September Wish List

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Here is my rather belated wish list for the month of September.  But better late than never right?

Links of the Week: September 27th

Happy Friday!  Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend.

I'm considering signing up for this class. It would definitely save me money on clothing alterations.

11 ways to create a world you don't need to escape.

I will definitely be trying these hairstyles this fall: 6 hairstyles for short to medium natural hair and 5 curly hair updos.
 
One writer describes her experiences ghost writing YA books.

On defending your product.

Looking for something to do in Philly this Sunday? Stop by the Sweet & Spark Trunk Party.

I really like the design of this couple's small, stylish space. 

For someone like me who doesn't plan on getting tattoo's these temporary ones are a cute non-permanent option.

I need to stock up on a few cozy sweaters.  This one is an option.

Have a lovely weekend!

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Recent Reads

Since the summer is officially over, I thought it would be a good time to mention books
I read during the season.

Kinky Gazpacho - I love memoirs that revolve around travel, so Kinky Gazpacho sounded like a compelling read right up my alley. The author, Lori who first travels abroad as a teen decides that her destiny would be found in Spain.  Her passion for the country led her to varied experiences and including meeting and marrying her husband.  Lori talks about her childhood in the mid-west where she was often the only African American in social and academic situations.  It's a lovely memoir about self-discovery in an interesting setting.

The Law of Divine Compensation - Return to Love is one of my favorite books, so I decided to check out Marianne Williamson's latest book.  While there was great information and inspiration in this book, Return to Love remains my favorite, but if you're all about being prosperous for the remainder of 2013, check out Divine Compensation.

Better than Good Hair: The Curly Girl Guide to Healthy, Gorgeous Natural Hair! -  This book is a great primer about loving, maintaining, styling and transitioning to natural hair.  The author, Nikki Walton (aka Curly Nikki) has a popular natural hair blog that I've read for the past few years.  Though I've never had a relaxer or other chemical in my hair (not even hair dye...), I am still learning how to best manage my hair, so I decided to read Better than Good Hair.  It's a great read, especially if you aren't familiar with Nikki's blog or if you you are just starting your natural hair journey.  You can learn the lingo, basics and get inspiration when you may be tempted to revert to chemicals.  Note: I think how you wear your hair is a very personal choice and I never disparage ladies for choosing not to wear natural hair. Rock your hair natural, permed or dyed proudly.

Maya's Notebook - This book is the story a young woman who flees very real dangers in her past to and goes to her grandmother's homeland: Chile.  So a very modern young adult ends up in a small village where she learns life lessons and grapples with coming to terms with her past.  Though to me the story seems a tad far-fetched, it was a compelling read.  I became invested in the outcome of the protagonist in the story and began to root for her. 

MWF Seeking BFF - This book is a memoir about a twenty-something year-old, recently married woman who relocated.  Rachel moved with her new husband to Chicago and away from her friends and social network on the East coast.  She embarked on a 52 week challenge to find a new, local BFF.  I don't recommend anyone doing a challenge like the author unless they have lots of free time on their hands, but the book is a good reminder for twenty-somethings (or anyone who has moved for career, spouse or family) to make time for friendships even in the midst of life's  changes and responsibilities.

Stay tuned for my fall reading list.  Did you read any good books over the summer?

Blue Farewell

 

Dress: swapped (similar) // Jacket: Zara (girls section) // 
Wedges: Target // Earrings: H&M (old) // Sunglasses: Target

I decided to wear one more summery dress to bid farewell to the season.  Goodbye summer, hello fall!  I'm going to spend some time this week storing summer clothing, making a fall wish list, setting goals for the season and creating a list of things I'd like to do in my city before winter arrives. 

How do you prepare for fall?

 

Here's to a great week!

Links of the Week: September 20th

 

Happy Friday!  Here is some reading material to keep you occupied during the last weekend of summer.

Why working hard can be good for you.

How to make vintage clothing work for you.

Follow these tips to avoid jet lag on your next trip.

Massai beadwork inspiration.

Some great street style trends from NYFW.

A cute fall jacket.

A bunch of articles on introverts and extroverts in the work place.  I guess this is officially a 'trendy' topic.

The habits of supremely happy people.

If Cher from Clueless had Instagram.

An interview of one of my favorite writers. 


Have a fantastic weekend!


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August Favorites

Here are my rather belated August favorites.

Snack: Chocolate ice cream made with coconut milk was a favorite snack during the month.
Outfit: My tie-dyed jumpsuit was my favorite outfit of the month.  For some reason, adding color to this piece made it more fun to wear.
Beauty: I guess was feeling coconut during the month of August.  Coconut oil is my favorite summer moisterizer, make-up remover and cooking oil. Maybe I'll get around to trying oil pulling with coconut oil before this month ends.
Book: I borrowed Gwyneth Paltrow's latest cookbook, It's All Good from the library and enjoyed it.  I will definitely try a couple of the book's recipes this fall. 
App: I didn't take many  Instagram photos this month, but I found the app Squaready helpful for the Instagrams I did take.
Music: I enjoyed listening to Chrisette Michelle's latest album, Better during the month. 

What were your favorites from last month?

Skirted Stripes

Blazer: Macy's Boy's section // Shirt: swapped // Skirt: swapped // 
Belt: Target // Shoes: Target // Bag: a local accessories store (now closed) 

The weather in Philly has been great lately: sunny and crisp, with a slight hint of fall in the air.  A jacket or blazer is needed, but tights are an option and not yet a necessity.  Late summer is awesome, but fall, I think I'm finally ready for you.

Event: Sweet and Spark Party

Curated vintage jewelry company, Sweet & Spark is having a trunk show later this month with Philly Blog Love.  On September 29th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Rittenhouse area, attendees will be able to shop an exclusive vintage jewelry (aka spark) collection while sipping bubbly and chatting with fellow shoppers.  Everyone who attends the Spark Party will have an opportunity to receive an instant 10% off their purchases and be entered into a $50 Spark card giveaway. 

Take a peak at the lovely jewelry Sweet & Spark offers on their website.   Credit cards, cash or check will be accepted at the party. To participate in the Spark Party conversation on social media use the hashtag #sharethespark.  Be sure to follow @sweetnspark and @phillybloglove for fun coverage of the party.

You can view ticket details here. 

Little Navy Dress

 

Vest: Swapped (similar) // Dress: Asos  (similar) // Wedges: Target // Bag: gift

We all know the limitless potential of a little black dress (aka lbd), but a little navy dress (lnd) can be just as versatile.  A lnd can easily transition from work to weekend. Adding a vest (yes, the same one worn in my last outfit post) is a practical way to keep my look casual.  Don't be surprised if you see this dress again on the blog very soon styled for a fall weather appropriate work day. 

 

Here's to a fantastic week!

Links of the week: September 13th

Happy Friday! Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend.

Here is a free ebook titled Be Your Own Style by Sarah of Yes and Yes (P.S. I'm one of the bloggers featured in it!).

Thinking about making this no-bake dessert the next time I get a craving for something sweet.

The healing power of matcha green tea and the traditional way to prepare it. 

15 Black designers to love from NYFW

12 Things Successful women do differently.

5 epic career lessons I learned in my twenties.

What are you leaning into? 

The perfect nap: sleeping is a mix of art and science.

I've started looking for fall nail colors, I currently like this one.

Philly folks: check out these Philadelphia Collection events from September 18th - 25th.  

Have a fantastic weekend!

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Fall Style Inspiration

It took a while, but now I'm finally excited about fall; of course a big portion of my excitement comes from fall fashion possibilities.  Here is some "Pinspiration" from my Fall Style Pinterest Board and some items I'd love to add to my fall wardrobe this season.

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Light Layers

 Vest: swapped (similar) // Top: H&M // Shorts: UO (similar) // Coach Bag: thrifted // Wedges: Target--old

Late summer is the perfect time to wear light layers.  It's even better when one of those layers can be functional by providing multiple pockets. 

Here's to a positive and productive week!

Links of the Week: September 6th

Happy Friday folks!  So we made it through the week after a holiday weekend (which is always rough) and the final countdown to the end of summer has begun!  Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend.

Philly folks: don't have lunch plans this afternoon, check out ABSOLUT Lunch Break at 1pm today. The DJ's for this lumch part are curated by Questlove of the Roots.  It's only an hour, just enough time to have some fun then get back to work.

Build a career worth having.

30 networking conversation starters.

How to make your life a millions times easier (ok slight exaggeration but still good).

Never eat crappy sushi again.

How to (properly) email a stranger.

Here are some great tips on how to make your "arm party" look fab.

Is New York Fashion Week Near the End of the Runway?

I'm still thinking about what I'd like to purchase for my wardrobe this fall.  I'm currently loving this vest, these leggings, these pants, these ankle heels. 

Could these kids get any cuter?

Have a lovely weekend!


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Last Stretch

Dress: Buffalo Exchange // Shoes: Nine West (old) // 
Bag: random accessories store in Philly // Earrings: H&M

Here is a rather matchy outfit worn during Labor Day Weekend (aka the unofficial end of summer). I wanted to wear this rather summery dress before I set my mind (and wallet) to fall fashion.  Let's make the best of this last stretch of summer!