Friday's Fancies: {April Showers}

Happy Friday!  I am extra happy that it is the end of the week!  Actually, I thought yesterday was Friday ALL day and was so bummed out around 2pm when i found out it was only Thursday!  This week's {friday's fancies} theme is April showers.  I am not a big fan of the rain, but I am a big fan of rainboots - especially my hunters!  Here is some spring inspiration on wearing these classic wellies!  Oh, and stop back next week for a fun April Showers Giveaway on my blog! Have a great weekend!! xo.  :)

all images found {via}

Loving some of the Spring 12 colors!

Instagram: RIP iPhone

Happy Monday!  Hope you had a great weekend!  I had to work most of the weekend for a big week we have coming up, but I still got to relax and watch some basketball as well.  So, if you follow me on instagram or twitter, you know that this happened....

Yup... pretty much the saddest day of my life!  Ha!  Jk, I actually laughed about it (since it does still work) and I have actually kind of gotten used to it.  After my crazy week at work this week, I'll figure out what I am going to do about it.  Since I didn't take too many photos this week, I was still browsing instagram (through cracks and chipped glass) and here are some photos I loved this week. 

urbn_scout posted this yummy photo of gelato - it's officially spring at work!  fabsugar posted a photo of their girls in citizan floral jeans (love), honestlywtf was in park city kissing a moose (love the styling of their outfits) and refinery29 was at j.crew's headquarters and posted madewell's summer mood board (love the colors)!

Punta Cana, DR Trip Recap

I promised a Dominican Republic recap a couple weeks ago, but better late than never!  Actually, this was the first week I have had since then to sit down for a few minutes to really look through our photos!  I definitely wanted to share our trip with you because I would absolutely recommend this vacation spot and hotel to anyone - it was a perfect getaway!  I have been to a few different islands in the Caribbean, but this one was by far the prettiest!  Also, the hotel, Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe, was awesome!  It is located right on Barceló Beach, one of National Geographic's top 10 beaches in the world.  I kind of agree with them... how beautiful is this?!

My favorite beach pictures are from the morning we woke up extra early (to snag our favorite cabana) and watch the sunrise!  

Not only were the beach fabulous, so were the pools!  We hung out at 3 different pools during our trip, the adult only pool (which was our favorite), the main pool with a swim up pool bar and the infinity pool at the spa. 

I think my favorite thing about the pool was laying in the the pool beds!  They were actually super comfortable and just what you need on a hot day!  Loved.

The spa was AMAZING!  We had an entire afternoon there.  First we had some foot ritual that they like to do in the Dominican, then we had a couples massage and then spent the afternoon in the sauna, steam rooms, and our own private infinity pool for the day (private only because no one else was there that afternoon).  

The food... the hotel is an all inclusive hotel and had your typical "ok" food buffets, however, I loved this hotel because on top of the buffets, you could choose to dine at 10 additional all inclusive restaurants.  They had every kind of restaurant you could imagine, Steak House, Mexican, Italian and our favorite, Japanese!  We went to the Japanese restaurant our last night there and sat with a group of people around a hibachi grill - it was so fun!  Oh, and our new favorite drink is this Brazilian lime drink called caipirinhas!!

We also loved drinking fresh coconut water from coconuts that they cut down from the palm trees daily!  

I forgot to take photos of the rooms - but they were awesome too!  We had a junior deluxe suite that was modern with a beach twist.  Our favorite part of our room, the jacuzzi on our balcony with  a beach view! :)  Our "second room" was this cabana that we lived in during the day!  :) 

I think the photos speak for themselves on how beautiful this place is!  We absolutely loved it and are already talking about another trip back!  Oh, but some things you should know - it is a HUGE European destination, so there are very few people that speak English there.  However, even with the language barrier, the hotel customer service was definitely a ten!  We noticed their attention to detail every day!  Oh, and if you want to fit in on the beach, pack a thong, skip a bathing suit top and have your man pack his speedo! ;)  Ha!  Hope you book your trip today! xxoo.

Friday's Fancies: {The Big Dance}

I am so excited that {av} chose a March Madness theme for {Friday's Fancies}... and I am even more excited that it fell on THIS Friday.  Tonight is the big rematch of IU vs. UK in the sweet 16.  This is a HUGE game to me for 3 reasons: 1. IU has not been in the sweet 16 since 2002 (when I was a Freshman in college).  2. IU beat UK (the number one ranked team) already this year, so UK is kind of looking for revenge.  AND 3. my entire mom's side of the family are huge UK fans... and I went to IU, so it's a fun, little family rivalry (especially with my cousin Terra)! So... in honor of tonight's game - a little collegiate inspiration paired with two of my most favorite trends, colored and floral shorts!  Too much?? I don't think so! :) Enjoy the games this weekend!  xxoo.

*click {here} to view items in this set

THE stunning Hermes Tray

I've been lusting over the Hermes serving tray ever since I saw it in Olivia Palmero's NYC apartment photos in 2010. Since then I have seen this beauty pop up on {pinterest} and every time, my heart skips a beat!  Seriously, how perfectly styled are these vintage trays!!? In love.

images {via}

Instagram: Ohio

Happy Monday! I just got back to Philly from an awesome time in Ohio... and I am already missing it!  We couldn't have asked for better weather or company!  Loved being able to celebrate St. Patty's outside on the patio... actually, enjoying almost every meal/drink outside on a patio!  Thank you Amanda and Kyle for having us and it was so great to see everyone else!  Can't wait to visit again soon! Here are just a few photos from the weekend...  :)  xxoo.

Basketball + Green Beer

I feel like a horrible blogger friend because not only did I promise a post on Tuesday, but I also said I would give a recap with more {photos} of my trip to the Dominican this week too!  Usually I stand by my word - but the last 3 days were a little crazy with work!  Guess it is frowned upon to take a week vaca, come back for a couple of days and then take another vaca! Oops!  Well, I am off to Ohio for a little basketball and green beer!  That's right - my annual St. Patty's Day celebration with my sister and tickets to a couple games for March Madness!  I'm pumped!!! Can't wait to see everyone back "home"!  Oh, and a  BIG thank you to {av} for sending me a Georgetown tee for the game on Friday... I will be cheering on her hoyas (since they aren't playing my hoosiers ;)!  Be back next week and hopefully I will find a little more time to blog - so many blog post ideas running through my head! Happy St. Patty's Day (a little early)....

Instagram: My Caribbean Vaca

Hi Friends! Happy Monday! I just got back from the most amazing vacation EVER! I have been super lucky to be able to go on many trips to countless fun & fabulous places, but I can definitely say that Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is my newest favorite from all of my travels so far!  I would recommend the beach and resort we stayed at to anyone and everyone, so I am going to do a more in-depth post later on this week, but thought I would give you a little sneak peak today.  Seriously, how beautiful is this place?! Ahh, take me back... now, please! :)  

Yes, I took this photo with my iPhone! Crazy beautiful...

One of my favorite things was drinking coconut water straight from a coconut that they cut down each morning.  I'm think I would like my water served to me like this from here on out... ;)

And... one of my favorite photos from the trip.  Alejandro has mastered the self portrait shots -- not only with my camera, but with my iPhone as well!  Totally impressed :)

PS. Priceless quote from the trip: "You should go ask that girl if you can take a photo of her for your blog, she looks like someone you would post on there" - Alejandro, completely out of the blue when he saw a girl with the perfect mixture of pattern and neon color pop.  She truly did look like she belonged on pinterest.  But, sadly, I was not creepy enough to ask her for a photo! :)

Have a great week!  I am taking off on Thursday for more travels... details to come tomorrow! xo.

Guest Post: {Long Distance Loving}

Happy Friday, friends! It's {av} from {long distance loving}--and I have a special Friday's Fancies for you today :) Since Ashley is soaking up the sun in Punta Cana, I pulled together a sassy, red-hot outfit! I only wish I was lucky enough to have a "grown-up" spring break...

1) A bold and happy choice, this Rory Beca Rover Handkerchief Dress demands to be worn while sipping a cocktail by the ocean. 

2) Surprisingly inexpensive, these Blu Bijoux Crystal Tiered Earrings pack a definite punch. They would be versatile enough to rock on multiple days of any vacation. 

3) While red+yellow may be an unexpected combination, something about it just works for me. This Tory Burch Norah Envelope Bag adds such a sweet twist to this sassy ensemble.

4) These Madison Harding Gayle Sandals serve as a fantastic blank canvas. They provide a great foundation for any outfit, without stealing the show.

5) Philippe Audibert nailed it with this Bay Gold-Plated Swarovski Crystal Cuff. A little dose of sparkle does a body good--especially when you're right by a sparkling sea.

{click here to join the mailing list for Friday's Fancies, so you can join in the fun in future weeks!}

So excited to see photos from Ashley's trip to the DR--I'm headed there in two months and I can't wait! Thank you so much for having me fill in, A! Have a phenomenal weekend, everyone :) 
xoxo {av}

Guest Post: {L.A. in the bay}

Hi there! I'm Lauren and I blog over at my fashion + lifestyle blog, L.A. in the bay. So happy to be with you today on the fabulous Ashley's blog, as she is away basking in the sun in the Dominican Republic. JEALOUS. The only time I have been to the Caribbean is when I went to Costa Rica on a missions trip. Not the exact occasion for looking glamorous. But, if I were to set sail on a fabulous vacation with family or friends, this is what I would be sure to wear...

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{image source: here}

Thanks for having me Ashley! Have a wonderful time. Can't wait to see pictures!

Guest Post: {let it be beautiful}

I'm Ashlyn, the blogger behind {let it be beautiful} & I am beyond thrilled that Ashley asked me to do a guest post for her while she is enjoying the warm weather + relaxing in the Dominican Republic. I wish she could have taken me along with -- I wouldn't have minded! Today I am sharing some of my staples when traveling to a land of clear blue water, bright skies, + tasty drinks. To me there are so many things that a girl can take with them when they travel to the beach, but these are my go-to's.  

What are your staples? 

Thanks for having me today Ash -- & stop by { let it be beautiful } for style, design, + prettiness! 

Can't wait to meet you :]

sunnies // white dress // spike the punch necklace // wedges // yellow bracelet // pink bracelet // 

butter london :: snog // harvey nicholas bag

Guest Post: {Sequins and Stripes}

Hi! It's Liz from the fashion and style blog, Sequins & Stripes, and I am thrilled to be here today sharing some day and night outfits inspired by Ashley's dreamy Caribbean vacay! When I am packing for warm weather destinations, I tend to take advantage of the bright and patterned pieces in my wardrobe. I like items that can be mixed and matched, easily layered + don't require a ton of thought. Here are two ideas for fun in the sun and a night on the town...

Loren Hope Leslie Earrings  //  Joie Boyd Top  //  Ban.do Pom Pom Flower {for your hair!} //  Benefit Sunbeam  //  Citizens of Humanity Floral Denim Shorts  //  J.Crew Farmers Market Tote  //  Isabel Marant Merry Sandals  //  Old Navy Mix + Match Bikini  //  Chloe Wedges  //  ASOS Weave Clutch  //  Tucker Printed Silk Dress  //  Essie Nail Polish in Fiesta and Ole Caliente  //  Dannijo Kyla Bangles

A big thank you to Ashley for having me today! I hope you are enjoying a ton of rest + relaxation {and some yummy cocktails!} in the sun!

Instagram: Beach Nails

Happy Monday! I know this is an extra happy Monday for me because I am in the Dominican Republic sitting in a pool bed relaxing all week!!! I know I take an elaborate, amazing "Adult" Spring Break almost every year, but this one is very, very much needed!! Before I left for vacation, I bought new nail polish... below are my beach nail colors NARS Schiap & Sephora by OPI!

I won't be on the computer this week... so I have some great gals filling in for me while I am gone!  Check back this week for Caribbean inspired guest posts from these fabulous bloggers:

Tuesday - Sequins and Stripes

Wednesday - let it be beautiful

Thursday - LA in the bay

Friday - long distance loving

Thank you so much girls!! :)

Top Knots

I became obsessed with buns last fall when I was in London and my friend Heather rocked this unbelievably, amazing bun the entire time!  I even bought {this} for my hair to help mimic the same bun, but fail - I can not get my hair to look as effortlessly, beautiful as these... xxoo.

Update 7/28 - If you are stopping by from pinterest - WELCOME to my blog!! :) Please stay and browse around a little... or you can follow my blog (on the right hand side under 'My Readers') and come back later when you have more time! I post daily about my favorite inspirations on fashion, home decor, photography and of course - hairstyles! ;) PS. I am proud to say that I have mastered the top knot! It's my favorite go to hairstyle for day or night! :) 

all images found via {pinterest}

psst... I am also on {tumblr}for more style inspiration.

Happy Thursday!

Hi Friends!  Happy Thursday! I hope you are having a great week so far!  I've had a super busy week at work this week just trying to get ready for my trip to the Dominican Republic next week - just a couple more days!! I am sooooo excited!  Even though life is a little busy right now, I wanted to share some pretty images with you - hope you enjoy! xxoo.

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