Category Archives: Friday Fancies

Friday Fancies

Posted on by under 101 in 1001, Friday Fancies

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Around this time last year, the Georgian winter wasn’t doing my skin any favors. Fortunately, I was able to pick up this Almond Hand & Nail Cream at The Body Shop in Barcelona over winter break, and I’ve been using it ever since. Once applied, you can’t even tell it’s there, and it keeps cuticles looking their best. I also love the light scent of almonds. (It’s currently on sale!)
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J. Crew Factory has been holding great deals lately. Last week, I ordered these lovely earrings, which are a subtler alternative to the bright gems I typically wear. They’ve already sold out online, but these pretty crystal studs are still available.

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This is the first nail polish I’ve bought since the third grade (when my favorite cosmetics store was Limited Too). I’ve always had unreasonably short fingernails, and #53 on my 101 in 1001 list is to grow them out to a normal length. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to last long enough without picking at my nails… Until I saw Essie After School Boy Blazer. I’ve never been more intrigued by such a gorgeous color, and my nails are already the longest they’ve ever been in my entire life, as I patiently wait to finally wear this.

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Certain readers are going to smile when they see this… I bought this bottle of Annick Goutal Petite Chérie, while studying abroad in France. It’s become my “special perfume,” which is why I still have a little left. Fruity, floral, sophisticated, and bold without overpowering, Petite Chérie is my favorite scent. Since many people give and receive perfume over the holidays, I wanted to mention Annick Goutal because it doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the U.S. Even after three years, the color hasn’t changed, and the scent is as fresh as the day I got it, which truly speaks to its quality.

IMG_5013Since you already look at tons of cat pictures each day, why not get an education out of it? Cat Spanish is an app that uses cute and funny pictures of cats to teach conversational Spanish. You probably know that associating words with pictures helps with memorization. I’ve used it for a few days now and have already learned tons of useful phrases. This fun app is only 99 cents, so use it to learn Spanish for the first time or to brush up on the vocabulary you forgot after high school.

Friday Fancies

Posted on by under Friday Fancies

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Bows have essentially been a part of my life since birth, and while I love wearing them any time of the year, they’re especially appropriate around the holidays. Lately, the bow motif has been particularly prevalent in jewelry. I ordered this charming bracelet on Cyber Monday at Purseladytoo, but it seems I snagged the last one. You should still check out this online boutique, which carries plenty of “preppy” accessories by a variety of designers, including Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, and Kiel James Patrick. Purseladytoo ships quickly, holds great deals on holidays, and frequently includes extra gifts with orders.
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Thanks, Sally, for directing me to this adorable Madewell ring. It pretty much goes with anything because it’s cute and tiny, yet the brass looks casually worn.

IMG_0573This Bendel’s necklace was a Christmas gift from my sister, and at this point, I’ve probably outworn it. It’s a somewhat modern take on the classic bow, featuring a Swarovski embellishment for good measure. This also matches many different looks.

IMG_0544My favorite way to wear bows is as earrings. It’s the most subtle way to add a refined touch of sweetness to an outfit. I got these Juicy earrings a while ago, but I also have my eye on these darling Kate Spade studs. May your holiday season be filled with tons of bows! (And in case you couldn’t tell, I’m currently reading Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea.)

g01_95356613Stare in awe at these breathtaking photos of “a sea of clouds” taking over the Grand Canyon last week. I’ve already looked at them about ten different times.

Dear Santa…

Posted on by under Birthday, Christmas, Friday Fancies

This week, I’m forgoing my usual Friday Fancies to share my Christmas (and birthday) wish list. Perhaps you’ll find some ideas for yourself! (It’s never too early.)Christmas Wish List

1. Ferragamo Varina flats – The most perfect shoe on Earth.
2. Kindle Paperwhite – I’m finally willing to trade in my ancient model for this.
3. Vineyard Vines Tartan Bow skirt – Elegant, yet cozy. The epitome of winter attire.
4. Anthropologie Lavish collar – Thrilled to see so many great fur wraps this year.
5. Tory Burch Jess boot – Love the equestrian-influenced metal detail.
6. Kate Spade Skinny Mini Bow Ring – Adorable. Like an ornament for a finger.
7. Kate Spade portable charger – Clever, as always.
8. T-Fal ActiFry – Makes fries with just a spoonful of olive oil. Enough said.
9. The Wes Anderson Collection – The first official book about my favorite director.
10. Barbour Beadnell jacket – Utilitarian style in a sophisticated fit.

Friday Fancies

Posted on by under Friday Fancies

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I recently discovered that Jack Rogers sells their iconic, handmade sandals on Amazon. (I called the Jack Rogers office to confirm the shop’s authenticity.) And every now and then, certain styles and colors are on sale! If you’re going somewhere warm for winter vacation or simply trying to add to your collection, be sure to take a look at Amazon’s selection. I just ordered the Navajo in fuchsia and the Hamptons in bronze. If you’ve never owned a pair, I highly recommend that you take advantage of this deal (the classic styles are rarely discounted) to try on the most flattering and versatile sandal, first made famous by Jackie Kennedy. (This month marks the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination, in case you’ve been living under a rock.)
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Dunkin’ Donuts debuted a Red Velvet Latte last week. While I didn’t notice any trace of red velvet, it tasted like cake, so it was good enough for me! This sugary goodness in a cup pairs perfectly with even more sugary goodness in the form of the Holiday Star (Bavarian cream-filled) Donut. (The Red Velvet Drizzle Donut is available this season, but the location I visited was all out.) There aren’t too many Dunkin’ Donuts shops in Ohio, so I never really cared about it before. But in college, my East Coast friends must’ve passed along their obsession because I love living near one now!

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My sister just got this quilted tack jacket from J. Crew, and I have to add it to my Christmas list. It’s incredibly flattering, and I especially love the corduroy collar. Currently, only the crimson is available online, but the stores will probably still carry this olive color or the navy.

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I saw these Rold Gold Peppermint Dipped Snowflakes at Rite Aid (am I the only one who can’t leave any store without first walking through the Christmas aisles?), and I obviously couldn’t resist. The saltiness of the pretzel, the sweetness of the white fudge, the kick of the peppermint, the claim that these are shaped like snowflakes when they’re clearly more like stars… What more does a person need in life?elfster1-2Since my friends are now scattered all over the country, this winter I’m organizing a Secret Santa gift exchange on Elfster, and so far, it’s been a neat website. After a group’s exchange is planned, each participant simply enters her email and address, and Elfster will facilitate the drawing of names online. A participant can also add ideas to her account’s wish list, giving her Secret Santa plenty of suggestions. I love how Elfster has taken a Christmas tradition one step further for friends who can’t always be together, but still want to share the holiday cheer!

Friday Fancies

Posted on by under Friday Fancies

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Last Friday, I raved about Fresh Sugar, but since then, I’ve tried the other products that come in the Sugar Rosé Royalty Set. I’d been wanting to try the Soy Face Cleanser for a while, and it did not disappoint. It smells like cucumbers and roses and feels very luxurious. I haven’t used it while wearing makeup, but it’s supposed to remove that, too. The Seaberry Restorative Body Cream contains seaberry oil, which I featured a while ago, as well as skin-improving omegas.  It also has a natural plant scent and a creamy texture that doesn’t feel greasy. Fresh products are a bit pricey, but I’ve found their quality to be worth it. And Sephora carries many Fresh sets at great deals, so you can try smaller sizes to see for yourself. The above set is particularly nice because it comes in a cute makeup bag and would make a great gift.

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On the day after Halloween, I stopped by the grocery store to stock up on leftover candy. Sadly, the shelves had already been cleared of Halloween candy. But fortunately, they’d been replaced with Christmas candy! These Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses are one of my favorites. You just can’t go wrong with white chocolate and peppermint. IMG_0332

I love that jeweled collars are “in” this year. They’re gorgeous and can make a dull outfit more festive for the holiday season. This sleeveless shirt just sold out on the J. Crew website, but a similar top is still available at J. Crew Factory.

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I recently found out from my sister that once you join the Godiva Rewards Club (it’s free), you can get a free chocolate each month from any Godiva store. It’s that simple! Trips to the mall can get pretty stressful at this time of the year, so go ahead and do yourself a favor. Last month, I picked this Strawberry Crème Tarte Truffle. mzl.ikzynduo

About a month ago, my friend Jennifer let me know that if you’re not using the Chipotle app, you’re doing it wrong. Since I go to Chipotle at least once a week, ordering ahead has probably saved me from hours of standing in line. (There’s only one Chipotle where I currently live, and the next closest location is over 50 miles away, so out-the-door lines are inevitable.) I just love walking directly to the register to pick up my order, bypassing 50 hungry people who probably hate me, but are also kicking themselves for not taking 10 seconds to order ahead!