Spring

LET. IT. RAIN.

"If all the raindrops were lemon drops and gum drops, oh what a rain it would be..."

When it rains, it pours.  Thankfully this weekend there was a brief moment of sunshine on Saturday, because for all day Sunday it was a wet, chilly mess here in NYC.   I found myself caught without an umbrella (again!) in a downpour Sunday morning, and it got me thinking about rain in general.  Prior to moving to New York I always took for granted the ease with which in Texas we easily navigate the rain- walking from building to car to garage and never really worrying we will get stuck without our umbrella stranded in the rain.  In New York, I've quickly learned it's better to ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS bring the umbrella because there is nothing worse than being stuck without your umbrella and still six blocks from home.  I always debate whether I should make a run for my apartment and arrive soaking wet resembling what I like to think of as a drowned rat when I get there, or suck it up and buy another cheapo umbrella from the man who appears without fail every single time it rains to sell them on the street (I've lost count of how many times I've ended up purchasing one of these gems!).

Rain.  It comes sporadically. Steady. Softly. Unexpectedly. But no matter what, it comes.  And what we do when it arrives, is entirely up to us. Isn't that how so many things in life are too? I know I certainly have plenty rainy days, ones that I often believe they are so dreadful all I want to do is stay in bed and avoid the day at all cost, when in reality, a little rain is needed in order to grow and bring new life, right?   It's best to put your wellies on, throw on that rain jacket, grab your umbrella, and get out there and take in the rain and be thankful for all rain brings both to our own lives as well as to the outdoors surrounding us .  Rain has also taught me that you can never take yourself or life too seriously, because there are always going to be obstacles in your way, you're always going to get caught without your umbrella and seeking a place to take cover, and the best thing to do is find comfort in knowing the rain will pass and learn to laugh at yourself, because life is far too short to let a little rain get you down. 
Since it is springtime, and that inevitably means rain showers, I had to share a few of my must-have rain essentials.   Do you have any rain boots? If you are in the market for new rain boots, I absolutely LOVE my Loeffler Randal taupe rain boots and would highly recommend them! What are your rain essentials?


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COLOR COMBO CRASH COURSE: COBALT+CORAL

Color Combo Crash Course, Cobalt and Coral
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Recently, I have seen the coral and cobalt blue combo EVERYWHERE.  I am not one to stray from my "uniform" of black, white, or the occasional red or bright pink, but this color trend is something I'm going to try out for spring/summer.  It's perfect to brighten up your look and there are so many different options out right now to get this look, as shown by Olivia Palermo below, I mean can rock anything she puts on, gorgeous!


Have any of ya'll tried out this color combo for spring yet? Any favorite coral or cobalt blue pieces you've found? Let me know because I would  love to check them out!

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ON..

It's no secret that I am a big fan of Shopbop.  It is of course a one stop shop to find the PERFECT outfit for any occasion, always. They rarely have promo codes, but LUCKY YOU because right now for 2 days, until midnight tomorrow, you can get 20% off with the code INTHEFAMILY20.

This would be the perfect time to stock up on a few key staples for spring, or just if you are in search for the perfect spring/summer outfit, go ahead and buy it now while you get the discount, right?. A few of the things I'm currently eyeing on Shopbop....

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Oh and also wanted to remind ya'll that the special edition issue of Domino Magazine, yes you read that right, the quick fixes edition of Domino came out today, and is PHENOMENAL.  Oh how I have missed Domino Magazine! Anyone who isn't familiar with the original Domino Magazine (which ceased publication in 2009), was a fan favorite among those in the decor world primarily because it filled an enormous gap in decor magazines at the time, offering only the extreme high-end and the bare bones budget focused options for decor.  Domino offered a high-low approach to home decor and positioned itself uniquely as the lone youthful home decor magazine, encompassing both chic and bohemian, and accessibility for anyone who picked up the magazine.

The latest special edition, Quick Fixes, offers a look at the best home decorating stories, focusing on easy, inexpensive changes that make a world of a difference.  I would love to know what you think of the new Domino release? Is it going to fill the void for the huge fan base of the old Domino Magazine? 

LINE I'M LOVING: BRAHMIN BAGS

I first discovered  Brahmin's gorgeous bags on Instagram when I saw a photo posted by the Glitter Guide's Taylor Sterling, seen in the photo below.  I tweeted to the Glitter Guide to find out who made the bag and was so happy they took the time to respond and give me the designer name so I could go check the bags out for myself, thank you Glitter Guide! I fell in love with all their spring styles, and would like one of each of these, no seriously.  They are all amazing, so it was certainly hard to narrow down which ones to showcase on the blog, but below are a few of my favorites from their new collection.


MAN REPELLER x DANNIJO

 The Man Repeller's Leandra Medine has done it again with her second collaboration of colorful necklaces and bracelets with the sister duo making up DANNIJO.  MR. DANNIJO Volume II  strikes the perfect balance of femine and masculine themes.  Not to mention, it makes the perfect accessory to complete any spring outfit!  Check out a few of my favorite pieces from the MR DANNIJO line below and check out the entire collaboration on the DANNIJO website. Personally, I would give my left arm (ok maybe just a few fingers, but you get the point) for the GORGEOUS Betty Davis necklace below... HELLO FABULOUS!

FIVE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT APRIL.

Well a few days behind in posting, but hope your April is off to a fabulous start!  I have to admit, I am loving the changing of the seasons here in New York.  I don't think we truly have a real four seasons in Texas, definitely not as drastic as they are in the northeast.  Although, it certainly wasn't what most New Yorkers would refer to as a true winter here, you can see signs of spring all around the city these days and I am LOVING it.



Spring is definitely here and so many wonderful things to love about April.  Just a few of my favorites are listed above, and I'm particularly excited about the beautiful Virginia Johnson prints on Stampa, aren't they just fabulous?  Opening day of baseball is also something to look forward to, and it just so happens to be TODAY.  I grew up with both brothers playing baseball and swore I would never watch another game in my life after all the tournaments I went to over the years.  Well, I was wrong and have once again found myself excited for this time of year and the start of baseball season...plus, after visiting Citi Field for a Mets game, trust me, there is so much more to enjoy about a baseball game than the actual game, pretzels and beer anyone? Yes please! What do you love about April? Any specific things you are looking forward to this month? 

EMERSON FRY DESIGNER CRUSH


I had NO idea that the brand formally known as EmersonMade has changed the name to Emerson Fry New York City.  The new spring line is gorgeous and I love EVERYTHING about this new line.  She and her husband have recreated the brand to capture everything I would want in a clothing line, flattering cuts, gorgeous femininity, and a casual look.  Below are a few of my favorite pieces from the spring collection.  


Coat//Tunic (sold out until June)//Orange Dress//Maxi Dress

What do ya'll think?  Isn't the entire line just perfection? 

GRAPEFRUIT MARGARITAS

Ever since I returned home from Mexico I've been craving a good margarita, and sadly, they just don't seem to taste like the real deal I had on vacation (possibly because I'm not sitting on the beach while drinking the margaritas!).  I came across this recipe here the other day and it is DELICIOUS.  A perfect, fresh spring drink for a warm day! Now only if it would get back to the beautiful weather we had here in New York last week, then I would be good to go! In the meantime, I can sip these while imagining it is springtime outside:) .  Let me know what you think of them!

NEON BRIGHTS!


 I am loving all of the neon pink, yellow and green that I'm seeing for spring and summer.  I'm in the process of setting up my desk/office area, and while I don't have the kind of space that I did in Austin, I certainly have plenty to work with and sure hope to find a spot for the neon Ampersand prints. I am in LOVE with those.  Also loving the Rag & Bone yellow cut offs, but a bit unsure what those will look like when my tan from Mexico fades, still debatable.  However you choose to add a little touch of neon into your spring and summer wardrobe, all are guaranteed to brighten up your day! If you have a favorite neon must-have that I missed let me know! I would love to check it out!

ZARA SPRING SHOES.



I recently stopped in to Zara on 5th Avenue and was pleasantly surprised at the number of pretty fabulous cute spring sandals that I saw.   They have a ton more than the three cute ones shown above, so I recommend checking out your local Zara store to scope out the rest of their fabulous spring shoe collection, or you can shop online.  I think I am going to have to purchase the two tone wedge shown above.  A perfect addition to the simple spring outfit!

HAPPY SPRING!


And I had to share with ya'll probably one of my all time favorite videos EVER (which says a whole lot considering I've got quite a few I tend to watch over and over and over).  This is the CUTEST proposal video I've ever seen and if you are wanting to take 8 minutes of your day to SMILE then I highly suggest you click the play button below.  You'll thank me later, trust me!


In case you have any trouble getting the youtube version to play you can also click on the following link to see this ADORABLE proposal video.

SPRING FEVER

Here in New York the warmer weather has got me itching for spring to be here (which as a side note happens to officially begin TOMORROW!).  I love all of the bright colors seen during the spring months and below is one of my very favorite tablescapes for a spring celebration.  I think it would be perfect for everything from a bridal or baby shower to getting the family together for Easter or a graduation party even.  Just love the chevron pattern in the yellow and the pops of pink with the mixed pink and yellow in the flower arrangements.  Think it is all lovely!

AND THE AWARD FOR BEST DRESSED...

Absolute favorite dress of the night goes to Michelle Williams in the GORGEOUS Louis Vuitton gown she chose.  She looks stunning! I also loved the dresses on both Emma Stone, who was wearing Giambattista Valli, and Milla Jovovich's white dress by Ellie Saab.  
Heidi Klum looks pretty AMAZING at the Elton John after party, and seriously could Collin Firth and his wife be any more cute? Is it just me or do Brad & Angelina look like dolls, or their Madame Tussaud's wax figures?