picture of the week

July 31, 2015 by allie in picture of the week

Hi! I'm having one of those weeks over here. I've spent the week in my head being overly critical of myself and just generally feeling down. Have you ever had a week like that? I'm feeling pretty grateful for the time spent typing up this post with a good cup of coffee right now. What are you up to this weekend? We've got a big one ahead of us - Raven's brother and his 2 daughters are coming by tonight, and tomorrow is my Bachelorette party! Friends, I am so excited. We'll be hitting up a couple wineries in the Hudson Valley, and I'm going to hug each of my friends as tightly as I can. I truly feel like I hit the lottery in terms of friends, and I cannot wait to share the day with them tomorrow. Please follow along on Instagram, if you would. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and here are my favorite links of the week:

Later today I'm headed out to get my nails done here, have you heard of it? They're one of the few NYC nail salons that ethically employs technicians, so I'll be proud to support them!

Champagne on ice. Hmm...

Last night I spent an hour on the phone with Courtney chatting about my weird week. She's so much miracle worker wrapped up in a tiny little Italian body. Do yourself a favor and attend her creativity webinar on Tuesday! Sign up here. (ps it's FREE)

When Raven isn't home, I like to have an adult beverage and watch a movie that I know he'd hate. This list is awesome, because watching a rom com just feels so good.

Drybar for makeup!?

My best friend Gill likes to call me "Drunk Mommy." Which are you?

New Season of Key & Peele. They are masters; please, please watch the show!

Love these new arrivals.

My loves! See you Monday...

xoxo,

the best bra ever.

May 26, 2015 by allie in get dressed

Good morning, friends! After a very relaxing (read: 2 naps a day relaxing) weekend, I'm more than ready to get back into the swing of things! As much as I love having (more or less) my own schedule, something about the stability of a routine is extremely comforting.

And speaking of comfort - let's talk about bras. My boobs have a weird history; they've been small (weight loss), they've been big (thanks, birth control and freshman 15!), and they're currently somewhere in the middle. As you might imagine, my history with bras has been similarly all over the place. Cup size? Underwire or not? Do I even really need a bra? Today I'm outlining everything I've ever learned about everyone's favorite undergarment, so without further ado:

The best strapless bra: Gap Favorite Strapless

This bra is like a little shelf for my boobs, lifting them and helping affirm my possession of them, should that be in question. It's comfy and I never have to hike it up; it has these little clear rubber bands on the inside which have a death like grip on my body. I've worn it for multiple 12 hour days and it never slips. It also doesn't look like a strapless bra, so I never get that awkward dip between the cup and my chest. Rule: buy one and make it flesh colored. You only need a flesh colored strapless. Any other color defeats the purpose of a strapless bra (which is that it goes unseen). The skin tone color will disappear once it's under a white or semi sheer piece of clothing.

The best fancy bra: Natori

When I want to feel a little fancy, I always buy Natori bras. They aren't cheap but Nordstrom has amazing sales on these babies. For a sexy bra, grab any color you like, the thought being that it will be seen at some point (if only by you and your dog). Rule: Get measured. If you're spending that much on a bra, you need to buy it in the proper size. In my experience, Natori runs small, so head to a department store or boutique and have someone measure you.

The best bralette: Cosabella Never Say Never

So, here's a secret: I never wear bras with underwire anymore (except the aforementioned strapless). About 3 years ago I lost a bunch of weight, and none of my old bras fit me. I was at H&M one day and stumbled upon the cutest bralette. I scooped it up and it became my favorite bra ever. Since then, I've returned to a normal weight, but I haven't returned to cups and underwire. I just like the way bralettes make me feel. You can imagine, then, that I was so pleased to discover these adorable lacy bralettes from Cosabella (wait for a sale). I love wearing a bold color like hot pink under a plain white tee, especially in summer. Rule: Hand wash only. These things are too beautiful to machine wash.

The best bra ever: Coobie

This bra has changed my life. Okay, truly it's a bralette, but it's the most comfortable option ever, underwire or not. Nicole at The Brass Owl introduced me to these bras last year, and I've been wearing them almost exclusively ever since. They're one size fits most, so you don't need to worry about getting measured, and they have removable cups and straps, which makes them extra versatile. Rule: Take out the cups for everyday, then add them in for a night situation. Make sure to tighten the straps to enhance your cleavage. Damn, you sexy!

I'd love to hear your thoughts / tips, etc, friends! Holler at your girl!

xoxo,

the ultimate packing list

August 14, 2014 by allie in get dressed

As I've mentioned, Raven and I leave for Costa Rica on SUNDAY! We are so excited, especially with what was a very scary passport snafu behind us! In deciding what to pack for this trip, I wanted to reduce the pieces I bring and just bring better things, and I wanted to share my list with you!

Hope you enjoy!

1. Cozy Workout Wear - Raven and I plan on taking a hike and attending yoga class, so I'm bringing a workout shirt and pants with me. My feet always get cold on planes, so I'll wear my sneaks during the flight.

2. Classic every day outfits - I plan on spending 95% of the trip in my bathing suit, but for lunches / exploring, etc, I'm bringing one classic tee / one graphic tee, and 2 pairs of jean shorts. Bandana is for sunny days / sweaty brow / looking good in general.

3. I wish I could pack this little guy. He hopped up while I was shooting this and I didn't have the heart to make him get down.

4. Turkish Towel - I'm so excited about bringing this to the pool and the beach, and will be using it to keep warm on the plane!

5. Tieks! Paramount for comfort, I'll put these on when we land / where them around the resort. They're great for walking and look how nicely they fold up!

6. Bikini - I only have one, so this year I sprang and purchased one by Norma Kamali, which is the epitome of classic, and is super flattering.

7. Sandals - I'm sure I'll dress up for dinner one night, and I'll wear these when I do. Aren't they the perfect summer sandal? (not pictured- Birks!)

8. Fancy Dinner Outfit - I'm on the fence as to whether or not I bring a dress on this trip. These flowy pants from target and simple backless tank would be the perfect amount of sexy, but part of me wants to bring a dress. We'll see!

9. Unmentionables - I'm bringing one nude strapless, one lacy bralette, and the best thongs. I put them all in a zippered pouch for travel, then put the dirty pairs back in the pouch over the course of the trip.

Aside from the above, I'll be bringing the following:

- Bronzer

- Antibiotics, Benadryl and Tylenol (I'm insane but you never know!)

- Hand Sanitizer

- Snacks to bring to the beach

I'm so excited! Oh, and I dyed my hair...check it out!