Find of the Week | 36

I constantly shop at work.

This comes as no surprise, considering I work at a boutique with merchandise that's both adorable and reasonably priced in the middle of Westport. 

I bought a few things before I ran to Newport...

While I was in Rhode Island, I stopped by Crosswynds Traders in Narragansett. Not only did I pick up two much-needed shirts for my boyfriend—you don't even know—I also found this adorable crochet crop top for $10...

Cheers to wardrobe building!

Find of the Week | 25

Unless you are a Free People model, chances are you struggle to find the perfect pair of jeans right off  of the rack.

I love AG Adriano Goldschmied jeans. They do require a trip to the tailor in the standard inseam, but as far as cropped denim goes, it's typically the perfect length.

The only problem with AG jeans is that they cost a student loan payment... At least when you buy them at full price.

Crosswynds Traders now carries a healthy selection of clothing and accessories from Free People and Anthropologie--I was ecstatic to find a pair of AG Stevie Ankle jeans. The best part? They were only a fraction of the retail price.

Find of the Week | 19

I picked up some cute clothes at Crosswynds Traders to build my summer wardrobe. I've been looking for more basics, office-appropriate pieces and  graphic tank tops for the weekend.

"Bright Romance" graphic tank top by American Eagle

"Charlie Skinny" by Lucky Brand Jeans

Sleeveless Blazer by Silence & Noise

My favorite thing about sleeveless blazers is that they are equally as versatile as regular blazers. They can be layered and worn professionally or paired down with denim shorts for a more casual look.

Want more fashion inspiration? My "Fashion" Pinterest board is always growing.

What to Wear: Boston Calling

It's my second go-round to Boston Calling, Boston's semi-annual musical festival. I'll be missing Jack Johnson tonight, but I'll be around all day Saturday and Sunday.

I threw this stuff in my bag and hopefully I can make two nice outfits work...

I love this little suede pouch I picked out yesterday at Crosswynds Traders

Seaglass is my favorite thing to find on the beach, so I was really happy to receive this beautiful necklace--a little piece of Rhode Island--as a graduation gift. Thanks, Chris!

Also, I packed my Forever 21 black dress and Gap red zipper pants.

Seeing Color

In an effort brighten up the gloomy, rainy day, here's a look at how color is making a comeback this season:

Laura Jean Denim Shop is carrying nearly the entire color spectrum in premium denim by AG Jeans, Paige Denim, and Hudson Jeans.

Crosswynds Traders always has plenty of color for the summer seaside wardrobe. The latest arrivals, especially the caftans and maxi dresses, have vibrant colors and trendy prints.

The Week in Pictures

I really dropped the ball on blogging this week, so I'll spare you the details and stick to pictures:

The Elms

Mirrors on the wall at Steph's

Pour Judgment on Broadway

Cod on couscous, mushrooms and spinach

Bella sitting on my coat before heading to work, while Emma (top left) and Maddie pace by the door

Spring sweaters, jeans, and boots at Laura Jean Denim Shop

An outfit from the $2.00 sale at Crosswynds Traders this past weekend

These sneakers were the best find at Crosswynds Traders' $2.00 sale. Earlier today I saw a picture of a blogger wearing similar sneakers in a nude color.

Christmas in the West Village

"City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, 

Dressed in holiday style

In the air, 

there's a feeling of Christmas"

My family has always spent Christmas at home, but this year, we decided to eat our Christmas meal in New York City--La Ripaille in the West Village. Because my brothers and I are older, it was nice change to celebrate the holiday. On a more selfish note, I couldn't have asked for a better way to get into a Parisian state of mind before I leave on January 5th...

La Ripaille had created a special menu for Christmas. We ordered scallops and lobster ravioli for appetizers, and each of us ordered a perfectly portioned, perfectly prepared entree. Mom ordered vegetable risotto; Dad ordered red snapper; Adam ordered chicken; Dylan ordered steak; and I ordered salmon. For drinks, Dylan and Adam ordered prosecco, but I stuck with my tried and true glass of chardonnay.

Unfortunately, I forgot to write down the full French names of all of the dishes that truly convey how delicious the food was...

Scallops

Lobster Ravioli

The family's entrees

Grilled Salmon in Champagne Reduction

For dessert, Mom and Dylan ordered chocolate mousse and I ordered the bouche de Noel. We all drank caffeine in some form--Mom got tea, Adam chose espresso, Dylan ordered regular coffee, Dad and I ordered cappuccinos.

 

From left: me, Dylan and Adam

We all had a great time at La Ripaille--my mom is already talking about going back for Easter. 

I can't even imagine what it's like to live in the West Village--all I know is that it must be amazing

After dinner, we walked a few blocks down to The High Line. Walking The High Line has been on my list for a while, so even though we barely walked a block on it, I'm happy to say I finally saw it.

Outfit: Jacket, Marc by Andrew Marc (bought at Laura Jean Denim Shop); Scarf, vintage; Shirt, Jack Wills; Pants, Lucky Brand (bought at Crosswynds Traders); Heels, Nine West; Purse, (bought at Elle G); Gloves, (a gift from Ryan)

Merry Christmas / Joyeux Noël!

21st Birthday Weekend

 It feels like it took forever, but the wait is over... I'm finally 21!

To make things easy, I'll just give a play-by-play of the weekend:

When I turned 21 at midnight early Saturday morning, I wasn't heading to the bars. I actually stayed in and watched Mulan on Netflix, which was a much better idea, considering I had work at Laura Jean Denim in the afternoon...

Before I went to work, I went to my weekly class, "La Garçonne to Grunge: Fashion and Identity in the 20th Century," in the morning. I had missed two sessions already, so I was looking forward to attending the class again. 

Yes, I did end up working on my 21st birthday, but I didn't mind because it was during the day. It ended up working out well, because the store was crazy busy for Newport Restaurant Week and the Pell Bridge Run. Once foot traffic slowed down, I got to enjoy a wonderful birthday surprise from Laura, Erika, and the rest of the staff: a red velvet cupcake from The Newport Sweet Shoppe!

I guess The Newport Sweet Shoppe and I share the same birthday--the bakery celebrated their second year!

When I got back to the dorm after work, there was a note of the kitchen fridge to "OPEN ME" ...

Et voila! To clarify, my housemates surprised me with the birthday cake, not the all-natural rotisserie chicken.

I made myself Annie's macaroni and cheese for dinner and got ready to go out to the bars with friends for the night. Sam and Alexandra gave me a tiara to wear for the night, because when else is acceptable to wear a tiara in public?

We went to O'Brien's, inevitably followed by a late-night stop for pizza down the street...

Birthday Night Outfit: Gold jacket, Juicy Couture, from Crosswynds Traders; Skirt, BCBGeneration; Purple key-hole halter, H&M; Leopard print heels, Carlos Santana; Earrings, from Crosswynds Traders

I worked again on Sunday, but Ryan came to Newport and took me out to dinner at Speakeasy Bar & Grill on Thames Street. It was also the last night of Newport Restaurant Week, so we took advantage of the $30 prix-fixe. Speakeasy had the most selection to choose from for their Newport Restaurant Week menu--you were allowed to pick any three courses on their dinner menu instead of having to choose from a limited handful of options.

I could go on about how amazing dinner was for hours: everything was fresh and delicious. I definitely plan on getting the lobster gnocchi again soon.

Appetizers:
Cheese Plate
Maine Crab Cake with Kim Chee and Hoisen Glaze

Entree:
Butter Poached Lobster, Cream & Button Mushrooms over Potato Gnocchi

Dessert:
Profiterole

Ryan's dessert:
Chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream

I think it's safe to say that 21 was a great success.

It's definitely worth noting I got some awesome birthday gifts from some awesome people:

From Lauren--I hope I find the time to read this before I go to Paris in January!

From Sam and Alexandra--I'm wearing it now!

From Stephen--This cuff goes with everything that I wear, love it!

From Mom and Dad--THANK YOU! :)At nearly 2.5 years old, my iPhone 4 was barely working and awfully cracked...

A big thank-you to everyone for the birthday wishes!