A-Z Series: J is For

 To anyone not in the blogging world, it may sound weird to say that I have found a new, fabulous friend, but that is the case when it comes to Julia from The Urban Slant. To those of you bloggers out there, you know what I mean, right?? Julia is so sweet and supportive and puts up with my crazy emails.  Nothing better.  She also has a knack for finding gorgeous pieces, whether they are for your wardrobe or home.  And you will also love her fabulous recipes. I couldn't be happier to have her on the blog today. Clearly one of my favorite J's!

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Hi! Julia from The Urban Slant here sharing my favorite things that start with the letter J. I was so excited when Carly asked me to participate in this fun series! She is a DOLL, and we've become quite good friends through blogging. Crazy how this blogosphere works. J is such a great letter (I'm totally biased), and there are so many things I love that start with it. I've narrowed it down to five of my favorite things. Who doesn't love jet-setting, jewels, Jonathan Adler, jacuzzi's and jungle prints?! I know I can't get enough of all of them. What do you love that starts with J?

Thank you for having me today, Carly! I hope you will all stop on over to my blog where you can find daily reads on design, travel, fashion, food and urban living. xoxo

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I 110% agree with Julia's picks.

My other J favorites:
J. Crew - you can do no wrong there
Jessica Simpson-more specifically her shoe collection
Jamba Juice.  I lived right across the street from one last year.  Have you had their oatmeal yet?? If not, I recommend you try some ASAP. And then get a smoothie too.

What else am I missing?

xoxo Carly

Random Facts

Tomorrow the blog will be receiving a much needed face lift that I am oh so excited about.  In honor of the big day, I thought I would do a little "New blog, same me" post for ya.  Get ready for some random facts about yours truly.

1. I'm a twin.  I'm one minute older to be exact.  I will rub that in until it is not cool to be the oldest anymore.  Our little brother K will always be the youngest though.

2. I have had glasses since I was two.

3. Along with those glasses, I had to wear a patch on one eye because of a lazy eye.  No pictures will be shown of that, but here is just how cool I looked:

4. I have been Irish dancing since I was six with Trinity Academy of Irish Dance.  Successfully "quit/retired" three times from competing only to make it back somehow to compete as a "Senior Lady." Yes, I'm old in Irish dance land.  But I consider so many Trinity dancers and instructors my family, and it will always be a huge part of my life.  Here's a picture after a show at Milwaukee Irish Fest with some of the fabulous members of Different Drums of Ireland:

5. I have been fortunate enough to get to travel the world with Trinity.  Our dance tour in Japan two summers ago is one of my all time favorite memories, closely followed by our trip to Belgium my freshman year of high school.  This little boy made my day in Japan.  After the show, he came up and punched me in the stomach and ran away.  Little did he know, he would see me in a workshop later that night, teaching Irish dance. 

6. I am in my 10th and final semester at UW-Madison, studying Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish.

7. I teach Irish dance and love it dearly (obviously).

8. One time I ate an entire container of dark chocolate covered edamame from Trader Joes in one sitting.  I wish I were kidding. I love dark chocolate.

9. I can turn into the meanest person you've ever met if I'm really hungry (i.e. hangry).  Just ask my sister.

10. I strongly dislike seafood.

11. I have an extreme Type-A personality (I also hate being grammatically incorrect so it's bugging me that I don't know if I should put have or am in this sentence).  Lists, post-it notes, and highlighters make the world a better place.

12. I love the Green Bay Packers with all of my heart.  If you have a connection to Aaron or Clay, do tell!

Ya, I'd say that's random enough! Feel free to share a random fact about yourself! Always fun to get to know other bloggers!

A-Z Series: I is For

Oh were to start? Lauren is fabulous, just fabulous.  Her blog L.A. in the Bay is a must read, not just a daily read, but a must read.  She is beyond sweet and has impeccable style. Prepare to get inspired when you visit her blog.  I am thrilled to have her on the blog today!

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Hello lovelies! My name is Lauren and I blog over at the fashion and lifestyle blog, L.A. in the Bay.

 Happy to be with you today on the lovely Carly's blog, sharing some things I love that start with "I".

Iphone 4 - what did I ever do without it? What I especially love about my Iphone is all the never ending choices of Iphone covers. Love!

Ikat - from linens, to fabrics, to chairs, to glassware. I love it!

Iced Chai - hot or cold, these babies warm my soul. :)

Italian Food - I'm 25% Italian, so I have it in my blood to eat lots of meatballs, bread, and lasagna.

Ice Skating - now, I'm not saying I am good at ice skating, but I do happen to love the sport. It's so breathtaking to watch {of course, when I'm not the one skating!}

Instagram - I mean c'mon? Who ever has an Iphone is most likely addicted to this app. So fun!

Thanks for having me Carly! xoxo

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Lauren covered all of my favorite I's.  She's good like that.  The only other thing I'm loving, especially this winter, would have to be infinity scarves.

Hope everyone's weeks get off to a great start!

xoxo Carly

Sunday's Best

I have always been a fan of stripes.  Most of the striped pieces I own in my closet are horizontal, but I'm loving Madewell's vertical stripe options. I know, I know, horizontal stripes are more flattering you're thinking, but on us short ladies vertical stripes can add some much needed length.

pinstriper spotlight tee // ribbon stripe top

What do you think of vertical stripes??

Happy Sunday!

Friday's Fancies::Blog Swap Edition

This has possibly been one of my most favorite Friday's Fancies to prep for yet!  {AV} paired me with Eileen from A Creative Day for a blog swap this fine Friday.  She could not have picked a more perfect partner for me.  I have nothing but amazing things to say about Eileen and had a blast working with her throughout the week. She is so sweet and let's not forget, talented. Get on over to her blog today!
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Hey Everyone! I'm Eileen from A Creative Day and I'm so excited to be over here at A Simple Affair for Friday's Fancies Swap Week! Carly is such a sweetheart, isn't she? I've LOVED working with her the past couple of weeks, and she is fast becoming one of my blogging bff's :-)

This week of Friday's Fancies was wide open for us to decide what we wanted to post about, so Carly and I decided to take two of our latest obsessions... these shoes and this pendant, and each design looks around them.  So fun, right?
 

































For my outfit, I chose to pull pieces that would still let the shoes be the star of the show, which they totally are. Such rockstars, don't you agree?!

 

This is my dream foyer design. Graphic wallpaper, a rosewood console, and antique rug mixed with my favorite books and fun accessories from Furbish feel sophisticated and still relaxed.

(lamps and mirror here)

Thanks so much for having me over Carly, much love to you all! Make sure you head over to my blog to see Carly's looks, you don't want to miss them :-)

xoxo

eileen

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See, I told you she is awesome.  So, so happy to have you hear today, Eileen!

Happy Friday lovlies!

xoxo Carly

A-Z Series: H is For

Have you checked out Gigi's fabulous blog yet: Glam OR Sham? If not, I'm happy to send you her way today.  In her outfit posts, she pairs high and low pieces together beautifully, inspiring you to create new ensembles without breaking the bank.

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I was giddy when asked to share my favorite things that start with the letter H. (Thank you, Carly!)  Immediately, these four things came to mind:

What women doesn't lust over the drool-worthy Hermes collection? Though I don't currently own a bag, that doesn't mean I can't daydream about having one.  I will rub it, kiss it, and love it, and I'll send you pictures so you can love it, too.  One day....

I will never get tired of shopping at H&M.  Their collection is always expanding and it's consistently flooded with trendy, fashion forward pieces.  And, let's not forget how crazy affordable it is.  You can literally buy three outfits for under $100.  Win!

Oh, how I love Tory Burch.  My husband gave me the red Amanda Hobo for Christmas, and it immediately became my favorite handbag. . .ever.  It's spacious, practical, and absolutely gorgeous.  If you follow my blog then you may be tired of seeing it.  Saweee.

Happy Anniversary by OPI is the perfect shade for the spring.  It's a silver-y tone with the perfect  hint of shimmer.  What's not to love?

[images via one, two, three, four]

Thank you so much for sharing these fabulous H items with us today, Gigi! You really can't go wrong with a Hobo bag, and the hubby did a spectacular job on yours!

I'm also loving heels.  All heels, preferably platform though. Aside from heels, I don't know how I would make it through the rainy days without my Hunter boots. And let us not forget about the fabulous-ness that is, House of Harlow. Here is one of my favorite necklaces.

[via]

Any other H items I'm missing?

xoxo Carly

A-Z Series: G is For

I am so pleased to have another fellow UW-Madison grad on the blog today! Another referring to Laura; in May I can be added to that list.  Ashley at styleash has an eye for unexpected pairings, inspires you to try new trends, and not to mention keeps you updated on the latest sales going on, and I am a huge sucker for sales.
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Hi everyone! I'm Ashley from styleash and I am ecstatic to be here today sharing all things "G" with you. 

The Glitter Guide is a site I visit multiple times a day. It's a constant source of inspiration for fashion, interiors, fabulous women, and of course glitter!

Stylemint is a major guilty pleasure of mine. Every month Mary Kate & Ashley design wonderful, quality t-shirts & this month my pick is the Georgia.

While I'm usually all about color, Emily's post a few weeks ago has me loving all things grey. It's a very unexpected monochromatic look that I adore.

Green accents in wedding decor have become a part of my favorite color palette. I especially love it with crisp white linens and burlap details.

One jewelry line I really like is Gorjana. The hammered gold necklace is a piece I wear daily, along with the signature wrap bracelet.

How cute is this gold flatware from West Elm? I'm contemplating buying it for the imaginary apartment I don't own yet- it's that cute. 

Thanks again for having me Carly! 

xx

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Thanks so much Ashley.  You hit a lot of my favorite "G" items.  Honestly, give me anything gold, and I'm pretty sure I'll love it.  The Gap has been my go-to for sweaters for, well, ever, and you just can't beat the prices.  And can we give a little love to Mr. Gosling on this fine Wednesday?  Here's some eye-candy for ya:

[via]

You're welcome. Feel free to send any more images of him my way. I would not complain one bit.

xoxo Carly

A-Z Series: F is For

Why not just get it off my chest, Fashion Truffles is one of my favorite blogs.  There I said it.  I feel much better. Very fitting for F, eh?? I'm very happy for you to get a chance to know Viviana better today.

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Hi A Simple Affair readers! I'm Viviana, from the fashion and style blog, Fashion Truffles. I'm so excited to be here with you today sharing my favorite things that start with the letter "F." Not going to lie, it was a bit challenging to think of things that start with the letter "F," but once I got going, I found more things than I had ever hoped for! What are your favorite "F" things?!

FUN FETES

FASHION SHOWS - especially the front row!

FETTUCINI

via

Fendi platform high heels, $695, Fendi platform pumps, £519, Fendi high heel sandals, $855, Fendi leather handbag, £1,299, Fendi handbag, £394, Fendi mini messenger bag, £600

FOYERS

I could probably keep going, but I think this rounds up my all time faves with an "F." Thanks, Carly, for having me over today! And don't forget to stop by Fashion Truffles for everyday fashion and style inspiration.

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Thank you so much, Viv! That fettuccine looks seriously amazing, and the foyer is one of my favorite rooms in the house as it's the first thing guests see.
 

Some of my other favorite F's:

• Faux Fur 
• Foodgawker
• Forever 21  
 

I have something I would also like to share with you, no judgement please.  I may or may not have had the best cat in the entire world who passed away almost 10 years ago, but I still love him dearly. I present to you: Fat Fred-my all time favorite "F"

  
What are some of your favorite F items?

xoxo Carly

Weekend Snapshots

It's been awhile since I've done a weekend snapshot post.  Thought I'd fill you in on life at the moment.  I hit the ground running last week beginning student teaching in a phenomenal third grade classroom.  I had been lucky enough to spend my last week of break in Florida with Boyfriend B and some of his family, which was just the relaxation I needed before beginning my last semester of college!

Upon my arrival back in Wisconsin, I realized it was actually winter.  These bad boys are sure to get me through the snow and be my best friends during recess duty.

When I got back to school, I had some new additions to add to the apartment.

                      

I also reorganized my closet and realized just how many neutral, oversized sweaters I had and that it was time to do something about it.

I've been trying to liven up my accessories.

I added some much needed color to my closet this weekend (top row, middle).  I also realized the beauty of layering necklaces.  I plan to do this much more often, especially when I'm wearing more neutrals to add some texture to the mix.

Have you added pops of color to your wardrobe yet?

Hope you're having a great star to your week!

Linking up with a {little} dash of ash

[all pictures taking on my iPhone, edited via Instagram, and uploaded to Twitter]

A-Z Series: E is For

Laura from Beauty and the Beard is here today to kick off the second week of the A-Z Series! If you're looking for a place to find both amazing DIY projects and drool-worthy recipes, B&B is this place.  One of my favorite recipes is the cheesy gnocchi and one of my favorite DIY projects are these four seasons mugs.   Will you make me some already, Laura?! Please and thank you.

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Hello again lovers of A Simple Affair! 

I was thrilled when Carly asked me to do another guest post as part of this awesome series. She's a creative one, isn't she folks?

For those of you who weren't around when I stopped by previously for my DIY Statement Necklace Tree Post, Hi! I'm Laura from Beauty and the Beard- Hope you all take the chance to visit the blog later- after I share my favorite "E" things of course!

"E" Store: Etsy. This one is a gimme. Is there anyone out there who doesn't love Etsy? .........{cricket chirp}... Yeah, that's what I thought. Etsy has totally changed the way I give gifts and get DIY ideas for the apartment. There are so many talented, creative people out there, and Etsy is the crafty melting pot. A few of my favorite shops include:

Hullabazoo: The best place to get silhouette art (the little teal & white octopus below is from her shop)- i have a grey canvas with a white penguin on it at home. Super adorable, super affordable.

AshleyPahl: Her paper goods are beyond excellent. She does personalized state cutout cards for around $8- I have MN,WI,and VA in different colors and framed on our window sill.

jennijewel: If you're broke after the holidays- DON'T go click on that link for the shop, because I guarantee you'll buy something. All of her jewelry is simple, beautiful, and perfectly feminine. I'm pretty sure I've pinned just about everything in her store on Pinterest. It's a little ridiculous.

"E" Color: Emerald. Yes, I'm aware Emerald isn't a brand new trending color, but I think it is absolutely fantastic. Emerald is such a bold color for a statement piece- one that exudes confidence and class. I have an awesome emerald trench coat from a tiny boutique back in Wisconsin and a great emerald statement necklace from Urban Outfitters that I get compliments on every time I wear one of them out. Currently in search of the perfect green dress to wear to an April wedding- let me know if you find a great one out there!

"E" Product: Essie. I know the cool thing on everyone's blogs nowadays is the super adorable manicures- especially with the always perfect Essie colors. Heck, I know even Carly here has shown off her stylish nails. Well, I am one of those ridiculous people who can't keep a manicure for more than a day, so I never paint my nails. I do however always have my toenails painted..but let's get real here- no one is dying to see a pedicure photo, right? Right. Currently I am loving these Essie shades- mainly the bold ruby pink/red called Size Matters. I could definitely get ready for Valentine's day with  these babies:

Thanks again to Carly for having me along for the series!

Oh, and seriously ladies- if you find an awesome emerald dress out there-let me know!

xo laura

(Psst- you can find or follow me here: Blog / Twitter / Facebook )

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Some of my favorite E items:

•  The Everygirl
• Equipment blouse
• Of course Essie and Etsy too
• Enchilladas (I just couldn't leave them out)

xoxo Carly

Color

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you know that I desperately need some more color in my life.  Mission accomplished at 3:30 AM this morning.  Yours truly could not sleep so what does one do? Go through Twitter and find out that there was a new necklace up on Spike the Punch.  Sorry friends, I got the last one.  

I can't wait for this pretty piece to arrive at my doorstep.  Here are some other necklaces I have been obsessing over lately.  While not color filled, I could layer them with some more colorful pieces.

A monogram beauty.  Classic and timeless.  Those are the exact words I would use to describe the Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti as well.  And, thanks to Danielle this morning, I found this gorgeous Gorjana Pristine Bar Necklace.  I have been searching for a necklace like this for quite some time.  Leave it to Daneille to find just what I'm looking for.

Would you layer them?

Friday's Fancies::Get The Look

Happy Friday all! As I mentioned earlier, I will be taking a break from the series on Fridays so that I can include my FF posts as they are some of my favorite!  This week was focused on re-creating an outfit we had found in the blogosphere or Pinterest.

I have had my eyes on this outfit for quite some time.  I prepped this post last weekend because I was so excited for the theme, and low and behold Alison posted this outfit inspiration photo on Monday.  I absolutely still had to stick with it as it's one of my favorite color combos at the moment.

Things I love: the layering, pop of blue, texture of the bracelets, cashmere + leather, and the dainty, feminine ring.

1. J. Crew Cashmere V-Neck

2. J. Crew Cashmere Boyfriend Cardigan 
3. Topshop Twist Fringe Scarf
4. Marc New York Moto Jacket
5. Chloe Round-Frame Sunglasses
6. Michael Kors Watch
7. Sasika Diez Bracelet
8. St. John Collection Skinny Bangles
9. Snake Chain Bracelet 

Would you wear this look? Layering sweaters is not something I can say I have done before (usually just a long sleeve + sweater), but I would gladly layer the J. Crew sweaters and add the pop of blue to top off the look.

To see more Friday's Fancies, head over to {long distance loving}!

Thank you all for such amazing feedback about the A-Z Series this week! Glad you're enjoying it as much as I am!

{Image via}

[on a sidenote, if you follow my blog, you'll notice that I deleted my D post from yesterday morning.  Something funky was going on with my blog, and it wasn't able to post on Facebook or update on some blogroll lists.  That absolutely does not mean I don't love my D favorites: Danielle Moss, Design Darling, and Design Darling {the boutique}. Sorry about that! Thanks so much for understanding!]

A-Z Series: D is For

Happy Weekend Eve! On this fine, yet freezing cold day here in Wisconsin, I am so happy to have Katie from Daily Crush with us today.  This is a blog that I refer to for daily inspiration with both fashion and interiors.  Take it away, Katie:

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Hi everyone my name is Katie Carlin and I am the author of the blog Daily Crush! I am so excited to be posting on A Simple Affair today about some of my favorite things! 

I love Dannijo jewelry. I think the designs are very fun and versatile, what I love most about the bling is that it is very versatile. You can wear a necklace like this with a little black dress at night and wear it the next day with jeans and a sweater and it will look just as great. I am currently crushing this Dannijo cuff.

I think Mackenzie Horan's blog Design Darling is amazing. I admire her talent and consistency. Have you read her blog? Do you know she is opening an online boutique that launches in a few weeks? Well I am anxiously awaiting the day it opens because I am sure its going to be AMAZING!

Everyone loves Denim. I wear jeans to class pretty regularly. My favorite brands are citizens and J.Brand but the pair I end up in the most is from Express.

Dresses are the best. If I had to choose one type of clothing to wear everyday it would be a dress. Nothing fancy I just love casual, short/knee length dresses. In the winter I love throwing on a little cotton dress with riding boots and tights, easy and comfortable.

And I love dog Lucy, she is a goldendoodle.

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Thanks so much Katie! Glad to hear we're all loving Mackenzie's boutique headed our way. So excited for what's to come!

A-Z Series: C is For (x2)

Yes, I do feel the need to throw in what I'm loving-all things C!

1. Chevron.  I love everything about it.  I just got a monogrammed cellphone case (more on that later, probably somewhere around M in this series), and of course the background pattern is chevron.

2. Caitlin Wilson Textiles.  Don't make me choose a favorite.  Ok FINE, I'll choose.

 [via]

Yes, chevron.  I really am that predictable.

3. Cap toe flats.  I don't even care what the color combo is, I am sure I will love it. Here's an analogy for you:

 Cap toe flats are to feet as nail polish is to toes

  Yes I actually typed that.  Find these here:

(1) Banana Republic {similar}, (2) Old Navy, (3) Tahari @ Piperlime - it's seriously named Carly - does that mean that I have to get it?!, (4) Lanvin @ Bergdorf Goodman

4. Chai Tea. No, I am not a coffee drinker. Chai tea + Coke Zero are my caffeinated drinks of choice. Occasionally I'll love a Cherry Coke Zero too.

5. C. Wonder. I think I could have done a whole post just on Chris Burch's fantastic pairing of fashion apparel and accessories all in one store. I dare you not to spend more than five minutes on the site.

Any other C items that are some of your favorites?!

xoxo Carly

A-Z Series: C is For

Happy Wednesday, friends!  Hope you're all having a fabulous week! I had my first day of student teaching yesterday with some unreal third graders so I'm in a pretty good mood if I do say so myself.  And I'm in an even better mood because the fabulous Viviana of Fashion Truffles invited me over to share what I'm looking forward to this spring. Head on over and see what trend I'm excited about. Take your coat off, stay awhile, and enjoy the lovely blog.

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Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to Aarean from Color Issue! Color is clearly huge in 2012 already so how could you not love a blog devoted to it?  Some of my favorite posts from Aarean are her nail tutorials, especially these glitter nails.  Enjoy some of Aarean's favorite C things:

Yes please to chocolate chip cookies.  Confession: I used to eat them for breakfast every morning.  Not just one, but at least five.  Whoops.  I'll be back later today with some of my very own favorite C things, after all my name does start with a C so I have to participate, right?! Right.

Thanks so much for sharing Aarean and keep the color coming!!


Other C items I'm loving:

Cheese is a given, I'm from Wisconsin.  Is it sad that I don't know if I could choose what I like more between cheese and chocolate? Dark chocolate to be exact, and I prefer to eat a piece of chocolate after every meal. Feel free to send some my way.

Currently not pictured but possibly one of my favorite stores ever, Costco.  More specifically, free samples at Costco.  You can get a whole three course meal out of that store.  Also currently not pictured would be Carrie Underwood.  More specifically, Carrie Underwood's legs.  Can I have them?

xoxo Carly

A-Z Series: B is For

I am so happy to introduce my first guest blogger for the A-Z series: Alex from Things That Sparkle!  Alex has some serious talent when it comes to interior design.  You can see what I mean for yourself as she just showed us this partial reveal of her condo. She is also in the middle of planning her wedding and has some great wedding inspiration weekly.  Hers is sure to be beautiful, like extremely beautiful.  You can find out even more about her and see some of her exquisite work here. Enjoy!

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Hi all, I am Alex from Things That Sparkle and I am so excited to be here today sharing all of my favorite "B"s with you! There were so many amazing things to choose from, it was hard to narrow down to just a couple... but here are the Bs that made the cut

Anything ballet related. Is there anything more girly and glamorous?

ban.do crystal head piece. I love this for a glamorous bride!

West Elm B hand towel. I have one of these in my kitchen, and love the idea of being able to monogram it with my last name initial! 

Donald Baechler artwork! This tulip piece is amazing. Love the creepy little face.

Bacon. Need I say more??

Hair braids. Such a fun alternative to a pony tail or bun. (via)

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Thanks so much for participating Alex!  I can't get enough of braids lately either, and bacon, well yes I do love it.

Some of my favorite B items:

• Boyfriend B (well, obviously)
• Blazers
• BaubleBar
• Burberry 
• Berry smoothies
• Bright colored belts
• Blogs & blogging (too obvious?)
• Bucky Badger
• Bloomingdales

What are your favorite B items?

A-Z Series: A is For

Happy first day of the A-Z Series!! As I mentioned yesterday, I'll be kicking off the series, but there will be some seriously stylish, creative, inspiring ladies to follow!

What's not to love about Asos? Whether you need to find that perfect LBD or need a pop of color in an accessory-this site has got it.  Not to mention the prices are right up my alley.  Did I mention how great their dresses are yet? Oh, okay just checking.

1. Lace Back Dress with Skater Skirt | $80.57  // 2. Color Pyramid Rings | $11 //  3.  Pastel Color Block Flats | $44.76 // 4. Slot Through Portfolio Clutch | $35.81  // 5. Platform Peep Toe Heel | $46.55 (on sale!) // 6. Spot and Stripe Neon Bow | $14.32 // 7.  Felt Hat | $36 // 8. Mini Dress with Sequin Mesh | $80.57

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And then there is this other store, which I'm fairly certain you have heard of: Anthropologie.  So many timeless pieces.  While some items may land on the pricey end of the spectrum, there is usually a good sale you can snag some great pieces at. Patience is a virtue.  Oh, how I would l-o-v-e, love to have that scarf around my neck as I type this post. I'd pair it with some charcoal skinny jeans + striped casual tee + my new pair of perfect brown boots.

1. Japi Pullover | $228 // 2. Pilar Maxi | $398 // 3. AG Skinny Ankle | $158 4. Easton Cropped Peacoat | $49.95 (on sale!) // 5. Striped Thermal | $88 // 6. Blanched & Buckled Cardigan | $148 // 7. Mikumi Scarf | $88 (my favorite!) // 8.  Gauzy Mint Maxi | $138 (mint green + maxi...it's like Anthropologie made this specifically for me)

Other A items I love:

• A-line dresses
• Aldo heels
• Aaron Rodgers (don't talk to me about yesterday)
• Anything acoustic
• Apples + peanut butter
• Accessories, all accessories

What other A items do you love?

xoxo Carly

Blog Series

Is it Monday yet?!  Tomorrow will be the first day of my first blog series...I know big deal right?!  While it will be longer in length, I am so excited for the series to begin!  I started blogging just a few months ago, and cannot thank you enough for all of the wonderful comments/emails I have received.  I have discovered some amazing blogs written by even more amazing/inspiring/just all around cool ladies.  

I thought what better way to kick off 2012 than to share with you some of my favorite bloggers' favorite things A-Z as well as mine! I will kick off the series tomorrow with some seriously great ladies (25 to be exact) following throughout the next month.  I will be posting the A-Z favorites Monday-Thursday and will be leaving Fridays open for my Friday's Fancies posts because I just love them.  I am sure I will be doubling up on posts some days just so I can get my two cents in on whatever I'm thinking about that day.  I hope you get as inspired as I have been from these bloggers and maybe (I hope) you'll find some blogs you have yet to stumble upon.  

[via]

GO PACK GO! And see you for Day One of the series tomorrow!

xoxo Carly

Friday's Fancies::Color Crush

Today's Friday's Fancies is all about color.  One to be more exact, tangerine.  Not only do I love brights in general, but I especially love bright accessories because you can pair them with many outfits and get an entirely new look.

1. This Tory Burch wallet is my definition of the perfect accessory.  It's bright, fun, practical, and functional.  What's not to love? I think I would smile each time I pulled this out of my purse.

2.  Orange statement necklace.  Necklaces are my favorite way to dress up/switch up an outfit, besides scarves of course. This Amrita Singh necklace pairs gold + orange beautifully.

3. This blouse is included because, well, we all need that classic button down blouse.  Maybe yours won't be orange but Diane von Furstenberg does not disappoint with this Karin blouse.  Great color, great cut, and amazing detail on the sleeves. It also comes in a gorgeous green.  In fact it's pretty close to mint green, which I was crushing on hard last week.
4. Oh Hermes, you sure do know how to make your way into a girl's heart. I would pair this silk jacquard scarf in orange with a basic striped tee, preferably in navy because that's the color combo I am lovely lately.
5. Last but most certainly not least, how fun is this Asos belt?! And how much more fun is it when you see the price tag?! Add it to any outfit, whether you're wearing neutrals or brights. 

I am personally loving tangerine + navy.  What would you pair tangerine with?

See more Friday's Fancies at {long distance loving}

Guest Post::Books with a Purpose

Remember that awkward moment when I told you all that I only have one coffee table book? Well, I still only have one coffee table book.  Still awkward. Today I'm over at Katie's blog Miss Dixie talking about my plan to fix this glaring issue in my apartment. Katie has some seriously great style and creative DIY projects that are 100% worth checking out!  I talk mostly about design books on her blog, but I would most certainly not mind if these books somehow also made their way into my apartment.

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What other books would you recommend? I need to get started on my collection ASAP!