You Crabbed Me At Hello!

Feeling crabby? 

Nothing like this shirt to show the world how you felt... and fix it right up! I'm adding it right on top of my list of summer must-haves. 

Crabby Tee (Here); Seersucker shorts (similar) 

Here's a real topper!

I wouldn't have left Italy last summer, until I got one of these hats. It's my buddy and I'm so happy to be able to spend the entire summer with it this year! Everyone had one and they are something so simply practical. It goes with a basic outfit like this, to just be out and about! But I'll be honest... I put this hat on with just about anything! 

Here is one that is nearly the same, from J.Crew.  

More to come.

Lots of love!

xoxo. 

Oh, What the Shell!

It's been a while, and I apologize for that!

I took the high road, and strongly finished off the semester, but now I'm here to share my summer experiences, outfits, thoughts, and tag-alongs with you! 

Scalloped Sunday!

Biggest piece of news: this is a picture from this afternoon of one of J. Crew's newest employees! 

(I know right. Too exciting!)

I'm sporting the Factory's "Scalloped Shift Dress" (here), paired with a layered strand of pearls (similar), along with a pair of J. Crew statement earrings (their earrings - just the page, they don't have those ones anymore).

Outside of work, I hope to do a lot for the summer, and can't wait to let you see some of it! I'll do my usual outfit posts, but throw in some other tidbits that really tie my days together (what I read, listen to, see). Plus, a few days ago was the 3 month mark before I move into my University full-time in September. So, I hope I'll get to share some of the journey there as well!! 

In the meantime... 

Here's a purchase from a while back! Those are the same earrings from the last picture, which they don't have anymore. The necklace is another piece they don't have anymore, but here are their newer necklaces, and sale ones. The shirt I got on sale, and isn't there either (so sorry about the catch-up pieces), but this is another "Slouchy" striped shirt that they have now, which is just as great! 

My Chum! (On the right, of course!)

She's home and we're better than ever! 

This is us on Memorial Day, at my family's party. My blouse is a Banana Republic Sleeveless Non-Iron, which is a fantastic purchase, if you're looking for a great-fitting, handy summer blouse. (Similar, similar) The skirt is (shocking, I know!) J. Crew Factory, which they don't have online anymore. I only got it about 2 weeks ago, so hopefully, if you live near a Factory outlet, they may still have it in the store! There really isn't much that's familiar online either. 

On my head there are my handy-dandy "Sunnies," which are TOMS "Phoenix Tortoise."  Aside from Ray-Bans, I would say that these were just as valuable of a purchase and am in love with them all year round! 

Well, that's that for now! 

I'm looking forward to a fantastic summer with you all! 

I'll be back sooner than usual! :) 

Empire State of Mind

Well, it's that time of year again. 

Many people flock down to the Bahamas, Mexico or Florida for cherished Spring Break, but I prefer the vice of something a little more northern... New York City. The crowds, sidewalks, and beloved destinations all make me feel like one in a million - on top of my game, yet blended in, all at once. 

I went with my mother, who has become my built-in travel buddy over the years, for a long weekend to get away and gallivant since we hadn't since our summer European excursions. I actually didn't take a ton of pictures because I do my best to not stop and put on the "Tourist Blinkers" unless completely necessary or there's not a lot of people around (which there usually is). 

So, we arrived on Friday afternoon and pretty much used that time to check into the hotel, walk around, and eat. We strolled through Rockefeller Center, down Fifth, and passed the Library. Manhattan is enough to lift spirits any day. 

Saturday we ventured off towards Brighton Beach because of their Russian community, and my dad is Ukrainian. He wanted us to get some things for him, such as Russian movies that they sell there on the American DVD system that you can't really find in too many more places. It may not sound like a lot, but with me and my mom, it took from late morning to mid-afternoon to find exactly where we needed to go. Haha. 

After that, we went back to around our hotel because it was close to Rockefeller Center and all of that good shopping and got to go through and do some shopping because the day before it was too late to really do any. But Saturday night was really to die for... 

Yes, yes. This is Jeremy Hays, who is currently playing "Raoul" in Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theatre. If you're looking for visual, audible, emotional perfection... this is it. I've waited 18 years to see Phantom on stage and I'm so lucky that that first time I did was on Broadway with such an amazing cast. And it was Andrew Lloyd Webber's birthday. And the theatre that Camelot premiered in with Julie Andrews and Richard Burton. So if that wasn't icing on the cake, I don't know what was. 

The show itself... Spectacular. I can't put my finger on how to completely describe it, because that word doesn't even do it justice. From the first to last notes, as the chandelier rose and fell, I had a lump in my throat. It was absolutely perfect. I wish I could write more about it, but there's too much to say, and too little words to do it. 

The stage, before it began. 

The chandelier, during intermission. No picture I took could do it justice or come out clear, anyways. 

("Masquerade" is my favorite part of Phantom and I have to say it's even better to see in person)!!

Well with the aftershocks of seeing Phantom (and meeting Raoul afterwards) slowing ebbing away, we went to Carnegie Deli afterwards and I can't even believe how big that sandwich was. All I had was a BLT and it had a week's worth of bacon in it. So, if anyone decides to go there, don't eat for a few days before you do. It's huge. 

Anyways, Sunday was SoHo day. More shops, but not a lot of time. Not my favorite combo. Haha. But, besides the surprise of Phantom, what I was most looking forward to in New York was Ladurée. Now, if you don't know what this is, it's divine! Haha. But really, though, it's a famous Maison de Macarons from Paris with the most delicious macrons, pastries, cakes... you name it, they have it and outdo anything you've ever tasted. The shop's houses in Paris were among the first tea houses for females, modeling the ever-changing world around them.

Also, if you've ever seen the 2006 Biopic Marie Antoinette starring Kirsten Dunst (which is great, by the way. It's tied with Amadeus in place for my #3 movie) and is directed by Sophia Coppola (who can make a fabulous movie out of just about anything), and you've thought "Wow! I want to gorge myself in cake and sweets like Marie Antoinette!" And have wondered how to do so... Ladurée is your answer. Coppola gave the designer of the film a box of their famed macarons, becoming the color concept for the film. They also produced all of the treats you see throughout the film. Imagine being surrounded by that all. day. long. 

But I digress... In America, they have tea houses in Soho and on Madison Ave., so of course, I had to go. Just amazing. Très D élicieux. 

P.S. Try to get an invite to my wedding in about 20 years. Ladurée will without a doubt be served there.

The macarons I got to take back with me. Marie-Antoinette, Petale de Rose, Chocolat, et Caramel à la  fleur de sel. 

Crowded shot of the front of the shop, but everything is so pretty, n'est pas?

Well, since Ladurée was the peak of our Soho trip, we moved on from there to Little Italy. We met up with our cousin who I have never met and my mom hadn't seen in over twenty years. He was awesome! We all talked and talked about our family, his career teaching Italian in New York, etc. It was nice to meet him at all, besides the fact that we got to be with a part of our family that is on the same wavelength as us (i.e. not the crazy one), which we don't get very often!

Finally, (I know. Such a sad word.) we ventured out with my friend Patsy and her parents. She came to stay with us quite a few years back for a summer intensive at my ballet studio (I used to dance heavily for years, but that's a story for another day). Anyways, we've all kept in touch and this week she turned 21, so her parents took her to New York as well! She is another person who we hadn't seen in a long time so it was great to be with her bundle of energy as well!!

Me (left) and Patsy!

All good things must come to an end... But I'll leave you all with this very cute picture from this trip's beginning.

Because everyone needs to have a road selfie. 

A Very Good Place To Start...

I'm not sure if you heard, but this lady, the last surviving child of the original seven von Trapp children, died at 99 a few weeks ago. Maria was third of the Captain's seven eldest and was the one who Maria, her eventual step mother, entered their household to tutor. She was the last to pass on to her parents and brothers and sisters, survived by her father and step-mother's three children and the family's continuing generations beyond that. 

Why am I sharing this with you all?

Well, I feel that I should because of what this meant to me. This family and the story that survives them all will always be alive in my heart and has shaped my life since my mother bought me "The Sound of Music" for my fifth birthday. And when I found out about Maria's recent death, I was deeply saddened by the close of an era that was the beginning of a new one for many, including me. 

I'll always be comforted to know that their story, whether in the movie or the elder Maria or Agathe's books or simply in my head, will always be there for me. And I wanted to share that with you. My love for this family. I can't get too into it, because it's indescribable, and I don't like to be obnoxious in my obsessions, as it may come off as crazy (haha) but I promise you, this isn't like that.

In short, to understand better something that I love, it's The Sound of Music and the von Trapp's, so I thought that I would ease into sharing my trip to Salzburg with you because as you can imagine, it is my favorite place in the world. I've only been there once to date, as a part of my trip to Europe with my mom for graduation, but it wasn't like the first time you go somewhere and everything is so new. I felt as though I had been there all my life because in a way, I had. It was beautiful, historic, rich in culture, friendly... And my heart will always be held there.

Here is where it actually began, and we thankfully got to stay... The real "Villa Trapp" in Aigen, which is just outside of Salzburg. Can you believe it? We actually got to stay in Maria and Georg's bedroom from when the family relocated to the third floor bedrooms. (Confession: when I first got to the room and was sitting in the windowsill, letting it all sink in, I bawled my eyes out) The Villa itself and the landscapes surrounding it were gorgeous and I can't wait to return again and again!

The next exciting thing was The Sound of Music Tour that we went on. Fun, fun, fun!!! (I can assure you I was the first one on that bus)! This took us in and around Salzburg, through the mountains, to Mondsee (a little town where the wedding's cathedral was filmed) and back again. We listened to some of the soundtrack on the bus and everything!

Leopoldskron Palace. Used for the back of the movie's Villa.

Mommy and Me :)

The Gazebo. A must of course. It unfortunately cannot be entered by tourists anymore due to an older lady who decided to dance like Liesl and broke her hip on one of the tours. How silly!

Mondsee Cathedral. Where the wedding scene was filmed, also another place where I cried.

(Not very good quality, sorry! Much more beautiful in person!)

Outside of the tour, we visited a few other places...

Mirabell Gardens. Of course, where "Do Re Mi" was filmed. Absolutely beautiful. I always get teary-eyed listening to it now because I have flashbacks to where they were.

Residenz Square/Fountain. The fountain from "I Have Confidence" (of course I splashed the water) and there are the horse-drawn carriages trotting around the square as well, like the ones ridden by the children and Maria during "Do Re Me."

Here's some miscellaneous pictures, including the Mozart Footbridge, his Birthplace, one of the many side streets containing beautiful shops, some traditional, others high-end shopping. Also a view of Hohensalzburg fortress, which overlooks the city, nestled nearly beside Nonnberg Abbey where Maria had come from before arriving at the von Trapp Villa.

And finally, no city in Europe is complete without their own delicacies and scrumptious surprises. Mine were found in these decadent desserts, adorned with Mozart Liqueur, unlike anything you've ever tasted!

Well, there is my trip down memory lane and your trip along with mine to Salzburg. It really is such a remarkable place to me. I'm very lucky to have found that special place that holds my heart. I know that it will always be there for me to return to, to feel at home. And it's all because the von Trapp's shared their remarkable story with the world and it will be there forever, for all of us to share with whoever we so choose to. I'm sharing with you, as I will with my family and friends (pretty much anyone who will listen haha). I will always be thankful for this story, the family, and this fantastic place for being a part of my life...

Bonjour au Printempts!

Well, here in good old Buffalo it's not exactly spring yet, but it was close enough for us on this lovely forty-something degree day :) I could just smell the fresh soil, blooms, and melted snow! 

That being said, I promised you guys an outfit post last night, so here you go! 

In continuation with Who What Wear's 30-Day Wardrobe Challenge, today was "Create a look with three levels of layering." I have a tendency to do so with a blouse underneath a sweater, but what was missing was that third layer. In their picture it looked like the coat over the shoulders. Obviously, I still need a coat for practical purposes and it's just something I need to consider every day anyway, so I wanted to go with something else. I could have used a blazer, but it was such a nice day that I didn't want to layer up too much, so I went with a light, loose scarf, all with a pair of boyfriend jeans and tennis shoes. 

Here are the three layers. Underneath is a tank Chambray blouse with lace collar from Hollister. (Here; way on sale!) Next up is a light sweater from J.Crew. (Similar, also on sale!) And finally, the scarf is from a little local shop. I wish I could tell you the name of at least the store, let alone the brand of their clothes, because they have great accessories! I left the scarf opened, though, because it's just a nice, long piece to leave flowing without having to worry about placing it just right around your neck (which I find difficult to do with rectangular, slim scarves like this that you can't fold diagonally and go from there). Who What Wear also has this tip to leave scarves open in a recent post "10-Second Styling Tips Every Woman Should Know."

So you know how I told you my favorite jeans were my Gap 1969 Always Skinnies? Well, I've found my close second (and I mean close!). I am so excited for some of the things we have at Hollister this season. Sure, it's not one of my favorite stores, but it's a great place to work and has some pretty good things to have to mix and match with, as well as good jeans. I usually get their Jeggings because the are a great material and fit, but I have a pair of skinny jeans that I worked my way into and now... I was so excited to find out that they have Boyfriend fit now (Here). They are such a great fit and look (this isn't a great picture, and yes, I am on a chair!). These are in the Medium Wash, and there are lighter ones as well. I seriously can't wait to get more!!

I thought I would also include this coat because it was a great find and today was the perfect weather for it! It's from H&M and is simple, but can go with a lot. It's clean-cut, straight, with concealed buttons. This is pretty similar, but has a textured fabric (I actually really like it in the pink!). I also love mine though because I got it at the beginning of last summer for $15, from $69! What a deal, right?!

I've been dying to wear ballet flats or tennis shoes, so today I finally got to wear one! I got these at a store called ShoeFly (website) here in Buffalo a few years ago. They were an impulse, but can spruce up a few things and are pretty comfortable, so they're just one of those things that's a great addition to your clothing family. 

So there you have it! I'll have more to come soon!! 

Times They Are A-Changing!

Well, it's been a few weeks and I apologize for that, but our family has been a bit busy with some new adjustments... Especially for me! 

I've been a lone soldier for the whole eighteen years of my life - no siblings, no cousins. My aunt is thirteen years older than me and my uncle and mom went up from there, so I've grown up around adults. So, in June, one Sunday I graduated and the very next day: surprise! My aunt (mom's younger sister) announced she was pregnant. 

That's only half of my tale! A few weeks later, when my mom and I were in Europe, we got a FaceTime call from my uncle (mom's brother) and his wife. Stop me if you figured it out... She was pregnant too! 

Needless to say, my nose was a little bent out of joint and at first, it was a hard pill to swallow, but here we are! Our two little bundles have arrived within 5 days of each other (February 25th & March 2)! 

Our first arrival: 

I was at the hospital during his birth, so you'll get a fresh shot of him getting his foot printed! This is my mom's sister's Boy. I'll leave names out for now, just to keep it remotely anonymous for them. 

But here's my grandma, mom, me, aunt, and the Bean (his nickname)!!

And the second:

Me with my uncle's little girl! Can't you not get enough of her elephant swaddle?? And that headband, ugh! :) She's a genteel little cutie, and her name is (unbeknownst to my aunt) from one of my mom and my favorite movies! 

We're loving them both so so much and I wanted to share them with you before we went any further in our galavanting. I'll get a new clothing post up for you within the next few days! 

I hope these two made your day a little cuter :) 

En Français, s'il vous plaît!

Bonjour! I thought it was high time that I began to give you an insight into how the 30 Day Wardrobe Challenge was going. Yesterday was "Day 5: Change out your handbag." It's pretty hard, and for me uncomfortable, to carry around a backpack and a handbag on campus. So, I switched from my usual Vera Bradley laptop backpack, to my beloved Longchamp. I got it a few years ago while I was in France on an exchange trip, so of course it ignited great memories... and style inspiration. Since the challenge of the day didn't really give a guide to choice in clothes, I went with the French flow! 

Here's the center of the outfit. I didn't include a whole picture of the bag because it's a tad dingy. But here it is... Le Pilage! If you're looking for a bag to be simple and elegant and your meilleur ami... Here it is! I can't wait to get back to work next week so I can finally get a new one in a few weeks! 

Moi! The French Breton stripes are a must any time of year, so this Loft shirt took care of that. (Here is a similar striped style from J. Crew. I love the boat-neck, slouchy fit these shirts have.) And I love to squeeze my way into those Gap 1969 Navy Pants as well. (Similar Ultra Skinnies. I'm not even sure what the actual style mine are, I got them so long ago. But these are shorter, and mine definitely feel Ultra Skinny! haha! They would work great!) (Mon Dieu!)

Now for the next few parts, I'll get a little sentimental. I will keep these on my feet for as long as possible. I love them to death! My French exchange student, Alice, and her friends had some so I found the little store by their school where they sold them and got a pair. They are simple, yet so cute and can be pulled off for casual and semi-dressed-up outfits. I swear by them! They aren't uncomfortable either! Great material, light fit. I partied in them the night I got them, walked through the Louvre and along the Seine in them and would do it all again in a heartbeat! Allons-y!

Side view! Sorry I couldn't get a good one of me with them on with this outfit!

Alright, for me, a watch is a great go-to accessory. It can be fun, simple, or dressed-up, and look great! This watch in particular I got when I was with Alice and her parents in Belgium one afternoon. The school we exchanged with is located in Lille, and Belgium is a hop-skip-and-a-jump away, so I got to go on an outing there with the whole group, as well as with Alice and her parents. We looked around some shops a little bit and Alice pointed this out to me because she had one, and so did her sisters and I had loved them. So I had to get it in order to be one of la famille! (In my own color, of course, because we all had one of our own!) I really cherish the idea of having it and love the wrap-around style and simplicity of it in general!!

Alice et moi, en Belgique! (Alice is on the right, obviously!!)

"Paris is always a good idea."
Tu me manque.