The Perfect Valentine

When I was in college, I did a 2 year internship with a local boutique in the Madison area. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had and I loved the unique pieces I'd purchase for myself and as gifts for loved ones. On top of the locally made jewelry I bought frequently, I also loved to purchase these personalized notecards by Jack & Ella. Lucky for you all, they have an etsy shop you can find here. How adorable are these Valentines? On top of it all, they are 100% recycled & incredibly budget friendly. My favorite are the "Lunch Love Notes" - a set of 12 different phrases to put in your significant other's lunch or to leave on the nightstand. 

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

My boyfriend and I don't typically make Valentine's Day a big deal . We usually will just grab dinner somewhere the weekend before (to avoid crowds) but I always like to get him a little something- just because. Also, my dad's 50th birthday is this Valentine's Day and I am struggling with the perfect gift to get him. I put together this list of gift ideas for the man/men in your life and all of it is under $80. Do you and your guy exchange gifts? If so, what are you planning on getting him this year- I'd really love to know.

1. Kate Spade Money Clip - practical, affordable, and the adorable saying on it makes it unique. 

2. DODOcase- If your guy has an ipad, this is the case for him. It's designed to look like a book and can be used as a stand and also includes magnets to activate the auto wake/sleep function. 

3. His favorite spirit. My dad goes to Jamaica every year, and every year he raves about Appleton Rum- an affordable way to bring him back to the islands (sans the pricey plane ticket).

4. Silver Picture Frame- I'd put a photo from when we first started dating or a fun night out, a happy reminder he'll see daily. 

5. The North Face 'Divide'- You can't really go wrong with a North Face (and this one's only $80). It comes in this grey & a bright blue- perfect for the upcoming Spring weather. 

6. Jo Malone Cologne- The Wild Bluebell cologne is one of my favorite scents and the compact size is perfect for his collection.

7. Nike Gym Bag- perfect for the guy who has hitting the gym on his list of New Year's resolutions. 

8. DVD set- You can never go wrong with his favorite show on DVD or his favorite movie. I'd pair it with a gift card to his favorite restaurant & make it a date night. 

Old Love

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so this week I'll be sharing some of my favorite things that remind me of February 14th. I found this tumblr a while ago via A Cup of Jo and absolutely love looking through it daily. It's really fun to look back at the celebrity couples- some from almost 40 years ago. I'm always surprised by the random ones I find that I never knew about, as well as a few timeless duos I wish were still together (Brad & Jen.. sigh). 

 

                          

 

                                 

   

Friday's Fancies: Spring Fever

This week's Friday's Fancies is all about Spring. It has been unseasonably warm here in Chicago and I absolutely love it. I am crossing my fingers that the next few months stay mild. February is one of my favorite months of the year because retailers come out with their spring lines. I have my virtual shopping cart full of a million things- none of which can be worn until April, but it's still nice to look. For my outfit this week I picked out a pair of colored denim (yes, I'm still not over colored denim) in a pretty bright hue. I would layer the chambray shirt over the floral one to add a little bit of pattern that isn't too overwhelming. Since the pants and top are so bright & busy, I'd keep my accessories neutral with a tan sandal and patent leather carry-all. Oh, and I'd throw on a pair of UO's adorable colored sunnies. For just $10 I plan to buy a whole array of colors. 

 

blouse // chambray shirt // denim // sandals // purse // sunnies

As always you can hop on over to Long Distance Loving for some more inspiration!

Happy Friday!

Currently Coveting {Reed Krakoff Boxer Tote}

   

Reed Krakoff Boxer Leather Tote 

While this is probably the most expensive thing I'm coveting lately, I am convinced I need it. I think I like the silver bag the best, although there is something so classic looking about the white with cognac straps. Although, do I really trust myself with a white handbag? Probably not. This may be making it's way to me once I get my tax return (also note: I still live with my parents so I don't have any rent to worry about missing after purchasing this baby).What do you think? Worth the price? Or keep searching for the perfect handbag. I'd really like to know.

Feeling The Love

I know, I know it's only February 1st. But, I can't resist these adorable heart tops. I first saw this top when Liz tweeted a picture of the J.Crew catalog & from there I was hooked.There's a fine line between looking like a second grader and looking trendy with these- but I absolutely love them. And while I really adore that J.Crew blouse, the ASOS ones are a little budget friendlier. 

Are you liking this heart trend? 

 one // two // three 

Pinteresting

Last week Erica from P.S. I Made This tweeted about a wonderful list of Pinners to Follow. I am not going to lie I've spent hours going through each and every one on the list (and I'm still only about halfway through)! I find that when I'm lacking inspiration or not having a good day- it's so nice to look at a beautiful curated board. Whether it's fashion inspired, delicious recipes, or easy to replicate DIY's- I love it all. So I hope you enjoy this list as much as I have & please leave your Pinterest ID in the comments, I'd really love to follow you! 

Here are few images that I'm currently feeling inspired by: 

The perfect Valentine. 

White Chocolate Confetti Popcorn (yum).

Stylish polka dots.

Life is full of little pleasures.

A neutral bedroom with a whole lot of texture.

A perfectly messy table setting.

And a little wanderlust. 

You can find all of my boards here.