Countdown

Top: Diane Von Furstenberg, Jean Cutoffs: Thrifted, Shoes: Dolce Vita   

       Summer is coming and I couldn't be more excited. Usually summer excites me because of the clothes, the long nights, and not going to the dreaded halls of high school everyday. This year I am excited because I just want to breathe. My year is closing with AP tests, grades closing, and driving hours. I just want to lie in bed sometimes and stop thinking about school! These kinds of clothes are the ones that I virtually live in. I just want something that I can throw on and it still looks cute. High waisted jean shorts are honestly my uniform. My mother has these long Mediterranean legs, and in the gene pool someone thought it would be funny to give me the short Irish tree stump legs. I'm here to tell you that there are many things you can do to make your legs not look like those of a munchkin from the Wizard of Oz. The first would be stick to dark colored pants and stay away from patterns.  The second would be wear heels as much as possible. The last is high waisted. I'm not saying that I suddenly have Kate Moss legs, trust me those suckers are still short. Wearing high waisted shorts elongates my legs just enough that I have a boost in confidence. And really it is about how you feel about yourself not how others feel about you. I hope you guys have a great day! xx 

March Favorites 2013

            Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner, Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm, Clarisonic Plus, Nars Laguna Bronzer, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free, Clinique Moisturizing Lotion, DiorSkin Sculpt Concealer 

Lush Toner I have been using this toner for about a year and a half now and I am still loving it. I use it in the morning before I put on my moisturizer. Not only does it give me a fresh wakeup, but it damps and hydrates my skin allowing me to use less moisturizer. 

Rosebud Lip Balm Due to this harsh winter I have been experiencing, I will be the first to say that my lips are disgusting. This lip balm keeps my lips nice and soft. Also, the smell is incredible. A girl in my history class smelled it from my lips, which sounds so strange. 

Clarisonic Plus I am so in love with my new Clarisonic Plus. It is honestly such a great investment. My skin has gotten noticeably better, which is also due to my use of Proactive, a product I said I would never use. The Clarisonic Mia is a cheaper option. Olay also makes a more cost effective model. 

   

Nars Bronzer in Laguna March is not my favorite month. One of the reasons would be that I am incredibly pale this time of year. Just a touch of Laguna gives me just the right amount of color without looking like an orange cake face. 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer When summer was over, I found that I couldn't go back to my old foundation and let go of my favorite tinted moisturizer.  It offers the perfect amount of coverage without being as aggressive as a foundation. Also it keeps my dry winter skin moisturized, a common theme among these products. 

Clinique Moisturizing Lotion This is such a cult favorite but that doesn't make it any less amazing. Perfectly hydrating and it also comes in gel form. 

Dior Concealer I adore this concealer so much. It is applied with a doe foot applicator. DiorSculpt has enough coverage for spot concealing and creamy enough for under eye. 

Ode to the Beanie

Jacket: LF, Pants: Urban Outfitters, Scarf: Alexander Mcqueen, Boots: Dingo, Hat: Lf

           Recently I have been so obsessed with my beanies, partially because they conceal my unwashed hair but for other reasons as well. I love this beanie because paired with my jacket it gives me a grungey I don't care look when in fact I actually care a lot. Before I left my sister told me I looked homeless and in that moment I knew I hit the bullseye. 

The Anatomy of a Spring Break Bag

        Like any young girl should, I take spring break and the packing that coincides with it very seriously. One must always be prepared for the excursions that may cross her path while partaking in any spring break-ish activities. Unfortunately for myself this is more of an ode to spring break packing, as my spring break will consist of college tours. I truly hope this guide from a packing enthusiast herself helps those of you gracing beaches this spring break.

       The sole spring break daytime activity in my eyes is lounging on a beach or by the pool. Don't get me wrong, you most likely flew at least two hours to get to your destination so partaking in an activity or two that is not offered locally would make an abundance of sense. That being said, just relax! It isn't called a vacation for nothing. Last month when I was in Miami, I lived in a bikini or denim cutoffs. My obsession and what I never leave for the beach without is this Island Company sunscreen. The spf 6 gets me super tan without leaving much of a burn, but ladies, know your skin. I am very Irish so I can not go without spf if I am in the sun for too long but my mother does have European skin so if I am careful I can get a nice tan. I love a white oxford as a pool cover up, they are simple and easy to throw on and off. My new obsession for summer are these beach like crochet pants. They are perfect as a cover up or even just bopping around.

            When it comes to night I dont get to crazy, a few cute sun dresses or rompers for dinner are all I need. To go with, all that is necessary is a great sandal and a little clutch. As for hair and makeup, I go pretty simple. I stick to my natural crazy curly hair and just throw on bronzer, mascara and possibly eyeshadow. The Bobbi Brown pot rouges are perfect because they can be used to give a little color to lips and cheeks in about 5 seconds with the mere use of a ring or pointer finger. I hope my outlook is helpful to you and remember not to have to much fun this spring break.

The Daily Arm Candy

        I hate to be cliche, but I am a very busy sixteen year old girl. Between drivers ed, mid-terms, failed attempts to blog, and trying to be a teenager, I have little room for other pastimes. I never understand girls my age who look perfect everyday. Honestly how do these girls have time for looking so put together. I for one do not have the luxury of perfecting my appearance. This sounds very contradictory, does it not? Don't you guys  come to blogs to learn how to look put together? One thing I promise you is that I will always be real, and I am being real when I say half the time durring the week at five am I throw on the first thing I see. In this particular photo I am wearing comfy clothes: circle scarf, soft tee, black skinnys and tall boots (notice how comfy clothes are not sweats and a hoodie). Now clothes are the easy part of getting ready. There are really two parts to this equation on a monday through friday basis, a shirt and a good old pair of pants. But that's just so plain, how do you really trick people in to thinking you put little effort into your outfit? The answer to that would be jewelry. Now this doesn't mean you pick out new pieces every day, I have my daily bracelets narrowed down to a select six or seven that I can easily choose from. The photos below show my favorite combo.

Leather wrap: Boutique in England, Buddha: Cusp 

Skull Wrap: Unknown jewelry designer in New York, H Cuff: Hermes 

    Its all about finding pieces that you are comfortable in, pieces that match everything and unique pieces that can truly add to your outfit! 

Miami Mama

My best friend since age five, Chloe and I.

        I have to say when I found out I was going to Miami for New Years, I was ecstatic. Remember, I'm sixteen so the typical New Years Eve for me would be a party in someones unfinished basement or garage. More fun than it sounds but nothing compared to Miami. My sister and I stayed with our best friends at their house on the beautiful Fisher Island. For those of you that don't know the Miami area that well, Fisher Island is a tiny island just a five minute boat ride from south beach. The island is so luxurious and I felt like I was in absolute heaven. Secret: Yes, I did lie next to Karolina Kurkova at the pool. 

My sister and I at the Standard Hotel. 

Myself, rocking a mermaid pose on the rocks. 

My best friend and I and our adorable little sisters, My top is American Apparel and skirt is from Lf. Crop tops anyone? 

 New Years day on South Beach! 

   

MFA: Mario Testino

Post cards from the exhibit.

      Recently, my mom and I went to an incredible Mario Testino photography exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. For those of you who aren't familiar with Mario Testino, He is an English photographer who is most famous for his fashion and editorial photography and portraits of celebrities/models. The exhibit is called In your Face and it certainly holds true to its title. The exhibit featured many beautiful, risqué, and somewhat offensive (in a good way) pieces. Of course Testino included the three G's, Gwyneth, Gucci, and Gisele. The exhibit also featured the most godlike woman on earth, yes I am referring to Kate Moss. I really recommend this exhibit, it was totally amazing.

One of my favorite Testino photos, unfortunately not in the exhibit.  

Accessorizing Fall and Winter

Turban: Anna Kula, Scarf: Juicy Couture (Faux Fur), Backpack: Chanel, Sunglasses: BCBGeneration, Beanies: River Island, Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, Backpack: H&M, Scarf: Barneys 

         Like many of you, I find accessorizing in the fall and winter seasons much easier than in the summertime. Especially in the warmer areas of the world, the last thing you want to do in the summer is add more layers to your body. Whether I am adding pieces to my outfit for warmth or merely aesthetic, accessorizing becomes somewhat of a second nature to me in the winter. My biggest pet peeve of the high school girls I am blessed to be surrounded by everyday (sense the sarcasm?) is the fact that a lot of them tend to over accessorize. This is why I have become somewhat of a phobic of the jewelry table at stores like Forever 21, Francesca's and H&M. Don't take this as me bashing these stores and other bargain retailers, but I feel like since the jewelry is at affordable friendly prices, people think they should buy everything (and wear it all at once!) It is highly unlikely that you will see me wearing any jewelry besides my few everyday bracelets. It is important to learn how to accessorize with out over doing it.  That being said these are some of my favorite accessories for fall.

Anything Oxblood/Wine/Burgundy: I adore anything this color! This color is so rich that it adds a necessary sense of depth to my usual all black uniform in the winter. Even though this color is so dark,  in a room full of people it really pops! This color also looks marvelous on a chunky knit. 

Fur: I am obsessed with this glam feeling I get whenever I incorporate fur into my outfits. I tend to keep my fur faux, but do whatever floats your boat this upcoming winter. I love fur scarves or accessories because for a lot of people (including my sixteen year old self) a floor length fur coat is a bit aggressive. Adding fur infinity scarves, hand warmers, or turban gives my outfits the perfect amount of glam. I also love my faux fur vest.  

Beanies: This is a big one this season! When I imagine my upcoming outfits this month, in 80% of them I am wearing a beanie. My mens Versace for H&M hat is one of my most coveted bargain scores. Although it is mens, it is my favorite beanie that I own. These neon River Island beanies are so fun! I am also on the hunt for hunter green and burgundy beanies. I would pair a burgundy or black beanie with this camo khaki Topshop jacket I have been lusting over. And when I am not wearing a beanie, I will most likely be wearing a super chic convertible turban. 

  

Happy Birthday to Me!

Delicious cupcakes my mother got me 

A few weekends ago I celebrated my 16th birthday with my friends and family. It was so fun and all I could ask for. The weekend was me in a nutshell, casual and comfortable but still fun! Saturday night was a blast. I thought I was going out tod dinner with my aunt and uncle but actually my aunt had contacted girls from my old school and surprised me with a little birthday sushi dinner! 

My Best friend Ally and I.

  I had never really had a surprise birthday gathering before so it was really fun! Thank god my mom told me the dress code was fun casual. I hate being surprised because then I don't know how to dress! Dinner was delicious, I had spicy tuna rolls, california rolls and some special roll with cooked fish in it.   

Later we went back to my aunts house who surprised us with take out Pinkberry! She really is the best! 

   On the night of my actual birthday I spent a peaceful night at home with my siblings, parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. I come from a huge family and I havent spent a birthday away from them in years. 

My big present

My parents outdid themselves this year. In my family on your 16th you usually get a piece of jewelry. My parents gave me the most beautiful Hermes bangle! I have the best family in the world and I am so blessed. I am so grateful for not only my parents generosity but for the love they gave me on my 16th birthday.   

Wash Leather Rinse Repeat

Dress: Rag and Bone, Dress: Alexander Mcqueen, Shorts: Thakoon, Shorts: Theory, Skirts: Alice and Olivia, Jacket: Topshop, Vest: River Island 

       Leather has quite the rep if you ask me! When people think of leather apparel, they mostly think of Steven Tyler and the 90's. This image for you could either be good or bad, I happen to be quite fond of it. This season I am truly obsessed with leather. Jumping outside ones comfort zone and wearing leather garb can be quite a risk. The best way to integrate leather into your wardrobe is to slowly take small risks with subtle items. No one says you have to go to work tomorrow in your Britney red patten leather jumpsuit. Although I'm not gonna lie, that costume may or may not be my favorite Britney music video ensemble. There is a Kate Middleton way to go about wearing leather, not everything has to be extremely offensive Taylor Momsen. I am so excited to get out my leather pieces for this fall. Did I mention I'm wearing my free people leather skirt this weekend? Comment on how you like to rock leather. 

My Main Man Balmain

My absolute favorites from my favorite RTW collection this year.

       I know what you're thinking, Maddie we just ended New York fashion week why are you just now talking about a collection that debuted in March? I've been eying this collection for about a month and a half now and finally gotten around to writing up on it! I swear if love at first sight isn't real than neither is this collection. I am dying for every single on of these looks. Detail is something very close to my heart. If I become obsessed with a piece of art or a clothing piece, it most likely means that the detail is exquisite and Balmain's Autumn Winter collection does not disappoint. Balmain has always been a favorite of mine. One of my favorite Balmain moments in hollywood is the battle for best dressed with these gorgeous ladies, not to over rule those women but I think Candice Swanepoel's Harpers Bazar Espana cover wins it. 

NYFW Spring 2013 Updates

All of my favorites from these three collections.

Ladies and gentlemen I am proud to say that it is now September. For most of you, September means the end of a lazy summer and the start of a stressful year. But for those of us who spend  our time trying to reach our fullest chic potentials (I hate the word fashionista), September is the most important month of the year. So grab your 5 pound September issues of Vogue and enjoy this beautiful month of September.  

Jason Wu

       Jason Wu when do you do wrong? This season of Jason Wu truly reminded me of a galaxy. I am obsessed with everything this man does especially this season. 

Nicole Miller

      This season of Nicole Miller was all about feminine leather and color. I've always loved Nicole Miller but this season she outdid her self. I'd wear all of the dresses. 

Richard Chai

      This collection has me dying for summer again, not good. Everything in this collection is so fun. Bralettes, pastels and florals are what makes this collection so fun. 

Pink on Pink on Pink

My Wildfox Tee.

             This weekend I headed into the city with my sisters to do some back to school shopping, yes I know High School, ew. First we hit up Nordstrom and my little sisters went crazy in the kids department with kids J Brands and leopard Sperrys. After Nordys we headed for my stores, LF, Urban Outfitters, Zara, H&M, Saks, and Intermix. I probably scored the most at LF. It was there season sale so I decide to stock up on (usually overpriced) sweaters. When the shopping was done and our elbow creases were burning, we ended the day with a sweet treat. Usually that would a Pinkberry or some kind of froyo, but this time we opted for a cupcake. We went to the newly opened Georgetown cupcakes, which I have only good things to say about. If you ever go I recommend Salted Caramel, but that being said I would recommend anything flavored salted caramel (ice cream, coffee, gelato, froyo, Anything!) 

Shirt: Wildfox, Shorts: Zara, Bag: Louis Vuitton, Shoes: Steve Madden

             My outfit entirely in pink, I felt like Elle Woods. Dont mind my squinty eyes, natural hair, and bare face. When I shop I opt for comfort over chic, I know its embarrassing. 

Emi Jay hair ties and Dogeard necklace.

        My favorite accessories I scored at Nordys. The necklace is so dainty on and the hair ties not only look cute on your wrists or in your hair, but they dont snag or get stuck in your hair. 

New York: August 2012

  

             Recently I was in New York City for a very short trip (two days, one night.) Although it was short my sister, Clare, and I tried to make the most of it. First we went to the Schiaparelli and Prada exhibit at The Met. My sister and I loved the entire exhibit! My mom has been a Prada girl since before I can remember. I mean when I was little my favorite things to do were to stare at my moms Prada leopard kitten heels. My mom was so jealous she couldn't go. Unfortunately I think the exhibit is over for all you Miuccia Prada lovers out there. 

 Photo belongs to The Metropolitan Museum. 

    Next, my sister and I went out to eat. Clare and I are huge Todd English fans (We love Bonfire and Olive in Boston), so we decided to go to his restaurant in New York, Ça Va. Ça Va is a french Brasserie. When we made the reservations a few days before, we had no idea that Ça Va was attached to our hotel! The food at Ça Va was so yummy! 

           Later that night we went to see a show, a tradition for my family (my first show was The Lion King when I was five and my sister was two.) There weren't that many shows out that my sister and I hadn't seen, so we decided on Ghost.  I wasn't that excited considering I never loved the movie, I am not a huge P. Swayze fan, but I was pleasantly surprised! It was sad, funny and adorable! I would recommend it for anyone who wants a laugh and doesn't want to take a musical too seriously. 

Not my photo! Forgot to snap a pic!  

My sister and I's embarrassing mirror picture. My dress is Ella Moss.

     The next morning, Clare and I went back to Ça Va for breakfast. We both had are classic favorite, eggs benedict. 

After hours of shopping and froyo from my fave 16 Handles, we ended our trip with the most delicious mini cup cakes from Baked by Melissa in Soho.