Nothing Like A Little Parris

From Mkt Lounge to Paddy O's to the Silvertone, to a bar crawl that took me all around Fanueil Hall, I'm finally starting to cover the expansive ground that is Boston's nightlife. I love exploring new places, and last friday, a group of us went to Parris, a second floor lounge and nightclub.

It was so much fun - I wore a colorblock bandage skirt with a loose fitting Forever 21 tee tucked in, black peep-toe pumps, and some gold jewelry.

A live cover band took over the stage and we danced and sang to a bunch of classics - everything from Sublime's "Santeria" to Lady GaGa's "Just Dance." It was a riot! The crowd was so into it.

To add to all of the hoopla, a Jose Cuervo promotion was going on, and not only were they offering free t-shirts, they were offering free shots! I didn't partake since I was driving that night, but it was certainly tempting.

Another fun Friday night in Boston! There is still a mile-long list of places I'd like to try out (28 Degrees anyone?!), but now I can cross this one off and highly recommend it!

Fancy Cocktails At Even Fancier Prices

Depending on where you are, the price of a cocktail can vary drastically. Last night, I had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and ordered a martini that really piqued my interest. Called the Red Raspberry, the ingredients were simple - raspberry vodka, raspberry liquor, and fresh raspberries.

The martini was...eh. I've had better. It was a little thick and had more liquor than it had vodka. Maybe I shouldn't have expected so much from a chain restaurant. The OMG moment was when the bill came and the price of my mediocre cocktail jumped out at me. $11.50?!! I admit I've paid much more for a martini before (but in more deserving settings - a posh South Beach restaurant for instance).

The Cheesecake Factory sneakily opted to not list any prices on their drink menu, so they must feel like they can get away with charging a premium, since most won't bother to ask what it will cost in advance.

Maybe I shouldn't be complaining. $11.50 certainly pales in comparison to $10,000. My favorite Las Vegas nightclub, XS, offers a special drink reserved for the ultra-rich and pretentious. Served on a crystal tray with a pearl necklace and custom champagne glass, the $10,000 drink is made with fancy champagne and cognac, with orange juice, apricot puree, and rose nectar.

So, what do you think? Is $11.50 a good price for a martini? What's the most you've paid for a cocktail?

Fanatical About Skirts

Lately, I've been wanting to fill my closet with stylish and trendy skirts (which I've admittedly already begun doing). Skirts were always a usual staple at business functions and at one point I had a sizable collection of the denim kind for casual summer days. I've since turned to flirtier, fun styles that bridge the gap, making them perfect for a night out with friends or a date with my boyfriend.

Dresses are my usual go-to attire when I get dolled up, but I've come to appreciate the versatility of skirts.

{As seen in Lace, Sequins, & Baubles}

{As seen in Chick's Oyster Bar}

{As seen in Summer Lace & Colorful Wedges}

Tonight I'm Boston bound with my friends. I'm looking forward to a night in the city, and a chance to wear one of these fun skirts! Happy Friday everyone!

The Longest Roadtrip Ever

3,000 miles and 6 days later, I had made it to California. Taking a cross country road trip is probably one of the more exhilerating things I've ever done in my life. It was so much more than just an exhausting week on the road. There were spectacular sights, the typical fast food indulgences, and unique little quirks within each place we drove through.

The trip itself was over 3 years ago, but the memories are still fresh in my mind. There's something so exciting about taking yourself out of your comfort zone and experiencing new people, places, and things. Being on the road, I felt free. Nothing was tying me down other than the fact that I knew I'd be starting a new job just shortly after my arrival. Call me crazy, but I want to embark on a cross country adventure like this again.

The best feeling in the world... finally making it to San Diego.

What's the longest road trip you've ever been on?

Ogunquit Beach

The coast of Maine is so pretty. Realizing that, coupled with the fact that I hadn't shared a beach day yet this summer with my boyfriend, I headed off to Ogunquit Beach! Although it was a hot day, we didn't let the heat deter us from having fun.

My beach essentials: a cute bikini, girly magazines (today I brought SELF and Cosmo), my camera, and of course sunglasses! I have always liked Victoria's Secret bathing suits. I adore the simple styling of this suit, enhanced with jewel-trim bottoms. A similar style can be found here.

I painted my toes in Essie's Lapis of Luxury. It's a unique lagoon-blue hue that reminds me of summer.

The best thing ever after an afternoon in the New England heat? An early dinner in Perkins Cove. Quite possibly the most picturesque place I've ever been to in this area. Isn't it charming?

Louis Vuitton Love Affair

When I hit the 'Click to Purchase' button almost five years ago, I felt the tiniest twinge of guilt. But it didn't last for long. I had just bought my first Louis Vuitton handbag! I was 19 years old. The purchase may have been a bit frivolous, but to this day, I still love my Louis!

I had an inkling that I would carry it forever. Initially, I felt lustful over the vibrant multicolor styles that were all the rage at the time, but I believed the classic monogram styling was timeless.

The medium-sized purse can fit all of my essentials and then some! Jaime of La Vie Jaime tagged me in a post last month, "What's In My Bag?" so I thought it would be fun to share what I usually carry with me everyday.

1) The keys - an absolute necessity.

2) Pink ostrich leather wallet - I bought this at a cute boutique in Santa Barbara a few years ago. I was drawn to the sweet and girly pink tones, roughed up with a little edginess.

3) Sunglasses - the pair varies from day to day. Today it's my new Forever 21 aviators.

4) Pen

5) Blackberry Tour

6) Lipglosses and Hair elastics - I love MAC

7) Peppermint tic-tacs

{Me with my LV in Scottsdale, AZ 2007}

Leave a comment and tell me about one of your biggest fashion splurges!

Pop Champagne

All the elements of a perfect 24th were present on Friday night. Yummy italian food, over a dozen of my closest friends, and a comfy VIP space. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the party planning. In the past I've had more complicated, over-the-top bashes, so this was a refreshing change, and still a LOT of fun!

I wore a dress that I purchased at a shop in Montreal, swirled in vibrant shades of green, blue, and teal. It was really comfortable and looked cute in the back, with criss-cross straps. I adorned it with simple jewelry {minus a bold cocktail ring}, and black open-toe pumps.

Forget the cake! An elaborate martini tree was the perfect kick-off to my birthday dinner, arranged with Chocolate Martinis on top, with Cosmopolitans and Strawberry Fields Forever on the bottom.

The most meaningful part of the night was having all of my friends (minus a few that couldn't be there), all in the same room together. Many of them have been a part of my life for a long time. In the midst of all the hoopla, we took dozens of pictures, cracked open the champagne (bad idea...), and semi-livened up the dance floor!

And last but not least, a special early birthday fondue dinner with my boyfriend at The Melting Pot was romantic, especially filling, and worth every bite!

Thank you everyone for all of the sweet birthday wishes!

24 Candles

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY!

Tonight I'll be celebrating at a cute but unpretentious local lounge with my friends, VIP style. You better believe I'll be drinking and dancing and taking plenty of pictures all night long! Happy Friday everyone!

{image source}

Half-Moon Lake

Yesterday truly epitomized the meaning of what summer is all about. A beautiful day at Half-Moon Lake with friends and family, kayaking, sipping Mike's Hard Black Cherry Lemonade out of plastic cups, swimming and relaxing on the water, competitive rounds of tetherball... and a perfect ending with s'mores, a campfire, and the sight of fireworks lighting up and reflecting off of the water. I hope you all had a fun 4th of July weekend!

Denim State of Mind

On a seasonably warm New England day, I'm apt to throw on a sundress or some denim shorts with a flowy top. However, jeans are still my perfect go-to item for many occasions. Featured below are four of my favorite styles.

I love the tattered, rugged look of my Arden B destroyed bootcut jeans. Everything from the whiskering, fading, to the knicks and holes.

Figure-slimming jeans in a sleek, dark wash are my favorite kind. I have a flattering J Brand pair that's perfect for date nights and cocktails with the girls, and then I have a more casual, everyday pair pictured here, from Hudson. Their jeans embody a 'California Freedom meets British Cool' vibe.

Skinny jeans are a style I was introduced to a couple of years ago. They are so incredibly versatile. In the fall, it's fashionable to tuck them into suede boots. And they look great with a platform wedge or heel. Pictured is the Old Navy 'Flirt', previously seen here.

Los-Angeles based clothing company True Religion came onto the denim scene in 2002, and they totally stole my heart. Their jeans always feel so well-constructed. Although this stretchy style has a really low-rise, they make a statement with flap back pockets and large, forward-twisted seams.

Leave a comment and tell me, what style of jeans is your favorite? What's your go-to denim brand?

Have a safe and festive 4th everyone!