Cabin Essentials

This weekend I am heading up to my family's cabin with my college BBF/ "my person" Amy. I am so excited to get away for a weekend and simply do nothing. Plans for the weekend include movie watching, nail polish-ing, reading, sleeping, wine drinking, and every other relaxing things that you can end in -ing. I have put together a little "Cabin Essentials" list, however this can be used for any time you wanna have a relaxing weekend with your girls!

Anything I'm missing that you would bring? Let me know in the comments!

-A

Ashley's Obsessed: Lemons!

Okay, it has been a while since I wrote about one of my current obsessions. Right now I am OBSESSED with all things lemon: lemon drops, lemon prints, lemonade, lemon bars! My grandma has a lemon tree on the side of her house and I have been loving to go over and pick a few for summer drinks and desserts.

Okay up first - lemon drops, specifically those made with limoncello. Limoncello is a lemon liqueur made in Souther Italy mostly around Naples and Capri. Mix a shot or two of limoncello with vodka and some fresh squeezed lemon juice. Shake with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass and top with a fresh lemon slice. Perfection! 

My mom makes the best lemon bars! She hasn't told me her secret to her recipe yet, but I'm working on it. However, Pinterest has some great recipes for any level of chef. 

I love fresh squeezed lemonade this summer. I have had some horrible experiences making my own lemonade in the past - like when a friend and I thought adding cinnamon would make it different, trust me is it doesn't. My go-to recipe is 2 cups lemon juice, 2 cups of ice cold water, and 1/2 cup of simple syrup. Delish! 

All I have been craving recently, and for all of you U of A grads and T-Locs out there you will know what I mean.... lemon Eegees. It's hard to describe what Eegees is, it's an ice drink that you eat with a spoon made with real fruit that is seriously the best. During my 4 years of college Eegees was a staple. And I hear they can deliver to any state ---- holla!!!

Put a lemon on it! Seriously, how great are these lemon printed/shaped items? Lemon printed shorts, lemon wicker purse, lemon dress? It all just screams summer! 

Are you loving the lemon trend as much as I am? Let me know in the comments! 

Make sure to follow along on Insta and Twitter and our blog directly for updates! 

-A

USA = Ultra Stylish Americans: Our Fave American Designers

In continuation of our celebration of America today, we are talking about our favorite American designers and brands.

Kate Spade: So feminine, vibrant, and just screams "girls weekend"! Polka dots and stripes are so classic.

Kate joined up with Keds for these amazing shoes this summer

Michael Kors is one of our favorite designers - and not only because of our Project Runway obsession. His clothes and accessories are truly classic American style.

I always think of Marc Jacobs as the cool kid on the block. Always a little bit edgier.

Converse: How did basketball players in the 50's wear these we will never know. We love how many colors they come in. And how they can pretty much be worn with anything.

Toms were started by a group of Americans to bring the world together. Each shoe bought gives a pair of shoes to a kid in need. One for One. They have come a long way from their first few styles.

Loved my red TOMS, and so did my friend!

Vans: Another classic American staple shoe. So many great styles and colors. Vans are a type of shoe everybody can rock. From your 5 year old cousin to Rihanna.

Kira in the hi top checks and Ashley with the pink obviously

Old Navy, GAP & Banana Republic: Great family of stores that provides the best in everyday basics.

Mix of some of our fave pieces from the Gap Family

Betsy Johnson: Betsy is like that crazy aunt who gives you all her great kooky clothes and jewelry. We both have Betsy necklaces and they really show both her wild and tame side in design.

Love the crazy and classic of Betsy Johnson

Who are your fave Americans!?

And don't forget to catch the USA World Cup game on this afternoon. GO USA!

-A&K

Office Chic

I have been on the hunt for a new job for a little while, and have been doing odd-jobs in the mean time. I'm very excited to get a consistent schedule back in my life. I find starting a new job, is similar to those first day of school jitters. You don't know how everything is going to work out, but you are excited to try.

Similarly with the beginning of school, I think it is important (if you can) to make your office space your own. Adding in a few personal touches will make work fun! Here are some chic office supplies that are currently on my list for when I get that new job! 

These Kate Spade idiom pencils will give you motivation throughout the day

A simple black and white vase will look great with bright flowers 

Loving this "big ideas" notebook! 

White and geometric stapler and tape dispenser gives off a cool vibe on your desk 

This aqua and white patterned bowl is great for odds and ends on your desk 

Push pins in the shape of bows? Sign me up! 

Pink paper clips add a little bit of style to any document 

Eiffel tower scissors will help you dream of your next vacation while at the office 

This pink pencil holder is just so perfect!

This black and white printed document holder can help organize your desk and add some pattern 

A great day-to-day organizer is needed at any office 

-A

Craving Kate Spade

A few months ago a saw a picture of this amazing Kate Spade necklace. I wasn't able to find it online for purchase nor could I really afford it anyway so I moved on. Perhaps one day I would stumble across it...
Then a little while later while perusing the many many items at Forever 21 I came across the necklace on the right! It doesn't look exactly like the Kate Spade one obviously but the look is there and the price was right.

If there is an expensive item your currently craving I'd suggest you take a look at Forever 21, H&M and similar stores. They have a ton of affordable jewelry and are also great for finding affordable trendy pieces.

-K

Ashley's Obsessed

I am loving the new advertising line from Kate Spade featuring Capri, Italy!

I am a huge Kate Spade fan, the clothing and accessories truly represent all things girly. Pink, bows, patterns! I just love it. I am constantly on the hunt for some great Kate Spade items.

My current top picks from the new line are below!

All images via Kate Spade

I studied abroad in Italy during the summer of 2011 and I fell in love with all things Italy. Capri is easily on of my favorite places on Earth. I only spent a day there, but it was spent on a boat with friends sailing around the island, exploring the towns, and I had the most amazing lunch with my best friend. I am dying to go back!

-A

Holiday Wish List 2013

The holidays are coming!!

Is everyone as excited as I am? Every year my Mom asks me, "What do you want ? Send me a list" I put together a list this year of things that I love and thought I would share it with you!

Bow Tie Clutch from Anthropologie to enhance any outfit

Go-to decorating guide from the beloved Domino

A cute "A" clutch from Anthropologie

Martha Stewart craft glitter - perfect to add to nails, crafts, and homemade cards!

An ode to 2003 with The OC on dvd

Oliva Pope's wine glasses from Crate and Barrel

Wedding planning is my dream job, so the Style Me Pretty book is perfect inspiration

A classic Kate Spade handbag

Happy shopping!

-A