DIY Update Furniture

Decided to revamp this old kitchen table (from my mom's first apartment !) Made this old drab table quirky & feminine for my graduation party. It was the perfect little touch to host my diplomas (yes plural! :P ) So easy & cheap, give it a try for a fun summer party ! Xoxo

this is what makes us girls

I celebrated my college graduation this weekend with my closest family and friends. I don't live in the busy city or on a rural farm, but in a sparkling little suburb with extra green grass and plenty of room to entertain. It started off as a scorcher, but the sudden afternoon showers cooled it down. There was lots of sunshine, sangria and good company :) 

I took pictures just as company was arriving, and a few at the end of the night, but most of the time I was too busy mingling. There's too few occasions where you get to see everyone you like, but that's what makes celebrations so fun! Ah, going to miss college so much, but I'm so excited to see what this pretty little life has in store for me...

Lots of love,

Sami Xx

P.s. The lovely flowers were all done by my talented NYC floral designing sister : )

&

Stay tuned for a furniture DIY (featured in this post) on the blog tomorrow!

I'm feeling 22

I'm the absolute worst at taking pictures when I'm out with my friends! But, a couple of weekends ago I celebrated my 22nd birthday, and Addi was here to visit! We met studying abroad in London, and she's my right hand (wo)man when it comes to making sure we take pictures! I'm hoping to take some better pictures featuring my romper from that night, but in the mean time...

Sami Xoxo

I'm wearing the Flynn Skye Gypsy Jumper from Free People in 'ivory floral'. I was going for the whole laid back, and relaxed 70s vibe. Not exactly "club attire," but it fit my mood for hanging out with my friends and dancing to live music just perfectly! 

Wearing my crystal jewels from a close friend's Etsy shop, she has dreamy necklaces infused with all the wonderful energy and benefits that come from these natural stones. You should

check out her Instagram account too, because it's an absolute DREAM!

Grabbing a birthday brunch with Addi in Boston at the Beehive 

(hands down best breakfast in all of Boston).

Here's a little birthday shopping guide!

1. Flynn Skye Gypsy Jumper at Free People in ivory floral

2. Citrine Chunk Silver Necklace from Fill the Soul 

stone of success

helps protect ones aura

promotes creativity

3. Gold Bullet Cased Quartz Necklace from Fill the Soul

(I actually have the silver cased one)

stone of clarity and perfection

protects against & clears negativity

energizes other crystals

4. The Flynn Sky Gypsy Jumper comes in polka dot too! 

I'm adding it to my wish list.

say that you love me

Ladies! If you haven't checked out Nordstrom Anniversary Sale yet, then you are missing out! 

I put together my own personal wish list of all the goods that would make my life infinitely better. And these are just the items that are from TBD, the department I'm working in (minus the dreamy Steve Madden boots)!

The "Love me, love me, say that you love me." Wildfox Couture sweater has my heart absolutely melting, this is a must own item for me! If you haven't checked out Kim Gordon's blog (creative director at Wildfox), you must! 

Sami Xoxo

Dream Home

I put together a magical dream home from pictures I've saved and lusted over. I love the idea of having my own space and decorating it just the way I want it. My future home will have a French countryside feel, lots of flowers, and quirky mismatched patterns throughout. It's a necessity that there be many windows to allow the sunlight to stream in whenever possible!

Sami Xx

Kitchen

Raddest kitchen island, not pictured

Layout & Decor

Backyard

Living Space

Odds & Ends

Read Russh Magazine

Hard to find in the States, but totally worth it. This Australian mag is a fashion fan favorite, and for good reason. Balancing out its pages with It Girls and hall of famers, like babes Cara and Kate, Russh combines elite model editorials with fun font, inspirational quotes, and an ethereal twist.

More S'mores

S'mores are one of summer's sweetest traditions. Don't let the time past you by, invite friends over to sit by the warmth of a fire and indulge in these delightful little treats. 

Watch 'Saving Mr. Banks'

A soon to be Disney classic about the making of famous Mary Poppins, starring Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as the author of Mary Poppins, P.L. Travers.

Mary Poppins premier in CA in 1964

Free People Horoscopes

Know what the universe has in store for you this week. Free People's weekly horoscopes on their blog, Bldg 25, always give me a heads up. This is supposed to be, "the nicest astrological week of the summer!"

NIKEiD LIberty Collection

Every time Liberty London does a collaboration with another brand or designer, my heart just absolutely melts. This time around, Liberty has teamed up with athletic power house Nike to make some of coolest kicks on either side of the pond.

Liberty is one of the world's oldest department stores, opened in 1875, and is located in the heart of London on Regent Street. They're renowned for their luxury fabrics, specifically their ethereal and country chic floral prints. If ever in London, it is a MUST SEE attraction! Their rich heritage and floral shop entrance will have you swooning for all the treasures inside.

The neat thing about this team up is that the sneakers are customizable. This means you've basically been given free reign to design, but with access to a bunch of Liberty London prints. Dreams really do come true.

Sami Xx

Liberty March 2012

flower shop entrance

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Shopping Guide

I put together a little shopping guide to help shoppers organize their Nordstrom Anniversary Sale wish list. Nordstrom is relatively new on the East Coast, meaning that many of us 20-year-old + shoppers didn't grow up with Nordstrom as our department store. As Nordstrom continues to grow, so does word of the legendary Anniversary Sale.

Nordstrom sells brand new fall merchandise at 40 percent off the original price, and then the merchandise goes back up to full price at the end of the sale. It really is an incredible deal and opportune time to purchase new pieces to build upon and update your existing fall wardrobe.

Almost all the vendors at Nordstrom participate in the Anniversary Sale, which means YES, I will be selling BRAND NEW Free People, Wildfox Couture, (DvF and NYDJ for the moms out there), and all the designer denim of your dreams at 40 percent off! Don't miss the sale of the year, or the only sale for that matter, that gives you a discount on brand new merchandise.

EARLY ACCESS STARTS TOMORROW 7/10/13

Xoxo
              Sami

Just a few of the amazing things at Anniversary!

Favorite Catalog Finds

1. Trina Turk Double Breasted Officer's Coat $545 $359.90

2. MK "Lady Nini" Chain Link Bracelet Watch $195 $129

3. Paige Denim-'Skyline' Ankle Peg Jeans $209 $134.90

4. Vince Camuto Quilted Field Jacket $150.00 $99.90

5. BCBGeneration Military Mixed Media Jacket $210 $139.90

6. Frye 'Wyatt Disc' Short Boot $327.95 $218.90

7. Frye 'Veronica' Back Zip Short Boot $297.95 $198.90

Back to Basics

1. Michael Kors 'Rocker' Stretch Twill Skinny Pants $125 $82.90
2. Aquatalia by Marvin K 'Ora' Boot $450 $299.90
3. Jolt Zipper Skinny Jeans (Juniors) $48.00 $31.90
4. Nordstrom Faux Leather Trim Topper $98 $64.90
5. Dooney & Bourke 'Clayton Satchel, Large $428 $285.90 
6. ASICS 'Gel-Horizon' Running Shoe $89.95 $59.95
7. Zella 'Terra Nova' Jacket $128.00 $84.90
8. Karma 'Sibylla' Top $88 $58.90
9. Steve Madden 'Brewzzer' Boot $169.95 $109.90
10. Cookie Johnson Track Stripe Skinny Jeans $148 $98.90

Outfit Inspiration for Her

1. Diane von Furstenberg 'Tinkit Print Sweater $265 $174.90

2. Diane von Furstenberg 'Rita 2' Leather Pencil Skirt $498 $329.90

3. Halogen Cutaway Leather Jacket $328 $218.90

4. Halogen Seamed Pencil Skirt $69 $45.90

5. ASTR Faux-Leather Top $68 $44.90

6. Devlin Pleated Skirt $88 $58.90

7. NB Handbags Studded Faux Leather Tote, Large $48 $29.90

8. Louise et Cie 'Olivia' Bootie $134.95 $89.90

9. ZIGI 'Funnel' Boot $169.95 $109.90

10. rag & bone 'Hart' Biker Jacket $450 $269

And for Him

1. Ted Baker London 'Newnepp' Sweatshirt $110 $72.90

2. AG Jeans 'Graduate' Tailored Fit Jeans $198 $131.90

3. Kroon Stretch Cotton Sportcoat $295 $196.90

4. Bonobos Straight Leg Washed Cotton Twill Chinos $88 $65.90

(Available in a charcoal grey!)

5. Calibrate Woven Silk Tie $49.50 $32.90

6. Calibrate Trim Fit Non Iron Dress Shirt $59.50 $38.90

7. John Varvatos Star USA Double Layer Full Zip Hoodie $199 $129.90

8. Lacoste V-Neck T-Shirt $49.50 $32.90 

9. 1901 Pinpoint Plaid Oxford Shirt $59.50 $38.90

10. Alternative 'Eco' Pocket Henley $42 $27.90

11. Dockers 'Alpha Fogwash' Slim Tapered Leg Chinos $68 $44.90

Here's the link to the online interactive catalog to see everything (in the catalog) for yourself, and happy shopping!