Find of the Week | 41

I refuse to believe summer is over.

It's not that I had a horrible summer. Not at all. In fact, my summer was fantastic—I traveled to California for the first time and explored San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur and Napa Valley; spent time with family at Watch Hill; and reconnected with friends in Connecticut and New York City.

I'm hoping to squeeze in one more weekend in Rhode Island before embracing autumn, so I took advantage of end-of-summer sales in Westport to get ready.

I stopped at Jack Wills to buy a dress to see a Newport Polo match this Saturday—it has a perfect fitted bodice with a feminine, flared skirt. The oar tote was admittedly an impulse buy, but it's not like I won't ever use it... 

The Americana tank top was a bargain buy from Winged Monkey that will be of use next Fourth of July or USA-themed party. 

Since I was feeling very New England, I finished my shopping spree at Barnes & Noble and picked up The Starboard Sea by Amber Dermont. I strayed from my usual non-fiction picks for something to help me cope with my summertime sadness...

Find of the Week | 23

I didn't go out on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, but I made up for it on Sunday...

Shopping on Sunday actually works out, because most businesses end up extending their sales from Black Friday or Small Business Saturday through the weekend and the craziness dies down. I shopped small at The Apothecary Newport, Kristina Richards Studio, and Maison DNA, then went to Gap and Jack Wills for chain stores. Here are the goodies I scored on my mini shopping spree...

I needed a new laptop case--there's actually a cute strapless dress in the same print. 

Thornaby 13-inch Laptop Case, available at Jack Wills

I've been looking for new heels to wear to do double-duty at the office and after-hours. Now that Kristina Richards Studio has turned her Newport location as an outlet store for the winter, I had to stop in and see what shoes were on sale...

Cynthia Vincent Leopard Pointed-Toe Pumps, available at Kristina Richards Studio

The Apothecary Newport had a lot of great deals going on throughout the weekend, including discounts on a several popular skincare and makeup lines, as well as specials on gift cards. I picked up a new perfume and took advantage of two gift card offers.

Tocca "Florence" Travel Fragrance, available at The Apothecary Newport

I had intended to only pick up one pair of pants at Gap, but I ended up stocking up on dress socks and also bought a scarf. I bought a similar scarf last year and wore it death--I plan on doing the same with the new one.

Cozy Plaid Stripe Scarf in Vintage Navy, available at Gap

Slim Cropped Pants in Cast Iron, available at Gap

My two favorite things that I bought today are from Maison DNA, the vintage shop on Spring Street. I bought a vintage Pierre Cardin wallet and a vintage navy cable knit sweater that was made in Ireland for Deauville, France. A picture of the sweater on the ground doesn't do it justice, so I found a picture of a new cardigan that follows a similar concept... 

Pierre Cardin vintage wallet (1970s)

Photo Credit: Jennifer Skog (Three Bird Nest)

Find of the Week | 22

Buying more professional pieces for the office has been on the to-do list for a while, so I was happy to get some good staples during the long weekend.

This satchel is inspired by a ZAC Zac Posen Eartha handbag--it doesn't have the same shape, but the soft top handles, cross body, gold hardware and faux snake skin accent are definite nods to the original

I ended up running to Jack Wills to check out their mid-season sale and found a colorblock sweater in a dark cherry and stripe combination and a cute bralet/underwear set. Because there is so much black in my closet (see above), I need to make sure I buy the occasional pop of color. 

Find of the Week | 20

While I was in Boston with Ryan, we stopped at Jack Wills to check out their "jackpot sale." I've been trying to save as much as possible, but I also need more work-appropriate clothes for the office... 

There was an adorable floral shift dress that was originally priced at $89.50, marked down to $59.00. Then, there was an additional 20% off discount on sale items for the day...

Of course, I bought the dress. 

I tried taking a good picture of the dress myself, but none of my pictures did it justice. 

Weekend Links | 1

As I keep spending more time on the blog, I want to revisit old post formats and experiment with different types of posts. I've never done a "links" post, which is essentially a list of miscellaneous links that I find interesting and want to share with you.

The links I will be sharing are articles related to fashion, style or travel that I have read earlier in the week:

Learn a chic way to dress up your white T shirt | Harper's Bazaar

Open Call presents the June Catalog, features Erin Wasson | Free People

back to art school | Fashion Toast

Do thinner mannequins make people buy clothes? | The Guardian

Ivanka Trump's Style Tips for a Conservative Office | WhoWhatWear

Picking a Travel Credit Card | Nomadic Matt

Au Courant 2014: She Came from the Sea | Newport Stylephile

New York's Chicest Gardens to Brunch In | Harper's Bazaar

Find of the Week | 16

Mid- to late- February is one of the best times of the year to go shopping. The weather certainly isn't the best, but it's when a lot of stores and boutiques slash their prices super low to make room for spring arrivals.

Today I stopped by Kristina Richards Studio in Newport to check out her clearance event and scored a pair of dark J Brand chinos (originally $204.00, bought at$50.00). When I shopped the sale last year, I bought a pair of J Brand twill pants (originally $212.00, on sale for $20.00) and Boutique 9 wedge booties (originally $200.00, bought for $50.00).

J Brand is my favorite denim brand. All of their pants fit like magic...

Naturally, a shopping trip in the Brick Marketplace is incomplete without stopping into Jack Wills. I bought a grey sweatshirt dress ($24.00)  and a pair of headphones ($19.00) to replace the ones that broke in December.

NPT/NGT/WKD: Social Media Has Consumed My Life

I have realized that social media is my life.

I run Facebook and Twitter for several organizations at the university.

I contribute to the Facebook and Twitter pages at internship.

I started a new blog for class, Macaron Hoarder, dedicated to my desperate Francophile adventures.

And, of course, I have this blog, Penser, which has been neglected for the past week.

The grand total? 7 Facebook pages. 3 Twitter accounts. 2 blogs.

Now that spring break has finally arrived, I plan on watching Mad Men and Girls when I'm not at work or internship...or managing all of the other Facebook/Twitter pages.

Here's my past week in Instagram photos:

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Jack Wills Spring 2013 catalogue

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Profile photo for the student paper's Facebook

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Friday was International Women's Day--celebrate the women in your life everyday

Newport/Narragansett: Can't Stop Shopping

It's gotten to the point that I enjoy going to work, because I know I am a mere arm's length from Starbucks and the Brick Market Place. And, as you can guess, I went shopping. Again. This will all change as soon as the spring inventory comes in and the clearance sales go away.

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Dorchester bra and matching underwear for me, T-shirt for my boyfriend

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There was a "Buy One Get One Free" on clearance items at Francesca's--couldn't pass up updating my jewelry with more black

Before I went to Jack Wills, though, I went to the university library and checked out three movies: Marie Antoinette, Atonement, and Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Marie Antoinette is one of my favorite movies because it is so breathtaking and beautiful--I haven't seen the last two. I figured that I should make sure I watch all of Keira Knightley's period films and Woody Allen's recent productions (Midnight in Paris is also a favorite).

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Source: google.com via Mia on Pinterest

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Today's Outfit: Sweater, vintage; Jeans, Express; Boots, Coach; Necklace, (from Trendz in Newport)

Narragansett: Stay-At-Home Funday Monday

I have been enjoying a few "stay-at-home fundays" and I am not about to complain about it. I did leave the house for a little bit to run small errands--getting the February 2013 issue of InStyle and a Starbucks--but there's only one more week to take advantage of the repose.

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My spring semester internship at Gossip in Wickford is in the process of being finalized and I can't wait to get started!

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The amazing Jessica Alba on the cover of InStyle 

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Manicure with Jack Wills nail varnish

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I'm almost done with the Masters of Style documentary series--I watched the episodes on Jean Paul Gaultier and Valentino today. 

Newport/Narragansett: Shopaholic at Work

I went to work nearly on time and got my big project for the day completed before noon. I was so focused and productive... Until I checked my email and saw the words "Jack Wills" and "Final Reductions--up to 70% off."

It didn't take me long to run out of the office.

Since I got there early, the boutique was still well-stocked of sale items to choose from. I am happy with the dress I bought today, but I might go there again tomorrow morning before the weekend shoppers start descending over Newport late afternoon.

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Satterly Dress, originally $79.50 marked down to $29.00

The rest of the day was spent working and reorganizing my drawers. I'm starting to think about where to get the nicest looking storage without breaking the bank...

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Today's Outfit: Sweater, Jack Wills

Narragansett: Eve of New Year's Eve



Happy Eve of the Eve of the New Year!

 

As New Year's Eve approaches, I tidied the house--except my bedroom, which could probably use a cleaning overhaul itself--and packed up for tomorrow in Boston. I packed my new Greylin tank from my boyfriend, gold Coach platforms and gold Juicy Couture jacket in my new Jack Wills overnight bag. Absoultely fabulous.

 

On a not-so-fabulous note, I did a botch job on my manicure. It could be worse, but I am happy I got to play around with these nail polishes from Jack Wills. Next time I will stick to solid manicures.

 

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I already covered most of the basic tips already, but here are a few small suggestions to add to your regimen last minute. I hope these friendly reminders help you make a more glamourous entrance to the 2013!

 

Three Day DIY Prep for New Year's Eve: Day 3

 

Drink water. Exercise. Reduce sweets. Sleep.

 

Nail it and get a manicure--The day before an event is the best time to get your nails done. Pick a fun color combination to ring in the New Year!

 

Don't fill up on seconds--Before you decide you really need it, drink a glass of water and wait fifteen minutes. Sometimes a drink of water is all you needed.

 

Have a spot of green tea--Green tea is a great for many things, including your complexion. Have several cups of the brew during the day.



Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas--we made it.

I am happy to say Santa spoiled me once again, but for the first time in a long while, not so much with clothes. My parents did a great job surprising me this year and I am all the more grateful for it. Here were some of the gifts under the tree:

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Alex and Ani bracelets available at KC Shoes at the Pier--Scorpio Expandable Wire Bangle in Russian Silver and Let Creativity Rule Expandable Wire Bangle in Russian Gold

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Jack Wills Somerford Nail Varnish Gift Set

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Jack Wills Peckson Cable Sweater in Damson

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Jack Wills Longden Barrel Bag 

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Dolce Vita boots available at Wish Newport

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Express Denim Ruched Sleeve Jacket 

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Dell XPS 10 Tablet--I really did not see this coming. This will be so great to read The New York Times in the morning with coffee, bring with me to class or do interviews. All I need is a case and I'm good to go. 

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Greylin Ivory Sequin Embellished Marcela Tank Top available at Une Minette--Out of the blue, I was able to see my boyfriend Christmas day and we were able to exchange gifts--as you can guess, this is my Christmas gift from him. I can't wait to dress it up, down, and wear it all of the time with a cardigan.

It has been a different Christmas this year since Theodora passed, but we will always keep her in our thoughts. Because of her, we have learned to make time for what matters and cherish it.

Source: wonderfulpalmettolife.tumblr.com via rachel on Pinterest

Now it's time to try to take a positive step forward towards the New Year as we reflect and remember on 2012...