Thursday, January 31, 2013

BFFs

I have really amazing friends. I know, I know. Everyone thinks that, right? But really, mine are like even more amazing than normal. Not only are they adorable and always look so pretty, they are going to be super successful doctors in a few months. I love this picture of the 3 of us because it's perfectly New England- snow on the ground, a bright colored winter coat, faux fur. We had just finished a great lunch in West Hartford and were silly off sangrias and gossip when Katie (our 4th BFF, and we're missing 2 more) snapped this photo of us. We have a great friendship and so much of what ties us together and weaves its way into our stories and memories is fashion. We could never forget the night we all wore matching halters to a party in different colors like a girl band or when KP's coat got stolen out of a closet and her dad replaced it with a Baby Phat one. I'd like to think as we grow up we become more sophisticated and also better friends because we've stuck by each other through the good the bag and the ugly- in clothing choices and in life.

From left to right: Ally, Me and KPizzle
Photo Credit: KBucks

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Basketballs and Red Lips

I paired my casual outfit of a plaid button down, jeans and ankle boots that I wore to the boys ASDA Basketball tournament with a bright red lip. My friends and I look like a chic sporting goods ad, but what do you think of the red lip? Too much for a Saturday afternoon? I don't know, I kind of love it!

From Left to Right: Me, Kiran and Christina
Photo Credit: Josh H. Pham

Monday, January 28, 2013

I Love My Boyfriend...Sweater


J.Crew stores have been fairly empty lately as they transition from winter to spring. Today in Pasadena that was clearly evident, but I noticed a great find for the awkward in-between time when the temperatures haven't hit their spring time peak yet. I am really in love with the Merino boyfriend sweater. The fabric and fit were great- slouchy and comfy, perfect for pairing with skinny jeans or leggings and good for daytime wear now and nighttime wear during the summer when the temps dip and you are sipping margaritas on a patio or strolling on the beach. The color selection ranged from sour lemon to warm peacock and it would also work for layering. How do you feel about your boyfriend...sweater that is?


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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

If the Shoe Fits

I am on my feet a lot. Between clinic sessions at school, running community service events and trying to make the most of my time in SoCal, I spend a lot of time in my shoes. Of course I have my special pairs- shoes purchased for occasions, as rewards for acing exams or because in LA people are always checking out your footwear. But on a daily basis I need some good solid shoes that are going to take my poor feet through the day without causing any major pain or blisters. I also need them to be practically priced. I know this is asking a lot, but I'm a student dentist. Every day there is a distinct possibility that my shoes are going to take a serious beating and the thought of having to toss a nice pair of Sam Edelman flats that took me weeks of no splurging to save for because of an extraction gone awry is enough to make a girl cry. I also have to survive on a student budget. I have been lucky enough to find some great shoes in the past few weeks that won't even come close to breaking the bank. Actually, skip a week of Starbucks lattes and you could afford all three!

Merona Maye Core Heal, Target, $8.98

Mossimo Valma Jeweled Flats, Target, $9.98

Pumps, H&M, $24.95 
(My pair is pink and was on sale for $15!)


Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Wine is Love


One of my grown up loves is a fantastic bottle of wine. This weekend I got to spend time with 7 wonderful friends on a limo trip to Temecula Wine Country. Other than the fact that the weather was glorious, it was a great chance to let loose, drink just a bit too much and have some good laughs while feeling special rolling up everywhere in a limo. We shared a great breakfast and started before 10am with mimosas and then made stops at South Coast Winery and Wilson Creek Winery. Both are gorgeous estates with beautiful grounds and fantastic wine. I was able to pick up a bottle of my favorite California Surfer Girl from South Coast and had an almond champagne slushie from Wilson Creek. It was pretty fabulous. Nothing like feeling a bit like a celebrity to make for a perfect girls trip. 



You couldn't have asked for a better day- sunny and 70 without a cloud in site. I highly recommend making the trip down to one of the gorgeous Temecula wineries. You can picnic, do tastings and explore the grounds. And with our own fabulous transportation we could drink as much as we wanted!


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

A Little Taste of the Holiday

I love spending time with my family and being silly. For as much as we drive each other crazy and can fight, the five of us (and now Elliott too) are very close and we like to be ridiculous together when we can. It was nice to have everyone home from school and back in the neighborhood. Our new tradition of Christmas Eve day breakfast is a keeper. It fills you up until the big fish dinner and stretches the holiday a little longer. Here is what our holiday looked like...


We're all a little nuts. And we really love our Nonnie. And yes, Bob is drinking a Smirnoff Ice. At breakfast. The rest of us did too but we had enough sense to leave them out of the picture. 

It was so nice to share our Christmas traditions with the boyfriend. I think he appreciated the food. What I did not appreciate was Tim photo-bombing this lovely picture. 

I obviously like this picture because my grandma is in it, but even more so because you can see how festive our house was. We have such a great tree with ornaments that hold tons of memories and my mom is snowman obsessed. She displays her ever-growing collection on the mantle and around the house. A lot of the decor is handmade by me and I love looking back at everything I have painted through the years. 

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Anchors Aweigh!

Everyone knows I love anchors. I couldn't tell you why. I definitely don't sail and the only boat I go on is my boyfriend's at the lake. I don't even know if it has an anchor. But I have a bizarre obsession. When J.Crew comes out with the 3" chino shorts every year I always have to buy the stitched anchor pair. This year's design even includes a life raft in the pattern. I pretty much squealed in delight mid-store. There is just something a little preppy and a lot summery that makes me think of the shore and Sperry boat shoes. I love it! My latest anchor find was a $25 Old Navy score- a faded denim button down with a small anchor stamped pattern. Am I crazy to want anchors all over my clothes? What design do you have a weakness for?

Right: Denim Anchor Button Down, Old Navy, $25; Below: 3" Chino Short, J.Crew, $59.50

             


















                 

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Polka Dots Hit the Spot!


I've always been a sucker for stripes. My friends literally forbid me from buying anything striped when we are out shopping- especially navy and white. I can't help it! I love a little nautical inspiration in my wardrobe. For Christmas, however, my mom got me hooked on a new pattern- polka dots- and since then I have been seeing this trend everywhere! At first I thought maybe it should be saved for spring, but the other day I wore my winter fur trimmed vest over a chambray polka dotted shirt and it felt totally right for the blustery day. I felt like it added a little "happy" to my winter outfit which otherwise could have been a bit dreary with the muted color pallet. I think next I need to hunt down some really great fitting polka dot pants. The thing with a patterned bottom is that you want the fit to be really good for your body type because it will be drawing attention to your lower half. How do you feel about this new trend? Do dots hit the spot?

Monday, January 7, 2013

New Year's Resolutions

My trainer Leandro is making us promise not to have any New Year's resolutions about dieting this year, or ever again for that matter. I signed up for a 6 week challenge at the gym in order to change for good, not just for a couple weeks into January when I generally fall off the wagon of whatever I said I was going to do (which is usually to be healthier). So today I stocked my fridge from Trader Joe's with all the essentials of my meal plan, spent a half hour nearly dying in Boot Camp after 3 weeks off and cooked a new healthy version of fried rice with egg whites, veggies and lots of hot sauce. It was no Chinese takeout by any means, but it was filling and I felt good about making a good choice. I know I'm not supposed to call it a resolution, but it sure does feel like the start of one. I'm willing to forgo the name if it means success though; I have a feeling Leandro is playing a Jedi Mind trick on me. Is there some secret to staying on track? If anyone knows please share.

Maybe it's the good post-workout feeling? That's something I wouldn't mind getting addicted to.