Nail Spring.

Two weekends ago was my bachelorette party and of course we all had to get our nails done together. Manicures and pedicures courtesy of MiniLuxe kicked off an amazing time. (Thank you ladies!) Upon arrival I was very excited to find that CND finally has new colors for shellac manicures. And just in time, because as you know, a new season always makes me want to change things up.

From brights to pastels, spring fashion is all about color. In sharp contrast, the new CND collection is all neutrals and metallics. I love this. A colorful outfit can sometimes require the addition of a neutral to keep it in sophisticated territory, especially for work. If your shoes, handbag, skirt, and blouse are all colorful (which can often read playful), you might want to think about balancing out your look with makeup and nails in elegant, neutral shades.

This is the new Spring 2012 CND Nail Color Collection:

'Gold VIP status' and 'Silver VIP Status' are both shimmer effects that can be layered over your favorite shade. You know I love my metallics, as seen here.

'Dark Lava' is screaming my name on this grey March day. It is a creamy raisin which could be seen as your first baby step away from the black polish you have been wearing all winter. I'm happy to finally see a dark color other than black among the shellac polishes. Especially one without shimmer!

'Rubble' is a mushroom taupe, and looks very chic to me. Could be the perfect warm neutral shade? I can't wait to try it.

I've been waiting for a nice cool grey shellac for a while. Enter 'Cityscape'. Described as a creamy dove grey, I think it will compliment spring's pastel-colored clothing beautifully.

'Silver Chrome' is silver chrome. A cool, edgy shade for your weekend night out.

What is your favorite shade? Have you tried any yet? All nail color reviews are welcome. :)

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Get Away.

When I asked my married friends for their best advice in the wedding planning process, they all said the same thing: make time for the two of you and plan special dates leading up to the big day. Genius. I quickly found that planning a wedding is a full time job (in addition to our other jobs), so Erich and I decided that in the three months leading up to our wedding day, we would take a long weekend each month.

This past weekend we went to Newport, Rhode Island. Because it is only an hour and a half away from Boston, it's one of our favorite places for a day trip. I found a cozy place to stay at the Pearls Boutique Hotels, which is just a couple of blocks away from the waterfront. It's a great place for a romantic weekend away with your man or even a girls-only trip. We stayed in Suite 7 and it was very spacious for two people, our bathroom was huge, and it was just so charming. (Nothing like the sterile looking hotel rooms we sometimes find ourselves in.) The best thing was all of the light. Can you believe the house was built in 1785?!

I knew I was in the right place when I opened the door into our suite. Chanel, a fireplace, and a vintage crystal chandelier?  I had to share this shabby-chic meets modern-glam decor with you...

I loved the pine floors (so home-y) and the working fireplace added the perfect amount of romance to our casual evening. Another picture of the cozy living room of our suite...

The bathroom made us feel like we were at someone's house instead of an inn...

And the bedroom showed great use of a small space. The open closet concept is very similar to what we have at home in our apartment. My motto of 'only buy what you love' means this is always a nice way to display all of your favorite pieces. Our view of the private garden was even nice on a grey day (there are more windows along that right wall but the indoor shutters are closed in this photo).

Adorable right? The Ralph Lauren linens were also a nice touch. Check out their "last minute availability" section here if you are looking for a good deal and a different place to stay in Newport.

Next time I would like to stay across the hall, in Suite 8...

Another fabulous way to make the most of the limited closet space in an old house. (Just remember to keep it neat!)

I love an all-white bathroom, especially when it is softened by wood floors...

Beach house meets vintage meets glamour. The red accent chair and antique makeup table in the bathroom stole my heart. I want to set up camp!

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Ear Party.

Statement earrings have returned and are having a major fashion moment this Spring/ Summer 2012. (Thank goodness because I am so over the "arm party" trend.) It is the one accessory you should pick up to update your wardrobe this season if you don't already have a pair. Check them out on the spring runways.

At Dolce and Gabbana...

At Bottega Veneta...

At Jil Sander...

At Oscar de la Renta...

At Emilio Pucci...

And at Ralph Lauren...

{Images via Vogue.com}

5 Reasons to Love Statement Earrings:

1) We are all guilty of pulling our hair away from our face during the warmer months. (Let's face it, sometimes it feels like a hat and it's just too hot!) Earrings will glam up your simple ponytail or bun.

2) Showcase a beautiful, and often overlooked, feature: your neck! It can be a very elegant and feminine look, especially for evening- a la Ralph Lauren.

3) Statement earrings can elevate an otherwise casual look. Add a pair to your white t-shirt and jeans combination and head out the door! (Don't forget a fabulous pair of shoes to complete the ensemble.)

4) It's all in the details. Use a pair of earrings to work spring color into a neutral outfit. This is a great way to wear the earring trend at the office. Try a pair with your blazer and a low cut camisole- a la Oscar de la Renta.

5) No matter what your personal style is, there is a pair out there for you. (Let me know here if you need help finding the perfect pair.)

*****

Designer Miguel Ases makes my favorite earring styles because they are sparkly, lightweight, and make a huge impact. As I write this I am wearing these, which I was lucky enough to score on Gilt. Pricy but SO me. I can't wait to wear them all summer long!

{Miguel Ases, Pyrite Quartz Drop Earrings, $425.}

Want to add some color? Check these out:

{Carlone Earrings, $75.  $58.}

They are available in six additional colors. And on sale too!

Will you wear statement earrings this season?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Take Time to Smell the Roses.

When my Vogue arrives in the mail each month I never open it. Pouring over its perfumed pages is one of my favorite rituals so I wait for the day I can delve in uninterrupted. However, the days of sitting down next to a candle with a cup of coffee in my favorite silk robe have been few and far between lately. Between planning the wedding, working, and still attempting to accomplish daily household tasks, I haven't had a lot of 'free' time and sadly, my favorite ritual has been moved to the time spent under the dryer at my hair color appointments... Until today.

I had a quick minute to download the new Vogue application on my iPad (so psyched it's finally here!) and when I saw that the next issue was already available I couldn't resist taking a peek. This shoot stopped me in my tracks and forced me to give my favorite ritual the time and respect it deserved. It was a much needed distraction in my day and I had to share this fashion moment with you.

Kate Moss + haute couture + Ritz Paris = Stunning. I couldn't tear my eyes away. The shoot took place at Ritz Paris before they close their doors for renovation. The fashion is modeled by the one and only Kate Moss. Is there anything more glamourous?!

{Images via Vogue.com}

These images sum up my dreams... Spoiler alert if you are attending my wedding.  ;)

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Cup of Wedding Charm.

This amazing weather has me looking forward to a new season. My favorite way to freshen things up this spring is a mint julep cup. Once I fixated on this cute vessel I found countless ways to utilize it. For ways to use them in your home, look here and here.

For all of my fellow brides-to-be out there, I could not skip over the many uses a mint julep cup would have at a spring wedding.

1) As I mentioned last week, every spring bouquet looks pretty in a mint julep cup. The small centerpiece would work on the tables at various style receptions. Consider filling a julep cup with wild flowers for your rustic or outdoor garden party wedding...

Or pair with a chandelier and lots of candles for a romantic centerpiece at a more glamourous wedding...

Look how pretty and delicate the same centerpiece can look at a vintage-themed wedding! (Love the roses.)

2) The mint julep is a classic southern cocktail and has a beautiful presentation which makes for more fabulous photos of your wedding. Consider making the mint julep one of your specialty drinks...

Doesn't it look refreshing?

3) If you already have the perfect glass vases for your reception tables picked out, you can use mini julep cups as votive candle holders on your reception dining tables.  

{Petite Mint Julep Cup Candle Holders, set of four, $7.60} 

4) Give out a julep cup candle as wedding favors to your guests. (Not getting married? This also makes a great hostess gift.) Another bonus: You can personalize this one with a monogram for only $7. 

{Silver-plated Julep Candle Pot, $19- $24.}

5) Such a perfect aisle detail for an outdoor spring ceremony. 

6) Remember, a simple bouquet in a mint julep cup is a sweet statement. Put one on your gift, photo, or guestbook table for a pretty and budget-friendly detail. You won't need anything else to dress up the table. 

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Cup at Home.

In my last post, I started telling you why mint julep cups are my favorite way to dress up my surroundings for spring. One reason: They are a fresh way to bring the outside in and every bouquet looks beautiful in them! Put a bouquet on the kitchen table, in the bathroom, or on your coffee table.

In addition to flowers, spring makes me think of cleaning and reorganizing my space. Here are some other ways to use these adorable cups to freshen up your home in the new season.

Tidy up your workspace! Mint julep cups are a neat place to store writing utensils at your desk.

Knowing I have a reason to break out my sunglasses is always a relief in the spring. A mint julep cup is a pretty way to store them out on a vanity.

In varying sizes, mint julep cups are also a nice container for cotton balls, q-tips, bobby pins, hair elastics, lipsticks, and my beloved Mason Pearson brush. How gorgeous is this?!

When you start your spring cleaning, consider going through your makeup and throwing out all of those items with a questionable expiration date. Pour a shot of rubbing alcohol and dip your lipsticks into it for 10 seconds. Wash your brushes and store your makeup case in the freezer overnight to kill leftover bacteria and viruses from the winter season.  Knowing that all of your products are clean will feel like another fresh start for the season.

{Images via thisisglamourous.com, Sugarandcharmblog.com, Dailycupofcouture.blogspot.com}

Are you a fan of mint julep cups yet?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Cup of Spring.

Although it is still 8 days away, this 60 degree weather has me excited about the new season. As I come out of hibernation (I can't wait to pack away my heavy parka and wool sweaters), I am looking forward to sunny days and things turning green again. I'm also looking at ways to freshen up my surroundings.

Mint julep cups are number one on my list of things to incorporate into my surroundings this spring. Start a mismatched collection from your favorite antique stores, shop them at a garden boutique, or break out the family heirlooms that your southern grandmother gave you. This week, I will share some fabulous ideas for how to make mint julep cups a part of your new spring surroundings.

Spring always brings to mind flowery bouquets so whenever possible, I try to bring the outside in. No matter what kind of flowers you choose, mint julep cups will showcase them all beautifully.

{Images via Pinterest.}

Put them in your front entry to welcome you home...

Or pair with your favorite coffee table books.

{Image via cupcakesandcashmere.com}

You can get your mint julep cups here.

Happy (almost) Spring!

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.