Are you ready for a whole lotta nerdiness and few selfies? (Hey! At least I’m not doing the duck face!) I wear contacts every day, but lately I’ve been needing to give my eyes a break. I’m guessing it’s because of my seasonal allergies, or maybe because I’m stretching out the use of my last pair of contacts. Either way, I need a new pair of glasses. I have a pair that I got in target last year (target has all that is good in the world) but the actual lenses are so tiny, it bothers me especially when I’m drafting on the computer.

I’ve been reading a lot about Warby Parker glasses so I figured I’d give them a shot. Their glasses are $95 (!!!) including glare free lenses and shipping. Plus they ship five pairs to you FREE so you can try them on at home. For the first time ever I actually have several pairs that I like and I can’t make a decision. What do you think?! Help a girl pick out a pair of frames!

Nedwin: Amber (I’m kind of leaning towards these because I like the shape and the color isn’t too harsh on my face)

Langston: Striped Evergreen (These look more green in person, but I think the color may be too dark for my skin color.)

Reece: Sandalwood Matte (Love this color!)

Wilkie: Sugar Maple  (I also really like this style and color, but I can’t decide it the frames are too trendy wendy/wannabe hipster. Although the bigger lenses make it so comfortable to work on my laptop.)

HELP!

My body has been fighting a nasty head cold for weeks(!) and the only cure is retail therapy. I’ve been eyeing this crossbody bag for a while now,  and decided to bite the bullet and buy it. (I actually hosted a Stella and Dot party last year and had some 50% off credits leftover. If you like their jewels, I highly recommend hosting a party!) I’m all for pieces having multiple functions, whether it be a side table or purse. I’m pretty excited to use this baby on our trip to California this Spring. April, are you here yet?!

Below is a list of goodies for the lady in your life who enjoys throwing parties, enjoys the simple beautiful things in life… or for your wife named Lisa. Subtle, right? :)

FOR THE HOSTESS - 

A slate cheese board and cheese knives for wine and cheese parties.

Mini knives for dips and spreads.

Modern black and brass candle sticks for romantic dinners for two.

A casserole carrier (It’s one of those things you feel like you’ll never need, but I’ve had a few occasions where I’ve had hot plates wrapped in towels in my back seat going to friends)

Cooking lessons for two.

FOR THE FASHIONISTA –       

A belted sweater to keep toasty this winter.

 Simple delicate stacking rings.

 Shoulder bag in the most beautiful buttery caramel leather.

Suede flats for running around the city.

Classic diamond stud earrings.

Before the craziness of last week, Ryan and I had our annual Halloween party. I dressed as a Roy Lichtenstein painting but no one knew who I  was and they were just creeped out by my makeup. I wasn’t going for a scary costume but I guess that worked! I look so silly but it was fun to dress up and be in a different character. Did you see any halloween costumes that were creative this year? I’m already thinking about next year and love this one, this one, this one and especially this one!

Whenever it gets warmer outside it always gives me the urge to shop. I’m pretty low key and even getting new chapstick or kitchen accessories leaves me feeling happy. These are a few of my most recent finds:

I absolutely love this white baking dish! My friends tease me because I get excited about things like this, but if you had a beautiful nonstick baking dish to make lasagna wouldn’t that make you excited too?! It cleans perfectly and can easily go straight to the table to coordinate with any of your family’s dishes.

I rarely buy things from catalogs, but when I saw that Victoria’s Secret has “long” sizes in their maxi dresses, I couldn’t resist. I’m 5’10″ and often have a hard time finding clothes that are long enough and was giving up on finding a dress that didn’t look ridiculously short. I ordered this dress (on clearance!) and love the lightweight cotton and fun summery pattern. I can’t believe I actually found one that fits!

I’m not a lipstick kind of girl, but have an obsession with chapstick. This Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer is perfect because it’s moisturizing and gives me a little bit of color perfect for summer. The color “Fig” is universally flattering!

I’m almost embarassed that I like this skirt. For years, every girl in my high school had their entire wardrobe from Express. Even the guys all had the same sweater the week after Christmas. Refusing to look like a wanna-be Snooki club goer, I haven’t really shopped there in years. But, today I came across this skirt and thought the horizontal stripes and neutral colors were striking. And the fabric seems like it could be forving, especially on a high wasted pencil skirt. What do you think?

Instead of buying cookbooks, I typically rip pages out of cooking magazines, or watch The Food Network to learn new recipes. Rachael Ray is wearing the cutest outfit on her August cover of her magazine! The white denim jacket and Isabel Marant striped dress are so effortless and chic, I could wear it every day for the rest of the summer.

When I saw these wood and shagreen pieces, I literally clutched my heart. (Pardon the pun.) They are so beautiful and so artfully created, they almost belong in an art gallery. I think I need one!

(Nada Sawaya via the goodie life.)

When I first saw this Pnina Tornai wedding dress, I seriously got butterflies. It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. (That’s a bold statement, especially for me: Miss Picky Paula.) And then I realized it was from the wedding of the amazingly talented photographers davina + daniel and it made me love it even more. Makes me want to get married all over again, but this time in Mexico.

(Photos by Ben & Erin Chrisman via Style Me Pretty.)

Lauren Conrad’s new line Paper Crown is much like the former reality star: sweet and simple. The Fall collection showcases classic pieces with simple lines, minimal pattern and sexy little numbers that I would love to own. According to In Style, we’ll be able to purchase pieces from well known department stores like Nordstrom in October. I never realized how badly I need a black long sleeve mini dress until now!

(via fashionista.)

Doesn’t this look like the perfect tee shirt to pair with leggings? Being tall, I find that my most comfy shirts are the longer shirts that cover my tush or that have longer sleeves. (Seriously, I’ve purchased long sleeve shirts that fit as 3/4 length.) And I love that this one has ruching to add curves in the right places, and hide those post holiday curves. This could easily be my easy weekend look for Spring!

After the website launch of BHLDN (pronounced “beholden”) earlier today, I can’t stop looking at the beautifully inspiring pieces they have. Many of you have probably already seen sneak peeks around the blogosphere, and I just couldn’t wait to see the interesting gowns. I’m loving these green slingbacks and sparkly party shoes!

Don’t worry, Ry… I’m not going to buy any more wedding shoes to try on.

pleated fantasy gown, threshhold slingbacks, moonlit peeptoes.

I love her pony tail! Too bad the woman in black probably got the cab.

(via the sartorialist)

I’ve been surprisingly busy this week. I’ve been working on a residential project in Central Jersey, so a lot of my time has been spent picking out the right greige paint, or the perfect buttery leather to go on a vintage club chair. I am really loving collaborating with the designer I’m working with, and it’s given me a whole new appreciation for my peers in the industry.

I’m happy to have something to keep me occupied so I don’t go totally wedding crazy. There’s about 2 and a half months left and I can’t stop thinking about everything that needs to be done. For someone who didn’t get the wedding gene, I am very much enjoying it. (shh.. don’t tell anyone!) Today I bought this flirty, feminine dress (on eBay!) for my bridal shower and/or rehearsal dinner. I love the feminine neckline that dresses up a more casual knit material. I have a lot of Banana Republic dresses because they just fit me so well. I can’t wait to pair it with my nude patent pumps!

I don’t get it. I have such a hard time making decisions for myself, especially when it comes to the wedding. I’ve already purchased 4 pairs of shoes and none of them have worked. The first pair had heels that were too high, the second were too clunky, and the third and fourth just didn’t match and the heels were too high. After trying on my dress on Friday, I wasn’t able to get fitted because I needed my exact pair of shoes that I’ll be wearing on my wedding day. I’m happy I got to see my dress, but now I’m on the hunt to find the perfect pair of shoes… again.

I really love these Jimmy Choos, but they are completed out of my price range. The heel height and color are perfect, but I can’t see spending almost $500 on shoes. (Especially after Ryan’s car was just totaled.) I seriously love them. Every time I look at them I get butterflies.

I ordered these online in two sizes, so I’m excited to see what they look like in person. They got great reviews, and the heel looks like the right height. And I’m thinking that the extra sparkle might be fun peeking out from my dress.

I also ordered these as an alternate. I’m not as in love with them, but I want to see what they look like in person. The heel is even lower which might be best for the length of my dress.

What do you think about these options? I know what you’re thinking. This chick is crazy. :)

Althought I’m a huge magazine whore,  I’ve vowed not to buy gossip magazines or women’s magazines (other than People Style Watch) and stick to getting my information online. I love this magazine because it has fashion and gives me my celebrity lifestyle fix. I’m constantly pulling pages out for inspiration and these two items are currently my favorites. I absolutely love, love, love this bag. I’ve been looking for something that is more structured for business but trendy enough for weekend use. And how cute is that nautical sweater?! Swooon.

Kenneth Cole “High Potential“

Decree Rosette Cardigan (only $19.99!!!)

Irene Jung has the most beautiful statement necklaces! Using vintage brooches and strands of modern beads, she creates unique pieces that’ll punch up the simplest of outfits. I personally love Cleopatra, but it’s so hard to choose!

Blueberries and Cream, Cleopatra, Lime Zest.

Even though it’s mid-January with predictions of another snow storm tonight, I’ve got bikini’s on the brain. I haven’t really gotten any new bikini’s since late high school/early college. I’ve purchased a few here and there, but none that really do anything for my tush. As with most women, my body is doing that “changing every 7 years” thing and most of my bottoms are too small borderline inappropriate. So, with that said, I’ve been doing some online shopping for bikini’s that have moderate coverage with high style design. I’m currently loving these beauties -

Patara Bikini

Mojave Bikini

Modern Triangle Bikini

I’ve been on the hunt for a white cocktail dress for my bachelorette party. I have no idea when it’ll be, but I know how picky I am so I wanted to start early. Instead of penis paraphernalia, I’ll be wearing a white dress and the girls are going to be wearing little black dresses. (At least I’m hoping for no phallic accessories!)

Finding a white dress in the middle of the winter  isn’t the easiest, but I have this Ralph Lauren dress bookmarked that I keep going back to. I love the neckline and think the back is incredibly sexy without being too much. I’m thinking that this would be a nice dress to wear to a dinner on our honeymoon, too!

I would probably have to have the hemline shortened just a bit to show off my legs. I mean, I’m tall. But, I think that even this dress is too long for a party!

It’s no secret that I’m excited for our honeymoon! With another snow storm hitting the New York area tomorrow, I shouldn’t be  thinking about bikini’s and sun dresses but I’ve already started packing in my head. These outfits are my idea of a perfect summer wardrobe – easy to wear, casual and stylish.

Honeymoon by pennyrounds featuring beach totes

I am currently loving mimi+meg‘s new blog, stella & henry. It is loaded with inspiration for modern parents and children!

She recently posted about this bag and I’m in love. It is the only chic diaper bag I’ve ever seen! I’m tempted to buy one to keep in storage until I’m ready for a peanut. And I am nowhere even close to having children!

I recently discovered Kendi’s blog, and I love it! Her witty posts make me laugh daily and her outfit posts are inspiring. Her style is sophisticated and approachable and proves that you can have high style on a budget.

I finally found a pair of wedding shoes that I love! They are Nina “Kyleen” and are unfortunately no longer available.

Originally, I purchased these Badgley Mischka shoes, but had to return them because the heel was way too high and the flower was a bit big. Don’t get me wrong, I love a pair of heels, but they were way too high to be walking around all day. Soooo… I’ve been spending too much time looking for another simple but fun pair of shoes. I found these Nina “Kyleen” shoes by googling “purple peep toe shoes” and looking through every page of the search restults. Crazy, I know.

When I came accross the image, it didn’t have a style name so I had to call Nina’s customer service to get any and all information. After they gave me the style name, I was told that they no longer have this shoe available (of course). Once someone tells me that something isn’t available anymore, it makes me want it even more. (Same thing happened when I first met Ryan! ;) ) Somehow in a shoe miracle, eBay had only one pair left in my size new in the box for only $60 (half their original price). I love that their simple but the little knot detail will peek out from my dress when I walk!

Runners up:

Originally, I liked these Stuart Weitzman shoes but I felt that the heel was a bit too low, and the price was a bit too high.

These rsvp “Hart” shoes were cute, but I felt they looked a bit clunky.

I considered buying this gray shoe from BP at Nordstrom, but felt that the purple was a bit more fun. If these shoes were in purple, I would have been all over them!

I was so excited when I came accross this Nine West shoe, (as seen here) but I think the gray was a bit too light. I probably could have dyed them, but I didn’t want to take that chance.

I saw this closet confession a while ago ago when my best friend Dana tweeted it. She’s kind of obsessed with Bethenney, and rightfully so. She’s hilarious and seems really down to earth. My favorite part is when she says,  ”This would be Kelly because it is a shirt”. What my petite BFF can get away with as a dress, is a belly shirt on me. When in doubt, it’s always a shirt.