recently..

i've been working and working out. 

so basically a slightly boring (but productive) summer.

i've also acquired some beauty goodies (maybe do some reviews soon?)

as well a well loved vintage piece.

currently craving:

via Moda Operandi

Stella McCartney Tortoise Gold Sunglasses ($115 on sale from $225)

kind of obsessed with these sunnies. trying very hard not to give into them.

how's your summer?

xoxo,

Bella

weekend.

means:

weekend by vivabellar3 featuring j crew t shirts

i am literally obsessed with Game of Thrones at the moment.

reading Book Three in anticipation for the Season 3 premiere on March 31st

so amazing.

and these Old Navy anchor print khakis are adorable (& induce compliments from strangers at Target - always a good sign) and comfortable.

what's your weekend looking like?

xoxo,

Bella

sale alert! Piperlime 3/3 through 3/5

Piperlime is having a sale!

I love this site because they carry a variety of products and it's a great little collective of brands (Joie, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Rebecca Minkoff, etc.) we (or at the very least I) love.  Shop from now through March 5th.  The code is SPRINGAIR. They do have some exclusions [from the website]:

20% Off purchase: Offer valid for redemption on select Piperlime merchandise online only from 3/3/2013 at 12:00 AM ET through 3/5/2013 at 11:59 PM ET. Offer not valid in store or on international purchases. Offer not valid on final sale items and the following select brands: Balenciaga, Roberto Cavalli Eyewear, Hunter, Rag & Bone, Elizabeth and James, Stuart Weitzman, Minnetonka Moccasin, Frye and KORS Michael Kors. Discount applies to merchandise only, not value of GiftCards purchased, packaging, applicable taxes or shipping and handling charges. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts including Gap Inc. employee discount.

 Just thought I'd let my readers know!

enjoy your weekend!

xoxo,

Bella

some news + bold printed pants

I'm sort of a voracious reader about news regarding companies I love, particularly in terms of how well they're doing financially - my inner finance major at work - and I was surprised (& sort of delighted) to see that Gap Inc., the parent company to Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Athleta recently bought Intermix! Intermix is a collection of boutiques which carry a variety of luxury designer brands - Herve Leger, Fendi, Proenza Schouler, etc. I'm really curious to see how this new partnership will turn out.  You can read more about the purchase here and here.  

Other news: 

• School is in full swing which means you'll be seing less of me here on the blog.  I will absolutely try to update when I can but the main focus is doing well in my classes, securing an internship, and learning more about what I want to do with the rest of my life.  
• I'm on the hunt for a full suit.  I have plenty of blazers, dress pants, and tops but none that are a complete match.  I think it's time to find a big girl suit.  I'm think either navy or charcoal? Ideas?
• I've been also looking into some funky/cool/printed pants lately, here are some of my faves:

printed pants by vivabellar3 featuring twill pants

The top 3 are all from Banana Republic, my personal favorite is the grey hued floral printed pair. The bottom right is gap and the left is j.crew.  

whats your favorite?

xoxo,

Bella

what i'm loving today..

a black and cream polka dote tote a la kate spade. (one of my favorite february buys!)

image via kate spade

pretty glittery nails - obsessed with PLL star Shay Mitchell's (@shaym) mani {pictured below} via Instagram.

dresses that scream spring - Rachel Roy {here} available for $448 at Piperlime

xoxo,

Bella

currently craving: Michael Kors Selma

I adore the subdued look of this navy (soon to be) classic...

very similar to the Coach Candace Carryall which is basically the mainstream version of the Celine Luggage tote.  That being said, the Michael Kors bag is still really lovely and definitely one that I'm looking into.  I love saffiano leather so it might just be my own bias here.

Michael Kors Selma in Navy ($358 via michael kors)

what do you think? is it a keeper or a pass?

xoxo,

Bella

ps - i think i'm going to take a short break this week. i really need some time to just get myself organized and together for school.  i hope you all have a wonderful week! be back soon :)

currently craving: warmer weather + Madewell Archive Boots

i can usually handle the east coast freeze 

but the wind was BLISTERING.

ugh.

i digress.

it's all been making me crave warmer weather. 

not even beach - like

just enough where i can wear something other than my rainboots or booties (or UGGs - not cute i know, but SOO comfortable...).

i've also been craving some boots

and maybe a new e-reader.

i'm loving Madewell boots

but i've found that it's hard to find boots that fit well with my wide calves.

Madewell Archive Boots ($298 via Madewell)

have you had any luck with Madewell shoes?

xoxo,

Bella

fab find: Milani Lipstick in Berry Rich

In my quest to find the perfect plummy red lipstick i came across this Milani lipstick in #32 - Berry Rich.  While it's not the perfect plum i was looking for, it is a lovely red.  A little bit bright but definitely wearable. I also snagged it for $1.69 at my local Duane Reade, so it definitely was well worth the risk.  The application was nice, and the formula is surprisingly smooth for a drugstore lipstick.  It's also quite long lasting.  I've worn it for 5+ hours with coffee drinking, lunch, and to my delight it's only suffered minimal color reduction.  I can't speak for the rest of the Milani line, but this one was definitely a win for me. They're definitely worth a try! 

Sorry about the grainy pictures, find better swatches at Temptalia!

I definitely give Milani points for the adorable gold packaging,

it looks a lot more expensive than it actually is,

you can find the lipstick at Milani Cosmetics for $2.99!

have you found any drugstore hits?

xoxo,

Bella