five. for. friday.

Another Fri-yay, another installment of "Five for Friday!"  Is it just me or is it hard to believe it's almost June?  And that the first day of summer isn't too far behind?  I can't even.  At this rate, I need to make my summer plans asap or it'll be all over before I know it.  Here's a snapshot of what's been on my radar this week!
All photographs featured above are courtesy of the corresponding websites as cited below.
1.  Empty Met (by Tim Kellner) // Stop what you're doing and watch this video — you won't be disappointed.  I literally got chills and proceeded to view all of Tim Kellner's short films (and you should, too).  As you might have guessed from the title, this beautifully + artfully done video captures an #emptymet during a private tour of the museum.
2.  Which New York Neighborhood Does Your Style Belong (Who What Wear) // Normally I'm not a fan of the random quizzes that pop up on social (especially the BuzzFeed kind), but this one by Who What Wear was actually kind of fun!  PS - I got Williamsburg the first go-around and SoHo the second.
3.  {A Chat With}: Daisy Chaussée (Stripes & Peonies) // If you're not already following Daisy Chaussée on Instagram then you're missing out.  Check out this interview on Stripes & Peonies for a glimpse into Daisy's c-o-l-o-r-f-u-l, well-curated feed and for some other fun tidbits along the way.  ALSO, Daisy was kind enough to share 6 Insta-tips for a better feed in a follow-up post. 
4. Watermelon Printable Ice Cream Cone Wrappers (Design Eat Repeat) // I scream for ice cream... and cute watermelon wrappers to match!  While the template isn't free, these watermelon wrappers are still definitely worth the download, especially for a watermelon themed party or even National Watermelon Day (mark your calendars for August 3rd!). 
5. The Brilliant Party-in-a-Box Service You Need to Know About (Brit + Co) // Yup, you heard right, you can now turn any occasion into a celebration thanks to Packed Party.  In a nutshell, these surprise party packages can be sent to your bestie, sister, you name it. I don't want to give away too much, but the "Birthday Beb" package is definitely may fave.

What piqued your interest this week? Feel free to share a link to your weekly roundup or leave a comment below!


xo,

A
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major. bag. envy.

Throwing it back to last summer + my favorite Kate Spade scalloped bag!
As hard as I tried to convince myself that I didn't want nor need a new bag, I have inadvertently decided that I DO in fact want one. With graduation money to spare, it only seems fitting to treat myself to something that I know will be put to good use.  In addition to a pair of Industry Standard's Simone Midrise skinny jeans (now on preorder!), I'm almost set on investing in a Rebecca Minkoff "Mini M.A.C. Crossbody" in tranquil blue.  I love how versatile and on-trend the mini crossbody silhouette is.  Wear it with everything from an easy-breezy dress to jeans for an effortless day-to-night look. 

Just for fun, I've rounded up a few bags below that I'm currently lusting after — some of them may or may not be a smidge outside of my budget.  Missing from my picks is the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag that every cool girl is anxiously waiting to get her hands on (including me).  Despite its steep $495 price tag, if I had a big girl job, I could almost justify spending that much on a bag.  I know that sounds crazy, but Mansur Gavriel bags are seriously such perfection.  Okay, I'll stop now... 
What bag(s) are you currently coveting?  Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A
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vienna. | city. of. dreams.


I've said it in year's past and I'll say it again: for Vienna, I am grateful for so much.  There's no doubt that I would not be nearly as appreciative of good design and aesthetics as I am today had it not been for the five weeks that I spent in Wien.  To sum up my feelings four years later, I am beyond thankful to have had the opportunity to experience a Viennese space and to become immersed in the architecture and design.  From Vienna, I've learned to always look up (literally — architectural angles are always waiting to be found) and to find value in the creative process, whether it be sketching, producing models, taking notes or a combination of all of these things.  I've learned that bad, unsightly, cookie-cutter architecture and unthoughtful design is never the answer.  Most of all, Vienna has taught me to be passionate about the things that I love and to demonstrate good aesthetics in everything that I do.

Things that I miss about Vienna... in a nutshell, that would include everything.  What stands out the most, however, would have to be waking up each morning with a purpose and feeling inspired to go out and explore. Whether it be a day of note-taking + sketching at the Albertina, visiting with a graphic design firm or climbing to the top of St. Stephen's, every day in Vienna is a good day.

With all that being said, it's not a question of IF I will make the trip back to Vienna, it's WHEN.  #nowornever





xo,
A

P.S. Even four years later, I love how I can look through my Vienna photos and still uncover new gems.  For additional pics, see last year's post.

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the. mani. dairies. // may.


I don't know about you, but minimalist manis have currently been my jam.  I follow Paintbox Nails, a modern nail salon in NYC, on Instagram and their nails are always on point.  Whether it's just the tips, barely there half-moons or a negative space design, I seriously cannot get enough. The best part about minimalist nail art is that it's not terribly difficult to pull off.  (In other words, you need not be an artist to achieve stellar results.)  Not to mention that cool girls everywhere are sporting them...

American Apparel "African Violet" (similar)  |  The New Black clear crystal rhinestone studs
A few weeks ago, I attempted a negative space mani embellished with tiny rhinestones and the result surprisingly wasn't half bad.  (Just as reference, see here for the Paintbox manicure that served as inspiration.)  Although it took some patience and a little trial and error, the entire process was pretty seamless.  I used tape to mark a line three-fourths the way down my nails and applied two coats of purple polish to the top half. Once the polish dried, I brushed on Essie's Good to Go topcoat (which I swear by) and carefully placed a rhinestone in the middle of each nail.  The toughest part of this manicure was undoubtedly getting the rhinestones in the correct position, right-side up. 

As for durability and wear, these nails definitely erred on the long-lasting side.  After one week, the majority of the rhinestones were still intact — when one fell off, I simply applied a new one.



What is your current go-to mani or favorite nail color?  Tell me in the comments below!

xo,
A
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five. for. friday.

It's Fri-yay (insert celebratory emoji here!) and today I've decided to introduce a new weekly series in which I spotlight five of my favorite links from the week.  Not only will this allow me to share what's currently on my radar, but I think it'll be a nice way to end the week + start the weekend!  Without further ado, here's my first installment of "five for friday."  Hooray!
 All photographs featured above are courtesy of the corresponding websites as cited below
1.  Renzo Piano feature for Interview Magazine // Everyone, including myself, has been been talking about the new Whitney Museum that just opened in NYC's Meatpacking District.  For a closer look at the design and thought process behind the #NewWhitney, DO check out this interview with the architect himself, Renzo Piano.
2.  So You Think You're a J.Crew Aficionado? (T&C) // A must-read for anyone who eats, sleeps and breathes J.Crew.  Of the 31 fun facts and tidbits, you're bound to learn something new... like how many pairs of shoes Jenna Lyons really owns.
3.  Runway:  Christian Dior Resort 2016 (This is Glamorous) // I was excited to see this article pop up in my Pinterest feed, because as of lately, anything fashion has taken a backseat to my graduate studies. Well, not anymore. Set in the south of France, Christian Dior's Resort 2016 collection (designed by Raf Simons) was experimental and playful with a fair share of contemporary (aka wearable) pieces.  My top picks include this accordion pleat skirt, this LWD, and this nearly Warhol-inspired dress.
4.  DIY Trinket Dishes (Studio DIY) // Oh-em-gee, you guys, these are too cute.  I'm not typically a super crafty person, but these trinket dishes are everything
5.  Less = More With These 17 Minimalist Jewelry Pieces (Brit + Co) // As much as I love wearing major statement pieces, I think there's something to be said about taking a back to basics approach. Be it a dainty ring or simple necklace, I'm in.

What piqued your interest this week? Feel free to share a link to your latest weekly roundup or leave a comment below!

xo,
A
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madewell. essentials.

A little mid-week shopping... yes, please!  Even if it's just window shopping for now, I can't help but get excited about Madewell's latest batch of new arrivals.  As per usual, everything is effortless and easy-breezy — in other words, perfect for all aspiring cool girls (read: me!).  Here are three pieces that I wouldn't mind adding to my shopping cart collection today.

faded indigo skirt  |  I have a thing for skirts and I cannot deny it.  This denim full skirt is practically made for the girl on the go.  Tuck in a t-shirt or pair it with a pretty blouse for the quintessential springtime look.
striped open-back overlay dress  |  Yet another one of my weaknesses:  stripes (for days).  If you aren't swooning yet, then just check out the sweet cutout on the back.  Whether it be Sunday brunch, a weekend spent exploring a new city or even a day in the office (just throw on a cardigan!), look no further than this sleeveless, striped frock.    
chambray courier shirt  |  Can you count the ways to wear chambray?  I can:  infinite.  Besides the boyish, boxy fit, what I'm really loving are the short sleeves!  Cuff them just a smidge and you'll be in business with a comfy, casual laid-back look.   
What are you loving from Madewell these days?  Tell me in the comments below!

xo,
A
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what. i. wore. | a. lotta. color. goes. a. long. way.

field jacket (similar)  |  shirt (similar)  |  black skinny jeans (similar)  |  scarf (similar)  |  Cece ballet flats

Maybe it's just me, but I always find myself falling into a bit of a style rut during the latter half of the semester.  As much as I hate to admit it, these are the moments when it legitimately seems like I have a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear.  In the midst of back-to-back blah ensembles, this particular look from a few weeks ago was a winner on all fronts.

Now, if you know me at all, then my obsession with c-o-l-o-u-r is nothing new.  Even when I try and fight the urge to add in a pop of color, my attempts aren't normally met with much luck.  (Hence my outfit above — just when I thought that I was taking a back-to-basics approach to dressing, I throw in a multicolored stripe scarf and pink ballet flats into the mix. #typical)

what. i. wore.  I can already tell that this mint green button down from Anthropologie is going to become a weekly staple in my wardrobe.  It's that versatile and effortless!  As for the striped scarf, it's from J.Crew (last summer) — notice how I knotted the ends for a cool off-duty look.  I've already commented on the following items in previous blog posts, but yeah, I'm still crushing hard over my J.Crew Factory field jacket and black jeans from Madewell.  If you're in the market for a great all-around pair of ballet flats, then look no further than these pink Cece flats from J.Crew (see here for this season's revamped version of the popular flat) which are as comfy as they are cute.

How do you overcome a style rut?  Do you have a go-to spring uniform?  Tell me in the comments below!

xo,

A
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kate. spade. | miss. adventure. pt. II.


Whether you need a good laugh while studying for finals or are just a Kate Spade devotee (who isn't!), I had to take a moment to share the latest installment of Miss Adventure starring Anna Kendrick.  The last time we saw Anna, she was locked outside her apartment during the holidays, this go around, she's in sunny LA teaching yoga after a mistaken identity — all the while impeccably dressed in head-to-toe KSNY.  Not only will this video snippet have you wishing for sunny skies and warmer temps, but you'll also have a ridiculous urge to update your spring wardrobe with all things KS.  If I wasn't for the price point, I think we would all love to do exactly that!  I mean, have you seen this flamingo print dress (and this one too)?  Swooning!

 

What are your favorite pieces from Kate Spade's latest batch of new arrivals?  Tell me in the comments below!

xo,

A
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