Monday, November 24, 2014

STYLE INFUSIONS: POLKA DOTS

If you follow this blog, or follow along on Instagram, you may know that I am a huge fan of Sira & Mara jewelry, and the owner, founder and creator Sandy.  
Sandy has become a friend of mine (even though we haven't met yet), and I admire her persistence, strength, warmth and all around amazing personality!  
That is why I was beyond thrilled when she contacted me to collaborate and do a Style Infusions post to show off how we wear polka dots! 
 I realized that I don't have a lot of polka dot prints in my wardrobe because this was the only thing I could find.  This top is from Old Navy and it is quite old.  
I bought it for two reasons, 1- It is a classic style that I can see myself wearing for years, and 2- It was a knock off of a much more expensive J Crew version.  I updated my look by adding new denim jogger pants, booties, a blanket scarf, and one of my favorite Sira & Mara necklaces.  
I love making old pieces in my wardrobe come alive again by wearing it with new things.  





Top: Old Navy (old, similar here)
Pants: Forever 21
Blanket Scarf: Zara
Clutch: Forever 21
Sunnies: Target
Watch: Michael Kors
Necklace: Sira & Mara (similar)

My friend Sandy styled her polka dots over on, Style Pledge, with camouflage pants and a gorgeous bracelet from her line.  
I love how she is rocking two bold prints together- pattern mixing is so much fun!  
Head on over to her blog for more photos and outfit details!  


Monday, November 17, 2014

FUN FOR THE KIDS!

On the weekends, we always love to find fun things to do with the boys!  There's really nothing better we like to do than to see the expressions on the boys' faces when they are enjoying something new and different!  Last weekend, we checked out Field Station Dinosaurs in Secaucus, New Jersey.
 We went there once before (two years ago when Richie was Brody's age, and I was pregnant with Brody), so it was awesome to go back with both boys this time.
It really is a great exhibit!  There are life-size dinosaurs which move and growl and are set in an outdoor exhibit to mimic what life was like back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth.  We had a blast checking out T-Rex and all off the other types of dinosaurs.  They also have other fun activities like shows, dancing for kids, digging for fossils, and more! 




We went on the last day the exhibit was open this year (it closes for the winter), but we plan to go back next year too.  Sadly, we found out next year is the last year for Field Station Dinosaurs in Secaucus (supposedly the contract is up with the city and the city doesn't want to renew it because it wants to use the land for something else :-(.  I've heard that after next year the exhibit is going to be moved to Washington D.C.
This past weekend, we headed to Staten Island to play at the Children's Museum.  My girlfriend and I were planning a get together so I could meet her new baby girl, and I figured it was a good spot because it was an equal drive for both of us, and at least we would be indoors enjoying something fun for the kids to do on a very cold day.
 I have to say, I was super impressed with the museum!  They have everything from a real life fire truck that the kids could go on, to giant size games of chess, checkers and bowling, to construction exhibits, insects, and a whole lot more!






 The entrance fee was only $6 per person and so worth it!  We definitely will go back there again.
Afterwards, we headed to Joe & Pat's, voted one of the ten best pizza places in the city, and boy was it good!  We tried the Royal which has pepperoni, sausage and peppers, and we also had a margherita, and both were thin crust and oh so delicious!

 I never have really spent too much time on Staten Island, but I will be back to both of these places in the near future for sure!

Friday, November 14, 2014

FASHION FRIDAY: THE CAPE COAT

Like the love I have for the blanket scarf (click here to read), I too have a deep admiration for the cape coat.  Anything, big, over sized, warm and comfy has my name all over it living in the northeast. I found this one at H&M recently for $30!  I almost shied away from it because I am more of a black girl than brown when it comes to clothing choices.  But, I went for it because it just screamed fall, and I couldn't resist for the price.  What are your favorite colors to wear?  Hope you all have a great weekend!






Sweater: H&M
Cape: H&M
Scarf: H&M (found in store, similar)
Jeans: Forever 21
Hat: Nordstrom
Bracelet: Stella & Dot
Sunnies: Target

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

WARDROBE WEDNESDAY: FAUX

Happy Wednesday!  One of my all time favorite fashion pieces for fall is a faux fur vest.  I think it looks great over a shirt, a denim jacket, a dress, a sweater...pretty much anything!  I saw this one at Forever 21 recently, and loved the color, the soft texture, and the under $45 price tag too!  I paired it here with a flannel plaid top, denim joggers and boots, but have also worn it with a tunic and leggings.  I know I will get my money out of this vest for fall and winter!  Do you guys own a faux fur vest? What do you like to wear with it?




Top: J.Crew (old, similar)
Vest: Forever 21
Jeans: Forever 21
Boots: Vince Camuto
Bracelet: Sira & Mara
Bag: Michael Kors via Marshalls (similar)
Sunnies: Target

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

TOLEDO, SPAIN- DAY 3

On our third day in Spain, we decided to take a day trip to Toledo- the former capital, and it was simply amazing!  We took a train from Madrid, which took less than an hour.  The city is so picturesque with winding cobblestone streets, an impressive 13th century cathedral, shops and cafes.  It rained when we first arrived, but then the skies cleared and we were able to spend the afternoon wandering and enjoying the sites.  I'll let the pictures do the talking!