It's you I'm dreaming of

Spring shopping season is well underway, and I definitely have gotten a jump start on it, but I also want to browse the stores a bunch more to really see what's out there. Here are the five things that I'm currently coveting for spring:

1. A new pair of Sperry's. I tried these on while I was in Naples at the Sperry store, which if I might add was adorable, but I planned on going back in a few days when I decided on the pair I wanted. I went back two days later with hopes to buy the pink seersucker and brown pair, and they didn't have them in my size anymore! I will now be going to Nordstrom very soon to make the purchase of those because now I just have to have them.

2. A fun printed bathing suit for my upcoming trip to Dominican Republic. Okay, so I've already bought a new suit for spring break, but I can never have too many. 40 days until fun in the sun with my best friends. I'm so excited!

3. Shoes for prom, although these are a little out of my budget. I want some that are pretty neutral, yet that still make somewhat of a statement. A girl can dream of Louboutin's right?

4. Bright earrings to liven up my wardrobe for March. It's too cold to wear my new spring clothes, but spring accessories can easily be added to outfits. I love how happy these yellow earrings look, and for less than $5, my wallet will love them as well.

5. Returning to work on March 31 when Custard Time opens. Not only am I excited to sample delicious treats, but I can't wait to start getting paychecks again. Somehow when I'm employed I find it easier to justify purchases, and there's no way that I would dislike having my bank account gain money for once. It's going to come right in time for spring shopping!

I wanna feel the sunshine shining down on me and you

I am back in the mitten after six days of being in the wonderful sunshine state of Florida, it's back to reality for me. I spent my time laying by the pool, eating great food, and doing some shopping, and taking in the views of massive amounts of senior citizens. Although I was very sad to leave the warmth, it was a good feeling to get off the plane and actually see people my age. I didn't take too many pictures on my trip, but here are the highlights:

 My sister and I outside Bleu Provence after our having dinner there, which was my favorite meal of the trip.

 I saw this sign while waiting for dinner one night, and I obviously enjoyed the fact that this would never actually happen in Naples.

 A sunset on 3rd Avenue in Naples

 The trees lining the downtown of Naples had tons of white lights, making it look quite adorable.

 One of my few purchases of the trip, this ring will definitely be worn often this summer

 This other ring that I bought is a little gaudy, but it will spice up my normal jewelry wears.

 My daily activity of the week: laying by the pool and reading magazines

 I love all of the retro architectural details in Naples, along with the retro touches of decorations, including this orange bike

My sister and I on our last night in Naples. We actually got some sunshine on our skin!

It ends tonight

The Academy Awards were on last night, the last show of the award season. Even though I'm sad to see the season come to a close, the Oscars always hold some of the greatest fashions. I had my eye on a few dresses last night, as seen below:

 Natalie Portman looked like a blushing mom-to-be in this gorgeous raspberry colored dress. She finally got the right look for the Oscars after some not so great looks the past award shows this year. And to top it all off, she won for best actress for her work in Black Swan (I admit it, I cried during her acceptance speech).

 At first I wasn't sold on Cate Blanchett's architectural gown, but the more I look at it the more I love it. It's definitely more of a high fashion look, but for who she is, it works. I love the pop of yellow on the shoulders.

 I'm obsessed with Hailee Steinfeld's look. It is so youthful and fun, yet she doesn't look like a little girl. How could you not want to wear that dress and spin around?

My favorite look of the night would definitely be that of Mila Kunis. For one thing, the dress is gorgeous, with the lace detailing and delightful lavender shade. Also, her hair was beautiful, although you can't see the detail in the back in this picture. The entire look was simply flawless.

Beach side

I leave for Naples on Tuesday, so I got my packing done today because I don't want to worry about it tomorrow. Pulling out my new purchases and my warm weather clothes that were packed away just made me even more excited to get to the beach! I probably over packed a little, but I'm pretty sure every girl always does that. Here's what I'm bringing on my beach trip:

 I packed a generous amount of cardigans and summer weight sweaters for at night when it gets a little chilly

 My stack of newly purchased shirts has an overwhelming blue theme to it, but it's spiced up with a one cream and one lavender lace shirt

 I actually didn't pack a ton of sundresses like I normally do, this time opting for three of my favorites, also in the blue tones

 I brought a few pairs of shorts, in jean, white and khaki.

 I added in a stack of tanks, obviously necesary

 For during the day, I plan on throwing on a shirt from this stack of t-shirts. I especially can't wait to wear the bright pink one(from J.Crew)!

 I brought my favorite few bathing suits for tanning on the beach and by the pool

 For evening bags, I brought a black patent purse and a yellow wristlet to add some pizzaz to an outfit.

The clothes all fit nicely in my suitcase, leaving plenty of room for my accesories, toiletries and other extras. I packed lots of jewelry, from my favorite turquoise bracelet to my beloved vintage white clip on earrings. Now all I need is to zip my suitcase up Tuesday morning!

See you at the beach!

My love affair with water

A beach inspired photo from This is NOT new

For every vacation that I go on, I always have to make myself a playlist. For my upcoming trip next week, I need the playlist for lots of laying on the beach and relaxing. The mix needs to be part tropical, part oldies and part new favorites, all to enhance the wonderful aspect of being in the glorious sunshine. I made it tonight, and here are my favorites from the list:

Out Loud (Live), Dispatch
Orange Blossons, JJ Grey & Mofro
Mexico, James Taylor
Water, Brad Paisley
Satellite, Dave Matthews Band
Birthday, Kings of Leon
American Honey, Lady Antebellum
The Great Defector, Bell X1
California, Phantom Planet
Toes, Zac Brown Band
Stir It Up, Bob Marley
Dame Lo Que Quiero, R.KM. & Ken-Y
Caravan, Van Morrison