{things i learned} my week through instagram
{things i learned} gray skies are gonna clear up
[a warm and cozy gift: 'Touchy Wool Gloves' in Black with Grey Trim, c/o Etre - $47.50, available here]
[my new gloves in action with my iPhone 5]
[an adorable new coin purse c/o GiGi New York - $55, available here]
[perfect for a snowed-in night: Blue Moon's Seasonal 'Winter Abbey Ale']
[a pick-me-up in a box: (mostly chocolate) sweet treats from Georgetown Cupcake]
It's so cold and snowy here in NYC (with more flurries predicted for Wednesday) that it's hard to believe both of the nation's east coat groundhogs predicted an early spring. I'll take them at their word though–I'm ready for this weather to change for the warmer. In the meantime, I'm getting so much use out of my new Etre gloves–they're missing the tips of their index fingers and thumbs to make texting on a touch screen (and working my DSLR) super easy when it's frosty outside. I've mentioned my love affair with GiGi New York–a beautiful brand of luxe leather products that come shipped in the most gorgeous packaging–before so I'm happy to share that their parent company Graphic Image is in the midst of their annual sale for the entire month of February. I'll post more about the event as it unfolds, but for now be sure to use the code BEAUTIFUL (made especially for this blog and my readers) and you'll get a free surprise gift with every order until March 4th. Check it out–because nothing beats the winter blues like shopping!
{things i learned} summer’s last call
[blue skies + tall grasses]
[colorful mixed drink garnishes]
[2013 new york edition 6" diary in purple 'brights' leather, courtesy of graphic image and gigi new york - $34, available here]
[an old-fashioned glass water bottle during a late afternoon lunch]
[party favor starfish-shaped sugar cookies]
I always think summer can't fade away all that quickly but in New York by the beginning of September that's exactly what happens. Temperatures may stay warm but they somehow lack any intense heat, the air gets crisper and sunlight not as sharp, and schedules get increasingly less carefree and more cluttered. These pre-fall days still have their own beauty–I'm a sucker for a perfect sky, subdued colors, and little things that remind me of what's just passed (like seashore-themed baked treats). I'm looking forward to autumn–and eventually filling that 2013 diary.
P.S. The people behind Graphic Image couldn't be anymore sweet: not only did they stamp my initials into the cover of my date book (in my favorite color no less), they sent their 'New York edition' complete with city maps and guides. I'll be organized, prepared, and chic in the New Year.
{things for you} graphic image + gigi new york ‘christmas in july’ sale
I've worked with lots of fabulous brands on The Beautiful Things–check out the full list here–but GiGi New York has been one of my all-time favorites. Tomorrow, July 16th, its parent company Graphic Image is hosting an incredible one-day, site-wide sale where everything will be 50% off. The great news is that there will be a few select GiGi New York items up for grabs (I wear my embossed envelope clutch with everything). Don't miss your chance to get some amazing products at super low prices!
What do you think? Let me know if you snag anything exciting!
{things i wore} sheer overlay shirtdress
Have you ever sifted through sales racks and found something marked down so much that you grab it without really thinking? Sometimes you score the perfect piece; other times you realize there was a reason why what you've just found was priced so cheaply. This dress was a super lucky find of the first sort–it was a fraction of its original retail price (read: less than $20) but was something I would have bought even if it had cost me much more. With some chunky gold jewelry it created a perfectly summery but dressy day-time look.
What do you think? What was your best sales-rack find?
P.S. I can't wait until Monday….I'll be posting a giveaway for a fabulous Lodis handbag! Check out their site to try to find the fabulous purse that I'll be featuring (and that you might win). Hint: like this dress, it sports a very reptilian print.
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Dress: Sheer Overlay Shirtdress in Taupe, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Shoes: Plambeck Heeled d'Orsay Sandal in 'Ice,' Aldo [were $60, available here]
Bag: Envelope Clutch in Taupe Embossed Python, c/o GiGi New York [$180, available here]
Jewelry: Assorted gold bangles [old]; Gold Plated Erilo Bangle, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]; 'Brainy Bimbo' Gold Chain Necklace c/o Astrid & Miyu [$50, available here]
{things i wore} striped tank
The weather was absolutely sweltering this past holiday weekend and with lots of scheduled outdoor time that meant one thing for me: building an outfit around my breeziest maxi skirt. Before spring completely disappears, I'm trying my best to work with pastels. I was completely inspired by Revlon's pale lavender nail polish shade and the sea-foam green color of my skirt. The result was a look perfect for an outdoor BBQ.
What do you think? How did you spend your Memorial Day– and more importantly, what were you wearing?
ENTER MY CURRENT HANDBAG GIVEAWAY HERE.
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Shirt: Gold Striped Tank, J.Crew [old]
Skirt: Maxi Skirt in 'Sea Green,' Forever21 [no longer available]
Bag: Envelope Clutch in Taupe Embossed Python, c/o GiGi New York [$180, available here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, available here]
Jewelry: Leather Bangle Bracelets in 'Minty Green,' c/o Amy Fine Design [$30, available here]; Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Luxe Titanium Druzy Ring, c/o Manu [$295, available here]
Nails: "Provence," Revlon
{things i wore} python embossed clutch
When I get a new handbag I can't stop wearing it–I find a way to convince myself that it matches everything in my closet and that the rest of the world will see it as the statement piece I think it is. Luckily for me, both of these ideas are without a doubt true for this gorgeous neutral-colored clutch. I was positively stunned when it arrived courtesy of GiGi New York: the dyed textured surface is perfectly detailed, it can fit so much for its size, and it comes with a fabulous (and completely detachable) skinny shoulder strap. Even the packaging was luxe–I'm such a sucker for sturdy boxes and labeled dust bags. The only bad thing about owning this bag is finding reasons not to wear it.
p.s. Thinking of shopping GiGi New York? You should (!!!) and when you do, be sure to use the code BEAUTIFUL made exclusively for my readers–you'll receive 20% off your order!
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Shirt: Button-Down Blouse, Elena Miro [vintage]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in "Bright Indigo Destroy," American Eagle Outfitters [$49.50, available here]
Shoes: Ballet flats in Nude, Nine West [similar style available here]
Bag: Envelope Clutch in Taupe Embossed Python, c/o GiGi New York [$180, available here]
Jewelry: Assorted bangles, Alex and Ani; Evil Eye Bracelet, Macy's; White Watch, Nordstrom [old]
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