It's Friday?

Seriously. Where did this week go? Have any fun plans this weekend? I have some great friends from Tuscaloosa in town so we'll be venturing out in to the city all weekend! We'll also be watching the SEC championship! Who are you rooting for {roll tide!}? New York is absolutely stunning during this time of year. I can't wait to see what we find in the next couple days. In the meantime, enjoy these posts from around the web!

Song of the weekend {they're too good not to post another}

Doesn't this look cozy

Obsessed with this jacket

Great news from John!

Sweater + Necklace

Apple Yogurt Coffee Cake, yes please!

Wish I was going here this Christmas

Flashmob Proposal

Have you done your holiday/Christmas cards? I love these.

Interesting article on flying

P.S. I got made fun of yesterday for my accent. I've lived in the south my entire life, but in the city so it's not country. Only a couple of people have picked up on it because I can usually tame it, but apparently I let it slip on the phone yesterday at work. He made a funny comment and then ended the conversation with "bye y'all", ha! Hopefully I'll rub off on these northerners!

how to | dress modestly

I think ‘modesty’ is a beautiful word today - and a beautiful attitude.

 

It's a lifestyle in which my wardrobe has shaped in to over the past couple years. I always go for classic silhouettes with timeless pieces that will last for a while rather than fast fashion that's typically poor quality and only lasts for one season. It's about quality and not quantity ladies. Today, I am thrilled to have guest blogger, Grace from Life in Technicolor. Here are her thoughts, tips, and must-haves for dressing modestly with sass!

Grace and her husband - aren't they adorable?!

Hello Be Inspired readers! My name is Grace, and I write a lifestyle blog over at Life in Technicolor! I am currently finishing up my undergrad at BYU and will be applying to medical school this summer, and I've got a fabulous husband of just over a year who is in law school! So needless to say we hardly see each other (haha. not really. but also kind of really...) . I am so thrilled that Julie asked me to contribute to this post!

I dress modestly because I 100% believe that my appearance hugely impacts my mood and the way I act, and even to a larger extent represents who I am as a person. I think that dressing modestly is an outward expression of an inward commitment I have to holding myself to a high standard in all aspects of my life, and maintaining a level of respect for myself and my body. I guess I just always want to ensure that the type of clothes I'm wearing accurately represents me (or at least what I am aspiring to be!) -- modest, clean, classy, etc.

I also dress modestly for religious reasons -- I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and we believe that our physical bodies are a gift and so dressing modestly is one way we show that we're appreciative of that gift!

Who influences how I dress? Ooh this is a tough one. I would have to say first and foremost my mother, she is one classy lady and she has timeless taste. But besides her I love looking at fashion blogs to gain inspiration of how to put pieces together (my favorites are Atlantic-Pacific and Fashion Canvas). As well as people around me-- I totally get inspiration and ideas from people I see on the street!

I am almost totally converted to shopping mostly online (thanks to my husband who is the online shopping guru). However, I am in love with the whole glitzy department store atmosphere and the awesome decor in Anthro, so I do venture out from behind my computer to actual stores from time to time (usually when they're having a sale haha). Specifically I love Nordstrom, J. Crew, and Anthropologie. When it comes to online shopping though, I have currently become obsessed with HauteLook.com (it's Nordstrom's version of Gilt.com).

As for my top five must-haves... this was difficult. I feel like I have 25 must-haves! But I managed to narrow it down, here they are (in no particular order):

1. Black ponte pants from J.Crew (they are soo comfy and fit so well and match everything, literally),
2. Oversized black knit cardigan sweater with faux fur around the collar {similar here}
3. Mahogany riding boots (my latest purchase from HauteLook.com) {similar here}
4. Collared button up shirts -- plain white, gingham, striped, (I'm counting these as one... they go under sweaters, sequin tanks, cardigans, anything! such a staple.)
5. Last but certainly not least is my trenchcoat. Or any coat. I have a huge coat obsession and my collection of coats I've been working on for a few years is one of my most prized possessions haha.

Thank you so much for sharing Grace! Be sure to check out Life in Technicolor and leave yourself some time because you won't be able to stop reading her stories!

Here are my picks for staying modest yet still staying on trend this season. What are your favorites?

interns in the city

This week my intern coordinator from Alabama is in town doing our reviews and last night was such a treat! We had an alumnae to host a party for all the current interns and any alum that still live in the city. It was so great to see everyone that I haven't seen since class and to see some friends that I don't get to see until the weekend {helllooo big working girl problems}. Our hostess Jane was so sweet and had some yummy finger foods, mimosa's, and champagne. It was so nice to talk with others to see how their internships were going and to hear some funny stories and experiences of city life. 

most of the normal crew
chelsea, courtney, me, kelsey, kate, annie

And this is Laura the other intern I'm with at Karen Kane. Even though we were in the same program at Alabama, I had never talked to her. Let me tell you, she is a hoot! She's always saying something funny, singing along to the radio, or sharing stories of pasture parties.

weekend round up

Happy Monday! I still had my family in town through the weekend and it was jam packed with lots of sight-seeing, football, and laughs!

Just a warning, this post has lots of pictures.

I watch Good Morning America everyday while getting ready for work and then pass it walking there. I love to see all the cast and their guests for the day! My sister got me hooked about a year ago so Friday morning we woke up bright and early and watched the show. It was so fun to see Tony Bennett and Josh, but some of our favorites were still out for the holidays.

 

Then we made our way to the Grand Central Station. I had never been, but after reading this post from Cup of Jo, I knew I had to! In the archways right outside the Oyster Bar and restaruant, get a friend and stand in opposing corners and whisper something to one another. Guess what?!?! It really works! I was amazed!  

 

 

 

 

After that and many subways, we got to Brooklyn. I, once again, had never been and it was certainly a sight to see. We started out in Williamsburg, which apparently we didn't go in the right area. We left there and went to Park Slope. It was one of my favorite spots we have been. It was quaint and so cute with its small streets and vintage shops. It is completely different than the hustle and bustle of the Manhattan life. Then made our way down to the Barclays Center.

 

After walking around a few blocks we made our way to the Brooklyn Bridge and walked our way back to the city. We walked around Wall Street and took the subway back to Midtown. We were all so exhausted by the end of the day! 

 

 

Saturday we spent the day in Chelsea visiting the Chelsea Market {we all know how much I love it!} and went to a couple shops before going to The Ainsworth to watch the tide roll!

 

Jessica and I at The Ainsworth

Here's a shot of some girls from my internship program with Kelsey's dad that was in town visiting. He was such a blast!
Front row: Cameron, Kristina {Cameron's friend visiting}, Kelsey's dad, Courtney
Back row: Kelsey, Chelsea, me, Kate

 

Sunday was nice and relaxing {which was much needed}. Alicia and Whitney ventured out on their own and Jessica, Kate and myself went to go see Breaking Dawn. I still can't believe it is over! Then we went up to Herald Square to Macy's to visit Santa. Yes, we did. Yes, we are all over the age of twenty and loved every minute. It was spectacular!

 

 

Needless to say, we are all exhausted, but had such a fun time! It's back to work for me and getting ready for the real world soon. Can you believe graduation is in just a few weeks?!?!

friday

We had a successful Thanksgiving here in New York! My sister Jessica and two cousins Alicia and Whitney are in town visiting while Kate had two friends in town, Rachel and Kerry. Let's just say 7 girls, one studio apartment, and one bathroom ended up being very cozy and fun! Are you still full of turkey? I sure am! We started the day at 5 am and strutted to Central Park to watch the parade. Whata sight to see! It was truly amazing and so much better than watching on tv {although that is great as well}! After a little refreshing we ate a delicious meal at Sarabeth's with crab cakes, salad, turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie, and hot tea. Let's just say we ended the day with full stomachs and thankful hearts. And because I want to share pictures instead, we only have a song of the weekend.

 

the group
front row: whitney, kerry, kate
back row: rachel, me, alicia, jessica

Did I mention one of my best friends got engaged?! Dave plotted out a very well planned proposal in Central Park Wednesday!

After waiting along the street for almost 3 hours, it finally began!

 

Carly Rae Jepsen

Sandra Lee + Colbie Caillat

The highlight of the parade {and pretty up there for the day} was seeing Jimmy Fallon and The Roots!

Dinner at Sarabeth's

favorite part of dinner, obviously because it's pumpkin and hot tea!

It was Whitney's first time in Time Square at night!

I have tons more to share next week! Have a wonderful day and try not to shop too much!

a day of thanks

Happy Thanksgiving friends! Hope you all have a wonderful day. I'm heading out with the girls to the Macy's parade and feasting on turkey, cranberries, and pumpkin pie.

weekend roundup + a week of thanks

This weekend was a sweet treat. We relaxed, walked around the beautiful West Village, and I got to help a fellow UA graduate with her line! Saturday started with an attempt to go to Williamsburg, Brooklyn to visit a cool craft festival complete with music, food, and crafts made by some locals. Unfortunately, Kate and I couldn't figure out how the heck to get there. The afternoon was spent getting on and off subways, going in the wrong direction once, and after we got on the L train to Brooklyn, found out it actually wasn't going there that day. So we gave up on that adventure. Instead, we walked around West Village, a part of the city that we've only been to a small part of. After walking around a couple blocks, we decided to treat ourselves to some lunch . . .pumpkin latte's and french cannoli's at Rocco's. Talk about heaven in your mouth!

 

Loved this street with pretty Christmas lights!

Sunday I had the absolute pleasure assisting Amanda Perna with her line The House of Perna. We shot catalog and editorial looks for Spring '13. She is the sweetest and be sure to check out her site. This is one of her photos of photographer Jay and model Steph.

Is a week of Thanksgiving enough? No, but it is a nice reminder to actually say thank you, show your love, and support to people. Today I am thankful for my Lord and Savior for helping me through tough times, great times, and for always being there.

happy friday.

 

Happy Friday friends!

Thank goodness, this week was wonderful, but I am so glad to sleep in a little bit tomorrow morning! I think Kate and I stayed up too late watching videos of our recent new find {see songs of the weekend}. This past week was market again and we had appointments everyday with buyers from all our accounts. I learned an incredible amount of information watching and helping the account executives. Any plans for the weekend? I'm not to sure what we'll get in to, but can't wait to share next week! Enjoy these fun posts from around the web!

 

Songs of the weekend: 1 + 2

Last one, I promise . . . okay maybe not, but seriously, this is the best styled music video I have ever seen.

Devour these

Venice under water

New collection up on Karen Kane, check out Cosmopolitan! Here is my favorite piece.

Pretty manicure

Hellllooo Channing Tatum!

Never take two trips.

Can't wait to go home and whip up a few of these #confessionofapumpkinaddict

Last but not least, so happy I got to facetime with this goober {aka JT, my little brother who is a senior in high school, when did he get so old?!?!} He kept putting me on pause so I just kept making faces at him . . .

 

Prepare yourselves for a week of Thanksgiving starting Monday and have a great weekend!

weekend roundup

 

I had a great end of the week + weekend! Thursday I got to facetime the family back in Alabama which was refreshing since we haven't had the chance to do so since my first week in New York. And because I saw the most beautiful sunset over the city. Seriously, God is the most amazing artist. And yes, this is no filter. One thing I've learned the past month is that you have not that much time to spend with friends during the work week. You work hard all day and by the end of the work day, you're exhausted and just want to have a cozy night at home. So, it is always fun to catch up on each others week come Friday night! Saturday I had my cousin Alicia to come visit. She was in town for work, but got to hang with me for a day and a half. It was so much fun catching up and going around town with her friend!

 

 

weekend roundup + inspiration

There is no such thing as Monday blues for me anymore. Is there anything more exciting than really liking your job? Okay, you're right. There are lots of things, but it is rare to find someone who really loves their career. Well ladies and gents, this internship is going wonderful! This week we are preparing for market which starts Wednesday! I'm not to sure how it all works, but I can't wait to share later in the week. Things are slowly getting back to normal in the city. I have friends that live in lower Manhattan and they got to go back to their apartments and work on Saturday! The only thing, is that some don't have hot water for some reason. Continue to pray for the people who have lost their homes and businesses. It is going to take a long time to get NYC and New Jersey restored.

This weekend was wonderful, thanks to the tide winning a nail biter. Seriously, it was down to the final minute. Watch this video . . .

 

Sunday Kate and I spent the later part of the afternoon/evening visiting the campus of Columbia University. It is absolutely beautiful and it was so great to spend a good chunk of the day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

 -

 

It's getting chilly here and the coats are out for good. This week is all about classic pieces and colors {since we have to really dress up for market}.

 

coffee coffee coffee
I seriously need some help . . . or switch to hot tea