When In Doubt...

I don't own much, if any, red clothing.  I was going to buy some red velvet flats from Kate Spade that an adorable black bow on them, but since they were final sale, I didn't but them in case they did not fit.

But red pops up in all kinds of ways.  I am searching for the perfect shade of red nail polish at the moment, because of the 25/30 bottles that I do own, none of them are red!

Red is not my shade of choice, but I don't really know what is.  When you are in doubt, what color do you wear?

<3 Michelle

Happy Birthday

I am going to a birthday party today!  Party time!



The only problem is that I am having a hard time thinking of what I am going to get her.  I usually do not like to resort to gift cards, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and I would rather get her something she can use to buy something she likes, rather than something that will sit in the corner for years to come.



So I'm not really sure what I am going to do, and I am kind of running out of time (the party is at 4 o'clock)!  All I know is this:  I am going to wish Sarah a happy birthday, and have a great time at her party (which possibly involves a chocolate fountain and a sprinkler)!

<3 Michelle

That Girl

I want to be a graphic designer.  I am currently taking a computer applications class, and am hoping to be admitted into a visual/graphic design class next year.  I am working hard, and hoping that it will all work out in the end.  I'm not sure how many graphic designers have changed the world, but it will happen someday, and I am going to try and make that girl who changes the world be me.

<3 Michelle

The Royal Wedding

The Royal Wedding.

The wedding was charming.  The Westminster Abbey was beautiful, and the Queen looked lovely in her yellow outfit.  I really like the fact that Kate kept her hair down, because most people don't.  My aunt has beautiful curls, and on her wedding she kept her hair down too.  I think it looks beautiful, and not many people do it.

But let's get to to the real point of why I am posting about the Royal Wedding:  The dress!



Her dress, designed by Alexander McQueen, is absolutely stunning, and to me, very queen-like and regal.  I like the pleating at the front and the enormous train.  The lace sleeves are something I have never really seen, but I think they look great.  They are perfect for her, and I think that they are very modest without being all covered up.  She looks great.

I would also like to add that William and Harry in their uniforms was a really nice touch, and looked great as well!



I am sorry to say that I woke up at 6:50, and missed the vows, so I basically just saw them walking out of Westminster Abbey.  At least I was lucky enough to have a late start in school today, so I do not have to be in homeroom until 10:25.  That gave me the prefect amount of time to watch the royal wedding, watch the first kiss (which is coming up), and go to Coffee Break Cafe with one of my friends today before school.  Life is good.

<3 Michelle

Love at First Sight...

Is it unhealthy to love a shoe?  Because I think it was love at first sight for me and these adorable boat shoes!


Sperry Top-Sider "Bahama" in Lavender Ditsy--$55

Since I have already asked my mom for another pair of sneakers, boat shoes that I don't "need" are probably out of the question.  (Maybe when I scratch up some more money from babysitting, I'll buy them.)  But for now, it will just be an internet-crush between me and these beauties.

<3 Michelle

Putting Pen to Paper

I really like paper.  Paper in books.  Paper in magazines.  Quality college-ruled, lined paper.  And most of all, beautiful stationary.  I don't send letters as often as I would like to, but owning stationary would make me one happy girl.  And maybe if I own some adorable stationary, I'll be more inspired to put pen to paper, and write someone a nice little note.


Kate Spade "Spade Correspondence"--$20 (for ten notecards and matching envelopes)

Since I don't think I'll be paying $20 for paper, I think I might jaunt down to Marshalls and buy myself some $2-$3 stationary, just so I'll have it.

I do own a very adorable pad of Kate Spade paper, though.


Kate Spade "Short List"--$7

<3 Michelle

Do What Makes You Happy

As Nike says...  JUST DO IT.


<3 Michelle

Dress-Up Isn't Just for Kids

I think that playing dress-up begins at age five and never truly ends.

--Kate Spade 

Don't all girls love to dress up?  I know that when I wear a skirt instead of the usual jeans and a sweatshirt, I feel very put together, and am usually excited about my outfit.  So be a kid again, and dress up even if you are not going anywhere (: 

<3 Michelle

Too-Cute Totes

These totes, by Anya Hindmarch, are beyond adorable. There are some for the market, laundry, beach, gym, and more!  I was looking for something to post on my blog, and came across these on theneotraditionalist.com, and just had to make a post about them myself.  I especially love the one for magazines and newspapers, and wish I had enough worthy to stash in that stylish tote.



<3 Michelle

An Underrated Accessory

Nail polish!



I'm guessing that most people do not think of nail polish as an accessory like jewelry, hats, scarves, shoes, bags, etc.  I guess its actually more of a "cosmetic," but to me its an essential part of an outfit/look, like  a ring or the perfect pair of shoes.

I do not like the look of unpainted nails, but almost as bad as unpainted, is helplessly chipped or bitted down-to-the-nub nails.  It does not take too much effort to paint (and in that case, take care of) your nails, and I usually do mine about once a week.



Nail polish is truly an underrated accessory.  Depending on the brand, you can get a bottle of nail polish under $5 at your nearest drugstore, and you can change it as often as you like.  If it is too sheer, you can layer it on top or under another color.  It really is extremely versatile, and nail polish will not go out of style like last year's old news.  So paint your nails, and give praise to the neglected, yet amazing accessory.












<3 Michelle

The World is Your Oyster

Do what you love, and don't let anything hold you back.  For you, the world is an oyster, it can contain beautiful pearls.  You just have to find them.  Just a short but sweet, inspirational post (:

<3 Michelle

A Relaxed Easter

Today was surprisingly chill, and it makes me sad that its the last day of April Vacation.



With my salon-painted nails, and my favorite skirt, I went to Easter mass with my family this morning.  It was exceptionally long, but its just so nice out that I didn't mind much.  (A nice change from yesterday's conditions.)

I took advantage of the fact that we were having a quiet Easter with no one coming over, so I went home and changed into shorts and a T-shirt.  And I might have sort of finished a book that I started on Saturday... (I have mentioned before that I have a problem!)

Dinner was great--we had prime rib.  And for dessert we had our legendary bunny cake (which I used to swear my mom INVENTED) and a lemon cheesecake.  (If you were wondering why I already posted this at 5:56 it's because on Easter and Christmas my family doesn't eat lunch, and then has an early dinner--around 4 o'clock.)

Now I am enjoying the rest of my vacation by watching the Celtics whoop the Knick's butts, and also keeping a watch on the Red Sox game.  

<3 Michelle

Chinese Food Coincidence

You know when you learn a new word, and then you hear it all the time after you learned it?  It's like you never noticed it being said before, and you become more aware of its meaning.

Well the same thing kind of happened today with me... except with Chinese food!  Let me explain:

After my two friends and I got our nails done today, we went out to lunch.  We decided to go to a Chinese restaurant that was just down the street.  My mom doesn't like to get any sort of take-out food, so the only time I get Chinese food is when I am with friends.  We enjoyed our lunch, and then we hung out.  On my way home, I asked my mom what was for dinner.  She then told me about how my dad wanted Chinese food, and for once she considered ordering it!

Then we found out that my dad got a hunk (it literally looked like a half of a cow) of meat from BJ's, and he had steak tips ready for dinner.  So we scratched the idea of ordering Chinese food.

So then my mom finds this "beef and broccoli" seasoning/stir-fry mix thing that she was dying to try.  So all in all, I had Chinese food twice today!  Such a weird coincidence seeing as I don't even remember how long ago it has been since I had Chinese food last.



<3 Michelle

Do You Lilac It?

Today I had an adventure in the rain.  At least I did it in style with my pink umbrella with green polka dots!  (Don't ask me how, but I remembered to bring an umbrella, but forgot to wear sensible shoes--I wore flip flops!)



Anyways, I went to get my nails done with two friends.  We walked in the rain, and it was pretty darn cold.  When we finally got to "Sydney's Nails," I ended up picking a light purple the color of an easter egg.  It matches my skirt that I am going to wear tomorrow for Easter, and it is a pretty purple color.  Do you lilac it?  Because I do (:


OPI Nail Polish in "Do You Lilac It?"

<3 Michelle

Page One

Just a thought about the first page in a notebook...

Page one is the first thing that someone sees when they open the book.  You can't just ruin it by writing a page of notes or the subject on the first page.

When I was little, I read a book about this girl who felt that the first page of a notebook was sacred.  It was something that was fresh and new, and symbolized the start of something that could be great and neat and beautiful.  That thought always stuck with me, and even today, I do not right on the first page of my notebooks. I feel like I owe it to that character to respect her belief, because I kind of agree with her.



<3 Michelle

Tumbling Out of Control

I. Love. Tumblr.


I really like to pick out the pictures that I like from my dashboard, and then seeing them on my own "tumblog."

My tumblr.

Below is a list of other tumblogs that I really like.  (I am not advertising or promoting any blogs, just listing the ones that I really like.)

• http://abbymayo.tumblr.com/
• http://emilymottolo.tumblr.com/
• http://a-ladys-findings.tumblr.com/
• http://classiccase.tumblr.com/
• http://willneverletyougo.tumblr.com/
• giingerpepper-.tumblr.com
• http://all-time-beach.tumblr.com/
• http://pinkandgreenowl.tumblr.com/
• http://matchbookmag.tumblr.com/
• http://just-littlethings.tumblr.com/
• http://katespadeny.tumblr.com/
• http://extremeanglophilia.tumblr.com/
• http://prettypinkprada.tumblr.com/
• http://katieburke124.tumblr.com/
• http://tumblrphotographyxox.tumblr.com/
• http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/

These blogs are in no particular order, they were in that order on the "blogs I follow list."  Its a lot of link love right there, but they are all great!

<3 Michelle

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day to all my followers!



My mom is practically a recycling Nazi, so nothing goes into the trash without an inspection.  Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.  It's the least we can do for our planet.

Today is the day to actually take the time to smell the roses, walk barefoot in the grass, or even just listen to the birds sing.  Happy Earth Day (and Friday)!

<3 Michelle

Exchanging Excuses

Yesterday, I received a (very) late birthday present from my cousins that I liked, but would never use.

I received:

Vera Bradley "Caitlyn" in Baroque

Don't get me wrong, its an adorable bag... for a toddler.  It's not the style I do not like, its the size.  It is only 7 inches by 4 inches.

I have never been in the position to return or exchange a gift except if I was getting a different size in clothing, and I feel very guilty for exchanging my gift.

New Bag (Exchanged):

Vera Bradley "Tote" in Baroque

I really liked the pattern, so I did not change it, but I do not have any ideas on what to tell my cousin who took a long time to pick it out.  (The only reason I know this is because my mom was talking to my aunt who said that they exchanged what they got me before to get me the "Caitlyn" instead.)  So I feel guilty.  Very guilty.

Now I am  in between a rock and a hard place because I am not sure if I should tell her that I exchanged her gift.  Final Decision:  I am going to call to thank them for the nice gift, and if I deem necessary, I will simply say that I have two smaller bags already, and I was in need of a tote.

Hopefully she does not get upset (as she is known to cry easily) and will understand my exchanging excuse.  Hopefully.

<3 Michelle

Peepin' at Poplin Prints

Lily Pulitzer "Callahan Short" Poplin Printed in Green Bean Stamped--$58

I am in love.  With a pair of green printed shorts.  You may think fashion no-no, but right now I'm thinking they are a summer must.  I find these to be cuter than plaid, and they come in eight different poplin patterns, so you'll have one for each day of the week, and one left over.

I just really love these shorts.  Some things I love about them (in list formation--my favorite):

• springy and bright (livecolorfully!)
• they are not shortie-shorts (finally! shorts for people who are 5'8", like me)
• They are Lily Pulitzer
• Not as pricy as I would have expected from Lily, and definitely worth the moo-lah.

need I say more?

<3 Michelle

Image

Image Magazine was an idea dreamed up by me and my friends, Abby and Emily.  It was an online magazine that we would design, create, and write ourselves.  We never finished, and probably will not, but it was very fun to dream and to create; especially since one day I would like to design real magazines.  So this is a taste of what I made for the magazine.  Enjoy!

<3 Michelle

Lauren Conrad

Lauren Conrad, star of The Hills and fashion icon, is also the author of Style and the LA Candy Series.  I have yet to read the LA Candy series, but I am a proud owner of Style.  Its a beautifully made book with basic tips, tricks, and ideas for style, beauty, and and ideal wardrobe.

The book has great pictures, and I really recommend it to any girl.  Below is a video clip of the photo shoot for the book.

It's a good read and just a fun book to own.  Check it out!

<3 Michelle

Plain Black and White

There is such simple elegance and beauty in a black and white photo.  Don't get me wrong, I love big bright colors, and live colorfully is my favorite campaign ever, but black and white photos are just beautiful and special in their own way.  You will find many black and white pictures mixed in with colors in every shade, sparkles, neons, and pastels on my tumblr.  Enjoy pictures whether they be in color or in plain black and white!

<3 Michelle

Let's Party

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"  
--Robin Williams

It certainly feels like nature is partying today!  The tree outside of my window is budding, the sky is blue, and I can hear birds chirping.  Today is the day that I am finally tackling my mess of a room, and I couldn't have picked a worse day to be committed!  I wish I could be outside, but I think I will celebrate my clean room with a strawberry popsicle.  My motivation is the weather, and I couldn't be in more of a party mood.  Even if I tried.
<3 Michelle