fave five

Favorite Words

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Favorite Shopping

Madewell is one of my favorite stores for staple pieces as well as a few bright, patterned options. I recently went into the store and came away with these purchases. I would have loved to have splurged on this leather tote, though! It looks so soft and I love the color since it would work for all seasons. Plus, it is simple and would match any outfit. I can see myself carrying this tote around on a regular basis as a purse or using it for a weekend getaway bag for trips to the beach. I think I may need to go back and snag this baby up!

Favorite Entertainment

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There was a photo gallery on People.com a few days ago with quotes that celebrities said about their significant others. The quote that Andrew Garfield said about Emma Stone was incredibly sweet and would make anyone tear up to hear that being said about them. They are one of the cutest, funniest couples and seem so down-to-earth and in love. 

"She's beautiful and talented and kind of impossible to dream up." -Andrew Garfield about Emma Stone

Favorite Look

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This is the perfect outfit for the transitional weather we are having right now. The cut-offs scream summer, but the oversized sweater is great for when the weather is not quite warm enough. This is also an outfit that could easily be worn at night for when the temperature cools down. I love the sweater and may need to find one to go with these Free People cut-offs!

Favorite Interior

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This living room is so upbeat and cheery that you could never have a bad day in it. This is the living room of Design Love Fest's Bri Emery. I think the live plants make everything so much happier and we definitely need to add some plants to our new living room. This space is very chic and put-together while still using so many colors. I will definitely be using Bri's space for ideas to liven up our main room!

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

stowaways

((gearing up for warm weather with some Madewell purchases))

Things have finally started to calm down a bit over here now that we are almost fully settled in the apartment! It is so much fun having friends over on the weekends and showing our parents around our new town. I cannot believe that it is almost May and it still isn't consistently hot around here. I just want it to be 80 and sunny every day... is that too much to ask... probably, but I can dream! With hopes of warm weather, I joined the Tone It Up bikini series, which is 8 weeks of workouts to get ready for summer. It is tough, but I am trying to stick to it. Is anyone else doing the #bikiniseries? I am so ready for summer!

Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. -Joshua J. Marine

((strawberry smoothie with coconut flakes))

((delicious breakfast- my favorite meal of the day!))

((cupcake and wine night))

((healthy juices- also seen here))

fave five

Favorite Words

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Favorite Shopping

This bright green J. Crew floral top is perfect for summer. I love the emerald color and silk texture. There is a cute cutout on the back as well, which adds a little more drama to the blouse. Plus, everything at J. Crew is 25% off right now with the code SPRINGBEST. I can never pass up a good deal! 

Favorite Entertainment

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I heard about the new Sundance Channel original series titled Rectify and I knew it would be a captivating show. It is about a man who is recently released from prison after being on death row for 20 years. This show is heartbreaking, intense, and I cannot wait to see the next episode. It is part of a 6-episode series, but I am hoping it gets picked up for another season. The pace is pretty slow, but it is so realistic and I would recommend it to anyone.

Favorite Look

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There is something about this outfit that is so badass. I love the asymmetrical hemline on this skirt as well as the varying fabrics and textures. Pair the skirt with a casual tee and a chambray button-up and the look becomes so unique and edgy.

Favorite Interior

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If I had enough space in my apartment to have a coffee bar, I would do it in a heartbeat. This setup is too cute and I especially love the hanging coffee cups. Having everything in one place would make getting your daily dose of caffeine so much easier, especially when you feel like a walking zombie waking up at the crack of dawn. This idea is genius!

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

stowaways

((the sweet life))

The first week in our new apartment has been so fun! Living in more of a city atmosphere is a lot different than living in the suburbs... lots of walking, eating out (still learning to cook!), and hanging with friends. I love the fact that we can just walk everywhere and hardly have to take our cars. I will definitely post some photos of the new place when everything gets organized and put together!

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations. -Charles Swindoll

((berries with whipped cream and Grand Marnier))

((pretty, bright flowers))

((all the green choices))

((strawberry and mango gelato))

style inspiration- emily blunt

Seeing Emily Blunt on the cover of May's In Style magazine made me want to revive the style inspiration series with her as the feature. She is beautiful, has impeccable red carpet style, and she is married to John Krasinski (aka Jim from The Office), so basically she is amazing. Plus, I loved her in The Five Year Engagement! Here are some of my favorite looks of hers. Do you have a favorite?

((gold + patterned))

((sequins + silver))

((navy + feathered))

((orange + jeweled neckline))

((belted + peplum))

((lace + red))

((cutouts + blush))

((and because they are adorable))

To see other style inspiration posts, click on the style inspiration label.

* all images via Google and Pinterest

stowaways

((love this- so true!))

The last week of living at home was an emotional one. It was weird to think that I wouldn't be living there anymore and would be out on my own. The week was spent going shopping and getting any last minute items we thought we would need. We also had to go into some stores and get new clothes for apartment living... naturally! I am adjusting to living on my own, but I do love to venture home for a home cooked meal and to see my parents and puppies!

A happy family is but an earlier heaven. -George Bernard Shaw

((spring is finally here!))

((would love this Anthropologie pouch to join my life!))

((delicious flavors of gelato))

((thought this notepad was too cute))

fave five

Sorry for all of the silence around sunshine stowaways lately! I have been so busy with the move, but I am slowly but surely trying to catch up on all of the posts. Here is the fave five post for three weeks ago! Hope you enjoy and get ready for a barrage of posts coming your way!

Favorite Words

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This quote is too funny, plus I love the leather look! 

Favorite Shopping

I have never actually been into a Zara store before and have only been able to shop there online. I did just find out that there is a Zara close to where I recently moved. One of my first missions is to finally go into the store. I think that this bright blue crossover blouse is going to be my first purchase. The color is so great for the warmer temperatures and I love the front pocket and texture. I basically need this top like right now!

Favorite Entertainment

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The Office is coming to an end in a few weeks... sad! This show is consistently funny (no matter what the critics say) and I am sure going to miss it. Jim and Pam are still my favorite couple and the other characters are so interesting and witty. I hope this show ends with everyone perfectly happy and I know I will be shedding some tears.

Favorite Look

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This outfit is very modern chic. The "jacket" of sorts is amazing. It looks perfect to wear into the office and is quite fashionable to wear to meet friends for drinks afterwards. It is such a statement piece and dresses up any standard outfit. The outerwear mixed with the sunglasses and amazing shoes makes for an ensemble no one would soon forget... so seriously how do I find one of these?!

Favorite Interior

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So this is technically not an interior, but it is something you would put in an interior so it counts! When shopping for throw pillows, I realized just how expensive these little things are. I had to scour multiple stores to get a pillow that was reasonably priced. This pillow cover is so witty and fantastic that I would definitely splurge! Although the cost is for the cover only and you have to buy your own pillow insert, this is just too good to pass up!

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

stowaways

((delicious sandwich + Naked Green Machine))

With the last few weeks of living at home almost over, time has been spent packing and organizing to get ready for the big move. I am trying to keep the stressing to a minimum and enjoy the comforts of home while I'm still living there! We have been spending as much time as possible at home and soaking in the time with our parents and dogs. This time next week, I will be posting from our new apartment. Lots of photos to come! Hope you all had a relaxing weekend! It is finally getting warm out!

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. -Eleanor Roosevelt

((love the new Yes To Grapefruit line))

((wearing my sister's J. Crew skirt to work))

((wishing all of these bananas were mine to make some delicious recipes))

nordstrom catalog- april 2013

After skimming through Nordstrom's April catalog, I basically want everything in there! The pages are filled with bright colors, pastels, lace, and everything that makes you think of spring. Just looking at the pages makes me want to sit outside in a pretty dress drinking champagne while the sun beams down on me. Below are some of my favorites from the catalog. Do you all have any must-have pieces from the April 2013 edition?

1. Sam Edelman Sandal @ $139.95
2. Quilt Print Jacket @ $148
3. Roll Sleeve Knit Blazer @ $59
4. Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume @ $67.50
5. Stackable Rings (Set of 3) @ $38
6. Leather Tee @ $298
7. Oakley Frogskins Sunglasses @ $120
8. Crossbody Flap Bag @ $298
9. Lafayette 148 New York Top @ $348
10. Short Sleeve Utility Jacket @ $128

fave five

A fave five post finally going up on the right day!

Favorite Words

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Favorite Shopping

A classic white button-down is a necessity in any girl's closet. This Bisected Studio Buttondown from Anthropologie is very neat because you can keep the sleeves rolled up or pulled down and the back is so cool. I love the slit in the back since it is unexpected. Running to the store now...!

Favorite Entertainment

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Nick and Jess from New Girl finally went out on a "date" this past episode. The will they - won't they thing these two have going on is so entertaining to watch. I am a big fan of Nick and Jess taking the plunge!

Favorite Look

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This is the perfect outfit to wear to coffee on a Saturday morning, don't you think?! I love how casual it is, yet it still feels very put together. The cut-offs paired with the tee and long cardigan work so well and the bag adds a little edge to the look. 

Favorite Interior

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This pinboard is fun because it is an inspiration board mixed with photos of family and friends. The photos can be constantly changed out, so you always have something new and interesting to look at. I am thinking of getting a chicer pinboard for my room that isn't your standard classroom bulletin board. Perhaps this one will work!

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

black vegan leather

((Olivaceous top via South Moon Under, H&M pants, Forever 21 necklace, Nixon watch, Kate Spade ring, Tiffany & Co. mesh ring, Jasper&Jeera pouch via Anthropologie, Michael Kors booties- 50% off!))

I love the way that an all-black outfit exudes a level of chicness and classiness (plus no one ever looked bad in black!). This black vegan leather top (see the white version here) is one of my favorites because it can be dressed up in so many ways. This time, I kept the outfit simple and added bright jewelry to make the look pop. The weather is warming up, so I was able to wear the top without a a jacket (finally!). I am hoping to snag a few more faux leather tops in different colors for spring.