Monday, September 30, 2013

monday muse

black on black on black is always luxurious when mixing textures //  salad, both healthy and eye candy // plaid + coffee = fall perfection // streets of London are quite picturesque, don't ya think? // Monday mantra // Harry Styles, need I say more? // cute little Christmas tree - one that'll fit in the new apartment // cozy bedroom // pasta is its own food group in my diet // burgundy is the new black for fall // I'm no hair genius, but I think I can manage this twisted do // now this is pillow heaven // here's hoping I look half as chic as this young lady one day // a black couch is a cool statement // leather leggings are a must this season
photo credits from Tumblr

Friday, September 27, 2013

Happy Weekend!


I don't think I have been so excited about a Friday in a while. After a busy week of work, learning the ropes, looking at apartments, and getting to know the fantastic perks of the Metro {did I mention the lovely delays of a broken train?}, this weekend could not have come sooner. I can't tell you how much I love my new job! It feels good to be back in Manhattan and the people I work with are the absolute sweetest. What are you up to this weekend? I am taking full advantage of the next couple of days {read: catching up on Nashville and watching Alabama's game on Saturday}. Enjoy this beautiful fall weather and here are some links if you're in the reading mood . . .
A song for your weekend
 
Fall means plaid and more plaid.
 
Comfort food at its best: baked pasta with broccoli rabe and sausage

Wedding party: do or don't

Would you try vegetable flavored yogurt?

Now these are fabulous!

Signature necklaces make a pretty gift.

How insane is this building?!

#hashtag funny-ness

Monday, September 23, 2013

weekend roundup + apple picking

The past few days have been sort of a whirlwind. I landed in Connecticut late Friday evening and haven't stopped - which there is nothing to complain about because I've had nothing but fun! There are so many pluses for living in the north east when the foliage starts to turn and the air gets a little brisk. For starters, wearing a light jacket/sweater in the middle of September is awesome! I am dead serious. Being from Alabama you're lucky if you get to wear one in December. 
 
My soon-to-be roommate, Michelle, has let me stay with her and her family until we find a place in the city {talk about a dreadful task!}. In the meantime we have taken full advantage of the beautiful weather. Saturday, Michelle took me on a tour of Stamford and of course we started the day with coffee and a bagel. Northerners are serious about their bagels. {Alabama, get with it. Open up a bagel shop!}
 
Sunday we started off getting omelets at Lakeside Diner and were accompanied by a crowd of geese. After a little debate of what to do next, Michelle's dad suggested we go apple picking at Lyman Orchards. Best. Decision. Ever! First off, you have to know that I have wanted to go apple picking for the past few fall seasons and for some unknown reason never got to go. But, we took the pretty hour drive north to Middlefield, Connecticut and picked us some apples . . . about 3 dozen apples and some Asian pears. We also picked up some fresh kettle corn that is life changing and the best cider donuts made on Earth. If you're ever around the area, you've got to go!

 


How ridiculously pretty is this view?!

Friday, September 20, 2013

Happy Weekend!


It's finally here - I am moving to Manhattan today! Totally in freak out mode - but so incredibly excited! Let's just all say a prayer to the travel God that all my luggage gets to the right airport and in one piece. What are your plans for the weekend? I'll be moving into a temporary home in Connecticut with my future roommate while we scout out apartments in the city - wish us luck!
Have a great weekend and enjoy these fun posts . . .
A song for your weekend.

Take a color IQ test - so cool!

A pretty braided pie crust adds a special touch.

Why working hard is good for you.

Made me laugh.

A braided up-do.

Delicious brown sugar-glazed brussels with bacon.

A fringe shawl coat would be perfect for a crisp fall day.

If you have an iPhone, have you updated to iOS 7? Here are 16 best things about the new update.

5 beauty tips from fashion week.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Burberry Prorsum | The English Rose

 Have you been catching any of London's catwalks? I am literally obsessed with Burberry's spring '14 line. The intricate details of lace and sheer are perfection. Not to mention the below-the-knee hemline is equal parts sexy and chic. What's your favorite look?

Friday, September 13, 2013

Happy Weekend!

 
I know I usually like the week to go by a little quick, but whoa - how is it Friday already?! I've been spending the majority of the week packing {or procrastinating packing}. I leave in exactly one week which means I have little tasks to check off my list of to-dos, eat some southern treats that I know I can't get up north {Chick-fil-A, anyone?}, and see a lot of people. Seriously, you should see my calendar of coffee dates, dinners, and meet-ups for next week. I can't complain because it's some of my favorite people! But first, it's time for one last weekend to the lake with some friends and watch the Tide roll on Saturday! Have a great weekend and here are some fun links if you're in the reading mood . . .

A song for your weekend.

Hilarious post-surgery realization.

17 people who are very, very lucky.

The best dressed couples of all time.

Pop fresh kernels in a brown paper bag - geez where has this been all my life?!

11 simple things that everyone needs to be happy.

The definitive guide to homemade hummus.

Amen.

And the winner of the ugliest animal goes to . . .

Made me laugh.

How to sleep in for 10 more minutes.

Made me laugh a lot.

How gorgeous is this bathroom?!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

"you can't be sad on a swing"

^ true fact ^ 
 Sometimes it's fun to goof off for the day. That's my plan today- a little relaxing {read: packing}. The air is a little crisp too {a huge bonus!} in which I may take advantage of a pumpkin spice latte, ha!
And to keep those creative juices flowing as we near the end of fashion week, here's some mid-week inspiration  . . .

Friday, September 6, 2013

Happy Weekend!


Happy Friday! Don't you just love a four day week? Thank you all so much for the encouraging messages, texts, and posts - I can't wait to share this journey with you! Have any fun plans for the weekend? I'll be working and sneaking in some time with the family and friends - only two short weeks left in the south and so many places to go and people to see! Have a great weekend and enjoy these posts if you're in a reading mood . . .
 
A song for your weekend
 
Catch up on the latest New York fashion catwalks here
 
A glittery DIY mani, thanks Emily!
 
 
Orzo Salad for lunch this weekend
 
 
 
 
 
Read this novel cover to cover in two days  
 

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Movin' Up North

I have some news to share.
  
I have accepted a job with Karen Kane at their New York Showroom! Remember that time I interned for them last fall? I am beyond excited about this opportunity. It is something I have prayed about for a long time and an adventure that I am so ready to partake. Let the packing and teeny-tiny apartment shopping begin!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

life lately, plus sometimes you need a little mid-week inspiration

Hi there! Sorry it's been a little quiet on The Blake Collection the past few weeks. BUT, I have some fun news to share with you tomorrow  . . . I know, I know secrets are no fun. You'll have to wait just a little longer! My long weekend was just what I needed. A little rest and relaxation by the lake. Plus, I got to see the One Direction movie in 3D. I think I may have been the oldest gal in there, but they are just hilarious! Have I mentioned what a great week it's going to be? One because it's already Wednesday {wooot wooooot}, two because I got my first pumpkin spice latte of the season, and three because I have been totally inspired by these . . .
 
all images sourced from Tumblr