complete show of gratitude: time, consideration, love & appreciation. Yet, for those looking for something a little more tangible I found five amazing items you can gift your best friend, sister, aunt, mother & anyone else whom have played a vital "Mom" role in your life.

Charles Philip Feather Smoking Slipper, J Brand Viv Zip Off

Skinny Jeans & Brave Zebra Belt (Clockwise)

Charles Philip Feather Print Smoking Slipper $29 from $155 (image via Intermix)
J Brand Midrise Viv Leather Ankle Zip Off Skinny $89 from $328 (image via Intermix) 
Brave Zebra Printed Haircalf Skinny Belt $29 from $98 (image via Intermix)

I believe any of the above would be happily embraced by a cool mom! (I am biased as two of the items are currently in my repertoire.) For more pics on the fit of the jeans check out Shopbop's soldout listing. 

Music Monday - Lennon and Maisy Stella 'Ho Hey'

Interesting how this is only my second music post and it also follows in line with my taste for The Lumineers. It has been some long weeks so why not focus on these girls that will most certainly bring a smile to your face. If you watch ABC's show Nashville you are no stranger to their talent since they play Rayna James' daughters, Maddie and Daphne, and recently performed the song Ho Hey by The Lumineers on the show. The show has an amazing array of original music and talented singers but why not showcase their youngest talent.  Below is Lennon and Maisy Stella once again singing Ho Hey but this time at the Grand Ole Opry!

Check out their YouTube Channel and how they were hired!

Boston 4.15.13 - The day darkness beset my adoptive hometown...

I fell in love with Boston almost 13 years ago when I first visited the city during my freshman orientation at one of its suburban colleges. This has been a true love which has endured stints at two different colleges and an 8 ½ year post college residence on Boylston St. I have met the most amazing people and expanded my family with the truest of friends that have come into my life while living here. Boston saw me grow from a naïve 17 year old into a slightly still naïve but independent woman. I have gone through make-ups, break-ups and bouts of uncertainty here, yet, never reducing my love for the city but, rather, finding comfort in the familiar. My adoptive hometown has been my one true love and on Monday April 15^th, 2013 at 2:50 PM my heart broke.

Beauty Talk - SEPHORA MUST HAVES

When it comes to beauty an investment with time and, unfortunately, some funds is required. So, on the rare instances when we can get our needs at any sort of discount, we must embrace it! This week is Sephora's Chic Week event when all beauty insiders can get 15% off all purchases between 4/11 to 4/22! (online at Sephora.com use promo code CHICWEEK at checkout) I am sure everyone has their absolute must-have list, you know those items you find yourself relying on week after week. My list below is truly the bare-bones which make up my beauty regimen!

REN Glycol Lactic Mask, Nars Blush in Orgasm

& Boscia BB Cream (L to R)

1. Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask from REN. I first learned about this on a blog but I do not remember which one. Then I realized I had a sample of it so I tried it. OMG your skin will be baby smooth, glowing and youthful after one use. If you do not believe me trust the pros at Into the Gloss!
2.  Orgasm color Blush from Nars. There is a reason this blush is so popular! It adds just the right amount of color, glow and definition without looking unnatural. I would never end if I quote all celebs that use this blush!
3. B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++ from Boscia. This continues to be my piece de resistance! No other "tinted" moisturizer achieves the same results. And the beauty pro Eva Chen uses it too!

* Images via Sephora.com

(Wedding) Style Inspiration - BRIDESMAIDS FLOWERS

The question on everyone's mind seems to be: What do I wear to a Spring Wedding? Everyone from Popsugar & Rachel Zoe have featured posts on this! As a person that does not really go to many weddings I take the 'dressing for' part extremely seriously. This past weekend I attended a beautiful wedding in Alabama held in a historic house in downtown Mobile. As wedding season begins, and many will begin to fill their weekends with wedding events, why not take inspiration from this weekend's bridesmaids' flowers and stand out in an accessibly stylish dress.

ASOS Midi Dress In Empire Floral Print, ONE by Kayu Jen Straw
Minaudiere & Jimmy Choo Lang Sandal

ASOS Midi Dress In Empire Floral Print $62.44 (image via ASOS)

ONE by Kayu Jen Straw Minaudiere $170 (image via Shopbop)

Jimmy Choo Lang Sandal $775 (image via Nordstrom)