Valentine's Wishes

It’s officially the first day of February, so naturally Valentine’s Day is on my mind.  Love or hate the holiday, it’s always a great excuse to refresh your wish list or treat yourself (or someone you love) to something pretty.  Here’s what I have my eye on…

Shop Valentine's Wishes:

1.) Christine Belted Silk Dress

2.) Silk Sleep Masks

3.) Cult Gaia Becca rattan cuff

4.) Iris  Rainbow mirror

5.) Franco Sarto Izzy Bootie in Bone White

6.) Gucci Soho Disco Leather Handbag

Other great gifting ideas...

-love the uniqueness of this and this.

-the perfect greeting card for anyone this V-Day (thanks Violet Clair)

-gifts for men: the beer lover, for the music lover, and a chic (and relatively affordable) watch.

Hoping we can all (at least temporarily) see the world through rose-colored glasses (or heart-shaped glasses) this Valentine's Day...

Gift Ideas for Her Under $50- Holidays 2018

I can't believe this is my first Christmas gift guide post of 2018!  I've clearly been slacking.  I wanted to kick things off with chic gifts for her [under $50]- because, not surprisingly, there's a lot of options (and a lot of options that appeal to me ;) ).  Whether perusing for a gift or a stocking stuffer, here are a few of my favorites:

GIFTS UNDER $50:

BP Faux Leather Black Tote, $49/

Rianne Drop Earrings, $22 (50% OFF RIGHT NOW)/

Malin + Goetz Travel Set, $45/

Faux Fur Gloves, $39/

Pattern Knit Sweater, $35/ - I've been wanting this sweater after seeing how cute Natalie looked in hers!

Leather Zip Monogrammed Pouch, $49/

Agate Moscow Mule Mug, $30/

Nest Bamboo Classic Candle, $42/

Outdoor Monogrammed Stemless Wine Glasses, $49/set of 4

Trace Studded Mules, $32/

Also adore these! 


In general, my favorite sources for great gifts are Mark & Graham, Uncommon Goods, Nordstrom, Anthropologie,  and Etsy.

Gift Guide: For Your Momma

Hi guys!  A post on Friday for the first time this week- better late than never, right?  Truth be told, I'm still recovering from my 30th b-day celebration in Palm Springs last weekend.   We had such a fun time that naturally this week I've felt a little of the post-vacation blues. But,  it's Friday, a new weekend is ahead of us, and I'm back with a gift guide for my favorite person to buy for- mom.  My momma deserves an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii for all the grief I've caused her through the years.  I keep telling her that the day I can send her there in style (first class airplane tickets, men hired to fan her with palm leaves 24/7, etc) is the day her trip will be booked.  Until then, all I can offer her is my love and a thoughtful gift or two...

Shop This Board:

1.) Annie Selke Fleece French Blue Hooded Robe $110/ I'm not your typical robe-and-house-shoes kind of gal, but the fleece this baby is made of has to be the softest I've ever felt.  I'm actually wearing this little slice of heaven as I sit at my kitchen table and type this post this morning- I had to try it out to make sure it's good enough for my mom. ;)  Also, when you click over to Annie Selke's site, you can get 15% off your order by signing up for their newsletter!

2.) Gold Canvas Tote Bag  $55-75/the cooler version of a typical LL Bean... because we can all finally admit our moms are pretty effin' cool.

3.) Woman on a Mission Trinket Dish $10/For every trinket dish sold, West Elm partnering with FEED will donate 5 meals to families in need. 

4.) Cozy Nights Cropped Kimono $118/This wrap is perfect for my momma, who somehow is always cold.

5.) Monogram Pendant Necklace $38/nameplates might be out, but one letter monograms are very much in (at least in my book).

6.) Breathe Mama Breathe $10.35/for all the busy moms (new and old) who too often forget to take a moment for themselves (this looks amazing, too).

7.) UGG Fleece Lined Socks $49.50/ These are to cure your mom's craving to bring out her favorite pair of UGG boots.  Tell her it's not 2005 anymore, and gift her these cozy socks instead.

8.) Slip Silk Eye Mask $45/because what momma can't see, can't hurt her.

More gifting ideas...

Annie Selke is one of my favorite go-to sites for unique gifts- I'm a big fan of Annie's new Precious Metals Holiday Collection, including this, this, and this:

When readers click over to Annie Selke they will get a pop up tosign up for the newsletter to receive 15% off their first order.

Dying over these hilarious t-shirts...

And a few other finds:

I love you mom!

XOXO,

Sam

Gift Guide: For the Host & Hostess

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm uncharacteristically feeling the holiday spirit this season.  I've already been burning my favorite holiday candle (thanks to my brother for the early bday present!), and saw that the larger 3-wick version is currently 25% off, AND I'm getting a mini tinsel tree for my apartment.  With Thanksgiving in just a few days and Christmas not too far off either, I have hostess holiday gift ideas on the brain.  Now, if you're coming to my place, the only thing you need to bring me is a bottle of Rombauer chardonnay.  But let's try to get a little more creative...

Gift Guide: For the Hostess with the Mostest

1.) MoMa Design Store Backgammon Set, $89/2.) Insulated Wine Totes $59/3.) Craft Cocktails Book $50/4.) Sugarfina "Taste of Paradise" Candy Bento Box $28/

5.) Mr. and Mrs. Cocktail Glasses $24 (these would look cute perched on this)/

6.) Essential Canvas Tote $45/7.) Snakeskin Table Runner $39.95/

8.) Embroidered Cocktail Napkins $28 (great dinner option here)/9.) Italian Throw $125/

10.) Silk Eye Mask & Neck Wrap Set $79 (love these ones too)/

Who's ready for a 3 day work week?!  

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!  Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays for obvious reasons (candy and sick costumes), but I haven't done anything noteworthy for the last few years.  This year, my friend Vicky suggested we go to the Soho House's Tim Burton-themed party.  Only, she failed to tell our crew what the dress code was- so everyone else besides Vic and her friend Scott wore normal costumes.  She, on the other hand, looked fab as the Queen of Hearts, and Scott rocked it as The White Rabbit.  Gab went as Penny Lane and I went as Aphrodite:

The party was pretty epic.  There were 3 floors of dancing and drinks, and one floor even had a 7 person band playing.  Needless to say, my feet are killing me.  We had a great time, and luckily didn't run in to any of these bros:

How great is Gosling in this skit?  

XOXO,

Sam

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

This week I watched in horror as many of my friends and aquaintances in Houston shared photos, videos, and stories of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.  It is such a helpless feeling to be thousands of miles away and to feel like you don't know how to help tangibly.  My heart goes out to the city I used to call home and to any of you who have been affected by this hurricane.  One way to help, regardless of your location, is to consider making a donation to the Houston Flood Relief Fund.   This fund was started by Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt. I was happy to hear Drake made a donation of $200,000 yesterday, Ellen Degeneres made a donation of 1,000,000,  and many other celebrities and public figures have donated as well.  Every bit helps as the city begins to rebuild.  All my love to my Houstonites.

As much as I love New York, there are so many things I miss about H town.  The Tex Mex, the warm weather, the people.  I'm thinking about all of you....  and sending love.  

Noteworthy Labor Day sales...

My favorite fall jacket is 40% off this weekend.  I got this guy in burgandy fudge and I've been wearing it in my office every day ... both when it's cooler on my walk home at night and when the AC gets chilly.

Another recent purchase I'm OBSESSED with are my Frye Gwen perforated slides (instagrammed here)- these babies are so comfortable and chic, and 25% off this weekend on top of already being on sale (enter code 25OFF at checkout).... when I visited Lindsay last weekend she tried them on and couldn't get over how comfy they were.  

Etsy is having it's FIRST EVER Labor Day sale!  I love this monogrammed keychain and these tassel earrings for under $10. And let's be real, as the Office's #1 fan I have to get this.

65% off Rag & Bone- love these, this, and these.

30% off Urban Outfitters-  including apartment finds, like this transitional rug and this woven one, and this cute carved coffee table.

Have a good weekend!

XOXO,

Sam

Friday's Worthy Links- 6.30.17 & Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July weekend!  I hope you have some exciting (or relaxing, whatever's your speed) plans and get to see family + friends. 4th of July is my favorite holiday because I am thoroughly a summer girl and love being outside (preferably with watermelon and a glass of rose in hand).   I also have great memories of growing up at family parties by the pool and watching fireworks at night.  I am about to hop on the train at Penn Station and head out east to the Hamptons.  This will be our last weekend at the share house we've rented for the past 6 weeks, and I want to soak up every minute.  We plan to brunch at The Maidstone, stop by the One Kings Lane pop-up store to see Mark Sikes, and dance to the Rakeim Walker Project at Gurneys.  

{Design by Annie Anderson}

Friday's Worthy Links

-Now that I'm settling in to my new apartment, I've begun looking for a sofa.  One that, due to space constraints, cannot be wider than 77".  So yes, essentially a settee.  This and this are cute options, and with West Elm 20% off all in-stock furniture this weekend the prices are even better.  - West Elm

-Loving this classic piece, this duo, and these pretties for the 4th of July weekend.  This silk top is 50% off and comes in two great colors.  - J Crew

-5 guys that successfully got out of the friend zone.  Holler.  - Man Repeller

-The most valuable thing you can do for your kids.  - Huffington Post

-A 75-year Harvard study reveals the single greatest factor in determining happiness. - Idea Pod

-Where personal breakthrough really comes from.  I've been doing the exercise David shares in this post and it's already making me change my spending habits. - Raptitude

-This story from Elizabeth Gilbert warms my heart. -Oprah

Have a lovely weekend!

XOXO,

Sam

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone!  I hope you all enjoy the day with your family + friends.  Here are a few festive photos I've taken this season around New York:

{East 72nd street between 2nd and 3rd- the trees are always decked in lights!  It's beautiful.}

{a festive stoop in the Upper East}

{Bloomindales windows lit up at night}

 {our apartment Christmas tree- thanks to my roommate Meagan for making it so pretty!}

{the One Kings Lane offices decked with a magnolia garland}

{One of my favorite decor stores, Creel & Gow, with a faux zebra in the window!}

Have a lovely holiday, and for those feeling the pangs of sadness/grief/anger/loneliness, just know you aren't alone and my thoughts are with you!  Illustrator Mari Andrew always nails it with her drawings.

XOXO,

Sam 

Gift Guide: For the Kids

It's only been in the last few years that I have become interested in anything relating to children, thanks to my adorable niece and nephew!  Nowadays, I'm preoccupied with wanting to be a "cool aunt"-  someone who reads them their books with the best voice inflections, who imparts bits of wisdom on them when they least expect it, and who lets them eat as many sugar cookies as their little hearts desire.  I also want to bring them home the coolest gifts for Christmas.  Whether you're shopping for a newborn, a toddler, or a child, here are a few gift ideas to get you going:

Shop this Post (top to bottom, left to right):

Freshly Picked Moccasins in Newborn Sky $45 or Cardigan Pink $60/Flavia Flamingo $24/Mermaid Paper Doll Set $20/Hatchimals Interactive Creatures $210/Hasbro Little Golden Companion Pup $120/The Doodle Backpack $19.95/J. Crew Glow-in-the-Dark Animal Teeth Shirt $32.50/Maya Sparkly Gold Dress $115/Little Patient Balloon Dog Nightlight $25/

Creating this post made me realize 2 things- #1:  Toys have gotten so much cooler than when I was a kid.  The Hatchimals Interactive Creatures actually hatch.  The Hasbro Golden Companion Pup behaves like a real dog. 

#2:  Some activities that appeal to children are timeless.  Coloring is still in. Glow-in-the-dark is still cool.  Paper dolls are still endlessly entertaining.  

It's good to know some things never change.

Shop My Other 2016 Gift Guides:

For the Dads

For Your BFF

For the Host/Hostess

For the Guys

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Fourth of July Inspired Decor

Fourth of July is just around the corner, and I can't wait to spend it in one of my favorite cities- Austin, TX.  My best friend from design school recently moved to Austin and I don't think there is any better excuse to reunite and spend time on the lake than to celebrate America's birthday. You might've noticed lots of red, white, and blue in yesterday's designer crush post featuring Christopher Maya.  I love to see how he mixes the two bold hues together in such a daring, statement-making way.  In the event you'd like to add a little American pride to your own abode, here are a few red, white, and blue decor items I adore:

Shop This Board (From Top, Left to Right):

Chippendale Headboard $1,189/Pinstriped Fouta Beach Towel $48/Horizon Printed Rug by West Elm $119/Scallop Lantern in Royal Blue $2,499/Sol Outdoor Pillow Covers $58/Degaulle Table Lamp $165/Bandelier Arm Chair $342/Wesley Chest in Hot Red $220/Double Happiness Pot Ginger Jars $105/

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Chic Holiday Gifting: Stocking Stuffers (all under $50!)

I can't believe I'm already talking about holiday gift ideas, but here we are- 7 weeks out from Christmas!  I always seem to be last minute with my gift buying, and this year I'm determined to change that.  One of the hardest things for me to shop for are stocking stuffers.  My family is very much in to them, yet I find it hard to find useful, beautiful items for each member of the fam at a low price point.  

Shop This Post:

1.) Kate Spade Business Card Holder $30/2.) Custom Monogram Rubber Stamp $31.99/3.) Charlotte Tribal Scarf $34/4.) Large Cheetah Bag Tassel $48/5.) Linen Satin Stitch Coasters $40/6.) S'well Metallic Gold Water Bottle $42/7.) Celestial Coaster Set $40/8.) Vogue Stud Duo Earrings $38

Holiday Wishlist: Lovely Little Details

For the fourth installment of the Holiday Gift Guide Series 2014, I am thrilled to have Jacin Fitzgerald of Lovely Little Details here today.  Jacin is one of the coolest and most creative chicks I know.  She lives in Atlanta with her husband Pat and their Australian Shepherd Rhody, and works as a wedding planner and floral designer.   I have the pleasure of knowing her in person, and she's so down-to-earth and fun.  Although she now resides in Atlanta, Jacin grew up in New England, and has a definite east coast aesthetic.

{Jacin, her husband Pat, and their beloved pup Rhody}

Happy Holidays everyone! I am so excited to share my holiday gift guide with you - you can probably tell I'm a New Englander at heart, but here are some favorite items on my list this year:

a ll bean tumbled boots - for those chilly winter days when you still want to look cute :)

b rose gold ring set - love the simplicity of these to stack or wear on separate fingers

c michele watch with leather band - michele is such a classy brand and i just love the leather touch

d restoration hardware gramophone - how amazing is this gramophone? 

e rose gold monogram necklace - ever since i moved to the south i've been all about monograms and i just love this necklace

f blanket scarf - i love layering this to bring a pop of color (and keep cozy)

g champagne instant expert book - when is champagne ever a bad idea?

h crosley portable turntable - charlie brown christmas and frank sinatra sound even better when played on the record player

i plaid collar and leash - rhody would love this and it's perfect for the season too :)

Thanks for posting today, Jacin!  Everybody should take a peek at her beautiful portfolio here.

Check out previous holiday gift guides this year:

Week 1: Designs by Katy/Week 2: Mimosa Lane/Week 3: Short & Sweet

Holiday Gift Guide: Short & Sweet

For the 3rd installment of my Holiday Gift Guide series, I am excited to have the lovely Alexa and Kirby of Short and Sweet blog here to share their picks.  I had the honor of meeting Alexa at last year's Design Bloggers Conference in LA, and I am dying to meet Kirby.  Both girls are incredibly stylish, down-to-earth, and sweet as can be.

Alexa & Kirby picked out a few gifts for the men and women in your life, as well as the world traveler and entertainer.  I'd love to have that Kate Spade serving tray!

For the girls:  Lady Bug Necklace $48 /Claire Vivier Clutch $258

For the boys:  Dominoes Set: $20 /Joshua Ellis for J. Crew Cashmere-Wool Scarf: $192 

For the hostess:  Fancy Another Cocktail Tray: $40/ Tortoise Shell Glasses: $50 

For the traveler:  J. Crew Stripe Passport Case $40/Travel Essentials Journal: $15 

Cheers,

Kirby & Alexa

Co-Editors

Short & Sweet 

a lifestyle blog

View Other Holiday 2015 Gift Guides:

Week 1: Designs by Katy/Week 2: Mimosa Lane

Houston CultureMap Holiday Pop Up Shop!

I am so excited to tell you all that I have partnered with New Living and CultureMap to help promote their Pop Up Holiday Party, which will take place THIS Sunday at Silver Street Studios (2000 Edwards St).  The party will feature over 25 of Houston's best local retailers, including one of my personal faves- New Living! 

Are you guys familiar with this store?  It is located at 6111 Kirby in the West University area.   Dedicated to providing a better quality of life for Houston residents through the use of green products, like organic mattresses, VOC-free paints, and environmentally-healthy furniture.  New Living is a certified B Corporation, which is a new type of business that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.  They have made a commitment to measuring their business not only by its financial success, but also by it's positive impact on the community and the environment.

New Living as well as 28 other retailers will be featured at the CultureMap Holiday Pop Up Shop- which is not to be missed.  For one day only, guests will enjoy cocktails, festive food, crafting stations, carolers and more while they browse some of Houston's best local shops all in one place. Cross off the hard-to-buy-for people from your Christmas list at this social event, featuring the who's-who of the retail and food community. 

And... lucky you!  I have 25 free tickets available.  Want to be my guest?  I'd love to see you there! Just use promotional code "peak" to redeem your complimentary ticket here. 

Black Friday Steals Under $50!

Happy Black Friday!  Did you all have a good Thanksgiving?  I hope so!  I ate wayyy too much and spent a lot of time relaxing with family, which is always nice.  If you're anything like me, the last thing you want to do on the day after such a chill holiday is to fight the shopping crowds.  What's much more appealing?  I'd say a movie marathon in your PJs.  Thankfully, with so many great shopping sites out there offering Black Friday deals, you can shop for yourself and for loved ones from the comfort of your laptop.  And, to be even more accommodating to you, I pulled together a few of my favorite gift ideas that are on sale during Black Friday under $50:

Shop My Black Friday Picks:

1.) Anne Klein Diamond Dial Bandle Bracelet $85 $34.99/2.) Fownes Brothers Tech Fingertip Leather & Knit Gloves $56 $41.98/3.) Crystal Cluster Statement Necklace $68 $27.20/4.) Fishtail Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins $32 with code MANYTHANKS at check out/5.) Structured Faux Leather Bag $23.90/6.) Leopard "Cassie" Smartphone Wristlet $48 $32.16/ 7.) J Crew Gold-Tone Crystal Earrings $37.50/8.) Jessica Simpson "Mekos" Cutout Sandal $88.95 $44.47/9.) Frenchi Tweed Skirt $22.80

-Design Darling recently began selling monogrammed cocktail napkins and dinner napkins, and I'm smitten with all the color and style options.  The cocktail napkins are $32 this weekend with code MANYTHANKS at checkout- and perfect for a close friend, hostess, or coworker!

-With holiday parties right around the corner, a blue statement heel or an emerald statement necklace would be the perfect addition to the LBD.

-Keep your hands warm and efficient with these chic Tech Fingertip Leather & Knit Gloves.  They come in a lot of color options, too!

Whatever you do today- enjoy your day, stay warm, and surround yourself with loved ones!  

XOXO,

Sam