A-line skirts and suede are two upcoming trends for fall. I have styled two options - both budget and investment options; however, a few of the splurge items, like the skirt and necklace are part of Nordstrom's Anniversary sale - so they are marked down significantly until August 3.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
"What starts as a minor comparison between our own life and someone
else's can escalate into an overwhelming mess. Jealousy is like a
snowball that grows larger and larger."
-InTouch Magazine
When I look at the save vs. splurge options, it reminds me of how in life it is so easy to become consumed by what others have - such as more expensive clothes or a better house. I am guilty of this and with so many style blogs, it is easy to see what others have, which makes it even more of a challenge. It is a daily reminder to be happy with what I have - and especially to be thankful.
Isn't this restaurant quaint? The whole restaurant is 620 square feet - total. The few times I have eaten there - I have sat at the bar - both at the lower level and the upper level. Sitting at the upper bar is a lot of fun because you can see outside to the street and over the entire restaurant. It is located in the West Village on Christopher Street, and I highly recommend it if you are visiting the city - and want to experience the NYC vibe - and excellent food.
My meal:
I had the peach and dandelion salad, which was very good - but super spicy. Get ready! I also had the BBQ ribs, which was a special that night and not on the regular menu. It was excellent, and was served with peaches (my favorite) and a farro salad.
Fun fact: The restaurant name - Joseph Leonard - was derived from the first names of the owner's grandfathers.
JEFFREY'S GROCERY
The place is just as cozy as Joseph Leonard - and owned by the same people. The food is excellent! I sat next to the railing in the middle, which is actually a stairway to the storage in the basement. Most small restaurants in NYC have either their kitchen or storage in the basement because of limited space upstairs.
My meal:
I had the watermelon and cucumber salad - who would think something as simple as watermelon, pickled cucumbers, radishes and arugula - could be so good. It was hands-down my favorite! I liked it so much I went out and bought a mint plant when I got home, so I can re-create it at home. I just wish I had gone there for lunch one day - peach panzanella salad and a cheeseburger with old bay fries with malt vinegar aioli. And, why did I go to Chipotle instead?!?
My husband's meal:
He ordered a fish dish - and loved it! And, a few oysters - and liked them, too! (I skipped the oysters - I had a bad experience with them years ago, which has scared me away them - probably forever!)
Dessert:
The ice cream shop around the corner - see below.
ROSEMARY'S
I love this place. There is a rooftop garden; and, it just feels like NYC when all the people are packed-in (but not in an uncomfortable or intruding way at all). Also, sitting so close, I love eavesdropping dropping on others' conversations (probably shouldn't admit this), but I enjoy listening to their engaging conversations - like how the couple next to us will never take their children to the zoo, rather they will go on a safari.
My meal:
I got the cavatelli with English peas and mint. Yummy! You would think it would be heavy with pasta and ricotta - but it is light and refreshing. I ate the whole thing - which rarely happens with my meals, except for when it comes to dessert.
ICE & VICE
My feet were killing me by the time we got to this place - but it was definitely worth it. I love ice cream - and in my opinion, the artisan, "one of a kind" ice cream flavors are replacing the cupcake craze of a few years ago.
My flavors:
Happy Panda - described as East meets West - made of coconut milk and cinnamon. The initial taste is somewhat watery but the flavors quickly develop afterwards.
Milk Money - The toasted milk intrigued me, along with the chocolate ganache.
My husband's:
9AM - Coffee with a donut truffle - what isn't to like about that mix.
Shade - Dark chocolate with white chocolate ganache - equally as good.
Needless to say, my husband didn't want to overeat - so I finished his ice cream - so I got to try all four. And, I can't pick which was my favorite, they were all very good.
VAN LEEUWEN ARTISAN ICE CREAM
This place was around the corner from where we were staying! I think we stopped by a couple of times - and it got me through some long afternoons of walking.
My flavors:
Mint Chip: Made without the food coloring - so mint ice cream that looks like vanilla.
Ginger: Ginger ice cream with chunks of crystalized ginger.
Both were really good - and I ended up getting the same thing both times.
WHAT TO WEAR - NYC STYLE
The one thing about NYC style is that I felt really "MIDWEST" when I was there. I follow fashion and try to dress on-trend, but New Yorkers have their own unique twist on how they dress. They follow the same trends - for the most part - but they put they own uniqueness to what they wear that you do not find in blogs or magazines.
One thing I noticed was that men wore there pants - SHORT - like floods. I noticed this right-away, and then once I did, the guys that had baggier, longer pants looked so out of style. Showing off your socks - is the way to go. So, if you hemming a pair of pants for your husband, brother, boyfriend - encourage them to go a little trimmer and shorter - and show-off some happy socks! Now, this is a trend that I think will carry-over into the bigger cities, which I am sure already has.
A few trends that I saw in NYC that are on trend everywhere are fringe, gladiator sandals, and summer dresses. Here are a few options. Also, don't forget about the #NSale, which ends August 4.
Whew! When I took these photos I thought it would be cool - boy, was I so wrong. It was HOT! This sweater is lightweight - yet warm - which is good to know for fall. One thing about this sweater is that is by far my favorite thing I have bought at the #NSale. I have worn it multiple times since I got it - and it still looks brand new. It is amazing quality for only $24! I typically do not wear stripes, but I love these subtle stripes, and my husband even complemented me on my sweater.
Also, my tote is reversible and only $48. A great carryall bag - if you are looking for one. It would fit my laptop perfectly.
Be sure to check out all the #NSale deals before it is too late. A lot of things have already sold out.
DAILY STYLE FINDER
I mentioned a few weeks ago a new site that I started - Daily Style Finder. The site allows you to search for specific products or trends, and by specific bloggers. It is the ShopStyle of style bloggers. If you are looking for how to wear white denim, maxi dresses, floral - or just the latest trends - be sure to check it out.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Are you trying to figure out what to do with your life? I found this questionnaire in my files, and I thought I would share it.
PASSION
What do you think about a lot? What won't your brain let go of?
PURPOSE
What do you want to be known for?
PERSONALITY
What kind of work or activities make you feel enlivened and capable?
A lot of these items are from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, like the vests and button down shirt. Plus these NARS lip pencil sticks just came back in stock - so grab them quick - a great deal - almost 50% off!
I am back from NYC - and trying to get back into the swing of things. (And, resting my feet, which by the last day were in pain! I guess my favorite sandals do not have the support for days of walking; however, I never got any blisters, so that is a big plus!) Check back on Friday when I do a recap on NYC fashion street style, and my favorite places to eat (including some great ice cream shops).
The Nordstrom Sale is now open to the public, and I am sharing a few casual looks, which would be perfect for fall. A few of the items, I have bought - including the striped sweater, which I wore three days in a row. It is my favorite purchase - and it is under $25. It also comes in solid colors, and other striped colors. #NSale
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
"Forgiveness is a choice—an act of service to the Lord, a witness to the person who inflicted our pain, and a necessary step in our healing. No matter how terrible the acts committed against us were, God requires that we show mercy. For our good and His glory, He wants us to give up the “right” to punish those who hurt us."
This devotional was especially fitting for the day (for what I had to do that day) and for what I have been dealing with this past year. When someone causes unnecessary pain - it so extremely difficult to not rehearse it, and rather to give it up and not hold on to it. When someone says hurtful and untrue things - our first reaction is defend - and try to make them see it from our perspective - but in most cases this is not going to happen. They see it from their own vantage point and feel justification in their behavior. We, on the other hand, see and experience it from our perspective. They are most likely not going be in alignment. So, the best thing - especially in my case - is to forgive - and move beyond the hurt - which is easier said than done.
Summer is a perfect time for dresses, and here are just a few popular dresses. Last week, I mentioned that I had started a new site, DAILY STYLE FINDER. I am so excited about this new site! I have linked a few examples of how to style these dresses to my site - to show you have some fashion bloggers have styled their looks.
MY DATE STYLE (click images below for product info)
MY CASUAL STYLE (click images below for product info)
MY WORK STYLE (click images below for product info)
Today my fellow Style Me Bloggers and I are sharing our summer go-to style. I thought I would do a round-up of my Instagram (@DailyStyleFinds) style. Here are a few of my looks.
Also, if you are looking for style inspiration - I have started a new site, DAILY STYLE FINDER, which showcases fellow style/fashion bloggers and what they are wearing. I have tagged everything they are wearing - so you can easily search for many product names and brands, or sort by blog name and trends.
My favorite time of year is here. I am super excited about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!!! I mentioned a few of my favorite picks last week. Today, early access begins.
If you would like to shop the sale early - you can - by signing up for a Nordstrom card.
A few of my picks - like these Hunter boots - which are almost $100 off!
The past month I have been busy building a new site - styled around my favorite fashion bloggers. It is a cross between Shopstyle and Pinterest for style/fashion bloggers, and is called...
I have always wanted an easy way to search the latest style bloggers posts - and sort by different products and trends. This site allows you to search for specific products or trends, and by specific bloggers. And, this is just a beginning -- I have more in the works - stay tuned!
(Note: I link to each blogger for outfit details - so each blogger still maintains their commission.)
Leave me a comment - let me know your thoughts - what you would like to see, what you think - I would love to know!
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
"One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do."
- Henry Ford
This quote sums up how I feel about sharing my new site - I have been working on it (and thinking about if for years). I kept thinking I couldn't share it until it was "perfect" and a big fear is that people will not like it - or will not find it as useful as I do. But, I can't find this out until I share it - so that is why I am sharing it. I want to get feedback and know what you think. So, here it is - in its initial state - in the works - but I did it!
"Are you feeling the weight of anxiety or anger? Look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). And remember the promise of 2 Corinthians 6:2: “Now is the day of salvation”. The day you trust in Christ is the day He delivers you from fear and bondage."
One of my favorite times of year is the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. It is one time Nordstrom marks down new items up to 40%. Plus, it is all the new fall arrivals, which is my favorite season for clothes. I have included a few picks on my list above. At the top of my list is the wrap coat and parka. If you have been wanting a pair of Hunter boots - now is the time to pick them up. My prediction is that they will sell out quickly, since they are marked down significantly, so act fast.
The sale starts on July 17 to the public, but if you want early access starting next Thursday, July 9, I recommend getting a Nordstrom card. I broke down last year and got one. I wanted to shop the sale early before items were sold out. A side note: my husband wanted to get a $100 off a sport coat he bought this past spring, in addition to its already $200 off for price matching, so we ended up with another Nordstrom card. So, now our household has two Nordstrom cards - double the trouble...
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
"When you begin with the finish line in mind, you miss all the fun stuff along the way. The better approach is to tweak and grow, tweak and grow."
Along the lines of my goals from yesterday, this is becoming my motto for something I have in the works, and plan to share in the next couple of days. I keep thinking I need to get everything the way I want it to work - instead, I just need to share it and make the tweaks later. Stay tuned...
"Things rarely get stuck because of lack of time. They get stuck because the doing of them has not been defined."
- Getting Things Done
I am not sure if it is my perfectionistic nature or just lack of really defining goals - but when it comes to personal things I want to accomplish - like this blog - and other business ideas, I feel like I lack any sort of organization or plan to accomplish them. I have not written down exact goals - I have ideas floating around in my head of what I want/plan to do. But mostly, everything floats around with unknowns - making me a little unorganized and unproductive. So, today, I am making it a goal - to set obtainable goals - even for the smallest of tasks.
