Weekend Wardrobe || Caped Crusader

I took a trip home this weekend that was long overdue.  We all went out for dinner at The Landmark, a restaurant in my hometown.  I highly recommend it if you ever find yourself in the Western NY area.  And nothing says Saturday night more than a bold lip and stylish cape.  Check out my outfit from the weekend and where you can pick up similar pieces.

Leggings: I picked these up at TJ Maxx.  They're Ivanka Trump and super comfortable!  I found a similar pair from Lord & Taylor...bonus?  You can get them at a steal of a price right now.

Turtleneck: Another TJ Maxx find!  I'm a huge fan of turtlenecks especially during the winter months.  It's a great basic piece that can be used on it's own with layered accessories or with other sweaters or capes.  Once again I couldn't find any on the TJ Maxx site, but I did find some at Lord & Taylor again here.

Cape: I'm obsessed with the clothes that Kerry Washington wears on Scandal.  So when The Limited announced they're clothing line in collaboration with the show, I counted down the days until the first collection was released.  I immediately saw this cape and vowed that it would be mine.  After months of waiting, it went on sale (contrary to what many store associates and articles said) and I got it!  I love this cape!  Here are some other outerwear options from The Limited that are on sale now.

Boots: I just got these boots about a month ago from Target.  I have been looking for a pair of knee high boots for almost a year.  I wasn't even shopping for these when I was at Target (typical) and once I found them and discovered that they were on sale I had to have them.  Here are a few options to look through, and one pair is on clearance for only $25! Target.com/overthekneeboots

Lips: Lucky for me I have an awesome sister that let me borrow this bold lip shade for dinner.  It's Maybelline New York Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color in Fuchsia Ecstasy.  This color was so fun to wear and it lasted the entire night.  They have some great colors perfect if you're looking for a change or a bold color for spring.  Here's a link where you can get yours and see the other colors they offer: Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color

Purse: I got this incredible clutch for Christmas from my Mom.  She found it at a local Craft Show at Chautauqua Institution, which is a great place to find local, unique crafts, artwork and clothing.  This clutch was handmade by Jessica Joy.  Her line is called Goldyfish by Jessica Joy and she had more than just small clutches and handbags.  My sister got a larger tote/saddle bag and there are several more designs/colors to choose from.  Check her out and where she'll be displaying some of her creations at http://www.goldyfish.com/.

xoxo,

B.

February Fun Facts

Sometimes I need some post inspiration...and for that I turn to Google.  I literally type in the search bar "Blog Ideas for February" and several lists and hits pop up before my eyes.  One post that I clicked on listed the idea "10 Fun Facts About Yourself."  As I was writing down my 10 fun facts, I realized that by 5 I had more than enough.  So here are 5 random, fun and a little embarrassing fun facts about me :)

1.  I'm an Avid Car Singer.  I love to belt out my favorite songs with the music blasting when I'm driving.  I think it's a way to prepare myself for the future karaoke session I'll have one day at a bar or club.

2.  I'm a Control Freak.  This may not fall under fun but it is a fact.  This is the reason why I get anxiety when taking off or landing on an airplane.  And its also the reason why I find it hard to sleep in the car when someone else is driving.  It's the feeling of not having full control over the situation.  It's one of my biggest weaknesses.

3.  I Believed in Santa Claus Until I was 13...maybe even 14.  I do have some justification to this, the first being the fact that I have 2 younger sisters, one who is 6 years younger than me so the dream was still very much alive.  And second, my BFF in middle school and I made a pact that we'd both ask for the brand new iPod Minis (you know when they first came out in colors like pink, green and silver) for Christmas.  Both of our parents had already shot down the idea telling us that they were too expensive.  So we figured that if we asked Santa and got them he must be real.  Well on Christmas Day that year we both got our iPod Minis; thus, Santa Claus is real.  So again the magic still lived on for about another year or so and I did eventually figure out that it was my parents all along.

Here's 13 year old me obviously very excited to receive something from good ol' Saint Nick

4.  I Love Purple.  This may already be a well known fun fact, but it still makes the list.  If you saw my teenage bedroom, college dorm room or any of my basic possessions (work bag, iPhone case, headphones, water bottle, etc.) you could make the assumption that I like purple.  Let's not forget that it is the color of royalty and amethyst is my birthstone so  guess you could say it's in my blood.

5.  I Majored in Pre Med.  Only for a short time in college but I did seriously consider it.  I debated a career path similar to the one I am on now and one that ended with me becoming a pediatrician or some physician that worked with children.  I shadowed my pediatrician, took classes, learned what I could about the profession; but, at the end of they day my head was in it...but my heart wasn't.  So I switched my major back to Communications and here I am today.

xoxo,
B.

Weekend Wear || Winter White

This winter has seen some unusually warm days so I decided to give this "winter white" trend a try.  See below for my look and where you can get some of the pieces I put together in this Weekend Wear outfit.

Jeans: Liverpool in Lucy.  I love these jeans and I always get so many compliments when I wear them.  I have white, black and dark wash denim.  Find yours here LiverpoolJeans.com

Top: American Eagle Sweater.  They have some amazing sweaters right now and some on sale.  Check 'em out www.ae.com

Fur Vest: My vest is from Forever 21.  I didn't think I needed another fur vest since I already own 2 but I've found that this one isn't too heavy and perfect for a unseasonably warm winter day.  I couldn't find this exact style online but here are a few that are similar: Classc Fur Vest, Shaggy Fur Vest, & Texture Fur Vest

Shoes: I'm not sure where these shoes are from actually.  My mom was going to get rid of them but I decided to give them a second life.  But I was recently at Target and they had some great boots, on sale too!

Jewelry: My jewelry if from a variety of different places.  My necklace is from an adorable shop in Providence, RI that I bought when visiting my friend C.  I found a few that are similar here and here. My bracelets...the one with the gemstones is a Bourbon & Bowtie bracelet and come in a variety of styles and you can browse for yourself here.  My infinity bracelet is from a Reeds jewelers and I got it for Christmas from my parents last year.  But they have an entire Infinity collection and this bracelet in another style here.

How do you rock the winter white trend?  Share your photos with me in your next post and give me a shout out!

xoxo,

B.

On the Road || Virginia is for Lovers

     Well it was a crazy Valentine's Day weekend.  For those of you who don't know my current career - it requires a lot of travel.  I'll go on the road as tour manager for Jim Brickman when I'm needed for sometimes a weekend or a bit longer.  Being Valentine's Day and Jim being America's New Romantic Piano Sensation, this is a popular weekend.

     I flew out Wednesday night and arrived in Boston.  Bob - the sound engineer and my cohort on Jim's radio show - was traveling with me and we decided to indulge in some homemade Italian food
for dinner.  The concert was in Worcester Friday and then early Thursday morning Bob and I flew to Baltimore.  It was a quick drive to York, PA where our next show was.  Of course it wouldn't be a successful trip without some travel snafus but we made due and had a great show.

     Saturday while Jim, Anne and Tracy (Anne Cochran is a female vocalist and Tracy Silverman an electric violinist who tour with Jim now and then) were in Toledo performing with the symphony, Bob and I had the day off.  Prior to our travels I did some research and learned that Williamsburg was on the way to our final destination of Norfolk, Virginia.  Growing up I was oddly fascinated with Colonial American and the 13 colonies.  I watched "Liberty Kids" on PBS, knew all the words to every Schoolhouse Rock song involving the topic and read every "Dear America" book involving a young girl in the early 1700s.  But then there was Felicity.  Felicity was one of the OG American Girl dolls and I loved her.  Her clothes, her tories/books and her beautiful red locks.  Ever since I got her one Christmas, the dream to go to Colonial Williamsburg was born.  So knowing I'd be driving right through it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
     Colonial Williamsburg was everything and more.  We walked the dirt streets and went into the old general stores, looked in the windows of the carpenter's shop and of course took a picture in the stocks.  Unfortunately it was very cold so walking around outside was a bit bitter and we didn't have enough time to purchase a self guided tour pass.  But I see that as an opportunity to go back.  We did receive some great recommendations from my friend who attended the College of William and Mary: the cheese shop, the peanut shop, and dinner at the Blue Talon.  And Williamsburg has some great shopping (there's an outlet mall a few minutes away) and other nearby towns to explore.  I highly recommend spending a long weekend there but maybe in the warmer months :)

     Valentine's day was celebrated with a great show in Norfolk but our travel day/trip didn't end as

sweet.  All of our flights on Monday were delayed or cancelled. So it took a lot of phone calls, texts
and reworked travel plans to get everyone on track.  After 2 cancelled flights, Wendy (my coworker and Queen of all Air Travel Coordination) and I found a flight from Norfolk to La Guardia to Cleveland that would get me home at a decent hour.  So a quick pack up, speedy shuttle ride, ticket purchase and speed-walk through the airport I made it.  Lucky for me the flight to NY was delayed so I had some time to spare.  Unlucky for me my flight from NY to Cleveland ended up being cancelled. Third times the charm, right?  After another reroute through Charlotte I finally made it back in the 216 around 12:15am.  Situations like these come with the job so you really just have to be ready for anything and try & travel with a carry on whenever you can.  So another weekend down and it definitely wasn't short of exciting.  Can't wait to see what adventure the next dates bring!

xoxo,
B.

Who Do You Love?

Valentine's Day.  A day to celebrate the people you love the most.  Over the years I've accumulated some pretty great Valentines.  Of course for the past 24 years of my life my parents have been my best Valentines.  They've always been there with a smile, a hug and usually a Snickers bar :) (my favorite candy in the history of candy).  Then my 2 younger sisters came along and bam 2 more Valentines to add to the list.  I love my sisters and knowing that we're there for each other in good times and bad is such a great feeling.  Plus we have so much fun together and they are my forever friends.  Last but certainly not least is my dog, Ellie.  She's the best Valentine because she loves you unconditionally.  It doesn't matter if you've had a good day or a bad day this puppy will give you so much love and snuggles.  She's the best.

Next comes my friends.  My group of high school friends are my Valentines.  They've seen me at my best and my worst (those unmentionable teenage/middle school years).  We've had some pretty great adventures together and a part.  But what's the best of all is no matter how long we've been away from each other, when we all come together it's an amazing time and we pick up right where we left off.

My college friends are incredible.  Even though we aren't down the hall from one another any more, we still do our best to stay in touch.  Group texts, phone calls, FaceTime...anything we can to stay up to date on the latest goings ons in our lives.  We do our best to make time to get together in person when we can but even when it's been months or years since we've all been together our friendship is so strong it can survive the test of time.  Still one of our favorite Valentine's Days was when the 4 of us went to a California Pizza Kitchen when we were in college to celebrate with pizza and candy apples.

So no matter who are you celebrating this Valentine's Day with -your parents, siblings, friends or pet- remember to celebrate the relationships you have in your life and letting those people know your love for them.

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo,

B.

Giving Up & Giving a Try

Lent.  By definition the lenten season is "an annual season of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasting 40 weekdays to Easter, observed by Roman Catholic, Anglican, and certain other churches" (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lent).  I grew up in what I would consider a religious family - we went to Church every Sunday, were involved in Sunday school, I attended a Church camp every summer, and participated in Church services by performing or as an usher.

Every year around this time I've always viewed Lent as a great season to spiritually refocus or reset.  In the past, I've always given something up that's not too hard but not too easy.  Essentially, I engage in said behavior time and again but giving it up isn't a true sacrifice. But not this year.  This year I've vowed to give up something that's actually going to be a challenge.  What may this be?  Alcohol.  Yes for the next 40 days I'll be passing on all alcoholic bevies.  However, I"m allowing myself 2 "cheat weekends" -after all in the definition of Lent it does say "weekdays."  The first is the weekend of my sister's 21st birthday, I mean come on I have to participate in the festivities and I refuse to be the DD (sorry sis).  And the second is when I'm on my family vacation in Florida, which is right at the tail end of Lent so I figure on the last weekend or so I can indulge.  Other than that I'll be sipping on some H2O...maybe fruit infused.

And I don't think Lent should be limited to giving something up, but should also include giving something a try that's beneficial to my life.  So what am I trying for the next 40 days?  Limiting Screen Time.  This includes no phones or social media once I get in bed because I find that to be my worst habit.  Just mindlessly scrolling for hours in bed and then not getting a restful night's sleep.  The second part to this is limiting TV time to 4-5 hours a week.  This is going to be a huge challenge because A and I have that amount of TV just on Tuesday night's (I may be exaggerating).  When I share this with people they usually ask, "What are you going to do?"  Well...read, blog, engage in social activities that involve face to face interactions, exercise, work, get involved in an organization - the possibilities are endless!

I'm sure there will be hard days, weeks, heck this may just be a really hard month!  But I won't know all the benefits both of these things could have on my life without giving it a try.  So whether you do believe in a higher power or not, this is still a great time to just reset and do something to challenge yourself.  Besides since everyone else is doing it you might as well, right?  Peer pressure.

So what will you give up or give a try for the next 40 days?

xoxo,
B.

What I've Been Up To: Brynne's Bash

This past weekend I celebrated my 24th birthday.  We celebrated by heading to the Flats in Cleveland to take part in the Mardi Gras bar crawl.  It was a great weekend full of laughs, surprises and a great celebration.   Thank you to everyone who helped make this birthday one of the best yet.  I cannot wait to see what this year has in store!

Before we set out on the crawl, I received a special delivery from Cleveland Cupcake Co. from my best friend C who lives in Wichita, KS.  Then a beautiful flower arrangement arrived from my parents & sisters.  A made some homemade doughnuts with purple icing (of course) to serve as my bday cake.  And last but not least my boss surprised me with a limo so we could ride in style to the Flats.

A few pics from the crawl!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make my 24th birthday so special!  I love you all and I guess I need to start brainstorming my 25th celebration...it's gonna be tough to top this one!

xoxo,

B.

Currently: February Edition

I thought it would be fun to bring back my "Currently" post every month.  So here's a glimpse into a few things that are currently going on in my life this February 2016...

Current Music -
Recently, my youngest sister introduced me to the musical The Last Five Years.  It's available to stream on Netflix and if you haven't seen it, finish reading this post and go watch it ASAP.  Once you're done watching it and become as obsessed as I am, download the soundtrack recorded by the original cast -Sherie Rene Scott and Norbert Leo Butz.  Try to not listen to it every moment of every day!  Even though the show never made it to the Great White Way - it totally should have - you'll be so moved by these lyrics and the music, I can't say enough about how amazing it is.  Lucky for you I provided a playlist below so you can prep for your viewing of the movie later.



Current Nail Color -
I'll be honest and say that my current nail color is nude.  No, not a nice nude hue but literally nude or naked as in no polish.  I haven't painted my nails in some time which drives me nuts inside.  I feel like if someone is able to take the time to either paint their nails themselves or even pay to have them done, they've really got their stuff together.  Having painted finger nails I think just brings an entire look all together and I'm really jealous of the people that do have their nails painted.  Goal for this weekend: paint my nails.  We'll see if I actually do it.  And I'll spare you all a picture of my not so pretty naked nails, one habit I need to stop is biting them...yikes!

Current Obsession -
Right now I'm really obsessed with two amazing workouts.  Barre3 and Alexa Jean Fitness.  My roommate A and I bought an online subscription to Barre3 for the year.  This workout is so intense!  It targets your butt, thighs and core and having the online subscription allows you to pick from a variety of lengths, areas you want to target and what equipment the workout will include.  What makes it so great is we can do it in the comfort of our own home.  It's so convenient!  The other workout I'm obsessed with are those created by fit mom and Instagram superstar Alexa Jean.  Her "Sore to the Core," "Upper Body Challenge" and "But & Leg Challenge" work outs are amazing and don't take too much time to complete.  Each workout comes with multiple downloads so you can have the workout on your computer, phone and tablet.  Plus each course or challenge is a 30 day time span so it's really doable and then when you've completed it you can repeat it.  The before & after posts on her Instagram page are what convinced me to buy her workouts but so far I can definitely feel a difference.  Seriously go check her out! Here's a link to her Instagram: Alexa Jean Fitness and here's a link to Barre3's site so you can try an online class or find a studio near you: barre3.com

Current Triumph -
That I'm actually blogging again!  Even though we're still in the first week, the fact that I'm making the time to blog again is a real triumph for me.  Hopefully next month this will still be true.

Current Mood -
Excited!  This Saturday is my birthday and I've got big plans with some of my friends.  It's going to be a great weekend and I cannot wait.  Since my birthday is in February I've never been able to do anything fun, so the fact that I actually have plans is rare, which is the reasoning behind said excitement.  More on my plans to come in a future post :)

Now it's your turn!  Share with me your "Currently" in the comments below or make your own post and tag me.  Happy February!

Current...
Procrastination
Book
Food
Band of Existence

xoxo,

B.

Why Do I Blog?

If you've noticed I haven't posted much in the past year you may be reading this post title and thinking Why does she blog?  She barely even posts anything.  How can she possibly answer this question?  While your thoughts are valid, I'm using this post to get back to my roots as to why I started this blog and as a motivator to keep up with it on a regular basis.  So now to answer the question...Why do I blog?

I started this blog to find myself.  I was a recent college graduate looking for my place and I used this as a form of exploring as to where that place was.  Now that I have a job and a place in Cleveland, Ohio I think this blog has transitioned into another creative outlet for self-expression.  A safe place I can share what I'm exploring in terms of places I'm traveling, fashion trends I'm trying, or a skill I'm attempting to master.  I want this blog to be a destination.  A destination for other 20-somethings looking for a new trend to try, a new book to read, or just a few relatable words on a situation they may be going through.  I want this blog to be a friend.  That friend who knows the exact playlist you need on a Wednesday when you're in the middle of that 3 o'clock slump at work, the friend who has the latest & greatest movie you need to binge on Netflix, or the friend who knows the perfect quote to turn your day from good to great.  I want this blog to be a source.  A source for the latest & greatest products to help you with simple problems, a source for hidden gems in any city I may be in, or a source for a second opinion.

These are the reasons why I blog and I hope they are enough to make you want to visit Labels and Love time and time again.  This is my written vow that I want to be more engaging and bring you the best of the best.  Here's to a new blogging resolution (hopefully I stick to it this time).

xoxo,

B.