the. mani. diaries. // v-day. edition.

Happy Valentine’s Day! In honor of this lovey dovey holiday that everyone either loves or loves to hate, I’m sharing a special V-Day themed mani. In place of the traditional sparkly accent nail or pink ombre mani that I’m normally accustomed to, I decided to switch things up. I spotted this super cute upside down heart with eyes manicure (I’m assuming it was inspired by the Comme des Garçons logo) while scrolling through Olive & June’s Instagram feed and decided to replicate it. The fact that I’m sharing the end result means that it didn’t turn out half bad — surprisingly.

  

While this nail design just so happens to be *perfect* for Valentine’s Day, it need not be restricted to February 13, 14 or 15. A few tips if you’re looking to replicate the design: Practice first! As a rule of thumb, be sure to allow ample drying time for your base coat (#glossierpink) to avoid any messy slip-ups. My next tip would be to utilize an extra fine-tipped paint brush (or nail art brush if you happen to have one handy) to achieve any minuscule details such as the eyes and heart outline. Finish off with a fast-drying top coat (I applied a coat once the pink base layer was dry and then another once the heart eyes design was complete). Voilà!

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day traditions? (Mine’s obvs indulging in candy hearts!) Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

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the. short. list. // v-day. gifts. you'll. heart.

Comin’ atcha on this frigid February Friday (try saying that three times fast!) with a new series. I was hoping to share a larger roundup of Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day gifts, but with the date fast-approaching, I’ve put together a short list of gifts to treat yo’ self to this February 14 (and beyond). It goes without saying that you deserve it, boo!

1. Pizza Sweatshirt (ILY Couture) // Pizza is bae. That’s all I’m sayin’. I may or may not already have this cheeky sweatshirt on standby just waiting to be incorporated into an #OOTD (or two). You best believe I’ll be sharing the outfit snapshots when I do. 

Photo via @sleepyjones

2. Marina Pajama Shirt (Sleepy Jones) // Fancy pjs are pretty much expected come Valentine’s Day, especially when they’re this cute and playful. Sleepy Jones recently teamed up with artist, stylist and illustrator, Kate Schelter, on a custom watercolor heart print set. While I’m eying the oversized Marina pajama shirt, the Jasper boxer shorts and matching Marina pajama pants are also noteworthy. 

3. Be Mine Card Holder (Kate Spade) // Kate Spade seriously has so, SO many cute heart-themed accessories right now. This “be mine” heart-covered card holder is my fave though. Not only is it functional (hello, small purses that hold *only* the essentials), but the price point is just right if you’re on a $50 or less budget. 

4. Mani Kit (Pinch Provisions) // As far as pampering goes, nothing says treat yo’ self to a single ladies vino night like an at-home mani kit. You can thank the geniuses behind Pinch Provisions for this gem of a gift idea. Inside your kit, you’ll find everything from clear nail polish and nail polish remover pads to emery boards.

5. Striped Wool Sweater (Comme Des Garçons Play) // If you’re looking for a well-calculated splurge, then I can’t think of anything more It girl-approved than this Comme des Garçons PLAY striped sweater (I die) featuring the brand’s iconic heart and eyes logo. (I'm also partial to this striped long-sleeve tee that's a bit more on the budget-friendly side.) 

6. Blush Lipstick Clutch (Ann Howell Bullard) // You had me at blush pink lips printed clutch inspired by “Andy Warhol and pure sass.” Add instant swag via a tassel or pom keychain for a whole lotta YAS. 

7. Valen-mine Package (Packed Party) // If anyone knows how to throw a Valentine’s Day-bash-for-one, then it’s the folks over at Packed Party. Think: care packages delivered directly to your doorstep. While the contents may vary, this one reveals Fatty Sundays sprinkle-coated pretzels, customized stationery and a polka dot makeup pouch. 

Which of these gifts will you be snagging for Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

PS: Need more Valentine’s Day inspo? Check out my recent write-up for Brit + Co for more ideas!

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must. have. v-day. essentials.

The countdown until Valentine’s Day is officially on! Whether you’re coupled up or flying solo, there’s no better time than right now to stock up on a slew of swoon-inducing heart-printed goodies. From quirky accessories and dainty jewels to the occasional “pop” of red, I’ve rounded up 13 V-Day must-haves that every girl needs come February 14. Enjoy!

1. Secret Admirer Heart Crossbody Bag (Kate Spade) // Not just restricted to Valentine’s Day, this Kate Spade heart-shaped crossbody bag can definitely be sported year round. From work to play, it’s guaranteed to add major panache (and whimsy) to every #OOTD.

2. Playful Heart Tights (ASOS) // Plain ol’ black tights simply won’t do when you have heart-printed ones on standby. Just how ah-mazing would this party-ready pair look with a fit-and-flare dress and some classic ballet flats? Major swoon.

3. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Mini Notebook (ban.do) // Stationery hoarders everywhere rejoice! Printed with all sorts of rad scribbles and doodads — pizza, rosé, and heart-shaped sunnies — this ban.do notebook is simply too fun.    

4. #ColorCurators: Song of Style Edition Nail Polish (Formula X) // Chipped nails be gone! Pair this lovely shade of pink (which is basically Rose Quartz in disguise) with a sparkly accent nail for the ultimate Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day mani.

5. Smitten Emoji Heart Earrings (Kate Spade) // I’m crushing hard over these heart eye emoji stud earrings (despite the fact that my ears aren’t even pierced). When chandelier earrings feel too fancy, and your go-to diamond studs just aren’t cutting it, these will always do you right.

6. Sweet Dream Ring (Free People) // SO, so pretty! This dainty heart ring is extremely sweet and minimal — and in the best possible way. Major bonus: The sparkly stone makes it appear so much more expensive than it really is.

7. Classic Red Betty Sunglasses (J.Crew) // J.Crew’s latest collection of in-house designed sunnies is serious #goals. These high-drama, poppy red stunners are practically guaranteed to turn any blasé winter day upside down (especially when paired with a striped shirt and a statement-making coat in true Jenna Lyons fashion). I’ll take one in every color, please!

8. Idania Lip Print Pajama Set (Joie) // For your upcoming girl’s night in, a pair of these cheeky lip print pjs is obligatory. Taking you beyond lounging, this set is almost chic enough to wear IRL alongside an oversized cardi and knee-high socks.

9. Rose Bib Necklace (BaubleBar) // This J.Crew-esque rose bib necklace is just the thing to take your outfit A-game up a notch (or two). Toss it over a chambray shirt, a LBD or a navy cashmere sweater — the sartorial options are endless.

10. Stubbs & Wootton for J.Crew Velvet Slippers (J.Crew) // If you know me at all, then you know that I’m on Team Flats. (Sorry, heels!) While these velvet smoking slippers are more-than-just-a-little out of my budget, I think they would look perf with skinny jeans or a wool mini skirt and tights during the winter months. I digress…

11. Cozy Heart-Printed Jumper (Topshop) // Why wear your heart on your sleeve when you can cozy up to a heart-printed sweater this chic? It can be dressed up with a tulle skirt or pared down with black jeans + ballet flats for an off-duty look.    

12. Valentine’s Cupcake Kit (Anthropologie) // Come party time, these Valentine’s Day cupcake liners will be a hit. The snazzy wrappers and decorative toppers are perfect for the hostess with the mostess.  

13. Sweetheart Minimergency Kit (Pinch Provisions) // When in a pinch, a miniemergency kit will save you from every potential wardrobe conundrum or fashion fiasco under the sun. No joke: These cute pint-sized pouches come equipped with everything from clear nail polish to double-sided tape.

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day essentials? Leave a comment below!

xo,

A

PS: Don’t forget to check out my latest Brit + Co article featuring 25 Valentine's Day gifts under $50 your BFF will love.

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valentine's. day.

Fact:  I love every holiday unconditionally.  It could be something completely off the wall like National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day or a universally celebrated holiday like Valentine's Day.  In my world, a holiday is a holiday... so I might as well celebrate it, right?! While some people get bummed by the idea of V-Day (single or not, it's not anything to stress about!), I actually don't mind it one bit.  Conversation hearts.  An excuse to paint my nails every shade of pink and don heart printed clothing for a week straight. That doesn't sound all that bad to me!  Whether you love it or hate it, here's to hoping that Valentine's Day treats you well!  

xo,
A  

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happy. v-day.

SO, today’s Valentine’s Day!  Personally, I think V-Day is something that everyone can celebrate and take part in.  I fancy the color pink, love candy hearts and will take any excuse I can get to make confetti (more on that later!).  So, you see, for me anyway, Valentine’s Day is not. that. bad.  As they say, chin up, buttercup :)

Just for fun, I thought I would share a sampling of fun pink-themed items that I’m currently loving.  Enjoy and happy Friday!

1.  #thinkpink

2.  Shades of pink...or should I say shades of Pantone?

3.  I stumbled upon this DIY project for confetti stix on a website called Best Friends For Frosting and knew it was right up my alley.  Unfortunately, I didn't have large, clear straws on hand to create the "stix," but I did make confetti!

4.  One pair of magenta lace shorts coming right up! 

5.  As per usual, I’m all about the mani.  Luckily, I had plenty of options to choose from.  

6.  Why settle for one shade of pink when you can pick four + a sparkly gold accent nail?

7.  If you're a KSNY devotee, then boy are you going to love their colorful coffee table book appropriately titled, "Things We Love."  The pretty pink hardcover just so happens to also serve as the perfect backdrop for my new favorite J.Crew metallic flats (which have the tiniest block heel, might I add!). 

xo,

A
P.S.-  Check out the V-Day gift roundup that I recently did for Sweet Lemon Magazine!

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