Take a Cue from Spring's Hottest Hues

Whether accentuating your eyes, lining your lips, or adding a fresh coat of polish to your nails, Pantone’s Spring2014 Color Report is the perfect inspiration source for reviving your basic beauty routine this season. Take a cue from the authority on color, and update your look today! 

// Radiant Orchid: CoverGirlFlamed Out Shadow Pot in Dazzling Purple 340 // Dazzling Blue: SephoraCollection Jumbo Liner 12HR Wear Waterproof in 27 Electric Blue Matte //

Make your peepers pop with Dazzling Blue liner or Radiant Orchid shadow. These electric colors will not only draw attention to your eyes, but will add a touch of playfulness without being too over-the-top. Feeling daring? Pair the two hues and create an unexpected sultry look.

// Cayanne: MaybellineColor Elixer by Color Sensational in Captivating Carnation // Celosia Orange: NARSSatin Lip Pencil in Torres Del Paine //

Kiss winter goodbye and prep your pucker with spicy Cayenne or invigorating Celosia Orange. And no need to play up other features while rocking one of these zesty shades, as  your lovely lips will be center stage. Perfect for either day or night!

// Hemlock: Forever21 Love & Beauty Nail Polish in Smooth Avocado // Sand: SephoraCollection Color Hit Nail Polish in 09 Secret Boudoir // Paloma: CoverGirlOutlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Non-Stop Stone // Violet Tulip: L'OrealColour Riche Nail Trend Setter in Royalty Reinvented // Freesia: NewYork Color In A New York Color Minute Quick Dry Nail Polish in Lexington Yellow 294 // Placid Blue: SallyHansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in 481 Breezey Blue //

Top off your nails with pretty pastels that can essentially be deemed the new neutrals for spring. Summery Sand and cool Paloma are the classic go-to shades, while romantic Violet Tulip and tranquil Placid Blue will perfectly polish any look with a subtle hint of whimsy. And not over last year’s mega-hit, mint? Opt for Hemlock tips, a fresh take on a summery green.

Say you still need a kick of color though. Blazing Freesia will electrify any mani or pedi, and have you craving sunny days that never end.

 Now just say goodbye to the snow, bring on the blooming flowers, and say hello to some fresh color!

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Corporate Chic: Claire Underwood

 While recently binge watching the critically acclaimed Netflix original series House of Cards, I couldn't help but admire lobbyist and politician wife, Claire Underwood’s wardrobe.

As a young professional, it is often times difficult to find suitable style icons in the corporate realm. However, Claire proves that women can have it all- brains, beauty, and a killer sense of style.

With a wardrobe comprising of three key pieces, Claire shows us how to impeccably dress for the office. 

The Sheath Dress

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Always in neutral colors (think grays, blacks, and blues), Claire has an arsenal of simple yet elegant dresses available at her disposal. Never gaudy or overly accessorized, she proves that the basic sheath is a must-have for any working woman.

The Blouse

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Whether paired with a pencil skirt, sleek pants, or topped off with a chic blazer, Claire demonstrates how a classic blouse is a necessity for your office attire. Crisp white and soft blue are suitable hues that not only give you that borrowed from the boys look, but command power and sophistication.

The Coat

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Lastly, Claire proves that outerwear is something that should never be forgotten, and is just as important as what is on underneath. A timeless trench will never steer you wrong, and fit and flare silhouettes (even when created with a belt) elevate every ensemble when those temperatures start to dip. 

While Claire’s go-to pieces may seem basic and sound run-of-the mill, the key takeaway is fit. Never baggy nor ill-fitted, every piece Claire owns fits like a glove, proving that a tailor is quite necessary to achieve a polished look.

So hem those skirts, press those shirts, and start counting down the days for season three to begin. I for one cannot wait to see what’s in store plot-wise and what pieces Claire plans on pulling out of her perfectly curated closet next. 

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Music Monday: The Wyld

Thank you McDonlads! If it wasn't for your 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics commercial, who knows how long I would have been missing out on my latest music obsession, The Wyld.

Effortlessly fusing hip-hop with rock, this trio is definitely proving that Lorde is not the only singer-songwriter hailing from New Zealand to watch these days.

From the haunting vocals in “Rome” to the catchy beats in “Wake Up,” I can literally listen to these guys all day. Which… let’s be honest… I have been doing.

So check them out and don’t be surprised if you get hooked. I sure am.

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Christmas in New York

I know, Christmas was over a week and a half ago. But in my defense, the night I was planning on visiting Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall just happened to be the same night as the tree lighting. So what did I learn from that experience? Do not visit Rockefeller Center on that particular night, unless street closures and swarms of people are your cup of tea. After learning the hard way, I decided to postpone my trek uptown until after the holidays.

Today turned out to be the perfect day to play a tourist too. With a Friday snow day kicking off my weekend early, I couldn't help but admire the picturesque view of NYC draped in snow. Even though the holidays have passed, the twinkling lights and glistening tree branches brought me some post-Christmas cheer.

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Stuck on Repeat

I’m pretty much in love with every version of The Submarines' song “1940,” but this one accompanied by the Section Quartet has captured my heart. Seriously, stuck on repeat. Enjoy!

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Save, Splurge, or Spend: Rain Boots

I've been on the hunt for a new pair of rain boots and naturally I had a specific style of what I was looking for- equestrian inspired that flat out didn't resemble a pair of the typical wellies.

While I’m all for a pair of fun, colorful boots to brighten a rainy day, I've been determined to find the perfect waterproof ones that’ll keep my feet dry through rain and snow, without giving that childish vibe that most rain boots have a tendency of doing.  As a result, it was extremely important that I be able to easily transition the pair for any occasion- for work, a night on the town, or simply trekking about the city.

No matter your budget, I've narrowed down my top picks for your must-have rain boots.

And which ones did I end up purchasing? Rather than saving or splurging, I opted for a happy medium- spending just the right amount on the Chooka Lorum Strap boots. And let me tell you, I can’t wait for it to rain next!  

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// Save: Target // Splurge: Hunter // Spend: Chooka //

Happy Labor Day!

With fall just around the corner, I wanted to squeeze in one more wearing of these heels before summer’s end. Let's be honest though, who wouldn't?! 

And although my Labor Day plans just consisted of me running to the grocery store and resting up from birthday festivities, my ensemble truly left me feeling effortlessly put-together and patriotic.

Now back to the workweek, and just in time to kick off New York Fashion Week!

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// Tee: J.C. Penney // Jeans: J. Crew // Necklace:  J.C. Penney // Purse: J.C.Penney // 

// Shoes: Gianni Binni (Dillards) //

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