I don’t think I’ll ever get over my love for stripes and it has been pretty intense so far this year. A healthy chunk of the things I’ve picked-up this year (this skirt included) have had stripes. They are a timeless fashion statement that I feel like I can always count on. Dress them up, dress them down. Pretty sure you can’t go wrong! I really liked wearing this outfit because I think it was a good mix of dressed up and casual. I think I’m finally getting the hang of this ‘business casual’ thing

Faux leather jacket: Macy’s / Earrings: J Crew / Purse: Shi / Chambray: Love Fire via Marshall’s / Skirt: The Limited / Flats: Steve Madden via TJ Maxx

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I haven’t had my iPad mini for long, but I already have a favorite app. That just so happens to be Paper by 53. This is unlike any drawing app I’ve tried before. It not only is it very responsive to touch in regards to image making, but there are many different drawing tools like a pencil, pen and paint brush. The user has the ability to mix colors and have multiple notebooks that can be labeled individually. In my opinion, it works the best with a stylus, but I love that you don’t have to use one. They do offer a free version and it was just enough to get me hooked. It gives you notebooks, a color pallet and one drawing tool (I think it’s the pen). After you create a drawing, use it to take notes or create a diagram, you can share the image through social media, email and to you camera roll. Paper has been full of inspiration, especially with their tumblr gallery, but just having these digital tools to make something quick has been very satisfying. I see myself using this app as a way to quickly render design ideas that are floating around in my head, as well as a way to pass the time and occupy the creative part of my mind. For technology lovers with a creative edge, Paper is perfect.

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This weekend has been the kind of weekend that doesn’t come around often. I got to hang out and travel on a quick road trip with my college roommates. We were celebrating one of our friends’/roommates’ graduation. It was a great excuse to all be together again. A lot of our lives have changed since then, but our bond is just as strong. As far as what I wore, I was thrilled to find these pants and dress them up for the great occasion. They were also a dream for a long car ride. I’m so happy I stumbled upon these pants. Thank you, Forever21 The rest of the outfit consists of secondhand items or things I’ve had for quite a while. I love when I find a piece of clothing that fits in seamlessly with my wardrobe.

Top: J Crew (thrifted) / Sunglasses: Target / Necklace: Grandma’s / Cardigan: Ann Taylor / Purse: Shi / Pants: Forever21 / Shoes: Steve Madden

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I would love for each of these pieces of art to be hung on the walls of my apartment, but I guess the walls of my blog will have to do, for now…

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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Getting use to a world of ‘business casual’ fashion has not been always very satisfying when I shop for new threads. I read some of my favorite style blogs and can only dream of wearing some of the lovely trends I see online to work. When I do find a look that is practical and pretty I feel like I win.

Sitting at a desk for a good portion of my day is made better by wearing a comfortable top. I like that this one has a great texture and unique hem.

Scarfs have been a huge help during the winter with my outfits especially this one from the Gap that I got as a birthday gift.

Finally, wearing uncomfortable shoes is like pure torture when I’m at work. These flats are probably the most comfortable flats I own and I love the color to break-up neutral looks and they will be perfect for the warmer months too.

Snood: Gap / Top: TJ Maxx / Beaded bracelets: gift / Wood bangle: Thrifted / Pants: Old Navy / Flats: Nine West

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Yesterday was the 2 year mark of when I arrived to Switzerland for my 3 month internship as a designer with ICON Worldwide. I can’t believe that it has already been 2 years! It feels like just yesterday, yet a lifetime ago. So much of my life has changed since then but so much of what I learned and experienced in Switzerland stays with me every day.

In honor of my ‘Swissiversary’ here are some photos from this still unbelievable time in my life. I even got to share this time with my now husband and met some very dear friends/young designers.

I’m so grateful to ICON for the life changing opportunity.

1-6: Unmatched landscapes in the Appenzeller region.

7-8: Gais train station.

9-11: Gais, the town where we lived.

12: Me, the hubs and the mountains.

13: ICON Worldwide.

14: I still dream about these lunches.

15: I loved Luci, such a sweetheart!

16: My favorite travel pals & design amigos in Lugano <3

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I’m not throwing in the towel. Not at all. Not for a minute. I also recognize the fact that I am not Wonder Woman, though I do try. I have recently encountered days where it may seem like my drive is slowing down. My life has taken a turn for the hyper-busy. It started with Social Media Week last week and then launching a new rebrand for work this week among other large projects going into production. My stress level has seen a spike that I’d much rather avoid. So I’m going to talk about the moments when you just can’t get around feeling anxious, eating bad food, and/or reverting to bad habits. I knew there would come a day when my commitment to this lifestyle change would be tested and here I am!

I guess what I’m coming away with is the motivation to be resilient. So what, I had a few days where I didn’t cook at home like I’d prefer to and didn’t put away the laundry. What I did in their place was necessary, like taking care of myself when I have a migrane, going out for a celebratory dinner for my victories last week and getting to know new friends. So how do you balance the scale after not watching it for a while? For me, it is counting on the fact that tomorrow is a new day with the opportunity to make it how I want it. I cannot look at it as ‘I failed’ the day before. I’m not a very competitive person. So if I were to pose the things I want to change about my life as a ‘challenge’ I would most likely stop trying after I regressed two or three times. Instead, looking at all of this as an ‘opportunity’ makes me feel like there’s no pressure to be perfect, just to do my best. So I guess I’m playing mind games with myself to get the results I expect. It takes the worrying and negativity out of my goal and injects it with positivity and support. These are the things I need to excelle.

Giving myself occasional pep talks are key and giving my inner ‘Wonder Woman’ the flexibility to take a day off or two here and there will keep me motivated and realistic.

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Right now, pink and orange make me yearn for summers with big hair, ice cream and pretty dresses.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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It’s safe to say that Wednesday was one of the best days I’ve ever had. Being named Employee of the Month at work (complete with a HUGE Publishers Clearing House-style check) AND having my blog honored at the 2013 Kalamazoo Social Media Awards for ‘Best Personal Blog’ ON THE SAME DAY was a complete and overwhelming shock. Days like these are extremely rare so I’ve been soaking up all of good vibes. Knowing that my work is appreciated makes me extremely motivated to push myself even more. Thank you to everyone who has been there for me and this blog. Pretty sure none of this would be happening if I didn’t have such great community support <3

I will be doing a live chat with mlive.com tomorrow morning at 10:30am recapping Social Media Week and answering questions. Check it out and join the conversation!

photo via Kalamazoo Gazette

view the chat from yesterday here

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A fascination of mine since childhood has been seeing what people choose to keep with them on a day to day basis as well as what they keep those essential items in. These pieces act as a daily time capsule of what is important in your life. I believe what you carry with you or what you don’t carry with you can say a lot about who you are. With that said, I’d like to share my time capsule with you all as of today, Sunday, April 14, 2013. My very good friend, Caitlin from To Be Determined made this amazing clutch that I settled my things into riiight away. They are beautifully made and are on sale right now!

(left to right)
iPhone, which I keep in my hand most of the time.
Keys,
Tiny lotion,
Notebook & Sharpie pen,
Thrifted wallet,
Salted caramel in case of emergencies ,
Baby Lips lip gloss by Maybelline, my latest favorite in the world of lip hydration in spite it’s creepy name,
Red lip color, for when I’m feeling fancy &
Trident tropical twist gum, the only gum I’ll chew.

I hope to do this little exercise again soon! Maybe get some crowd participation? Who knows! Stay tuned. XO!

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