Put Your Best Brows Forward

…..

I recently popped down to Washington D.C. for an eyebrow appointment at Nectar Skin Bar. After months (yes months) of neglecting them, I really needed to get my brows in order. 

When I arrived I was so sad to learn that I was there on their last weekend ever in business!! For those of you who frequented Nectar, you understand the sadness…

Down side, they are now closed. Up side, I walked away with brows like never before and a whole new appreciation of the brow business (also with some amazing decorative lanterns since they were selling ALL of their salon decor for pennies!! How could I not?)

So while laying on the table, I was chatting with the super friendly brow technician and she asked me if I had ever considered brow tinting. To be honest I briefly thought about it a few years back, but then got scared off when I read horror stories about lash tinting and blindness…no bueno. 

I have naturally blonde/fair brows and while my hair is blonde to match (obviously natural… jk I literally just left the salon) I wondered if darkening up my face framers might make a great difference. The next thing I knew (before even really agreeing to it) she was combing tint into my brows and there was no turning back. I panicked for .2 seconds and then was like you know what, YOLO (which is easy to say when you learn brow tinting only lasts a few weeks then fades out). Worst case scenario I look like a scary clown for a few weeks…shit happens.

Thing is, I am SO glad I took the risk. I will admit, I liked them best about a week in (they are a little shocking at first especially when you are so used to lighter brows) but I kid you not, I started to get compliments everywhere I went. The woman in Starbucks, the lady in Anthropologie, my mom (haha) all asking me about my new set. 

Before I joined the tinting world I used a number of the above products to get the same look on nights when I was going full-on makeup. Now I don't even have to touch them, they are subtly striking on their own. If you don't want to take the plunge into the world of tinting try this (my favorite) or this (pomade helps to keep the hairs in place). Just make sure to talk to a Sephora specialist who can match your color for you correctly!

Anastasia products are the best I've found but I definitely want to know if you use something else that you swear by!

.E

This post first appeared on MinkSunday.com

Patagonia Mega Sale!

Now is the time to shop, friends! 

This sale is offering some reeeally amazing prices and there are SO many items to choose from! These pieces are worth investing in (I've had my Patagonia rain jacket since I studied abroad in England in 2007!! 

(dying that that was 9 years ago...). 

Shop some of my favorite sale picks below to keep warm this season, and check out the rest of the sale here.

P.S. I hear us East coasters are getting MORE snow next week....#NO.

Was $229 - Now $160!

Was $229 - Now $160!

Was $229 - Now $160!

Was $99 - Now $69!

Was $99 - Now $69!

Was $168 - Now $118!

Was $129 - Now $90!!!

Was $179 - Now $125! (Ordering!)

Was $139 - Now $97!

Happy Shopping!

.E

This post first appeared on MinkSunday.com

Ireland: What to Pack

.....

J and I are both dying to go to Ireland (it's in the top three on our travel hitlist) and we've been slowly starting to look into planning a trip (hopefully with one of our best couple friends - Hi W & J!). Though this venture is still in it's early planning stages, I cant help but dream of the cozy knits, cashmere beanies, and statement coats that will no doubt be packed or picked up along they way (hello?? I obviously have to get an authentic wool fisherman sweater + 1 million blanket wraps while there). 

Here is my packing checklist with everything from a #necessary black cape, to a thick and cozy (faux) shearling vest (because I obviously want to fit in with all the sheep herds I will be hugging visiting).

For my 30th birthday J bought me a new dreamy DSLR which is pretty much begging to be taken on vacation. Now all I need is that burnt orange leather tote and a renewal on my passport (why is that such a process ugh) and I am good to go!

What cool places are you itching to travel to??

.E


This post first appeared on MinkSunday.com

Sporty Spice

....

Happy Tuesday everyone! 

Think of it this way: We're almost to Wednesday which is half way through the week...we can do this!

I was chatting with my friend this morning (hi Kate!) about workout clothing and how much new, comfy and colorful clothes can really motivate you in the gym. But honestly WHY are they so expensive?! With the new year still upon us (and I'm sure I'm not the only one who ate her weight in cookies during this snow storm...please tell me I'm not?) everyone seems to be trying to get their workout routines back on track. However, it definitely gets frustrating when you want to pick up some new gear, but have to hand over your first born child to do so. 

Rest assured, I have found some affordable options for you to shop that will get you excited about those squats and spin classes!

Honestly, Lululemon I love you and I will still turn to you for special 'treat yo-self' occasions, but I can't bare to spend another $60 on a sports bra right now! 

.....

Old Navy: Old Navy is a great spot to shop affordable and cute workout clothes. They might not hold up for years, but at the prices they offer you can afford to replace every few months. I am currently eyeing these leggings, this tie-dye top with a cut out back, and this bright blue performance warm-up top

Gap: I love what Gap is doing with their Gapfit line right now! Also 9 times out of 10 there is some sort of sale/promotion listed on the homepage or via your inbox, so make SURE you don't ever pay full price! Looking toward spring and getting back outside, I love these brightly colored graphic running shorts! But until then, try these bright blue leggings with mesh panels for breathability. Are you a Class Pass gal and need comfortable, loose yoga tops? Love this one with the thumb loops and this one with the deep-V back!!

Zella: I love these leggings and you can find them at Nordstrom (hint: check Nordstrom Rack too, they always get over stock of these!). The best part of this workout line is the color/pattern options! If you want exercise clothes that are F.U.N. try these, these or these! Also you cant beat those prices.

Express: If you are like me, then you love to put on an all back sleek workout outfit that can take you from the gym to errands without looking totally nuts (my friend Cait calls this her ninja outfit which is so perfectly accurate). I have these mesh panel leggings on my list (and these which are a little more daring). Also I think graphic tees/tanks get the green light for the gym because why not make it fun? This one is for the ass kicker in you, and this one for a little mental motivation when you feel like giving up. Also, a lot of these are buy one get one 50% off right now...yasssss.

So really the moral of this rant is you can get excited for the gym, and workout in stylish comfortable clothing without breaking the bank...don't be fooled! 

P.S. Have any of you guys tried Fabletics? I am curious but want to know more about the quality and fit...

.E


This post first appeared on MinkSunday.com

Bleed Blue

…..

I remember a time when I thought blue was just for the boys (I was like 9, but was certain that the XY chromosome had laid claim on this one). Now I've come to my senses and cannot get enough of this bold hue! Every single shade gives me legit design chills especially when mixed all together. 

Navy, royal, baby, and cobalt tossed with some teal, turquoise and aqua and you've mastered a winner. Ughh I need to book a trip to the Greek islands…

Room must-haves include: An over dyed carpet, rich velvet fabrics, one of a kind artwork, and fluffy bunches of fresh hydrangeas.

Also can we talk about the amazing Safavieh (my favorite home furnishing brand ever) puzzle piece coffee table set. They look amazing together but would also work perfectly separated and scattered throughout the room.

Color me obsessed.

.E


This post first appeared on MinkSunday.com

My Bestie Valentine

Agate Coasters | Hanky Panky Set | Dogeared Heart Necklace | Girl Gang Tee | Gigi Personalized Phone Case | Vanessa Mooney Tassel Earrings | Heart Scarf | Swell Heart Bottle | Lemon Tree | Touchscreen Bow Gloves | "I'm Outta Here" Passport Cover

…..

One of the best Valentine's Days I ever had was actually not shared with a boyfriend/husband. It was in college and my best friend and I went to dinner, indulged in hours of girl chat, and ate/drank our weight in french onion soup and wine. There was nothing particularly remarkable about this specific night, but it's also one that I will never forget. This Valentine's Day celebrate the love that is right in front of your nose. Your sister, bestie, mom and pet make for great V-Day companions (I've already asked Bug to be mine). Make a dinner reservation at that place you've been dying to try, or plan a great menu at home and snuggle up. Want to make it extra special for your best gal pal? Pick up a small surprise presie to show them just how much they mean to you!

(Psst! Most of these gifts are under $50!) 

.E


This post first appeared on MinkSunday.com

Valentines Day For Her

.....

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Gifting for gals can sometimes be hard, so I'm here to do the work for you!

This one's for the guy who tends to leave Valentines Day to the last minute, or is just completely clueless. 

Above are some great gift options that any girl would surely love. But don't forget that an experience (weekend away, concert, dinner date etc) makes for a really special gift too!

If my valentine is reading this…insert heart eyed emoji here <3 wink wink 

.E

Pinspiration

Felt like I needed some good inspiration on this frigid hump day, so I hopped on over to Pinterest and now I am pumped full of ideas and motivation!

Pinterest has basically become part of my morning routine and I don't know how I ever lived without it (dramatic). Really though, it gets the creative juices flowing and gets me excited about my day/week/weekend. 

It makes me look at my closet differently and has dared me to try new recipes in the kitchen. It's given me the perfect motivational quote just when I needed it, and literally got me through my wedding planning year. It makes me want to create and encourages me to break out of my comfort zone. Basically, Pinterest is life and happiness (okay, end rant).

Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday!

.E

Here's a peak into some of my most recent pins - Hope they inspire you back!
(To follow me on Pinterest ---> Click Here)

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Botanical Blends

......

Botanical Blends

A great sitting area with soft greens and seashore blues. Pressed and matted botanical prints and sea grass woven accents. Cohesive patterns and textures that compliment and balance. I'll move in now please. 

k.thx.bai

.E

This & That 1.18.16

Photo Via 

1. Would You Try This New Beauty Trend?

2. 12 Things You Might Not Know Were Invented In Philly

3. Wanting This Silk Scarf To Pair With A Great Striped Top

4. 10 Home Decor Trends That Will Blow Up In 2016

5. Dying To Add These Ear Climbers To My Collection!

6. This Lady Like Pair Too

7. Planning To Purchase A Few Of These To Organize My Vanity Top

8. Safavieh Collection On OKL Today Is So Good

9. The Cutest Way To Ask Your Bridesmaids To Be Part Of Your Special Day

10. Planning To Replicate This Tom Ford Winter White Floral Arrangement Featured On The Londoner's Instagram: Hydrangeas, roses, and white orchids (I'm going to throw in some white calla lilies too because I love them)

Winter Weddings

…..

Wedding season is about to kick up again and so I am back on the search for great dresses that I will be able to get multiple wears out of. Our first wedding is a winter black tie wedding in NYC (Hi Morgan!) so I knew I wanted something long and quite formal. 

I just ordered dress #4 which I love. I think it's going to be a great, classic staple piece to have in my closet, and I will definitely be able to re-wear it down the road. 

I almost went with dress #3 which is currently sold out online, but I found it in store in Bloomingdale's. The picture doesn't do it justice but I love this neckline and silhouette. It also wasn't cropped short on me like it is in the picture. I am pretty tall, so not sure why the models ankles are showing…

How incredible are dresses 1 and 5? These would look amazing on a smaller chested gal who has no issue going bra-less. I am obsessed with dress 5!

While on the subject of formal dresses, can designers please stop with the body con and cut outs? 

I am so sick of this look. Literally 90% of the dresses I picked up today had cut outs in the front, in the back, on the sides and I hate it!! 

I am also so bored of the skin tight body-con look. This was fun like 7 years ago when Herve Leger came out with the bandage dress, but lets pleeeeease move on to something else.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

.E

Hibernate

…..

These chairs!! My heart literally skips a beat for them.

I've been dying to design a room around these beauts, and wanted to make sure it was done in a totally unexpected way. When I first saw them, my immediate feeling was Palm Springs & pool side. So I automatically wanted the opposite: Cozy winter ski chalet.

Roaring fire, a never ending pile of fur throws, your favorite bottle of wine (Meiomi pinot noir) and great company, party of two!

I always get a little blue when the holidays come and go so fast, but the winter is here to stay. I love the idea of leaving your wreathes up a little longer then all of the other decorations. Switch out the holiday red bows for a gold or white number, and draw out that pine scent for as long as you can!

Holiday decor gone but missing the smell? This is my go-to holiday candle that I honestly dream about all year. It smells AMAZING!

Yesterday was the first snow here in Philadelphia, and I was legit like a 6 year old full of squeals and excitement. 

(P.S. This ottoman is most certainly the last piece of the puzzle)

Happy Hibernating!

.E

Blue Silk & Boyfriends

 

.....

Who doesn't love a good blue and white combo? What used to be primarily a nautical summer night staple, is now easily transitioned into the Fall/Winter months. 

PSA: Wear this color duo all year round.

 I've taken the liberty to put together a few wardrobe examples above based off of some pieces I have in my closet. Hopefully this outfit inspiration has you re-thinking some of the great blue and white items in yours!

Boyfriend denim not your thing? Switch them out for some high-waisted dark-wash skinnies.

Drop a comment below if you need shopping links!

.E

2016 Accessories

.....

New Year New You, right? Ok actually that saying is the worst... And why would you want a new you, you're great as you are! 

But maybe just some sprucing up is all any of us need. And the best way to do so is hitting re-fresh on your accessory game.

Turn the winter blues into bright yellows and pinks. Tie a favorite scarf around your neck for a Parisian cool-girl look. Up your luggage collection by adding bold prints and colors. Give your cellphone a cheeky new home. But most importantly, try something new (that mid-calf boot shaft is basically begging to come  home with me) because, why not? You never know until you try.

The accessories department is where you should show your colors and master your own personal vibe.

.E

Currently 1.11.16

…..

Buying: Just purchased this pair of sunglasses

Loving: Made this breakfast boat this past weekend and it was SO delicious and easy (great idea for entertaining!)

Wanting: Have read great things about this spray tanner and is only $16!

Watching: You're the Worst is the best new show I'm watching. It's funny but also super raw/real

Listening: Rachel Platten's new Album, Wildfire. Rachel is a good friend of my sisters from college and it's been so fun to follow her path and success over the years! Favorite songs are: Beating Me Up, Speechless, and You Don't Know My Heart.

Reading: Girl on the Train. I know, I know…. I'm late to the party here…So far I'm finding it super captivating and also a little bit creepy.

.E

Spherically Speaking

…..

The sphere is probably my favorite shape to see in the home. Something about it makes your space seem polished and complete. I have a thing (addiction) about symmetry, so maybe that's why I like a perfectly round shape, but I also think circular objects can help to create a really nice balance and composition within a room. 

Great places to incorporate spheres: Lightening, decorative objects, mirrors, and greenery (hello!! Topiaries + moss balls!)

P.S. How adorable is that spherical succulent?

Ann Taylor 70% Off Sale (Discount applied at checkout)

…..

Faux Suede Leggings | Fair Isle Sweater | Brown Suede Boots | Cross Over Blouse | Faux Leather Leggings | Black Leather Motorcycle Boots | Black Suede Slouchy Booties | Cashmere Beanie | Leather Driving Gloves

Abroochable

…..

Are you on board with the brooch trend? You should be! 

Now with a sleek and modern twist on what was previously your grandmothers baubles, your outfit is elevated by eleven billion percent (you heard me, eleven billion). 

Add sparkle, character, and color. Wear them on your jacket lapel, sweater collar, or even in your hair. There is so much you can do with this piece! I stuck a few old brooches that I found to my weekender bag and to a long fur wrap that I cozy up in when the temps drop. I also want to try to tack a smaller statement piece to the cuff of my blouse for some added flair!

Looking to up your brooch collection? BaubleBar just came out with a few stunners! 

.E

Devil's In The Details

….

There is seeeerriously nothing I love more than scouring local stores and antique/flea markets for unique home decor finds. One singular object can really up your design game. Can you imagine that Turkish copper tea kettle in your kitchen space? It's beautiful but also so different from anything else on the shelves. 

The "Sup" doormat is cheeky and a great conversation piece. And how darling would that baby pink bubblegum paper weight be in a little girls bedroom? 

P.S. I need that fingers crossed object. I may be 30, but I still cross my fingers when I make a wish or hope for something. That looks just like the lucky piece I need!

.E

Happy New Year From MinkSunday!

….

Wishing all of my friends, family and loyal readers the happiest and healthiest New Year yet!

I am so thankful for all of those who continue to visit, comment, like and support MinkSunday.
It's because of your encouraging feedback that I continue to do what I love so very much!

All of the best in 2016!
.E