...sweet packaging

I am having some serious design envy over these...

1 (from Gather)  // 
2 (design by Tracy Lanihan)  //  
3 

...the art scene

Today I am very excited to introduce a new feature, the art scene, Briton and I are working on! Below is a little explantation of what to expect and stay tuned next week for the top ten galleries you must visit in the area!

Washington DC’s power and beauty is undeniable. The White House, nestled back behind ancient oak trees on Pennsylvania Avenue, steers the voice of the free world; our nation’s capital, brilliantly glowing over DC’s Smithsonian valley, pushes legislation to make this country prosperous and free (or is supposed to…); and the supreme court, held in one of the paradigms of neo-classical DC architecture, holds the words of our Constitution to the highest power.

In celebrating the greatness that is DC, I am here to explore the importance and vibrancy of its art scene, how it relates to the culture of DC and the greater art world, and how you can take advantage of it to the fullest extent. Along with having a monthly gallery review, I will highlight awesome exhibits and venues and discuss how current art events or hot topics relate to this artistic hub

.

Never stop exploring and always feed your creative side!

...Briton's Life Changers

Good morning! Today I bring you Briton's Life Changers! Briton and I studied abroad together in Florence, where we fell in love over a shared passion for gelato, pasta, and art. Thankfully, she moved to DC after college where our friendship has continued! Brit works as a gallery coordinator for a small gallery in Virginia (so Charlotte of her...) and at the Corcoran College of Art and Design. Enjoy her Life Changers!

Also - stay tuned for my first every collaborative i simply love column! Briton is going to be here regularly to fill us all in on the art scene in DC! She will keep us informed on the good exhibits, which galleries to visit, and events in the art community here!

1. Moroccan Oil Serum: I.Love.Moroccan.Oil. Whether I'm air drying or styling, it tames my hair, protects it and makes it smell so good!!!

2. Laura Mercier Primer: Keeps my makeup on for hours and you can seriously tell make up goes on smoother with the primer.

3. Physicians Formula bronzer: The prices is right and gives me that extra glow in the winter!

4. Bobbie Brown concealer and tinted moisturizer: I think I have dark circles under my eyes. I finally found a concealer that actually makes me look awake! I really love the sealer/powder that comes with it too. The tinted moisturizer is is great too. Great coverage but nice and light. 

5. TJ Maxx: Whether I'm looking for a black dress, new sandals or home accessories, TJ Maxx is one of my first stops. Not only is the price right, but there are great brands all under one roof. Yes, you do have to do some rack shopping, but it's so worth it. Also, some TJ's are better than others (definitely recommend the one in Fairfax!)

6. Le Creuset: I absolutely love to cook and cooking with my Le Creuset is the absolute best! It cooks everything so evenly, is very manageable, oh, and its adorably purple!

7. Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker: The one and only perfume I wear. It truly is lovely: feminine and floral yet soft and not overbearing.

8. artsjournal.com: An awesome resource to get all the top headlines in the visual and performing arts. Also has really great blog posts. Keeps me informed and bring up a lot of interesting topics.

...these three things

1. Warby Parker

Glasses are all the rage right now and as someone who kiiind of needs them (mostly for driving) I can't afford to spend $600 on a new pair simply because I'm tired of my old ones. Enter Warby Parker. They're a bit like the shoe company Toms - they give a pair of glasses to someone in need for every purchase made. They've completely cut out the middle man that causes eyeglasses prices to be SO HIGH so these babies are CHEAP. For CUTE prescription glasses. The process from start to finish is efficient, customer service based, and very well designed. You create an account on their website, chose 5 pairs you'd like to try on, they ship them and give you 5 days to decide, you send them back with a prepaid label and then fill your prescription in and order!

2. The Afternoon Dress from Madewell

I'm having a huge love affair with Madewell right now that my bank account isn't handling too well. But this dress was one purchase that I can justify all day long. I've already worn it multiple times in the couple weeks I've owned it and it is SUPER versatile. Worn with a chunky necklace and sandals its appropriate for work, and with a chambray shirt over it and chucks for a chill Saturday. So flattering and SO comfy. Do I need to convince you more? (I wish Madewell was paying me for this gushy post.) I got drinks with a friend of mine after work while wearing it and the next day she bought it in red!

3. Some goodies from Sephora

So I recently realized I can make returns to Sephora. Of anything no matter how used it is. Life changing. Those fancy expensive lotions and creams I was always curious about? I can buy them, try them, find out that $40 Philosophy moisturizer isn't any better than $16 Aveeno moisturizer, return said expensive moisturizer, and be in a better place with my bank account after all the trips I've been making to Madewell. 
However, I have been loving my Josie Maran Cheek Gelee - I don't usually think about how the makeup I use is chock full of chemicals so this makes me feel good about putting it on my face. All of her stuff is extremely environmentally conscience and organic.
Last, but definitely not least my bunnies, is Wen Cleansing Conditioner. After reading Brittany's rave review I ran out and bought some. I'm not as obsessed as she is, and its is priiiiicey, so I still wash my hair normally once and week and use Wen once a week, but it definitely does not disappoint! PS - Brittany is doing a Wen giveaway! Go enter!

...coco cafe

Hello! Lifechanger here...

I had Coco Cafe sitting in my fridge for about 3 weeks before I finally tried it. I may or may not have bought it after seeing it on Rachel Zoe's Instagram.

BUT for those of us who like to get up early and run before work, and those of us who maybe need a small incentive for dragging ourselves out of bed to run at 6 am (or earlier), this makes it all worth it.

A slightly sweet way to hydrate and caffeinate! If you can't tell, I'm a little obsessed. Apparently there are mocha and vanilla flavors too, I have yet to track those down.

...a shorts story

This girl has big weekend plans! Plans like a business school graduation BBQ and then a little birthday celebration. Plans like a relaxing Sunday with my man reveling in the fact that we've been dating a year. Hopefully those plans include a tasty dinner...did he make a reservation somewhere or not...? If we end up at Shake Shack I'll be ok with that too. 

That was my short story, below is a shorts story about how Madewell is killing it with bringing the colored denim trend into summer with hot pink denim cutoffs. And aqua. And red. Loving it.

Happy Friday! Have the best weekend ever little bunnies! 

...arranging bookshelves

One thing I've learned from home ownership: arranging book shelves is tricky. Below are three impeccable examples of what I strive for and haven't yet achieved. 

1  //  2  //  3 (this one from a 500 sq ft San Francisco apartment!)