December 30, 2020

All the Things Twenty Twenty Taught Me




Twenty twenty has been a lot of things, but as I reflect back, teacher feels like the most appropriate title. The past twelve months have taught me more about myself, this world, and all the people in it than any other year to date. Maybe even more than a lot of years combined. 

It is often the hardest years that have the most to offer us in terms of personal growth & learning. Twenty twenty takes the cake here. I know I am not the only one who has grown & evolved as a person. To be honest, I think we have collectively grown as humanity. I can't help but think that all this year taught us, has changed us for the better. This gives me immense hope. 

I of course cannot speak for all of humanity, but I can speak for myself. So without further ado, here are some of the biggest lessons from this past year. 

December 28, 2020

A Photo Worth a Thousand Words














So many times in the last ten months I've gone back to this picture. 

At first, it was because the moment in which this picture was taken was the last "normal" memory I have from this year. I went back to it time and time again to try to remember what normal was. To try to remember what life was like before. To try to evoke happier memories. I remember being so happy when this photo was taken. That smile is pure joy, pure happiness. There is no stress, no heaviness, no anxiety. This photo represented normalcy. I kept going back to it because I was desperately nostalgic for life before covid.

December 20, 2020

All the Best Holiday Candles


You might remember that back in May I shared my favorite springtime candles here on Faith & Fancy. Well, if you enjoyed that, then I'm back with a very similar post for you - holiday candles! Second to my springtime candles, holiday scents are some of my favorites! They just evoke all the best Christmas memories & you can't help but smile when smelling them. 

December 11, 2020

For Her



Truth be told, this year I was initially planning on doing both a gift guide for her and a gift guide based on all my favorite things, but they basically ended up morphing into one! So here you have it, a gift guide for her inspired by all my favorite things. There's not one gift in this guide that isn't something I own and love, or alternatively something I know I would love. It is because of this that I am confident you will find something perfect for all the ladies in your life! 

December 09, 2020

December 07, 2020

For Him


Kicking off this year's holiday gift guides with a shop for the guys! I think this is the first year I've shared a men's gift guide before sharing one for the ladies, which is ironic since I have no men to shop for this year other than my father (hey dad!). I was feeling super inspired so we're just rolling with it!

November 25, 2020

All in the Details...


I am a sucker for a head to toe black look. Just ask anyone that knows me well. It's without a doubt my most reached for combo during the fall and winter months. There's just something I'm so drawn to about it. It's never boring, but instead chic & classic, urban & edgy. Both empowering and melancholic. It suits every mood. You can blend in or stand out. Throw a red lip into the mix and you can probably take over the world. 

November 13, 2020

November Wishlist

Hello November. There are many resons I love November, mostly because it is my birthday month if I'm being honest, but also because of Thanksgiving, the shorter, cozier, and slower days, and this feeling that it is the heart of fall. NYC truly showed us the best of fall this past weekend with picture perfect foliage, 70 degree weather, and full sun - not one cloud could be spotted in the sky. It was as if the universe knew that our souls all needed that. 

October 16, 2020

A Fall Boot for Every Occasion



A good pair of boots is a nonnegotiable essential for the autumn season, and let's be honest for winter too. As everyone in the Northeast knows, they will literally carry you through the next six months - essentially they are a piece we will live in for half the year, so pick them well! 

October 14, 2020

Fall Reading List!



These have become some of my favorite posts to do this year! With 2020 being the year it has been, there has been a lot of reading going on. So far I have read fifteen books (!!), which is most certainly a record for me, and has already surpassed my goal of twelve books for the year. At this point, I've got my sights set on hitting twenty books, which I am pretty confident I can accomplish. I'm excited to see the grand total come the new year! 

September 10, 2020

Nantucket Style Inspiration

I always imagined the day I would pack a suitcase with my sights set on Nantucket. In my almost 27 years I haven't been, but I knew the day would eventually come! In my mind, thoughts of Nantucket conjure up pictures of blue & white stripes, chunky knit sweaters for cooler nights, natural straw accessories, and lots and lots of crisp, white linen. It kind of represents my own personal style to a tee, and I have no doubts that from a style standpoint, Nantucket and I will get along quite well. 

September 03, 2020

September Wishlist

Don't even get me started on how I cannot believe it is already September... 

We will leave that conversation for a rainy day, but whether we believe it or not, September is upon us! We are running full steam ahead toward fall, and as much as my heart aches for the end of summer, I would be lying if I said a part of me wasn't a little excited for fall. 

August 31, 2020

End of Summer Send Off




It hurts my heart to say this, but with just about a week until Labor Day, summer is starting to wind down. This time of year is so bittersweet for me - as much as I look forward to the change of the seasons & the arrival of fall, summer is just without a doubt my favorite time of year. I have a hard time letting go.  So it's no surprise that I like to squeeze out every last drop of summer! I hang on tight until the very end. 

August 07, 2020

The Hugo Spritz



It was almost a year ago that I was first introduced to the Hugo Spritz via Ashley Kane - she had been honeymooning in Italy when she discovered this new bubbly cocktail. I was very intrigued & made a mental note that I would have to try it for myself! Lucky for me, I had a trip to Italy coming up that very next month, and I was determined to seek out the Hugo Spritz. 

August 06, 2020

My Summer Uniform



Whether I'm bopping around the city or enjoying a coastal getaway, there is a high likelihood I am reaching for the above outfit. I like to call it my summer uniform. It's easy & breezy, cute for strolling around & for casual dinner dates, and is a tried and true favorite. It just doesn't get more classic than a pair of denim cutoffs and an oversized linen button down. Throw on a Panama hat and your favorite sunnies and you are good to go! 

July 17, 2020

A Cover Up for Every Occasion





As far as a summer wardrobe goes, a cover up is always close to the top of my essentials list! As the name suggests it can serve simply as a way to cover up at the beach or pool, but really the options are endless. The versatility of these pieces is what makes them so great. Beach cover ups can easily become casual lunch dresses when paired with a straw Panama hat, summer sunnies, and easy slides. Conversely, pieces that aren't technically cover ups can easily be thrown over a suit. An oversized linen button down is exactly that for me, and quite honestly is my favorite kind of cover up. Easy & breezy, linen is a cool way to cover up, and a button down silhouette feels timeless and put together. 




xo. G

July 10, 2020

July Wishlist

It's July which means summer is really HERE. Thank God. July is probably my favorite month of the year if I had to choose. For me it's summer at it's best, which I think is why I love it so much. I try to soak up every second of it always, but especially this year after all we've been through. 

July 06, 2020

Summer Reads



Summer reading is the best reading! There is a high likelihood that if I'm on a beach, by the pool, or on a porch, there is a book within arms reach. If I'm anywhere outside for that matter, throw me a book and I am a very happy girl! I've been on a roll with reading this year and am keeping the momentum going this summer. I have so many summer reads on my list right now & I have every intention of getting through them all! 

June 27, 2020

Things that Spark Joy: Week no. 10


Spending Father's Day with my Dad
Meeting my cousin's new baby 
A beautiful sunset over the Hudson
Dining al fresco with a friend for the first time in months!
Strolling through the village & Tribeca on a beautiful summer evening
Enjoying golden hour in the park with my book & a takeaway drink 
Seeing the City slowly coming back to life 
A slice of key lime pie for one! 
Newborn snuggles 
A solo dinner date




xo. G 

June 25, 2020

Summer Handbag Edit


It goes without saying that everything is better in the summer - handbags included! During the rest of the year, I find myself pretty loyal to one or two handbags, but come the summer months I have quite a few bags in rotation. What can I say, I'm drawn to all the styles, textures, and details of these summer bags!

June 16, 2020

June Wishlist


Ah, only three more days until it is officially summer! I've been in a summer state of mind since essentially the start of this month, but I am still so excited to officially celebrate the arrival of summer on Saturday! This month's wishlist is a collection of beautiful pieces that will help transition our wardrobes for the new season that is upon us. I hope you enjoy these selections as much as I do!

June 15, 2020

New York or Nowhere


Back in March at the beginning of quarantine, my mom asked me if the Covid situation changed my thoughts on living in New York. I immediately shot back, "No. Absolutely not."

Four months later & that answer remains the same, even stronger now than then. Covid never for a second made me question my decision to live in a big city - the big city nonetheless. If anything it has only confirmed my absolute love and adoration for this place. A place that no matter what gets thrown it’s way, fights back and comes back stronger than ever.

June 08, 2020

Black Lives Matter

Oh what a week. A month. A year.

No one is going to deny the heaviness that has been strongly felt since what feels like the start of the year, but has increased ten fold over the last two weeks.

This past week has been heavy to say the very least. Heavy for everyone. And if you personally have not felt this to some degree, I beg you to open your eyes, and your ears, and to face the sad reality of what is and what has always gripped this nation.

This past week has been nothing short of the biggest wake up call for me personally.

The fact of the matter is that, it is not enough to be kind. To be a good person. To not be racist. Just being those things is not enough. It has never been enough. And it makes me sick to my stomach to realize it has taken me almost twenty seven years to figure that out.

What the past week has opened my eyes to is the fact that you, and I, and all of us collectively as Americans need to go above and beyond to actively work towards change in this nation.

This looks like a lot of different things, because there are a lot of different things we need to do to enact change and keep pushing progress forward. To start, it means opening up your eyes and ears. Opening your eyes & not being blind to the injustice and inequality that plagues this country. Opening your ears & listening to people of color share their lived experiences and stories. And when you are ready, opening your mouth. Opening your mouth to join the conversation and the dialogue. But more importantly opening your mouth to call out injustices and racism when you see it. It will never be comfortable to do so, but it is necessary.

And while you are opening your eyes, and your ears, and your mouth, keep doing more! If it is in your means to do so, donate. Educate yourself. Read and watch - do whatever it takes for you to keep learning. Register to vote & then get out there and do it. Share on social media. Expand the diversity of those you follow. If peacefully protesting is your thing, then do that. Just do something. Keep the conversation going. Keep doing the work. The fact of the matter is change just doesn't happen overnight and it is our responsibility to keep doing what needs to be done, so there is no other choice but for change to happen.

And you don't have to do it all. I think it would be foolish to say that each and every one of us had to do every thing just mentioned. I think it's even fair to say that would be a little inauthentic. We all have important roles to play in this and they are not all going to look the same - that is okay. It is okay as long as we are each being true to ourselves and doing something that pushes this movement forward. It's okay as long as we are making a conscious effort to learn new things and to unlearn the implicit biases. It's okay as long as we are trying. It might not always be perfect, but it's our efforts that matter. 

My thoughts and emotions have been running wild over the last couple weeks, and I've been overwhelmed with feelings of wanting to help. Of wanting to do something. These words are a start for me. Putting my thoughts on paper and writing is one of the best ways I know to express and articulate what I am thinking and feeling. It is one of my powers. If the words in this post can influence even just one person to have a change of heart, or to do something then it is a good first step in the right direction.

But, I promise it doesn't stop here at the end of all these words.

To all people of color, moving forward I promise to open my eyes, to open my ears, and to open my mouth for you. I promise to be your ally. I promise to never claim to know what you've been through because I don't. But I promise to always stand with you and to fight for you. To fight for what is right.

To anyone and everyone reading this, I hope you'll join me.




 xo. G

May 22, 2020

May Wishlist



We are quickly approaching summer weather, which means time to prep our wardrobes with all the breezy dresses, cheeky swim, and fun summer accessories. This is truly my favorite season to shop & dress for so I am thrilled. At this point, it is no surprise that this summer is likely going to look quite different than past summers, so I think our approach to shopping should be different too.

May 10, 2020

A List of my Favorite Candles for Spring


I love burning candles all year long - for both the lovely scents & the ambience they provide - but something about springtime candles gets me extra excited! If you asked me what my favorite candles scents are, many of them would be on this list. With all the at home time we've had lately I've been enjoying my candles even more than usual, and have found joy in purchasing some of my favorites to help support some of  the small businesses I love

April 30, 2020

My Favorite Small Businesses



If there ever were a time to be supporting small businesses, it is now. Over that past couple months, I have been trying to be mindful about who and what I am supporting, and where I am spending my money. Of course at a time like right now it would be easy to purchase things from our big go-to retailers, and although those companies still deserve support at this time, it doesn't feel right to me to only be supporting them. There are so many amazing small businesses who deserve our love & support much more right now, so I am making it my quarantine mission to shop small as often as I can.

April 18, 2020

Things that Spark Joy: Week No. 1

Although I always find this important, I am realizing more now than every how crucial it is for us to take note of all the things - both big and small - that are bringing us joy.  Appreciating these little sparks of joy in my daily routine has filled me with hope, happiness, and has served as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are glimmers of light.

April 16, 2020

Must Do's in Lisbon, Portugal





It's been almost two years since my trip to Lisbon, so it's about time I got around to sharing some tidbits from my trip! I'm embarrassed it has taken me so long, but today's post was born in the spirit of staying on track with my goals and feeling inspired to revisit past travels. Lisbon was a marvelous city to explore, and I couldn't think of a better place to kick off the first of many travel posts to come. I hope you are just as excited as I am - stay tuned!

April 10, 2020

On my Eye for April

Truth be told, I have felt torn over the last month about what is appropriate to post here on Faith & Fancy in the current wake of this crisis. So much of what I share on here is lighthearted, fun, and hopefully inspirational, but also so much of what I share is so frivolous. Lighthearted, fun, and inspirational are things I think we all need right now, but I have struggled when it has come down to sharing things that just seem so unimportant.

April 01, 2020

101 in 1001 Round II.

Here we go! 101 in 1001 round two! I've been working on crafting my second list for quite some time now, but honestly couldn't think of a better time to finish it or share it than now. There is nothing quite like not being able to do much of anything, that makes you want to do everything.

Time is a weird thing right now, but it gives me immense hope that in 1001 days many of these items will be crossed off and our lives right now, although never to be forgotten, will be some sort of distant memory. I look forward to that day, as I'm sure you do to. 

Working on this list and reading through it now gives me hope and I'm sure your own list will do the same for you. If nothing else, creating your own 101 in 1001 list will act as a much needed distraction in this time of uncertainty. I hope you are all safe, well, and finding joy in the little things.

All my love, G

Personal

Run a marathon
Unplug for 24 hours
Run three half marathons
Invest in a classic handbag
Set up a Roth IRA
Give back to a cause Im passionate about
Reconnect with gymnastics coach
Go makeup free for a week 
Do 10 pull-ups
Solo trip
Send snail mail
Attend Church on a regular basis

0/12

 

Professional

Create a NYC Guide
Professionally redesign blog
 Buy a nice camera
Get to know/meet other bloggers
Attend a conference of any kind
Do a collaboration blog post 
Take a photography class 
Get my IBCLC certification 
Attend New York Fashion Week
Uprgrade computer 
Share apartment on Faith & Fancy

0/11

 

Friends & Family

Go to Ireland with mom, dad, & sister
 Vacation with family friends
Paris with my mom & sister
Visit family friends in La Jolla
Go out on the golf course with Dad
Have mom teach me how to cook three of her best recipes
Buy my parents an apple computer
Rent a house for with friends 

Visit my uncle and cousins in Australia
Take Dad to Charleston 
Family trip to Disney 

0/11

 

Travel

Travel to three new states 
Travel to two new countries
Travel to a new continent
Visit Charleston in the fall 

Go to Europe at Christmas time
Visit Nantucket
Get back to Chicago
Stay at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI

Travel to New Zealand & Australia
Get back to the Caribbean
Visit the Lone Star state 

Hawaii 
Trip to Paris in the fall 
Do the Nantucket Christmas Stroll 
Get back to wine country
Island hop in Greece 
See the pink sands of Bermuda 
Take a croissant making class in Paris
Book a flight using airline miles 
Get Global Entry

0/20

 

Just for Fun 

Learn to ski
Take French lessons
See three new Broadway musicals
Watch a meteor shower
Visit three new museums 

Get a facial
Play a round of golf
Hot yoga class
First ‘splurge’ purchase
Try a Barre class
Go on a road trip
Host my first dinner party
Go skydiving
See Taylor Swift in concert
Surprise someone
Go to three new breweries 

New Year's Eve in another country
See Kygo perform live 
Fly first class
Seawheeze Half Marathon
 Master an at home marg 
Visit the Tuckernuck store
Rewatch Sex & the City from the beginning  
Take a cooking class 

0/24

New York 

See Wicked on Broadway
Go to Woeffler Estate Winery 
Rent a boat at the Loeb Boathouse
Go to the top of the Freedom Tower 
Visit the New York Botanical Garden
Get drinks at Bemelmans Bar 
Watch the Fourth of July fireworks 
Enjoy tea at the Plaza
Find the best view of the Manhattan skyline
 Picnic in Central Park
Eat at the Restoration Hardware restaurant
Have a 'Red Snapper' at the St. Regis - the original bloody mary
Take a trip to the Hamptons 
Find the best pizza in the City 
Run the NYC Half Marathon
Watch the Today Show out on the plaza 
Ice Skating in Rockefeller Plaza 
See Hamilton
Staycation in Brooklyn
See Billy Joel at the Garden
Find the best espresso martini in the City
See Monet's Water Lilies at the MoMA
Try ten new-to-me restaurants

0/23

Start Date: April 1, 2020
End Date: December 28, 2022

xo. G

March 24, 2020

My Favorite Reads & Those on My List!


Reading has always served me as an escape, a stress reliever, and most importantly a source of joy. I think it goes without saying, but with the current craziness surrounding this pandemic, I think we need all of the above - more now than ever. 

As horrible as this entire situation is, a beautiful thing is that it has everyone slowing down, leaving more time to enjoy the things we love. That means more slow mornings and easy evenings with a book in tow. In these hard, hard days that is a silver lining. 

March 07, 2020

12 Items I'm Loving from the Shopbop Sale

The Shopbop sales are truly some of the best on the web. In my opinion, they are the perfect opportunity to stock up on staples, purchase something that's been catching your eye, or treat yourself to that splurge worthy item.

Shopbop is a huge online retailer, and of course it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to purchase from the sale - there are just so many amazing pieces! Of course there are many ways to attack the sale, but I think it's best to purchase items that will help build your wardrobe - ie. great denim, classic basics, a pair of shoes you'll have for years to come.

Again, trying to sift through the thousands of items can be daunting, so I decided to round up some of my favorite pieces from the sale. The sale ends tomorrow, so get shopping! Enjoy!


code: SPRING
15% off orders $200+
20% off orders $500+
25% off orders $800+



xo.G

March 03, 2020

What I Wore in the Bahamas



I've said it before and I'll say it again - packing posts & posts sharing what I wore on trips are some of my favorites to create. I hope you like them too, because I'll keep them coming! I think it stems from my love for building a wardrobe for a getaway, whether that be a quick jaunt to Miami or a long getaway to Europe. I have so much fun creating location specific looks & in return it brings me so much joy sharing them with you all! I hope they serve as inspiration for any and all of your future trips, or that it inspires you to book one!

February 17, 2020

Resort 2020

One of my favorite posts to shop for & create this time of year is my resort wear guide! It is such a fun one to curate pieces for as I'm always itching for (and scheming) a warm weather getaway come February. Resort wear is one of my favorite collections of clothing - the colors, the patterns, the breeziness of it all always has me swooning. I think the memories that these styles evoke - warm weather, cocktails in hand, laid back moments - might be part of the love affair. Ahh it gets me excited just thinking about it.

February 13, 2020

Twenty Twenty To-Do List

At the start of the new year, I love to make a to-do list for the days and months that lie ahead. It's my version of new year's resolutions, since I long ago decided they weren't really my thing. To-do lists, however, are, and a few years ago I thought why not make one with the things I want to do, try, or accomplish in a brand new year! I started this in 2018, and here we are two years & three lists later, so obviously the idea stuck. It is really an easy & fun practice to help you start the year on a motivated note!

January 11, 2020

2020 Travel Wishlist


This has quickly become one of my favorite blog posts of the year & one that I so look forward to crafting! I can't believe that this is already the third year I am writing this - you can see last year's post here & 2018's here! Not only is it fun to daydream about where my travels will take me each year, but it's also great to look back at the end of each year and see where I was lucky enough to go. 

January 06, 2020

What I Learned in 2019


At the end of every year I find it so important to look back & reflect on what this year has given us, how we have grown on a personal level, and what we have learned in the past 365 days. The lessons might be small or they might be mighty & life changing, but regardless of their magnitude, anything learned is helping to shape us into the best and truest version of ourselves.

This year was a good year. One of the best to be honest. But with that being said, it was still full of little lessons (little, albeit important). If I looked around there were many things to be learned this year, and as always for that I am thankful.

Without further ado, here is what 2019 taught me. I hope it inspires you to reflect on your past year & discover how you've grown in the past three hundred & sixty five days.

January 03, 2020

Favorites Things of Twenty Nineteen

If you've been following the blog since the beginning, then it comes as no surprise to you that I love New Years. There's something so bittersweet & beautiful about saying goodbye to the past 365 lived days, while simultaneously welcoming the promise of 365 fresh new days. I love to look back, reminisce, and reflect (which I have & will share - stay tuned!), but this post is a little lighter and a little more fun!

I thought, why not look back on the year & play favorites a little bit! The idea started simply by me noticing things that have truly been my go-to's throughout the course of the year, and then it sparked this idea of thinking about all the things that brought me joy this year. So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite things - both tangible & intangible - from twenty nineteen!