Monday, June 11, 2012

Funk, Class, Trend, Edge

Life. Inspiration 
Sometimes, I wish that I could choose the things that made me feel happy or sad. Its difficult to ignore feelings that you have, good or bad. Imagine a life where we could block out all of our negative feelings? My sensitivity is a trait that I benefit from because it makes me who I am. I am constantly thinking about others and treating them the way that I would like to be treated. Unfortunately, not every one thinks the same way; therefore, I often find myself disappointed. This means that my sensitivity can also be viewed as a weakness. You have to be strong, stand up for yourself, and believe in who you are. One of the most difficult things is confronting someone (others can do it all day, everyday). Instead of confronting someone I often let the thought sit in my head. We have all experienced our thoughts keeping us up all night, and after all of that thinking, nothing has progressed. Find something that makes you strong, and make is stronger. Then, find something that makes you weak, and try to use that weakness to your advantage and learn from it. Learn about yourself and make an effort to remain aware of it so you know how to handle it. Life will always have its ups and downs, but its the way that you use the experiences both positive and negative, that will make a difference. 

Love. 

I love surprises, support, honesty, a hand to hold, and the way that my face can always find a smile when I'm with you. 

Know the things that you love, find out the things that they love and return it. This goes for family, friends and lovers 


Fashion.


Funk.Tend.Edge.Class

Monday, June 4, 2012

Keep Dreaming

Life. Inspiration 
I think one of the scariest aspects of life is following your dreams. Some people are so sure of what they want that attempting their dreams are not as intimidating. Not only is following your dream difficult, but not knowing what exactly those dreams are makes it even more difficult. I have friends and family who know exactly what they want and they are going for it (so proud of them!). These dreams take a lot of hard work and dedication but the pursuit of the dream is the first step. As for me, I'm not entirely sure what my dreams are. When I think I know, it changes. I'm sure I am not the only one that goes through these struggles but it can be very frustrating. One of the best things that I do; however, is continue to stay positive and open minded. I know life will lead me in the right direction. So for my friends that are following theirs...keep it up! And for those of you who are unsure like I am, just stay positive and let life happen. Find something that you are passionate about and get involved somehow (part of the reason I started this blog). Getting involved with something that you have a passion for will help you feel that much closer to it. 



Love.
All I have to say about love today is to make sure you let your loved one know how much you appreciate them. I am the happiest and luckiest girl to have my love in my life. =) He's amazing and I always make sure that he knows how I feel <3 No Games necessary. 


Fashion.
keep dreamin'




I love House of Harlow!  - Nicole Richie's line of clothing and accessories. She makes such great bohemian style clothing. The sunglasses are great for everyday wear (they are my personal favorite!) as well as every other item that can be paired with so many different things. The dress is a great color and the pattern and would look fantastic on all body types.  


Just keep dreaming <3
CAL  

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Love. Life. Flash Mob

Life.Inspiration


The funny thing about life is that not one persons is the same. I know that may sound obvious, when you really think about it everyone has so many differences(especially when you are in your 20s) people are in single or not, married, some are pregnant and buying houses and others are living at home with their parents. There is no right or wrong in any of these situations. There are so many different scenarios in life and you never know when your life will change or where its going next. It's quite thrilling actually. The most important thing about these times is to enjoy them. If you are single, enjoy the time with your friends. If you are in a relationship, enjoy being in love. Everyone has struggles whether you know them or not, so remember that when you're going through a hard time. you are not alone in anything, even if your friends aren't going through the same thing as you. All of the things you go through in life are part of YOUR life, and the way that you decide to act upon them will in turn depend on your happiness. Its important to let yourself have a good time even when it feels impossible. Just because everything is not in place in your life yet doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy the moments in between, and to be perfectly honest, you will miss out. 



Love.
    
This video is awesome!  Man Issac, organizes a Flash Mob for girlfriend (now fiance) Amy. The participants included her friends and family. (which i think is the cutest part!). I promise this video wont disappoint you. I can almost grantee a smile. Dont miss the camera in the top right corner so you can watch Amy's reaction!
Gotta love romance <3 


Has anyone else seen a Flash Mob proposal that tops this one? 




Fashion 

Life's Better In The Hamptons




Im loving pastels and lace right now so i figured this combo was fitting. Once again this outfit is classy and sexy at the same time. The lace shirt with the scalloped bottom is trending and you cant go wrong with a mini skirt. The DVF shoes are amazing, the neutral color with the thick straps adds a dramatic look. As for the nail polish, can't wait to try them all! (especially when I'm tan) 




Does anyone have a specific occasion they are attending? Not sure what to wear? Tell me your budget and I'll do my best to help! 






Until next time :) 
CAL 




Thursday, May 24, 2012

Wild



Life. Inspiration

Treat someone the way that you want to be treated. It's that simple. There are way too many people out there that are rude, nasty, and just plain old mean. I dont understand why people are like that. Do you? Is it because they feel bad about themselves? It's just no way of treating someone.  Why would you yell at someone if you want to get your point across? The best way for the person you are speaking to to actually understand and listen to what you are saying is to say it in a nice way. 


Next time you are upset with someone, try to take a deep breath and think about the point that you want to make. Once you have gathered your thoughts it will be much easier to speak your mind. If you are in a fit of rage and just start yelling over everything that just wont work, and the person will enter defense mode. Rather than fighting and defending, a civil conversation will allow more a more effective message exchange.  





Love

Love the Summer. The Sun, Sand, Family, Boyfriend, Hamptons, Boat, BBQ, and Booze. This weekend begins the first weekend of the Summer. I am very excited!!! The summer just makes me feel good. Its a great time to see friends, relax on the weekends, and just get outside for fresh air. So love your summer and start it off right this weekend. See friends, get some color back in that pale skin of yours, and chillllll. 



Fashion 

Wild





I love this outfit! I want it....now. The shorts are great. The can be dressed up or dressed down. Above I show them dressed down with a crop top and boots. The shorts are very "cutesy" and I love them for it; however, today I felt like mixing them up with some bad-ass accessories. Sometimes you just feel like a bad-ass ;) you know?  Anyways I accessorized with a Black Channel bag because it does help to keep the look classy but cool. 

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Time Can Be A Tricky Thing

Life
Its been a while (a whole week!) since I've been able to post! Sometimes life gets so crazy that it consumes all of your time that it inhibits you from attending to things you enjoy. I've always tried to make time for anything and everything that I care about; therefore, a whole week is way too long. Since my last post, I moved to a new state, went to brunch with my cousin and his husband, spent time with my family, ate pizza at the first pizzaria in America (Lombardi's in SOHO, NY)and was consumed by the multiple brands I work on. 

Love. Inspiration.
Today I listened to John Mayer's new album for the first time on Spotify (LOVE SPOTIFY!) and one of the songs that stuck out to me was "Love is a Verb". When I heard those lyrics I immediately had to stop what i was doing and read the lyrics. Love ain't a thing, love is a verb, so you gotta show show show me". This is SO true! One way I believe you should live your life is to show people you care about them. When you love someone you cant just say it and expect it to be enough. Show them, stay up late talking to your crying friend, hug your Dad a thousand times, kiss your boyfriend over and over until its annoying, write your mom a note telling her how much you love her. These are little things that can show how much you care and they are important for any type of relationship.

Fashion

Sunday Brunch





This outfit screams spring! Perfect for the cool mornings and nights but bright enough to feel appropriate. The blue striped light weight blazer pairs great with pastel yellow jeans for a knock - out outfit. The Rebecca Minkoff purse adds a great contrast color to offset the yellow and blue combo. This outfit makes me want to be in the Hamptons! 


What was the best Pizza you've ever had?

What are some of the little ways you show the people you love that you love them? Any suggestions for the rest of the readers? 


Thanks for reading, sorry for being MIA all week. 
CAL 

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Introducing The $100 Hump Day


Life.Inspiration. 

Last night I had dinner with my best friend. I'm pretty sure  it's one of my favorite things to do in the world. My friends and I used to go out to the bars whenever we have the chance, these days, the last place I want to go is a bar. I'm not sure if its just me, but I thoroughly enjoy good conversations, strong Chambord martinis, and good food when looking to catch up. Don't get me wrong, the bars can be fun; however, its nicer to have a conversation without screaming in each others ears. The next time you are thinking about getting together with friends, plan something other than going to a bar or a club (or go to dinner first!). Quality time is crucial for friendships, so make sure to include that in your plans. 


Love.

One type of love that I have not discussed is the love for a sibling. I have a younger brother and sister. I would do anything at the drop of a hat for either of them. I'm not entirely sure if they know that but I think they do. My siblings mean the world to me because they are friends and family that will always have my back. Not all siblings get along; however, its important to make an effort to have a relationship with them. My brother, sister, and I have had our fair share of fighting (although it was long ago) but the most important thing is that all 3 of us know that we will be there for each other through anything (thick and thin to be cliche). Basically what I want to say is that I am so proud of them, and I love them. :) 

Fashion.


$100 Hump Day





Shoes,$40


This $100 Hump Day outfit is so cute! Can you believe it's only $100!? This outfit is great for many occasions and each item is worth every penny! The shoes themselves make a statement, pair them with the floral skirt and you've got yourself such a fun ensemble. The cropped shirt is in this season along with the feather necklace. Go ahead, treat yourself to a new outfit. Its such a great deal, how could you resist? ;) 



Thanks for reading, 
CAL 

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Life Planning


Life.Inspiration.

Someone once told me that being in your 20's is one of the most difficult times in life.  I've been experiencing some struggle with my work-life balance, and the constant pressure I put on myself when I think about what I aspire to be, both personally, and professionally. 


I'm not excited about the struggles that are to come; however, I am excited about what will come from them. Many people do not live in the moment, and that becomes a huge problem. I used to dwell on the future, and all I did was worry, that never let me have any fun! I was letting the present pass by without making the best of it.


It's important to focus on the negative things in life sometimes because that's what motivates you to make changes; however, its MORE important to focus on the positive aspects of life while trying to fix the negative. In my last post I spoke about picking up a new hobby, but this time the struggle is different. A distraction is not necessary, focus is. Instead of freaking out(I know we all do!), begin to actively think about the possible changes and be sure to always have fun in the process. There are many different stages in life, and the beauty of that is we are able to make it what we want and in doing so we find ourselves in the process. Life is not always going to be easy, but coming out on top after the difficult times is what makes all of the effort worthwhile. 




Love.

You know he loves you when, he accidentally wakes you up too early because he can't hold back his kisses.

You know you love each other when, you buy gifts and you physically can't wait to give and receive them.

You know he's amazing when, you spend a lot of time together but no time ever feels like its enough 

You know he's the best when you can't wipe that silly smile off of your face. 

When you find someone you care about, make sure they care about you just as much and everything else will come. 






Fashion.


Teal       






































This outfit is perfect for any spring/summer day. The shirt is sheer so it's great for hot weather but its dressier than your average tank top. The  collar necklace gives the outfit an edge while the rest is classy. The sequined collar spices things up a bit and makes the shirt dressy enough for a night out. The sandals are great for day to day wear and can be warn with any color or outfit. 

One secret to having a diverse wardrobe it buying essential pieces and "smart" colors. Doing so enables you to mix and match different articles of clothing - that way it looks like you've never warn the same outfit twice ;)... In my next post I will offer more guidance on these essentials and "smart" colors. 


Until Next Time <3 
CAL 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Negative Energy, Positive Results



Love.Life.Inspiration 

I often find that many people going through hard times tend to turn to negative solutions. Isn't it a better idea to turn to something that will better yourself? People going through a heartbreak, or just a hard time in their life should try not to dwell on it too much. They should begin to think about a positive action, activity, or hobby to add to their lifestyle. After my first heart break, I decided to pick up Kickboxing. Channeling my time and energy into something that could better myself enabled me to 1. Distract myself and 2. Feel better. Not only did I learn how to kick someones butt (while thinking about my ex), I also saw great results!  


Not everyone enjoys exercise; however, there are other actions people can take to better themselves. For example, enroll in a non-credit course that you may find interesting, start reading a book that has been on your reading list for months, learn how to cook, bake, or play an instrument. Using these activities will enable you to channel your negative energy into positive results. So next time you think about crying for the night, or going out and drinking until you forget, remember that this part of your life may be difficult, but its your life; therefore, you are the only one that can make the right choices to enhance it. 



The Fab Five On Friday:


5 Gifts For Mom



Mother's Day is on Sunday and I know some people (including myself :/ ) have not had the chance to pick up a present for their Mom yet. I LOVE getting gifts for my Mom because she is one of my best friends and would do anything for me. These gifts remind me of her because they are all things she would love to get. (I actually already bought her the Nespresso machine for Christmas and she LOVES it). Anyways, any of these items are great to give your mother! As much as my Mom loves getting gifts, I know that she would be just as happy with a card and some flowers. Just make sure you tell her you love her and appreciate everything shes ever done for you. 


Fashion 

Beauty Is Skin Deep




The contrast between the black and white stripes with the red accessories make this outfit pop! How much do you love the stars on the necklace?  The long maxi dress is great for all body types and could be worn for many occasions. The gold flats are versatile (and so comfortable!). I randomly came across the iPhone cover and instantly fell in love, its so bad-ass. ;) 



Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Be Real





Life

Going out in NYC is a great time. Last night I had dinner with two magazine sales reps and the rest of my team. It was a great time. Loved my low cal Bikini Martini (Vodka, Blueberry, Mint, and Agave), and of course the food was delicious. After drinks, dinner, wine, and desert it was time to go home. As much as I love being out in the city, being home with my man beats that any day.


Love.Inspiration

Being in love is the best feeling. period. I have some friends who are in love and some who aren't, and I can promise all of them that they will find it, and they will know when they do. Its difficult to meet guys because they are not always on the same page as women are. Love doesn't need to be forced, and it certainly shouldn't be difficult (at least not in the beginning). For my boyfriend and I, it was love at first sight, craziest experience ever! 


Women need to be strong and confident (but not intimidating or over confident, you don't want to scare the poor guy away!). In today's society everyone wants to look like a picture of a model in a magazine, well I've got news for you, those magazines are edited! 

Here is a perfect example: 



Alessandra Ambrosio, Crystal Renn (a plus size model), and Brooklyn Decker on a photo shoot for Glamour Mag without any Photoshop or airbrushing.  





And After: 







The women at the top (before the editing) should be viewed as beautiful and perfect; however, that is not the case.This causes women to have goals that are not actually REAL. So love your body, and love who you are.Once you love yourself, finding love elsewhere will come. You can't compare yourself to edited photos in a magazine. Instead, set personal goals that meet your body type and try not to be so hard on yourself. I'm guilty of wanting these close to impossible goals too, but I'm actively changing the way I think, and you should too. 




Fashion 





Basic Template





Bright pants, floral shirt, teal flats with gold metallic toe, and a gold leather bag... do i need to say more? This outfit can be worn for a day of shopping, a dinner date with a friend, or just to walk outside to get the mail ;) The shirt can be tucked in and paired with a belt or left out and flowy. The flats can be worn with many different outfits (they can make jeans and a white T pop). The bag is a great size, big enough to keep your make up, wallet, and sunglasses; however, not too large that its a hassle to carry. 

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Busy Busy Busy...





Wow! This work week is crazy!


Love.Inspiration


Anyways, yesterday I began to write about true friends. One of the most amazing things about having real friends is that when you don't see them for a period of time (whether it's 3 weeks or 3 months) getting together again you start right where you left off. After college we enter a world where free time is hard to come by. There are so many responsibilities that need to be taken care of that it's difficult to keep up with everything,but its important to focus on the things that make you happy, which leads me to my next thought.


Life

I find it strange (and upsetting) that society runs in such a way that people spend more of their life at work then actually living. When did this happen? Why? Who let it happen? Myself and the rest of the Millennials I speak to also have these same questions. Is there a way that we can change this? I'm excited to see what the future will bring now that this generation is stepping into the workforce. 




On a lighter note :) ...looking forward to summer! 


Fashion
Outfit of The Day



I love this outfit! These high waisted vintage shorts are awesome and have a retro feel. They come in many different styles. These shorts are on the short side, so I would pair it with a blouse (less is more ladies). The blue platform shoes add a trendy flair  along with the matching Bandeau. Silver bangles are simple and add a little bling. I love looks that are trendy, funky, and classy all at the same time. Anyone else ready to wear this to BBQ? 


Okay well that's all for today! =) 
Until Next Time 
xx CAL 

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Happy Saturday

Follow my blog with Bloglovin: Waking up on a Saturday morning after a long week of work is the best feeling! I can't imagine anyone feeling differently. I had to share the outfit below and my experiences from last night. 




Fashion
Outfit Of The Day:







Topshop lace Dress

ASOS Belt





I love the color of this dress. Its elegant and funky in nature due to the design of the dress and the color choice. The belt breaks up the color a bit with the light pink band and then the matching buckle! (so perfect!). I love the nude pumps but really any would work. As for the bag, a gold or neutral color is best because the main focus is the dress and of course you! 



Life.Inspiration.


The weather is a bit gloomy at the moment but I'm not! Today is Cinco De Mayo and my best friends grad school graduation celebration. All of my best friends and some of their boyfriends are getting together for dinner and drinks. These are the moments
I live for. Period.


So I have a story from my adventures last night (after working until 9pm on a Friday). My boyfriend had been waiting at this local classy bar for me. I decided to join him for a drink (or two! French Martini and Grey Goose gimlet yumm). Anyways, we were about 30-40 years younger than everyone at this place. Let me tell you, these people know how to get down!!! Besides the fact that they were crazy their actions actually inspired me. I have to admit that I do have a bit of a fear of getting old, but after last night some of my worries are gone. Life is what you make of it, whether your 16 or 85 you need to do what makes you happy. Seeing the people dancing, laughing, drinking, and flirting brought to my attention that as long as you are with good company it doesn't matter how old you are. 


Love. 

Its an addiction, or obsession. A force that is magnetic in nature. This feeling will come for everyone. And when it happens, you'll know. 



How do you feel about getting old? Does anyone have any inspiring experiences they want to share? Leave a comment below in the comment box =) 



Friday, May 4, 2012

The Beginning

Hi. 


I wanted to create a blog about my passions in life. Living life to the fullest, Loving who you are, your family, friends and that "heart pounding" type of love ;). Lastly, Fashion which gives one the ability to express themselves without saying a word.


I work in NYC and my time is consumed in the Advertising industry. As much as Advertising is great, there is much more than my job that defines me. Too many people today focus on work and not on the aspects of life that make them happy.




Fashion
Outfit Of The Day: 







Onya-Suede





This outfit is classy, trendy, and most of all so cute! Its perfect for daytime or throw on a pair of nude pumps and it can be great for going out. I love outfits that can be worn in different ways. The pants speak for themselves - the floral pattern and colors are perfect. The Rag and Bone T can be worn with any type of bottom. The DV shoes (SO COMFORTABLE, wearing them today!) are also very versatile. 



Love.Life.Inspiration


The most important aspect of my life is love. My boyfriend has actually laughed at me because he says I love all creatures, which may actually be true. (wont kill a bug even if its in my own house, i insist on having it caught and let outside). Sometimes, life gets so busy that its not easy to see everyone you love. I don't live with my family (but call them often) and my best friends don't live too close anymore. The most important thing about love is making sure that the people you do love know it. So if anyone reads this. Take five minutes and send a text (or make a call if you do have the time) to your friend, brother, sister, mom, or dad  and let them know you are thinking about them. The people in your life create real meaning to it.  


Well, that's all I have for today. Much more to come on 
Living, Loving, Fashion, and Inspiring. 

Please comment or ask questions and I can follow up on my next post!