Lazy, Indulgent, and Perfect

All three of those words describe my weekend. After a long workweek and a busy last weekend, I knew that I really needed some "me" time to relax and regroup. Here's how I spent my weekend:

Shoe shopping at DSW. Since the shoes I ordered last week didn't work out, I was still on the hunt for black wedges. Aren't they cute?

Killing time at Starbucks. My distractions? A light caramel frappuccino and the August issue of Vogue.

Window shopping at H&M. I really like a lot of their new arrivals, but it's getting a lot pricier!

Remnants of a matinee showing of Crazy, Stupid Love. There is something so nice about seeing a movie alone. It also doesn't hurt if the movie stars Ryan Gosling.

A stroll through Washington Square Park

Sunday indulgences: mini cupcakes from Baked by Melissa, the August issue of Elle, and the Adjustment Bureau from Redbox. All while laying in bed, being lazy.

Gonna Give Everything I Have

What I'm wearing: H&M top, J.Crew Minnie pants, Tahari heels, Pinkbox earrings, J.Crew bracelet

...because this is my destiny. Oh yes, you know it's going to be a good blog post when I start out quoting a Justin Bieber song. My little brother would be cringing right now (you could say he's the opposite of a Belieber). But as cheesy as this song is, I love the message it sends. And after a particularly inspiring day, I think it's quite fitting. Today I was one of the lucky 20 interns from throughout the office who was able to have lunch with the EDITOR IN CHIEF! It was such a great experience; she had so much amazing advice to give us. She reminded us that we should be doing everything we can to be the best we can be, which made me think of the song lyric. She also told us not to be afraid to dream big, which really resonated with me. Last year I didn't even apply for internships at magazines because I just assumed I would never be chosen and didn't want to face rejection. But ultimately, fashion magazines are what I want to do (my "destiny"). So this year I dared to dream big, and look where I am now! Being an intern at a fashion magazine is obviously only the first step, but at least its a step in the right direction. After the summer is over, I will be starting my senior year of college. It's scary realizing how soon I will have to start looking for a real job. But it's exciting too! There are some really amazing opportunities out there...all I have to do is dream big!

An NYC Weekend

This weekend, I had friends come to visit. They were both first-timers in New York City, so they had a long list of things they wanted to do/see, and we had about a day and a half to make it happen. And you better believe it, we did it ALL.

Dinner in Little Italy on Friday night. Followed by gelato at Ferrara, of course.

Outside the Met, about to get in line for the Alexander McQueen exhibit. Which was AMAZING and totally worth the wait.

The view from the roof of the Met. I spy...my work building in the background!

Pinkberry was a necessary stop since we don't have them back in Ohio. My concoction? Pomegranate yogurt, with fruity pebbles and chocolate chips! Yum!

The three of us on the Brooklyn Bridge. We didn't walk the whole thing though...
it was WAY too hot for that!

In the early evening, we rode the Staten Island Ferry to get a different view of the city.

A panoramic shot my friend Anne took from the Ferry. Gorgeous!

Cheesecake at midnight at Juniors in Times Square. So good!

If you can't tell from the pictures, it was a very busy weekend! We also went to Grand Central Terminal, visited Central Park, checked out the Financial District, ate New York style pizza, ate in Chinatown, and got cupcakes at Crumbs. I think I officially have to go on a strict diet the rest of summer after all the amazing food we had, but it was definitely worth it. Anne and Christine, I hope you had an amazing first time in New York City!

Third Time's a Charm

You didn't think I'd give up that easily, did you? If you follow me on twitter, you already know that today I continued my hunt for an Equipment blouse and was successful! It took three different TJ Maxx locations before I found my size, but I'm so happy I did! I ended up traveling uptown to the Bridgewater location, which luckily had the best selection I had seen so far. I even was able to choose between two colors! An Equipment blouse is something I've wanted for a long time, but just assumed I would never have because it was so far out of my price range. I don't normally post pictures of my shopping haul, but I was just too excited to not share this with all of you. It definitely needs a good steaming to get out all those wrinkles, but besides that, I love it!

Too Good To Be True

What I'm wearing: PINK white t-shirt, J.Crew outlet skirt, Banana Republic outlet sandals, Macy's necklace, Kate Spade outlet tote

One of the best parts of my internship is the girls I get to work with. I was so worried the other interns would be bitchy or intimidating, but they've been just the opposite. They're stylish, yet down-to-earth. The only bad part is they definitely encourage my shopping habit (and many of them have one a lot worse than mine). Today one of the girls came in wearing a fabulous Equipment blouse, and she let me in on a little secret...she got it for $50 at TJ Maxx! This resulted in me running around the city like a crazy woman after I got off work, trying to snag one for myself (which explains why I'm shiny and a little gross looking in the above pictures). I mean come on guys, that's like a 75% discount! But unfortunately, it was too good to be true and I had no luck finding one in the right size. But I encourage the rest of you to head over to your nearest TJ Maxx and get one for yourself! It's just too good to pass up! And if you see one in my size, grab that too! Kidding...sort of.

Easy and Breezy

What I'm wearing: Gap dress and espadrilles, NY & Co. outlet necklace, Mondani bag via Steinmart

A heat wave is definitely upon us here in NYC. Which means you'll probably be seeing a lot more of this same combination in the coming days. Sundress + statement necklace= easy and breezy (yes that was a little cheesy. And wow, that all rhymed. Making it even MORE cheesy). But seriously, when its this hot and humid, sometimes all you can do is just throw on a simple dress. I've been dying to try out my new red jeans, but it's just too darn hot. Maybe I'll give them a try once my new babies get here (ordered them this morning! Damn you Nordstrom sale for being so tempting! I've got my eye on some Frye's too...)

If Only...

...I wasn't an unpaid intern.
...I had an endless bank account.
...I could stop thinking about this top!

On my little shopping adventure today, I stopped by the Madewell in Soho. While I was there, I tried on this shirt in black and fell in love. If only it didn't have a $98 price tag...

Bright and Cheerful

What I'm wearing: Old Navy top, Forever 21 lace bandeau, Urban Outfitters shorts, Nine West outlet wedges, J.Crew bracelet, Kate Spade outlet tote

It's yellow day over at Everybody, Everywear, but unfortunately I am not participating because this morning I realized that I have absolutely no yellow clothing here in New York with me. Considering how pale I am, it's normally a color I avoid, although I have worn it a time or two. But despite the fact that I'm not sporting yellow today, I've got plenty of other reasons to be bright and cheerful:
1. I got to use my brand-spanking-new camera for the first time today. Yes you read that right...I got a new camera! My dad surprised me and bought me a new Canon Powershot. Did I mention it's magenta? Did I mention that my dad is awesome?!
2. I got off work wayyy early today
3. Which then allowed me to go to the gym! Last summer I didn't work out a SINGLE time while I was here, so this summer I was determined not to fall into that pattern again. It's definitely a challenge to stay motivated to fit in workouts and hit the gym, but I know it's worth it. And I feel so much better when I go!
4. Tomorrow's my day off and I'm going shopppppping :)
5. I'm about to go shower and curl up in bed to watch Harry Potter 7, part 1. Just gearing up for part 2, which premieres Thursday at midnight! I'm so excited! You better believe I'll be there...massive amounts of caffeine are going to be needed to get through the Friday workday, but it'll be totally worth it!

Crucial Layers

What I'm wearing: Zara sweater, Urban Outfitters shorts, H&M sandals, Forever 21 earrings and necklace, Coach bag (2007)

I'm a little short on words today. It's been a nice, relaxing weekend. Maybe even too relaxing, since I seem unable to put together a coherent post. This is what I wore to work on Friday. Layers are crucial right now in order to combat the rising temps outside but blasting A/C inside. Not that I'm complaining...it gave me a chance to wear my new Zara sweater (with a tank layered underneath for when I was outside). I have a feeling I will definitely be doing some more shopping at Zara before the end of the summer; I would love to pick up a few more pieces like this sweater. I can already tell I will be getting a lot of use out of this one.

Color Cravings

What I'm wearing: Zara top, J.Crew outlet cropped pants, J.Crew flats, NY & Co. outlet necklace, Coach bag

Outfit pictures two days in a row! This hasn't happened in what feels like FOREVER! This top was one of the items in my first ever Zara purchase. I went shopping on Monday while everyone else in the city was either out of town or celebrating the fourth, which made for ideal shopping conditions. Quiet and relaxed, without all the crowds...my favorite kind of shopping! I bought this top, a pair of red jeans, and a colorblocked sweater for Fall. I've been craving color this season, and Zara has some wonderful bright colored pieces right now. Although I must admit, I'm not totally sold on the jeans. I've been conditioned to think that girls with butts and thighs should stick to dark-wash blue denim...what are your thoughts on the matter? Do you own colored jeans?

Coral and Turquoise

Where: Columbus Circle
What I'm wearing: J.Crew outlet dress and belt, H&M sandals and necklace, Mondani bag via Steinmart

I finally got my hands on a camera! My little brother lent me his until mine can be repaired (thanks Brad!), and although it's circa 2006, it'll do until I get my baby back. It's also lacking a functioning self-timer, but luckily tonight I got dinner with Natalie who offered to play photographer for the evening. Don't you love great friends like that?! I was in a pretty bad mood before dinner, so a bright-colored outfit was a must. I love the combination of coral and turquoise...it just screams summer to me. This necklace was the best $12 I've ever spent; I literally want to wear it all the time and love the pop of color it can add to any simple outfit. What's your favorite color combination for this time of year?

Holiday Weekend

I hope you all had a fabulous holiday weekend! I celebrated the Fourth by spending the weekend in Jersey with some friends from work. We went to the beach, shopped, and ate lots of good food. It was nice to be out of the city for a relaxing weekend, but I'm happy to be back. Today I celebrated some more by participating in the American woman's favorite past time: shopping. I got some great finds at Zara and can't wait to style them up and share them with you! Until then, stay cool and have a happy Fourth of July!