Antiquated Treasures

Pop of Pink Print.

2012-02-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

Lets give it up for Friday with an outfit that unintentionally features almost all Forever21. I've been swamped at work this week, and while it made time fly by, it will be so nice to enjoy a relaxing weekend (and there I was complaining for being such a sloth last weekend). As far as my outfit goes, I decided to spice up an otherwise muted getup with a pop of hot pink, printed cheetah for an afternoon out last Saturday.

Recap: Jewel Toned Skirts

2012-02-09T07:00:00.003-05:00

It's really no secret that I'm a summer girl at heart, but this winter I've made it my prerogative to brighten those cold, drab days with jewel toned skirts. Although they're not the most orthodox winter staple, I've been reaching for them regularly, and pairing them with black opaque stockings, muted toned turtle necks, faux-fur vests, and cropped blazers. Sure makes the remaining two months of winter seem more bearable...whatever does the trick, right?

First seen here.

First seen here.

First seen here.

Favorite Fragrances

2012-02-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

I always admire the woman (or man, for that matter) who has a signature scent she swears by. My Nana for example, always wore Elizabeth Taylor's, White Diamonds, and while I couldn't identify the perfume by name until recently, the scent is reminiscent of some of my fondest memories. My signature scent can best be identified as schitzeophrenic. While I'd love to marry myself to one perfume, the variety of delicious scents is just too vast for a girl who loves experimenting with beauty products as much as I do.

Currently I am in love with Kate Spade, Twirl; Vera Wang, Princess; Lancome, In Love; Thierry Mugler, Womanity; and Benefit, Laugh With Me Lee Lee. Not only are they great fragrances, they are all beautifully bottled, and make for wonderful tabletop decoration when perched on this vintage vanity tray I ordered from Etsy last month. Are you a one-perfume kind of girl? Or do you prefer some variety? What are your favorite fragrances?

Stripes With Blue

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hope you had a great Super Bowl Sunday. I enjoyed mine with a little homemade vegetarian chili and some cherry wheat Sam Adams beer. The rest of the weekend was spent primarily in my pajamas, playing Spyro (yes, Spyro!) on the Xbox with Corey. It was a great weekend and I'm usually never ready for Monday but I've been such a sloth the past few days, it'll be nice to feel productive again.

And just as a reminder, one week from today I'll be launching Storyofstyle.net!!

Sunday Brunch

2012-02-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

I wore this outfit on Sunday morning when Corey and I went to brunch at Charley's on Newbury street. I had previously eaten there for lunch and dinner, but had no idea they even served brunch. Everything on their brunch menu was reasonably priced and every meal came with a complimentary cocktail. As for my outfit, I paired a lacy skirt with a chunky sweater. It was nice getting dressed up for an afternoon out.

Black Bear

2012-01-31T07:00:00.002-05:00

When I saw this coat on the runway during the Victoria's Secret fashion show back in December, I fell in love! Imagine my excitement when I found it discounted during their semi-annual sale. It's heavy and keeps me really warm but the lining is a jersey knit material so it's super cozy! It's also a versatile little number and it's easy to dress up and down (and with the hood I kind of look like a black bear.)

Weekend Ready

2012-01-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

Finally Friday. This week has moved at a snails pace but I'm excited for a weekend of relaxation. The extent of my responsibilities include brunch with Corey and a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts to see the Degas exhibit. So pumped, especially after the past several weekends I've had. What are you up to?

Winter Beauty Favorites

2012-01-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

As I've mentioned before, the change of season does not only bring about a new wardrobe; my makeup bag also experiences a dramatic transformation. Since the temperatures have dipped, these products are ones I've used daily and will continue using until the flowers start to bloom again. I'd love to hear about your favorite winter beauty products!

Sludge

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome brown-sludgy-post-snow-storm-mess. If I didn't have my whole family (and Corey's whole family) living in the northeast, moving to southern California would be a sure bet. But after last week I realize more than ever how important it is to be close(ish) to the people I love most.

By the way, thanks so much to everybody who recommended alternate photo editing programs. Still can't believe Picnik is shutting down!

I'm backkkk (with mustard)!

2012-01-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hi guys! After a tough week I'm happy to be back and with mustard pants (and messy hair), no less! As you can see the northeast has finally experienced its first snowstorm of the season, which is kind of a shame because I've been ready for spring for weeks. Nevertheless, I guess this is good because a winter without snow would probably mean serious issues in the global warming department (ever the optimist, eh?). In other news, I was disappointed to learn that Picnik is shutting down on April 19th! Any recommendation as to where I should start editing my photos? Also any idea why Blogger won't let me include the "and" symbol (shift + 5) in my posts?

Absence.

2012-01-17T13:31:00.006-05:00

Hey guys,

I know I've been missing for a couple of days. I'm currently dealing with the death of a very close loved one and blogging has been a distant thought. Posting will resume next week.

Thank you for understanding.

Danielle

Coated With Gold

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

I admit that I take for granted the laid back dress code of my office, but as I look through my archives I realize how fortunate I am to be able to express myself through my creative outfit choices, (at least) five days a week. Some variety of this jeans-and-a-blazer combination is definitely a go-to choice when I'm getting ready in the morning, and it's all the better when topped off with a chunky statement necklace.

Winter Loungewear

2012-01-11T12:30:00.004-05:00

Details
A majority of the outfits posted on here are ones I wear to work, as my winter weekend wardrobe typically consists of some variety of comfy clothes for hanging out around the apartment. Here are some lounge-wear favorites, both pieces I own as well as pieces I'd like to own, along with a few accessories that make the winter months significantly more appealing.

Fuzz Ball

2012-01-10T07:00:00.002-05:00

Love this fur vest I picked up back in November. I wore it once before but unfortunately it's not subtle enough enough to wear regularly. Don't you hate that about distinct pieces? Worn with a side braid, this has been my go-to hairdo as of late.

Monday Funday

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hi guys, I hope you had a great weekend. I took an unexpected trip back to Long Island, not under the best of circumstances, but it was really great to be with my family. I wore this outfit on Saturday, deliberately mixing girly and grunge with the ruffles and plaid jacket, then topped it off with a hat I rediscovered in my bedroom at my parent's house. And shout out to this Old Navy clutch I've been using constantly. Got this guy on sale for just $12 right after Christmas.

Proud To Announce...

2012-01-07T01:30:00.006-05:00

I'm excited to announce that as of Monday, February 13, 2012, Antiquated Treasures will be renamed "A Story of Style"! When I first started blogging in 2009, my emphasis was primarily on making thrifted pieces look stylish, thus making "Antiquated" pieces look like "Treasures" (aha!). The blog has evolved significantly since then, and while I still enjoy styling thrifted pieces, often times my posts don't incorporate thrift or vintage finds. "A Story of Style" is more fitting because style is timeless (so the blog and I can grow old together) and it ultimately encompasses everything I like to talk about, such as fashion, beauty, cooking, and fun adventures (lifeSTYLE).

All of my posts will be making the move to "A Story of Style" and using the current URL (www.antiquatedtreasures.blogspot.com) will redirect you to the new site (which for the record, will be www.storyofstyle.net)! I am so excited for this new blogging chapter! To celebrate, and to thank all of you for your continued support, you can expect an awesome giveaway the week of the launch, more varied content, as well as the integration of vlogs!

*Sorry I'm so late posting this! I'm currently dealing with some personal family matters and my schedule has been skewed as a result.

Orange Pants

2012-01-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Oh hey, pumpkin pants. I think you can spot me wearing these guys from a mile away. If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know that orange is a color I've only recently integrated into my wardrobe (as seen here), and while it might be difficult finding good pieces to pair the color with (without looking tacky), I appreciate the challenge.

I hope your week is going well — I'll see you tomorrow for Friday and a special announcement about an upcoming change to my blog!

Contrasts of Colors

2012-01-04T07:00:00.003-05:00

I bought this hat from Gypsy Shop, a roaming vintage boutique, when it made a stop at the SoWa Market a few months back. Admittedly, I had difficulty finding an outfit it paired well with, but I'm happy with my ultimate decision to wear it with my black turtleneck, camel peacoat, and of course this electric blue skirt for a contrasting pop of color. I sported this outfit on Monday (I had the day off for New Year's), as Corey and I ran errands around the city, ultimately concluding the afternoon at a new (to us) bar by our apartment for drinks and appetizers.

New Year's Outfit 2012

2012-01-03T07:00:00.002-05:00

I purchased this Dolce Vita piece over the summer, but completely forgot about it until a few days ago when I was going through my closet, showing my friend potential contenders for a New Year's Eve outfit. Although it's not sequined or sparkly, this Aztec patterned dress was perfect for dinner (we went here) and a party to celebrate 2012.

As for New Year's resolutions...I've mentioned it in year's past, I don't really like making them. If there is something that needs to be changed, I'll change it immediately instead of waiting until the first of the year. With that said, I am nevertheless really excited for 2012. My life has changed significantly since January 1, 2011, I can't wait to see what this year has in store.

5 Tips to Help You Stick to Your Diet in 2012

2012-01-02T23:00:00.002-05:00

Happy 2012!! I hope everybody had a great time celebrating; now the holiday season is officially over and it's time to snap back to reality, which I know for many people means pursuing their New Year's resolutions. One resolution which is always popular, is some variation of eating healthier, going to the gym, or losing weight. And while I'm no fitness guru, I went through a phase in high school where my weight fluctuated back and forth 40 pounds (SO UNHEALTHY!), so I understand the frustration that comes with dieting. I'm happy to say, however, that over the past two years I've maintained a weight which I am comfortable with, and I wanted to share a few tips on how I did it. If you're planning on changing your diet or exercise habits in 2012, I recommend following these tips alongside your new regime.

Via.

Stick to Your Diet Tip 1: Need some motivation? Take a class.
If you're joining a gym, make sure group classes are included in your membership. On days when I'm feeling less than motivated to pursue my work out, I'll see what classes my gym is offering. I always feel more accountable to sustain a vigorous work out when there is an instructor telling me what to do and other people working out alongside me.

Stick to Your Diet Tip 2: Don't commit to absolutes.
While it's great to set goals, never completely restrict yourself from a certain food or food group. I've learned from experience, if I'm in the mood for ice cream I'll wait about an hour and if the craving doesn't go away, I'll satisfy it. Ignoring your cravings can result in binges and you'll end up ultimately consuming significantly more calories.

Stick to Your Diet Tip 3: Make a schedule and try to follow it (but don't beat yourself up if you can't).
In order to assure my commitment to the gym, I have a loose weekly schedule that I follow but adjust it at the beginning of each week to accommodate other responsibilities (Ex.: I have plans with a friend Thursday, so I'll go to the gym on Tuesday, instead). Although I prefer going to the gym four times a week, sometimes life gets in the way and I'll only be able to go two or three times. If this happens to you, don't get discouraged — on the bright side, you've at least worked out a few days and in the long run, missing just one or two days will have absolutely no impact on your appearance. The worst thing you can do is get discouraged and give up altogether. (I've been there.)

Stick to Your Diet Tip 4: Experiment in the kitchen.
Years ago, when I used to obsess over calories, I thought Weight Watchers frozen dinners were a godsend — they were low in fat and both quick and easy to prepare, what more could I ask for? Ha! It took years but I finally realized those "healthy" dinners were completely deficient in nutrients and I was missing out on the gratification of preparing and enjoying a meal cooked from scratch. Browse through the Food Network's Healthy Recipe index and cook your way thin in 2012.

5. Stick to Your Diet Tip 5: Motivate yourself to go to the gym.
Admittedly, going to the gym is not my favorite part of the day; however, I've learned to make the experience more enjoyable by investing in cute work out clothing (I know it sounds frivolous, but really this motivates me)and setting aside a handful of magazine that I'm ONLY allowed to read when I'm on the elliptical or stair master. Having an incentive to work out really pushes me when I'd rather be doing just about anything else.

Rural & Urban

2011-12-28T14:00:00.000-05:00

Whenever I try to wear this denim button up, I'm always fearful that I look sort of frumpy. That's why I experimented a bit and ultimately decided to pair it with this edgy leather skirt. I wasn't expecting much from the combination, but I actually really love how it turned out... If a farmer and a life long New Yorker mated their two closets, I imagine the result would look something like this.

Did she really just say that?
Oh yes, she did.

Bedroom Odds & Ends

2011-12-27T07:00:00.012-05:00

I mentioned on Friday that as my Christmas present, Corey will be funding the redesign of our bedroom, and I (of course) will be our interior decorator. This is the first room I've decorated completely on my own, and I'm excited for the challenge. The color scheme will be black and white with splashes of yellow — after all, I had to keep in mind a boy would be living in here too, and said boy loves the Boston Bruins whose colors are black and yellow (no need to remind him that I chose a very different shade of yellow).The aesthetic I'm aiming for is a retro-glam vibe (also very Bruins-like, if Corey happens to ask you) and I'm trying to achieve this by pairing polka dots (wait until you see the lamp I found) with pearls and baroque picture frames. Above are a few bits I purchased tonight online,* and I'm excited for these pieces to arrive to see how they look with one another, as well as how they look with the other items we've purchased so far.

1. Large Polka Dot Bins. We have a little nook in our bedroom in which a dresser and shelves are built into the wall. My bath and body products currently monopolizes a majority of the shelved space so I ordered a couple of these bins to reduce the cluttered appearance.

2. Baroque Picture Frame. Currently all of the pictures in our bedroom are in plain black rimmed frames; while they're practical, there is literally nothing special about them. Conversely, these intricate picture frames will make the same exact pictures feel more special, while simultaneously adding more "glam" to our..uhhhh..Bruins-like bedroom!

3. Vintage Vanity Tray. My perfume collection continues to expand and the majority of the bottles are so pretty, they deserve to be displayed. This mirrored vintage-vanity tray will look lovely perched on our dresser with all of my favorite perfumes.

4. Yellow Pearl Gumballs. After being intrigued by a Pinterest image of a canister filled with nail polishes, I ran out and purchased one even larger and more intricate than my inspiration. I promptly came home, filled it with my polishes, but realized almost instantly that it's not a practical way to organize items I use quite regularly. I decided to transform the canister into a piece of art by filling it instead with these pearl yellow gumballs.

And while I have you here...what do you think of this bed frame? I'm still looking around but this one is by far my favorite of everything that I've found in our price range.

*I purchased all of the items above, as you see them, with the exception of the picture frame. I recently bought very similar frames from Home Goods but there was no visual representation available on Homegoods.com, so I substituted with an image from Etsy to provide you with some kind of depiction.

Lace & Gold

2011-12-26T12:00:00.002-05:00

December 26th is always a little disappointing; after weeks of decorating, baking cookies, blasting Christmas music, and shopping for the perfect gifts, it all comes to a halt and we return to a reality in which wearing sequins is not nearly as acceptable. This year our Christmas celebration was pretty epic — not only was I reunited with my family, but the night turned into a scene reminiscent of a musical. My cousin wanted to make a silly Christmas music video for his girlfriend who was home with her family, and literally every single person at my aunt's house (about 20 of us) participated. It was so funny, it felt so good to laugh really hard with the people I love and it was much better than any material item I received (which is a strong statement because I scored some awesome presents!) Today I'll be driving back to Boston and while I'm disappointed that this wonderful holiday weekend has to come to an end, I'm so excited to see Corey tonight.

As for this outfit, I wore it yesterday to celebrate Christmas and I'm in love with this necklace. It's simultaneously over the top and unique and it modernizes this lacy button up, which might otherwise be mistaken as matronly. I paired the jeweled pink skirt with the dark blue blazer, as these two colors have always been a combination I'm rather fond of.

Home For the Holidays

2011-12-23T22:00:00.005-05:00

I'm posting later than usual, but my schedule is kind of out of wack (in the most pleasant way possible, of course) due to the holidays. Last night instead of preparing a post, Corey and I wrapped presents, baked Christmas cookies, and watched the Jim Carrey version of A Christmas Carol. As for my Christmas gift from him, Cor will be funding the redesign of our bedroom which makes me really excited because I've been wanting to do it for months. Sometimes he's really awesome.

After a half day of work, and hours of travelling I am finally in New York, laying in bed, and blogging (but soon will be reading my stack of January magazines). Tonight I watched The Muppet Christmas Carol with my family then enjoyed a nice long bubble bath with some new Lush products I picked up (this and this). I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, and blogging will resume as normal on Monday with an outfit post. (FYI As far as my blog goes, I have some wonderful things planned for 2012!)

Purple Androgyny

2011-12-22T07:00:00.006-05:00

Today's the first official day of winter, so what do you say we celebrate it with a pair of shorts? In all seriousness though, how depressing is it that the holidays end just as winter actually begins? ANYWAY, I love these shorts and whenever I wear them, I intentionally mix them with excessively girly pieces (as seen here), like this ruffly top and purple jacket.

In other news, I'm totally stoked for Christmas. I miss my family and New York and I'm excited to get a big old dose of it all this weekend! Tonight's mine and Corey's last night together before I head south and he goes (way) north. This will be the fourth Christmas that's passed since we started dating, and we still haven't spent a single one together. If our families lived in neighboring towns it would be much easier to split the day in half and spend it in both places, but unfortunately that's not our situation -- our parents' homes are hours away from one another. We've decided that until we're engaged we'll each go home to our own families for the holidays, it just makes sense. I'm curious to learn how other people deal with this dilemma, how do you split up the holidays between you and your significant other if you're not engaged or married?

Bloomingdales Glitzy Christmas Guide

2011-12-21T07:00:00.003-05:00

Last Thursday was a rainy night here in Boston, but the bleak weather was juxtaposed significantly with a very festive (read: sparkly) Bloomingdales, where I attended an event hosted by the lovely ladies of Blogger's Night Out. The night consisted of mingling, networking, and browsing around the store. I met a handful of great girls who live locally, share my passion for blogging, and before the night was through I had been recruited into a book club with Bianca and Alexandria!

Anyway, the girls of Blogger's Night Out challenged us to walk around Bloomingdales, take pictures of the products we were inspired by and create our own gift guide. This is what I came up with:

1. An adorable, Laundry by Shelli Segal, neutral coat will make the post-Christmas winter months just a little more bearable

2. A shiny (but not over the top), gold Tory Burch bag that can be used all year round (N/A on website, similar style here)

3. Pretty, shiny bracelets by Aqua — best when worn in bulk (N/A on website, but I wouldn't hate stacking these guys)

4. A frilly Escada top — perfect for layering with a military inspired blazer(as pictured), but also great when tucked into a pair of high-wasted shorts for the spring (N/A on website, but satiate those ruffle cravings here)

5. J. Brand jeans to ensure those inevitable lazy days are still chic

6. Oversized, blinged out bangles are always good to have on hand when a seemingly simple outfit needs a little somethin'-somethin'(N/A on website, but get your glitter fix here)

7. A hot pink Jimmy Choo purse would make for the perfect "go-to" bag this spring and summer (Jimmy Choo is not sold on the Bloomingdales website, but this little lady would be just as satisfied with a pinkMichael Kors bag!)

'Tis the Season (For Aqua Sequins)

2011-12-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

While I do sometimes believe "less is more" (see my previous post), I strayed far from that sentiment as I created this outfit for one of the events I attended last week. *Que the sparkly shirt, statement necklace, and (p)leather skirt* -- if you can't go over the top during the holidays, then when can you? This untraditionally seasonal outfit combines colors one typically would not resort to for a holiday party, but the sequins combined with the sheen of the skirt make it more than appropriate for a festive get together.

Herve's Cousin

2011-12-19T07:00:00.002-05:00

I wore this dress on Friday to my company's holiday party and I have to say, this might be my favorite Forever 21 purchase to date; doesn't it scream classic Herve Leger? The party was nice -- hosted at a beautiful catering hall, equipped with a fun, festive photo booth, and it's always interesting to see how people act outside of the office.

The rest of the weekend was spent filling myself with far too many slices of Papa John's pizza and cheesy bread (hi gym, we will be close friends this week), baking cookies, watching a Storage Wars marathon (obsessed), and hanging out with Corey's brother and uncle who came down to visit.

Busy Bees

2011-12-16T07:00:00.003-05:00

I'd like to say HAPPY FRIDAY by bringing you more sequins! This week has gone by unusually fast, but I guess that's the nature of the holiday season. I had the pleasure of attending not one, but TWO Boston blogger events this week, and I met some truly lovely people (more on that next week!) Tonight I will be attending my office's holiday party, and what I'm most excited about is the gorgeous dress I purchased for the event (also more on that next week!) What are your plans for the weekend? I can't believe this is our last weekend before Christmas. Time needs to slow down.

Review: HANA Pro 1" Flat Iron

2011-12-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

If you follow my blog and my daily style musings, I'm sure you've noticed that I wear my hair in a top knot bun...a lot (see: here, here, and here). My hair is just so long and so thick, it's difficult to manage and throwing it up is a quick, chic solution when getting ready in the morning. *Que the HANA Professional 1" Flat Iron.* About two weeks ago I received this straightener and much to my delight, this little tool has opened a world of new hairstyles for me. Available on Misikko.com, the HANA Professional 1" straightener has been featured in both Marie Claire and Redbook, so I knew if there was a straightener that could tackle my monstrous hair, this would be the one. And tackle it did.

First, I'd like to emphasize the beautiful packaging. My straightener came with a storage case, heat protectant hair serum, hairbrush, makeup as well as some other goodies -- all beautifully wrapped in pink and white bows and satchels. But more important than anything is that this straightener works well... really well. With 100% ceramic plates, the HANA Professional is as safe a solution one will find for her hair straightening needs. It heats up quickly, and straightens hair really efficiently (for reference the "Before" and "After" picture below were taken fifteen minutes apart.) In the past I've dealt with straighteners ripping my hair in the crack where the heated plate meets the plastic body, but this definitely was not the case with the HANA Pro, which is a huge plus in my book. Overall I would definitely recommend this straightener and I think the beautiful packaging would make it an awesome gift to give.

*Missiko.com sent me this straightener to review, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Oh, Shiny.

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle. That's all I seem to be wearing these days, and I love it... If only it were appropriate to wear sequins all year round. The rest of the week is packed with Christmas parties, blogger meet ups, and of course...work. So please forgive me for cutting this short -- I have about a million and one things to do!

JewelMint Angst

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Above are two fairly new JewelMint pieces. I got them in my "BewitchMint Mystery Bag" last month when JewelMint offered a promotion: 2-3 "mystery" pieces, with the potential of getting exclusive $90+ baubles. Needless to say, I don't think I got any of the "exclusive" jewelry, but I didn't really order my "BewitchMint Mystery Bag" with those expectations.

To be honest though..I am kind of annoyed with JewelMint and seriously considering cancelling my account with them. For those of you who don't know, JewelMint is a site that customizes your "jewelry showroom" based upon a style profile you take when you set up an account. It's fun receiving an email with your "showroom" selections at the beginning of each month, but a lot of times their "top picks" for me, are styles I'd never wear. Every JewelMint account is charged $30 in the beginning of the month and the subscriber receives "1 Credit" towards a piece of jewelry. While JewelMint offers the option to skip out on that month's "credit", my frustration rests in the fact that the company provides absolutely no notice that your card will be charged by the fifth of that month. For the past two months I've been charged $30 without even realizing it until after the fact. I now have accumulated 2 credits for pieces I am less than enamored with. What is even more annoying is the fact that one cannot use JewelMint's promotion codes with her monthly credit. Yes, that's right...the subscriber is essentially punished for paying in advance by not being able to use the discount codes.

I know this was a long rant and I rarely post about things I feel negative about, but this really frustrated me. What are your thoughts on JewelMint? Do you agree with what I'm saying? Disagree? I'd be interested in hearing what you have to say!

Toasty

2011-12-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

Corey: HA. (Points to my head.) What's that?
Me: Stop it! I wanted a new hat.
Corey: Are you sure you didn't want a new pet?

This is the conversation that ensued as I debuted my new hat on Saturday. Corey might not be a fan but that's probably because it didn't keep him warm and toasty as we walked around the city this weekend. For extra warmth I layered two of my favorite scarves for a practical finish that livened up an otherwise simple outfit.

Tough Guy

2011-12-09T12:30:00.000-05:00

I love pairing these cargo pants with definitively girly tops, the juxtaposition created never fails to intrigue me; in the past I've worn them with a variety of lace tops, but decided to try them out with this silk shirt from Zara. While blue isn't the girliest color, the polka dots combined with the scoop cut back give it a very girly flavor. I'm so excited it's finally Friday... my weekend will be enjoyed with friends tonight, Christmas shopping tomorrow, and watching football with Corey on Sunday. What are you up to this weekend?

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

2011-12-08T13:00:00.002-05:00

My sister always makes thesePeanut Butter Cup Cookies and this past weekend I was craving them in a bad way. We got our Christmas tree, I made some mulled cider, and these treats were the perfect addition to our holiday-filled afternoon. They're incredibly easy to make, and we later used them to make vanilla cookie sundaes (YUM!). I followed this recipe, and best of all you can enjoy them all year round.

The Basics

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

A simple, classic outfit for today. I posted about this White House | Black Market blazer back in October, but now you can see the gorgeous ruffled collar which inspired me to purchase it in the first place.

For Him: Ten Silly Holiday Gifts $10 and Under.

2011-12-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

When I studied abroad in Paris, almost two years ago, I became pretty close with my Belgian neighbor. One night Corey skyped me while I was hanging out with her, and after just ten minutes of getting to "know" him, she claimed that he embodied her vision of a typical American guy. I used that offhand comment as my inspiration for this post. While I didn't cling to specifics (he was watching sports, eating nachos, and drinking a Bud Light that night) his goofy personality and his little idiosyncrasies helped me create the second installation of my 2011 "$10 and Under, Gift Guide."

1. Urban Outfitters. Fingerstache. $8.00
2. Crate&Barrel. Hops Beer Glass. $4.95
3. Cromer's. Candy Apple. $1.99
4. J.C Penny. Mr. Happy Mug. $8.40
5. ModCloth. Artificial Intelligence Ice Cube Tray. $9.99
6. Crate&Barrel. Peppermint Chocolate Cocoa. $7.95
7. ThinkGeek.com. Zombie Head Bon Bons. $9.99
8. Lord & Taylor. Dark Chocolate Moose Munch. $9.99
9. Uncommon Goods. Coal Gum. $5.00
10. Dylan's Candy Bar. Whirly Pops. $10.00

Polka Dots & Decorating Havoc

2011-12-05T12:30:00.001-05:00

Is it Friday yet? No? Still Monday? Errr. What a particularly sleepy start to my week. My alarm clock went off this morning, and it sounded so foreign. Usually it's set to wake me up on Saturdays and Sundays so I don't miss my spinning class, but this weekend I decided to forget the gym and sleep in. One would think that'd have me well rested and all set to take on the work week, but really I think it just spoiled me.

Anyway, this outfit was worn this past weekend when Corey and I were running around creation to buy Christmas lights and decoration for our apartment. We bought a strand of 200 lights for our tree, but go figure half of them won't turn on. He's exchanging them this afternoon and hopefully we'll have a decorated tree by the end of the day.

"Friday, Friday. Getting Down on Friday."

2011-12-02T07:00:00.003-05:00

Friday, finally - and I'm particularly excited for the weekend! Tonight Corey and I are getting hot chocolate and going to see the tree lit up on the Boston Common. Tomorrow we're decorating the apartment, making cookies, and listening to Christmas music all day. I can't wait! What are your weekend plans?

Michael Kors Fulton Quilted Ballet Flats

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I purchased a pair of the Michael Kors Emilia Jeweled flats, but I was extremely disappointed when one of the rhinestones fell off after wearing the shoes just once. I promptly returned them, but a few days later I felt the void in my closet where the black Emilia flats briefly resided. While in New York this past weekend, visiting my parents for Thanksgiving, I stopped at the Michael Kors by their house and was so excited to find these black Fulton Quilted Ballet flats. They were the very last pair, in my exact size, and they're no longer available on the Michael Kors website. It's as if they were sitting there, waiting for me to snatch them up.

Bold Statement.

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

A few months ago literally nothing in my closet was orange; now I'm the proud owner of orange pants and an orange blazer. When I purchased this blazer (at 4am on Black Friday, I might add) I knew I wanted to pair it with my black BCBG "wet" leggings, but I was afraid I'd look too...Halloween. However, wearing the two with a mauve, whimsy top worked wonders, as it softened the look significantly and I did not feel remotely reminiscent of a Jack-O-Lantern.

For Her: Ten Chic Holiday Gifts $10 and Under.

2011-11-29T07:00:00.003-05:00

If you've followed Antiquated Treasures for a while, you might remember my holiday gift series from 2010. Well, I had so much fun putting it together last year, I decided I'd do it again! Here are ten gifts "For Her"...all $10 and less!

1. Forever 21. Classic Hinge Cuff. $6.80
2. Sephora. One Prime Day. $10.00
3. Forever 21. Bejeweled Knitted Beret. $5.50
4. Forever 21. Studded Bow Hair Clips. $1.50
5. Bath & Body Works. Slatkin & Co. 4 oz. Candle. $9.50
6. Sephora. Glitz and Glam Palette & Lip Glaze. $10.00
7. Target. EOS 2011 Holiday Box. $7.17
8. Sephora. OPI Two Piece Full Size Nail Set. $10.00
9. LUSH. Have a Sweet Christmas. $10.00
10. Girl Props. Door Knockers, Vintage 1980's. $6.99

Thanksgiving Day Outfit

2011-11-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

A few days delayed, but this is what I wore on Thanksgiving. The appropriateness sparkle has this time of year, is one of the many reasons why I love the holidays. I picked up this gold skirt a few weeks ago and I plan on maximizing the mileage I get out of it through New Years Day.

Glitter & Stripes.

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving! The holiday season is officially upon us, and I couldn't be happier (it's the only way I know how to cope with the cold). As far as blogging goes, this week marked my two year bloggerversery! It's so great to be able to look back and see not only how my sense of style has evolved, but also all of the great memories and experiences which have occurred since November 2009. I remember making my very first post, during my Thanksgiving break, sitting on Corey's couch in his first Boston apartment. So much has changed since then and it's interesting to look back and watch life's gradual transformations unfold via blog posts.

Poncho Bliss.

2011-11-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

This knitted poncho was one of the wisest purchases I've made in a long time. It's so cozy, and in the few weeks that I've owned it I've found myself wearing it in just about every situation -- whether snuggled up on the couch, running errands on the weekend, or even at work on a chilly day (it helps that my office's dress code is fairly relaxed) this knitted wonder has become a reliable autumn confidant.

November Julep Maven Box.

2011-11-22T07:00:00.002-05:00

As you might remember, earlier in the month I posted about my October Julep Maven box; impressed with the content, I was eager to receive my November box. I won't beat around the bush -- I definitely liked the October box more, but that doesn't mean the November box was all bad. I absolutely loved the deep hunter varnish (color name is "Diane), and foresee myself wearing it throughout the winter, however, I don't really have much use for the makeup bag or gloss. Julep is marketed as a nail, hand, and foot care subscription, so I don't really understand why only one of the three products is relevant to the subscription type.

Nevertheless, Julep is not all to blame, as they send out an email every month detailing the content of the upcoming box. At that point the subscriber has the choice to opt out for that particular month... I, however, was admittedly irresponsible and didn't closely review the email Julep sent me for the November box, so it's ultimately my own fault.

Gold & Silver.

2011-11-21T07:00:00.004-05:00

Monday morning is significantly more bearable knowing that it's a short work week; although, I can hardly believe Thanksgiving is this Thursday! I wore this outfit Friday night to my office's Thanksgiving party. The party was hosted at Jillian's, right next to Fenway Park, and what a fun night! In addition to food and drinks, the night was fully equipped with a casino. Of course we were only playing with funny money, but at the end of the night the top four winners were able to select a charity to donate a portion of their earnings. Afterwards, Corey went home and I took a cab over to the North End for a girls night out.

Chunky Knits & Brights

2011-11-18T07:00:00.003-05:00

If I had to choose the article of clothing I love wearing most throughout the fall, it would definitely be my chunky sweaters. Not only are they extremely wearable (they look just as good with a skirt or with jeans) they're so cozy, I can't help but feel like I'm walking around in a blanket. Worn with yet another bright skirt, I really wasn't joking when I said I love adding a splash of color to my autumn ensambles.

Buttered Up.

2011-11-17T07:00:00.002-05:00

As much as I'd love a weekly manicure and pedicure, that just isn't conducive to my current schedule or budget, which is why I felt justified to purchase Butter London's Base Coat and Top Coat, in the Nail Treatment Set Tops & Tails gift set. A $36 value, I was excited to find the set for $25, although that's still admittedly pricey. Nevertheless, this duo has provided easy, professional looking nails on countless occasions -- and that's not all. The base coat stands alone as its own color beautifully, but not in the mood for nude? Throw a polish on over the base, and you'll be amazed at how evenly it's applied. Seal the deal with the top coat, and your nails will not only look glossy and professional, they'll be 100% dried in less than five minutes

Fur-ever Love Fur.

2011-11-16T07:00:00.005-05:00

Fur (even fake fur!) is so controversial, people either love it or hate -- there's rarely a middle ground. I obviously fall into the former category, but even wearing it with confidence did not deter the strange looks I received as I gallivanted around the city Sunday afternoon. Nevertheless, this is just one of my three (faux) fur vests and I'll continue to wear them proudly, regardless of whoever looks at me funny. I mean come on, what other article of clothing dresses up an ordinary outfit
so effortlessly?

Café Fleuri's Chocolate Bar.

2011-11-15T07:00:00.004-05:00

This past weekend both mine and Corey's families came to Boston. Although we've been together for over three years our parents had only met once, back in the early days when we had first started dating, so I knew I had to plan the perfect weekend -- no pressure, right? I made reservations at the Langham Hotel's Café Fleuri, where every Saturday the restaurant transforms into an all you can eat chocolate buffet. I figured chocolate makes people happy, so if I gave both sets of parents an unlimited supply, they'd just have to get along. And the plan seemed to work perfectly, the weekend turned out to be a great success.

POP!

2011-11-14T07:00:00.004-05:00

While I adore fall neutrals, a pop of color is always a fun way to jazz up a season of brown, grey and black -- not that I have anything against those colors -- I just can't bare to say goodbye to my bright favorites until the spring. Sported with a top knot bun, this do has quickly become a saving grace for the unruly long, thick mess that sits on top of my head...also known as my hair.

Life According To My Camera

2011-11-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

1. A delicious honey grilled cheese sandwich from a Boston cafe.
2. My handsome boyfriend reading the Sunday paper.
3. A vintage clothing store on wheels.
4. Some old fashioned candy.
5. Rings and things on my pretty little jewelry tree.
6. My friend Jordan with a bag full of apples we picked.

A few miscellaneous pictures that have accumulated over the past month but haven't yet made their way to the blog. No rhyme or reason to their content, order, etc.. just my little life.

Hunter & Mauve.

2011-11-11T07:00:00.004-05:00

My skinny cargo pants are probably one of the most worn pieces in my closet. They're fun to juxtapose with pretty, girly tops like this one, but just as fun when paired with slouchy comfy shirts that match the green earth tone (seen here). Worn with a pair of western inspired boots, and enjoyed with a hot caramel apple cider, this outfit was the perfect compliment to a crisp autumn day.

Sweet Potato Graham Muffins.

2011-11-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

As I searched through my autumn list of "Recipes to Try," I noticed a majority of the baked goods were pumpkin based. Although I can't deny my affinty towards anything flavored pumpkin, there are so many delicious fall fruits and vegetables that also deserve attention this time of year. These Sweet Potato Graham Muffins served as an appropriate departure from my pumpkin rut, but were still seasonally appropriate and made for a cozy breakfast.

Maxi-mum Comfort (Closet Treasure).

2011-11-09T07:00:00.003-05:00

This particular maxi skirt is always my go-to, on lazy mornings when I'd rather wear sweatpants to work. While its jersey knit material is cozy enough for lounging, the color, combined with the floor length design, make it easy to dress up and wear in the corporate world. I paired it with a dress (worn as a shirt, as you can see) from Urban Outfitters, and how could I forget my newest love, my Michael Kors bag. (Seriously, I love this bag so much, Corey has given it the nickname "Mikey," and refers to it as such when we're leaving the house, as if it were our child. Ex: "Got the keys? Got your wallet? Got Mikey?")

The SoWa Open Market: Inspiring Displays.

2011-11-08T07:00:00.004-05:00

Boston's SoWa Open Market* is probably one of my favorite flea markets in the world (and I've been to the famous Brooklyn Flea, as well as several chic flea markets in Paris.) For starters, it's the perfect size -- an afternoon will comfortably allow for a visit to each vendor -- but what's even better is the variety of vintage merchandise, and the aesthetically pleasing way in which it is all displayed. During my last visit to SoWa I was particularly inspired by the presentation of jewelry, and it has had me thinking about new ways to store my own collection. How do you store your jewelry? What's your inspiration?
*(Click here to see my post of SoWa Open Market's food vendors.)

Vintage necklaces laid out perfectly on a nautical map.

Stud earrings carefully sorted on vintage playing cards.

The most organized jewelry tree I've ever seen.

Jewelry laid out for easy viewing in a vintage bird bath.

Not So Preppy.

2011-11-07T07:00:00.003-05:00

Back at Monday. I hope you all had a great weekend. I did nothing particularly noteworthy, but Corey and I got to spend a majority of the weekend together (save for a few hours when he worked on Saturday and I went to the gym), which is my favorite way to pass time, so all in all I'm a happy camper, and ready to start the week. Here I'm debuting the Michael Kors bag I posted about yesterday. In love. Worn with a layered button down and sweater. To avoid looking too preppy I paired the two tops with cropped ripped jeans and a leather jacket. Done and done.

Michael Kors Bedford Medium Satchel.

2011-11-06T07:00:00.006-05:00

I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of my closet -- the Michael Kors Bedford Medium Satchel in Mocha -- isn't it beautiful? Friday after work I went to the mall to do some early Christmas shopping; although I had no intentions of making such an extravagant purchase I was lured in by a beautiful display of Michael Kors handbags from his Fall 2011 collection. While I've been known for my tendency of making unnecessary purchases on a whim, this is to date the most lavish. Nevertheless, I couldn't be happier, the bag gives me so much confidence and I know I'll have it for years to come.

October Julep Maven Box.

2011-11-05T07:00:00.007-04:00

Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub, Julep Varnish in Reese,
Julep Varnish in Alfre

As a reader of fashion and beauty blogs, it's nearly impossible to be unfamiliar with Birchbox, the subscription which guarantees four to five deluxe samples of high end beauty products delivered to your doorstep for just $10/month. However, slightly less known, but equally as exciting is the subscription service Julep Maven. Similar to Birchbox the Julep subscription ensures a handful of pampering goodies delivered monthly, at just a fraction of the cost it would retail for.

But while Birchbox offers a variety of beauty products (hair, face cream, makeup, etc.), the Julep Maven box focuses on nail, hand, and foot care. October was the first month I received my box, and I have to say... so far I'm impressed. For $19.99/month, the Julep subscriber gets $60 in Julep products customized to her needs, as determined by the style quiz she takes when signing up for the service.

While I haven't used these Julep varnishes long enough to have a strong opinion about their quality, I do know that with just one coat, the color is extremely thick, opaque, and without a top coat I was able to go almost two days without any chips. Best of all, my first box was only $5 with the use of the coupon code "INTRO5". I ordered my Julep Maven box a month ago, so I'm not sure if that code is still valid, but it's definitely worth a try if you're interested. And don't worry, if you try it for one month and don't like it there is absolutely no commitment. At the end of every month Julep sends you an email of what to expect your next box to contain, if you don't like the products you can either switch it with another box or cancel your subscription all together.

Color Fusion.

2011-11-04T07:00:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the little absence, but I'm back (with lots of colors)! I'll take a moment to say Rest In Peace to these Banana Republic heels. Just an hour or so after these pictures were taken, I went back to my apartment and my boyfriend's brother, who was visiting us, spilled Coca-Cola all over these guys. Despite my best efforts to clean them, the suede is permanently stained, so I'm currently looking for a DIY project to revive them to their former glory (or better!). I can't stop thinking about Kiley's DIY from back in July, but I'm open to all suggestions.

Honey Walnut Pumpkin Bread.

2011-10-25T07:00:00.007-04:00

To say the Whole Foods iPhone Application, isn't one of my most used would be a lie. Over the past few months I've made a handful of tasty, healthy recipes (as seen here and here), and have at least a dozen more saved to my favorites. I've been itching to bake this Honey Walnut Pumpkin Bread since August, and this weekend I finally got around to doing so. When heated up for just a a few moments, this pumpkin bread has proven to pair incredibly with a perfect cup of coffee.

Festive Pantaloons.

2011-10-24T07:00:00.003-04:00

Is it just me, or is it completely cheesy that a week before Halloween I decide to break out these bright orange pants, which would give any pumpkin a run for its money? But seriously, putting aside all festive cheesiness, these bright jeans are currently a favorite in my closet; however, as is the case with all "statement" pieces, it's going to be difficult to subtly style them up in the near future, without anyone noticing. That's why I took a "go big or go home" attitude with this outfit, and paired it with all my favorite recent purchases, including the JewelMint necklace I talked about here.

Timeless Investments.

2011-10-21T07:00:00.005-04:00

While I love a good bargain, I've come to realize there are some things you just can't skimp on, blazers probably being at the top of that list. Over the last few years I've purchased several from Forever 21 and H&M, and while I've tried them on in the store and thought "eh, I could make it work," that "eh" translates to "UGH" when getting ready in the morning. This frustration became so consistent that I finally decided to purchase several timeless blazers.* While handing over $100+ for a single article of clothing is not my favorite, I'm always grateful when I rediscover these reliable pieces hanging in my closet. This tan blazer is from White House|Black Market (a store I curiously deemed "matronly" until recently), and with its perfectly cinched collar, it definitely gives it a bit of character.

*Another one of my investment blazers can be seen here.

Astoria Neckalce.

2011-10-19T07:00:00.003-04:00

While I've always gravitated towards costume jewelry for the glittery flare it adds to even the most ordinary outfit, I've never really relied on a particular piece to last long term because of the obvious trade off of cost and quality. However, when my Astoria Necklace arrived in the mail from JewelMint, I was simultaneously surprised and thrilled to realize the quality exceeded the $29.99 price tag. Since receiving this necklace a week ago, I've already paired it with four outfits. I love the versatility of the piece, I've worn it as a "tough guy" with a pair of (p)leather leggings and a grey slouchy sweater, but have also used it as the juxtaposing element of an uber-feminine (maroon skinny jeans and pink sweater) outfit. Expect to see it styled early next week (I have a post lined up for Monday where I am wearing it!).

Maple-Oat Cookies.

2011-10-17T07:00:00.006-04:00

My boyfriend, Corey, is a native Vermonter, and when we visited his family last month, I made sure to stop at a local farmer's market and pick up a bottle of fresh maple syrup. Although I didn't have a particular recipe in mind, it seemed fitting, as the comforting taste and scent of maple has always reminded me of autumn.

Fast forward a month later, and in a quest to bake a healthy but tasty dessert for Corey (whose tendency is to eat like a six year old) I whipped out the ever reliable Whole Foods app on my iPhone, and stumbled upon this little gem. These cookies were certainly a departure from your ordinary treat, but their gooey texture, combined with their seasonal relevance, made them a hit -- even for Mr. Picky!

Sparkling.

2011-10-16T07:00:00.005-04:00

It's really no secret that I love any and all things that sparkle. To celebrate this guilty little pleasure of mine, I decided to pair these two new glittering additions to my wardrobe with one another, for a total fusion of silver, gold & shine. These shorts were a part of Express' Summer 2011 collection, but like the nail varnish mentioned here, I thought they were better suited for the fall. Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!

The SoWa Open Market: Treats & Eats.

2011-10-15T07:00:00.009-04:00

My favorite part of autumn is the rich comfort foods that accompany the cooler months. Last weekend, I frequented the SoWa Open Market, located in the South of Boston, and was not disappointed with their selection of seasonal treats, sold alongside locally grown fresh produce. The variety was abundant, and I blissfully spent the afternoon sampling everything from peanut butter s'mores to lavender honey.

I purchased a can of this hot pepper jam. Still need to muster up the courage to try it.

An adorable sign to accompany this vendor's delicious homemade marshmallows.

Crisp fall apples of all varieties.

Sampling gourmet pesto sauce. I purchased Fig & Gorgonzola Pesto, but the Pumpkin Spice Pesto was a close runner up.

Loaves of gingerbread, impeccably wrapped. Definitely inspiring for the holiday season.

Polished Up.

2011-10-13T07:00:00.002-04:00

The perfect finish to any outfit is a set of polished nails; and while my collection is vast, every season I seem to gravitate towards the same five or six colors. The Estee Lauder varnish is actually a part of the company's Summer 2011 collection, but quite frankly, I think it's significantly more suited for the cooler weather months. Of all of my polishes, however, I can't seem to get enough of anything by Butter London. Ever since Ulta started selling the UK brand, a few months back, its hard to walk into the store without picking up a new color (or two..or three), which starts getting very pricey at $14 a bottle!

I Knew a Girl Who Sang the Blues

2011-10-12T07:00:00.001-04:00

It's getting darker earlier, and unfortunately, because I work from 9am-7pm and because it's mid-October, that's not conducive to taking photographs with good lighting (if I even get to take them at all.) Nevertheless, I'm very happy with my new job, so it's worth it... perhaps I'll start waking up earlier so I can take pictures before I even start my day.

The weather has been unseasonably warm over the past several days. My friends and I went pumpkin and apple picking in New Hampshire this weekend, and really..we would have probably been better off at the beach. The entire weekend temperatures lingered in the high seventies and low eighties, and none of us had packed clothing appropriate for such warm weather. We still had a wonderful time, doing fun fall activities that I'll be sure to post about later this week.

Fall Favorites

2011-09-27T00:00:00.001-04:00

My shorts have been put in storage until next spring, and my favorite sweaters and scarves have been progressively creeping their way into my outfit rotations; however, my wardrobe is not alone in its seasonal transition, my makeup bag has also experienced a very similar change. Click here for product details.

A Change of Style

2011-09-26T00:00:00.001-04:00

Although today only marks the second week at my new job, corporate America has already made its impression on my style. My tendency of choosing "cutesy" dresses and over-sized shirts and sweaters, has weaned significantly, and I've instead been gravitating towards button-down collard shirts, and sleek fitting pencil skirts. While I don't mind the refining overhaul, I've nevertheless made it my prerogative to maintain at least some integrity to my former self, and paired this business oriented outfit with my 70s-inspired, Forever21 heels.

Band Time

2011-09-21T00:00:00.001-04:00

Although it looks like I jumped a band conductor and ran away in his outfit, these riding pants from Zara have been itching to make an appearance since they were purchased during fashion week last September. I started work a week ago, and although I prefer wearing dresses, and skirts, a pair of pants seemed like a refreshing departure while I was getting ready yesterday morning. And while the pants and blazer give this look a definitively androgynous vibe, I paired it with the most feminine white button up in my closet, in order to achieve a perfect balance.

Black & Blue

2011-09-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

My wardrobe has officially made the not-so-gradual transition into fall, and I have finally debuted this New Look faux leather jacket, which I scored on clearance for $15, at the end of last winter. I guess I don't mind the cooler weather, as I love scarves, boots, and jackets...I just wish there was at least some sort of lapsed period in which summer gracefully turned into fall.

Sweet and Salty Peanut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

2011-09-18T15:00:00.003-04:00

I've been mindful of my diet lately, and actively trying to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. While I refuse to deprive myself of sweets entirely, my new consciousness has inspired me to take a delicious recipe and put my own healthy spin on it. I substituted with whole-wheat flour and organic vanilla extract, and skimped on the chocolate chips. The result was dynamite.

I Will Never Grow Up.

2011-09-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

I purchased this shirt back in April, but completely forgot about it until just a week ago. Pairing it with some copper shorts, I was appropriately dressed for the late summer weather, as temperatures dipped into the low sixties, reiterating the inevitable cold-weathered fate of hibernation for sleeveless shirts and open-toed shoes. I am confidant that this Peter Pan collared shirt will transition perfectly into my fall wardrobe, as I can envision wearing it with both a pair of army cargo pants as well as with my favorite pair of dark skinny jeans.

In other news, I've been feeling really excited about Antiquated Treasures lately, and I am happy to say that from here on out I will be posting much more frequently. I've recently experienced a surge of blogspiration, if you will (yes, I really did just call it that...I'm so cool), and I expect to post at least four times a week from here on out. I miss how disciplined I used to be with posting, and the way I used to view my blog as a given responsibility, one which always kept me accountable.

Shirt: Forever 21
Shorts: Forever 21

Summer's Ending Nostalgia

2011-09-07T12:00:00.001-04:00

The end of summer is always met with nostalgia, but this year it's different. For the first time since preschool, September does not mean buying school supplies and returning to the structured setting of a classroom. Instead, I will be starting my first real job, and while I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity, I can't deny the pang of envy I feel as the back to school commercials for Staples grace my television or when I pass the college dorm room displays at my local Target.

While I won't miss the self inflicted middle of the night coffee overdoses, necessary to cram for a test, I do long for the stiff crease of a new notebook, the poignant classroom discussions evolving around a literally classic, and just the general acquisition of new knowledge on topics once completely foreign. I'm sure once I start work on September 12th, and get into a new kind of routine, these feelings of missing out will go away, but for now I wish I could turn the clock back to the end of July and freeze it in a moment of time when the world didn't seem fixated on textbooks and school lunches.

Healthy Haul

2011-09-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

After moving to Boston a month and a half ago, I've worked diligently to find a good job and settle into an apartment. With both tasks successfully completed, I've been able to shift my focus to the smaller, but still important, factors that make a major city feel like home. I have made some friends, gotten my own card to the Boston Public Library, and even joined a gym-- all of which have provided me with that desired sense of belonging. Having (some what) established my little self in this large city, I've been feeling really positive, which in turn has inspired an emphasis on healthy habits, naturally trickling its way into several recent shopping trips.

|A Detox Book Detailing the Best Diet for Naturally Beautiful Hair & Skin|

|My New Water Bobble, So Filtered Water is Guaranteed Everywhere|

|Spice of Life Tea from Teavanna, to Help Wean Me off of Coffee|

|Lush, Head Case, Quad to Help Repair Damaged Hair|

Nail Party.

2011-08-27T20:00:00.000-04:00

I've been coveting the glittered Deborah Lippman nail polish, Happy Birthday, but the cost is a bit steep for my budget. That's why I was excited to get my hands on Wet n Wild's, Party of Five Glitters, and with a modest price tag of $1.99, this polish is a great bargain. I paired the glittery varnish with Essie's E-nuf is E-nuf, a creamy choral shade, and the combination brightens my mood each time I look at my nails. Although I haven't tried Happy Birthday and can't say specifically how Party of Five Glitters compares as a dupe, I can tell you that this polish fulfilled all of the expectations I would have had for Deborah Lipmann's, Happy Birthday.

Saber Tooth Belts & Squirrel Skirts

2011-08-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Every weekend during the month of August, the historic North End of Boston transforms into a whirlwind of food, games, and entertainers, for the annual Italian festival. Corey and I decided to frequent this part of the city on Saturday, for a calm night out, however the stuffy crowds made the experience anything but relaxing. I wore my new squirrel printed skirt purchased from Urban Outfitters (because what closet is complete without one?)and a saber tooth belt(again, what closet is complete without?). After an hour of trying to make our way through the frightening herds of people, we decided to stop at our favorite bar for a few drinks, before calling it an early night and heading home to watch movies and eat ice cream sandwiches.

The Garment District

2011-08-19T00:00:00.003-04:00

When I started Antiquated Treasures, almost two years ago, it was primarily oriented towards documenting my vintage discoveries. It has since evolved beyond that, but I still love second hand shops as much as ever. Yesterday, I ventured to Boston's most unique department store, The Garment District, which is a massive vintage store, decorated with an inspiring retro aesthetic.

I walked out with a bag full of goodies, including a handful of items from a pile in which all articles cost $1 a pound. Pretty nifty. I got a couple of things I can wear to work (I start in 3 weeks!), a few sweaters for fall, a pair of boyfriend jeans, and a Dolce Vita dress.

|Pool of Vintage Shoes|

|Room Divider Disguised as the T|

|Bright Dressing Room|

|Fun Little Drawing I Found|

A Delicious Gesture

2011-08-17T18:00:00.001-04:00

Last Saturday I was eating breakfast when the doorbell rang. We weren't expecting anybody, so curiously, my friend Dan walked down the three flights of stairs to see who our early visitor was. When he walked back into our apartment, he had a confused look upon his face and awkwardly handed me a beautiful bouquet of fruit, and said "This is for you." I recently moved to Boston and not a lot of people have my new address, so you can imagine my delight when I realized it was from my high school friend, Carolyn, who I haven't spoken to in a few months. The fact that she went through all the trouble of tracking me down at my new address, meant so much more than the gift itself, but I have to admit...I thoroughly enjoyed the chocolate covered strawberries.

Maple Walnut & Watermelon Salad

2011-07-29T07:00:00.001-04:00

When it comes to salad, a variety of texture and flavor is ideal. This salad was ultimately a culmination of leftover ingredients that I wanted to use before going away for the weekend, and my haphazard attempt to empty the refrigerator yielded to a perfect summer salad.

Ingredients:
-2 Cups of Romaine Lettuce
-1/4 Cup of Maple Walnuts
-1/2 Cup of Fresh Cilantro
-1 Cup of Watermelon
-1 Tbsp of Sunflower Seeds
-1/4 Cup of Green Peppers
-1/4 Cup of Red Peppers
-2 Tbsp of Vinagrette Dressing

On the Boardwalk

2011-07-27T07:00:00.002-04:00

|My Sister Melanie & Me|

As you may know from reading my previous post, I recently returned from a trip to the Jersey Shore. While our days were spent at the beach, our nights consisted of strolling the boardwalk. Although I'd love to boast leisurely evening walks on the beach, Wildwoods' boardwalk was anything but. Between the neon lights, the taunting rides, the (sometimes raunchy) novelty shops, and the smell of fried food, I was overstimulated to say at the least. Not that I didn't enjoy myself, it was just very different from what I had anticipated. I chose a few photos that I believe capture the overwhelming attitude of the shore.

|Countless Opportunities to Win Giant Stuffed Animals|

|A Delicious Stomachache Waiting to Happen|

|Competing Food Vendors Claiming to be the Cheapest & Tastiest|

|Intimidating Rides for the Unfazed Daredevil|

|A Contest for Pauly D Wannabes to Prove their Strength|

Sweet Jewelry

2011-07-26T15:44:00.006-04:00

Dress: Forever 21
Vest: Mango
Necklaces: Forever 21 & Candy Shop
Sandals: Target
Bag: Vintage

My family spent an extended weekend visiting my sister, who is living in Wildwoods, New Jersey this summer. Our hotel was just off the boardwalk, which was chock full of novelty shops including a candy store, full of homemade fudge, peanut butter cups, and chocolate covered strawberries. So why, one might ask, given all that chocolatey goodness, would I choose a candy necklace? Well, the answer is threefold; first, we had just eaten a big meal and I couldn't think of ingesting something heavy, second, candy necklaces remind me of childhood, and third, I love jewelry of all types.

This floral frock was a gem I discovered at Forever 21. I never thought I'd like a dress that lacked structure, but its loose fitting design was very forgiving of all the delicious food the boardwalk had to offer, and I tamed it a little by pairing it with my denim vest.

Light Summer Dinner

2011-07-25T18:00:00.003-04:00

One of the most enticing characteristics of summer is the laid back mood the world tends to adopt. A few nights ago, when trying to figure out what to have for dinner, Corey and I agreed that crackers, cheese, and hummus was the obvious answer. It required minimal preparation, and was easy to eat as we sat on the back deck sipping on this summer cocktail.

Black Bean Burger

2011-06-29T14:09:00.002-04:00

Whenever I mention that I make my own veggie burgers, I often receive an impressed reaction from whoever I may be relaying this information to. While I'd love to take credit for being a praiseworthy cook, I cannot in good conscious do so because the recipe is fairly simple. Nevertheless, despite its simplicity, these burgers are super filling and receive praise from both my vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends alike.

Manicotti

2011-06-20T07:00:00.001-04:00

I've been cooking consistently for the past month, and one of the best meals I have had in a while is this manicotti recipe. I made it a few weeks ago, and the shells used were homemade strips of pasta purchased from the Historic North End of Boston. I coated the shells with a garlic butter mixture so that they would stick closed, but it also made them particularly flavorful. If you would like to know what happiness tastes like, I assure you that this is it.

Too Faced Beauty Insider Palette.

2011-06-19T07:00:00.002-04:00

I've been a Sephora Beauty Insider since the rewards program launched, and over the past several years I have accumulated thousands of points which have yielded to dozens of fun prizes. Whereas I used to spend the points as soon as I hit one-hundred, a few months ago I decided to be patient and save up until I hit five-hundred, and I am so glad that I did!! When I reached the big five-zero-zero I was thrilled to realize that the reward was this amazing (unique to Sephora Beauty Insiders) Too Faced Palette, fully equipped with two colors from each of the eye shadow palettes in their main collection. While I have the Romantic Palette, I've been craving the Natural Palette for forever, and the frequency at which I have been using "Heaven" and "Push-Up," I'm thinking it might really be worth the splurge.

If you've ever used a Too Faced product before, I'm sure you are familiar with the renowned quality. That's why I am so excited about this incredible gift, and I love Sephora even more now, as they truly reward their loyal customers.

Watermelon, Strawberry, & Cilantro Salad

2011-06-10T07:00:00.001-04:00

Last weekend Corey and I decided to grill for dinner. I knew I wanted a side dish to accompany my homemade black bean burger, so I used the convenient "On Hand" feature on the Whole Foods iPhone application, and typed in "cilantro" and "watermelon" as the ingredients we had in the refrigerator. This lovely recipe came up, so I decided to give it a go! The dish proved to be extremely refreshing, flavorful, and an overall fun alternative to your typical green salad. I will definitely be making this recipe again!!

Ivory & Black

2011-06-09T07:00:00.001-04:00

Shirt: No label, borrowed from my sister's closet.
Skirt: Delia*s, borrowed from my sister's closet.
Necklace: Fenton Fallon
Purse: Ann Taylor

Despite my over stuffed closet, I perpetually feel as if I have nothing to wear. Yesterday morning I ventured to my sister's closet, not expecting much as she is living on the Jersey shore this summer, and to my surprise there was an abundance of adorable clothing that she evidentially chose not to pack! I was like a kid in a candy shop, pulling everything cute off the hangers and transferring them onto mine. Three cheers for a feast of new clothing!!

Samuel Adams Brewery Tour

2011-06-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

After having so much fun last October at the Harpoon Brewery Tour, Corey and I decided to give the Samuel Adams Brewery Tour a venture and we were not disappointed! We both agreed that we enjoyed the Sam Adams tour even more than the Harpoon tour because our guide was more engaging, the tasting session was educational as it described how to properly judge the beer, and best of all it was free! Definitely a must see if you're of age and visiting Boston!!

(Haha, the picture above gives a whole new meaning to "Beer Goggles.")

Citronella Cooler

2011-06-06T07:00:00.001-04:00

One of the best ways to unwind at the end of a summer day, is a refreshing cocktail enjoyed on the back deck. Here's a recipe I've been loving lately.

Citronella Cooler
Ingredients:
1 oz Lemon Vodka
2 oz Lemonade
2 oz Cranberry Juice
1 Splash Lime Juice

(I got this recipe here. Enjoy!)

Current Favorites: Cosmetics

2011-06-05T17:00:00.006-04:00

With the change of season comes the inevitable change of wardrobe, but I can't be the only one who rotates makeup staples with the warmer weather. Here's what I've been loving lately.

1. Stila's Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer is absolutely perfect for summer because it is water-resistant and loaded with SPF nutrients, which are vital this time of year. I use the shade "Light" and apply it instead of my foundation.

2. Benefit's Bella Bamba is no stranger to the blogging community, and for good reason. This blush is the quintessential shade of pink, and I am admittedly enamored.

3. Not only is this sequined cosmetic bag from Forever 21, incredibly inexpensive ($3.80), it's adorable and most importantly the perfect size and shape for makeup brushes. With summer comes plenty of travelling and haphazardly throwing expensive brushes in my makeup bag is not an option. This little bag keeps them all safe and concisely packed together.

4. Lorac's Multiplex 3D Lashes is one of the best mascaras I've ever used, I just can't believe I went so long without trying it. There's really little else one could ask for in a mascara, as this product effectively works wonders at lengthening the lashes while simultaneously thickening them.

5. I am a huge fan of Essie nail polishes, and lately I've found myself particularly partial to the shade e-nuf is e-nuf. True to how it is described on the website, the color is "a subdued creamy coral," perfect on both nails and toes when the weather is warm.

6. This Sonia Kashuk highlighter is gorgeous, as it adds a perfect subtle shimmer. I like to apply it directly on the cheekbones to emphasize my natural bone structure.

7. Too Face's Primed and Poreless Powder works wonders at making my skin appear flawless (or should I say, poreless..?), and keeps my makeup matte all day. I've also gotten into the habit of brushing a dab of it over my lipstick, which makes the color last significantly longer.

8. Although Philosophy's Ravishing Rose might seem a bit subdued for summertime, I've recently been using it like a fiend. Because I've been more adventurous with my eyeshadow lately, a subtle lipstick works perfectly. (Note: As far as I know, this lipstick is only available through QVC's exclusive Philosophy divine 3 pc. color discovery kit.)

9. I've been loving this eye smokifier, in the color Very Black, from Jillian Dempsey's Avon collaboration. The consistency is unusual as it applies like a liquid liner but is completely dry and even powdery. It's perfect for the upper lid but, things get messy when you try applying it to the waterline!

Vegetable Teriyaki Kabobs

2011-06-02T14:15:00.002-04:00

As a vegetarian I am often asked, "What do you eat at summer barbecue's?" Lucky for us herbivores, summer offers the best variety of vegetables, so I have never had an issue concocting meals for those warm evenings when dinner is enjoyed on the back deck. Vegetable kabobs are certainly a summer staple, and this past weekend I indulged in the first of the season.

The great thing about vegetable kabobs is their simplicity in preparation and richness in flavor. For these particular kabobs I cut up red, yellow, orange and green peppers, red onions, and yellow squash, then marinated them in teriyaki sauce. Finally, I threaded the veggies onto wooden skewers, making sure to alternate amongst the different varieties as to create a variation in flavor as well as an aesthetically pleasing side dish (hey, why not?). Then I placed them on the grill for about fifteen minutes and the result was phenomenal. I didn't really follow a particular recipe, but if you're looking for one, this one is pretty close. What's your favorite summer dish?

Nature's Facts of Life.

2011-05-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

Since the last time we've talked I have officially graduated college! Mind boggling, right? The past four years have been the most incredible, stressful, amazing years of my entire life and they flew by way too quickly. Graduation day was so sad and all of life's uncertainties that I am now facing are admittedly terrifying. I am applying to jobs everywhere, still waiting to hear back from anywhere, but nevertheless plastering a big smile onto my face as I try my hardest to remain as positive as ever. Oh, life.

Shirt: Forever21
Pants: Forever21
Shoes: Shi
Accessories: Various vendors

Anyway, these cargo inspired skinny jeans caught my eye back in January, however I didn't make them mine until late April. While I love skirts and dresses, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy a good pair of pants every now and then, and these are certainly a welcomed departure from the typical pair of ripped up jeans. I chose to maintain a fluid theme of earth tones and pair these pants with an off the shoulder shirt of grey, purple, and rust colors and I like the effect. However, I've also worn these pants with a dressy white and black Peter Pan collared top, and I think the contrast of dressy and casual coincide wonderfully as well. My point in all of this? These pants are extremely versatile.

And then there are these caged shoes, which are really surprisingly comfortable, and definitely make this seemingly casual outfit, significantly more edgy. Yesss please.

How To: Wear Denim Overalls

2011-05-03T00:00:00.003-04:00

I've been coveting over a pair of overalls for a while now. Not a knit pair, reminiscent of child's jumpsuit, nor a denim romper falsely advertised as overalls. I've been on the lookout for a genuine pair, and Easter weekend I finally found them! Now typically overalls and fashion don't fair well together in the same sentence. However, if you've been reading my blog for a while now, you'll know that I like to take "misunderstood" pieces and make them pretty. (Thoughts drift to Bill Cosby sweater and the tackiest sleeves in the world.)

While denim overalls are a little risky to wear (simply for the inevitable stigma associated with them), here are some tips I stuck to in order to make this underground trend work:
-Choose overalls for summer! Like shorts and sun dresses, denim overalls should only grace your wardrobe when the weather is warm. Panted overalls will drown your body and yield to a complete overkill of denim.
-Say no to t-shirts. When figuring out how to properly style these bad boys, I tried them on with a basic t-shirt. Although this might feel comfortable for the timid fashionista, try expanding your horizons! If you're daring enough to wear overalls, why not pair them with a crop tie dye knit? Or even a light sweatshirt for a cool summer night?
-Keep Jewelry to a Minimum. While I am typically a supporter of excessive jewelry, pairing mounds of bracelets, a pair of earrings and a chunky necklace with an unconventional trend often translates to "Why is she trying so hard?" I chose a weaved beaded cuff as my single statement piece, as it is definitely noticeable, while still looking natural and thrown together.
-Confidence is Key. Cliche? Yup. But I really cannot stress it enough. People often tell me "Oh, I could never pull off X (insert any strange outfit) like you do." To which I answer YES YOU CAN. If you love an outfit, wear it like you were born for it. Universally, (wo)man is often his/her own biggest critic but exuding confidence goes a long way and people take notice of that and respect you more for it.

Hope this was a helpful post and has inspired you to take a fashion risk. If you have any questions just let me know via blogger comment,e-mail, or twitter. This semester has been rough for Antiquated Treasures (12.5 hours of class, 12 hours of commuting and 30 hours of interning per week..it's difficult to squeeze anything else in), however I plan to return to the blogosphere with a vengeance once finals are over on May 16th!

Baby Doll

2011-04-25T07:00:00.002-04:00

It seems as if mother nature got the memo after my last post, as the weather yesterday was immaculate. The conditions for the upcoming week do not look nearly as promising, however, with thunderstorms said to hit hard in New York City today, and the following days to be cloudy at best. Nevertheless I am happy I got to wear this precious baby doll dress for the holidays.

As far as love at first site goes, I didn't believe in such a silly concept until I laid eyes upon this little frock. How perfect and unique is the lacy Peter Pan collar? And don't get me started on the sleeves! It's safe to say this dress is probably one of my favorites out of my current spring wardrobe, and it doesn't hurt that the material is as soft and as comfortable as a nightgown. I intentionally contrasted this excessively feminine dress with a pair of studded, black and brown chunky heels, as to toughen it up a bit....or at least as much as a dainty dress can be toughened.

Dress: Forever21
Shoes: Forever21
Necklace: Disney Couture

Wham

2011-04-24T01:00:00.001-04:00

Here in the northeast the weather does not seem to have gotten the memo that it is the end of April. I still grab for my winter jacket each time I walk out the front door and long sleeves and tights are almost always a constant necessity. Spring, if you're out there please come grace us with your presence!!

Shirt: Zara
Jacket: Forever 21
Pants: Forever 21
Belt: Fossil
Shoes: BCBG

Anyway, I'm graduating in less than a month, I can't really get over that. However, the schoolwork is piling up as it always does at the end of the semester and a peaceful end to my college experience is just not a possibility. I'm still interning in New York City almost full time and my five classes are as demanding as ever. I'm trying to just focus on each piece of work individually though, and enjoy every last minute of college that I can.

Lust List: Cropped Shirts

2011-03-31T07:00:00.004-04:00

I can hardly deny my recent affinity towards cropped tops, a trend you can bet I'll be sporting this spring. I had some fun playing on Polyvore.com, inspired by visions of warm weather, stress free afternoons and these mid-drift bearing shirts, spending time in New York City with the people I care about.

(Click here for details)