messy up do

There's a girl in my workout classes who always manages to pull off the most awesome looking casual do. You guys know the type. She doesn't need bobby pins or even a mirror to look completely effortless and cool. I am not one of these people!

I've stood for longer than I care to admit in front of a mirror attempting to pull off a lighthearted hairstyle like the one seen above. The result? A boring low bun and a boiling temper.

Perhaps it's the optimist in me, or perhaps it's that I'm always trolling for cute up dos to save overdrying the mane my hair this time of year. Regardless, I'm feeling good about my chances with the above look.

Click here for the directions.

Isn't it pretty? What's your "go to" look for second day hair?

(images courtesy style caster)

blackberry smash

Digging Design*Sponge's "Behind the Bar" series.

How yummy does the Blackberry Smash sound?

It feels like the perfect drink for this time of year. Fresh and fruity yet still packing enough substance (read: whiskey) to feel right for winter.

At this stage of the season, are any of you guys almost repulsed by the thought of hot and/or cinnamon-spiced cocktails? Blech.

The below recipe was created by Andrew and Carrie Purcell. He's a photographer and she's a food stylist. How fun are they? Check out their blog Pictures & Pancakes (featured not only on Design*Sponge, but also Goop).

Happy drinking!

Blackberry Smash Ingredients

• 5 blackberries
• 6-8 mint leaves, torn (plus more for garnish)
• ½ small red plum, peeled and diced (plus more for garnish)
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• ½ ounce cointreau
• 2 ounces whiskey

Blackberry Smash Methodology

Makes 1 serving

In a cocktail shaker, muddle blackberries, mint, plum and simple syrup until broken up. Add ice, cointreau and whiskey. Shake vigorously 12 to 15 seconds. Strain into a low ball glass filled with ice and garnish with a slice of plum and sprig of mint. Enjoy!

(images courtesy andrew purcell and design*sponge)

fireworks

Fireworks make my heart go all aflutter. I don't think I'll ever lose my childlike fascination with them.

I've tried to take photos of them for years with very little success. From hanging off of fire escapes to standing too long in the street, I never have succeeded in capturing that feeling.

While perusing this pretty blog, I came across the above photos of Jessica enjoying Pierre Le Hors "Firework Studies." Aren't these grainy black-and-white images beautiful?

Click here to watch a video of the entire book.

(images courtesy something concerning everything occurring)

retro headband

How beautiful is Michelle Williams? I have a girl crush on the Brooklyn mom. She always looks so chic.

Her Golden Globes look was one of my favorites. That cute little pixie cut topped with a retro headband? Adorable.

I love the idea of incorporating a headband for a formal occasion. While I dig Michelle's Farrow-inspired cut, I do know that it will not be making an appearance on my head.

Still, thinking of picking up this pretty headband from Shopbop and pairing it with side swept bangs and a simple low bun. It might be just the ticket for a friend's wedding next month.



(image courtesy the frisky and style bistro)

roy

Thanks to a recent movie night where S and I watched David Lynch's Blue Velvet (whoa), my Spotify is quite content to play through Roy Orbison's songs.

As a youngster, I always liked his music, but as an adult I've grown to love it. From "In Dreams" to "Crying," his voice kills me.

Check out a few of my fave Orbison tunes here. By the by, "Oh, Pretty Woman" did not make the list.

baby bear slippers

Stop it!

These Baby Bear slippers from babycricket's Etsy shop break my heart.

Recommended for ages 3 to 6 months. Are you kidding me?

These would make an awesome birthday gift for one lucky little babe.

I secretly wish they came in my size...

I wish every day was Friday. Even if on this particular Friday I am home sick with the sniffles.

Putting all my efforts into getting well soon. Our homeboy O is in town this weekend and we are excited about a long overdue catch-up session. If I'm going to hang with dudes, I'll need to bring my A game.

Also, the forecast is promising snow and I'm pumped to wear my new boots.

Happy weekend time!

P.S. So fun and so true.

P.P.S. Did ya catch the Gershwin at the end? I'm looking at you, PeanutJB.

(image courtesy walking around)

calling card?

This card cracks me up.

I'd love to replace all of my business cards with something similar. The addition of a phone number or email address would be optional.

(image via lost)

watercolor

Loving this warm and friendly floral watercolor. The palette is just my style.

Even though it's frigid here in NYC, it helps me to remember that Spring is only 60 days away.

Hang in there, friends.

moonrise kingdom

It's about time you returned to live action, Wes. We've missed you!

P.S. I love the dramatic song at the end of the trailer.

Did any of you Darcyheads notice it's the same song that Darcy and Elizabeth dance to in Joe Wright's 2005 Pride and Prejudice?

For my fellow trivia nerds, it's called "A Postcard to Henry Purcell."

vintage hospital lamp

Isn't this lamp the bee's knees? Spotted this gem at our favorite antique store in Brooklyn.

The owner told us she found it on a trip down to Alabama. It was a hospital lamp in a former life. How cool is that?

I volunteer to give it a good home.

then again

Have not been able to put Diane Keaton's memoir Then Again down since I purchased on the way home from the airport Sunday.

I won't go on and on about how awesome it is. The book has certainly gotten enough good press to trump anything I could say about it here.

What I will say is this. After reading about and reviewing images of Keaton's mother's precious handwritten journals and pasted collages over the past few days, I was suddenly okay to have left my iPad at home. Holding an actual book felt pretty cool.

(images courtesy ew and the citrus report)

game on.

Popping down to Texas for a girly bachelorette weekend for sweet K. Time to get your game faces on, ladies.

While I can't wait to celebrate the lovely bride and catch up with some old pals, I'm determined to avoid my tendency to over pack.

Since organizing is half the battle, here's a simple list of what I'm bringing. Easy, breezy and perfect for a carry-on.


(image courtesy boomtron)

saucy spotted shoes

Boom!

These saucy Jujube Heels have serious attitude. Don't they just scream fun?

They are a bit out of my price range. Does anyone know where a gal could score a more reasonably priced alternative?

(images courtesy anthropologie)

what a dish!

I've loved these Burke Decor soap dishes since I spotted them in a charming little shop in Connecticut over the summer.

While I think they would be adorable used as intended, I'd hate to cover the design with a bar of soap. Why not let them pull double duty on a bedside table or chest of drawers as a jewelry catch all, change holder, etc. ?

Aren't they fab?

(images courtesy burke decor)

stripes, perCHANCE?

I've been a fan of stripe-centric clothing company Chance since they launched last year.

Founded by Julia Leach, the former EVP/Creative Director at Kate Spade, the brand is built around the classic wardrobe staple: a striped t-shirt.

Touted as the "paper clip" of personal style by the company's website, the shirt's simple and timeless appeal acts as a minimalist mentor for the other apparel on the brand's site. From vintage Vera scarves to pj's and totes.

Even though I never could resist a striped boatneck tee (I own 4?!), I find myself lusting after a few of the brand's other offerings.

Particularly these totes by illustrator Wayne Pate.

Check out the website here.

(images courtesy daily candy and chance)

sir paul

Happy weekend, loves!

We've survived the first week back after the holidays. Do you guys have any fun weekend plans?

We are heading out this eve for a birthday celebration for S. Fried chicken and bowling. Oh my!

Cheers to a fun time. Take it easy out there.

P.S. Speaking of Sir Paul, did you guys catch this chart on Cup of Jo a few weeks ago?

I love the suggested game. Cover up the side where each pair of lips is matched with their owner.

Now, which Beatle would you kiss? Are you surprised by who you picked? Apparently, George was getting a lot of love.

(original image courtesy piles of peonies and cup of jo)

birthday boy

Happy birthday, hot stuff. So very happy you were born : )

Also...Cake! Cake! Cake!

P.S. In addition to a sampling of Magnolia Bakery cupcakes, S scored a new pair of specs from Moscot.

His pair of choice? The Lemtosh in blonde.

(images courtesy me and aliexpress)

Stanton Social

A few weeks ago, I met some girlfriends for a Saturday afternoon brunch at Stanton Social on the Lower East Side.

I'd been meaning to try out this chic tapas spot for a few years, and I'm pleased to report that my first trip there lived up to my expectations.

Upon our arrival, we were seated in a cozy, dark corner table on the second floor (the restaurant boasts three).

floor 1

floor 2


floor 3

Our waiter explained that each person should order at least two small plates.

After some deliberation (check out the full brunch menu here), our table settled on the Warm Doughnuts with Caramel,

the Red Snapper Tacos, the Grilled Apple and Brie Quesadilla, the Croque Monsieur "Satays," the Social Mac & Cheese, and last, but certainly not least, the French Onion Soup Dumplings.

These evil little bites were my absolute favorite.

The cocktails here are supposed be fantastic, but we resisted the temptation to "day drink" and stuck to snacks and coffee.

All in all, the food and company were delightful and the check was quite fair.

While Stanton Social was a sweet spot for a girly brunch spent chatting and noshing, I can also see serious date spot potential for this place after the sun goes down.

(images courtesy the wandering eater, neighborbee, new york mag)

back to it!

Heading back to work after a nice long holiday isn't easy.

Here are a few links from around the web to lighten your mood and get us all up and moving.

Let's do this thing!

*This video from The Black Keys recent release El Camino makes me a happy girl. Talk about serious dance moves. Did I just spot the lawnmower?

*Adolescence was awkward for everyone. That's right...even for you, Gwyneth.

*When it has its own tumblr Sad Stuff on the Street makes me happy.

*Speaking of tumblr, watch The Goose react to this hilarious website dedicated to him.

*To Leonardo, With Love. The sweetest and/or most ridiculous poem in history. Turtle power!

Have a good one!

(image courtesy justin chung)

minoux jewelry

Portland-based Minoux Jewelry has been making the rounds on a few of my most favorite blogs over the past few months.

From their "Classic" options composed of dainty silver and gold creations to the bright and bold "Territory" collection, I really love their work.

Lucky for me, my darling little sis took note and gifted me their Tiny Bar necklace for Christmas. Adoring how simple and sweet it is...

Perhaps I'll return the favor with an option from their online shop sure to fit her fun and funky style. Top choices are as follows:

the appropriately named "Sisters Bracelet" (which would be all the rage at her next music fest),

these eye catching Coquille Earrings (because they've got attitude),

or, the ying to my yang, this hot pink Skyline Necklace (because being almost twinkies is fun).

(images courtesy minoux)