Bakers and Van Gogh

Top: Free People Boyfriend Button Down / Bottoms: J.Brand 620 Jeans (on sale!)  / Boots: Frye
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Qulted Affair (on sale!) / Sunnies: Ray Ban Aviator (in black)
Lips: Mac Lipstick (Taupe)

Sorry for the delay! Museum hopping in Amsterdam is epic! There are three great and renowned museums all in the Museum Quarter; Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh. One could easily spend all day in one, and that's if you literally stop and read context for every painting in the building. Here's the thing. Most don't actually stop, read and view every painting...but once you get sucked into their storyline you can help but soak in every masterpiece! That's why I ended up in Van Gogh for 4 hours while my friend took a nap in the lobby. lol Also, there are great cafe's and gift shopping that will keep you even more occupied. My STRONG recommendation for admittance into the museum is purchase tickets online or at the gift shop's ticket booth near the IAMsterdam sign. 

Brunch has not disappointed...in fact, it's been delightful! This time, brunch is Kiwi style. Bakers and Roasters. Thinking about each category of food available, cocktail, food, dessert, coffee, it has to be my favorite brunch joint so far! We ordered the Kiwi Brekkie, Banana Nut Bread French Toast and the Pancake Stack. Great, my mouth is watering just thinking about it...amazingly delish! B&R is a must.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sweater Sweater

Sweater 1: Banana Republic Ribbed (similar, on sale!) / Sweater 2: BR Stitched Vee Tunic (on sale!)

Bottoms: AG The Nikki Jeans / Boots: Frye Veronica Shortie Boots / Lips: Stila (beso)

Today is bittersweet. Although I miss home dearly I know I am going to miss the Nordic treasure I grew to love; Stockholm. The alluring cobblestone streets that graciously guided me around town, the ever ending smiling faces that never ceased to welcome conversation, the incredible food that took me on a culinary journey and the simple beauty of the Scandi streets. Today I only intended on having a relaxing day. A day to rest up from the 5-6 mile daily walks. Instead, I had to see the city one last time! I had to soak in as much as possible to strengthen the chemistry of this love affair before returning home. 

I once again visited my new favorite store & Other Stories and returned to COS as well. I had lunch at what was considered a "fast food" restaurant but was more like a chic chef's kitchen themed brasserie. Yes there were food trays and self serve condiments and utensils but there were also custom blown glass chandeliers, a brass sink near the condiment counter and lounge dining on the loft level... there wasn't anything about fast food about this restaurant!! 

Today I'm wearing a number of layers...A number of sweater layers! It's was especially cold today so I was pretty confident I wasn't overdoing it. Here are a few tips I've learned for traveling to cold weather climates:

• Layer up- whether it be a tank or long sleeve tee under your primary top or sweater. Wear tights or leggings under bottoms. Don't shy away from throwing on an extra cardigan if necessary
• Gloves/scarf/hat- it's easy to take for granted the precious warmth in your fingertips! Keeping your hands tucked in your pockets just won't cut it. Especially when you're hands are busy taking pictures
• Hand/toe warmers- this contraption will do wonders to keep those ligaments nice a toasty!  They come is small bags and you can keep them inside your pockets, gloves and shoes. I kid you not, holding the warmers is like placing your hands above a fire!
• It may not seem necessary being covered up so, but make sure to keep your skin and lips moisturized! The cold crisp air is capable of drying your skin tremendously
• Wear shoes or boots with thick lining. Because a shoe is fully covered doesn't mean it's thick enough to withstand the freezing climate. Believe me, cold air and snow can seep through leather quickly! Thick boots, socks and tights are a great combination. Your legs and toes will be happy :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo

Vasa and Abba

Sweater: Banana republic / Bottoms: Sloan Front Leather Legging (on sale!) / Scarf: Merona (old, similar here and here) / Boots: Frye Veronica Shortie / Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair

Planning a trip to Stockholm was a must needed getaway for some R&R... I wasn't sure what to expect besides a chili museum hopping winter excursion and long reflective café stops but I must say Stockholm has me smitten. Today I did a little window shopping in Ostermalm and visited the Vasa and Abba museum. The Vasa Museum was effective in making me feel like I stepped foot into the 17th Century with the huge 64 gun (cannons!) salvaged warship. Incredible how they were able to fully restore such an old vessel and some contents including the clothing from some nordic trendsetters. Now, the ABBA museum. This has to be one of the most fun and interactive museum i've visited to date...music lovers I'm sure will share the same feelings. After recording a song in a studio, performing live on stage while being recorded, and getting smoothered by all of the Platinum and Gold records, I left leaving feeling like a super star! Not to mention being able to return home and view all the footage directly on my computer. The ABBA is a must see!

After all my performances your girl got hit with an enormous appetite! I wanted something that was traditional to Sweden, something that was hearty and felt like home. I came across traditional Scandinavian restaurant called Pelikan that was approved by a few locals. All I can say is Delicious!! It would be the equivalent to going to grandmothers and sitting at a table full of southern dishes. Cooked with tender love and care. After eating here, Sweden began to feel more like home! 

Thank goodness my choice of attire today was comfy and functional! 

Till next time beauts!

SWEATER WEATHER

Dress: Anthropologie Moth Sweater dress (XS, S, M)/ Shoes: Frye Veronica / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Hat: J.Crew Embellished Baseball Cap / Lips: NARS Palais Royal

Today is going to be a pretty low key weekend for me, today starting it off with brunch! I like to wear something pretty comfy to allow extra room for me to eat whatever I like and have at it! This maxi sweater dress from Anthropologie was calling my name. The color is a bit mixed, and almost looks like tweed coloring. Maxi's sometimes worry me because it's hard to find dresses that are long enough to go below my ankles. This dress is on clearance in store and a must to have! Perfect for fall and spring transitioning to summer. It's currently on sale in store but may be difficult to find. Good news is I've found all the sizes available on eBay!! See sizes above to check out dress deets :-)

Question...pocketbooks not ready to dive in and purchase the Chanel Quilted handbag?? Well, next best thing, Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair handbag. The leather is super soft and I love that you can wear it interchangeably as a shoulder and cross body bag. I am SO loving the Studded Mini Quilted Affair bag which is now on sale! So cute!!

Enjoy the weekend lovelies!

RED DOT CHIC

Images by Scott Kong

Top: Target (on sale!) / Bottoms: AG Legging jeans / Shoes: Frye Veronica Boot / 
Scarf: Target (old, similar here and here) / Bag: JCrew Biennial bag / Lips: Nars Vesuvio

Depending on my 'mood', for work I try to mix up my business casual closet pieces with weekend casual items. While I would wear this silky long button-up blouse tucked in with a skirt or trouser on weekdays, wearing it all hang out gives a more casual look. I'm wearing my go-to moto boots, the Frye Veronica's. These moto boots hands down was my favorite boots purchase of 2013! I could easily swap out the boots for an ankle strap heel like these or a pump if I wanted to keep it on the dressy side.

I am a frequent shopper at The Red Dot boutique! Where else can you go to buy household and kitchen items, cleaning products, home decor, groceries and clothes in one place?! I always find a new piece to take home with me, usually being under 30 bucks. If I can't be reached at home or by phone, I'm more than likely strolling the aisles of Target ;-)

Target Mossimo Tunic