stylewallflower

May 17, 2013

Oh Those Summer Nights

Last night was the first Night Market of the season! I love how Philadelphia comes alive when the weather gets warm and Night Market took place in the Fairmount neighborhood. After a long walk from work up to Night Market, I decided to slip out of my cardigan and wear my sequined white t-shirt, skinny jeans and ballet flats to enjoy all of the delicious drinks and treats I had with friends.

I woke up this morning to the Refinery 29 emailer “5 Fresh Ways to Style a Plain White Tee” , I’ll have to use it for next time.

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May 15, 2013

Who Is Gatsby?

A lot of my ideas for content from recent events that inspire me to write. Similar to Nick Carraway’s push into writing about his dear friend Jay Gatsby, you can probably guess what I was doing and what I was watching last night at the movie theatre. Christanna and I made plans to head to North Philadelphia for a cheap movie date night to stare at the beautiful Leonardo DiCaprio in Baz Luhrmann’s latest adaptation of The Great Gatsby.

Of course Leo never disappoints in his movies, C and I were very excited to see all of the 1920′s outfits costumes, headpieces and jewelry that was going to be in the film. With huge collaborators like Tiffany and Co, Prada, and Brooks Brothers contributing to our fashion flash back to the roaring 1920′s who wouldn’t want to go and see this movie. The soundtrack was also amazing and is currently on repeat, thanks to Spotify.

“Isn’t she so beautiful, she could be on the cover of Vogue!” – Jay Gatsby

“That’s so funny because she was.” – Christanna

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May 13, 2013

Style Reader

Last week, I had lunch with two friends who work in digital media and a huge portion of our conversation was “How do people access their news?” Does everyone have a social media schedule of when they check their emails, texts, blogs, tweets, vines, facebook timelines, pinterest boards, etc etc etc?! From dabbling in style writing for almost 8 months now, I need to be up to date on all of the latest trends, celeb collaborations, and events coming up in Philadelphia are to provide you my lovely readers with content.

When do I conduct my digital media intake? Here is a break down of what I typically like to do, even though I wish I could master a schedule like Jenna Lyons of J. Crew. (Now she IS super woman).

7:00 AM: Check all emails, texts from the night before and scroll through Instagram, Twitter and Facebook notifications. (If I respond to your text message this early, I apologize. I just really like being responsive or I will forget).

8:10 AM: Riding my morning commute to work in Center City, I look back through all news articles I find on Twitter through the following outlets: HuffPostStyle, MTV Style, Refinery 29, Uwishunu, Racked Philly and then respond to any other tweets that come across my way.

9:00 AM: Its Feedly time! From the switch to Feedly from Google Reader, I have all of the blogs I read categorized so I know where I can access new blog posts each morning. This usually takes about 30 minutes of my morning, but since I open up my office every day, I consider this my time to map out new ideas.

12:00 PM, 3:00 PM: Its lunch time and break time! A quick scroll through all of my social media outlets to see any announcements or breaking news.

8:30 PM: I update my Pinterest and Tumblr accounts around this time, so then all of my social media platforms have a constant presence.

10:00 PM: The last scroll through of all my social media and then off to catch my beauty sleep.

How do you keep up to date with all of your social media platforms?

April 28, 2013

April showers, I need May flowers

The month of April was not a great one for me, however as the saying goes “April showers, brings May flowers”. I really need some damn flowers. As always, since I like to look at my coffee mug as being half full with a delicious blond roast from Starbucks, here are a few things that I will be looking forward to in the month of May.

The Broad Street Run is Sunday, May 5th! I have been attempting to train for it and raise money for Back on My Feet a nonprofit in Philadelphia. Regardless if I even finish the race, I will be cheering on my twin Alexandria and my boyfriend since they are the true running experts. However, I am happy for the lifestyle change and continuing to improve upon my own running since I will be participating in the Electric Run in July (Join my team – Team Ball So Hard!)

Turning a house into a home! Though I do love my row home in South Philadelphia, due to some big [exciting] changes for my roommates, I am in the process of potentially finding a new place to live. Though the status of where I will be living is slightly up in the air, I am grateful to be moving in with one of my best friends from home (Atlantic City) and turning a house into a home. I have never been one for interior design, but I am going to learn! Thankfully, I have two blogs I love to keep up with: Color Me Cozy by Austin Case (Congrats on your engagement, A!) and Mini Penny by Jessie Barber. Both ladies have amazing style so I am really looking forward to getting inspired by these two blogs!

May means the start of summer concerts!! The free Summer Series at the Piazza kicks off May 4th by Radio 104.5 and I always try to make it a point to go to these shows. Balling on a budget means taking advantage of sweet free shows. [WHAT WILL I WEAR?! Expect outfit posts soon] I’m going to see Charles Bradley at Union Transfer with friends and the boyfriend in the middle of May. I can’t believe this show is finally here I feel like I bought the tickets eons ago as a gift because of the following next big event…

No, I am not graduating, but my boyfriend will be getting his Master’s degree from Jefferson University at the end of May! What a super scholar and heading to get his Psy.D as well. [Photo circa 2011 with my heterolifemate, Amanda]

So many events and work is slowing down either. Cheers to new beginnings and a new month in a few days!

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April 23, 2013

Simon Fashion Now 2013

Last week, I went on a media bloggers tour of the Simon Fashion Now properties in Pennsylvania, the coveted King of Prussia Mall. I miraculously left the City of Brotherly Love for the burbs thanks to my fashion boyfriend, Ian Michael Crumm, who was also attending the media tour! Here is a behind the scenes peek at all of the current Spring fashion that I was able to see and learn about from a few stores!

Our first stop was to Juicy Couture! I love Juicy earrings and I really enjoyed this table display of their latest accessories collection.

I especially love this new tote – I am a sucker for anything nautical and this print is amaze. (This is probably from growing up by the beach, PROBABLY)

Ah, now here is the business! This front table is the majority of the Spring/Summer 2013 items for Juicy Couture. While utilizing retro prints on apparel (sweaters, dresses, tops and shorts), Juicy used digital printing on their purses and wallets. While staying true to the Malibu girl fashion that inspires Juicy Couture this specific collection was all about bold hues (pinks, blues, mint green and orange) and retro glam. Fun fact: The swim suits are inspired by Bridget Bardot (who doesn’t want to be that style icon).

bareMinerals was the first makeup line that I was truly obsessed with. Thanks to an amazing mineral powder that actually improved my skin, I have been a long time fan so I was very excited to find out they were one of the stops on our tour. While getting a make up tutorial, we were able to catch a glimpse of the new lipstick line that will premiere in May!

I love the male and female mannequin outfits at True Religion. Their Spring collection was inspired by a True Religion “Road Trip” where each month the new Spring apparel was inspired by a different part of the country including California, Austin, Texas and Hawaii.

My favorite new store on the Simon Fashion Now tour was C. Wonder. I thought I died and went into 1950′s color heaven. Each part of the store was inspired by a different decade or country. Above is the 1960′s psychedelic room. (Hellooooo Mad Men!)

More bags and monogram galore (Birthday present, please)

Baubles, baubles and more baubles! I could not have been more giggly about these statement necklaces. Though the trend is all about the arm party for the Spring and Summer – I LOVE these necklaces.

I truly enjoyed this media tour of the Spring happenings for Simon Fashion Now. Be sure to check out all of their future events and happenings [here].

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April 15, 2013

Countdown: Gilt City is coming to Philadelphia

This Friday, April 19th, Philadelphia shoppers can all come together and hold hands. Gilt City will be making its way to the City of Brotherly Love and they are bringing a lot of designer merchandise with them. ::Insert Fan Girl Scream Here::

“Racks on Racks” stocked with fashionable pieces of all kinds (Zac Posen, Carolina Herrera, Helmut Lang, Brian Awood, Cynthia Rowley, & Tucker to name a few…) There will be the latest shoe styles, jewelry, suits, jackets, denim, tops and outerwear for men, women and children. For the home, expect bedding, kitchen and bath accessories, decorative pieces and much more.

Buy your tickets [here] which comes with the following perks:

Complementary refreshments
$20 Uber gift card for new users
Photo kiosk provided by SMART Pics
Get your dance dance on with a live DJ

Since we all love a little competition when it comes to fashion, there is a social media contest for all attendees! Tweet and instagram a photo of what you purchased from the Warehouse Sale by using the hashtag #RaidtheWarehouse to enter to win $100 of Gilt credit. Where is Friday? I can’t wait!

UPDATE: The new address for Gilt City Philadelphia is located at

3500 Scotts Lane

Philadelphia, PA 19129

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April 9, 2013

Let’s Share the Blog Loving!

Last week my friend Lauren nominated me for The Liebster Award and I was so excited! I think this is a great way to learn more about your favorite bloggers – even if most of the blogs you read are your friends.

Share 11 things about yourself

1. My mom’s birthday is October 3rd, my dad’s birthday is October 4th and I am October 5th. I also came home from the hospital on their anniversary October 16th.

2. My best friend Kristin and I met on her first day at my elementary school. We were in 5th grade and we’re still best friends.

3. I am a first generation American.

4. I converted to Judaism in college (Thanks Dad)

5. I have been flipping through Vogue since I was 12.

6. I am a National Champion – in Marching Band

7. I have seen Coldplay on all of their world tours except for their first album, Parachute

8. Every time I visit my alma mater, I want to cry because I had the best college experience anyone could have asked for.

9. I went to 6 proms in high school.

10. To say that I love Harry Potter is an understatement.

11. The first date I ever went on with my boyfriend was during a snow storm and I turned it into a bar crawl.

Answer the 11 questions given to you

1. Why did you start blogging? I had an editorial internship with Phrequency.com (Philly.com) a lifestyle blog that discussed Philadelphia music, art and fashion. From there I incorporated blogging into my current job role and then I began my own blog.

2. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be? Coldplay’s “A Rush Of Blood to the Head” I have referenced many of those lyrics in papers through out high school and college.

3. What is your favorite city? London

4. N*SYNC or Backstreet Boys? My first concert was BSB, but N*SYNC forever.

5. When was the first time you voted? 2008 Obama

6. Do you watch the Real Housewives series on Bravo? If so, which city is your favorite? I used to love the New Jersey series, but if you ask my boyfriend he’ll tell you I love Atlanta.

7. If you had not gone to the college you did, what school would you have attended instead? University of the Arts

8. Dream vacation spot? Too many to choose! The best getaway I did have though was to Barcelona for the weekend.

9. What is your guilty pleasure TV show? Long Island Medium, she is a riot!

10. Football or basketball? Hockey & baseball

11. What would you name Kanye and Kim’s baby? Kristine, that baby deserves to have a NORMAL name.

5 Bloggers to Nominate

Ian Michael Crumm

Christanna Ciabattoni

Emily from Her Philly

Kate from Life Sucks In A Strapless Bra

Jessica Lawlor (Though Jess I know you have a ton of followers, but I love your blog, so everyone else should too!)

11 Questions For You to Answer

1. What was your major in college?

2. Why did you start blogging?

3. Pick: Mr. or Mrs. Carter?

4. Favorite celebrity baby?

5. Where was your favorite vacation?

6. What is your favorite neighborhood in Philly?

7. What is your dream job?

8. Favorite designer/celebrity collaboration?

9. Which musician do you wish would just stop making music and go away?

10. What was your favorite concert and when?

11. What are you looking forward to this summer?

Thanks Lauren!

The Joe Biden to my Obama when we ran for President and VP of Temple’s PRSSA in 2010-2011. You were an amazing friend all of college and I am so glad that we are still friends. Also, thank you for discovering that American Celebrity Culture class my senior year so we could write papers on The Kardashians, Lindsey Lohan, Bono, Jay-Z, Kanye, and Buddy Holly.

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April 4, 2013

From Russia With Love

As many of you can guess, the company I work at has a showroom. Though I may not work directly in that department I do have to walk through it on the way to my desk, which is always aesthetically pleasing at 8:45am when I get into the office (on a REALLY good morning).

Last night my co-worker put together her first event for one of our showroom clients, Marina Makaron, who recently just got back from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia. The theme of the event was Cupcakes and Couture – the showroom was transformed into a colorful fashion installation of Marina’s Spring and Fall couture lines. The models were all dressed in Marina’s latest couture pieces. They all looked stunning.

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April 2, 2013

Emilia Holly Daenerys Targaryen

If you follow me on Twitter and Instagram, you’ll know that I have recently become a fan of HBO’s Game of Thrones series. Back in February, a little bird that always wears plaid, told me that I would really like GoT… Why would I like it though? I felt that I had dedicated enough of my mystical book character fascination to Harry Potter, The Hobbit, Twilight (unfortunately) and Lord of the Rings. However, my best friend and I decided to sit down and watch as many episodes of GoT over President’s Day weekend. I couldn’t remember who was who, except my favorite character Dragon Girl aka Daenerys Targaryen aka Khaleesi.

I’m not going to go into a whole thing about why I like Dragon Girl, but I will go into why I love the actress Emilia Clarke. She becomes such a bad ass on the show, her costumes are elegant and beautiful, and did you know she is playing Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s on Broadway? Swoon! I have found my new favorite British actress. Here are some of my favorite photos of her on the red carpet:

In Chanel at the Emmy Awards in September 2012

At the Golden Gloves in London. Love the dress, matching the background (not planned I’m sure)

Game of Thrones DVD launch in February 2012

NYFW in February 2013

Wearing Zac Posen, love this dress and color

Images via Getty & Fashionista

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March 27, 2013

Carrying Chairs in Heels – Les Deux

As I said before, dating can be a tad difficult in the city of Brotherly Love. However, can you imagine what it would be like in a cross country relationship? I have one friend from college begin to date a guy she met in the middle of our senior year. Their relationship was pure bliss, international travels, hilarious stories, but the end result once we graduated was that he was moving to Los Angeles. That July, after an epic going away party, my friend was in a long distance relationship.

“Now boarding Philadelphia to Los Angeles“

After an entire year of vacation days and boarding planes, I can happily say that my friend now is a resident in LA with her man. Sometimes love prevails, even 3,000 miles a part. Can many people commit to a long distance relationship right off the bat as a twenty-something? It may take a certain type of person I suppose… A grand act of chivalry as well.

Speaking of chivalry, I have another friend in a long distance relationship // One Day esque relationship with a beau of her’s. Get this, they met in a conference in Chicago, the next time they saw each other was in Philadelphia and the city of fate this year is Houston, Texas. One day at work, minding my own business and sitting on g chat, this was how the conversation went

A: So I messed up the weekends for conference and _____ just told me that I need to go and he can’t go to Houston without me.

SW: WHAT! Screw our fundraise, fly to Houston.

A: I don’t have enough money to go, almost at my credit card limit

SW: WTF. Just figure something out!

The next week, the convo went a little something like this

A: He said he’d pay for me to go to Houston

SW: FSLFS62$?#@%$^E$%@@&$%#GSJ

A few minutes later

SW: He has to like you. No 24 year old, straight male, that you barley talk to and only see ONCE a year will offer to front $500 for you to fly to the middle of the country

A: I can’t stop blushing

Talk about a grand act of chivalry! I am my friends biggest cheerleaders when I feel a moment of serendipity coming there way. For anyone who may believe that chivalry is just in the movies, or on the season finale of Girls, there are real life experiences that can just come out and surprise you.

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