Friday Inspiration: Quotes I Love

It's Friday again, and I could not be happier that February is almost over! The snow and cold has made it tough to for me to get motivated to shoot new outfits, so I'm desperately wishing for nicer weather in March! What are you all up to this weekend? I hope it's a great one, and enjoy the quotes! :)

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Happy Thursday! I realized that I've never posted my recipe for chocolate chip cookies before, and since I baked them on Tuesday night, I decided to share the recipe with you all today. There's nothing super special about them, but whenever I bake them I get lots of compliments and people can never eat just one! This time I used bittersweet chips because I was out of semi-sweet which most people prefer, but they were still just as delicious. They're perfectly soft in the middle and a little bit crispy on the outsides. Let me know if you decide to try them out! :)

What I Wore: Black Jumpsuit

I've never worn a jumpsuit before, but after seeing Emma Stone's gorgeous Lanvin creation at this year's Golden Globes, I decided I really wanted to try one out for myself! I ordered this black jumpsuit with subtle cutouts from Shopbop to wear to the Miss Boston pageant earlier this month, and I was lucky to discover that it fit me nearly perfectly with no alterations needed. I paired it with a simple pair of burgundy suede pumps, a feather belt and my new Rebecca Minkoff quilted mini bag with rose gold hardware, and wore big, sparkly statement earrings that took center stage! Though I was nervous about the jumpsuit and whether or not it would be flattering, I received lots of compliments at the pageant and am so glad I added it to my closet. It's the perfect fashion-forward alternative to a dress for cocktail events, and I plan to wear it differently in the future by changing up my shoes, bag and jewelry to create a new look! What do you think of my jumpsuit - is it a hit or a total miss?

PS: These photos were shot inside the Boston Public Library in Copley Square - I usually prefer to shoot outdoors, but you have to get creative when temps are in the single digits and there are ginormous mounds of snow everywhere!

PPS: Salon Capri treated me to a conditioning treatment, haircut and blowdry on Saturday and I am absolutely obsessed with the results! My stylist was Ashley at the Newbury St. location, and I love the long bob she gave me. I know I'm wearing my hair up in today's outfit so I can show off the earrings, but here's a photo of my new 'do in case you haven't seen it on Instagram yet! :)

Style Inspiration: Oscars After Party

In addition to seeing so many fabulous gowns on the Oscars red carpet, there are tons of gorgeous outfits that the celebs change into for the Vanity Fair after party. I have to be honest - I loved the majority of the after party gowns more than the red carpet gowns and it was harder for me to narrow down my favorites!! I've picked out my top 10 for you today...let me know which look you like best in the comments below.

Loves:

Zoe Saldana in Prabal Gurung. Her red carpet gown was a total flop for me, but I absolutely loved this flowy, colorblocked dress on Zoe!

Rashida Jones in Andrew Gn. This was one of the only prints we saw at the Oscars this year, and I am head over heels for it! Her earrings are stunning as well.

Diane Kruger in Donna Karan Atelier. Now THIS is how you do a pantsuit! Red hot perfection.

Style Inspiration: Oscars Red Carpet

Did you all watch the Oscars last night? My favorite part of any award show is tuning in early to see the celebs walk down the red carpet! I've rounded up the looks I loved and a few honorable mentions that I liked but wasn't totally sold on. Let me know what you think of my picks and which looks were your favorite in the comments below! :)

Loves:

Margot Robbie in Saint Laurent. Love the hair, love the makeup, love that vintage tassel statement necklace, love the sheer sleeves. So chic and sophisticated from head to toe!

Rosamund Pike in Givenchy. This dress is so perfect for her figure and I love the classic red lace details.

Marion Cotillard in Dior. I know a lot of people are going to hate this look, but this is haute couture at its finest and it's so unique and captivating when she turns around!

Friday Inspiration: Quotes I Love

Happy Friday! Unfortunately due to circumstances outside of my control, the Nordstrom giveaway I joined has been cancelled. I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience and for any disappointment this causes. I hope you will continue to follow along with me and my blog and I promise there will be other great giveaway opportunities to come in the future!

Hair Inspiration: Ponies & Buns

I have to be honest: I've been really lazy when it comes to my hair lately. The long, winter days make me want to sleep in and spend less time on my hair in the mornings before work, and because there's been so much wind and snow, I almost feel like it's a waste of my time to blow out my hair or use the curling iron because it's just going to get ruined anyways. Instead of wearing my same old ponytails and buns, I've decided to get creative and went on the hunt for new ways to style my hair on my lazy days. Here are my top picks - let me know how you wear your hair when you're not up to the task of styling it!

twist the front section of your hair back like Dianna Agron

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comb a deep, sleek part into your bun like Sarah Hyland

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pull your hair back into a low, messy knot at the nape of your neck like Ashley Tisdale

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What I Wore: Sparkly Reindeer

As most of you probably know, we've had some extreme weather here in Boston lately - four snowstorms in three weeks! To be honest, I'm getting pretty sick of all the snow, but it helps when I have cute wintry clothes to wear. :) Today's outfit is a pretty good representation of what I've been wearing lately - I seriously haven't been able to take these snow boots off for weeks. This cute sparkly reindeer top is from The Shopping Bag, and they're offering all of my readers 25% off their site if you use the code CUPCAKESNCOUTURE! Make sure to check them out on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest. What have you been wearing during these cold, snowy winter days?

Shopping List: Spring Florals

Is it spring yet?! This winter has been sooo long and brutal that spring really can't come fast enough! I've had my eye on some floral pieces, from skirts to tops to dresses to bags to shose, and I've put together a little shopping list today filled with some of my favorites. Which flower filled item do you like best? Are you as anxious for spring to arrive as I am?

Friday Inspiration: Quotes I Love

Happy Friday everyone! I am so excited that it's a three day weekend...I could definitely use some time to relax after last weekend's pageant!

I wanted to share some news from one of my favorite online stores, Shopbop! They are having a 25% off sale for all Cavin Klein underwear through 2/16, and they just started carrying Heidi Klum's  lingerie line! Both things are perfect for Valentine's Day, right?

Now, on to the quotes! I hope you all have a great weekend :)

Design Inspiration: Couch Styling

Since I have a small apartment, I spend the majority of my time at home on the couch, which means I want it to be comfortable yet as stylish as possible! I'm always looking for inspiration on new ways to style my couch and the area around it, including pretty throw pillows, wall art, and throws. Today's photos are giving me major couch envy - which one is your favorite?

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image via Joss & Main

What I Wore: PJ Blouse & Flares

In an effort to save money, I've really been trying to shop my own closet and wear things that I haven't worn in a while! I've had these 7FAM flares since my junior year of college {please don't do the math on how long ago that was, ha!} and hadn't worn them in years, but when I picked up this PJ inspired blouse on major sale from Piperlime, I thought the two pieces just went together perfectly! I also won this gorgeous metallic clutch from Carolinna Espinosa in an Instagram giveaway and thought it was the perfect touch for my chic ensemble. I kept the rest of the look minimal with pointy toe pumps, a pair of drop earrings and a mix of silver and rose gold rings. Let me know what you think of my look in the comments below!

4 Leather Pieces You Need in Your Closet with HP x360

Today I'm teaming up with HP and Meghan Trainor to spread the word about her "That Bass" tour! HP is following Meghan on the road and helping her tour come to life in innovative new ways using the HP Pavilion x360 to create two create two documentaries. First, there's “All About That Tour,” a behind-the-scenes look at key elements of Meghan’s tour, including hair & makeup to choreography and outfit changes. Second, HP is tapping Viners, YouTubers, and Instgrammers to capture footage of each Meghan Trainor tour stop and encourage her fans to share theirs too! Then they're stitching it all together to create a fan generated documentary.

I was lucky enough to receive the new HP x360 and have loved trying it out. The HP x360 bends the rules of a traditional laptop or tablet with its 4 unique modes: laptop mode, which is perfect for blogging, stand mode, for catching up on all my favorite streaming TV episodes, tent mode, which great for playing games, and tablet mode for when you're on the go! It's been fun using the x360 because it features both a keyboard and a touch screen which is super unique, but it's also really practical because I can go from blogging to reading to managing my social media pages to watching TV with just the flip of a screen.

Inspired by the 4 different ways to use the HP x360, I wanted to share 4 different leather pieces that are absolute must haves in my closet! All of mine are actually faux leather except for the shorts. so you don't have to spend big bucks to get the leather look. Just make sure you choose pieces that feel and look like real leather - avoid anything that isn't soft or that's too shiny. Check out my looks after the jump!

Recipe: Oreo Cream Cheese Brownies

Oreos and cream cheese are two of my favorite things, so when I came across this recipe, I knew I had to make them for myself! You do need to build in at least 4 hours for the brownies to set, but otherwise they are super easy to make and are sinfully delicious. The photos just don't do them justice!

Friday Inspiration: Quotes I Love

It's Friday again - thank goodness! Sunday is the Miss Boston pageant so it's going to be a very busy but fun weekend for me! Things may be a bit light around here next week as I catch up on things {and get some rest.} I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Wish List: Valentine's Blush

I'm going to be totally transparent here: I'm using Valentine's Day as an excuse to make a wish list filled with things that are blush pink, which is my favorite color. :) I want each and every thing on the list right now, although I'll likely only be able to treat myself to one or two of the items if I sell a few things from my Poshmark closet. What do you think of my wish list - do you want any of these pieces as much as I do?

What I Wore: Winter Knits & Leather

Today's outfit combines knits and leather for a look that's cozy, cute and casual! I had been wanting a a leather miniskirt for a while, and this faux pleated option looks and feels like real leather and can be worn so many ways. I threw on one of my comfiest sweaters - the emerald green color is so pretty - and my grey infinity scarf handmade by fellow Boston blogger Lianna of Salem Style. Opaque black tights, my blush quilted MJ bag and favorite new ankle booties completed the look. I think this outfit is so perfect for the weekend - it can go from brunch to shopping to drinks with friends and still look put together while being able to walk around comfortably. Let me know what you think of my winter knit & leather look in the comments below!

Style Inspiration: Runway to Red Carpet

Paris Spring 2015 Couture Fashion Week has come to a close, and as usual, there were sooo many gorgeous dresses that came down the runway! As I scrolled through photos of each of the shows, there were some dresses that really stood out to me as contenders for celebs to wear on the red carpet for upcoming award shows. Take a look at my picks and let me know what you think - can you see my visions or did I totally miss the mark?

Designer: Alexandre Vauthier

Celeb I want to see it on: Jennifer Lopez

Designer: Valentino

Celeb I want to see it on: Zooey Deschanel

Designer: Giambattista Valli

Celeb I want to see it on: Natalie Portman or Naomi Watts

Valentine's Day with Luxxie Boston

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and while I truly believe it's an over-celebrated and over-commercialized holiday, I do think it's a great excuse to treat yourself to something luxurious. Enter Luxxie Boston, an innovative collection of slips and camis that are functional, comfortable, and sexy! Luxxie gifted me with their bralette silk & lace slip when they launched back in the fall, and out of my entire lingerie collection, it's become the slip I wear most often, especially when relaxing at home. 

Besides all of the obvious reasons for loving the slip - it's pretty, comfortable, silky smooth, and trimmed with chantilly lace - I also love that it's actually supportive, which has been impossible for me to find in a slip before now with my chest which ranges from a 30F to a 32E, and can be worn alone or under a dress with no static cling or seams showing through. It's the perfect combination of sexy {hello amazing cleavage!!}, classy {a la Sophia Loren} and sophisticated...this is not your average slip! Whether you're in a relationship and are looking for something to add to your Valentine's Day wish list, or you're single like me and just want to treat yourself because you totally deserve it, I recommend one of Luxxie's gorgeous slips or camis! They carry 5 colors aside from the pretty hunter green shade I'm wearing: black, silver, burgundy, midnight navy, and nude. Luxxie is offering 15% off your entire purchase through February 15th with discount code VDAY4ME!

PS: I'm really stepping out of my comfort zone by sharing these photos as I'm a very modest dresser who doesn't show much skin...I think there's maybe one bikini photo of me out there in all of the internet! But I love this slip so much and thought Valentine's Day was the perfect time to share a few photos with you all, which I took at home using my tripod for the first time, despite the fact that I am a bit anxious about posting photos of myself in lingerie. There was no obligation from Luxxie for me to do so, so I'm taking this risk all on my own. It's always good to push yourself, right? :)