There's something about coming home to a freshly made bed.  I have been trying to make my bed before I leave for work every morning.  I know, MOM, I am 24 years old.  I should be in the habit of making my bed everyday, but I am not a morning person, and I have a 20- minute commute to work.  Most days, I barely get out the door with dry hair.   

 

For some reason, when my bed is made, I am more apt to stay more organized.  Since I have been on this kick, my apartment has been much cleaner.  After looking at some inspiring photos and reading this and this, I was ready to try for myself.  

Ta-Da!  I still need some colorful pillows and a bedskirt, but the bed looks better than ever.  The best part is, since I tucked my comforter under my mattress, making the bed was a piece of cake the next morning.  Now, if only I shared the same enthusiasm for washing the dishes...

.....Must Have.....

If you're a girl frequenting the wedding circuit (which is practically every girl in her 20s and 30s), you know how many occasions call for a new cocktail dress.  Whether an engagement party, a wedding, a bridal shower, a bachelorette party, you always seem to be looking for new dress.  On the same token, if you're a girl in her 20s like me, you're not on a "buy a dress a month" budget.  A few months ago I wore this dress to my friend Hanna's wedding.  

To date, this dress is one of my all time favorite purchases.  For those of you who have never heard of a convertible dress, it's 12 dresses in one.   Thanks to the extra few yards of built in fabric, you can wear the dress a ton of different ways.  My particular dress is by Von Vonni, but several designers offer them.

Mossimo for Target

Twist

Two Birds

So, the next time a friend announces her engagement, save time and money by snagging a convertible dress.  Who says you can't wear the same dress two times, even twelve times?  You can have your wedding cake and eat it too!

.....Must Hear.....


"Mango Tree" Angus & Julia Stone

Columbia Weekend

I had a great time visiting my college roommates, Bethany and Lauren, in Columbia, SC this weekend.   If our fourth roommate were in town this weekend (we missed you Blanche!), it would have been a replica of our senior year in Apartment 110B at Wofford!  It was the first "fall" day, the perfect weather for a tailgate.  A large percentage of Wofford grads live in Columbia, so it was practically a Mini-Homecoming.  Despite the upset for Carolina,  I had a wonderful time, and I can't wait to visit again.

 

.....Must Have..... 

 I remember buying a bottle of Van Cleef & Arpels perfume when I was 16 only to keep it on my vanity for 2 years.  The bottle was so pretty, and the scent was so exquisite.  I knew once I ran out, I most likely would need to reevaluate my financial priorities in order to afford another bottle. Thankfully, Mor Cosmetics has found a way to capture those fabulous scents in their line of elegantly crafted lotions, soaps and candles.  What's best, no more buyer's remorse!   

 

 

 

After you have applied the last layer of your Peach Nectar lip balm, you can throw a few dollars in the stylish canister and head to the department store.  Finally, fragrance that is affordable and adorable.  Can a girl ask for anything Mor?  

.....Must Hear.....

"Walking on a Dream" Empire of the Sun

The Real Real

I have a secret.  It's called The Real Real.  For those of you who are not familiar with The Real Real, read on, you will be glad you did.  My friend, Anne, introduced me to this online consignment boutique, and I have been keeping this treasure trove hush hush ever since. 


 In short, TRR is the first designer resale flash sale site.   More precisely, TRR is a "can't wait to check your email, knock-your-socks-off, Shut The Front Door, just found numbers 1-10 on my Christmas list, I may wear this for a month straight" super-mega discount, consignment boutique.  The site offers almost every luxury designer you could imagine.  To name a few:

designers by concetta429 on Polyvore.com

The site provides multiple pictures of the items for sale, thereby assuring you that "gently used" does not mean "use gently or the heel will snap off".  Here is a preview of what's to come in the next few weeks.

The prices may still be on the expensive side, but when you consider what these items retail for, you really are getting one heck of a deal!  If you are a bargain hunter like me, The Real Real will not disappoint. Real Really!

Click here and sign up! 

.....Must Hear.....

"Free Fallin" John Mayer

   

There's An App For That

For some reason, people find pleasure in making me look like an idiot.  That's ok though, I would rather people laugh at me than cry for me.  Today the office got a good laugh.  Every morning on Live With Regis and Kelly, the two hosts call one lucky viewer, and if the viewer answers a question correctly in 20 seconds, you win a trip to a randomly selected resort.  I love trivia, I love traveling and I LOVE Kelly Ripa.  Naturally, I entered the Viewer Getaway.

Every morning, I sit at my desk in the hopes that my phone will light up with a 212 number.  At 9:14, my wish was granted when my phone's Caller ID flashed "ABC Network".  I was so excited that I forgot how to answer my phone. I started jumping up and down, pressing every button on the dial pad and screaming "Reg and Kel! They're calling ME!"  (Side Note: for a laugh click below):

Back to the call, I nervously remained on hold, but when I looked up, I saw my coworkers in fits of laughter.  They got me again.  My iPhone-atic peers made good use of their SpoofCard app by cleverly disguising their name and number.  That's ok.  When Reg and Kel do call me, I know who will not be joining me on my all-inclusive trip to Antigua.  Then, we'll see who's laughing!

.....Must Have.....

This weekend I am flying to Nashville to visit Will and his family.  Nashville has great shopping, and although we have lots planned for the short visit, I hope I can pop into a few of the city's consignment shops and boutiques.  Nothing says summer like short shorts and wedge sandals.  I would love to find a pair of printed shorts like the DVF ones below.  I am a huge fan of silk bow blouses because they are chic and versatile, great for work and play.  I am sure I will find some great bangles, preferably in coral!

Nashville by Concetta429 

.....Must Hear.....

"The General Specific" Band of Horses

July 4th

I hope everyone had a safe and sunny Independence Day.  I spent the weekend in Tennessee with Will and his family at their lake house.  More to come later.  Happy July!

July 4th by Concetta429

.....Must Hear.....

"Summertime in New Orleans" Anders Osborne

24 Years Young

Thanks to the help of Jessica, Will and I flew to Washington D.C. this weekend to celebrate my 24th birthday.  I was completely out of the loop as to our Friday night plans and was thrilled when we walked into a dueling piano bar.  The icing on the cake (pun intended) was Will and Jessica's musical surprise in honor of my Dad.  They knew Dad used to play "Walking in Memphis", so when the pianos began playing the familiar tune, I was speechless.  It was my first birthday without Dad, so their heartfelt request was a way of incorporating him into my special day.    

On Saturday we spent the day in Alexandria's historic Old Town.  I loved the outdoor cafes, the shaded walkways and the antique brick architecture. As Jess aptly noted, "Old Town is such a Concetta place."  She knows me too well!  We finished the day off with a trip to Whole Foods.  But not just any Whole Foods...I needed a map to navigate my way through this maze of magnificence.  My favorite feature was the in-store wine loft.  A wine bar...in a grocery store...Yes, please!

.....Must Have.....

Have you ever been on the phone at work and reached for a pen and paper but can only manage to find a stack of mini-Post-Its and a dull pencil.   How about when reaching for said pencil, your telephone cord brushes the pound of reports you just printed sending them cascading off the desk and onto the floor.  In a matter of seconds, this simple act of jotting-down a callback number has turned into a minor headache. Well, there is a simple (and cute!) solution to these omnipresent office uh-oh's.  From bronzed tape dispensers to personalized paperweights, Iomoi offers all the essentials to keep your workplace organized.  Iomoi's playful designs supply color for your desk and a solution for your mess.

     

.....Must Hear.....

"Sweet Serendipity" Lee DeWyze

Consign Me Up

I had a great weekend at home spending time with Mom and enjoying the sunny weather.  On Saturday, Mom and I headed to a consignment store.  I LOVE consignments!  One woman's trash is another woman's (my) treasure.  I was picking through the shoe rack when I spotted some leopard print wedges with two unmistakeable red soles.  I snatched up the shoes and, to my disbelief, they fit and were in nearly perfect condition.  Best of all, they were priced at more than half retail cost- what a snag! I am now the proud owner of my first (and most likely last) pair of Christian Louboutins!  

On Sunday, Will and I passed through Richmond to visit Jessica and her boyfriend Jon.  Jess suggested that we eat at Can-Can, an authentic brasserie in Carytown.  The menu featured all the signature French dishes from crepes to croque monsieurs... Yummy!  After lunch, we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and strolled up and down Cary Street window shopping and people watching.  I hadn't been to Richmond in quite some time and had almost forgotten how charming some parts of the city were.  It was a very enjoyable pit stop, and I am looking forward to another double date soon!

Can-Can!

Look at this adorable furniture store!

Me and Jess on Cary Street 

.....Must Have.....

I made the mistake of visiting the Kate Spade Outlet a few weeks back.  Since then, I have not been able to forget Spade's Washington Mews bags.  The Mews line comes in two styles, the Maryanne and the Marcela.  Spade is known for her playful yet refined taste and her eye-popping color palates.   My two favorite colors in this particular line are the Deep Ochre and Peacock.  Staying true to playful and tasteful form, Kate Spade proves that she can make even the most eccentric accessories fashionably inconspicuous.

With the flowers in bloom, it's time I switch out my neutral nylon carryall for a lighter and brighter shoulder bag.  So, looks like it's out with the cold and in with the Mews.

.....Must Hear.....

"The Longer I Run" Peter Bradley Adams

This day last year...

I am really not doing so hot on my resolution to be more efficient with blog posting!  The weekend before last, I was thrilled to have my college roommate Bethany in town.  On Friday night, Bethany and I went to a restaurant near my apartment.  Upon arrival, we realized we were not as young and hip as we once were.  Apparently, we did not get the memo that Friday night was "wear your shortest skirt and highest heels" night.  We spent the night avoiding the loud speakers, slurring frat boys and short skirt stiletto stampedes on the dance floor.  We never thought dressing so modestly would make us feel so exposed!  Despite feeling like Golden Girls, we managed to have a great time catching up and people watching.  We dragged our old bones home around 1AM, took out our dentures, and crashed.  Suffice it to say, we just can't keep up with the college kids like we used to...sigh.

The next day we met up with Bethany's sister Ryan, mom Beth, and stepdad Jim.  The sun was shining, the lawns were perfectly manicured, and the boutiques had their doors propped open, beckoning shoppers to browse their brightly colored spring additions. After a late lunch,  I served as tour guide to Bethany's family and took them to some of my favorite places in Raleigh.

North Hills Mall

Five Points

My favorite home in Raleigh

Cameron Village

I dropped Miss Beth and Jim off at their hotel, and Bethany, Ryan, and I headed to my apartment to get ready for dinner.  I made reservations at my favorite restaurant in Raleigh, Caffe Luna, and we all enjoyed a tasty dinner downtown. It was great having old friends in my new town. I was so thankful for the visitors!

Luna

On an unrelated note, one year ago today I was in South Beach with Jessica browsing a dinner menu on Ocean Avenue.  I glanced up and saw a group of guys walking by and one in particular caught my eye.   After 15 minutes of begging, Jessica agreed to leave the restaurant with me in search of the boy in the blue button down.  She said we could walk 10 blocks and if I didn't see him we were giving up and turning around.  Nine and a half blocks later, I sat down at a table next to the boy in the blue shirt, who now happens to be my boyfriend.

So, although I would never condone "chasing" after a boy (Yes Mother, I did technically chase him), I must say this act of insanity spontaneity was one of the greatest and most rewarding risks I have ever taken.   So to Jessica and Will, thank you for putting up with my craziness.  I sure am a lucky girl ;).

March 8, 2010

.....Must Have.....

I am loving Milly's Spring 2011 Ready To Wear Collection by founder and designer Michelle Smith.  Gone are the days of psychedelic swirls, abstract angles and shapeless frames.  Smith's line focuses on bright colors and geometrical shapes while adding her signature feminine touch.  Although the label is fairly new (11 years young), Smith has made quite a name for herself by consistently producing preppy yet professional pieces.  With so many designers trying to reinvent themselves in an effort to be fashion forward, it is refreshing to see that Smith's sense of style has stayed true.  Milly has proven that the classic silhouette still reigns supreme.  

.....Must Hear.....

"The Luckiest" Ben Folds