January 2014

dainty. rings.

27 January, 2014

Some people say that you’re either a self-proclaimed shoe girl, handbag aficionado or accessories queen. Keep in mind that you’re only supposed to pick one! I think it’s safe to say that I’m all three (and NO, of course, I can’t side with one over the other!).

As far as jewelry goes, rings are unquestionably my go-to. Let’s put it this way, while I could forego a necklace or bangle on any given day, a ring is something that I never leave the house without. My relationship with rings is pretty serious, but I guess that’s why I consider myself a bit of a ring connoisseur.

Interesting enough, about 6-8 months ago, I formed a sweet spot for the daintiest of rings. (This was a ground-breaking change for me as I’ve always been more of a cocktail ring-kind-of-girl.) It began with an-oh-so-subtle bow ring and shortly thereafter a cutout heart ring soon came into the picture.

Fast-forward to now and my appreciation for dainty rings is still going strong. Here are seven dainty rings that I absolutely love and adore. Happy Monday!

1. Prince Charming Ring (Kate Spade)- If you’re one to get all wrapped up in fairy tales and happy endings, then this set of frog rings is sure to set your heart a flutter.

2. Gold Marrakech Ring (Kira Kira)- An everyday Moroccan-inspired ring that is the epitome of effortless-chic. I think I’m in love!
3. Rhinestoned Bow Ring (Forever 21)- I actually already own this charming bow ring from Forever 21 and can attest that it gets worn at least 2-3 times a week. For under $5, I say buy it!
4. Gold Knot Ring (Bauble Bar)- This simple knot ring has me thinking of summer, breton stripes and anything nautical.
5. Goreski Glasses Ring (Kate Spade)- I’ve been seriously coveting Kate Spade’s Goreski Glasses ring for far too long. It contains the perfect amount of whimsicalness, yet is dainty enough that it can be paired with the simplest striped tee.
6. Scallop Pave Ring (Kate Spade)- Scallops are most certainly in my rotation these days – whether it be a scallop-trim skirt or sweet scallop ring, I’m in!
7. Cut Out Bird Midi Ring (Topshop)- I’m slowly beginning to jump in on the whole midi ring trend. Not that my style is really all that boho or anything, but I like the free-spirited aura that comes with this bird ring.

Are you loving dainty rings as much as I am? Which one’s your favorite?

xo,
A

monday. favorites.

20 January, 2014

After such a nice, l-o-n-g and l-a-z-y winter break, my first week back was devoted to getting back into the swing of things. While I may not have been all that overjoyed to be waking up at 6:30 in the morning (as opposed to 10ish), nothing beats having a set routine. On the bright side of things, this semester I have no Monday or Friday classes so I’ll be able to devote more time to blogging! I hope everyone has a great MLK Day – here’s my latest installment of “monday favorites.” Enjoy!

1. [current. mani.] As you probably know by now, I’m a sucker for a glittery accent nail...and this week was no different. I used a pretty mint shade called “Monet, Monet” by Revlon and a dramatic glittery top coat from Sephora by OPI called “Flurry Up.”

2. [these. flats.] Why am I not surprised that these sparkly lovelies have already become a daily staple in my wardrobe. Sparkles are a neutral, right?

3. [ksny. agenda.] How many planners is too many? #seriousquestion Since I now already have two, I’m going to have to refrain myself from buying one by Moleskine. I can’t make any promises though… As for my new Kate Spade agenda, it’s more perfect than I could have imagined. The watercolor images by New York City-based artist Bruno Grizzo are oh-so-charming and the entire agenda is simply delightful. Not to mention the twelve destinations that are handpicked for each month. January is devoted to Brighton and the location for February is spot-on...any ideas where?

4. [sweater. stack.] Appreciate the small things – always. While I normally prefer to hang all of my sweaters, I noticed that I had a few that were especially delicate and deserved to be folded with care. I found a cozy compartment in my desk to be the perfect spot. I love it.

5. [pantone. wall. decor.] I made these DIY Pantone-inspired wall canvas paint swatches a while ago (see instructions here), but just recently located a spot on my wall for them. So far I have Tangerine Tango and Emerald in my “Pantone Wall of Fame”...you can bet that Radiant Orchid will be next!

xo,

new. year.

13 January, 2014

I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. There, I said it. Not to be a complete downer, but for me, a handful of resolutions don’t amount to much. In year’s past, they’ve been nothing more than empty promises and goals that I make because it’s something you’re supposed to do at the beginning of the new year. For 2014, all I vow to focus on is living a more creative life and surrounding myself with inspiration. #nopressurethough

My creed for 2014.

[blog.]

I started bitte. und. danke. at the tail-end of October and, to be honest, it’s not where I want it to be. I haven’t hit my stride in writing or been very successful in coming up with unique posts. Not to mention, blogging regularly...oops. That’s definitely something that I want to change, though. Nothing beats the excitement of getting a new post up and generating content that I feel strongly for. I just need to find my groove.

[in. the. moment.]

Living more "in the moment” – haven’t you heard that one before?! Last year, I can’t even count the number of times I commented on how quickly time was flying by. #literallyeveryweek From now on, I want to do my best to stay busy-busy-busy and make sure that every minute counts (and by busy, I mean more productive and focused on doing things that I love). Time wasted on worrying about a year going by too fast and growing older is not time well spent. I don’t know where 2014 will take me and I’m okay with that. I say enough with dwelling on future plans – I’d much rather focus on the “now.”

[inspiration.]

Part of the reason I began this blog was so that I could be more inspired. Outside of my studies, I never read. Though I’m known to read all of my favorite fashion glossies cover-to-cover, I can’t remember the last time I checked out a library book and actually read it. Whereas in the past I would have been oh-so-excited to dive into Nicholas Sparks’ latest novel, these days I’m looking for something with a bit more substance. I only long for books that are going to challenge and provide me with a new outlook on life. In the coming months, I would love to read 1-3 tomes in the areas of fashion, design, architecture, art or travel. Recommendations, please :)

[happiness.]

Going hand-in-hand with living more in the moment is being happy. Outside of all my failures, frustrations, writer’s block, and anxiety (that stems from school and sometimes life in general), I would like to get more in touch with my happy side. Whether I decide to pick up yoga to block out all of my negative energy or spend more time doing “what I love” (whatever that may be), happiness is underrated.

As today marks the second Monday of the new year (and the ever-dreaded J-a-n-u-a-r-y!), it’s not too late to outline your goals (or resolutions) for the next 11 months. How has 2014 been treating you so far?

xo,

P.S.- This post is about as heavy and deep as it will get on bitte. und. danke. Look forward to something more uplifting on Friday!

P.S.S.- Follow my blog with Bloglovin!

january. the. list.

10 January, 2014

I never thought that I’d say this, but I’m currently all shopped out. I got everything that I wanted for Christmas and honestly don’t need anything right now. Give me a few months, however, and I’m sure that I’ll be walking to a different tune.

With that being said, for this month’s edition of “the list,” I tried to keep things streamlined and practical. A planner for the new year, an exciting new shade of nail polish (or two!) and anything radiant orchid (hello 2014 Pantone Color of the Year!) are just a few of the things that I kept in mind when compiling my roundup. Enjoy!

1. Polka Dot Sweater (chinti and parker)- I’m not sure what I like about this sweater more: the whimsical polka dots or the fact that it’s 100% cashmere? If it weren’t for the hefty price, it would already be mine...

2. Cartel Top (Joie)- If you’ve been following along, then you know that I’ve been on a major chambray kick lately. This chambray shirt from Joie is perfect – throw it on under a chunky knit cardigan and out the door you go!

3. 2014 Lilly Pulitzer Monthly Planner (Lifeguard Press)- I’m big on planners and normally invest in two agendas for the year (take note, however, that I only really need one!). Although I passed on Lilly’s classic agenda this go-around, I couldn’t not spotlight it: look at THOSE elephants!

4. Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel (Ulta)- Revlon just came out with a line of nail polishes that dry with irresistible fragrances. I’m eyeing “Lime Basil” and “Pink Pineapple.”

5. Fairgrounds Ring (Kate Spade)- Kate Spade’s motto for 2014 is to “travel colorfully” and I couldn’t be more excited! For their new arrivals this month, KSNY draws inspiration from Brighton, England. I don’t know about you, but this candy-shaped ring is calling for me.

6. The A Satchel (Kate Spade Saturday)- A gorgeous satchel in a mesmerizing shade of mint...basically the most perfect winter pastel imaginable. Am I right?!

7. Roseburg Coat (rag & bone)- Something tells me that this coat would have come in handy during the recent #polarvortex we experienced...

8. Solid Knee-High Sock (American Apparel)- I know what you’re thinking: those socks don’t look like anything special. While there may be cuter socks on the market, I can attest that these are indeed the warmest and coziest ones that I’ve encountered. #truth

9. Dots and Stripes Card Set (Lifeguard Press)- Nothing beats an old-fashioned, handwritten letter especially when the card itself is this classy. Polka dots, anyone?

10. Kate Spade Sticky Note Set (Lifeguard Press)- Thanks to Kate Spade, writing yourself friendly little reminders and to-do lists has never been so easy. DONE!

11. Ice Cream Key Fob (Kate Spade)- Do I need an ice cream shaped key fob? No. Do I want one anyway? Yes, please!

12. Featherweight Cashmere Long-Sleeve Tee (J.Crew)- J.Crew, you had me at “cashmere.” Even better that it’s available in neon orchid...just the pop of color that your winter uniform has been waiting for.

Happy Friday! Don’t forget to leave a comment sharing what you’re currently coveting!

xo,

holiday. recap.

06 January, 2014

As you may have noticed, it’s been kind of quiet here at bitte. und. danke. these past few weeks. And I do apologize for that! Let’s just say that I got a little too wrapped up in the holidays and then January hit (aka: my least favorite month of the year). Before I officially jump headfirst into 2014, I wanted to reminisce over the joys of Christmas one more time. I’m a tad late...but for today’s post, I thought I would share some photos that best capture the spirit of the season. Merry, merry!