Kitties + Couture

Closet Staples

Maria — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:02 +0000

Dress: {Courtesy of} Spiegel | Shoes: {Courtesy of} Speigel | Coat: {Courtesy of} Spiegel | Bag: {Courtesy of} Graceship | Sunglasses: D&G | Earrings: Borrowed from sister | Belt: Zara | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: Vintage | Rings: {Courtesy of} Karen London, Sincerely Jules, Colombia

One of my favorite things about my wardrobe is that I’ve managed to incorporate a lot of timeless pieces that I can transition easily from season to season. That’s why I was so excited when I came across Speigel and their Spring Collection by Richard Lowe III (which I love!). It’s all about flirty and classic fun, topped off with pops of color and flattering silhouettes. Aside from the pieces I’m wearing in this post (my shoes are on MAJOR sale now), I have my eyes on this lace trench, this sexy red one-shoulder dress, this gorgeous blue blazer, this funky tunic dress, and these perforated black pumps. Swoon!

Oh, and the best part? I have a 20% off coupon code for you to use so you can snag some of these babies (and more) for yourself! Use code “Spiegel2013″ at checkout!

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Sprinkles

Maria — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:58 +0000

Top: Tobi | Jeans: Genetic Denim | Jacket: Zara | Purse: {Courtesy of} George Gina & Lucy | Shoes: Zara | Sunglasses: Tory Burch | Earrings & Necklace: Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: BCBG | Rings: NYC Boutique, Low Luv x Erin Wasson

I bought this jacket from Zara over a year ago and can you believe I’ve worn it twice?! I can’t. And I told myself that I’d list it for sale the morning I put it on for these pictures, but now that I’m looking at the pictures, I’m tempted to keep it and hopefully wear it again. My favorite parts of the jacket: the sprinkled pink, green, blue, and yellow specks (they remind me of funfetti cake batter) and the frayed edges.

What do you think? Keep it or sell it?

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Mother’s Day 2013: New Beginnings

Maria — Sat, 11 May 2013 22:08:36 +0000

One year ago, my mom began her battle with breast cancer – and what an emotional, heart-breaking, hard…yet inspiring year it has been. This Mother’s Day, I’m so happy to report that my mom is in full recovery and doing much better physically, emotionally, and mentally. Thank YOU all for supporting me, my mom, and the rest of my family throughout the last year as I shared bits and pieces of this tough journey with you. Your blog comments, Tweets, Facebook messages, Instagram comments, and your personal emails of support meant so much to me.

As I sit here planning out our Mother’s Day celebration tomorrow, I couldn’t help but read the blog posts and be reminded about how lucky I am to have such an amazing, strong, and beautiful mom. Please take the time to read (or re-read) my posts by clicking the links below, think about your own mom, and join us as we continue to promote breast cancer awareness.

5.8.2012: My mom’s story. The blog post I wrote the night before her surgery.

8.10.2012: Half-way through her chemo treatments. She still managed to put a smile on her face.

10.2.2012: Chemo ended with a bad scare. Oh, and I put someone in their place – nicely, of course.

11.21.2012: Mom finished radiation in time for Thanksgiving, calling it an end to her treatments.

“Even the most terrible circumstances and events can stimulate great change in individuals and/or societies. Without observing cruelty, we would not be moved to compassion. Without personal trials, we would not develop patience or faithfulness. It is the recognition that our earthly concerns matter little when compared to life eternal that allows us to know joy in the midst of sorrow and worry. Have you ever really changed or experienced personal growth during times of comfort or complacency? The acceptance that change rarely comes without difficulty and challenge can truly free a person to rejoice always. It also allows us to live daily with a grateful heart and give thanks in all circumstances. No matter what the circumstances, we can be grateful that God fulfills His promises, that our faith is sufficient to sustain us, and that our eternal life is assured

Even when we are furstrated by our inability to understand a circumstance or event, there are unseen angels bringing comfort and protection as directed by the wisdom of God. Our only reasonable option is to rely on the word and promises of God.”

- To Heaven and Back, Mary C. Neal, MD.

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Panel Dress: Spring Edition

Maria — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:05:57 +0000

I have a slight addiction to panel dresses, adding a few to my wardrobe this past fall and winter, and now another one for the warmer climate. I came across this dress on the mannequin at the Mango store inside the San Francisco airport as I was flying out to New York (I may or may not be a regular at that particular store now…since it seems I’m on a plane every other week these days).

PS: I entered some of my favorite recent looks from my Instagram into Vanity Fair’s Best-Dressed Challenge. The winner gets to be featured in the September issue – what a cool contest, no? If you have a second, please take a look and VOTE for my looks here! <3

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Hey, {Neon} Girl.

Maria — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:00:34 +0000

Well, hello. It’s been a while. After a much needed break, I hope to slowly get back to my somewhat-regular posts, or at least post as much as I can. What have I been up to these past few weeks? Traveling, working, events, dinners, and an entire week in bed with pneumonia (worst ever).

Coming up over the next month: Cabo vacation, Philadelphia, Washington DC, NYC. Who lives out of her suitcase? I do! I do! :)

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Blue Tulip

Maria — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:00:54 +0000

Dress & Shoes: Zara | Blazer: {Courtesy of} bebe | Bag: {Courtesy of} Graceship “New York” | Sunglasses: D&G | Earrings & Necklace: Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: Vintage | Rings: Sincerely Jules, Colombia

There’s nothing that I love more than a classic piece, like this dress for example. Reminiscent of the “Mad Men” era, this chic silhouette is definitely a closet staple (and that’s probably why Zara made it in every color and fabric a few seasons ago!).

Have a great weekend! NYC, I’ll see you Sunday!

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Spring Preview

Maria — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:00:16 +0000

Dress: Zara | Blazer: Rebecca Minkoff “Becky” | Shoes: Zara | Purse: {Courtesy of} Rebecca Minkoff | Sunglasses: D&G | Earrings: Kate Spade | Necklace: Swarovski via Gilt Groupe | Watch: Michael Kors “Bradshaw” | Rings: Colombia

What do I do when I can’t figure out what in the world to wear? Find a dress (and in this case, my go-to blazer as well to make the dress appropriate for work)! We’re currently going through a little bit of a warm streak in San Francisco and I’m soaking it in as much as I can before heading back to chilly NYC this Sunday for a few days. And fear not – I’m hoping to give these white legs some decent time in the sun next month when I head down to Cabo for a mini vacation. That also means…time to find new bikinis to buy!

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White + Lucite

Maria — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:00:46 +0000

Yes, I have added another pair of white leather pumps to my closet. BUT…how could I resist these beauties? As you know, I’m obsessed with my black pumps that have a lucite heel, so when I spotted this white leather version while window shopping online, I immediately purchased them. They’re so gorgeous, comfortable, and were a hit in my office when the mailman delivered them (to the point where 4-5 of my co-workers ordered them right away). Plus, I love the way they look paired with my neon pink jeans.

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I Can See Clearly Now

Maria — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:00:43 +0000

Top: Zara via sister’s closet | Jeans: J. Brand | Blazer: {Courtesy of} bebe | Shoes: Elizabeth & James via Poshmark | Clear Clutch: Adiel via Poshmark | Sunglasses: D&G | Earrings: Anthropologie | Watch: Michael Kors “Bradshaw” | Rings: Colombia

My friend Adiel is one uber talented lady when it comes to nail art and all-things DIY (among plenty of other things). A few months ago, this little lady came walking into work sporting a clear envelope clutch that she made for herself. Needless to say, I immediately requested one and I was so excited when she IMed me a link to purchase it on Poshmark this week! I wanted to keep the focus of this outfit on the clutch, so I kept it simple with a go-to black and white outfit and classic red lips.

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Prabal Gurung: Neon Dream

Maria — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:00:52 +0000

Shirt Dress: Prabal Gurung for Target | Booties: Sam Edelman via Poshmark | Purse: Marc Jacobs | Sunglasses: D&G | Earrings: Kate Spade | Necklace: {Courtesy of} bonbon Jewelry | Watch: Michael Kors “Bradshaw” | Rings: {Courtesy of} Karen London, Colombia

I’m obsessed with this neon “Nolita” print found throughout many of the Prabal Gurung for Target pieces, but as someone who shies away from both in-your-face patterns and bright colors, I was a little hesitant buying this shirt dress. BUT, I’m definitely glad I did (and at $30, it was really a no brainer). I can’t wait to rock it with warmer weather–thinking black denim shorts underneath, partially tucked front, and my new pair of Prabal sandals.

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