February 29, 2016

Oscars Inspiration

I always love when awards season rolls around. If I am being honest it is not always because of the nominations and awards given out, but more so because of the style and fashion. The red carpet is all about what people are wearing! 

With the Academy Awards on last night, I was feeling so inspired by all the the truly beautiful gowns. I felt that overall there were so many people who looked absolutely stunning. With that being said, it was so hard to pick a favorite. I don't even think I could choose a 'best dressed' if I had to. Some of my favorites were Jennifer Lawrence, Olivia Wilde, Priyanka Chopra, Cate Blanchette, and Saoirse Ronan. They were just all so stunning in their own unique ways. You can see all the looks here.

Whenever I need a dress for a special occasion I always turn to Rent the Runway first. There are so many beautiful dresses to choose from! I love being able to wear high-end designer brands without breaking the bank. Rent the Runway is perfect for any special occasion where you are looking for a standout dress. I rented this RED Valentino dress last year for my senior formal and I was absolutely in love with it. I was so unbelievably sad when I had to send it back!

Although I don't have any reason to wear a fancy dress in the upcoming months, I still felt like pretending I did. In the spirit of the Oscars, I found myself drooling over some gorgeous gowns last night that I just couldn't help but share. Next time you have any formal event, wedding, or gala, be sure to check out Rent the Runway.

Check out some of my favorites below!











p.s. Who else was excited to see Leo win an Oscar!? Finally!

 xo. G 

February 26, 2016

Chambray Dress

I have always loved a good chambray shirt. It is such a versatile piece that can really be dressed up or down depending on the look you are going for. Chambray is classic all year round, and can be paired with just about anything. Whether you throw it on with a leather pants and heels for an edgier look, or pair it with denim and leopard flats, you can’t go wrong.

J.Crew

I recently purchased a chambray dress, and I am pretty happy with the discovery. It’s a newfound love for chambray! I was always a little bit worried about how a chambray dress would look - it just seemed like a whole lot of denim. I didn’t want it to overwhelm me, but that is far from the case. 

The chambray dress, like the shirt, is extremely versatile, and can really be used as the foundation of many differently styled outfits. During the chillier months, it can be thrown on with tights, leather booties, and a red lip for a more seasonally appropriate look. Once spring and summer roll around with the warm temperatures (I cannot wait), a chambray dress is the perfect piece to pair with wedges, a bright belt cinched at the waist, and a sparkly statement necklace. If you’re into a minimalistic and simple look, you can easily throw on the dress itself with flats and head out the door!  

Check out a few more styles here! 








Shop the styles here... 

Enjoy! 

p.s. Happy Friday! Have a wonderful weekend! 

xo. G 

February 24, 2016

Vespa





















This past weekend my family and I decided to check out this new restaurant, Vespa, that we have been dying to try. My sister actually hostesses there, so naturally she has been begging us to come down and give it a try! I cannot believe it took us so long to get there, but I am so happy we did because let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Everything about the experience was so good from the atmosphere, to the service, and most importantly the cuisine. We were just there on Sunday, and I already cannot wait to get back. 

Vespa opened in January of 2015 in the heart of downtown Westport and has been a success ever since. Bringing together a fresh approach to modern Italian cuisine, Vespa’s menu boasts a variety of options that everyone from seafood to pasta lovers will enjoy. Vespa’s cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere is the perfect spot to grab lunch, dinner, or brunch, and the bar is a great place to sip on one of their speciality cocktails! In the warmer months, the patio provides dining alfresco while overlooking the river. It doesn't get much better than that if you ask me - summer hurry up! 

Of course I am only one person and couldn't try everything on the menu (unfortunately), but what I did try, I loved, and I wanted to share with you. Hopefully I don't make your mouth water too much! 


We started off with drinks and appetizers - because what better way to kick off a meal? My Mom and I have similar palates, so of course we both ordered the same cocktail - the color blind. It perfectly combined gin, lemongrass basil, lemon juice, and bitters. It even had basil oil floating on the top which was such a nice touch, and let me tell you it was delicious! My sister had the jazz hound which was a vodka based cocktail and as expected was just as good as mine. For an appetizer we got fried artichoke hearts on the house, a perk of having a sister who works there (thanks Kell!), and oh my goodness were they to die for. Lightly fried and served with a perfect dipping sauce, they were a hit, and not one crumb was left!


Anyone who knows me knows I love a good salad, so I was thrilled with the selection on the menu. I had the hardest time deciding between the endive & pear, baby arugula, beet, or kale salad - all amazing choices if you ask me. After going back and forth, I decided to take the recommendation for the kale salad and I'm glad I did. Healthy and delicious. 

I cannot go without mentioning that Vespa makes all of their pasta in house - yum! It was a no brainer when it came to choosing a pasta dish as an entrĂ©e. I went with the spicy lumache, which was a combination of broccoli rabe, sausage, fennel, breadcrumbs, and perfectly al dente pasta. It had quite the kick to it, which I know is a personal preference, but I love a bite to my food so I was in heaven! The spicy lumache just might have been my favorite, and it paired perfectly with a glass of pinot noir. SO good. 






At this point in the meal, I was feeling quite full, however there is always room somewhere for dessert! Vespa was awarded best desserts in Connecticut Magazine's Best Restaurants 2016, and with an award like that you know you can't go wrong. My family and I all have quite the sweet tooth, so we had to try more than one. My dad went with the strawberry cheesecake budino, my sister had the warm ricotta doughnuts with a variety of dipping sauces, and my mom and I shared the lemon raspberry tart. I couldn't help but have a bite of everyones, and all had their own flavors & unique touches to bring to the table. It was the perfect end to a wonderful meal! 

I cannot speak highly enough of how wonderful of an experience I had the other night at Vespa. It was a lovely evening, and it was so nice to have the family together enjoying each other's company over great food. I have such a hard time picking my favorites because it was just that good! I am so looking forward to making it back for more. 

If you are ever in the Fairfield County area, I highly recommend stopping by. Even if you're not from the area, a road trip would be worth your while. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Thank you to Vespa for the experience!  

xo. G 

February 19, 2016

Friday Finds No. 1

Another week down people, yay! After the hell of a week I just had, I couldn't be happier to have a couple of days off. Hope this Friday means the start of some awesome weekend plans, and if not then just a little rest and relaxation. Who doesn't love a little (or a lot) of that!?

To kick-start your weekend here are some things I found this week and loved. I just couldn't help but share!

Hope you enjoy and have a killer weekend!


What Your Coffee Says About You // Anyone that knows me well can tell you how much I love my coffee. There is almost never a day I go without it, and having more than one cup is not unusual. So of course when I came across this article, I just had to see what it said. Although I do love a nice hot cup of coffee, I must say that iced coffee is typically my go to - yes, even during the frigid New England winter months. With that being said, according to my coffee order I am ‘The Trendsetter.’ I am not entirely sure how accurate that is, but I also don’t hate it. A latte is normally my alternative when I’m feeling like switching it up, and based on that I am ‘The Cool Classic.’ I like to think I fall somewhere in between. Of course this is all just for fun, but all my coffee lovers out there should most certainly check it out! 

36 Questions to Fall in Love // According to the New York Times there are 36 questions that can make you fall in love with anyone. Whether or not this can actually make two people fall in love is up for debate, but the hopeless romantic in me loves the idea. Regardless of it's effectiveness, I do believe that answering these questions could bring people closer together- whether that be friends or lovers. I even found that going through these questions on my own really made me think about things, which is important to do from time to time. If no true love actually comes out of this, at least you can count on a great conversation and I’m sure a few good laughs. So what are you waiting for? As the instructions say, grab some wine, the person you love, and give it a go! 

What's Your Biggest Regret? // Needing a dose of inspiration? Watch this. The concept behind this is so simple, but wow did it have quite the impact. I think one of my biggest fears is going through life & one day waking up and realizing I didn't do the things I wanted to. Regret is a scary idea to me. Sometimes we think we have all the time in the world. The truth is we don't. I think it's important to not put out off doing the things you want to because you think you have time or you think you can do it later on. If you want to do it, do it now. I promise you that someday when you look back on your life, you will regret the things you did not do far more than you will the things that you did do. 

13 Runners Give Beginners Advice // This article is something that I honestly feel everyone should read. It's funny because I never considered myself a runner, and because of that I still have a hard time acknowledging the fact that I am. However, three half marathons later I guess I most certainly am a runner. I honestly don't know how I ever went without it. The truth is you can be a runner & never run a race in your life. It's not about completing certain milestones, it's just about getting out there and doing it. Nothing drives me crazier than hearing people say "I'm not a runner." You are. You just have to do it. 

xo. G

February 15, 2016

Monday Motivation

Unfortunately for Mondays, they are probably the most hated day of the week. After the weekend, I can't blame people for not welcoming the week back with open arms. I find that Mondays typically just seem to pass a little slower and require an extra cup of coffee (or two) to get through the day.

I have been dreading this Monday a little bit more than usual because it meant the start of one very busy and stressful week of classes. For those of you still in college, or recent graduates I'm sure you all know the kind of week I am talking about - the one where every exam in every class just happens to fall in that one week (aka hell). On the plus side, time doesn't stop, the week passes, and you make it out alive. However, in the moment it is easy to forget that, especially when the stress seems too much to handle. I am sure that at some point everyone has been in the same situation where all you can do is question what you have gotten yourself into, why you are doing this to yourself, and maybe even if this will ever really be worth it. Find comfort in knowing that almost everyone has been in that place before, they all made it out alive, and you will too. It will all be okay even when you cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

For me, words have always been something that have resonated with me and that I have been able to relate to. I wanted to share a quote with you on this Monday that made me feel a whole lot better about this crazy, chaotic week of mine. So here it is.. 

"I hope the universe blesses you with a moment of peace this week. You are doing the right thing and you are going to be okay."

Something about those words made me feel better. Not only did they help calm down the thousands of thoughts in my head, but they made me think. I found a lot of truth in those two sentences. I will be okay - we will all be okay. And maybe you will be lucky and the universe will grant you a moment of peace this week, but also maybe not. What's important is that even if the universe doesn't give you a moment of peace, you can give yourself one. In the moments of chaos don't forget to do the things that bring you peace and keep you grounded. Go for a run, read a book, do some yoga - whatever it is that keeps you happy. Even if it is just for twenty minutes. A happy you will be the best version of yourself to take on the craziness the week has to throw at you. 

I hope on this Monday night you can find some peace in those words. Whether it is school, your job, or even just life throwing a lot at you. Just take a breath and remember "you are doing the right thing, and you are going to be okay." 

p.s. Monday is almost over. Yay! 

xo. G

February 14, 2016

Valentine's Day


Image

Valentine’s Day is one of those funny holidays. Some people love it, some people hate it, and then there are those who feel it is just another day. Depending on the year, I have found myself to be on both ends of the spectrum, however deep down I tend to like it more than sometimes I think I would like to admit. Call me a hopeless romantic, but Valentine's Day is a holiday I have always admired. Not for the superficial reasons that turn many people off, but instead because I admire the idea that it portrays. It is a day about love - not just romantic love - but all love. I feel that this is something that people tend to forget.

Valentine’s day isn’t a day just for those who are dating or married, but a day for everyone who loves somebody. It is a day to reflect upon all the love you have in your life, whether it be for a friend, a sister, your parents, or even for the love you have for yourself. Life is crazy, no one is going to tell you otherwise, and it can be easy to forget just how much love you have for the people in your life.

So today, February fourteenth, I challenge you to tell the people you love just how much you do love them. Send your parents a little love note telling them how much they mean to you. Send your sister some beautiful flowers just because. Grab all your single friends, go out to dinner, and just have fun. Or even just do something special for yourself. 

Life is short. None of us know how much time we have left. And as clichĂ© as it may sound, the truth is at the end of it all all we have is each other & the love we share. So go celebrate Valentine's Day & be thankful for all the love in your life. 


Wishing you all a very love filled Valentine's Day!
XOXO


xo. G

February 10, 2016

Shades of Blush

Every year Pantone releases it's color of the year and for twenty-sixteen the winners were rose quartz and serenity! I was particularly happy about the rose quartz selection because for as long as I can remember pink has been my go to. That is the girly-girl in me shining right through - no shame. Although I have come to love many other colors and incorporate them into my style, pink has remained a favorite and I am absolutely loving this blush color. 

This shade of pink is such a feminine and sophisticated color that can easily be incorporated into one's wardrobe. I am particularly a fan of it around this time of year. During the winter months, I tend to gravitate toward wearing more neutrals than I do a lot of color, which to me is appropriate for the season, however it can get a little dull at times and adding a hint of color is a nice change of pace. Throwing some blush colored pieces into the mix adds a subtle hint of color while still maintaining the soft and crisp look of a neutral palate. 

I found a variety of different styles that really highlight just how beautiful this blush color is. These Valentino rockstud pumps are to die for (a girl can dream, right?), and I think I need this lace-up shift dress. Kate Spade really did a wonderful job with this rose pin, which also comes in the form of earrings and a cuff. If you read my recent post on the new J.Crew sunglass line, I'm sure you are drooling over all of them just like I am, including these beautiful blush Ryan sunnies. I think I've come to the conclusion that anything in this blush color just seems prettier and more feminine! 

Check out the rest of the styles featured below! Shades of blush might have just become your new best friend. Enjoy! 



Shop here... 

xo. G

February 08, 2016

Kate Spade Surprise Sale!

If you didn’t know already, the Kate Spade Surprise Sale is happening now! That means up to 75% off some of the best of Kate Spade - yes seventy-five percent! There are always so many great styles featured in these surprise sales, and this time around is no exception.

I wanted to share some of my favorites from the sale. I'm absolutely loving both the cream and the black handbags - both are classic pieces to add to your collection. The bow and flower studs are just darling, and how adorable is the lemon coin purse! I recently bought the cross body featured below but in black, and I can't tell you enough how perfect it is when you just don't want to carry a large purse around.

There are so many other great pieces featured in the sale, I highly recommend checking it out! You just cannot go wrong with these sale prices - it's the perfect time to treat yourself. And if you are still looking for a little something for that valentine of yours, this is the perfect opportunity! 

The surprise sale only goes until Thursday the 11th (this Thursday), so you better head over now before it's too late! 



Shop here.. 

Let me know what you find! 

xo. G 

Love Notes



“It’s not dying, it’s healthier than ever. But it certainly is an art, because it brings out the best in both the person who creates it and the person who looks at it.” 


This is Margaret Sheperd's response when she hears someone say that handwritten notes are a dying art. And I couldn’t agree more. 

I feel that in this day and age, it is easy for handwritten notes to get overshadowed by emails, phone calls, and text messages. Those options are quite literally right at our fingertips, but they just don’t have the same impact or carry the same meaning that writing someone a note does. Whether it is an apology, a thank you, or just a hello, there is something really special that comes along with taking the time to sit down and put your thoughts on paper for someone you care about.  

Not only that, but note cards these days are just so beautiful. I find myself always so tempted to buy them, not because I need them, but because they are too pretty to pass up! You can find the perfect card for whomever you are sending your thoughts to. 

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it is the perfect opportunity to send someone a little love note. Whether it is a lover or a friend, sending your love via a handwritten note is the perfect way to let someone know you care. What is more romantic than writing sweet nothings to that special someone? Not only will they love it, but it will be something they can cherish as the years go on. 

Before you get writing, I figured I would share some of my favorite note cards. I wish I could have them all, but that might be a bit excessive. Pick your favorite, and you’ll be well on your way to writing the most perfect love note! Don’t forget to sign your card with x’s and o’s! 


February 05, 2016

Friday Finds

Thank God it's Friday my friends! 

As I'm sure you could all assume, I am almost always on my computer. Probably more than I should be, but between school and Faith & Fancy, it's hard not to be! Throughout my week I am always coming across things that catch my attention, and I thought it would be fun to share a few of them with you all! 


I'm not sure quite yet if this will be a weekly or bi-weekly post, but I am planning to just have fun with it!


Enjoy and have a wonderful (Superbowl) weekend! 






A Color Story // Almost positive that this new photo editing app is about to be one of my favorites. The app is free and comes with about ten essential filters to make your pictures bright & beautiful. If that's not enough there are additional filters packs that can be purchased - 92 filters & 46 effects to be exact! I guess in this day and age you can never have too many filters.

30 Things to Do Instead of Falling Back in Love // Shoutout to a great friend for sharing this with me. When a relationship ends, it is easy to get wrapped up in the emotions that come along with heartbreak, and very easy to forget about all the wonderful opportunities & experiences that are still out there. To me reading this was like a breath of fresh air when I needed it most. All thirty are wonderful options, but some of my favorites are number four, fifteen, twenty-six, and twenty-eight. 

100 Years of Wedding Dresses // I am a complete sucker for anything and everything that has to do with weddings. Wedding videos almost always make me cry, and my ‘I Do’ Pinterest board is one of my favorites. When I found this video, I honestly thought it was such a creative way of showing the evolution of the wedding dress. Although the styles have most definitely changed in the past one hundred years, I think they are all so beautiful! 

Here's What Might Happen if You Stop Eating Meat // I have never been by nature a huge meat eater, but I most certainly would not classify myself as a vegetarian either. Let me tell you, I love a good burger, so cutting meat completely out of my diet has never really been something I’ve considered. However, I have always been a little bit curious about what it would be like to eat an entirely plant based diet.  This has been of interest to me more lately, and I am considering trying to go a month without meat just to see what it does for my body. Of course this would be temporary, because again there are just some things that are too hard to pass up forever. I’ll keep you updated!



xo. G

February 01, 2016

J.Crew Sunglasses

Guys.. who’s excited about J.Crew’s release of their new sunglass line!? Me! 

I’m not going to lie. As far as sunglasses go, I have always pledged my allegiance to Ray-Ban (guilty). However, I’m pretty sure J.Crew just changed that. J.Crew has featured other sunglass brands in the past, which I have always admired, but I think it’s really great that they are introducing their own line. J.Crew has always been able to maintain the perfect balance of classic and bold, and that is exactly what they've done here. There is really something for everyone! 

I have featured some of my personal favorites below, but I highly recommend heading over to the J.Crew website to check them all out. I promise you will not be disappointed! Bring on sunnies season. 


How fun are these?? I love that they are a twist on a classic round frame. The bold red color is guaranteed to add the perfect pop of color to any outfit! If the red is a little too daring for you, they also come in two tortoise frames (here & here), and navy

J.Crew nailed these sunglasses if you ask me. I love the retro vibe that comes with a cat-eye style frame. To me, the black is just so classic - you can’t go wrong. Can anyone say Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffanys? 

The Ryan sunglass also comes in a beautiful blush color (my second favorite), a tortoise, and a burgundy tortoise combo. 

Betty Sunglasses
Okay, these are seriously my favorite out of the bunch! I have always been a big fan of oversized sunglasses and of tortoise shell, so of course I love these. It’s hard to tell from the picture but the lens is actually mirrored as well. Another reason why I’m pretty much obsessed. If I had designed a pair of sunglasses I'm pretty sure this is what they would have looked like. 

If the tortoise shell mirrored look isn’t your thing, they also come in a really pretty poppy, a brown, and grey


Check out the rest here.. 

xo. G