hello weekend!

Happy Friday, Friends!

This week has absolutely flown by! We're wrapping up the end of the fiscal year at work, wedding RSVP's are trickling in and the to-do list is building faster than I'm crossing things off (spoiler: I'm not crossing much off at all...). I'm telling myself that I'm looking forward to a weekend of nothing but deep down, I know its time to start crossing of to-dos. 

In addition to (maybe) crossing off to-do's, I'm trying my first Orange Theory fitness class, shooting with Kristyn, and going to see the Dixie Chicks! Some friends and I bought found tickets on Groupon 6 months ago and I'm so excited! How random, right?

Thanks to Monica, I'm a juice addict. I found this adorable shop in Philadelphia last week while traveling for work and wanted to spend all day there!

These link dump posts have been pretty pervasive in the blog world so I'm thinking about the best way to share some of the interesting articles I've read or a few products that have caught my eye. Let me know if there is something you want to see (or you definitely don't want to see).

• Like every other basic betch out there, I am obsessed with LaCroix. Read about how it gained popularity and landed in all of our fridge's overnight. Side note: where can I get this "LaCroix over boys" shirt?
• Here is a Chloe dupe for $28 if you're not into paying $1800+ for a trendy bag.
• Does anyone bullet journal? What do you think? Fill me in!
• I'm trying my first Orange Theory class this weekend and I'm really excited. I get bored really easily with workouts so I'm looking forward to trying something different. I've heard great things and am hoping to fall in love. There really is no motivation like a wedding dress but you know what, people didn't call me Shallow hAllio in college for nothing..
• Flatforms are growing on me. Why oh why?
• Speaking of why oh why, why are bridal separates (re: the fancy word from crop tops) a thing? :(
• I have a selfish request: I need wedding shoes. Married people -- can you send me suggestions! I want something ~3 inches but comfortable. Did you switch out after the ceremony? 

What are you up to this weekend? Hope its a good one! xx

link love

Happy Friday! We made it!

I am especially happy because I am done with school for a bit (more on that next week). I have one last project to turn in by Monday but the hardest parts are over. This semester was particularly draining so I'm really looking forward to a break. 

Can you believe April is over? I feel like I blinked and the month was gone! I've been lagging a bit around the blog and hope that with having a break from school, I can focus more on creating content and writing more.

On the docket for this weekend is: catching up around the house and with an old friend visiting from LA. My wedding to-do list is also growing so I'm hoping to cross a few items off the list this weekend, too. Aaron and I are headed to California in a few weeks for a friends wedding and to meet with wedding vendors so I actually have a deadline for many of my to-dos. I've been pretty laissez-faire about the whole wedding planning process thus far but we're a  little over 4 months away which means I need to start working!

I hope you all have a terrific weekend! XOXO

Links I'm loving.....

• Mothers Day is coming up! How cute are these printables?
• Meet Beyonce's stylists from Lemonade.
• Kelly Ripa isn't a diva -- shes demanding respect in her workplace.
• A great round up of career advice I've been meaning to share with you!
• I've been trying to be better about eating breakfast each day and can't wait to try some of these recipes!
• I'll be working on wedding crafts this weekend and have been so inspired by Molly's wedding!

Sales and such.....

• This is so true and is my new favorite shirt.
• Everything on sale at Ann Taylor is an additional 60% off today. Just in time for payday! I am loving this pleasted skirt.
• I really want these shoes in grey but can't find my size! They would be perfect for weekends.
• Currently in my Loft shopping cart: this shell, these shoes, and this skirt.
• Now that I've officially jumped on the OTS train, I've got my eye on this tribal dress and this steal from Forever21. Both are less than $50!

link love

Hello, Friday!

How was your week? I forwent any St. Patricks Day celebrations which is probably the most adult decision I have ever made. I don't have a strong SPD track record. Throughout the years, I've sprained a few ankles, broken a camera, had a $40 tab at McDonalds, and had other generally sloppy moments that do not need to be shared in a public forum. I've retired from St. Patrick's Day which makes my March 18th all the more lovely. I hope you're recovering well and your morning is full of breakfast sandwiches and March Madness.

link love

Happy Friday, Friends! It's been awhile since I've posted a link love and I'm not sure why. They are some of my favorite posts to write. I try to collect links throughout the week that have caught my eye but I've been slammed at work the past few weeks so I haven't been able to read as much as I'd like. Things are slowing down(ish) so I'm hoping to get back to regular link love posting.

Also, face lift much? A Dash of Gold got a little work done this week. I'm hoping the new format will help you better navigate the different categories as well as be a little more user friendly if read from your phone.

Links and such...

• I love when Kristen Wiig does these sorts of impersonations on Jimmy Fallon.
• I'm glad we're done talking about Hilary Clinton's clothing choices seeing as how we don't do the same to the men running. This is an interesting article about how she controlled the conversation by muting her choices. I only wish she was able to wear her vibrant colors and show her personality through her choices and not be scrutinized for it.
• I love a good Ikea hack. This one is my favorite (and I currently have it in my living room) but this is a good round up of other projects to try.
• I love a good [bad] rom com and love so many of them on this list.
• Are you a shopper and returner? I am so this article was particularly interesting to me.
• An interesting history of the Longchamp Le Pliage. The simply designed bag is one of my favorites and certainly a go-to when traveling.

Sales and such...

• Speaking of Longchamp, this backpack is next on my list. How perfect is the red version for the spring and summer?
• J.Crew launched their sunglasses line and I'm super into the Betty.
• Check out this coat from Nordstrom that looks just like that J.Crew coat that keeps selling out. It's less than $60!
• I'm usually not a huge fan of pink but these lace up flats are too cute!
• Sale Alert: 40% off at Banana Republic with no merchandise restrictions with the code BRFIT.

Coming up on A Dash of Gold next week...

• My weekend uniform as of late
• Lessons I've learned in the first 6 months of being engaged.

Enjoy your long weekend!

link love

Why hello there, Weekend! So nice to see you again!

Aaron and I are off to Boston this weekend! I have to go up for work and Aaron has never been so I tricked invited him to come along. We're trying to keep our plans open so we can see and do as much as we want but I'd love to hear your suggestions. What is a must see/eat/try while we're there? Follow along on snapchat (@heyim_nicole)!

Links I'm loving...

• Feeling stagnant in your job? Or looking for a new one? Don't miss this article.
• It seems like I've been posting a #GIRLBOSS article every week but why stop now. Jessica Alba is a major #GIRLBOSS!
• The support around Caitlyn Jenner this week was really moving. But there is so much more we can do for the LGBT community. Read this essay Laverne Cox wrote. I think it really speaks to the heart of the issue so many members of the LGBT community face.
• Woohoo! A bunch of new drugstore products to check out!

Sales and such....

• I posted about this on my instagram but want to mention it here, too. Through the weekend, Makeup Geek is donating $20 to BDSRA for every purchase of the Caitlin Rose eye shadow. The shadow was named after my cousin whose favorite color was purple and who passed away three years ago from Battens - an awful, heartbreaking, debilitating, and ultimately terminal disease. If you're not familiar with Makeup Geek, you really ought to check the store out. The CEO is a youtuber who spent years researching how to make and market high-pigment, custom colors that retail at an affordable price. The result is not only a $10m business but a philanthropic and community focused group of make up artists. You can buy the shadow HERE.

That's it today. This is the most important sale this week and I don't want you to miss it.

Have a good weekend, friends! Catch you next week! XO


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image via unsplash | edited by Nicole Allio for A Dash of Gold

link love

Happy Friday, amigas!

This week was a bit of a blur for me. I stayed home on Tuesday after getting some sort of stomach bug this weekend and I telework on Fridays so I had two super packed two days in the office. Factor in school and a sick doggy and this week flew by right before my eyes. I can't believe it's already the weekend though I am not complaining.

I'm thinking of sharing some tips about teleworking and how to make the most out of your time working from home. Would that be of interest to anyone? I've been teleworking for a few months now and while I love it, it did take me some time to get into a productive groove.  I'm happy to also stick to fashion/beauty/etc if you could give a rats ass about working from home. No offense taken :) I'm also happy to just stick to posting at all since I've been super MIA around these parts the past few weeks. I've been just been to busy living mai lyfe. ha.

Have a good weekend! Catch ya next week!

Links I'm loving..

• Ever wondered what it would be like to dress like Kim K? This Elle editor tried it out.
• All hail the self-made #GIRLBOSS
• Have you been loving Old Navy as much as I have recently? Well you're not alone. Read the story behind the brands rebirth.
• I love selling used clothes and find it to be so easy. I always wonder why more people don't do it, too. Here is some good background on the process and why its is becoming a booming industry. 
• What are you reading this summer? I need some suggestions! Here are R29's suggestions...

Sales and such....

• Tons more has been added to the Nordstrom half-yearly sale. Don't miss out. Seriously! (Also, an interesting story about  the half-yearly sale)
• Before investing in real Birkenstocks, I decided to test out the trend with this much cheaper Target pair. The verdict? They are super comfortable but not sure if I can style them enough ways to justify paying more than $100 for sandals. What do you think?
• You guys, this skort (yes, skort) is awesome. My GF's and I were pretty divided about it last week but after seeing it in person, I stand by my initial "that is pretty cool" review. 
• I love the soft silhouette this relaxed utility jacket creates
• Get an extra 30% off sale at J.Crew with the code SALENOW. I got these shoes recently (as seen on my instagram) and they are SO comfortable. I'm very pleased. 

link love

HAPPY FRIDAY! I've been on a bit of a blogging hiatus recently because I can't quite get my feet on the ground. It's been one thing after another with school, work, and friends -- all good things, though! --so I've been out living life rather than writing about it here. I have a really low key weekend planned to recharge and lay by the pool. I can't wait.

I was Aaron was watching a SEC Storied on ESPN about Shaq and his Coach Dale Brown while he was at LSU. ESPN is on all.the.time at our place so I mostly tune it out while laying on the couch pinning. But this documentary -- and this quote in particular -- really caught my ear. It was all about Shaq's  growth as an athlete and his friendship with his Coach. It's worth watching for any athletes or anyone interested in college sports.

Some links I'm loving....

• Who runs the world? GIRLS. But we already knew that. #GIRLBOSS
• This is such a big deal for so many kids.
• I love Jimmy Fallon sketches and this bit with Jamie Foxx is no different. 
• How many of these timeless beauty trends do you rock? I've been really into cat-eyes recently. Side note: don't ever ask a girl with even cat-eyes why she is late. Looking at you, Aaron :)
• Just in time for MDW.... a sunscreen guide. DON'T you leave the house without it!
• Did you see this interview with Danielle of WeWoreWhat? I appreciate her transparency and it is fascinating how much money some people though I did think her tone was a bit off-putting. What did you think?

SALES and such...(there are a LOT this weekend!)

• Ann Taylor // 40% off purchase with code: SHOP40
• Anthropologie // 20% off sale with code GONEFISHING
• Asos // 20% off with code: LONGWKND
• Banana Republic // 40% off with code: BRSUMMER
• BaubleBar // free shipping code MEMORIAL20 and save 20%; use the code MEMORIAL25 for 25% off 3 items; or the code MEMORIAL30 to save 30% on 4 or more items.
• Bloomgindales // big brown bag sale – 20% off sale
• Bluefly // handbag & shoe sale! extra 20% off chloé, prada, jimmy choo, & saint laurent
• J.Crew // 25% off your order with code: SUMMERLOVE
• J.Crew Factory // 50% off everything
• Loft // 40% off everything
• Macy’s // extra 20% off in memorial day sale + extra 25% off with code: HOORAY
• Nordstrom Half Yearly sale -- don't miss this one, folks! It goes through May 31.
• Old Navy // Up to 50% off everything
• Sally Beauty // 30% off when you $50 or more.... get some Tanwise!

Enjoy your long weekend! XO



image via unsplash | graphic by Nicole Allio for a dash of gold

link love

Happy Friday!

The San Francisco snapstory made me wildly homesick this week. I'm hoping to get home at some point this summer but between school and summer travel for work, I'm having a hard time finding a big enough chunk of time. Hopefully I can figure out a way to get home FOR work. Wouldn't that be the dream?

Whatcha up to this weekend? I took my hardest final last night (it was worth 80% of my grade -- isn't that insane?) so I feel like I'm home free even though I still have one more final on Tuesday. I'll do some studying but can't miss the Running of the Chihuahuas. I'm thinking of stopping by Taste of 8th -- has anyone been before? I've been to most of those restaurants since I live so close but I think it might be worth checking out.

Links I'm loving...

• What do beauty insiders wear to work? Check out Sephora and Benefit employees in San Francisco.
• Learn a little more about Orgin's Assistant Manager (and of my favorite bloggers) Rachel Martino in this Everygirl interview.
• If I ever need inspiration on what to wear to a state dinner, I'll turn to Michelle Obama.
• Have you tried any of these beauty tips?

Sales and such....

• Have you checked out Banana Republic lately? I'm really loving their new spring collections.
• 40% off your purchase (in store) at Ann Taylor. I'm loving this black and white striped skirt. 
• Extra 25% off at Macy's with the code FRIEND for their friends and family sale
• 50% off everything at Old Navy. Might be the right time to pick up this cross body or these shorts for summer.

link love

Happy Friday! I'm looking forward to enjoying some spring weather and celebrating a bff's birthday at a new-to-me beer garden. I'm a big fan of drinking outdoors weather (aren't we all?) so I'm pretty pumped to spend some time soaking up the Vitamin D with good friends. What are you up this weekend?

Links I'm loving...

• 10 incredible curing iron tricks.
• What would you wear to interview with Anna Wintour?
• Anthropologie sells some crazy things. These comments had me literally lolzing
• Disney and 90's music? Sold. This is the catchiest song I've heard in a long time.
• I wish I could wear leggings to work.

Shopping, sales and such...

• I am loving the Milley for Kohls collab. Pattern mixing for the win!
• I always forget how much I love 6pm. I'm looking for a stacked heel sandal for spring summer and love this pair. And if you're looking for mules look no further.
• I'm loving midi skirts for spring.
• I unpacked my panama hat from last year and it was all bent out of shape so this white one from Target caught my eye.

Coming up on A Dash of Gold next week....

• My favorite jumpsuit (because of course I have a favorite jumpsuit)

link love

TGIMFF.

Yes, it has been one of those weeks. It started on Sunday at the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms. It was me and 293480147834791391 of my closest friends frenemies. It was a cluster down there and perhaps an indication of the week to come. I'll spare you dicey and whiny details but when I got home from class last night and Princess Lucy had destroyed my Mira's, I could only shrug and think, "how fitting".

So yea, TGIMFF.

I plan to indulge in some retail therapy this weekend, because duh.

Some links I'm loving...

• Did you know how pink came to be a girly color?
• Not into pink? Maybe you're interested in a history on unisex fashion then.
• If you're local, you'll be inserting all the praying hands emojis after reading this.
• Speaking of the praying hands emoji, did you notice it doesn't have rays in the latest ios? I didn't!
• Are you planning on shopping the Lilly x Target collection this weekend? Of course you are. This article from Racked covers everything you need to know.
• I'm mildly obsessed with Iris Apfel. 
• I fell into a very dangerous black hole this week: the world of beauty vloggers. While most of their looks aren't realistic for my day-to-day or really fit my style, I just love watching their videos. I love this video on drugstore make-up from Jaclyn Hill. Be warned: before you click on that link, grab a bottle of wine. You may be on the couch for awhile.

Sales, shopping and such....

• 25% off at Kate Spade with the code DEAREST
• Up to 70% off sale at ASOS. I'm not a big cutout fan but this dress is adorbs. This dress is a little more my style; it can easily be dressed up or down.
• I'm kind of obsessed with these. Aaron thinks they look like grandpa shoes but I think they're cute and comfy. You can add it to the list of things I like that confuse Aaron. It's pretty long at the point.
• Have you seen the new arrivals at J.Crew Factory? I'm l-o-v-i-n-g this skirt.

Coming up next week on A Dash of Gold...

• Tips for folks heading to the Kentucky Derby
• A casual weekend look

link love

Happy Friday, Friends! Have anything exciting planned for the weekend?

I have two papers and a bunch of econ reading to get caught up on so I imagine I'll be a bit of a troll for part of the weekend cranking out school work. Fun. Aaron's dad is in town this weekend as well as his best friend from law school so I won't be spending all my time doing work but doing some bourbon and beer tasting with too. It's all about the balance, folks.

Links I'm loving from around the web today....

• Check out the estimated costs of some your favorite tv show apartments in NYC.
• This story about a guys cell phone getting stolen and how it leads him to China is insane. It's a long read but worth it.
• With this weekend being the first weekend of Coachella, we can officially say festival season is upon us. And the fashion industry is cashing in.
• I love this article about Amal Clooney and how she is taking NYC by storm. She is a human rights activist and a fashion icon (wihtout a stylist!) who has a trophy husband. I have a major lady crush.

Sale and such for you to check out...

• 25% off online at J.Crew
• 60% off sale at Loft
• These cap toe espadrilles are perfect for spring... and they're lesss than $40!
• I'm not normally a fan of high low skirts but leave it to BR to do it perfectly.
• It's wedding season and this dress (one sale) would be great for a daytime or nighttime wedding.

Coming up on A Dash of Gold next week...

• My favorite mascaras at every price point
• My second career (inspired by Katie!)

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image via

link love

Happy Friday, friends. How was your week?

It was a short work week for me since I took Monday off to help this little snugglebug get acclimated to her new forever home. Regardless, I am still really ready for a weekend. Aaron's mama is in town for the weekend so we have a busy weekend planned. You know those people that you just love being around? They radiate some sort of positive energy or something that just draws you in? That's her. I'm really happy she's here.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Some links I'm loving around the web....

• What do you think about the power suit? I occasionally have to wear a suit for work and I feel really stuffy and not at all like Olivia Pope.
• I recently discovered Elle & Company and it has quickly become one of my favorite blogs about design, marketing and blogging.
• Have you tried Class Pass? What do you think about the criticisms that it is becoming too big for its own good?
• Are you following Kylie Jenner on snapchat? Better question... are you following me? Add me heyim_nicole! 
• Feathers and blush for fall? Can J.Crew do no wrong?

Some sales and such....

• 50% off everything at J.Crew Factory and an additional 20% off clearance with the code HOPTOIT. I ordered this skirt in blue this week...I can't wait for it to arrive.
• Extra 40% off sale at Loft. Dip your toes into the window pane trend with this skirt.
• 40% off your entire purchase at Ann Taylor. Aren't these perforated heels just perfection?
• I wish I was a size 10 because these sandals are perfect for work and weekend. Old Navy has really been crushing it lately.

Coming up on A Dash of Gold next week....

• How to make sure your resume is in top form before hitting submit... (really truly this time!)
• Accessories I'm loving for Spring...

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image via unsplash

link love

Happy Friday! We made it!

This week has been of those week; it was jam packed and complete with a never ending to-do list. I also had my first grad school induced meltdown this week (does that make me a real student now?). To say I'm ready for the weekend is an understatement. The plans for this weekend include a fun project with Lauren Werkheiser Photography, checking out a few dog adoption events with Aaron, and visiting a new day spa on Sunday. What are you up to this weekend?

Some links I'm loving around the web..

• This guy dancing to Uptown Funk is seriously impressive.
• Another impressive dancer is this kid at the Sweet 16's this week.
• Try to watch this and not giggle.
• I'm thinking about getting a pair of Clubmasters for the summer. They are just so effortlessly cool.
• Need a time suck? Look no further than Google Feud.
• I'm not normally a big Lilly Pulitzer fan but I am loving the Lilly Pulitzer For Target Collection. What do you think about it?
• I love the Cut's Global Beauty series and seeing how beauty looks around the world like straight brows in South Korea or braids in South Africa.

SALE alerts!

• 25% off online and in-store at J.Crew
• 25% off at Bloomingdales for their Friends and Family sale
• 40% off everything at Loft

Coming up on A Dash of Gold next week...

• Sharing a bit about a new spa in the DC area
• How to make sure your resume is in top form before hitting submit
• How to wear a cable knit sweater a few ways...including into spring.

link love

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Happy Friday! Today is the first day of spring but its currently raining and snowing. It my own personal hell. Will winter EVER end? I sure hope so. Instead of looking out the window to see more rain and snow, I'm going to day dream about somewhere warm, tropical and littered with palm trees.

What are you up to this weekend? I'm grabbing brunch with my old roommates then I have to hunker down to GSD. My classes are getting harder and I've got a lot work due in the next 6 weeks and I'm starting to feel a little anxious about being able to get it all done. Wish me luck!

Some links from around the web I'm loving....

• Kanye  West dancing to the Seinfeld theme song wins the internet.
• Ikea has taken over the world
• We all have one of those Facebook friends
• White, distressed and less than $75? These jeans are spring perfect.
• Isn't San Francisco beautiful? Say yes!
• Have you had a chance to check out the KS Saturday sale? Everything is 50% off including this amazing crew cut sweater.
• Do you sell clothes on ebay? Read this woman's experience joining the selling community.

Coming up on A Dash of Gold next week....

• sharing some tips on how to keep flowers fresher longer
• how to make my favorite on the go snack
• vacation plan with me!

Have a great weekend, friends! Thanks for stopping by!

xo

link love

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BE A GOOD FRIEND: I like this notion of being a friend in deed. My closest friends are those who know just what to do when I need a friend the most. I think this takes years of relationship building to know what those needed deeds are but you know you have a special friend when they are there for you in action not just in words.

"WE HAVE TO DO THINGS PEOPLE DON'T LIKE": I won't share any spoilers because I'm not that person but Aaron and I just came up for air after binge watching House of Cards all week. The global buzz is fascinating as I wasn't sure the story translated internationally and I'm surprised to see there are more viewers in NYC than in DC. Without exaggeration, I know less than 5 people in DC that don't watch HOC. If you haven't gotten started yet, read this article before settling into the couch all weekend. I'll be honest though, I'm not sure having known the negative affects of binge watching in advance would have stopped me. Or will stop me in the future.

LASH BLAST: I've been on a hunt to find a new drugstore mascara to replace my (former) favorite They're Real. I wanted to move away from spending $24 but couldn't find a drugstore replacement that was as long lasting. And then spent close to $24 trying bad mascaras. I popped into a MAC store on a whim and found this mascara and I've converted. The wand looks like a mini comb and is unlike any other wand I've used.The tiny comb lifts and pulls my lashes to give volume and length. It's a dark black color, lasts all day but is also easy to take off. Check it out next time you need a new tube.

SWIM SEASON: Swimsuit season is rapidly approaching. Wonderful. My building has a rooftop pool and Aaron and I already planning to spend most of the summer up there which means I need to pick up a few new swimsuits. What a first world problem. I, of course, don't want to break the bank but it is tough to find a budget swim suit that is both stylish and conservative. Old Navy is really impressive though. I love this color block suit and this top/high waisted bottom combo is very Topshop-esque for a fraction of the price.

TIME TO STOCK UP: The Shopbop sale ends tomorrow and don't wait to stock up for spring. I've been wearing these sunglasses non stop and love these embellished sandals. I missed the Birks boat last season but they are too comfy to pass on again this year. I love this caftan for the afrementioned pool days and love this hat for laying out. I have to stop day dreaming about sunny days while I look at my window because all I can see is snow right now. Will winter ever end?

Have a great weekend, friends!

link love

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Happy weekend! Thanks to an extra long weekend, this week just flew on by. And I don't mind one bit. HEY! If you're in DC, bookmark this website and program the numbers in your phone to call the Shelter Hotline if you see someone in need of shelter this weekend. It's going to be a COLD one.

DON'T MIND IF I DO: Press for champagne? Yes, please. While we're on the topic of champagne, doesn't this cake look delicious?

AND THE AWARD GOES TO: Take this trip down memory lane with me and check out this graphic of the dresses worn by all the Best Actress Oscar winners.

BUDGET FRIENDLY ACCESSORIES: I love these Oscar de la Renta earrings but stage an intervention for me if I spend $300 on earrings. This black pair looks pretty similar and this blue pair is an extra 25% off right now too.

LEOPARD IS A NEUTRAL: I bought this ASOS coat when it was on super sale for $32 and I've been able to get far more use out of it than I had originally expected. This roundup over on the Glitter Guide provides even more inspiration.

COMFORTABLE & CHIC: Ever since picking up these Nike's and wearing them basically non-stop (seen here), I've been wanting another pair of sneakers to wear on the weekends to stay comfortable and chic. What a novel concept, right? What do you think of this New Balance pair? This high top wedge is pretty amaze but not something I could pull off. Maybe you can though? I hope so :)

GET CREATIVE: Katie pulled together one of these best rounds ups of websites for getting creative. Side note: pour yourself a cup of coffee before sitting down to read because if you're anything like me, you're about to fall into a giant rabbit hole of design goodness.

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY: It's basically -132948 degrees out and this shirt sums up how I feel.

link love

Happy Friday! I hope you had a good week! Nothing major to report for me. I have a low key weekend planned and a short paper due for school on Monday. But that's about it. And it feels nice :)
Whats on you agenda?

BUDGET FRIENDLY GALLERY WALLS: I'm loving these wallet friendly prints from Buddy Editions. Buddy Editions is an online art gallery that features emerging artists around the world. This champagne piece is a no brainer and I also love this one and kind of  want to wear this outfit.

MISSION UPDATE: The Sloan Pants went on sale this week and they are everything you guys said and more. They are fantastic. Coincdentially, as if the fashion heavens heard my prayers, the faux leather pair went on sale too (for only $55!)  and they are equally as awesome. Just a heads up that Sloan Leggings fit a big so size down and the faux leather pants fit true to size.

HAIRSPIRATION: I wonder if this dad could teach me how to do my hair too.

GET ON MY FEET: I was late to the d'orsay game last year but I literally wore my white pair into the ground. This year, I won't make the same mistake.  I love these flats (on sale!),  and these pumps. Short wedges don't suit my pear shape well but for my more petite friends, these are adorable too.

LOOK-A-LIKE: This Topshop cape sure does look a lot like SJP's Burberry cape. But its a fraction of the price. Sounds good to me!

VDAY TREAT: I LOVE Valentine's Day. It might just be my favorite holiday. So these easy to make desserts are going to be the perfect treat o share at work.

UGH SEASON: Bathing suit season is quickly approaching. Ugh. I have really packed on those winter pounds this year so I'm not exactly jonesing to be in a bathing suit. Although this strapless leopard print swimsuit gets me a little more excited.

link love

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Happy Friday! This week flew on by, didn't it? 

I'm excited to have some friends over for brunch this weekend who I haven't seen in FAR too long. It's been almost a month since we've seen each other which is an unusual for us so I'm looking forward to catching up and drinking all the leftover champagne from last weeks baby shower. I bought a few too many bottles but leftover champagne is not a problem I mind having. 

THE MISSION CONTINUES: Last week, I wrote about my mission to find black pants. Thank you for all your recommendations! I picked up this pair from Old Navy and really love them. I've worn them twice and they've stretched very minimally which is a win in my book. A few friends recommended the Sloan fit from Banana Republic which I plan to check out during the next one of their 40% off sales. I also love these so I hope to snag them on sale sometime soon too.

ON REPEAT: This week's jam is Lay Me Down for no particular reason aside from that it make a great singing in the shower song. Many apologies to my neighbors who more than likely can hear me belting it out. 

SHE'S NO BEYONCE: It's probably not news to you but Katy Perry* is this year's Super Bowl half time performer. Yawn. What should be interesting though are her costumes (yes, multiple) that are being designed by her good friend, Jeremy Scott. Also worth noting, it was reported that the NFL asked their top halftime show candidates to pay to perform. 

GET ME OUT OF THE SNOW: Aaron and I booked our tickets for a friends wedding in Arizona this February and I.cannot.wait. I am over the moon excited for our friends and its an added bonus the wedding is in the middle of the freaking dessert. Anywhere but snow, I say! It's a quick trip but of course that hasn't stopped me from daydreaming about warm weather clothes. Give me some shorts, a panama hat and new d'orsay flats and I'm a happy girl.

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST: Kate Spade announced this week it would be closing their lower priced line Kate Spade Saturday. Get your KS Saturday fix while you still can!

JUST SAY NO: Good for these celeb stars who didn't participate in the mani cam at last week's SAG awards. You go Glen Coco.

*I once heard a rumor that Katy Perry has been invited to perform at the White House but can't pass the security clearance which I find wildly amusing.

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image via | edited by me

TGIF! This week FLEW by.... must have been the 4 day work week ;) This weekend I'm hosting a baby shower and I'm really nervous. I thought to myself how hard could planning a shower be? It's just an afternoon of drinking champagne and hanging with friends, right? NO. So much NO. That's called SUNDAY, Nicole. A baby shower is so much more than that and as Aaron reminded me something the mom-to-be will remember forever.  Awesome. I'm channeling my inner sorority girl and have been getting my craft on this week (which is something I wasn't great at the first time around). Wish me luck. Actually on second thought, maybe we should all be wishing the mom-to-be luck.

SHAKE IT: I can't help but dance around in my work chair when this song comes on Spotify. 

IMPULSE PURCHASE PAYS OFF: I picked up this mug last week for superficial reasons (It matches my tumbler) but I was pleasantly surprised by its functionality. It keeps my coffee hot hot hot and is really lightweight. What a win.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?: I really need a solid pair of black pants. I don't want leggings and would be fine with thick ponte but I can't find anything. I tried the gigi pants from J.Crew Factory and was hugely underwhelmed with their quality. I really like these from Uniqlo but they're not work appropriate. Has anyone tried the long pixie pants from Old Navy? Or these from Gap? The Gap ones seem to get mixed reviews.

BECAUSE WE ALL NEED ANOTHER CROSSBODY: Speaking of Gap.... how gorg is this crossbody?

CALLING ALL YOGIS: If you're local, check out the Grip the Mat event calendar. They host mixed-level yoga classes followed by brunch or happy hour. Genius, right? I'm working with the founders on a project for work but there are still tickets left for their event on Sunday with Top Chef Spike Mendelsohn. Check it out!

SHOP FOR A CAUSE: Check out Love your Melon. For every hat sold, an identical hat is given to a child battling cancer. 

SALE ALERT: 30% off  shoes, handbags and accessories at Piperlime with the code HITREFRESH; 35% off at Gap with the code BEST; 40% off at Ann Taylor with code SHOP40

Have a great weekend, friends!

XO

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image | graphic by a dash of gold

Happy Friday!

The past two weeks back at work has been a whirlwind of challenge after challenge. I'm finally feeling caugh up and back into the flow. I foresee a giant glass of wine in my near future. Is that you, 5:00? CHEERS to that!

Have you read this story about a dog who is riding a bus to the dog park?

I'm really loving delicate jewelry. I can totally see myself layering this necklace with this bar.

Check out these gorgeous Disney princess inspired brides.

This bracelet looks a lotttttt like a Stella & Dot best seller, right? And it's half the price.

Ever been curious to know where J.Crew comes up with their names? Well now you know.

Some good advice for your 30's.  And not from a Buzzfeed or Thought Catalog.

This bag is very Philip Lim Pashi-esque but a fraction of the price AND 40% off right now. I love a good Ann Taylor sale.

Have a great weekend!

XO, Nicole