Leather Accents

Nothing says transition like fall leather. It's a sign of cooler weather and style. These top leather picks of mine have a cool girl edge and are right on trend with the crisp weather ahead.

Topshop Neat Leather Biker Jacket

ASOS Love Pencil Skirt

Urban Outfitter's Joe's Jeans Blare Leather Chelsea Boot

Urban Outfitters Time For Change Leather Zip Pouch

TopShop TALL Leather Look Skirt

TopShop Faux Leather Biker Jacket

Nasty Gal Status Anxiety Leon Leather Bucket Bag

TopShop Suede Leather Biker Jacket

Paradise Found in Punta Cana

This past week Eric and I have took a vacation together in the Dominican Republic to extend our summer as much as possible. We could not have asked for better weather or a nicer resort. The beach had the most perfect shade of turquoise blue water and tall curved palm trees that looked out over the ocean.



Each morning I began my day of utter relaxation with my daily elixir of hot water and essential lemon oil while sitting out on our balcony over-looking the palm trees.











After having my daily early morning zen moment I swam laps. I find lap swimming to best form of calming my mind. It's just you and your thoughts and the repetitive strokes easily lull me into a tranquil state. Also swimming is one of the best total body workouts you can get-definitely plus when you are in a bikini all day! And it definitely made me feel better about indulging in the swim up bar ;)

One of my favorite parts about going away is weirdly enough-the breakfast buffet. It just feels like the ultimate treat compared to my daily routine of granola bars or yogurt. Also one of the perks of going to the beach is all the fresh seafood! All the food was delicious and each night we tried a new restaurant.

They had a whole array of homemade donuts so we indulged as a last day treat!

Tuna Steak with crispy onions with pea sauce

Hazelnut ice cream with whipped cream

Tempura banana and ice cream 

The sweetest baked Alaska cake

Bubble baths, massages, and just sitting on the beach made this trip the ultimate relaxing vacation. It was a sad wake up call back to my basic shower here in NYC. 

Nothing like a relaxing bubble bath (the champagne and roses don't hurt either!)

Good book + wine = heaven 

Our Butler outdid himself!

The beach is my happy place. The second I got off the plane and saw palm trees I was instantly elated. The grounds of the hotel were gorgeous, and we made friends with some of the wildlife!

Becoming one with the Palm

Monkeying Around

The sky right before a quick tropical thunderstorm 

Ahoy!

Chic Updated French Manicure

There's something perfectly polished about a french manicure (pardon the pun!). But the classic light pink/ white color combo can often seem a bit old. I tried experimenting with different color combinations to spice up a basic french manicure giving it a new fresh twist. Try experimenting with different color combinations. I feel this taupe and black combination is both chic and understated enough for work. 

Post Workout Tropical Smoothie

In honor of my tropical vaca I decided to post one of my favorite snacks that always makes me feel like I'm relaxing on a beach: a mango banana coconut smoothie. Whenever the weather is warmer I always start craving smoothies and this summer was no exception. I keep my smoothies low cal by opting for soy or almond milk over low fat yogurt but if I want a bit more protein after a tough workout I add a little bit of greek yogurt for some extra substance. My favorite fruit is by far mango and I love all things coconut so this smoothie tasts more like a tropical treat than a healthy recovery snack!

You'll need:
A ripened banana (the riper the banana the sweeter they are)
Cut up mango
Ice
Soy Milk
Coconut Chobani Greek yogurt

How to:
Add the ice into your blender first, followed by the mango and banana. Add in a couple of spoonfulls of yogurt. I use about half of a Chobani coconut yogurt but if your looking for a heartier smoothie you can use the whole container. Pour in a bit of soy milk, blend, and slurp! 

Office Desk Accessory Makeover

Even though I graduated I will always associate September with back to school. Growing up that meant shopping for just the right selection of school supplies. I would spend hours in the stores trying to find the perfect color scheme for each of my classes. Even though I am no longer buying binders and rulers, I got in the spirit by purchasing new and decrative desk supplies for work. These little touches help to personalize your desk space and make taking notes so much more chic!

Kate Spade Erasers

Paper Source Letterpress and Gold Foil Calendar

Gold Paper Clips

Poppin Neon Pink Mobile Memos

Urban Outfitters Sadie Pencil Cup

Growing up I had an obsession with notebooks and journals. I used to scour Barnes and Nobles for handsome leatherbound journals and this is the one instance I find it appropriate to judge a book by its cover ;)

Poppin Monogrammed Notebook

Urban Outfitters Oh Snap Leather Journal

Urban Outfitters Sugar Skull Journal

Top 6 Fall Ankle Boots

This fall I have been truly tantalized by all the upcoming fall fashion pieces. As much as I love my flip flops and summer dresses there is nothing better than a cozy knit sweater and a great pair of boots. This season has been favoring ankle length boots with a chunky heel. I am very excited for this trend due to the versatility of the shoes (goes great with a cute skater skirt or jeans!) and how easy it will be to walk around Manhattan in them. See below for some of my top fall picks, all each under $250!

Madewell The Ames Boot

Jeffrey Campbell Forecast Rainboot

Madewell The Chelsea Boot

Sam Edelman Petty Boot

J Crew Chelsea Boots

Silence + Noise Half-Stacked Heeled Ankle Boot

Kale Chips

My personal weakness is potato chips. I could easily eat a giant bag in one sitting, which is why I generally avoid keeping them in my apartment. These kale chips have the same satisfying crunch and saltiness as my favorite junk food, but are high in calcium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A. These "chips" are truly addicting and there's no guilt involved in eating a whole bowl!

You'll Need:

Kale leaves

Olive oil

Salt

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Baking sheet

How To: 

Set your oven to 350 degrees. First step is to wash and cut your kale, you don't want any of the stalk attached to the leaves. Lightly grease your baking sheet and dust with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure your kale leaves are mostly dry and lay out on the baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil on top of the kale leaves, making sure its evenly distributed. Add another dusting of seasoning. Pop in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until crisp. If you like more of a kick, I recommend adding some old bay seasoning.

Crunch away!