Put A Flag On It

If you're stateside and observing, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend! As far as I'm concerned, it's the unofficial start to summer. My older sister was born on Memorial Day 1984 (her birthday falls on a Tuesday this year), so we've always had a party to celebrate. My Dad is a Vietnam vet, so the flag flies as well. If you're American, take the time to be thankful for the country we live in- the U.S. is far from where it needs to be but its come such a long way from where she started.












Now Playing: "American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
*Duh

A Mother's Day Gift Guide

1. Lotions & Potions. 

 Keep your Mom feeling and looking great with a luxurious skincare set. Brands to Try: La Mer, Clarins, Shiseido. 

 2. A Beautiful Book.

Coffee table books are some of my favorite presents to receive but get something she'll appreciate. Even a novel or memoir makes a thoughtful gift. 

 3. Flowers. 

You can never go wrong with a gorgeous floral arrangement. If you'd rather not spring for something that will quickly wilt away, why not plant something or take her to a botanical garden.

 4. Chocolates.

 Because what woman doesn't love sweets?

 5. Something Artistic.

A painting, special photograph or perhaps a camera if she's good behind the lens. Even better? Arrange to have family pictures taken by a friend or someone starting out and looking for experience. A cost effective way to capture a beautiful afternoon. 

6. Jewels. 

Diamonds are a girl's best friend but I always say that crystals make a great acquaintance. 

 7. A New Bathrobe. 

Maybe add some of her favorite bath products or book a day at the spa. A massage is always a nice treat.

 8. Wallet/Handbag.

 If she's anything like me, there's always room in the closet for a new piece of arm candy. 

 9. Slippers.

 Snuggle time! 

 Now Playing: "Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Ay Yai Yai!

Despite taking several years of language on both the high school and college levels, I'm far from fluent in Spanish. The extent of my conversational skills includes sentences on par with this (and no, I did not use any sort of translator- it should definitely show):

Mi llamo es Krista. Yo vivo en Pittsburgh. Me gusta beber cervezas con mis amigas a la discoteca. 

Let's keep it real. When you're partying in Mexico (or anywhere for that matter), isn't that all you truly need to know how to express? Your name. Where you're from and what you like to do?

Have a safe and enjoyable cinco de mayo! (I remember being taught not to capitalize).











Now Playing: "Cheers" by Don Trip (jj's "Save Our Souls" Remix)
*This video

Countdown to Gatsby

I've always been captivated by the Jazz Age. The lifestyles, fashion, decor, literature, automobiles, music... it must have been a very interesting time to be young and alive. The roaring twenties of this century are quickly approaching. Hopefully, our generation will have something as inspiring and grandeur to remember it by.













Now Playing: "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" by Bessie Smith
*Quintessential Jazz Age

April Showers Bring May Flowers

1. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Tender Night. Lavender Lips are beautiful for spring.
*Revlon Gumdrop Lip Butter is actually my go-to.
2. Waterproof Eyeliner. When it rains, it pours. Don't let your makeup smear.
3. Furla Candy Bag. I have this in Steel (Grey). One of my favorites. Love this color combo.
4. Rain Boots. A must-have for yucky days.
5. Clear Umbrella. A quintessential wet weather accessory.
6. Tea & the Paper. Or a Sugar Free Red Bull and the Internet. Whichever.
7. Records. When the weather keeps you inside. No better way to spend the afternoon.
*Rainy Day playlist? Coming soon.
8. The Great Gatsby. Reread before the movie comes out next month.
9. Updated Trench. Love all jackets with leather/faux leather sleeves.
10. Spring Fragrance. Chloe smells like roses in bloom.
11. Essie Turquoise & Caicos. One of my favorites. Mints and Pastels are also the best.














Now Playing: "Friday On My Mind" by The Easybeats
*Before there was Tame Impala, there was The Easybeats.

Recently Purchased

Here are some new additions to my collection of things I didn't really need but wanted:

1. Chloe Green/Gold Aviator Sunglasses.
Scored these beautiful sunnies for an unbeatable steal. HauteLook is my crack.

2. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Luminous Lip Gloss in Precious Petal.
I don't own anything else from the brand but the formula and color of this is nice for easy, everyday wear. The built in mirror on the packaging is convenient but not the clearest.

3. YSL Manifesto Eau de Parfum.
The vanilla notes sold me. I'm still on the quest for the perfect signature scent for my late 20s. Maybe this one will fit the bill?

4. Too Faced Candlelight Glow.
I can never ignore a chandelier- even if it's just embossed on makeup. The only product I had from Too Faced was the Shadow Insurance (which I swear by). I love the packaging, color and formulation on this. A beautiful highlighter.

5. Hologram Satchel.
I got this from Nasty Gal. I've mentioned before that I'm all for the holographic trend. I have a cute wallet from Urban Outfitters that I admittedly have yet to use. But I couldn't resist this bag. It reminds me so much of the shape and style of purses I used to wear in grade school back in the mid-nineties.

6. The National at Stage AE.
One of my favorite bands. I'm so excited to see them again live. It's on the birthday of one of my best friends, so it should be a really fun night out! Also can't wait to hear their new album, Trouble Will Find Me.













Now Playing: "Until We Bleed" by Lykke Li

On It

I've mentioned once or twice that I'm loving the holographic trend for spring/summer 2013. Stella McCartney's designs are a major inspiration for this season's hottest looks. If a holographic shoe, legging or dress is a tad outside of your comfort zone, a hologram manicure, handbag, jewelry piece or tech accessory is a great way to go.

I think this trend makes a fun statement. It's a fresh and innovative way to ring in the warm-weather seasons in style. When I think of holograms, my mind wanders back to grade school and my sticker collection. I had books of holographic stickers filled to capacity with everything from NHL playing cards to Lisa Frank unicorns. While holograms were all the rage in the 90s, there's something quintessentially futuristic about its aesthetic (was that sentence pseudo-intellectual enough for you?). These pieces bring me back to the future and that's a place I'm always eager to explore.















Now Playing: "I Can't Live Without You" by Soul Brothers Six
*So good!

Nail Me

Top Row:

Chanel Fracas: I got this bright pink shade for my birthday and have already worn it and receieved compliments. I used the Chanel top coat and it unfortunately peeled horribly after just one day (the worst peeling I've ever experienced from a high-end polish). I'll have to do some research and report back if it was the top coat, the polish itself or something I came in contact with. But if you're looking for a bright pink, this is great for a night out. When the skies are grey it's nice to see a pop of color on yourself.

Zoya Neely: This is a gorgeous shade from Zoya's new spring collection. I haven't seen it in person yet but from the swatches I've viewed online, it has my name on it. It's described as a soft, pale mint.

Essie Looking For Love: This one goes back to Spring '08 if I'm not mistaken. It's easily dupable. I'm just feeling the pastel lavenders and this is one of the few that Polyvore had available. I don't own this particular color but I do have a few similar ones. I'd go with OPI Rumple's Wiggin' (below), Essie Lilacism or American Apparel L'Esprit first.

Deborah Lippmann Sugar Daddy: I love anything with a metallic, chrome or iridescent spark for spring. This is a nice one. Again, this one isn't in my personal collection but it looks eye-catching.

Chanel Frenzy: I receieved this one as a birthday gift as well. It's a bit darker on than in the bottle which makes it less unique but it's still a very wearable color for transitioning from winter to spring.

Bottom Row:

Orly Peaceful Opposition: This is the polish I want to add to my collection the most! It's a very original shade with a milky white base and thick, silver glitter. I could create a similar effect with separates that I already own but Orly put this together flawlessly. I've been really impressed with Orly lately. The entire Spring 2013 Hope & Freedom collection is fantastic.

Julep Rebel: I receieved this in my monthly Julep Maven box. It was inspired by one of my favorite comedic actresses, Rebel Wilson. It's a gorgeous silver, holographic. I've been obsessed with this look for nail polishes and accessories. The entire Color Club 2013 Spring collection is also something to check out.

Butter London Trustafarian: This is one that I don't have in my collection but I do own something very similar in A England Princess Sabra. It's a very unique sage green holographic.

OPI My Vampire Is Buff: OPI has the best polish names in the business and who can resist this one? It's a lovely off-white creme and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Orly Coachella Dweller: If only this one were called Bonnaroo Dweller or even Lollapalooza Dweller. I'm an east coast girl and have yet to make it to Coachella. I hear it's a totally different vibe at that festival. Those things aside, this is a beautiful pastel green. It reminds me of a more colorful version of Butter London Bossy Boots which is on the light pistachio end of the spectrum but one of my favorites.

Now Playing: "Everything Is Embarrassing" by Sky Ferreira

Want, Need, Wear, Read

Want: Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren American Flag Fringe Cardigan. I think this would be the perfect sweater to throw over a swimsuit on Memorial Day after the sun goes down. I can picture being wrapped with it around a bonfire on a cool Summer night. Love this classic piece.

Need: New sheets & bedding! I love the look and feel of hotel white. I prefer exta-soft cotton.

Wear: Hearts! Perfect for layering this Valentine's Day. I love them on lightweight jumpers or delicate earrings. Looks beautiful with Chanel Glossimer in 93 Paillettes- a beautiful pink shade.

Read: Vogue Weddings: Brides, Dresses, Designers. This is a gorgeous coffee table book. The timeless photographs are inspiring. I'm a lover of all things romantic and stylish so this is a favorite.


















Now Playing: "Cherry Blossoms" by Night Beds
*Gorgeous song!