Breaking News: Primark meets USA

For anyone who has had the experience of shopping at Primark understands why this must be mentioned! Of course lets be honest these stores are filled to the top with things we do not need that are made pretty poorly. But its great for the basics or to get that one trendy piece you know your going to be so done with in a few months.

A little sad for us stuck from the Midwest on over, but the 70,000 square foot store will be opening in Boston by the end of 2015. If you don't know about this store make sure to go check them out online here

Some might say its just another youthful retailer but they really have a competitive price edge. Being an American shopping on the pound the clothes are obviously not the amazing deal we pretend they are. But, I believe the price will be something to be excited about once it is finally in dollars.

My best friend Makeba and I might have to grab all our girls and just start planning a trip to Boston and catch what I am sure will be one of the most insane store openings that has happened in awhile. Think Black Friday.. but scarier.

This is one of Primark's first steps to becoming a well known, successful global brand. So make sure you keep your eyes peeled and hopefully (while we're still youthful) a store will be coming close to you.. xo 

Gracie

Girly chic is what popped into my head after meeting Gracie, and in the spirit of Easter weekend and just spring I knew we had to use color! Transitional jacket's are where its at right now, especially in London. The weather is changing, not only day to day but minute to minute! So a great semi light weight jacket is a must have to grab as your heading out the door.

After speaking with Gracie she let me know she was up for whatever not trying to find an outfit for any certain occasion. This of course is any stylists dream to just find whatever speaks to you.

So, the outfit is so bright and fun. The dress is from Zara and is a really nice cotton material. The print is so vibrant and looks great against her skin. To add to the mix I did a nice pop with the coral colored jacket. Also subtly added a little mint green with the necklace. For the purse just did a simple black & white with the chain detail. This just adds a tiny hint of hard in this super girly look.

MAKE SURE YOU DON'T MISS THE TINY READ MORE BUTTON BELOW THIS :)

Things I Love: April

Left H&M Coat  and right Coat with pockets Zara

First off, the color yellow I cannot get enough especially the soft pastel shade. Zara and H&M both have some great yellow jackets right now that I highly recommend checking them out. Its the time of the year where you need a transitional jacket so why not make it a color right? The good thing about yellow is it looks good on women with dark and light hair. My recommendation if you want to try this color, go in to the stores and check out a few different shades against your skin then head online for a wider selection.

Left side H&M Patterned Blouse right side Asos Check Pencil Skirt with Mesh Hem

Black and white check prints are just too good. I love everything about this print because you can create so many different looks with it. For someone who finds there style to be a little harder, more grunge, throw on a skirt or even a pant in this print (Asos does one just like the skirt) and pair it with a great leather jacket and bold pink lip and you are good to go. Or for the girl who is a little more girly chic you can pair these prints with all the pastels that are out this spring. Add a little baby pink into the mix and you instantly soften this print.

Left side 'Free 5.0 TR Fit 4' & left side Nike Air Max Thea

Trainers, sneakers, tennis shoes, whatever you call them this is one trend that I think all women around the globe are saying hallelujah too. One of the very few times fashion is practical. Especially in London women need a shoe that can be on the go, most aren't just driving up to the door and hoping out, they are in an out of tube stations. This trend is easy to fit into your wardrobe. Personally I love them with a skinny jean a basic top and a great coat! You instantly looking fabulous while being completely comfortable, perfect for the weekend. 

   

Resurrection

After a long break, it is time to get back in the saddle. Spending the last few months in London has been very inspiring. Everyday I am surrounded by beautiful women of all different backgrounds expressing themselves through their own style. This is a breath of fresh air, since things tend to get pretty stale in Minneapolis. Since January I have been able to check out three major cities besides London: Stockholm, Budapest, and Krakow. Each place having its own unique flavor. So here is what I have been upto.. xo

Budapest:

After a long years wait I finally made it to Budapest! It was absolutely phenomenal. The weather was great, sun shining which as many know sun in London is not an everyday occurrence so I had to soak it all up when I could.When I use to image Budapest I thought of large buildings with amazing architecture and I was not disappointed. Everything just seemed so grand and filled with history. I also had an amazing guide for some of my stay named Bogi. She was one of the most down to earth people I think I have met on this journey. Hope I can cross paths with her again soon. She really proved to me a 9-5 is not the only option and to just live everyday to it's fullest. Fun fact that I did not know, Buda and Pest are two separate cities. Even though people refer to it as Budapest there truly each there own unique place.

Photos from left to right: me at Hero's square, view of  parliament from
Buda,  Lagos and amazing sweet snack, heavenly macaroons, parliament which is the 3rd largest in the world!

Krakow:

I have always found myself so intrigued by the Holocaust. When I was in middle school I got the opportunity to go to Washington DC and visit the Holocaust museum among others. I can't say that it is the trip that got me so interested but for as long as I can remember I have always been drawn to literature on it. I think it is because my mind so desperately wants to understand how such a thing could happen. So obviously Poland, one country of many, that was greatly devastated by this time in history was a place I have always wanted to visit. There is truly no words that I could write to express what it felt like to step on the grounds of Auschwitz and Birkenau..along with visit areas where they had created ghettos and Schindler's factory. On a lighter note in present day Krakow is truly a party city with bars and clubs staying open all night long, perfect weekend getaway.

Photos from left to right: Me standing at the start of the tracks as they entered into Birkenau, the last stop on the tracks where people were taken off the train and immediately sent to gas chambers, church in town square, perogies in beet soup, and a statue completely carved out of salt in the Wieliczka salt mines.

Stockholm:

Return to the homeland?  Turns out I'm 25% Swedish. So this trip was completely impulsive. I had such a good time in Budapest I knew I  had to try and make  one more happen before I head back to the states.  So as I laid in my bed on my last night in Budapest I bought my tickets to head to Stockholm the following weekend.  Thought I would reach out to my Facebook friends and see if I could get some good recommendations and I ended up getting something much better.  A friend I studied  Arabic with last spring who lives in Oslo said she would come meet me for the weekend!  We ended up having and amazing time eating everything in site and visiting endless vintage stores. It was the ultimate girls weekend. One nerd moment, I was so excited being in the birthing place of H&M, to see clothes from the brand Hennes which is H&M long before they got the M loving it! Also was able to go (outside) of the place where the creators of Black Power Mixtape work. My friend actually found it and it was really cool to see, wish they would have been there would have been interesting to just pop in.

Photos from left to right: Me outside Stockholm Palace, posters outside the creators office of Black Power Mixtape, Skeppsholmen bridge, view from a park, old town Stockholm.

Fridays are for Fashion

Friday's are good days, I think most people can attest to that. For me if I don't have to work I usually keep my Friday mornings and afternoons wide open to catch up on things from the week. These past few weeks have been especially busy and I haven't had any time to get through all of my November issues (and one October). 

The Elle October issue was amazing, the Personal Style Issue. I love seeing whats trending. When it comes to having great personal style it is important to find trends that align with you, but also trying things out of you comfort zone. Personal style is constantly evolving which is great. From the mouth of Wilhelmina Slater "Taste is having the courage of your own convictions." 

Be confident when it comes to your look, confidence is one accessory that can transform any outfit. 

Picked out a few of the trends that I am loving right now:

Suede: First off whats not to love right? Adds great texture and can have such a rich color which can really enhance any outfit.

• Panelope by Steve Madden
• Burberry Trench
• 'Betty' Shoulder Bag by Saint Laurent

Pattern: houndstooth, tartan, shepherds check, tweed I love them all. The best part about these prints are they are usually warm and practical. These have been seen all over this season including this great Prada handbag. 

• Checked Blazer by Zara 
• Houndstooth Print Trousers by Zara 
• Two- Sided Scarf by Zara

Isabel Marant: Who isn't talking about this right now? Isabel Marant for H&M and it is anything but a disappointment. One jacket in particular I cannot get off my mind (middle picture), but it is all beautiful.  

• Jacket with Beaded Embroidery 
• Boyfriend Jean
• Suede Shoes

Things We Love: November

Eye creams in my book are necessity. The skin under your eye is different then the skin on the rest of your face and should be treated accordingly. Clinique all about eyes is an old time favorite that I have recently been reconnected with. I was at an outlet mall recently and went into the Cosmetic Company Outlet. If you haven't been to one GO! I was able to snag this little guy for a pretty good deal and thought I would see if it was all that I remembered it to be. It was! I am back in love. The best part about eye creams are they last forever since you need such a small amount. Side note Clinque is offering free shipping till the end of December!



Personally I sort of hate "fall" and "holiday" smells when it comes to candles. They are usually way to strong and I get sick of them before I can burn them out. Farmstand Apple was one of the fall smells from Bath & Body Works. I was not in love when I bought it but there was a deal and thought it was alright. Well after burning it for a while I am actually in love. I think it is fresh and sweet and just perfect for the kitchen. I ended up finding a reed diffuser at Pier 1 also in a scent almost identical to this and had to buy that too!


I am all about face masks. Even when they're not doing that much for my face I think there fun and relaxing. The Aveda Outer Peace Cooling mask does it all, it actually works and lets me have my fake spa time. When it says it calms skin and reduces redness its truth. The only trick is make sure you apply it thick or it wont give you the full results. Your suppose to only use it once a week which is sort of depressing but, I am sure a person could use it more than that.


Finally got my first Ipsy bag, overall I was pretty pleased. But I was surprised that I actually fell in love with one of the products it is a lip crayon by Be a Bombshell in the color hot damn . It goes on with complete ease, feels great, and wears well. I was pretty surprised at how long it lasted actually. I went ahead and ordered two more and cannot wait to get them!





Thought I would add a picture of my first Ipsy bag for fun, I am telling you go sign up!
 ---> http://www.ipsy.com/r/1y61

Get Cooking: Baked Cheese Ravioli in Alfredo Sauce

I got off work today and was thinking how badly I wanted Olive Garden! But, I also thought I can't remember the last time I cooked. So figured I would head to Target and pick of a few things and pass on another night of eating out. I knew I had a jar of Alfredo sauce and some heavy whipping cream at home already, so I picked up some parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, an onion, and Buitoni four cheese ravioli. For the last four ingredients I just eyeballed them and did what felt right. The amounts are really just a suggestion.

Heated up a breadstick and BAM a meal just as good as Olive Garden (I suppose..) I would definitely make this again. This recipe is beyond simple my only regret is not adding some grilled chicken, or shrimp. I think it would have added a lot.

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. Buitoni refrigerated four cheese ravioli
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 large onion
• 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon bread crumbs 

Directions:

PREHEAT oven to 400º F. Grease an 8-inch-square baking dish.

HEAT oil in large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden. Add sauce; cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Stir in pasta. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cheese and bread crumbs over pasta mixture; cover.
BAKE for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake for additional 5 minutes or until golden brown. 

Final Product