it seems like you snuck up on me this year. Maybe snuck isn't the right word. I was fully aware of your presence, yet I have not managed to solidify ANY plans. WHO AM I?! But don't fret, I scheduled time off from work so all is NOT lost.

The only things I know for certain: I want balloons, sparklers, champagne, AND cake.
NYC is also calling my name loudly...and the spa...I guess this year I will just go with the flow...or take a nap. Now THAT sounds good.

Any suggestions on restaurants with a rooftop for dinner or brunch?! I may get yelled at if I don't come up with SOMETHING.

So mornings have become a tease. It sure feels like fall and Libra season...yet by the time I come outside a few hours later, the humidity has returned and my hair becomes unhappy. *Note to self* Do not take new license picture until the weather allows for perfect hair days. 

Crisp mornings with a white chocolate pumpkin latte in hand ignites my desire to shop. I started wondering if one must begin to dress differently when prepping to turn 35. I then thought I was being ridiculous, that tends to happen from time to time.

Shall we review my staples?! Military jacket. Leather. Denim. Sweaters. Boots. Winter white. Pops of color. Cold shoulders. Hats.

Peanut sporting denim on denim with a pop color

And here are the trends I am frantically searching online for in order to add to my closet NOW:

1. A new black leather jacket. This was NOT on my hit list until last week when I was reviewing a content marketing piece. One of our clients provided a product photo for their custom microsite and I immediately fell in love with the leather jacket. So yeah, let the hunt begin.
2. Black. I do not know why I strayed away from this color for so many years, but I cannot help but love the extra sass I feel when I am dressed in black from head to toe.
3. Lace. I love mixing edgy leathers, all denim, or long dusters with feminine & flirty lace - just a pop to tease the senses. This leads me to #4...
4. Long dusters. Why am I obsessed with these?! They pair perfectly with skinny jeans and a bootie.
5. Peep toe booties. I never got around to purchasing a pair last year. These will be in the rotation for my birthday behavior.

I cannot decide if I will indulge in a bomber jacket or not, which is why it did not make the list. Now if I happen to lay my eyes on one I simply cannot live without...

What additions are you looking to premiere this fall?!

lace, red lips, big hoops, fringed heels, girl talk, pizza, and wait for it...BEER! That's right. Times are changing and this girl can now stomach a fruity cider or beer.
Lauren and I found ourselves back at Market at the Fareway while we checked out Chestnut Hill Brewing Company's pizza & beer. I cannot remember the last time we hung out without any children, and I must say...I missed her face and our candid talks.
Somehow after a no hands radio karaoke session in the car, we were at Spruce Street Harbor to check out the ferris wheel.

BUT I won friend of the year award, when Lauren snagged a pic with Biz Markie. She totally fangirled while I giggled.

We ended the night with Franklin Fountain's peanut butter ice-cream.

Who could forget the buffalo shrimp?!

Somehow a busboy threw away our leftovers & we went home with fresh meals. I have no idea why this always happens to us - but we sure are thankful.

I cannot believe it took me this long to convert! More black options are definitely on my shopping list for spring.

What must you add to complete your wardrobe this season?

Please don't mind me if I live in this hat & jacket for the next few months

Purple Rain tribute

A few snippets from the show...

Of course I bought home some confetti - I love souvenirs

There are not too many things that would make me stand in the rain for hours (while missing my Thursday tv lineup) and somehow forget I am wet. All was forgotten as I enjoyed myself and had an unforgettable night.

Finally. Crisp, fall mornings are appearing so I can discuss fall fashion. It has been too hot to even think about covering up, but this does not mean I neglected the coverage of NYFW. It's so easy to stay up to date on the go through social media, and I was here for every bit of it. Especially after indulging in my first pumpkin spice latte of the season. 

In addition to my staples of leather, jeans, sweaters, florals, winter white, fringe, boots, and an occasional hat accessorized by dark tresses and pops of color, here are my 5 must haves this season.

1. A Military Jacket. And more specifically a military jacket customized with patches. If it is cool enough, this piece will make its debut for Beyonce's Lemonade Tour next week.
2. Cape Blazer. I have been obsessing over this look for months and have yet to find the perfect one to pair with some skinnies. This one currently has my eye, but I am not 100% convinced.
3. Off the Shoulder. We all know how much I love a little shoulder action. I plan on playing peek a boo with some dresses and shirts. A perfect flirty look especially while my summer glow is still hanging tough.
4. Peep Toe Booties. I have NO idea why none of my booties are peep toe - BUT I plan on fixing this issue soon. I scoped these as I was scouring the mall for gold shoes for Jeannette's wedding. I may need to head back and treat myself to these babies.

Summer temps have yet to remain steady in Philly, but one thing is for certain - I am adamant on keeping this summer glow and would love to just lay poolside daily in order to maintain it.

Since I have to adult and go to work, I suppose I had to go shopping for some new clothes. They always make you feel good, no?! My normal must-haves were added to my shopping cart quickly: various lengths of dresses, kimonos, & frilly tanks. And let's not forget numerous t-shirts, including 4 new white t-shirts in various fits. As much as I love dressing feminine, there is just something about throwing on some distressed jeans or skinnies with a white t-shirt. This could serve as my uniform.

*side note* Am I the only one who always has to have an item in white if it is an option?! It is always my first choice. Andriece sometimes bans me from buying anything else white due to this addiction.

Believe it or not, I am feeling I need to invest in some shorts this season. IF I find a suitable length. I kind of love these.

But my latest obsession is the jumpsuit, as seen here in Costa Rica. As much as I love them, I constantly forget this one problem especially when I wear them to work (with a blazer of course) - going to the bathroom. Let's just say today it was a huge project each time I had to go ensuring NONE of my clothing or body parts touched anything in the stall. Quite a juggling act in deed. Maybe I will avoid all liquids the next time I wear it.

So here's the round up: a bronze glow with dark tresses and bright nail polish while outfitted in dresses, kimonos, summer tees & tanks, jeans, shorts, jumpsuits, denim vests, and baseball caps. White, denim on denim, bright colors, and fringe please.

This kid is more than ready for some summer fun before he starts kindergarten in the fall

What fashion trends are you loving this summer?

I always feel the urge to purchase a new perfume for my collection once seasons change. While in NYC, a sales man in Macy's sprayed Marc Jacob's new fragrance, Decadence, on Drea. As we walked through the city, the scent permeated my senses and I just knew I had to have it. Luckily for me, Collin & Price decided to gift it to me for my birthday and I am IN love with it.

Isn't the bottle so cute?! It's supposed to be a purse. Is that a hint I should purchase a new one?? Oh! And THOSE boots are made for walking. I never knew I needed a wine colored pair of riding boots until I tried these on...after purchasing them online.

for fall fashion. Are you as excited as I am?! Dark tresses, boots, sweaters, boyfriend shirts, scarves, leather jackets, trench coats...the possibilities are endless. With New York Fashion Week beginning in just a few days, it is time for me to buckle down and do some homework.

You have done it again! I have been so upset I could not find the brown Michael Kors jacket I originally coveted. And then I came across this beauty and all is now right in the world.


How gorgeous is this leather jacket?! Thank you Michael. I knew there was a reason we had a love affair going on. As you can see being sick and in the bed for over 3 days has not been good to my shopping fingers or debit card. At least, I have started Christmas shopping for others. Officially adding this to my Christmas wish list.

I can watch The Devil Wears Prada over and over again - and have NO shame - so imagine my excitement last Friday as I scrolled my twitter timeline and The Huffington Post had tweeted an article about the sequel. Revenge Wears Prada (the book) is slated to be released next year. Can I put myself on the wait list now?!

Where is Annie now? I cannot wait to see how she has transformed into a woman - more confident and less unsure of who she is both personally and professionally - and yes, to see the effect Miranda had on this transformation.

And if this is being turned into a movie, both Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway have to reenact their characters - no substitutes will do.

Who would have ever thought there would come a day when I fell in love with a hat?!?!

This from the girl who would throw away her hats at school and tell my mom I lost them - she finally stopped buying replacements and told me I would just be cold.