april 2018//

April was a good month as far as keeping things balanced goes. It started with a great adventure with the Husband spending Easter in New Orleans where we got the best glimpse of Mardi Gras and exploring the big easy! I was able to make it home to my parents twice, volunteered, and got of studying done throughout the month. 

Things picked up towards the end of April and got a little crazier with grad school, but I'm happy with how this month turned out. 

white jeans for every season

A couple of years ago, I finally bit the bullet and bought a pair of white jeans, these ones to be exact. And while this wouldn't be a big deal for some, I am not the kind of girl that should own white anything, but I guess that's what they invented bleach for. But the biggest issue for me is that I felt that white jeans were for summer only and that I would only get real use out of them a few months out of the year. Oh how wrong I was. 

When it comes to style blogging, I never want to be one of those people whose just show casing what's currently on trend. Instead, I like to buy and wear pieces that will work for my wardrobe long-term. According to my monthly clothing budgets, I paid $54 dollars for these white jeans (now on sale) two years ago and I think I've got my money's worth with wearing these year-round. With labor day having just passed, I was remembering the old adage of "no wearing white after labor day", but here's proof that you can wear white jeans all year long. 

life lately :: jubilant june

jubilant = (adj.) feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph

If May was full of Mayhem, then June was it's exact opposite. A month full of lots of small wins turning into big victories. And really how could June not be good when it represents that official transition from spring into summer?

springtime in the desert

This time last year, we were off on the most epic trip through the desert. I’d never been to the desert and aside from a few cacti, I expected it to be pretty desolate. But as it turns out springtime in the desert is just as beautiful as it is anywhere else. More so even because it's so unexpected. 

coastal style

We ended up in Cape Ann once again and I don't think anyone could blame us. And I think you can guess that I appreciated the excuse to dress in traditional new englander coastal style. 

Shop this Look 

|| SunHat: Souvenir from Toronto [loving this cute vineyard vines derby version]|| 

|| Blouse: Anthropologie || Jeans: Articles of Society || Sandals: Sam Edelman ||

Only on the coast can you pull this off! 

one month ago today

It's funny how drastically things can change in a month's time, but also amazing how much they stay the same. I wore this exact outfit a month ago today here. In that time, we went from snowy mountains to seaside escapes, but the outfit stayed the same. I just swapped out the beanie for a pair of sunglasses and traded in the bean boots for sneakers. But at the core, nothing changed…it's all about perspective.  

 Shop this Look 

Embroidered Front Tee || White Denim || Transport Tote ||
Converse Sneakers || J Crew Sunnies || 

Spring Shift

After seeing this dress on adorable Liz, I had to pick up this inexpensive linen shift. Depending on the accessories, this dress is perfect for just about everything…it's one of those comfy toss on dresses that you constantly reach for. Liz and I are shorties, so we both went with petite sizing. Other than that, our body types are completely different. It's always nice to see how the same piece works for different bodies, see how Liz wore it here. 

 old navy linen blend shift dress//j crew factory always cardigan//

j crew pearls [save vs. splurge]//lucky brand emmie flats

Between how much I love this linen dress and the fact that Old Navy is currently hosting a 30% sale, I will also be picking up this version of of dress in navy this weekend. Please tell me, I'm not the only person who buys variations of the exact same thing in multiple colors? 

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

This weekend gave us a chance to cross another item off our Boston Bucket List. We spent Sunday at the most unique art museum...the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It has a checkered past with being the victim of one of the biggest unsolved art heists in the world. And while this place has such an interesting history and some amazing pieces, at times it felt more like we were wandering through a secret garden than an art museum.

Normally art museums are cold and dark in order to better preserve the art. But this museum is so well done with managing to add in lots of natural light. There are two buildings connected by an open walk way. The newer modern building has a restaurant, a concert hall, and plenty of bright open areas. Meanwhile, the original building houses most of the art. It's centered around an open courtyard that can be accessed from every floor. So each gallery offers a different perspective of the courtyard. 

Isabella modeled the courtyard after an Italian Palace, so those pink marble walls and romantic balconies are always surrounded by sprawling palms and sculptures. But the flowers are changed out multiple times a year. During our visit, the courtyard was filled with bright orange nasturtiums, flowering maples, and the cutest orange trees. Perfect for the start of spring + ideal for this girl who was just getting over a cold and in need of some good vitamin C. 

I assure you that there is actual art in this ART museum. Isabella was a very wealthy woman and she used her personal fortune to purchase and display art for the "education and enjoyment of the public forever". While the frames from the $500M art heist remain empty, there are still thousands of pieces of art including some favorites like Rembrandt and Degas.

One thing I know for certain, we will definitely be back to visit this secret garden art museum again and again. 

linking up with weekending//travel tuesday//

a little vitamin C

I've been so under the weather this past week and it's been depressing because it made me miss out on so many great things. We had to cancel a date that we had planned on Thursday. Plus, I didn't get to link up for Wanderlust Wednesday or Friday Five. Seriously, is there anything good about being sick?  But this weekend I've started feeling much better. While I should probably be taking it easy, I desperately wanted to get out of the house. Thankfully, we found this perfect hidden spot with orange trees growing right in the city and they are providing just the right dose of vitamin C. 

Can't wait to share more details tomorrow. 

Review: Madewell Zip Transport Tote

Have you ever had the perfect bag? It's the one you reach for more than anything else you own. It doesn't matter if you've had it for 3 days or 3 years, the texture and color are just as vibrant as the day you brought it home. And you feel invincible with it. That's the Madewell Zip Transport Tote. 

After years of constant use, my J Crew tote was beginning to show its wear and needed a replacement. The obvious choice was to purchase the Madewell Transport Tote because it's similar in style and design to my J Crew Downing Tote. It was kind of a no brainer really. But when I saw the Madewell Transport Tote in store, my heart sank. I had seen tons of photos of the original transport tote, but in person, I wasn't as impressed. It felt like I would always be comparing the two bags and feeling dissatisfied. I was on my way out of the store when I spotted the Madewell ZIP Transport Tote. Now, that's a handbag! 

How does it Compare? The Zip Transport vs. The Original Transport

I'm sure you're wondering how the zip version differs from the original transport tote. Well obviously, there's a zipper and the added privacy is a major perk. Also, the interior of the zip version is lined whereas the original has exposed leather. And while the Madewell website has the same color listings for both bags, I swear that the leather on the Zip Transport is richer and thicker in texture. In fact, that's what made me gravitate to the zip tote over the original.    

There is also a $20 price difference with the zip version being a little more expensive. But then again, I scooped mine up during a major sale, so the price difference is relative. 

Best Features? 
The best part about this tote is definitely the quality of the leather. It's soft and natural texture is the kind of material that just gets better with age. And it's beyond durable. I've already spilled on it, but you can't even tell because it's Jasmine Proof. Love this bag! I'm also a fan of the fact that the bag is fully lined, with interior pockets on both sides for storage. 

Another favorite feature is the straps. It has the traditional double straps {though shorter than the original}, but there's also a long adjustable strap, allowing the bag to be used as a crossbody. Being a shortie{5'2'}, I really appreciate having the ability to adjust things to suit my height. And as an added bonus…the shoulder band has a widened portion that gives extra comfort. They really thought of everything. 

[iPhone Case//Lipstick//Sunnies]

Where to Take It? 
This tote has quickly become my everyday bag. It's large enough to hold a laptop and tablet=perfect for school or work. And the hands-free crossbody strap is essential for running errands. But I'm most excited to use this for traveling. It will be the perfect carry-on tote and function well as a day bag for exploring new cities. Basically it will go everywhere. 

[OOTD details-Mama's got a brand new Bag] 

What's not to Love? 
In order to give a fully impartial review, I had every intention of being completely honest about the bag's flaws. But I'm having trouble finding any. In fact, I'm considering purchasing the bag in black as well. I will say that the leather on the handles isn't treated on both sides. This can be a little annoying with making sure you have the handles facing outwards, but then again the untreated leather on the inside helps the bag to stay in place on your shoulder. So is that a flaw or an ingenious method of making the bag more wearable? 
PIN IT

All in all, the genuine leather and gold hardware make this bag a classic beauty. Add in the perfect design, and the zip transport tote is definitely taking things up a notch.

linking up with thepleatedpoppy// 

Mama's Got a Brand New Bag

This weekend was glorious! The sun managed to come out and it was finally warm enough to wear a dress. But I'm not here to talk about the amazing dress. Because when it comes down to it, we all know that it's really about the bag! 

I've been eyeing this bag for a while, but holding back. You see, neutrals and I haven't always gotten along well. And while investing in an everyday bag is one the best things anyone can do for their wardrobe, I tend to gravitate towards handbags that are flashy, trendy, and preferably pink. But there's something to be said about having a bag that literally goes with everything. 

Old Navy Dress on sale//J Crew Factory Bracelet on sale//

Sam Edelman Katarina Wedges + a fancy splurge//

best bag EVER aka the Madewell Zip Transport Tote//

Now that I've owned this beauty for a few weeks AND have realized how life-changing it is, I'll be sharing a full review tomorrow. So...

untill then! 

weekend snapshots [03.04.16]

Looking back, it's hard to believe that all these photos came from the same weekend. Early on, we were blessed with stunning 70 degree days, which quickly evolved into rain, then snow. Spring Anyone? Regardless, it was an amazingly relaxed weekend. Time was spent on morning runs along the Charles River and evening walks on the hiking trails. We squeezed in lots of work + brunch at our favorite spot. I can't pinpoint doing anything out of the ordinary this weekend, but that's what made it perfect.  

[OOTD details here]

I was being totally lazy this weekend, so hopefully you didn't mind all the iPhone photos. Looking forward to productive week.

linking up with blovedboston// 

here we go again...

I knew it was going to flurry this weekend, but I certainly wasn't expecting to wake up in a winter wonderland. It is April after all. And just two days ago, we had perfect 70 degree weather. But now, everything is blanketed in snow. I was planning to start packing up my winter gear this weekend, but I think I better hold off. Here we go again with this crazy weather. 

Embroidered Tee {40% off with code ticktock}// White Denim //

 Pearl Cuff // Pom Beanie // Boots 

Thankfully this morning involved a hot breakfast, thanks to brunch at our favorite spot. I'm spending the rest of the day, warming up with lots of hot coffee and {hopefully} getting work done. 

Happy Sunday 

linking up with thepleatedpoppy//