So Much to Smile About

Spain Travel Guide

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 21:26:14 +0000

Last month, I took a trip to Spain with my sister – we spent three full days in Madrid, and another three full days in Barcelona. Spain had definitely been on my travel list, and we had the most amazing time! Both cities were absolutely beautiful, with wonderful food and music and people. I know a lot of people that prefer one of the cities over the other, but I honestly loved both. For more from the trip, you can find saved stories on Instagram. But below are just a few of the highlights!

August Mood

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 23:42:26 +0000

I can’t believe it’s already August! I’m absolutely going to enjoy every last minute of summer, but I’m also already excited about fall. Put those two things together and these days I’m all about sunshine, warm colors, soft accessories, cozy sweaters, farmers’ markets, all things plaid, flowers, wine, being by the water, and rooftop dinner parties. Perfect, right?

Summertime Faves

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 00:35:02 +0000

With all the Nordstrom sale posts floating around, I’ve definitely got a lot of fall shopping on my mind (my favorite!), but we still have plenty of warm weather left! So far this summer, I’ve been living in breezy midi skirts, knotted tees, and easy-to-wear dresses. Denim shorts and one piece swimsuits are also necessary. Now, if only I could be back on a beach…

summer1

bodysuit / printed skirt / striped tee / pleated skirt / hat / shorts
tank / dress / sunglasses / tote / shoes

Tulum Travel Guide

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 02:49:13 +0000

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve been obsessing over my Tulum trip. I’d been interested in visiting for awhile now, ever since seeing a few blog posts and some amazing photos, and it honestly did not disappoint. In fact, it was even better than I’d hoped! The beaches were absolutely beautiful, food and drinks were fantastic, and everything just felt eclectic/relaxed/eco-chic somehow, especially our home/hotel while we were there – Ahau Tulum. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. We did yoga in the morning, stayed right on the beach, and easily walked to our favorite restaurants.

Gift Guide: For Her

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 02:14:03 +0000

I always draw a blank when I start to think about what I want for Christmas… until I get going! Here are a few of my favorites for her (inspired by my recent brainstorming) – you really can’t go wrong with cozy pajamas, warm scarves (whether plaid or ANY one of these), or other fun accessories. A silk pillowcase is a bit of luxury she probably wouldn’t think to buy herself (plus, bonus sleep mask!), while a fragrance collection lets her try out new scents. And a pretty frame is just perfect.

Current Loves – More Fall

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 16:10:31 +0000

Surprise – more fall! But seriously, I’m so anxious for sweater weather and changing leaves and everything else that comes with fall. Despite the warmer weather, I’ve been living in these stretch pants with this perfect sweater (also need this one!), and this dress I’ve been eyeing from Madewell for weeks is on sale! Plus, I’ve been adding some fall decorations around my apartment where I can and am looking to get out of the city ASAP to enjoy the surrounding countryside – can’t wait!

Classic Fall Looks

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 00:46:02 +0000

Even though it still feels like summer these days, it’s officially fall and I can’t wait to start wearing more layers, sweaters, boots… you get the idea! Cooler temps can’t come soon enough! Need some fall outfit inspiration? Plaid seems to be everywhere and you can never go wrong with stripes or a cozy scarf! See below for some more classic looks and shopping ideas!

fall1-1

image 1, 2

Fall Favorites

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 00:36:38 +0000

It’s nearly officially fall, but I’ve had fall on my mind for at least a couple weeks now! I’ve been adding cozy items to my apartment (see more on Instagram here), picking up pumpkins (I can’t help it!), and thinking about sweaters and other fall outfits. These days, I’m loving sweaters with fun details like the one below, all the dark floral prints, and everything burgundy. I just love fall!

Apartment Style

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 00:36:31 +0000

A few weeks ago I moved into a new apartment and have a bit more space (yay!), so I’ve been thinking a lot about how to decorate. I bought my first couch, and have been making a bit of progress (see an example on Instagram here), but have been spending a lot of time on Pinterest trying to figure out the final touches. Below are a few examples of what I’ve been loving – gallery walls, greenery, gold frames, and long white curtains! Follow me on Pinterest here for more and stay tuned for updates!

Back to Paris

Sat, 27 Aug 2016 15:24:36 +0000

Once I knew I was spending a good bit of time in London, I also knew I couldn’t be so close to Paris and not just make a quick visit back (these photos from my previous Paris trip are still one of my favorite things). So as a reward after finishing finals, I took a day trip to Paris via train, got in around 10am, had a croissant and espresso, walked for a bit, then stopped for fromage et un verre de rosé, and wandered around some of my favorite spots (see them in this previous post). I also visited an area that was new to me – Montmartre – and was able to enjoy Palais Royal (below) for the first time (it was being renovated the last time I was there). Before getting back on the train to head back to London, I stopped in Angelina on Rue de Rivoli for their famous hot chocolate. It was an absolutely glorious day.

The Cotswolds

Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:53:09 +0000

If you are not already familiar with the area (a lot of bloggers have been there recently, it seems!), the Cotswolds is an area in south central England stretching from Stratford-upon-Avon to Bath. I knew it was an area I wanted to explore and I was lucky to get out there on a couple different occasions while in England. First, on a Sunday, I took a bus tour out to four villages with a friend from school (thanks to Merritt for the idea!) – we visited Bibury, Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Summer in London

Sun, 21 Aug 2016 20:45:28 +0000

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know I spent most of my summer living in London. I was there for school (studying International Law at King’s College London), but did manage to have an amazing time exploring as much of the city as possible. Thankfully, I was done with class each day at 2:30 and then would immediately head out – there are too many places I loved to list them all, but I thought I would highlight a few of my very favorite spots! I did have the chance to get out of London and visit the Cotswolds, Oxford, Bath, and Paris – but will share more about those stops later!

Winter Skincare

Sat, 23 Jan 2016 17:06:51 +0000

Taking care of your skin in harsh winter weather is not always easy, but with most of the East Coast currently in the middle of storm Jonas, I thought I’d share some of my favorite winter skincare products! Specifically, I had to share more about my latest find – Alchimie Forever. I’ve known of the brand and its DC founder, Ada Polla, for years. Besides the fact this beauty brand is based in DC, I’ve always admired their focus on healthy, youthful skin. But I just recently tried their best-selling brightening moisture mask, which is perfect for winter weather – and instantly, my skin felt super hydrated and smooth. I’m also obsessed with anything that can help decrease redness and brighten my skin (so I can wear less makeup), and this product definitely did the trick. If you haven’t tried any of their products, this is a great one to start with! Find other Alchimie Forever best-sellers here.

Winter is Coming!

Fri, 27 Nov 2015 18:08:51 +0000

Thanksgiving is over already (I can’t believe it!), everyone is putting up the holiday decorations, and it’s definitely getting colder outside. While I didn’t do any post-Thanksgiving shopping this year (but have you seen the J.Crew sale?!), there are a few things on my (winter is coming) wish list!

winter1

Sweater / Scarf / Coat / Earrings / Jeans / Duffel Bag
Sweater Dress / Hat / Gloves / Sweater / Flats / Necklace

Creating a Concealer Wardrobe

Sun, 18 Oct 2015 20:56:09 +0000

As much as I love makeup, I like to keep my every day look pretty simple. Usually, this meant relying on a full coverage foundation, bronzer, and little else. These days, I’m trying to take better care of my skin (love this post on The Everygirl) and be more deliberate about my makeup application – using little or no foundation but utilizing multiple concealers and a simple blush/loose powder to finish. I end up looking “done” and polished but more natural. Why multiple concealers? They serve different purposes!

Fall Things

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 03:59:52 +0000

It’s still pretty warm in DC these days but I can’t help but get excited for fall! It’s my favorite time of year (I don’t even mind the back-to-school part so much). Leopard, camel, layers, burgundy… lovely.

fall things

shirt / hat / scarf / cardigan / belt / flats / lace top
gloves / skirt / sweater / earrings / jeans / vest / shoes / bag

Madewell + Cambridge Satchel

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 03:35:39 +0000

Earlier this week, I stopped by the Madewell store in Georgetown to check out their new event space called Our 2nd Story. It was also the launch of Madewell’s collaboration with The Cambridge Satchel Company – a fantastic company that makes seriously great bags – and they celebrated with on the spot live monogramming! The new space will be used for rotating shop-in-shops throughout the year to come, as well as events hosted by bloggers, influencers and local creatives – so cool, right?

Summer Things

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 01:02:18 +0000

Since my last post, I finished finals (and the spring semester!), took the absolute best trip to Napa and San Francisco (see photos on Instagram!), and started summer class (bummer). I can’t believe it’s already June! But I couldn’t be more excited. I love summer, and this one, in particular, was/is needed. So to celebrate, here are a few of my favorite summer things right now!

summer things

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Sat, 31 Jan 2015 23:14:57 +0000

I can’t believe that tomorrow is February 1st! January absolutely flew by. So whether or not you are a fan of Valentine’s Day, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite pink and girly gifts. I’m especially obsessed with the new Benefit + BaubleBar collaboration and Valentine’s Day game! Also, what girl wouldn’t love a Drybar heart shaped gift certificate? So fun!

valentines day

Shirt / Nail Polish / Bowls / Watch / BaubleBar + Benefit Gift Set / James Read Gift Set
Ban.do Phone Charger / Purse / Gloves / DryBar Gift Card / Pencil Set / Bralet / Flats

Golden Globes Favorites

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 02:51:07 +0000

I already shared these images on twitter, but in case you missed it, I did have some red carpet favorites from tonight’s Golden Globes! Yellow and white were popular colors, as were blue and silver, but my favorite dresses were definitely those on Greer Grammer, Emma Stone (Lanvin), Anna Feris, and Anna Kendrick (Monique Lhuillier). What about you? Any best dressed picks?

ggneu

ggblue

ggyel

images via