Winner, winner, not-quite-Chicken Dinner

A couple of weekends ago, my friend Lauren came to the rescue and took time out of her day to teach me how to cook some really healthy vegetarian meals, that still tastes really good and meaty.  She walked me through all of the steps and it was a lot of fun.  I am trying to learn how to make one recipe at a time, so eventually I can whip something up Julia Childs style- minus being half her height (and I do like a good set of pearls, and keeping it cute while cooking). Lauren taught me how to make a faux Italian sausage soup and a chicken curry with pineapples- mmmmm!  Not only did we get to hang out and cook together, but I got to snap some photos of this fashionista with her son George in between.  Lauren is always so put together and finds the cutest things for such good deals- amazing!!  As you can see, she has a heart of gold and makes time for everyone including her family.  She is always on the go and looks so cute while doing it- I have contemplated having a tv show, Keeping up with Lauren, because I don't know how she fits everything in while looking faboo.  Below is a pic of Lauren and her baby, George:

Here, Lauren is sporting a gorg green pashmina over a neutral sweater.  She keeps the outfit casually chic with the skinny jeans on the bottom, but could easily swap the jeans with black pants or a skirt and be ready for work during the week.  Now, George is just the cutest, wearing a striped polo and navy pants to match the blues in his shirt.  Please spot how his collar is popped- such a little prepster he is!  I want to point out Lauren's jeans, because they look awesome, and I thought that they were Sevens that she scooped up from Buffalo Exchange.  They were actually from American Eagle, and they look like a million bucks, but cost under $10!!!!  Closeeee up Please:

Jeans: AMerican Eagle ($6) HOLY COW!!

Lauren had a pair of clog boots that she purchased on Shoe Dazzle. It is the site, that picks a monthly closet for you for under $40 a pair. They are really awesome and I love the studs on the bottom of the shoe:

 Finally, I wanted to give George his close-up moment, just because he is sooo stinkin' cute and the most well-behaved baby.  He sat in his walker during the cooking lesson in the kitchen.  Such a love bug- Seriously he is the cutest!!:

Staten Island Fun

I wanted to show a few things that I like in my trip because my cousins can bring when it comes to style.  Staten Island is way classier than Angelina from the Jersey Shore would lead you to believe- just saying.  So, let's start with Lola.  She is my cousin's dog and is a total D-I-V-A.  She wears dresses around and loves pink and bling.  Definitely a New Yorker dawgggg.  She was such a cutie and hung out with us in between the shopping trips:

My cousin Lisa has a pimped out bag collection.  My two favorites of the weekend are below.  The first one bag is a real Burberry that she purchased in Puerto Rico a couple of years ago. She got the large tote below for $900, which is half price and a really good deal for a designer purse like this one.  Sometimes its nice to splurge on a special bag for Christmas, or something.  The amazing bag is below:

Now, for the more daring (and less expensive type), Lisa has the best animal print bag by Jessica Simpson.  She found it at Marshalls this season for 40 bucks.  It's such a good size and looks awesome.  The leather is distressed just enough, to make the bag such a neutral-goes-with-everything bag.  Check it out:

Jessica Simpson Bag c/o Marchalls $40

For the holidays, she decorates with this wreath from Pier One.  I want to pick it up asap because peacock feathers are my favorite type of animal print, and I feel like they are underrated.  For the holidays, I highly recommend you checking this out below:

When we were leaving, Alexandra went to get her hair did.  She has gorgeous long, blonde, hair with some natural looking highlights.  She just popped some pink and purple tips on the bottom.  It is so fun looking and makes me kinda wish I had blonde hair so I could try it. Alexandra is in college, and I am sure when she goes back to school, the girls will be calling to make appointments. Check it out:

If you wear a lot of the color on the tips of you hair it makes a special pop when you incorporate those colors in your clothing.  Here Alex is wearing a purple and pink skirt(and a gorgeous felt hat) and it pulls out more because of the colors to break up the black.  Looks awesome!

I'll miss my family, but hopefully see them soon and we can cover my Uncle John's watch collection for the guys and my Ant(how the new yorker's pronounce it) Ro's jewelry.

Bamalamading dong Black Friday

I had so much fun when I went to see my family in Staten Island for Thanksgiving.  My cousins have such a fun style- a lot of glitz and glam, pimped out Uggs, fancy purses and Blinging jewelry .  On Friday, we woke up at 5:30am like bats out of hell and went shopping all morning to find some fun things.  That was the first time I have ever braved Black Friday, and it wasn't crowded at all- most likely because the mall was opened at midnight, so the major crowds could have just stay up and left before we arrived. You have to be careful with Black Friday because there are not as many good deals as you think.  Make sure you look at the prices, and see how much of a sale you are really getting.  Do your research and see if it actually a deal or if the prices are raised to make it look like you are getting a deal.  We all have smart phones, so use them, and look up how much something is online before you buy.  Also, don'tbe afraid to return because a lot of stores from here on out give you until after January 2nd now because of the gift giving season.

However, there are some good deals that I picked up and would be great for gifts or yourself.  Some of the highlights of the trip were we went to BCBG and they were having buy two items and get 50% off both of them- that is better because you can get two pieces of jewelry for the price of one, basically buy one, get one free deal if they are the same price.  My cousin Lisa got Alexandra(her daughter, which is my "second cousin"- I'm not good with the technical terms haha) a headband similar to the one I bought shown below and bought me the panther ring.  It's nice because you can get one for yourself and pick up something for a friend, orrrr take both for yourself!

With the sale $14, BCBG- normally $28

BCBG, $14 with sale, normally $28

 Alexandra won for the cutest shoes of the day. She got them last year on Black Friday, and wore them for shopper's luck.  They are super comfortable and perfect for the holiday season:

Bow Flats, Charlotte Russe ($10)

 I also picked up a surprise for Jim for fun.  Sephora had ten gifts for $10 each at the door.  One of them was a travel shaving kit.  Jim got a bunch of shaving things from the Art of Shaving in the Prudential last year for Christmas, so I thought it would be cool to have stuff when we go here and there for weddings and other things:

I went on the Art of Shaving website, and their travel kits are going for anywhere between $50 and $75 a kit.  It is a really good company, but its a little pricey.  This is a good deal for anyone, and you can take them out, put them in a stocking with a nice razor or two.  Try to buy small gifts throughout the next few weeks so you don't drop a ton of money right around Christmas when you need the extra money for the cocktail parties and gatherings.

Spice up your life! And by life- I was referring to necklaces

Happy Black Friday everyone!  The Shopaholics' favorite day of the year.  I just returned from the mall in Staten Island and got a couple of really good deals for gifts, which I will show over the next couple of weeks. The holidays are right around the corner, and time to get festive.  Do you ever get sick of the same things, wearing them over and over, and basic or not, sometimes you just need a little va va vooom to get yourself to put it on?  Oh wait, that's just me?  Well anyways listen up: Here is a short "how-to" to spice up the necklaces you have.  What you are going to need: a long necklace and some kind of brooch or pin.  Just think like you are Jennifer Aniston in Office Space but you only have to get one piece of flare when you go to work, not twenty. The "materials" I used are below.  The necklaces I have had for at least a year, and the brooch I just picked up at the NH flee market in September:

Faux pearls c/o Macy's $20, Chain Necklace c/o Filene's Basement: $12

Brooch from NH flea market: $5

So once you find a couple brooches you like, pin them on the necklaces you own and if you want it to stay in place on your shirt, you can pin the whole necklace to your shirt now. This look lets you wear brooches without looking like Mrs. Doubtfire-if you know what I mean- its cute, and makes your necklaces look a little more festive.

Wa wa weeee waaa.  So easy, and fun, and makes the necklace have a whole new look. 

A different look with chains

Now go find some cool pins on black Friday- then take a nap to gear up for the weekend ; )

Happy Thanksgiving

Top: Gap Outlet: $20, Ann Taylor Loft Skirt($6) Belt: Banana Republic outlet ($20) Shoes: Nine West c/o Marshalls ($39)

I wore this to work the other day when I was feeling slightly sluggish in the morning.  What else is new, but this was more extreme than usual. Instead of going with the normal mostly black everything, I tried to pop on a lot of color to change it up for once.  My dad thinks I am just entering the goth stage in my twenties because I skipped it in high school- I say black is the new black- always has been and it always will be.  I also went a little overboard with pink accessories including my grandmother's ring and pink earrings:

My most recent purchase was the bow belt when I was with my family suffering from wardrobe malfunction.  Accessories like this, help inspire you and really change your outfit.  Sometimes bringing all one color in, can make you look longer and that is important if you are short like me!  Lets move onto the shoes- you should seriously go check out Marshall's and try to find the Nine West wedges.  They are suede and have been my work outfit staple the last few weeks.  They are so comfortable and look like a classic pump with an 8 hr pain free running around and walking outside they hold up on the bricks if you need to grab a coffee. 

Versatility- let's discuss: I have had this skirt for over a year, and I actually wore it last Thanksgiving ( going back to wearing comfortable things yesterday- the waistband has a finished look, but it all stretch baby).  So, I thought how appropriate to show how you can change the look of something by swapping out a few things.  I usually start with the piece of clothing that has the most amount of pattern, and go from there.  Study the colors and the material, and find things that go with it.  This skirt has pinks, blacks, and purples, so this is a no-brainer- add whatever you want of those three colors, and if you don't have the belt add a cool necklace to keep it balanced:

Top: Ann Taylor Loft ($20), Necklace: Filene's basement($12)  I also popped on shoes with studs, and I will show those in another post Jim: Boyfriend store: Priceless

All you have to do is change it up, and it will keep you from getting bored.  If you wore the same combination every time, you will get sick of that one outfit.  So go in your closet, and find that skirt and shirt you always wear together- give them a lil' clothing divorce for a while and mix em up with some other piece.  I might try this skirt with a maroon top next time I wear it....
Also- guys have it easy- a nice button up like Jim has on from Banana Republic and crisp dark jeans is the perfect combo for this Holiday.  Toss a sweater over the button up for a different look, but New Englanders its supposed to be wicked warm the next few days so perhaps leave that behind after today!

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

Warby Parker

This is my BEAutiful friend Emme.  She is an amazing friend and no matter how busy she is, she always takes the time to sit down and listen to my so called life.  We laugh a lot, talk just about anything, shop whenever we can and sometimes exchange recipes (by this I mean, Emme has seen my low points of plain spinach and pistachios on the side so will send me 3 recipe salads, and she introduced me to quinoa).  Yes, at times Emme replaces an older sister that I don't have.  I will never forget the first time we hung out; I had to get back to the train because I was still in college (over 3 years ago-yikes- does this mean I should change the name of this blog to just the plain old profashional in a year's time??).  Emme went out of her way to walk me to the train and make sure I got there okay because I, at the time, was a country bumpkin that lived on a dirt road my entire life. First off, Emme was born and raised in Vermont(also from the sticks) and I didn't know style like hers made it that far north.  She is hands down, my top 5 of style inspirations.  If Em went missing the way Kevin was in Home Alone 2, and I had to find her, I wouldn't go to Central park first- I would locate all Anthropologies in the surrounding area, and we would find her at the clearance rack finding steals and deals.  I am hoping I can get some pictures of Emme's work clothes because she is always so put together, and really has a style of her own.  

But now, what today's post is about is WARBY PARKER GLASSES!!!!!!!!!  What is that you say? The glasses Emme has on in the picture.  I L-O-V-E-d them from the first time I saw her in them.  They are hipsterish and look amazing for work.  Oh, I need to fill you in and be prepared to be wowed! Warby Parker is a company that has recently become popular especially because thick, larger frames having been trending in over the last couple of years.  They sell all different shapes and sizes for men and women and sunglasses too.  Look below to check out some of the frames on all different peeps:

You're all like ok cool, but what's the catch, they're really cool looking glasses.... awesome.....

The catch is these prescription frames only cost $95 and you can do everything (except the eye exam of course) from the comfort of your own home.  Anddddd one more thing: For every pair you purchase, they provide a pair to someone in need.  WATCH OUT TOMs, I think you just got one upped. Just kidding- a little.  But another really cool thing is you can go on the site and pick 5 glasses to try on in your home.  After you make your selection, Mr. Warby Parker himself (not really himself) will deliver these glasses to your house free shipping and all.  Then, you have 5 days to try these on with plastic frames and see what your friends think of it.

You can send them back and go for another round if you would you like until you find a great pair like Em's!  When you find a pair you like, you just send back the box, type your prescription in the required fields online and BAM- you are already hipping out your work place!  The funniest part of the site, is they sell one monocle- only one kind.  My friend Christine is fascinated by Monocles, so I added this in for her: 

Imagine sitting in a meeting with this guy holding up his monocle...awesome!

I just had lasic surgery last year, but when I do need glasses, I hope old Warby is still around for business.  Below is me with the glasses I took from my friend Dave's try-on kit:

Seriously check it out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!: http://www.warbyparker.com/

A day away from Planes, Trains and Automobiles

With Thanksgiving just two days away, and more than enough baking ahead of you, it is time to think of a good outfit for larger portions and maybe a little vino here and there to celebrate the festivities.  Unlike my favorite Thanksgiving Holiday movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles, hopefully we will all have a seamless travel day to get to our families.  During Thanksgiving, you want to look comfortably classy and wear what looks good on you and something that you can fall asleep in on the couch while watching the football game that my brother is oh so into. I, on the other hand am like bro- you know...you can never go wrong with a lil Steve Martin and John Candy movie. 

This day is a food marathon, and it is so hard for me to have any sort of will power on a day like this.  Instead of honestly trying some kind of portion control, I just make sure I pound water from here on out and work out leading up to the big day. Plan your outfit ahead of time to prepare.  Definitely wear something tight, hugging, and requires you to suck in a little bit when you sit down right? You're goingggg the wrongg wayyyy (How do they know where we're going??) Don't wear form fitting tops/bottoms.  I would say the right way to go would be leggings, baggy sweaters, jeggings, tunics, stretchy belts, dresses with an empire waist, etc.

Don't wear tight skinny jeans- or you'll look like this when you even look at the pumpkin pie. (wear stretchy jeggings- see now you're getting it)

You also might want avoid sweatpants until after the meal-(I usually put on a baggy sweater and leggings, fuggs(fake uggs), and rest up for black Friday) Don't get too comfortable that you wake up and and mistakenly think your hands are between two pillows(my favorite scene of that movie). 

 But really, you can find the best of both worlds:

Blazer: Ann Taylor, T-shirt: French Conn($20), Skirt: BCBG (gifted). Ring: So Good ($2.50),Earrings: Irresistibles($15) Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o 344( $60)

I wore this outfit to Jim's parent's anniversary dinner a couple of weeks back and it was classy and super comfortable.  Whoever created the bondage skirt seriously knew to to class up a spandex.  Not only does it hold it altogether like the old gym shorts do on the treadmill, but it actually looks good when you wear it, resembles a pencil skirt and the best part- stretches whenever you want to grab an extra piece o turkey~

I tossed a blazer from work over it shown (here) because dinner was a bit dressy.  But if your Turkey Day is a casual affair throw on a plain t-shirt/cardigan on top and a scarf to keep it pashual(casual+pashmina).  This skirt is a perfect staple for your suitcase when you are traveling, and not sure what events lay ahead of you.  The other thing I love about this skirt is you can tuck your shirt into the skirt to make you legs look a bit longer, or you can pull the shirt out and lay it over the skirt to have a more relaxed look.  It's flattering because of the way the lines go up and down and not across, it makes the eye carry up and not side to side and I think by now, we all know my thoughts of mixing white and black together to get some texture/design.

 Lately this could be a combination of wanting to bring more things out with me, or sheer laziness, but I love having small purses to put over my shoulder, and not have to worry about holding anything.  I love the look of clutches, which is why I have a few, but walking around the city, shopping, going to restaurants, for cocktails whatever, you want to make sure you have a good idea of where your things are, and sometimes having your belongings hands and wrists free you can grab that extra water when you're out with high school friends Wednesday night.
Bonus:  Yesterday I posted about Ann Taylor 40% everything in the store sale.  Check it out if you want to buy a special outfit for Thursday:

  

The Runner

Dress and Jacket: Ann Taylor

My friend Kate has run more races and marathons than I can keep track of.  She is truly inspirational - the reason why I wake up at 6am twice a week so we can fit in our ritual spin class.  She is one of those people, where you seriously think- I don't know how she does it.  Well, as we all know, working out in the morning really does give you more energy, and it helps cope with that 8 plus hours sitting at a desk.  It is something that you can incorporate in your weekly routine, and try to get a friend to meet up with to do it. It will help you keep in touch with them with your busy schedule andddd get those endorphines running pre-coffee.


Now, besides being my workout buddy, Kate has a very profashional sense of style.  She finds the cutest suits and dresses at Ann Taylor and other stores and knows when to get the best bang for her buck.  I LOVE the dress she has on in this picture.  The white and black specks are just enough to catch the eye, but keeps the dress timeless.  Kate got this dress recently at one of Ann Taylor's big sale weekends.  Seriously-watch for Ann Taylor's 40% off everything including sales because they hit more than you would think and you need to wait for the sales because really you should never buy anything full price unless you absolutely need it.  I feel a bit like a broken record in trying to nail that home, but when I was younger, I would fixate on things and when they were no longer available, I would be mad when they sold out before hitting the sale rack.  Try starting at the back of the store where the sale rack is, and work your way towards the front- I promise you will find at least one thing you will like (that is season appropriate too), and just as amazing as the full price item up front!

Now let's talk about three things related to functionality in this outfit.  First, Kate and I walk to work every day, and this was I day that I caught her on the way into work.  Now as many of us know, the  bricks/cobblestone in Boston can be overwhelming to your feet and your shins no matter what you have on for shoes.  To preserve your body and your shoes, put on something that is A. Comfortable and B. that doesn't wear down easily.  Remember, you aren't walking the red carpet to work, but you should act like you're walking it during work, which is why you tuck your nice shoes in your desk or bring them in with you, to finish the look pre 9am.  Secondly, another functional piece of Kate's outfit are the pockets.  I tend to get jealous when I see an awesome dress and it has pockets.  Um pockets in any skirt/dress seals the deal no matter what.  It is nice to tuck your business cards, pens, and anything else that guys get to use on a daily basis- the possibilities are endless.  Finally, the third functional part of this outfit is the suit jacket.  It adds such a polished look to this dress, and is nice to keep on the back of your chair if you need to hop into a meeting or just to walk outside.  A jacket really changes the look of your dress- you can ditch it to catch up with friends after work to make it seem like a different outfit.

Nail time

Nuge's nails- again she is awesome and ill prob have(and by have I mean force) her do a guest post!

Today marks my first "how-to" on this site, let's see how it goes.  This "how-to" is for a Sunday when you don't feel like leaving the couch.  Not like that is the kind of day I'm having- okay maybe the back to back birthday/bachelorette yesterday could have something to do with it...  So if you want to stay in your PJ's try this out and tomorrow you can head into work with a different look.  Maybe, just maybe- you won't have such a case of the Mondays.  Also, in a more conservative workplace- use the few things you can go wild with and actually go wild with them(ie. spice up your nails, shoes, and tights). Nuge had these nails on last night and I fell in love, so let's break it down on how to do it!
What we need: two different colors and a top coat(I always forget top coat, but its adds some shelf life especially when you're on the keyboard all the time at work; so go pick up some quick dry and call it a day!)  Materials are below.  I also didn't add the nail polish remover and Q-tips because I am the worst nail painter in the world, but we all have our things right?

Revlon Gold Coin from the metallics collection, Generic black, and elll top coat!

Step 1.  Paint your nails all one color.  In this case the Revlon Gold Coin.  This is also good because if you lose interest you still have cool gold nails and can do the second part later, maybe when a nail chips or something....I'm just saying when Wednesday rolls around, you might not want to re-paint, but you could do steps 2 through 4 to give your nails a second life.  (Not ideal, but you know what I mean.)  Below is all Gold:

Christine's Nails- looks money!

 Step 2: Start making diagonal lines across all of your nails and then fill above the diagonal in to the top of your nail:

Again- I already need to take nail polish remover, but don't worry about that until the end!

 Step 3:  Begin to do the diagonals in the opposite direction on top and this will create look that we want for the final project.  What I did to try and show this is below, I have one nail with a diagonal paint one way and next to it I have it going the other way.  I feel a little bit like the cartoon (I watched growing up) Captain Planet when I say this...but - with their powerss combineeddd they make the final product of what we are looking for.  You should also notice that this isn't perfect below (mostly because I am awful at painting nails) because it was the first coat for everything.  Add a second coat the way you would if it were just painting your nails that one color, and you can always touch up some of the nails, etc.  I mean, you are sitting on your couch all day- take your time!

 Step 4: Add Top Coat when you are satisfied with the look! Happy Sunday!




Spreading Holiday Cheer

Two things for the weekend: Toys for Tots and Starbucks.  What do they have in common?  A buy one get one free type deal.  Let's start with Toys for Tots.  My friend Nuge sent this along and I purchased one...its a pre-Thanksgiving feel-good that you did your part and gave to a great charity.  It's a living social deal where you pay $5, and that donation will be matched $5.  The deal will continue for 6 days until they raise $1M.  The deal is on!!  Look below to check it out!

http://livingsocial.com/deals/175477-5-for-10-donation-of-toys-for-children


Speaking of overpriced coffee..uhh I mean $5- starbucks is having a deal.  If you buy one of their specialty drinks between 2pm and 6pm now through Nov. 20th, you get one free!  Bring a friend with you in between shopping !! THAT IS A GOOD DEAL!!!!(Thanks for the update Carole!)

http://merry.starbucks.com/en-us/#/bogo/
Bonus to the above: if you are looking to start early for x-mas gifts- French Conn is having their friends and family:
http://tre.emv3.com/HM?a=ENX7CkedvF_y8SA9MOBQWH3nGHxKQ9uVLvcStGb5lw8W0bBhOG5mpqVsje_HheCiHlNc

Keeping it Pashual

Sweatshirt: Marc Jacobs c/o Buffalo exchange($40), Tank Top: Club Monaco($25), Jeggings: Kenneth Cole $40, Shoes: Seychelle c/o 344 ($10) 

Sometimes its easier to just keep it simple.  Black, white, and jeggs....I went to meet up with my family for lunch and grabbed this tank a hoodie and some pumps and called it a day.  This is a Sunday- keep it casual.  The Hoodie- I got at Buffalo Exchange and its buckles add a little something something, so then I evened it out with a laced layer tank to femme it up a bit.  I wanted to add a bit of color because I could.  I mean seriously I am black and white and red all over in this pic. This red scarf from Filene's Basement is good to wear year round. I like to wear scarves with basics to have them pop and ignore the jewelry for the day.  I also think they really add some office flair when you toss them over suit jackets if its cold in the office.

Scarf: Filene's Basement $15

The design is made up of little flowers good for spring, but a deep red, which is my fav winter color.

Wardrobe Malfunction

Dress: INC, Macy's ($25), Coat; Gifted, Boots: Burla c/o Cuio on Newbury St. ($160) Bag: boutique in Austin($49), Scarf: JCrew outlet($12)

Do you ever have those days when you seriously fight your entire wardrobe?  Well, this wardrobe massacre hit a couple of days back when I was on my way out to lunch in Portland with my parents. I seriously couldn't put anything on without finding something wrong with it, or not liking the way it looked on me.  I was throwing one thing on not liking it and moving on to the next.  Now this is where I wish I could have pulled a Zack Morris in Saved By the Bell and called for a TIME OUT SESSION.  I know I am supposed to remain calm right???  It's easier said than done. I have had so many times where it is so easy to get ready for work, an event, etc....but somedays, it is just look in my closet and can't find anything that works.  If you haven't had a day like that, or ever had a hard time trying to figure out what you want to wear to a special dinner, event, or even work, you're super lucky.

What I do to help with these days:

1. Have a couple of go-to comfortable dress or go-tunic/legging combos that are super comfortable, and looks cute and basic enough you don't have to do anything but just throw 'em on.  This is perfect when you are having an entire wardrobe malfunction.
2. Pick some fun accessories- things that you like: bangles, headbands, bright scarves.  Just because you and your closet just got into a fight, doesn't mean you can't pop on a bunch of baaalinnggg to make you feel better.
3. POP on some power lipstick(my favorite of the three).  Bright lips will make your outfit. Cool article about bright lips (here)

Below, I am wearing my go- to Inc bubble-hem dress and a black cardigan handed down from my friend Emme,(Step 1).  I popped on a feather head band and tons of bangles (Step 2) and put on my current favorite lipstain by smashbox and used a MAC liner to keep the color a bit longer (Step 3).  A picture of what my boots look like in the back is below.

Headband: JCrew outlet ($8), Lips: Smashbox Sangria and MAC beet liner, misc bangles

  Love the back!

Keeping it Pursonal

This past weekend I went to Jim's parents' house to celebrate their anniversary.  We had a great dinner Saturday night.  On Sunday, we hung out, cooked, and did our near-traditional trip to the Mega Marshall's (yes...they do exist!)  When it comes to shopping, Jim's mom (Marlene) is a total pro(fashional), but a legit pro when it comes to shopping.  She frequently finds amazing deals and pieces that I haven't seen before in any Marshall's.  Now, as much as I like a good deal, Marshall's and TJ Maxx can be overwhelming at times.  I tend to have an attention span of a goldfish in an undersized bowl and find myself bouncing from rack to rack not knowing where to go first. 

DKNY iconic bag, and matching wallet

So, Marlene is really good at sifting through one aisle at a time and look through the racks. She has helped me find so many things, that I would have never seen walking through.  Above is one of her recent Marshall's purchases: a DKNY purse with matching DKNY wallet.  Hullow Perfectional, and Profashional!  The thing I love about this bag is it is an iconic bag, but you can't tell until you look closely.  This is good because it is a classic black, but has some texture to make it different than your other black purses.  Also, it has two straps for the shoulder, and one for cross-body if your hands are full and don't want your purse flopping around.  I also find cross body so much better when you have a winter coat on because some coats can be bulky and it could be hard to keep the bag on your shoulder when walking around the city.


Now- lets check out the wallet:

DKNY wallet- sold separately, but how could you pass this up?

Marlene's bag is a well oiled machine: she can fit so many things for work and keeps everything organized in smaller pouches on the inside.  Besides the wallet, she has different bags that separate her pencil case, a full make up bag, a random knick knack case for work and more.


I like the idea of buying smaller pouches, because while my Mary Poppins-esque bag can fit a lot, I seriously never know what I will find in there...  which leads to my cell phone inevitably getting lost around the bottom.  It takes me about 22 seconds before I hit the pursonal panic button- so yea... organizing can be a good thing especially for a young profashional on the go!  My next project is shown below: ORGANIZATION!

Mary Poppins Bag- I'm not showing you inside- bc its scary!

A TIP FROM THIS CO-PROFASHIONAL: Establishing a jewelry bowl in the kitchen:

Marlene's jewelry bowl

After our trip to Marshall's, we decided to cook a bit, because I have no idea how, and hit an ultimate low last week with some spinach and balsamic and beef jerky on the side for my lunch.  Yes- awfullllll and I'm not proud of it.  I should probably do a spin off of the movie Inception and have a blog within a blog and call it confessions of a young profashional- but hey its easier to add these small things in as we go.  Sooo, we cooked up a fabulous butternut squash soup(mostly Marlene, while I gave myself an A+ for effort) and I look over and saw this bowl of all sparkly things.  Yea I really am a goldfish- LOVE SPARKLY THINGS. 
All you have to do is find a cute bowl- put it by the sink for when you are cooking/cleaning, washing whatever.  I have heard more stories than I would have liked about people having to go through pipes because a special ring/earring fell down the drain.  This is an easy tip, but something I never really thought of doing before now(possibly because I can't cook).  So go get a bowl there now, and keep it there for the next time you're being...or in my case trying to be domestic!