Etsy Addict: Modish Vintage

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I won't deny it here, although I do when confronted face to face... I am a tried and true Etsy addict. I compulsively check my favorite shops through out the day. Very high, if not top, on that daily fix list sits Modish Vintage. Evelyn finds pieces that are all amazing and unique, then expertly photographs each and every one. And to top it off, her blog offers the best listing previews! She recently made a very special posting about significant numbers in her life - Congratulations!

Oscar Radiance

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These ladies rarely disappoint, and last night's Oscars were no exception. Cate Blanchett and Michelle Williams both looked stunning. This may seem counterintuitive, but actresses score big with me when they embrace their natural skin tone (ahem, Gwyneth!). More points are awarded when red carpet walkers follow the mantra "don't let the dress wear you." Now excuse me as I go run to CVS to buy some bleach for my hair...

Terrific Terrain

I am sure we all have a few places in our city that we just haven't gotten around to visiting, not that they aren't frequents on the weekend to-do list. I dream of visiting Shop Terrain - a beautiful outdoors/ home store on the Main Line. Part of the URBN and Anthropologie franchise, Terrain is sure not to disappoint.  The events calendar has me whimpering with desire..."Succulent Workshop"! Definitely an amazing online resource for beautiful gifts as well!

Clockwise - starting from top left:
1.) Wiggins Pendant here
2.) Spring Hydrangea Wreath here
3.) Coral & Teal Flower Scarf here
4.) Bespoke Slatted Bench here
5.) Ribbed Bottleneck Vase here
6.) Tall Beach Bottle here
7.) Tall Beach Bottle here
8.) Nested Bowls here

Hiding Under Hats

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I am very thankful that I established great SPF-wearing habits relatively early on - on my face at least. The threat of wrinkles has had me shaking in my boots since my Seventeen  reading days (oh you bet I linked that)! What never caught on with me was sun hats. I'm not entirely sure why. Sun hats are so chic and glamorous. I love these options, but I'm especially taken with Melissa Odabash hats. Might have to snap this one up for spring break!

Composure

Good morning, East Coasters! The temperature is creeping up little by little! I can't wait to switch into Spring mode. I should probably be prepping for this transition by hitting the gym, but let's keep that on hold for now. This polished and relaxed outfit is soon to be a weekend necessity!

Clockwise - starting from top left:
1.) Trish McEvoy Classic Lip Color in Natural 16 here
2.) Topshop Beige Flat Top Sunglasses here
3.) RAG & BONE Kingsley Wool Fedora here
4.) Madewell Anchors Away Dress here
5.) CP SHADES Nick Button Down here
6.) Leifsdottir "Maija" Sandal here
7.) Soixante Neuf Turquoise Double Ring here

Too Little, Too Late

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I am kicking myself for not pouncing on these classic pieces when I had the chance. And yes, I even had the chance. Puff! The sale section of Leifsdottir is unreal. If you catch the website right when new items are loaded, it is a virtual goldmine! Back to saving for a Spring Break trip of dreams...

Back to Basics

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I'm going to put this out in the open - not many things are worse than uncomfortable underwear. From a mondo wedgie to a bra strap that won't stop slipping, it's just not good time. A long history of unpleasant situations has led me to the promised land: Hanky Panky and Elle Macpherson Intimates. Com-for-tab-le! I'm one of those people who holds out for a major sale then buys in large quantities.

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Bling Bib Necklace

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I am excited to wear this necklace with worn oxfords and casual button downs on warm weekends. Hurry it up, Spring!

*Note: The reviews of this necklace are a bit frightening!

Rise and Shine

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How perfect would these prints be hung above a bed in a bright white Ikea Ribba frames? I am constantly searching for pieces that don't make my boyfriend's eyes roll. It's strange, but I don't  think he's a huge fan of the "flower art wall" I've got going on... Check out the rest of this Design*Sponge gift guide here

Simple Staple

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I reach for this necklace on most occasions - it's simply perfect (mine has no diamonds, of course). From the first time I saw this feather necklace on Jennifer Aniston in The Break Up, I had to have it (huge fan)! Many other pieces from Jennifer Meyer's jewelry line are just as attractive. Her use of turquoise - sublime! Jennifer Meyer's selection of favorites in this Glamour interview indicate that her style goes well beyond jewelry!

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Feel Good Music

We are hunkering down over here for a little bit of snow (sob!) - this song on repeat should get me through it! I saw Robyn live a few weeks ago when she visited Philly and she is incredible live. And yes, same Robyn as "Show Me Love" :)

Not a Spring Fling

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Luca Luca Spring '11 Ready-To-Wear. This collection is no spring fling for me - more of a spring life long commitement/ soulmate. I'll keep dreaming!

Logo Limbo

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I usually prefer not to wear items with large brand logos. On the other hand, these Tory Burch flats have had me feeling differently for quite some time now. I adore how clean and polished they look. Oh Tory, you have me torn!

Bambi Babe

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To say I have a crush on this shoe would be a major understatement.  Unfortunately, I turn into a teetering tower once we get past a heel height of 4 inches. That's right, a total Bambi - except not cute! How jealous am I of the gorgeous 5 inch and up blogger? The answer is very!

Another Must Have

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I have discovered all of my favorite scarves are warm colors: pink, red, and blush tones. Never one to turn down a challenge, I have searched for alternative colors for which I lust equally after. Enter this here scarf - gorgeous! My mother always warned me that blondes have a difficult time pulling off greens, but I have a good feeling about this shade. Thank you, Virginia Johnson!

Playing Professional

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More than a few times a day, I wish that researchers had not documented the importance of "dressing for success." I would be ecstatic to express myself in the workplace, but it just isn't going to happen anytime soon. The above looks from Tibi and Alice+Olivia make that thought a little more bearable. I'll get into the idea of "appropriate art" another time!

Strange Girls

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Of all the strange things adolescent girls can get into, I would wager badminton is pretty high on the list. My circle of friends lived for a good game of badminton. Ever since I stumbled upon these letterpress cards, I have wanted to adopt them as the official means of correspondence for me and my grade school friends. Unfortunately, Skype beat out the birdie! 

Valentine's Day Gifting

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Looks like Valentine's Day is off to a great start! Put together this gift for a special lady in my life... she couldn't wait until midnight to open it - so impatient! Leave it to Etsy and Philly's Open House (local Egg Press retailer and much more) to banish all your gifting woes!

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Amazing Alba

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I have to confess that I am freakishly obsessed when it comes to finding out beauty secrets. I want to know what hair oil you use, what eye cream really works - the whole nine yards! So it's only right that I rave about every product that works for me. Here it is - I am having a serious love affair with the entire Alba Advanced skin care line. I swear by the Sea Moss Moisturizer with SPF 15 and Sea Kelp Facial Toner. Alba products are also available at Whole Foods - now that's a quality guarantee!

found here - please increase to 30 SPF!

Need You More Than Ever

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Pretty pretty shoes. I can't wait until the Spring '11 nude wave hits Philadelphia!

Date Night

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The boyfriend and I have decided to make dinner for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, I will be in class until 7:00 pm, which means the grunt work will fall on him. I tried to do my fair share of the work today by running around picking up ingredients and kitchen items. I am now the proud owner of a broiling pan and a much more extensive spice collection (onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper).

I had hoped to pick up romantic decorations, but my load was getting pretty heavy... How is it possible that I have no candlesticks? Mismatched glass candlesticks are the very essence of romance, in my opinion. Oh well, I snatched up some tea lights - guess they'll have to do instead! Here's to date night!

Spice things up!

Pretty Prints

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No one does sophisticated bright prints better than Michelle Smith of Milly. I am falling hard for these two dresses. I can see myself wearing them to all types of parties - wedding, dinner, holiday... Does that count as a good rational for making one a self-gifted birthday present?

Summer Swoon

How gorgeous is this necklace from Elva Fields? Her pieces are so beautiful, but the prices are just a bit outside my view of a reasonable range. I find the minute I hear the word "vintage" I expect a bargain.

Pair the Elva Fields necklace with this DVF dress and you have one sensual outfit for a summer night out. Although the look is so casual I would hate to finish it off with anything other than a pair of sandals!

The first hint of good weather and my thoughts start drifting to a summer wardrobe *Sigh*

Long Time Coming

Good evening, fellow blog readers! I have finally arrived...at my breaking point, that is.  After a particularly grueling day of work at my day job, I have decided to try my hand at blogging. I need a break from the office hierarchies and an outlet for my design dreams.

I should warn you now that I have a serious problem with grammar. I am one of those people who throws in a comma or two whenever I begin to feel uncertain about sentence structure. Wouldn't it be nice to have a handbag with common grammar rules on it? I love the new Kate Spade collection of book clutches - a very stylish way to make a statement about your intelligence.

The price tag wouldn't say much about my intelligence given my current budget. That's why the journal newspaper clutch is calling my name! I won't deny that this clutch could clearly also function as a bug swatter!