obsessed: color block nails

I've been battling incredible allergies this week on top of a nasty cold, and Wednesday I wound up staying home on the couch. I read and did some blog redesign and then of course turned to Pinterest which inspired me to try these color block nails. they were so easy, and turned out so great, that last night I spent 10 minutes rifling through my collection coming up with possible combinations. [though that could have been the cold meds fueling my enthusiasm]

I painted my nails solid with turquoise and caicos, then cut a strip of scotch tape to cover the center part of my nail. I used go overboard on the base, marshmallow on the tips, and peeled off the tape.  the marshmallow is a sheer white, so the blue came through from beneath. the colors ended up so pretty, and I love the striped look. I'm thinking a summery purple/fuschia/coral combo is next...

happy weekend!

anthropologists anonymous

I have a problem. [admitting it is the first step right?]

I'm obsessed with Anthropologie. it started a while ago, but took off last year when I realized there was a store close enough to stop by on my lunch break. since then my closet has been accumulating Anthro. it's where I picked up my red pants, a blazer or two, and this killer dress. I try to buy "investment pieces" that are more classic than trendy so they'll last me a while, and watch for sales because it can get pricey. but usually the quality of the piece makes it worth it.

since I just finished a 2-day purge of my wardrobe [nothing from Anthro in the donation pile, sorry Princeton thrifters] I thought it would be fun to share 3 of my recent purchases, which I plan to wear on my upcoming vacation to North Carolina. if you follow me on Pinterest these probably look familiar. [my "dream closet" board has turned into more of a shopping list  / styling inspiration board. more on that later.]

first: this incredibly comfortable and versatile dress. I have another Puella maxi [navy + white stripes] I bought last spring which I absolutely adore. at first I didn't think the maxi trend would work for me but that dress changed my mind. the fabric has held up well, so I knew this basic black number would be a great investment piece. I'm picturing it with a jean jacket + scarf for travel, gold belt + chunky turquoise necklace for sightseeing or dinner. I'm definitely going to be wearing this one all summer.

I also picked up these bubblegum pink shorts. they are super soft and such a flattering length. I've been in a weird limbo with shorts since I graduated college... I'm old enough to realize short-shorts are not appropriate, but bermuda shorts make me look 4 feet tall. these are the perfect in-between. long enough to be appropriate- no cheeks showing- but not momish. [sorry to the moms out there but you know what I mean] I have a feeling these are going to be the summer equivalent to my red pants. stripes, solids, chambray... anything goes. they also have these in regular blue jean which I think I need to invest in as well. right?

and finally, since it is a beach vacation, this newsprint bikini. I fell in love the moment I saw it. a little bit of a splurge for swimwear but once I put it on I knew it was worth every penny. black and white is classic, the pattern makes it fun but not so trendy it will be out of style next year, and the yellow trim pop of color is just... perfect.

vacation is in 3 weeks so until then I'll be dreaming up outfits and keeping my fingers crossed for lots of sun. and trying to keep myself from any more shopping.

on dreams.

well. 

I must be doing something right.

some pin-spiration

my Pinterest obsession continues. I recently pinned quite a few vintagey things that I would LOVE to have and/or imitate in my house. but I don't have a house, so I pin them instead. here's a few things from my virtual redecorating spree:

this vintage typewriter

found via: le ballon rose

this amazing yellow dresser. [and maybe the chevron wall too.]

found via: Living with Lindsay

these chevron chairs... though not in the same room as the wall.

found via: kaminwilliams

this... entire shelf! I love the vintage camera and MI plate, 

but the tiny wooden NYC landmarks are my favorite.

found via: Kelle Hampton

this collage of old frames, photos, and clocks.

found via: apartment therapy

and this red car. vehicles can count as vintage home decor, 

since your garage is [technically] part of your house. right?

found via: Sarah Kate Photo

two-tone nails tutorial

continuing my obsessions with all things Pinterest- inspired and nailpolish... I tried out two-tone nails the other day. turns out this is SUPER easy to do, and all you need is scotch tape. I used Essie master plan [lighter shade] and merino cool [darker shade]. I was going for a more subtle effect, so I stuck with two colors in the same purple/gray family, but I'm so trying this out with bolder combinations...

here's how I did it:
1. paint your nail solid with the lighter color and let dry.
2. use scotch tape to block off part of your nail what you want to stay the light color.
3. paint on the dark shade over the exposed nail.
4. before the polish dries, carefully peel off the tape. you'll be left with perfect lines!
5. touch up any areas that need it, dry, add a top coat.