Sunday, October 20, 2013

Weekend Roundup

This weekend . . .
 
+ Michelle and I started moving into our apartment in the city
+ Got a taste of walking from our apartment to the subway in the rain - yay city life!
+ Met up with an old friend at The Ainsworth for the Alabama game
+ Took a little road trip to Thompson Speedway in upstate Connecticut.
 
Remember this guy from college? He's living in the city for a few months planting churches.

Who knew there are rednecks in the north? Haha, but seriously. Michelle and I had a fun day watching her Dad's team and other races all afternoon.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Happy Weekend!


This week has been very eventful - Michelle and I signed the lease for our New York apartment! We are going to be slowly moving in the next couple of weekends. I can't wait to explore our new neighborhood and share with everyone. This weekends challenge - find a bed and dresser. Hope you all have a great weekend and here are some fun posts from around the web . . . .

A song for your weekend

Grab some popcorn and tissues and watch this romantic proposal

Because I'm a twenty-something

8 trends to avoid when remodeling your kitchen

22 recipes everyone should know how to cook

Amy Poehler's summer job

I'm only 4 chapters in on this book, but I'm already planning a trip to the Maine coast next season.

Comfort food at its finest: salt-roasted potatoes with rosemary butter 

Pretty polish: mirror metallic

These flats would look great with jeans

So envious of Miranda Kerr . . . oh, and her closet

A little Tumblr inspiration

Monday, October 14, 2013

eight things a woman should have


monday muse

chunky sweater + scarves // monotone blacks // pumpkin spice coffee // quintessential towns // encouraging words // white and ivory color palette // how's that for pumpkin stacking?? // fur scarves // comfort food at it's finest

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Weekend Roundup


This weekend I . . .

+ Experienced my first Octoberfest at Zody's 19th Hole. Complete with sausage, sauerkraut, and Pierogi (aka Polish potato ravioli goodness)

+ Ventured up to New Haven to watch a field hockey game. I have only played a few times years and years ago in P.E. class - the sport was fun to watch, but so many darn rules to keep up with!

+ Sat around a fire pit and watched the Alabama game - Roll Tide!

+ Had a successful shopping trip with the purchase of these fun riding boots.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Happy Weekend!


What a week, eh? It felt like a manic Monday every day this week  - so Friday, you're looking real good today. The bright side of the week?  Having my first bite of a Cronut - not the Cronut, but a mighty tasty one.
Have any fun plans for the weekend? I'll be venturing out in Stamford and fingers crossed that the rain permits for a field hockey game in New Haven Saturday. Enjoy your weekend and here are a few posts from around the web to keep you company until next week . . .

A song for your weekend

A great gift for the upcoming holidays

8 things a happy woman should have

These people are donut Gods

A little rainy day inspiration for the wet weekend ahead

Shop pink at KarenKane.com and 20% goes to Bright Pink!

Butternut squash ricotta stuffed shells - looks divinely delicious

truth.

Miley Cyrus and The Roots

I'm in pumpkin heaven

Great fall boots

Interesting fact: white wine drinkers tend to pour more in their glass

Row boat in Central Park just got added to the must-do list

Friday, October 4, 2013

Happy Weekend!

 
Hey friends! How are you doing? I've felt a little overwhelmed the past week - trying to get organized in my personal life and work life is a bit draining. This weekend is jam packed with apartment hunting, going to The Ainsworth for the Alabama game, and meeting up with old and new friends - it should be a good one! Hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy the first fall weekend. Here are a few links if you're in the reading mood . . .
 
A song for your weekend - thanks Beth for the recommendation!
 
Love the rich, dark hues in these fall florals
 
I am totally all over this mani color
 
 
 
How great - and affordable - is this jacket?!
 
 
 
21 reasons why Hocus Pocus is awesome
 
 
I'm a sucker for elbow-patched sweaters

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

Friday, August 30, 2013

Happy Weekend!


Hello! What are you up to this weekend? I'm off on a little vaca for the last official weekend of the summer - geez that season went by too fast! I'll be watching the Alabama game Saturday, of course. Anyone else get excited about college football? I also may or may not be going to see the One Direction movie, haha! Seriously, they're awesome : ) Have a great weekend and enjoy these fun posts . . .

A song for your weekend {sidenote: I don't care much for Miley's recent happenings, but love this song!}

What rhymes with hug me?

Can't wait for the sequel to Devil Wears Prada

Can't believe the before and after photos of NYC.

10 ways fashion week is just like The Hunger Games

How to letter in chalk

Thumbs up to this cool Tumblr - full of fun facts!

Levo League's professional style guide for fall

Looking for a last minute summer weekend getaway? Montauk looks incredible.

Modern manners: the new rules for real life

The chic-est flower pots.

A beautiful {mini} skirt for every occasion.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

fall menswear | strater

I've been following Beth's blog, One Day In June for a while now. It's a lifestyle blog about her and her husband Stater's {cool name huh?!} fun trips to Canada, adventures in Utah, and most recent vaca to Disneyland!
I've asked Starter to tell us about what he loves about fall and his fashion must-haves for the season. Luckily, he has agreed to share!

I am a very simple dresser.  My top places to shop for fall favorites are Nordstrom, Express, the Nike store, and I can always rely on Target {Strater and I just became best friends. I mean who doesn't love Target?! I think the employees knowing me by name is not a sign of how frequent I shop there, right?! haha} I am all about comfort and finding a good fit. These stores help me find that.
 
Fall is one of my favorite seasons.  I like it for many reasons. First off, because the weather cools down.  Since I am from Canada, most of my clothes are for fall/winter weather.  So it's nice to have more clothing options. Next, I like the smell of leaves and maple trees in the air. Last, I love to see the colors of the trees. We live close to a canyon and nothing beats driving down the canyon and seeing the yellow and red colors.    


click on the image for link to product


Thanks so much for sharing Strater!

Friday, August 23, 2013

Happy Weekend!

via
Happy Friday, friends! Can you believe it's almost September - where in the heck is this year going?! As of today, I am officially moved into my new place {yay}! Get ready for a grand tour once everything is put in it's place. Let's just say I've got a few {okay, at least ten} more boxes to open before everything is out. What are you up to this weekend? I'll be unpacking, attending a dinner party, a wine tasting, and watching the VMA's. Have a great few days and enjoy these fun posts . . .

A song for your weekend

Ballet dancers in random places

Clumsy thumbsy

The epitome of a great fall outfit

Pumpkin spice donuts - yes please!

Waffles with maple-blueberry butter make a great meal for Sunday brunch

Weekend mantra

This made me laugh out loud

DIY : glitter your state

After a long summer and coats of nail polish, pamper your toe nails to make them white again