signature scent

When I was in high school, my best friend's mom gifted her a perfume. It was her first scent, and it was a big deal. I never really understood perfume at that age, though. I probably wore something from Victoria's Secret or Bath & Body Works... but nothing that was of good quality and felt like my own.

I used to get sick of perfumes before the bottle even ran out. When I was younger, I bought a huge bottle of Chance by Chanel while I was in Sweden. To this day, I still have the half-full bottle. It is a great scent, and always brings me back to my European trip, but is a little strong for me.

Once I matured and graduated high school, I was obsessed with finding a "signature scent" for myself. I heard of women having a scent that described them, was recognizable to other people as theirs, and that they kept going back to time and time again, but I hadn't found mine yet. Until Modern Muse by Estee Lauder came along.

This. scent. is. what. heaven. smells. like. Initially, I was attracted to it because of the cute bow on the bottle and the pretty name. After sampling it at Macy's, and going home to think about it, I knew it was game over. This scent can be worn in all seasons and in all situations. I have received countless compliments on it, even when I couldn't smell it on myself. It is also notable that I usually am sensitive to strong fragrances, but this one has never given me a headache.

I would describe the scent as feminine, not too obnoxiously floral, sweet, warm, and light. I'll leave it to Sephora to describe the notes:

"Two distinctively different accords—sparkling jasmine accord and sleek woods

accord—provide an intriguing dual impression. It's a true innovation

in fragrance design, as complex and fascinating as the woman who inspires it. 

Notes: Jasmine Accord, Woods Accord"

[from Sephora.com]

Recently, my bottle ran out, and there was no doubt in my mind that I had to buy another one. That was how I knew I liked the scent. I never got sick of it, or sick of looking at the chic little bottle. I still keep the empty one on my bedside table for decoration!

For now, this is my one signature scent, and I am sticking to it [but I am certainly up for growing a multiple-signature scent collection!]. I would eventually like to try mixing my own scent, a service provided by Jo Malone. Do you have your own signature scent? Or, if you've tried making your own with Jo Malone, please let me know how you liked it!

PS - I have another exciting fragrance review coming up soon on the blog, so stay tuned for that! I can't wait to share it with you.

insta lovin'

It’s no secret that Instagram is one of my favorite social media platforms. It is a great way to market your business, brand yourself, document travels, and make your friends the envy of your latest #foodporn. For me, it is also a great place find inspiration. With the endless new “Explore” feature, I find it easy to stumble upon accounts that may interest me – whether they are of a budding fashion blogger or an account solely for someone’s pet (a recent favorite - Huxxi), I can always find something that sparks my interest and makes me smile.

To be honest, I probably follow way too many accounts on Instagram (592, to be exact). Many of which I do not know personally. However, these strangers continually inspire me to mix patterns, re-arrange my bedside table, or simply to get out and find something new to do. Oh, and the dog accounts contribute to my major puppy fever.

I want to share some of my absolute favorite Instagram accounts to follow at the moment. I have quite a few, so this may be a weekly or monthly installment, but for now, I will try to narrow it down to only three.

[photo via Glitter and Gingham's instagram]

1] Shelby Skaggs of Glitter & Gingham: Oh my word. Where do I begin? I am kind of obsessed with Shelby Skaggs’ blog, style, and her pug. Shelby mixes patterns and prints that I would never even dream of putting together… and it always looks amazing! Her wardrobe is covetable, and her outfits always challenge me to mix high and low pieces. All of her photos are bright and cheerful, and are sure to be of inspiration to you.

[photo via Julia Engel's instagram] 

2] Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam: I can’t exactly pinpoint Julia Engel’s style, but if I had to, I would say it is edgy, boho, and incredibly chic (that probably made no sense at all). Her Instagram is full of so many beautiful images, high-end designer pieces, and is a sneak peek into her San Francisco lifestyle. I think her style is so unique and effortless, and she is adorable!

[photo via Curly Girl Design's instagram]

3] Leigh Standley of Curly Girl Design: I was first introduced to Curly Girl Design when my best friend bought me the most adorable pencils for my birthday one year. Curly Girl is known for her incredibly witty cards, office supplies, and artwork. They all have quotes on them that are oh-so true. One of my pencils says “live imperfectly with great delight.” Another card that I bought and framed says, "I often daydream that my life is just as it is now... Only I have well-behaved hair and I live in Paris."

She also owns a boutique in Belmont, MA called Marmalade, where she sells Curly Girl merchandise and other brands. But wait, that‘s not even the best part. She has the CUTEST twins. Normally when I say something is “the best” or “the cutest,” it’s probably an overstatement. However, this time it is not an exaggeration in the slightest. Her twins are named Ruby Louise and Graham Robert (I know), and they are the most perfect babies I’ve ever seen. She posts pictures of them all the time, and they make my heart just explode.

I could probably name hundreds of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow, but for now, take a peek at these ones. You will not be disappointed!

Also, please share some of your favorite Instagram accounts! I am always looking for more to follow.

xoxo,

G

PJ pants & other statements

By the end of the week, sometimes you just want to curl into bed in your comfiest clothes, with a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Last Friday, I tried to keep the comfort level high by pairing a simple tee from LOFT with one of my favorite pairs of pajama pants from Old Navy. These are not pants meant to be worn to bed, although you definitely could because they are SO cozy! I am loving the pajama pant trend right now, because they are light, easy to throw on, and very relaxed.

Would you believe me if I told you that I found these pants on the Old Navy clearance rack for $8.97?! I love me a good clearance section, and I hit the jackpot that day. (No, this post is not sponsored... a girl can dream though). Although I can't find the exact same ones online, I've rounded up a few similar pairs!

[ similar pattern | similar cinch at ankle | floral and leopard options | dressier option ] 

On top, I wanted to stay pretty casual. Normally I would throw on a chambray button-down or a more structured top, but I opted for a simple navy Sunwashed Tee from LOFT. You could also pair a striped top with these pants, if you're into a little print mixing. To dress things up and add some glamour, I also wore a tan & blue statement necklace.

I honestly hope that statement necklaces never go out of style. They just add so much to an otherwise simple outfit. This one is from Walmart, but is a total J.Crew and BaubleBar knock-off. I wasn't sure how the quality would be, but, for $10, I was willing to take my chances. It's a little heavy, but I am pretty much obsessed with it. Seriously, go check out your local Walmart's selection of statement necklaces. My friend and I nearly died when we found out about them! And then bought multiple necklaces each, of course.

Whether it's casual friday, or you just want to feel like you never left your PJs in the morning, this outfit is a great option.

What do you wear when you want to be comfy but still chic?

xoxo,

G

stack'd: a restaurant review

On Thursday night, a few friends, my boyfriend and I got together to catch up and have dinner. After much deliberation, we decided to eat at STACK'D in Shadyside. As usual, it did not disappoint! Now, this is not my first time at this glorious burger joint, so I can confirm that the service and food are both consistent and delicious.

If you've ever been to Burgatory, it's pretty similar. Basically, you are given a sheet of paper where you are able to choose what type of burger you want, the bun, the toppings, sauces, etc. Also, on this sheet you can choose from a variety of fries, milkshakes, starters, and other types of bar food. I decided to go with the short stack 1/2 pound burger, on a sesame seed bun, with spicy BBQ sauce, swiss cheese, spinach, bread & butter pickles, grilled onions, avocado, and a fried pierogie. I also chose to get Old Bay fries, because I am never one to pass up french fries (obvi). Let me tell you, it was delicious, and that word barely begins to describe it. The burger was fresh, and the avocado and fried pierogie on top were a game changer.

When I had been to STACK'D previously, I got a peanut butter and chocolate milkshake. That was equal parts rich and amazing. Basically, everything I have tried on the menu is top-notch. So, if you're ever in the mood for a good juicy burger (or salad, or chicken sandwich, or other good, casual food), and you're in the Shadyside area of Pittsburgh, this is your spot. It's very reasonably priced and has something for everyone. We all left happy and very full, and I know we will be back!

I discovered this place after following one of my favorite Instagram accounts, eatPGH. Give them a follow, if you haven't already. They are always posting pictures of great restaurants & food in the Pittsburgh area, and I always reference them if I am in the mood to try something new, or go somewhere I've never been. Their recommendations are always spot on.

Do you have any Pittsburgh restaurants that are your favorite? Any that you've been dying to try? Let me know by leaving a comment!

xoxo,
G

getting started

For quite some time, I have been wrestling with the idea of creating my own blog. Having previous blog writing experience through CollegeFashionista, I realized that I missed the creativity and freedom that comes along with blogging. However, the sometimes-neurotic perfectionist in me would always stop myself before I even started. I was afraid that I wouldn't like the title, the layout, the content, etc. Aside from aesthetics, I worried that my audience wouldn't be receptive or even big enough to keep this blog going. But I have realized that I have to throw my fears aside, and just start. Even though I know the typical dos and don'ts of blogging, this will still be a learning experience for me, and one that I am beyond excited for!

Mark Twain once said, "the secret to getting ahead is getting started." Here's to getting started, no matter how uncertain it may seem.

[Jamie Dowling Typography]

All in all, I hope this blog serves as a source of inspiration and style for everyone who passes through. I simply want to share some of my favorite fashion, beauty, and tips for living a chic life. Thanks for following along!

xoxo,

G