Macaron Hoarder's Christmas List 2016

My brother texted me a few days ago what I wanted for Christmas.

There was a time when I couldn't have had too many clothes and gift certificates from my favorite stores. Now I struggle to give anyone ideas for what I want, because I feel like I have enough. 

Honestly, the magical disappearance of my student loans and a million frequent flyer miles are the only two things I truly want for Christmas. But if I had to pick a few things for Santa to leave under the tree...

My favorite perfume

I've been using one from Diptyque lately, but Tocca's Florence eau de parfum is my essential go-to.

An inspirational print

French Words on Instagram launched their an online store and I love their A-Z large print. I still need to frame my gold foil world map, but this would complement the modern, romantic traveler vibe in the bedroom. 

Another phone charger

You can never have too many phone chargers. I love how this one from Urban Outfitters is disguised as a simple leather tassel... I just wish more phone chargers came with the outlet plug, which is especially convenient for train rides on Metro North.

Beyond basic earbuds

I've always wanted a pair of FRENDS headphones, but my lifestyle doesn't require huge head gear. Earbuds with unique hardware detail are perfectly adequate for freelancing in peace at the local coffee shop. 

A modern crossbody

Theory came out with the Transformer handbag line—it's easy to customize your look by choosing a leather strap and different pouches made of sheepskin, suede or leather. I'd love to put my employee discount to use and buy this set as a Christmas gift for myself.

Even after compiling this post, I can't think of anything else material that I really want. All I can think of is how I want more time to balance working, traveling and relaxing...

Girl's Date in Westport

Since I have been attending university in Newport, it is a rare occasion to spend an extended period of time in Connecticut. My family and I celebrated Thanksgiving in Connecticut this year, which provided the perfect opportunity to catch up with Cara, one of my best girlfriends from high school.

We spent the afternoon in Westport, grabbing lunch, shopping downtown, and recapping whatever's been going on in our lives...It was much needed girl time. 

In all honesty, I rarely eat sushi, I just never grew up having it. This Japanese lunch special from Matsu Sushi was delicious.

Of course one of my favorite pairs of boots happened to fall apart, so I had to buy another pair while shopping at Urban Outfitters. I also bought a high-waisted black skirt--it was hard to pass up for only $5.00. 

Boots, Urban Outfitters, bought on sale for $20.00

Vegan Leather Mini Skirt in Black, Urban Outfitters, bought on sale for $5.00

Crumbs, it's been so long

I have no idea what the white streak is across the photo (sunlight? ghost?)

Cara surprised me with this gorgeous journal as a belated birthday gift. To be put to use in Paris...

Small Business Saturday was today! I know Urban Outfitters and Crumbs are not small businesses, but I plan on shopping at local stores in Newport soon!

Find of the Week | 12

It's sweater-weather in Rhode Island and I am in desperate need of big sweaters. Naturally, I went to Crosswynds Traders first and found two cute knit sweaters by Urban Outfitters and a pair of zippered sweatpants by American Eagle Outfitters.

Black and grey camouflage

California Dreaming

These aren't the exact pair of sweatpants I have. My sweatpants are a darker grey, black contrast zippers, and have zippers on the ankles. You can find the sweatpants in the picture on Aerie's website.

Boston Calling

This past weekend was Boston Calling, the city's first ever music festival. I went on both days of the festival and had a great time watching some of the hottest alternative bands: Matt and Kim and Fun. were on Saturday; Ra Ra Riot, Of Monsters and Men and Young the Giant on Sunday.

All of the acts I saw were great live.

The rain on Saturday wasn't the best--it was wet and cold standing in the audience--but it didn't interfere with the high energy in the crowd (roughly 20,000 people attended Boston Calling).

I would have seen all of the acts on Saturday if it wasn't for the fact that every hour lr so necessitated a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts break...

I didn't stay for The National after Of Monsters and Men and Young the Giant on Sunday. Honestly, I'm just happy to have seen Ra Ra Riot.

Of Monsters and Men

Refinery 29 held a contest for a festival outfits on Instagram and Twitter. Considering the weather, I hope I looked decent:

Day 1, Main Stage--Jacket, Metro Station; Lucky Brand jeans, Crosswynds Traders; Kimchi Blue silk clutch, Crosswynds Traders; Boots, Forever 21

Day 2, Lunch Break at Faneuil Hall--Dress, Urban Outfitters; Necklace, Gossip Boutique

It's been announced that there will be a second Boston Calling held on Saturday September 7th and Sunday September 8th. The headlining acts are Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, and Kendrick Lamar.

Needless to say, I'm going.

Newport: Clubs, Jewelry, and More Clubs

After finishing up the third week of the semester, I feel much more comfortable commuting to university--I am gauging my comfort level based on the many cups of green tea I have had time to enjoy.

I survived club rush on Tuesday and the study abroad fair on Wednesday. For the study abroad fair, I represented an Oxford alumni and showed a Powerpoint presentation of some photos illustrating life at Oxford to prospective students considering the trip. 

The university paper began accepting articles for the year, so I submitted an article today about Sequin, a fashion forward jewelry brand, which has three locations in Newport. One of the great things about Sequin is that they collaborate with designers such as Badgely Mischka and Ralph Lauren. It was a great boutique to write about and I hope to return there and buy some jewelry.  

This morning I went for a job interview--earlier this week I decided to leave my hostessing job--and it took much longer than I expected. I thought it would take half an hour maximum...but it turned out to be a two and half hour process. I just hope it was worth it.

Sequin on 119 Bellevue Avenue

Sequin on 182 Bellevue Avenue

Sunday's Outfit: Top, Express; Cardigan, Martin and Osa; Leggings, Gap; Boots, Michael Kors; Purse (from B Chic)

Monday's Outfit: Sweatshirt, (from Fordham University); T Shirt, Victoria's Secret Pink; Jeggings, American Eagle Outfitters; Sandals, Steve Madden

Tuesday's Outfit: Dress, Max Azria; Cardigan, Gap; Belt, vintage; Shoes, (from  Mr. Shoes)

Thursday's Outfit: Dress, Urban Outfitters; Bangles, Primark

Friday's Outfit: Sweater, Pants, and Purse, Gap

Westport/SoNo: Shopping and Chocopologie

This afternoon, my mom and I did some shopping in Westport at LF, Urban Outfitters, and Banana Republic. I got a few cute dresses and an adorable fedora hat similar to one Jessica Alba has been photographed wearing. My mom bought two slight hi-lo cut dresses, a sweater, and a loop scarf.

For dinner, a friend and I ate dinner at Chocopologie in South Norwalk.

If you love tea, European-inspired cafe food, and anything chocolate, Chocopologie is the place to be. There is an extensive beverage menu, including several herbal teas and the spiced hot chocolate. The dessert menu includes truffle beignets, molten chocolate cake, and chocolate chip cookies baked fresh. If, for whatever reason, the dessert menu does not take you, the array of chocolates on the back counter will. 

My friend ordered the quiche du jour and I ordered a croque monsieur--"open faced Virginia ham and gruyere cheese sitting on top of egg-battered, toasted pain de mie." We split the molten chocolate cake for dessert. 

Dress, BCBG Max Azria; Cardigan, Gap

Urban Outfitters

Croque Monsieur served with an Arugula Salad and Buccaneer tea 

Wilton/Westport: More Catching Up and Date Night

I met up with some friends at Outback Steakhouse yesterday for dinner. A few of the other girls already left for school, but the rest of us who are still around do not start classes until next week. One friend is transferring to Johnson &Wales in Providence--it will be nice to have someone close from Connecticut nearby.

To be honest, I have avoided all Outback gatherings for years, only because I am not a huge fan of red meat or BBQ'd foods. I decided to eat Chinese with my parents before going out, so I ordered tea and an ice cream sundae while everyone else ate dinner--it worked out well. 

My boyfriend and I spent the afternoon in Westport. Walking around Westport is one of my favorite things to do while in Connecticut and I wanted to make sure I did so before going back to school next week. 

We looked at some stores--including the beautiful Urban Outfitters location that opened last year--before eating a hibachi dinner at Sakura and buying frozen desserts at Trader Joe's to bring home.  We ended the night watching The Peacemaker (1997) on Netflix while indulging on chocolate lava cake and chocolate and vanilla macarons.

Dress, Banana Republic; Belt, vintage

Probably the most prestigious looking YMCA around

Shrimp Hibachi dinner at Sakura

Chocolate and Vanilla Macarons from Trader Joe's

Rocking Red, White and Blue: Olympics 2012

The London 2012 Olympics begin today! In a few hours, the opening ceremony will take place. 

I may know virtually nothing about the Olympic sports and their athletes, but I do know there are fashions to display your patriotism. If you want official Team USA gear, The Team USA Olympic store is stocked by Nike and Ralph Lauren. Gap has cool Olympic themed graphic T shirts and plenty of other stores have red, white, and blue clothing.

Be sure to check out a variety of different blogs-Chictopia, Lookbook, Polyvore, etc.--to get inspired by how others are dressing for the day. 

Here are some of my favorite picks:

Nike USA Women's London 2012 21st Century  Windrunner Jacket in Silver, $449.95

Ralph Lauren USA Women's London 2012 Slim Mesh Polo in  Red, $145.00

Alex and Ani USA Olympics Gold Tone Expandable Charm Bracelet, $31.95 

Gap Olympic Vintage T in Light Blue Heather, $29.95

Gap Olympic Vintage Tank in Red Silk, $24.95 

Forever 21 LA Dodgers Racerback  Tank  in Cream/Blue,  $14.80

Forever 21 Destroyed Union Jack Tiger T in  Black, $16.90

Forever 21 Premium Studded Cutoffs in White, $19.80

Forever 21 Double Strap Mary Janes in Royal,  $27.80

BDG Flag Short, available at Urban Outfitters $54.00

BDG Striped Crewneck T in Red (also in Navy), available at Urban Outfitters, $18.00

Motel Rock the Vote Jordan Jean, available at Urban Outfitters, $100.00

Jeffrey Campbell Spiked Lita Boot, available at Urban Outfitters, $195.00

Sam Edelman Alexander High Top Sneaker, available at Urban Outfitters,  $100.00

"Olympic Fever" Polyvore Set by Fashionista 12-12

"Hard Work and Dedication Got You to This Point" Polyvore set by Hannah Grace 

If you want to learn more about the London 2012 Opening Ceremony, click here.