monday {DIY} musings

my outfit -- parka: lands' end - jeans and sweatshirt: j.crew - boots: aldo - beanie: asos - bag: cambridge satchel co.

Hey there friends! Happy Monday, and it's time for another DIY collabo with the lovelies over at Piece of Chic.

For the past couple years, one of my favorite looks has been a simple jeans and tee with a funky, sparkly or bright necklace. It's casual yet super stylish - you really cannot do wrong with this combo! Inspired by a lovely J.Crew {duh} bauble, I decided to DIY a unique statement necklace and I'm loving the results. Check it out ---> right here!

{weekend} bookmarks

photo via anna gorelova

I hope everyone has had a great week! I'm currently freezing my butt off in the Windy City {curse that teasing 60 degree weather earlier this week}, but over the weekend I'm looking forward to hosting some friends and eating my weight in apps at a Super Bowl party. What are you up to?

In the meantime, here are some of my favorite articles, links and photos from the past week - clickly click and enjoy!


--- Wouldn't these stylish sleeping bags would be perfect for out-of-town guests or impromptu girlfriend sleepovers?

--- A great Super Bowl party game {especially for those of us that prefer the commercials to the football}.

--- Speaking of Super Bowl parties - this guacamole looks like a crowd-pleaser.

--- This fascinating NY Mag article explains why we never really leave high school.

--- A gorgeous and colorful San Fran apartment.

--- An epic game of Tag that's lasted 23 years.

--- Madewell's Denim Bar has me craving jeans and jackets and chambray...oh my!

--- A really great guide to lipstick shades {and one of my favorite new blogs!}.

--- This new sweater from J.Crew's spring collection has me wanting to make more of these collar necklaces!

--- The BEST Valentine ever?!


Have a great weekend!

bring life into your home

photos via: vogue | brittany styles

When it comes vegetation in the home, do you prefer flowers or plants? I recently had a conversation with a friend who grew up with house plants and loves them, but I've never been a fan. They always just seem...kind of dirty to me? I much prefer the life, color and texture that a pretty bunch of flowers bring to a room. Plus, a new arrangement can add big impact for a very little price - my favorite part!

So, which do you like? How do you incorporate plants and flowers into your home?

can i monogram that?

laverne & shirley photo via finger food

The monogram is nothing new - this classic, preppy detail has been a staple on L.L. Bean totes and backpacks for decades. But lately, there's a huge resurgence in everything initialed - from home accents to baubles, it seems like nowadays you can personalize, well, pretty much anything.

1. Hammam Stripe Hand Towel, $8 via West Elm
2. Stackable Gold Initial Rings, $118 via Scarlett Jewelry on Etsy
3. Gold Circle Initial Necklace, $27 via Petitor on Etsy
4. Maya Brenner Mini Stud Earrings, $196 via Maya Brenner for BaubleBar
5. Tortoise Letter Belt Buckle, $38 via C. Wonder
6. Monogrammed Mug, $6 via Anthropologie
7. Vintage Marquee 'H' Light, $229 via VintageMarqueeLights.com

Are you a monogram fan? Raise your hand if you had one of those backpacks in elementary school!

{beauty love} winter faves

I usually find myself deep within a dull beauty routine during the cold months - I'm longing for a little moisture in the air, an end to my dull skin and a little tan. But lately I've found a few products that have made the winter doldrums a little brighter and more bearable - check it!

1. C.O. Bigelow Mentha Vitamin Body Wash, $12: I got this fantastic product as a stocking stuffer - it leaves your skin tingly and minty {and not dry at all}, and is a wonderful wakeup during a morning shower.
2. Trader Joe's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, $12.99: I'm a broken record when it comes to talking about coconut oil. Use it on your face, your hair, your body - despite what you may think, this oil isn't greasy on skin and won't make you break out. It leaves skin and hair soooo soft and it's all-natural. Seriously, use it!
3. Pureology Hydra Whip Light Moisture Hair Souffle, $33: Perfect for fine hair, this deep conditioner won't weigh down hair or leave it feeling greasy. I've noticed a huge difference in my hair texture since I've started using it. I deep condition about once a week, so this tub will last a while - which totally justifies the price.
4. NARS Illuminator in Orgasm, $30: I was lucky enough to score a sample of this product, and I'll definitely be purchasing the full size after it runs out. Just a dab under bronzer or blush gives skin a lovely luminescent glow, even in these dull-skin winter months.
5. Cobalt Nails {YSL in Bleu Majorelle, $25 / Julep in Marisa, $14 / NARS in New York Dolls, $18}: This shockingly blue nail polish is fresh and modern - plus, it looks great on fair winter skin!

What products have you been loving lately?