playing tourist in my own city: hotel monaco

There are few things I love more than exploring old and new places in the city that I call home, Pittsburgh, Pa. I like to think of it as playing tourist in my own city. A few weeks ago, some co-workers and I headed downtown for a networking event at the newly-opened Hotel Monaco. I was in awe of the super-chic, colorful and quirky decor, as proven by my three Instagram posts that night. [Isn't there an unsaid rule against that or something?] This is not your cookie-cutter, run-of-the-mill hotel; it had a very uniquely grand feel.

The colorful floral chandelier was so perfectly perched above the hotel lobby. Is this fixture to die for or what? I pretty much need one for my apartment, even though something tells me it wouldn't quite fit. Also, take a peek at the tufted yellow couch in the background. Swoon.

I had to take a photo of this book, because obviously. As you can tell, no detail was overlooked in the lounge areas. Beautiful artwork on the walls, gorgeous patterned rugs, and coffee table styling. This was a form of heaven for me.

We decided to ride the elevator to the top floor, in search of the penthouse suite. The geometric carpet mixed with floral wallpaper in the hotel halls were perfect. The added pop of color on the doors had me sold! Even the bathrooms were gorgeous, and I don't think I've ever called a bathroom pretty before.

Much to our surprise, we actually did get a peek at the penthouse suite [we think]. Because this was the week of the hotel's soft opening, some items weren't fully complete yet - like the knobs on the double doors of a room at the end of the hallway. Naturally we looked through the hole and snuck a few pictures, and I dreamed of one day staying there.

There were countless other areas that I wanted to photograph, but I didn't want to look like too much of an overly-excited tourist. If you decide to go, I promise you won't be disappointed. Needless to say, I will be paying Hotel Monaco another visit in the near future. I am dying to go to brunch or happy hour at the hotel's restaurant, The Commoner, so be sure to keep a look out for that post in the future!

Do any of my Pittsburgh readers have favorite places they've visited recently? Please let me know in the comments below!

xoxo,
G

anatomy of a valentine's day bar

Recently, I've become more than obsessed with bar cart styling. In an effort to replicate the perfect bar carts I've seen on Pinterest and on my favorite blogs, I went on a mission to purchase and style my own little bar.

bar | KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA | I wasn't able to find an actual bar cart that was in my price range, so I decided on this little shelving unit from IKEA. It was a very reasonable price and can be repurposed if I ever get tired of the "bar" set up (which isn't likely, but just in case!).

bottles | What's a bar without your favorite libations? Whether you're celebrating v-day with a significant other or friends, be sure to add your favorite beverage to your at-home stash. I'm usually a white wine drinker, but those bottles are in the fridge. The Absolut vodka bottle on the left is a special edition Andy Warhol one, which I will probably never end up drinking because it's so pretty!

mason shaker | My mason shaker was a birthday gift from my lovely best friend a few years back. It makes the perfect bar accessory for when you want to mix up a great cocktail, and will be sure to impress your guests! The Mason Shaker company also has a cocktail mixing book, shake, that I often peruse every time I pass by it at Anthropologie. If you're not quite ready to commit to buying the book, I recommend following The Mason Shaker on Instagram for a peek at their uncommon cocktail recipes.

glasses | At the moment I am showcasing a few [rather large] wine glasses, but I can't wait to add some stemless wine glasses and whiskey glasses to my collection.

mixers | Admittedly, I am not a pop [soda] person. But, these carbonated blood orange flavored waters from San Pellegrino are as close as I'll get, and they are delicious. For reasons unknown to me, I just love the foil top and colorful packaging.

decor | Add a fun stack of books, a framed picture, and something unexpected. I took a page out of Carly Heitlinger of The College Prepster's book by showcasing a pair of fun heels. I'm sure the bottom two shelves will change often, as I rearrange books and decorative items in my apartment regularly!

colorful cocktail napkins | Uber feminine and chic, these cocktail napkins are the perfect addition to help clean up spills or hold apps.

straws | Who doesn't love a colorful paper straw?! The red stripes and pink hearts keep with my Valentine's Day theme, but these always remind me of summer days and sugary cocktails with friends. The pink heart straws are a great deal in the Dollar Spot at Target!

tray | This little number was a hand-me-down within my family, which makes it very special to me. I love the vintage feel and the intricate handles it has, making it perfect for corralling bottles in one place.

No matter your Valentine's Day plans, the one you spend it with will surely be impressed if you add some love-themed accents to your at home bar set up.

I can't even wait to style my new bar according to each holiday and occasion. I am picturing a margarita bar on Cinco De Mayo, a coffee bar for a brunch party, and something extra festive for Christmas. Eek! The possibilities are endless.

cheers!

G

baublebar acrylic block monogram necklace

We all know that I have a slight huge obsession with BaubleBar. Recently, I purchased an item from them that I want to yell about from the rooftops - the acrylic block monogram necklace. It is the most perfect, dainty piece of monogrammed jewelry that I own.

What I ordered

• Acrylic block monogram necklace
• Gold fill, 16" chain
• Mini monogram size
• Tiger's eye acrylic color

I wanted this to be an everyday necklace, which is why I choose to order it in the tiger's eye color - a pearlized tan. Oh my word. I am in love with it! I pair it with button downs, cotton tees, sweaters, and dress it up or down. I also think the clear crystal or tortoise shell color would be lovely. It's no secret that I love a stunning statement necklace, but sometimes outfits call for something more subtle - and this piece is the perfect fit. It's so teeny tiny but sturdy, even with its dainty look.

BaubleBar, let me list the reasons why I love thee...

• Free ground shipping on any order
• Fast turnaround [I ordered this custom necklace on a Wednesday and received it the following Monday]
• Uniquely gorgeous items
• Free gifts! When I purchased this item, I received a beautyblender with my order [$20 value]. It was such a pleasant surprise!

xoxo,

G

what's in my bag[s]

Because who doesn't love a good peep through someone else's handbag?!

Tory Burch Robinson Middy Satchel [similar]| My heart flutters just thinking about any Tory Burch item, so it's no surprise that I am obsessed with my TB satchel. It's my go-to handbag for many many reasons. For starters, it is basically a Mary Poppins bag because it fits just about everything except for a laptop, without feeling too large to carry [I've toted iPads, planners, and makeup bags in this petite-looking bag]. In addition, the cognac color goes with navy, grey, black, brown... basically any color I wear on a day-to-day basis. The bag also comes with a removable shoulder strap, in addition to the shorter arm straps, which is perfect for when I want to carry my bag hands-free. The quality of this bag is outstanding, and I know I will love it for years and years to come. I could name a million more reasons why I love this structured & polished bag, but I'll spare you. [wink!]

Kimchi Blue wallet from Urban Outfitters [old] | This wallet is an oldie but a goodie. I'm probably due for a new one, but I just love the subtle grey color, laser cut detail, and tiffany-blue lining on the inside.

Ray Ban Tortoise Wayfarers | These shades are perfect for summer or winter, and add just the right amount of chic mystery to outfits. I may be biased due to my love for anything tortoise.

Vaseline | Let's be real... who doesn't slather this stuff on all winter?! Although, I recently read an article about how harmful it can be and my world came crashing down! I'm not sure I believe all the hoopla, because clearly I'm still using it on the daily.

Vera Bradley mini pouch [old] | This colorful mini pouch was a gift from my boyfriend's mom a few years back. I love the pop of color it adds to my handbag items and it fits all my gift cards perfectly.

Revlon lipstick in Sassy Mauve | The perfect wintery, subtle mauve color for when you need a pop of color in your life or on your lips.

Benefit Dr. Feelgood balm | I don't know about you guys, but when I leave work at the end of the day I don't always look as fresh as I did when I came in. If I'm on my way to dinner or drinks with friends, I make sure to pat on a little bit of this stuff. Why, you ask? It is a facial balm that helps to control oil and smooth out imperfections for when you need to freshen up in a pinch.

Orbit Sweet Mint gum | The best. I hate mint flavored gum that is so minty it makes your nose and tongue hurt, hence why I always choose this mild sweet mint flavor.

Vera Bradley makeup bag | Vera Bradley introduced a new line of leather and faux leather goods, and I am all for the subtle and sophisticated patterns and shapes. This tiny makeup bag is perfect for organizing those little must-have emergency items in your handbag, such as a mini hairbrush, chapstick, gum, pens, and other bits. I'm a big supporter of bags within bags [#baglady], so that the smaller items aren't rattling around.

J.Crew mittens [old] | For those I-have-no-idea-what-the-weather-is-going-to-be-like-because-I-live-in-western-PA days. I don't mind that these mittens aren't tech-friendly, because they provide warmth and style to any ensemble. I love the marled look because it adds a bit of texture to an otherwise monochromatic winter outfit.

What are your must-have handbag items?

xoxo,
G