Everything Is Beautiful: July 2010

Hi there!

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Thanks so much,

Emily

Friday, July 30, 2010

Beautiful Friday


I miss Paris. Beaucoup. Even more than I miss carbs. I'd even give up eating carbs while in Paris just to go back. (Well, maybe that's not entirely true.) We're halfway through 2010, and I'm reflecting on the amazing year I've already had. A dream trip, running a half marathon (and training for a full), biking 100 miles, and soon, turning 25. The quarter century milestone should be exciting, right? Well I'm taking it really hard. Since I was 11, I had this plan for my life. I didn't think about the age I'd want to get married and have kids and all that typical stuff. My only goal was that by 25, I'd be living in New York City. A lot of pressure, huh? I'm so grateful for the life I have in good old upstate New York, but dreams of the big city haunt me every day. At least I still have another year to get there.

On a lighter note, it's Friday. What are your plans for this weekend? I'm going to be baking cupcakes out of my ears for two seperate parties, visiting family I haven't seen in years, and of course, running. I just love busy summer weekends.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Fashion obsession of the day


Ooh la la! This striped, ruffled frock is tres Francais. From the front, the dress is girly and demure, but the low U-back is all sexy.

(Photo from Pixie Market)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Fashion obsession of the day


I definitely approve of this fall-worthy, striped maxi dress. Made by Bassike (never heard of 'em), I love it paired with a blazer (I'd roll the sleeves up on the dress over the blazer), slouchy combat boots and a bold necklace. I would be a little worried wearing it to work, though - a little too figure-hugging for the office, but perfect for weekend errands and Sunday brunches.

(Photo from Net-a-Porter)

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Fashion obsession of the day


I've found yet another wildlife print. This time it's grandpa cardigan printed with mallard ducks (and has adorable patch pockets). I can't wait to cozy up with this sweater on crisp, fall days.

(Photo from Anthropologie)

Monday, July 26, 2010

Beautiful weekend





Another summer weekend gone by too fast. Friday I went to a bonfire at a friend's new house, Saturday I ran 13 miles and took a nap and Sunday was blissfully unproductive. Now for another busy week.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Beautiful Friday: Bicycle Love





Last night I awoke to the sounds of crashing thunder and rain kissing the trees next to my open window - sounds I don't mind waking up for in the middle of the night. I just love summer thunderstorms. But the only downfall (besides having to trudge to work and not being able to sit home in my pajamas and watch re-runs all day) is not being able to ride my bike. As you know, I adore vintage bicycles, probably a little too much (although I'm still in a fight with my road bike after the century ride). I wish I could save every one of them and restore them to their original glory. It's a project the boy and I are working on constantly. Our second bedroom has become the bike room (there are five bikes in it), and we're almost finished with our first one to sell (I will never get rid of the pink one he and my dad restored for me as a surprise). It's a dream of ours to own a bicycle restoration shop on a beach where bike lovers can rent beach cruisers or buy vintage bikes. Hopefully this weekend I will finally decide on paint colors for the bike and she'll be for sale in a couple of weeks. Hope you have a lovely weekend, too.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Happy Birthday, Mom


You're the bravest, most beautiful woman I know. xoxo

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Fashion obsession of the day


A comfy checked cashmere sweater? Yes, please. The end of summer, no thanks. Fall collections are in full force, and as much as I love a sweater like this on a chilly fall day, there's still time for sundresses, sandals and cuffed shorts. I'll take advantage of every summer outfit while the weather cooperates.

(Photo from Net-a-Porter)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Fashion obsession of the day


Sorry I was MIA yesterday. My morning started at 8 a.m. and I didn't stop until it was time for bed. My weekend was pretty lazy and I didn't take very dynamic photos. But let's talk fashion. This sexy studded slip dress is dangerous - like could cause car accidents dangerous. Only wear it if you're ready for heads to turn.

(Photo from Shopbop)

Friday, July 16, 2010

Beautiful Friday


I have a love/hate relationship with television. My favorite part of the day - after all the e-mails, texts, Tweets and running around - is finally getting to plop down on the couch with a bowl of frozen yogurt and my remote. I could watch TV for hours, whether it's re-runs of Seinfeld or bad reality shows (Real Housewives, anyone?). When the TV is off, I notice how much more I get accomplished. When I was a kid, getting to watch TV was a reward. Now it steals my productivity. So lately, I'm really trying to be more like this girl (Don't you just love her straw hat?). I want to read more, write more, explore more - live more life.

What do you have planned this weekend? Besides the 15-mile run and shift at the cupcake bar, I'm looking forward to a low-key Sunday. With as little TV as possible.

(Photo via ffffound!)

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Fashion obsession of the day


Lately I have been totally smitten with bold animal prints. And not leopard prints. I mean actual wildlife. This bird print silk blouse is perfect tucked into a mini skirt and paired with chunky clogs or combat boots.

(Photo from Blooomingdales)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Fashion obsession of the day


I know it's July. But stores are starting to put up their back to school displays and it's got me thinking about my fall wardrobe. This Vivienne Westwood wool checked coat is definitely on my (dream) wish list.

(Photo from Net-a-Porter)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Fashion obsession of the day


This dress has a cat print. Do I really need to justify the awesomeness of the dress any other way? I could talk about the girly double lace collar or the empire waist, but really, as soon as I saw the print I was in love. Meow.

(Photo from Need Supply Co.)

Monday, July 12, 2010

Beautiful weekend: Jersey Shore edition









My impromptu weekend trip to the Jersey Shore was so much more than juiced-up Guidos and sand in my hair. Although the people watching was a highlight of the trip, there were so many laughs, too much sun and even a trip to Nordstrom. It was such a perfect getaway. Now I have to go back to work? For five days? Psssh. If only we could all summer (yes, the verb), all summer long.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Fashion obsession of the day


A little bit sweet and a little bit sexy, this cream tiered dress is too cute to resist. And wouldn't it make a sweet summer wedding dress? I'd wear it with colorful peep toe pumps and a feather fascinator for a vintage bride look. And with all the money you'd save on the dress, you can get those perfect custom invitations or spring for the swans in the pool.

(Photo from Mod Cloth)

To the Jersey Shore


Of all the beaches I thought I might visit this summer, the Jersey Shore was never on my list. Or my backup list. With a bad reputation - made even worse by the ladies above - it just wasn't a place I thought I'd ever want to go. But my friends invited me to come this weekend, and I thought, "Why not?" One of them is actually from New Jersey and she's a really cool chick, so not all of them are loud, orange and out of control (whereas I'm soft-spoken, pale and sober). And oh, the photo possibilities! Plus it's been ages since I've been on a girls trip, and it couldn't come at a better time. I'm leaving tonight after work, so I won't be here on Friday. Hope you have a fantastic weekend.

(Photo from MTV)

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Fashion obsession of the day


A great cuff can dress up any outfit - a t-shirt and jeans, a plain black dress. This Day of the Dead inspired cuff is definitely a statement piece (and an investment).

(Photo from Shopbop)

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Beautiful weekend





Any weekend that includes the thermometer reading upwards of 95 degrees is a success to me. I didn't take many photos because I was just so lazy. Saturday I spent the day helping out at my friend's cupcake bakery's grand opening. Sunday I made homemade lemon ice cream sandwiches to go with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs (tofu for me) and totally crashed on the couch before we could make it out to see the fireworks. Monday I sat by the pool with my mom and caught a matinee of Eclipse (yes, this my second time). Hope you enjoyed your long weekend.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Friday love


Normally I'm not the kind of girl to swoon over wedding stuff, but lately I've been smitten with the idea of an elegant picnic wedding. Chinese lanterns, flowers in mason jars, pink lemonade, mini apple pies, vintage bike rides, sophisticated picnic food - isn't the idea totally charming? No, I'm not engaged, just got a little bit of wedding fever. Well you may not have wedding plans, do you have picnic plans this 4th of July? Upstate New York is due for some gorgeous weather and my only plans are to be outside as much as possible. And eat as much watermelon as I can handle. See you Tuesday!

(Photo by Anna Robin via A Cup of Jo)

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Fashion obsession of the day


I just discovered Pixie Market yesterday, and I just adore their collection of vintage inspired pieces. This swallow printed layer dress is the perfect date look. At first glance, it almost looks like you're bravely rocking just a bra under a sheer top, but it's all a sexy illusion. There are even back and side vents to help air you out on those hot nights.

(Photo from Pixie Market)