my oscar's best dressed list

Awards season is officially over and the women at the Oscar's definitely brought their fashion A game. I loved so many of the dresses with the bright colors and intricate details. Here are my top five favorites from last Sunday's awards show. Perfection in my book! Who is on your best dressed list?

((Jennifer Aniston in Valentino))

((Jennifer Garner in Gucci))

((Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta))

((Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen))

((Naomi Watts in Armani Prive))

* all images via People

casual high tops

((Free People jacket via South Moon Under, Gap long-sleeve tee, Joe's jeans, Xhilaration wedge sneakers, Silpada Modern Maze ring, Tiffany & Co. ring, Michele watch, YT Clothing cross necklace))

After the purchase of my new wedge sneakers, I had to wear them as soon as possible. I was going for a more casual outfit with jeans and a tee. I am not sure if I have ever posted photos of myself wearing jeans. I am typically a black pants only kind of girl, but this was a Sunday afternoon and I was trying to be ultra comfortable. Next up, try to wear these sneakers with a dressier outfit!

fave five

Favorite Words

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Favorite Shopping

This is the perfect dress for summer. I want to scoop this Urban Outfitter's watercolor shift dress up right now in order to get it in time for my trip. This could be dressed down for a more casual outfit or dressed up with jewelry and heels for a night out on the town. I think this dress is quite versatile with it's watercolors and relaxed fit. I hope this becomes part of my collection sooner rather than later.

Favorite Entertainment

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With the Oscar's this past Sunday I wanted to rent a Best Picture contender for a relaxing Saturday night. Luckily, Argo just came out On Demand this past week. I rented it and absolutely loved it. It was my pick for Best Picture and I was actually correct on one of my guesses! Ben Affleck's acceptance speech was my favorite as well.

Favorite Look

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I don't know why I love this outfit, but I do! The denim vest is the perfect touch. I am glad that denim vests are making a comeback because I have been trying to rock them for a while now, but got quite a few comments about it (not good ones either!). The denim vest she is wearing looks very fashion forward and not the typical jean vest. The high boots and leopard jacket polish off this look in the best possible way!

Favorite Interior

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When deciding on our color scheme for the main room in our new apartment, I was pushing for black and white with pops of color. A more neutral color palette was what I thought I wanted until I saw this photo. The bright colors and patterns of this living room make me so happy and I would never want to leave. I am now thinking that a bright and fun main room may be the way to go.

To see other fave five posts, click on the fave five label! 

stowaways

((rockin' the red!))

The countdown is officially 2 weeks until beach time! I will be thinking of nothing but margaritas, sand, and waves between now and then. Nothing sounds better than 80+ degree temperatures right now! A good distraction from waiting around was definitely the Oscar's. The fashion was amazing and Ben Affleck's acceptance speech was precious. I may have lost our Oscar's pool (congrats Mom!), but the event was still fun to watch. Did any of your favorites win big? I also finally went to a hockey game (go Caps!) this season. It was an exciting game since we finally pulled out a win!

Live simply. Dream big. Be grateful. Give love. Laugh lots. -Unknown

((Academy Award ballots))

((can't wait to wear this bright getup on vacation))

((go Caps!))

mint sparkles

((Willow and Clay top via South Moon Under, H&M pants, Buckley Tailors coat via Madewell, Jasper & Jeera pouch via Anthropologie, Silpada Modern Maze ring, Tiffany & Co. ring, YT Clothing cross necklace, bracelet from Peru, Michael Kors booties- 50% off now!))

I am loving the color mint right now and it has been showing in my recent purchases (seen in this stowaways post). My favorite part of this mint top is the delicate fabric mixed with the bejeweled and sequined flower design on it. I wore this top when the weather was blistering cold, but the light fabric makes this shirt versatile enough to wear in the warmer months as well.

fave five

Favorite Words

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Favorite Shopping

As I am sure you have been able to tell by now, I love the color black. Black clothing, though, is usually very standard and not original. This Topshop shirt by Boutique is the exact opposite, though. I absolutely am in love! The silk top with velvet panels is so different from anything I own. I want this in my closet as soon as possible!

Favorite Entertainment

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I have indeed jumped on the Game of Thrones bandwagon. Honestly, this show is ridiculously good. I have been trying to catch up by watching seasons 1 and 2 on HBO On Demand. After work, all I can think about is watching this show. It took a little bit to fully understand all of the characters and what was actually going on. Wikipedia sure helped! The new season begins on March 31st, so I am hustling to catch up!

Favorite Look

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All I can think about right now is summer. This outfit is the perfect warm weather look. The casual chic vibe is perfect. I love the way she mixes the classic tee and cut-offs with a statement necklace, various jewels, and a fancy clutch. I am digging this style for when the weather breaks 70 degrees!

Favorite Interior

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This clip idea is genius to showcase personal photos, inspiration, and any other image you may have. I am definitely going to try to find a way to emulate this in my apartment. I think that this is a good alternative to an inspiration board. This is also a cute idea for the main room to add a little pizzaz that can constantly be changed out.

To see other fave five posts, click on the fave five label!

stowaways

((new mint purchases))

I am so behind with posting! This stowaways post is actually the stowaways for the week of February 10th... and it is the 27th... whoops! Things have been so busy with work, getting things together for our new apartment, and the impending beach vacation. At least two of the three things keeping me occupied are fun!

Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective. -Doe Zantamata

((my little collection of sample perfumes))

((spring is almost here!))

((bright citrus))

fashion wish list

With New York Fashion Week going on, I have been in the fashion (and in turn shopping) zone. I have seen so many photos of terrific new clothes and styles from veteran designers to up and coming ones. Most of their clothes are a bit expensive for my lean pockets, so I did a quick round up of some more affordable clothes that I would like to house in my closet. They may not be designer brands, but I think they are just as stylish!

And everything below is under $70!

1. Silky Tie-Front Blouse @ $49
2. French Combat Jacket @ $69
3. Zara Top @ $59
4. Style Mint Jacket @ $59.98
5. White Dress @ $38
6. Free People Top @ $68
7. Split Neck Shift Dress @ $59

valentine's treat

Salty and sweet is such a great combination of tastes. I love making these little pretzel, kiss, and M&M treats (directions here) for Valentine's Day. They are so easy to make and you can make a lot without spending the day in the kitchen. These are a perfect and thoughtful gift to give to your friends, family, or significant other on Valentine's Day. I made these for a special someone and I think he loved them! I know I sure enjoyed the ones I kept!

Tip: I only put the pretzels and kisses into the oven for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The kisses melted too much when left in the oven for over 3 minutes.

fave five

The second fave five post is finally going up! Without further ado...

Favorite Words

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Favorite Shopping

I would die to own this tweed Rebecca Taylor peplum top. I love the cobalt color, which is perfect for spring. The dual textures of tweed and leather is ideal. This top is a bit out of my price range, but if this ever goes on sale I am all over it!

Favorite Entertainment 

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I had to choose Downton Abbey as this week's favorite in entertainment. The season finale is this Sunday and I am so excited to watch. I am surprised at how much I like this show since it is not a plot I thought I would enjoy. I am so glad I gave it a chance because this show is one of my absolute favorites. I am sad that after Sunday I am going to have to wait so long to see a new episode!

Favorite Look

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I am loving everything about this look. I love the coloring and the asymmetrical hemline on the dress. The cobalt shoes bring out the color in the dress perfectly and the belt adds just the right touch. A dress like this would be perfect to wear out for a nice dinner while on our beach getaway. Truthfully, I would wear this dress anywhere!

Favorite Interior

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This is the exact style and look I would love my room to be in my new apartment. First of all, the black side table is chic and can go with any decor. I love the minimalist white bedding with the fur throw. That blanket will surely keep you warm at night! My favorite part of this interior is the bed frame. The color and texture is to die for and would match any bedding that you choose. I would be ecstatic if this was my bedroom!

brown sugar blondies

For my office's Valentine's Day party I wanted to bring a dessert that was unique and one that I knew no one else would be bringing. I saw the recipe for Brown Sugar Blondies and decided to give those a try. The Valentine's M&M's made these too hard to pass up for a holiday party. The recipe was simple enough and it smelled amazing while it was baking. The blondies turned out to be quite the hit at the party. These could easily be made for all holiday events by just switching out the M&M colors. This dessert was a winner in my book!

stowaways

((this post inspired me to take the plunge and buy my own pair))

Winter is slowly but surely chugging away. The days seem to have gotten a bit longer and the freezing temperatures are subsiding (although barely!). I am dreaming of the beach and can't wait to go in a few weeks. The other official countdown under way is the date we finally move into our new apartment. We are gathering everything we will need for the new abode and setting it aside. I am sure we will notice a lot more that we are forgetting when we get all moved in. I am so excited and anxious, but I will definitely miss the comforts of home. Luckily, we can pop on home for meals and hang time on the regular!

The cure for anything is salt water- sweat, tears, or the sea. -Isak Dinesen

((new miracle product- seriously in love!))

((chia seed pudding with strawberries, mango, and coconut))

((Glam Glow packaging))

((Perfect Fit pancake breakfast))