Europe Adventures: London

Over the past three weeks, I was traveling through Europe for a study abroad course offered at FIT! During the course of the trip we hit three cities; exploring the culture, as well as attending the corporate offices of fashion brands and major retail stores based in the three cities! The first of the three cities we ventured to was London, England!
I absolutely love London.  The city is so full of energy and there are a million and one things to do. Each day of exploring brought us somewhere different! We explored many antique markets, such as the Portobello Road Market- which is lined with the most adorable, colorful houses- as well as the Cambridge Flower Market. I had never seen so many peonies in my life!
We also hit a few landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and more. One afternoon, we even took a break from all the exploring for tea time at Westminster Abbey!
Some of the corporate visits in London included a private store tour of the Burberry flagship store on Regent Street, Ted Baker's headquarter offices, TopShop's headquarter offices, and the trend forecasting company WGSN's headquarter offices. It was amazing to get a first hand look at how and where these companies work and to be able to ask some of the company executives questions about their roles in the industry. Being able to experience these office environments for ourselves and getting information straight from people who are really involved in the business cannot be compared to sitting in a classroom. It was such an incredible opportunity to be able to be a part of.
I have included some of my favorite pictures from London below! Be sure to check them out and stay tuned for the adventures from the next two cities! Cheers!!

I Like Big Bows and I Cannot Lie

This summer, it is all about off-the-shoulder blouses! This new "it-top" can be found in a wide variety of styles including everything from ruffles, to eyelet details, seersucker pattern, and pom-pom trims. I am loving this white, off-the-shoulder blouse from H&M! It is so light and flowy- perfect for a warm summer day. And of course, I LOVE the big bows on the shoulders! The bows add a cute, feminine touch, just simple enough to not be too overwhelming. It is all around a clean, crisp, summer top. Because it is so simple, it is also very versatile! It is great to just throw on with a pair of jeans or printed shorts, or could even be tucked into a high-waisted skirt! Check out the pictures below to see how I styled my off-the-shoulder top for an afternoon stroll through Central Park!

~ Outfit Details ~

Top - H&M (Currently Sold Out)

Similar Options: 1 / 2 / 3

Jeans - Talbots

Shoes - Old Navy

Mason Jar DIY

No matter how you use them, something about mason jars adds a touch of adorable charm- and there are so many purposes for them! I recently gave my plain old mason jars a fun update simply with gold paint! Adding cute designs with the metallic paint was so easy and made the jars more personal. Take a look at the pictures below to see the different ways I painted my mason jars and what I use them for!

The first purpose I use mason jars for is to hold my make-up brushes! I added a preppy touch to this mason jar by painting my monogram! To finish it off I added polka dots around the other sides of the jar. I love the way this jar looks on my vanity next to my gold frames and make-up organizer.

Another way I like to use mason jars are as flower vases, so it only seemed appropriate to paint flowers on this one! I painted the flowers all around the jar, in various sizes and finished it off with a small bouquet of pink roses.

The last way I like to use mason jars are as candle holders. For this one I painted doodle-like designs around the top and bottom of the jar. I love the way this design casts shadows when the candle is lit! 

These suggestions are just a starting point. I hope this has inspired you to try out different uses for mason jars! They are not only a great way to personalize your home, but they also make great gifts (and Mother's Day is just around the corner! *hint hint*)! So grab some paint and try to come up with your own unique designs- it is such a fun and easy way to give your mason jars an eye catching update! 

Sunday's Best

Last Sunday, my friend Murphy invited myself, and a few of our other good friends from FIT, to attend Church with her, to see her speak at mass. She gave a beautiful speech and we were all so proud to be there to support her and her commitment to her Church. It was such a gorgeous, spring day to spend with friends, so we couldn't resist a walk to Central Park after the mass!
For this beautiful Sunday, I wore a navy and white striped midi-skirt with a lace top. One of my favorite things about dressing for spring is mixing patterns! Because the patterns are so different, I like to keep the color palette simple. I added a pop of color with a bright statement necklace, and finished off the look with white heeled sandals and my favorite pink purse. Take a look below at some of the pictures we took while in the park and for my outfit details!
Also, be sure to check out Murphy's Vlog channel HERE, as well as my friend Kali's channel HERE!

 Left to right : Emma, Madison, Kali, Murphy, Fallon, Myself

~ Outfit Details ~

Skirt -  Forever 21

Top - Lilly Pulitzer for Target  Similar Here

Necklace- LOFT 

(Try one of these 1 / 2 / 3 )

Shoes - ALDO Similar Here or Here 

Purse - Kate Spade

Foto Fun in Central Park

This past weekend was beautiful in New York City! After a short cold spell, it finally warmed up again and I couldn't resist taking a trip to Central Park- it was the perfect day to break out my camera! When walking around the city, I like being able to wear my camera as a cross-body. It is more comfortable than carrying it around my neck and more secure than simply draping it down from one shoulder. This camera strap from  Fotostrap is the perfect length to wear cross-body and it is super cute!! The straps come in many different colors (of course, mine is pink!) and you can customize the leather shoulder pad with anything from your monogram, to a personalized message, or even your company logo. They are very durable, provide functionality, and best of all, they're American made!

For this warm day of exploring, I wore a light weight, pinstripe dress with a pair of Jack Rogers, and carried along my go-to, pink purse- which just so happens to match my Fotostrap! This outfit is so comfortable and effortless. Check out the pictures below to see my Fotostrap, as well as my outfit details, and be sure to check out the Fotostrap website for yourself!

~ Details ~

Camera Strap - Fotostrap

Dress - Banana Republic
(Similar Options Here: 1 / 2 / 3)

Purse - Kate Spade

Sandals - Jack Rogers

Sunglasses - LOFT