matchbooks//giveaway winner

I've always had an obsession with matchbooks. They are always handy when lighting candles, and can double as a great home accessory. 

When I was shopping online (standard) I came across Design Darling's amazing selection. They are so bright and really add a touch of prep to the standard set. 

But when I was at Barney's in Chicago my heart skipped a beat.

Long matchbooks that aren't dinky and for fireplaces? AND are french?! Still my beating heart. 

My favorite matchbooks are below. I'm in love.

1//2//3//4//5

Oh, and of course you need to have a great candle to light. Diptque will always be my favorite. What is your favorite candle? 

And a HUGE congrats to the winner of the Clagett giveaway -- 

Viviana of Fashion Truffles

I hope you enjoy your necklace ! 

guest post: the style scribe

With Spring here (or just around the corner in NYC), I've enlisted the help of Merritt, the crazy talented brain behind The Style Scribe to share some spring favorites under $100. Her eye for fashion and trend spotting is seriously amazing, and I know you'll all love what she has put together. Happy Shopping! 

I’m so thrilled to be guest blogging on The Urban Slant today, and hopefully helped Julia during this crazy busy week of hers!

Check out my list of must-haves for spring that will work with any of your budgets! Trends to keep in mind are pajama-styled separates, color-blocked shoes, pastel shades and lots of mint green. Happy shopping and be sure to check out The Style Scribe for other fab finds under $100 throughout the year!

1.  TopShop Blouse, 2. Bop Basics Clutch, 3. Zara Sandals, 4. Madewell Shorts, 5. Rachel Leigh Earrings, 6. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in “Mermaid’s Dream”, 7. Forever 21 Skirt, 8. Jagger Edge iPhone Case, 9. Nasty Gal Sunglasses, 10. Tom Ford Lipgloss in “Naked”, 11. TopShop Dress, 12. River Island Watch, 13. Anthropologie Pen Holder, 14. BaubleBar Bangle, 15. Zara Tote, 16. Steve Madden Loafers, 17. Laura Mercier Souffle Body Lotion in “Fig”

Also, be sure to enter my Clagett giveaway!! You have until midnight tonight.

giveaway: clagett jewelry

One of my favorite things about blogging is learning about new designers. There are so many talented people out there, and I just love showcasing them when I can. 

Clagett is a new jewelry website full of beautiful handmade items. Katie, the lead designer, has always been creative, and after working in advertising realized that her hobby for making jewelry could be a business. 

And I'm so happy she realized this! 

Her pieces are so unique and show serious attention to detail. My favorite pieces are her necklaces -- especially the ones with turquoise. 

Well, Katie (my old sorority sister, too!) and I got to talking, and she has generously decided to give one lucky reader a GORGEOUS statement necklace. I so wish I could enter this giveaway because I see myself wearing this necklace every day. 

To enter this giveaway...

1. Leave a comment telling how you would style this necklace (required entry)
2. Follow The Urban Slant and Clagett Designs and tweet about the giveaway (separate entry)
3. Like Clagett on Facebook (separate entry)

I will pick a winner at random using random number sorter at midnight on 4/3/12 (please no international entries, sorry!)

Good luck! 

weekend recap: brunch and brooklyn

Happy Monday! Let's be honest, this weather in NYC is not very "spring" like. 

Oh well.

First and foremost, today is an exciting day in my blogosphere. I'm kicking off wedding week for The Girls of Lincoln Park (thanks Ladies!), AND sharing some seriously fun Monday Morning Inspiration at The Peak of Très Chic. So much fun putting these posts together, so make sure to stop by and show them both some love!

Now back to regularly scheduled programming...

I still enjoyed a fabulous weekend around the city - including Brooklyn! (so adventurous of me)

I had brunch in Chelsea at Tipsy Parson. It was maybe the best brunch I've ever had. 

Starting with this...

followed by this. yum.

I had some lovely company at brunch, too! 

I spent Saturday in Brooklyn with some friends enjoying some of Brooklyn's finest...

I spent Sunday catching up on some blogging work, and making dinner for my sister and I. I called it "use everything fresh in my fridge in preparation for Carly's visit". It was a mix of veggies and potatoes! 

And I leave you with Penny "Pensive" Lane. Such a serious one sometimes.

Have a good week! 

P.S. It's Madi's birthday today so make sure to stop by and show her some love! 

friday link love. take 6.

This week was crazy busy for me. I feel like I haven't slept in days. Ever feel like every decision in your life is one big pro/con list? Exhausting.


I have really had to step back and take one day at a time, which isn't easy for a Type-A personality.

moving on...

Web favorites

I now need to organize my fridge.

I might have to become a vegetarian, or at least eat like one. 

I wish I was still 10 years old.

My best friend Madi is now making jewelry and to say that I'm obsessed is an understatement. And, they are SO well priced, it's absurd. You go girl! 

Check out her blog for pricing information and how to get your own! 

I got these new shoes yesterday and not sure I'm going to keep them. I sort of love them, but do I really need another pair of shoes?!

via

Happy Weekend everyone! 

perfume party

As the trees are blooming, and fresh flowers are everywhere, It has me itching for floral scented perfumes. I don't like scents that are too strong, or musky. I'm drawn to notes of peonies, roses and citrus. 

A few of my faves (I own almost all of them) are below. They all smell divine, but my personal favorite has to be the one I purchased in Paris, La Chasse aux Papillons (chasing butterflies). Trust me, it is worth the steep price.

Top to bottom: 

Calypso St. Barth's 

Marc Jacobs

Elie Saab

Jo Malone

L'artisan Parfumeur

Donna Karan

Now tell me floral lovers, are there any other perfumes I must try? 

Woodsy musk lovers, need not apply. 

society6

I stumbled across this gem of a website the other day, and it was love at first click.

I'll let these iPhone cases speak for themselves, and I'll take one of each please.

Psst... I'm over at Studio Swoon today sharing some Wedding outfits you will be sure to swoon over. Stop by and show Tamra (and Bella) some love! 

         

Happy Shopping! 

And, I have to end this post with a HUGE Happy Birthday to my big brother Ted!! Can't wait to celebrate when I'm home again! xo

(too hilarious not to post)

things you shouldn't stop doing...

...after you're 10 years old.

When you're younger, your life is a whole lot easier. You don't have deadlines to meet (except  maybe a diorama or two), you get to do various activities after school that you actually enjoy, and you don't have to pay your own bills.

Quite the life. 

Well, I've been reflecting on childhood, and I believe that there are 5 things that you CAN and SHOULD continue doing when you're an adult.

1. Naptime

(no this isn't Penny Lane, but she is pretty cute) via

I know, this might seem impossible for most of you out there. But, I'm a firm believer that when you can (on the weekends mostly) take a nap. Do it! It's important to recharge your batteries and clear your mind. Don't over do it though -- just 30-45 minutes should do the trick.

2. Recess

via

Get outside for at least 30 minutes each day! It helps energize the body, take in nature and clear your head. Take a walk around the neighborhood after dinner, or walk home from work instead of taking the train. It makes you feel instantly refreshed and ready to tackle anything.

3. S.S.R.

via

Sustained, Silent, Reading. Don't you love my 5th grade acronym? In our crazy lives I think it's important to take 30 minutes a day, or a at least 3 days a week to read in silence. Cozy up in your favorite chair and pour a cup of hot tea, or glass of wine (pick your poison).

4. Snack Time

via

So many meals are eaten on the go, that it can be hard to stay energized. I recommend carrying granola bars, or nuts with you so you can have an adult snack time. If you're feeling more indulgent, step out of the office and grab some fro-yo. Any excuse for fro-yo, right?

5. Sit down meals

via

This sounds like a given, right? Well, i'm not talking about zapping a lean cuisine and sitting on the couch. I mean cook a semi-homemade meal, like these from The Everygirl, set the table, and enjoy a meal away from distraction. It is important to connect with those around you and enjoy your meal free from the latest episode of Gossip Girl.

I hope that some of these ideas spark the 10-year old in you. Have I missed anything?

Happy Tuesday!

weekend recap: spring has sprung!

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I had a fun and relaxing weekend around the city and enjoyed the start to spring!

Friday I drank a beer the size of my head. 

Saturday I had a deeeeelish brunch followed by a walk through Central Park.

Isn't NYC just gorgeous this time of year?

Well, as a result of the blooming flowers and changing temperatures, I'm suffering from a bad head cold. But thanks to Christin, I made this Garlic Tea, that made me feel leaps and bounds better - at least temporarily. 

I leave you with Penny "Hoarder" Lane. She couldn't decide what toy to play with, so she passed out. #doglife

Have a great week! 

Oh, and of course I watched Mad Men. I live for this show. And Jon Hamm. So sexy.

friday link love. take 5.

This was me last night. I'm a little tired today, but on a complete Hunger Games high.

And i'm not even a little bit ashamed. 

Fun reads this week.

Tips to juggling our crazy lives.

Pretty maps used as art. 

Cutest baby announcement. 

I drooled over this recipe. I will make it ASAP.

Hope you all have a great weekend!