insta. obsessed.

As far as social media goes, I’d say that I’m generally a pretty big fan.  Living in a digital world, it’s hard not to gravitate toward at least one (or five) social media feeds.       

Pinterest is chock-full of inspiration...and, as I’m sure many of you know, it happens to also be super addictive.  I like to think of Tumblr as a more streamlined version of Pinterest reserved for only the crème de la crème.  Twitter is perfect for my random thoughts of the day (140 characters or less!).  As for Facebook...yeah, not my cup of tea.  I love the idea behind Vine, I’m just not super video-savvy.  If you’re not using it yet, then download Steller...like right now.  It’s a storytelling app that is so inspirational, you really just have to check it out.  

With all that being said, there’s no question that Instagram is my absolute favorite social media platform to use.  I love photography and capturing the “perfect” shot.  Picking (who am I kidding, sometimes obsessing over) just the right filter and coming up with the most thoughtful or clever description that I can dream up is all part of the IG process.

Since I’m constantly stumbling across new Instagram users, I decided to just spotlight six that I can’t get enough of right now.  These are the users who post seriously amazing photos that inspire me on a daily basis.  Without further ado, here they are:

@anyeske (Alex Yeske, “graphic designer at Madewell + blogger”)- I aspire for Alex’s attention to detail and clean/simple/minimalist aesthetic.  Her entire feed is so. good.

@amy_stone (Amy Stone, “social media @gap. west village, nyc.”)- Proof that colour inspires and enlightens – shots like this one are the epitome of cool.  One thing that I really appreciate about Amy’s feed is that she makes every photo count.  Oh, and did I mention that she has a knack for snapping some of NYC’s snazziest and most stylish doors?!

@equipment_fr (Equipment, “The Equipment woman is strong, chic, elegant, adventurous, sexy and above all classic.”)- Whether it be a rack of Equipment’s lustworthy color coordinated blouses (I’ll take one in every color, please!), a glimpse of their current moodboard or regrams from fashion bloggers sporting Equipment in their latest #ootd, everything featured in Equipment’s feed is simply exquisite, to say the least.   

@garancedore (Garance Doré)- The personal Instagram account of fashion photographer, illustrator and writer, Garance Doré, is as impeccable as they come.  For your sartorial pleasure, and for a peek into Garance’s design-filled world, I suggest giving her a follow.

@VoiceofVienna (“Hobby photographer, traveller, nature lover”)- 365 days a year, you can bet that I’m in a Vienna state of mind.  With Voice of Vienna, each photo brings back a little bit of Vienna to my daily life.

@katespadeny (kate spade new york, “quick and curious and playful and strong.”)- This one probably comes as no surprise, but to be fair, every photo really is just as witty + charming as the brand itself.  I wouldn’t expect anything less from ksny...

Which Instagram users’ photos do you find yourself tapping “like” one too many times?

xo,

A

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april. the. list.

The weather sure has taken a 180° turn from this time last month, hasn’t it?!  In place of snow, the temperatures are actually...dare I say it, warming up!  You’ve probably already guessed it, but today I’m sharing my latest installment of “the list.”  Now that it’s finally starting to feel like spring, I’m excited to slowly (but ever so surely) begin adding warm weather staples to my wardrobe.  Naturally, a new pair of sandals, striped tee and lightweight scarf are at the top of my list.  And did I mention that I’m currently sweet on all things blush pink?   

1.  Striped T-Shirt (Aerie) - It’s that time of the year again when I begin longing for t-shirts galore.  While it may not be my prized v-neck, the soft color scheme + stripes featured in this tee completely make up for that.  (Is it just me or does this color palette remind you of a Roy Lichtenstein painting?  Regardless, I love it!)  

2.  Gladiator Ballet Flats (J.Crew) - A cross between a gladiator sandal and classic ballet flat, I think J.Crew read my mind on this one.  I just can’t decide which one I like better:  bright royal or vintage sandstone?

3.  Sophie Hulme Mini Envelope Bag (Shopbop) - You had me at creme & navy stripes.  Enough said.  

4.  Marc by Marc Jacobs Ball and Nail Ring (Shopbop) - A quirky and fun ring that will lend a “pop of color” to any ensemble. Available in fluoro mint or coral, you can’t go wrong.

5.  Wilfred Paradoxe Dress (Aritzia) - As I’m a sucker for anything that looks remotely effortless, you can imagine that this fit-and-flare dress from Aritzia is nothing less than perfection in my book.

6.  Stripe Jersey Scarf (Aerie) - Perfect for all the inevitably chilly April mornings and evenings ahead...  

7.  Checkered Market Pad (Rifle Paper Co.) - It wasn’t long ago that I spotlighted Garance Dore’s stationery line for Rifle Paper Co.  Well, it’s officially out now and I think it’s safe to say that I want the entire line...this checkered notepad included!  

8.  Kitschy Floral Necklace (Forever 21) - Kitschy, yes, but how great would this pale pink floral statement necklace look with a breton striped shirt or springtime frock?

9.  Talula Larkhall Blouse (Aritzia) - Sharing my love for polka dots on this one.  Complete with a subtle ruffled peplum, this blouse is a winner on all fronts.

10. Jude Scallop Sandal (Loeffler Randall) - If I could only invest in one sandal this entire season, this would be it.  Scallops once again appear to be the way to my heart...

Top three spring must-haves? Ready, set, go!

xo,

A

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garance. doré. x. rifle. paper. co.

Image via garancedore.fr

Sometimes collaborations are just meant to be.  The stars align and everything falls seamlessly into place.  As far as stationery collaborations go, I can’t imagine a more perfect union than one between Rifle Paper Co. and fashion photographer, illustrator and writer Garance Doré.

Upon first glance, I knew that it was going to be good.  An acute attention to detail paired with seriously impeccable fashion illustrations combine to form a high-quality product that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.  Those of you, like myself, who have an unwavering obsession with all things paper are in for a special treat.

As luck would have it, both Anna Bond (co-owner and creative director at Rifle Paper Co.) and Garance Doré share an appreciation for gorgeous illustrations and designs. It seems that timing was everything.  Despite this being Rifle Paper Co.’s first capsule collection, when Doré reached out to Bond, her answer was a resounding “yes.”  The fact that they were both already fans of each other’s work makes the launch of their line even sweeter.

Photo via garancedore.fr

On their joint venture, Bond said:  “I have worked closely with Garance to guide her illustrations into products, art direct the look and style of the collection, and design each item. We are bringing Rifle’s attention to detail, product quality, and expertise to a group of products that are new and unique yet complementary to our own brand.”

The line includes stationery, notebooks, greeting cards, calendars and even iPhone cases.  Let me tell you, the illustrations are as Parisian chic as they come, all featuring attractive script fonts and a soft, muted color palette.

Photo by @annariflebond

A notebook is more than just a journal to record thoughts in; how it looks and feels speaks volumes too. As Doré told Style.com, “illustrations ought to be something you can carry with you.”  Maybe I don’t need a new notebook per se, but it’s safe to say that I secretly want one anyway!

So classy, refined, and sophisticated, if this stationery collection doesn’t knock your socks off, I don’t know what will.  While the Garance Doré x Rifle Paper Co. line already had its official debut at Paris retailer Colette, the launch date in the US couldn’t come soon enough.  Arriving Spring 2014, look out for it any day now!

xo,
A

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