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Last week, I came across Anthropologie’s new facebook album sharing their 2011 Earth Day retail designs. The storefronts, windows, and decor were all made up of corks. Yes, wine corks! The eco-chic idea was too adorable to not share and if you’re DIY savvy, a nice little weekend project to put on your plate.

Anthropologie shared that cork is 100% natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. After the April artwork, Anthropologie will send the corks to Cork ReHarvest to transform into new items such as flooring, paper pulp, cork bobbers and much more. Aside from the gorgeous design, I love the fact that Anthropologie is using it’s store status for good. Reusing items rather than producing week long graphics for a window, bringing awareness to a good cause, as well as donating to create new out of old.

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After collecting corks, use either markers or dye you can color the corks to any thing you want. A simple twine, carabiner, and wire construction can create a day project out of corks to make a chic kitchen chandelier. If it’s a little too out of your DIY realm, take the corks and hot glue them to a large canvas to create a beautiful design like the moon, or wheel-like shapes above. I love the idea of using your old corks for kitchen crafts and this project would make the perfect decor for a new apartment!

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Head over to Anthropologie’s facebook to learn more about their project and see more of their designs. I hope these photos inspired you as much as they did me!

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All photos from Anthropologie’s facebook.

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I have never turned down or off a chick flick in my life, and I have never not finished a chick-lit book. And to connect the two, any time I hear of a new book being turned into a movie I rush to read the book prior to movie opening. Devil Wears Prada, any Nicolas Sparks, Eat Pray Love and now… Something Borrowed.

After seeing the trailer featuring Kate Hudson, the ultimate chick-flick queen, I knew I had to read the book immediately. The story revolves around Rachel, the stereotypical “shy” brunette, who lets her boisterous blonde friend Darcy take the lead in life. Rachel decides to matters into her own hands and stand up for herself despite Darcy’s dominant matter. The adorable tale of friendship, true love, and deceit made this an easy read. If you’re like me and have no control of yourself to actually put the book down, this is a one day read.

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For a little extra fun, here’s the trailer for the upcoming movie… but promise me you’ll read the book first. It’s always better!!

I borrowed Something Borrowed from a friend, and I suggest you to pass the book along to friends for a quick and fun beach read!

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For a casual look, tank tops, maxis, and mini dresses look beach chic. Skip the sheer crochet unless you’re covering up on the beach, but layering a basic white tank or slip under any piece brings the look from sand to sidewalk. To rock this trend at the office, stick to more classic covered silhouettes like Rachel Roy’s. A work-appropriate knee length sheath gives a trendy twist to a traditional shape. If you’re hesitant to strut in the sheer style, ease into the trend with a crocheted purse, headband, or belt.

Jen Kao and Catharine Malandrino, Spring 2011 RTW.

Vivienne Tam, Spring 2011 RTW.

Rachel Roy and ADAM, Spring 2011 RTW.

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To take this trend from runway to real way, Lulu’s.com has the look for a fraction of the cost. Maxis to minis, you can rock this runway look on even the tightest budget. All the pieces below retail for under $100 with the same chic style the designers created. Spring 2011 is all about the casual cool look, and nothing says California goddess like the slouchy, throw-it-on and go appeal of crochet.

BB Dakota Ivory Lace Dress, Dear Unicorn White Dress, Upper Float Crocheted Dress

Sweetwater Beige Maxi Dress, Free Bird Ivory Top

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I’ve already purchased a piece or two for Spring and can’t wait for the temps to be high enough to style the sweet look without a sweater. Will you be wearing crochet this season?!

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All images via Style.com

1. Cute workout gear will help to make you feel more confident at the gym.

Lululemon is absolutely the most famous of workout gear. Yoga capris, fitted pants, tanks and tees with fabric to help your body stay cool. Prices range around $50 per top, and $100 per pant. Find these pieces here.

This week I went on a Forever 21 Activewear spree and bought up all the colors they had. Tops around $10, and pants around $20 give you the financial freedom to buy more. If you’re anything like me, the gym is still a place to look your best so wearing the same old sorority tee & faded stretch pants can get old after day 3. See their activewear here.

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2. An amazing playlist can push you that much harder during a daily workout.

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My top 10:

– Kanye West: Power

– Ellie Goulding: Lights (Bassnectar remix)

– 2AM Club: Faster Babe

- Red Hot Chili Peppers: Suck My Kiss

- Fergie: London Bridge

- Jimmy Eat World: Sweetness

- Kid Cudi & Steve Aoki- Pursuit of Happiness (Remix)

- Passion Pit: Sleepyhead (Neo Tokyo Remix)

- Daft Punk: Harder, Better, Faster Stronger

- Taking Back Sunday: You’re So Last Summer

Let’s be real, any Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Britney that is high energy will do too!

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3. Never leave home without your gear.

I never go to the gym without a water bottle with room temperature water, this is better for your body than ice cold water. A few months ago I was given an iPod shuffle which has been amazing. To clip it on and not dealing with the flying cord all over the place. If you cannot buy a new music device, just purchase an armband to slide your device into and it’ll also fit a debit card and key if you need a place to put it! I’m lucky enough to have a gym in my building, but if you have to travel to the gym invest in an adorable bag to keep everything in– target and lululemon have great options. Don’t forget your headband to push back flyaways!

Lululemon, lululemon, and Forever 21. (I also love the Goody 5 pack headbands at the drugstore!)d

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4. Have a partner.

Personally, I love working out with another person but it can be difficult finding a time that works for both of you to work out together. Instead, find someone in your circle of friends or at work who also has an interest in fitness and keep track with them. Having encouragement to make that extra effort after work will give you the push to keep your goal in mind. A group of people at my office have a little twitter hashtag that they “check in” with after a workout (#GetRight #GetTight). It’s almost an accountability factor but without the lecture if you miss a night or two.

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5. Set a goal.

I don’t like setting weight goals, but setting any goal can help you stay motivated. Either increasing your workout time each week, your reps, your frequency, the resistance of the elliptical. Pushing your body a little bit more each week helps your body stay fresh rather than hitting a plateau. Switching up your exercise or activity is a great way to add a new excitement to a workout- if you normally do the elliptical, do a workout DVD or take a class, if you normally do free weights, take heavy water bottles and do your workout outside. Add a twist to keep your body on it’s toes.

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The last thing I suggest is to reward yourself. Whether it’s a square of dark chocolate, a glass of red wine, or a new purchase giving yourself a little treat is more incentive to completing your goal. Plan bigger rewards after bigger accomplishments, i.e. a new pair of wedges after your 4th week, or a new purse when you fit into your “skinny” jeans. It’s all about having fun with every situation, and I hope you’ve learned a new way to twist up your everyday routine! Comment below with a goal you’d like to set for yourself (and let me know the reward you choose for once you’ve completed it!)

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After seeing a singular Ippolita piece, I knew I loved the aesthetic. Modern lines on classic shapes, unique twists to basic circles, standard gold to glowing turquoise. Once learning more about the actual woman behind the designs, I knew the connection. Ippolita is from Florence, my home in my heart. Growing up with Italian influences, choosing Florence as my study abroad location during college, and appreciating the beauty and art from the architecture, the sites, and just the joy of the city itself. The designs of Ippolita resonate with me aesthetically and are the official kickoff of Wish List Wednesday!

The new collection of Ippolita ranges from classic colors to blues, purples, and multi-colored stones all set in the signature 18K gold look. Ippolita was inspired by “organized randomness” which is clearly demonstrated by the myriad of shapes and sizes within each gorgeous piece.

Couldn’t you just imagine an arm full of these gorgeous bracelets and bangles?!

Ippolita Rosé® Lite Links collection is sterling silver with 18K gold and 18K rose gold to create the collection of the hottest jewelry trend for spring.

Pretty in pastels in the ‘Sterling Silver Wonderland.’

Drawing from inspiration stemming from jewelry shops on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, one of my absolute favorite places when I lived there, a new resin collection was created. The mix of colors, materials, and cuts make these look one of a kind.

One of my all time favorite looks is all white attire, preferably a sundress, with stacks and stacks of shining blue turquoise. The mix between the bright blues, greens, and mother-of-pearl is just enough to imagine a sunny southwest day at any time.

A favorite of the showroom, these earrings bring new dimension and inspiration. The unique cut, look, material all come together to create a gorgeous work of art.

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If you couldn’t tell, I became even more head over heels for Ippolita after seeing her newest pieces. Head over to the Ippolita website to learn more about the collection as well as the brand itself. And lucky you, there’s currently a contest awarding the winner with a $5000 shopping spree!! Enter to win here. I hope you enjoyed my photos of the collection as much as I enjoyed photographing, what I consider, the artwork.

From an outside perspective it may seem silly or useless to not post for one day and have it help anything… but in my mind, it’s one more step to bring awareness. It’s one more channel to encourage people to not only pray, but to donate, to donate their time, money, support in any capacity.

People in Japan are dealing with continuous aftershocks, missing family members, and the simplest outreach can bring hope and help to them. Please visit www.forjapanwithlove.com, tweet it, email it, facebook it to gain as much attention to it as possible. From there a link to donate will bring you to Shelterbox, an amazing organization bringing help to those who need it most. Via Utterly engaged, I have learned that “ShelterBox provide emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items.”

A goal was set for $5500 and currently $22,515 has been raised. That is an amazing accomplishment, but it will never be enough. Please read this and take the time to educate yourself on how you can help.

Thank you!

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A tan trench is the perfect transitional piece. Ranging from Spring to Fall, work to play, and light to dark tan depending on your coloring. Since NY had a rough winter, I’m the palest of pale right now, and I think that the lighter the skin the lighter the trench. A beige or dark tan trench would wash out a pinker skin tone but compliment darker skin tones very well. One of my favorite Spring “uniforms” is a flowy dress paired with a tan trench for brunch and shopping dates, or a striped breton tee and skinny dark denim with flats for running around the city. With pearls and pumps, a tan trench can even work for the office. The following are my favorite for any price range…

{Tibi, $560, Theory, $495, Topshop, $180}

{BB Dakota at Lulus, $77, American Eagle, $49.95, GAP, $59.95}

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So whether your budget accounts for the ever-coveted Burberry trench, or you’re looking for a high-quality, low-cost option there’s something out there for everyone. I’ll be scouring these stores to purchase mine very soon! What do you think? Is the tan trench a classic must-have for you?!

xo

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Recently they released their new Spring/Summer lookbook and I instantly fell head over heels for the romantic, ethereal pieces mixed in with the edgy but sleek additions. Their classic, feminine collection is the perfect base for a wardrobe. A leather skirt in light shade to transition for spring, a shorts and blazer pair that is cute and classic, and totally on-trend blush tones.

For any girlie girl like me, these are your three must-haves. Pleated skirts (love white or any blush tone), a dressed up blazer and short combo has business cool written all over it (also very Chanel S/S ’11), and for any date night a romantic, flowing dress in the sweetest of shades.

The perfect balance? Classic, feminine with a touch of edge. These three looks have it spot on.

Draping is a dramatic way to enhance any dress, but the jersey fabric keeps this dolled up look casual cool. I am absolutely in love with this leather mini, black is great for an edgy look, but this distressed gray shade will transition perfect into Spring all the way through Fall.

Oversized shorts paired with a crochet top is feminine but cool for any park day. One of my top looks for warm weather! Lace, ruffles and bows as seen in the other two looks were everywhere on the S/S ’11 runways and these are the perfect pieces to go from catwalk to sidewalk.

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I, for one, will be coveting and collecting French Connection for the new season.