Happy Birthday!

My brother Daniel's birthday always occurs during Chatham week. This year was his 16th and we all celebrated with cake! I wish we could have made it, but we bought it out of laziness. But this year, I got to write on it, instead of having someone else do it. I hate to admit it, but after writing on his cake with frosting, I find it unforgivable that professionals do it poorly in some stores. It was first time ever writing on a cake, and although it wasn't perfect in the slightest, it also wasn't the most horrible job ever done. So if Daniel's cake didn't come out very nicely but it was my first time, there is no excuse for the seasoned professionals. But the cake itself was great, so I'll let it go. :)

A not-so-great job, but a fun time nonetheless. 

xxE

Chatham - Food Part III

What is a vacation that consists of Japanese-food loving families and talented cooks without sushi?

Smoked salmon, squid, shrimp

Mackerel, squid with roe and a random block of brie

My plate - Yummy, so colorful!

xxE

Chatham - Food Part II

Cheese. I. Love. Cheese.

Aside from being served amazing meals every day, the constant plates of cheese and fruits are what kill me. I have to physically remove myself from the counter in order to stop myself from touching the cheese. No, seriously, it really is my kryptonite.

Parmigiano Reggiano, Brie & Others  with fresh cherries, peaches, crackers 

A delicious soft and creamy cheese that I wish I knew the name of

The making of Bruschetta

Toasted Tuscane pane with fresh Bruschetta 

Getting cheese-crazy just looking at the pictures. 

xxE

Chatham - Food Part I

Similar to what I mentioned in the previous post, my family, along with several other families are currently taking our annual Cape Cod vacation! Honestly, one of the best parts about this fun-filled week is the food. We all eat delicious food inspired by Japanese cuisine at home, but when we're in Chatham, there is no holding back. Utter deliciousness.

Fresh fish, caught that day by one of the dads, right out of the oven!

Stir-fry of beef, onions and peppers.. YUM.

Vegetable dishes with Seaweed - Potatoes, Tomatoes, Daikon, Radishes, Cucumbers

My plate!

Can you see why this is one of my favorite weeks of the year?

xxE

In Need Of A Vacation

One thing that I look forward to all year long is the annual vacation that my family, along with several others, take for a week in Chatham. We're beyond fortunate to know a family who owns a beautiful house right in front of the beach and we appreciate them so much! :) Thank you! I took some pictures of where I'm staying, it's the epitome of Cape Cod-chic. (Alliteration.. Love.) Also, some photos of the amazing food  we eat during the week will be posted! For the most part, the moms of the trip cook delicious meals that we all eat buffet-style.. Yum!

My bed! Adorable!

The Kitchen area

Pantry Room

Are you jealous.. or are you jealous?

xxE

Retail Therapy...

... Is great when you have money, not so great when you don't. The all-too-familiar itch to shop came at me full force so I was a goner even before I had gotten into the car. It went a lot better than you would think though, I stayed in Nordstrom for two hours contemplating everything in the store but I only really bought a few things, thank god. And I needed all of them too!

Makeup is one thing that I will always spend a lot of money on, my skin doesn't react well to cheaper products. That's not to say that they aren't great though! :)

My Purchases:

Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner - For dry and sensitive skin

Mario Badescu Aloe Moisturizer - For dry and sensitive skin

Dior Iconic Mascara in Noir - AMAZING! More dramatic than Chanel Inimitable, my last one.

And then I bought a top coat (Essie) and hair spray (B&B). I need to stop.

xxE

Monograms.. In or Out?

Obviously this isn't something for everyone, but I find great satisfaction in monogrammed items. I dream of monogrammed stationary, towels, bedding and more. So cute and personal!  But I also know that most of my close friends would never get anything monogrammed. I can't even imagine; they call to me and I need them!

So here are some GORGEOUS monogrammed items, I die:

Monogrammed Stationery - Rifle Paper Co. 

Side note: I came across Rifle Paper Co.  online and I instantly fell in love. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I absolutely adore stationery and can't stop buying paper, cards and stickers. It's like the brand knows exactly where my tastes lie and made the cutest, most perfect items especially pour moi. I NEED EVERYTHING. I've seen a few of their items in Anthropologie, but the website obviously has the full selection! Buy buy buy!

Personalized Stationery - Rifle Paper Co.

Max and Chloe West Avenue Necklace $100.00

Etsy Daninotes iPhone Case $55.00

Lilly Pulitzer Bedding

Lilly Pulitzer Towels

I need them. It's hard to justify $85.00 on 20 cards that have your name on them... but I still can. 

xxE

Do You Love It.. Or Do You Love It?

Glasses.

It's the extra accessory that makes one look super chic and ultra studious. If done well that is..
Since I've had my glasses for close to 5 years now, I'm sooo due for a new pair. But which one? After feverishly searching online and scouring magazines, I have come to the conclusion that I seem to make after every question in my life. The answer? CHANEL. For the most part, Chanel exemplifies my favorite kind of style: Simple and Classically Chic. And their glasses follow the same pattern. Very modern and clean, but with the signature Chanel look. Because I have the Round Quilted Sunglasses in Black, I feel a desperate need to follow through with eyewear and purchase my next pair from the ultimate brand.

My Sunglasses: (Graduation gift from last year!)

Aren't they just to die for? 

And here are some of the glasses I'm LOVING:

Titanium Rimless Frame with Ribbon on Temple

Metal Frame with Mother of Pearl and Ebony

Acetate and Metal Frame with Signature Chanel Logo on Front Side

I want all three of them, but if I had to choose, I am definitely for the last pair. I NEED.

xxE

Curly Girl Design

I've been spending parts of my summer in Chatham for years now and there's always one store I MUST go into when there. The Artful Hand Gallery in Chatham has an amazing selection of Curly Girl Products. Curly Girl Design is a company that creates whimsical art, all of which are showcased on various items such as mugs, cards, notepads, keychains, posters etc. I am obsessed to say the least. I've given some of their products to friends and they all seem to love them!!! Here are some of their gorgeous items:

So cute!!

xxE

Just Died

Models Take A Tumble At Naomi's Fashion For Relief

This is almost funnier than the infamous Tessa and Emily video, "Model Falling." But it's not. Click the green above! Still dying.

SO FUNNY.

xxE

Corny! But I Can't Help Myself

"Sometimes I like to think that the pants got lost on purpose. That this was their final gift to us. Bringing us back together. Back to a place of forgiveness, and love, and in understanding that what we shared was all the magic we could ever need. And as we spent those last few moments of summer, looking out at the blending of sea and sky, I realized it was a color I knew very well. The softly faded, essential blue of a well worn pair of pants. The pants had brought us together again. The rest is in our hands." 


- Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Cannes Film Festival

The annual Cannes Film Festival is a hub of amazing fashion and this year definitely did not disappoint! My current obsession? Rachel McAdams. Her ensembles this past week have been stellar to say the least. #idie #sorachelzoe

Love how fresh her skin is!

Head to Toe Monique Lhuillier, with Ferragamo clutch. Sigh.

Marchesa dress with Bulgari Jewelry

Some other highlights include: Uma Thurman, Sarah Jessica Parker and my favorite dress of the week on Diane Kruger. What a stunner!

Atelier Versace gown, breathtaking!

Elie Saab gown with Fred Leighton jewelry, Rene Caovilla heels and a Chloe clutch. 

And finally....

Calvin Klein Collection. AH-MAZING.

One day Emily, One day. 

xxE

Can't Stop Won't Stop

Sigh. Tory Burch Perfection.

Je T'aime Tote $125

Python Kellan Mini Bag $350

Vivian Rattan Clutch $275

Enamel ID Bracelet $75

Sorry I'm not sorry!

xxE

Who Run The World?

GIRLS!

- direct quote from Beyonce.. love the song B!

xxE

A Great Week (Already!)

Can I just list the ways that my week has been amazing?

- Internship opportunity at Boston Bridal Lounge
- Plans for this weekend!
- Blog has been visited 1,020 times.
- Glossy hair.. YAY.
- iTunes splurge $$
- Got a free drink at Starbucks tonight.
- Talked to every single one of my best friends from home.

#winning #youknowyourelookingatawinner #beyondhappy

xxE

Favorite Eateries

Bonjour readers! Just came up with the idea of reviewing my fave restaurants in Boston. I'll be continually adding to this list and hopefully branch off into other cities as well! All prices, types and locations will be showcased so enjoy :) I hope you visit my favorite restaurants!

L'Espalier (http://www.lespalier.com/)

Ever since Tessa and I came here for Restaurant Week, I have had an intense craving to go back. It's an amazing restaurant overlooking Boylston Street that's based on traditional American cuisine with French roots. The food, service and setting were stellar. And the dessert was unbelievable. Because it was Restaurant Week, the price was super cheap, but if you want to go on a regular day, expect to pay a lot; around $100 for a meal. But trust me, it's so worth it!

Le's Restaurant (http://lescambridge.com/)

An obvious choice; my mom and I LOVE this place. Seriously, its probably my most frequented eatery in Boston. Its Vietnamese with French influence and simply delicious. Every single time I go, my food is amazing, fresh and quick to come out of the kitchen. When you go, order number 36! It's so delicious, and exemplifies Vietnamese food. YUM. Oh, and as an added bonus, Le's is super cheap.

Pinkberry (http://www.pinkberry.com/)

Well all of you know that I have a more-than-slight obsession with Pinkberry. After this opened on Newbury Street, Harvard Square and now the Prudential Center, my life has revolved around it. The new lychee flavor is officially my favorite store-bought dessert. I can't get enough! My favorite combination? Lychee with Strawberries, Mochi and Lime. Perfection.

xxE

On Love and Lipstick

Lately I've been having such a strong craving for lipsticks! Every color appeals to me, and there is one new collection that I actually cannot resist: CHANEL Rouge Coco Shine.

It's a new mixture of lip balm and lipstick that feels so moisturizing you feel like you just slathered some Burts Bees everywhere. Heaven. And the colors are stunning too! "Boy," named after Coco Chanel's fling, is my favorite, and the others including Mademoiselle (pictured,) Monte Carlo and Rouge Petale are beautiful too!

Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Shine - Number One Summer Beauty Item

Already Obsessed.

xxE

Summer Heels

   My friends and I are currently in the midst of planning out our summer looks and so I have decided to blog about a topic that provides me great interest: summer heels. ( I need money.. now.)

   Summer heels are of utmost importance my dear readers. I've never attempted to wear heels for days on end but this year, I promise myself that I will. Because one of my lifelong goals is to be the type of woman who wears heels all the time no matter how formal or informal a situation is, I need to get started. I bought a pair of beautiful gold leather gladiator heels last summer for prom... but I couldn't wear them because I sprained my ankle. Now, almost a year later, I. Am. Going. To. Enjoy. Them. 

   My favorite looks right now are the chunky, thick strapped heels, or the sky high wooden clogs. Once you've broken them in and gotten used to the height, the heels will be just fine. Chic Chic Chic!

Remember, beauty is pain.

Jeffrey Campbell Virgo Espadrille Wedges $110

KORS Michael Kors Margo Sandal $130

J.Crew Cyprus Metallic Gladiator Heels, $165

Shop Till You Drop.

xxE