Showing posts with label things I like. Show all posts
Showing posts with label things I like. Show all posts

My Favorite Colors

Mustard, navy, and blush. Though I wear a lot of black, I always come back to these colors. Not only do I like them on their own, I love them all together. Here are some of my favorites. (I think I need those shoes... for science.)

Dreaming of Paris

It's almost here! After Iceland and Belgium, we'll be heading over to Paris for a day and a half. It's not a lot of time but it's enough to explore a bit. It's been a while since I've been there and I feel like I have to start planning my Paris outfits. (As well as brushing up on my French, alors...) Parisian fashion truly next level. It's effortlessly chic... or at least appears to be. I'll try my best to not stick out like the American sore thumb I am. Here's my inspiration!

Etsy Lovin'

I love me some Etsy. Whenever I need to find something extremely specific, (and often highly improbable) it never lets me down. I mean... where else could you find a ring with Nicolas Cage's face on it? I've been browsing a lot because it's time for me to buy some wedding bands but I apparently lack the self-control to not fall down the Etsy rabbit hole. Here are some of my favorite things I've discovered during this free fall.

Lately

Happy Wednesday! Can you guys believe August is almost over? I can't... this year is going by so quickly. Is this just all part of getting old? Hopefully not. Because I kinda hate it. Anyway, I thought I would share some links with you guys since I haven't in a while.

Dreaming of Fall

Summer is dwindling down and Autumn is fast approaching. I'm already swooning over early-autumn clothing-- you know, the perfect time of the year when you get to mix breezy dresses with chunky sweaters? Here are some of my favorite picks! (Details after the jump.)

Summer Dreaming...

Summer weather came to Philly a a bit early early, which I'm actually pretty ambivalent about. I love being serenaded to the sound of the ice cream truck and children playing outside but I'm not a fan of the heat. I've got a few small trips coming up and I realized that my summer wardrobe is sort of lacking. I don't even think I own bikini bottoms. I'm a mess. 

Spring Dreaming...

It's been  so cold here that even I'm beginning to get fed up with it. ME! The snow bunny! Unbelievable, right? I've been looking at dreamy spring clothing online and I never thought I'd say this but............ I kind of can't wait for spring. I want to go on bike rides with B without having to bundle up like Randy when he can't put his arms down. I want to go outside without my lips shriveling up and flaking off. (That's a thing that happens.) I want to drink iced coffee again! Winter just needs to let me get a few good snowboarding sessions in and then GOOD RIDDANCE.

Friday Faves


1. I'm dying for these Chinese Laundry platforms. They will be mine, yes, they will be mine.
2. I know that it's officially Spring but I just can't seem to part ways with my dark lipsticks just yet. This one is beautiful!
3. My inner 90's child is swooning.
4. I love Deer Circus and these little photos from her home are so adorable.
5. This McQueen clutch. Need I say more?
6. All turquoise everything, all the time.
7. Love a good cat eye sunny, these are particularly sassy!
8. Kind of have the biggest crush on Buck. Now that his radio show is Monday through Friday instead of just Saturday, I'm loving life.
9. I know this album has been out for "like, forever" but I've been pretty melancholy lately so I've rediscovered it.
10. A single woman spent 14 years with a mannequin family. This is creepy but thought-provoking.
11. You know when a friend of a friend makes a music video and some friends are in it? No? Maybe the people I know are just more cool than you. This is really good and I've been really into Crystal Teeth's music lately.
12. This article about former relationships fading into stranger territory really got to me.

Don't forget that today is the last day for my giveaway with That Grace Restored!

xo,
e.m.

Friday Faves



1. This is the perfect plum lipstick! I know that winter is almost over and it's nearly time to break out the pastels but... that plum!

2. Wildfox is always on point, especially with this tunic. I'm crushed that it's sold out.

3. Ah,  Loubis. I love the Iriza in this print but if I'm going to make a splurge like that, it's going to have to be something neutral.

4. Ben Blood's work is what inspired me to get into wedding photography. I love his latest blog.

5. I went exploring with Ashley and Jake last weekend and they took some pictures of me. I was nervous, unprepared, and not dressed well for the occasion but I love how the photos came out. (Seriously, check out their work. They're brilliant.)

6. This cuff! I'd love to wear it with a classy black shift dress.

7. I've been really into statement necklaces lately. This one is spectacular and the rope motif is perfect for... dare I say it... summer.

8. Every girl needs a pair of heart-shaped-sunglasses. These are timeless.

9. I fell down the YouTube rabbit hole HARD earlier this week. Doesn't matter. This video was very interesting and informative. Who would have thought?

10. This iPhone case is spectacular.

11. I love this clutch. It would dress up a sundress so well!

12. Gold? Check. Turquoise? Check. This cuff has it all. 

13. Now that I'm starting to look for jobs in smaller news markets, (read: every corner of America other than the major city in which I grew up and all of its surrounding areas) lists about all of the cool things to do in America really get me. Maybe someday I'll do them all. 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

xo,
e.m.

V-Day Gifts for Your BFF


You've spent this past month trying to avoid the dreaded candy aisle because you know that you'll impulsively purchase and proceed to eat an entire bag of Juju Hearts. You've put up with listening to your friends' disgustingly cute Valentine's plans with their significant others and you've scoffed at every man you see buying flowers or helplessly sifting through rows upon rows of overly-glittery greeting cards. The term "singles awareness day" really speaks to you. Girl. You've earned a chocolate bar for yourself but you should also use this day of perfunctory thoughtfulness to surprise your girlfriends with a little something. Just a little gift, sassy yet sweet; something that says "hey girl, thanks for being my wingman and for also putting up with my constant shenanigans." Here are few of my favorites. All of them will be pretty easy to find in stores because this list is a little "last-minute" side. Don't forget the heartfelt hand-written note!


xo,
e.m.

lark&lace x Brilliant Earth

Today, I'm teaming up with Brilliant Earth to put together a mood board of my style personality. I must admit that I still feel as if I'm trying to find my signature style. I know what I like, but I'm using this time (and this blog) to experiment. So far, for the most part, I've learned that I like clothing with a classic, bohemian feel paired with classic, understated accessories. Sort of an elegance mixed with a minimalistic, no-nonsense thing going on. Whatever my style is, I'd say that this look sums it up pretty well. 

1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  /  6  /  7

xo,
e.m.

p.s. I'm not getting married any time soon but when the day comes, I already know the exact ring that I want. I've been playing around with their "build your own engagement ring" widget for the past half hour. (Ahem, future husband, if you're reading this, I'd like a plain yellow gold band with a marquise diamond...) All of their diamonds are ethically sourced, which is the only way to go, in my opinion. Definitely worth checking out!

things i like: for design


1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5

If you're a designer, blogger, or just enjoy playing around with the Adobe Creative suite, these are some must-have freebies. (As an added bonus, most of them have a link that allow you to donate to the artist if you feel inclined to do so!) These are a few of my favorites that I use time and time again and since I love you all, I couldn't help but share. There's a photoshop action, a font, a brush, a texture, and some beautiful ephemera. If you're just beginning to collect little design elements, these will be a great start to your collection. If you're a pro, these will be an excellent addition. Have fun designing! 

xo,
e.m.

artist crushes

I've had this "thing" lately for prints. I love them and if I had my way, my wall would be covered in them. Here are a few of the artists I'm currently crushing on:

Meera Lee: I'm so glad to have stumbled upon Meera Lee's work, her pieces are so delicate and girly and everything that I've ever looked for in a piece of art. She's an East Coast girl too, which makes me like her even more. Check out some more of her work and links to her shop on her website.



Ashley Percival: If you couldn't tell by now, I'm a huge fan of the animals. Ashley's work features many whimsical-looking animals, most of which are wearing glasses, and, let's face it, what's cuter than an colorful animal with glasses? Society6 shop.


Lee Crutchley: You all already know that I'm a big fan of Lee and his work. I own his book, Quoteskine Volume 1 and I am eagerly awaiting the release of Volume 2! (Lee, if you're reading this, please hurry up! Okay maybe not because I know you can't rush art so...) He's a great guy so visit his shop... now!


Ashley G: If you've been plugged in to the blogger circle for a little while, you've probably seen Ashley G's work somewhere. So simple and a little dreamy. Check out her Etsy shop.

Sherri DuPree-Bemis: This lovely lady's talent is endless! Both her music and her art influenced me so much in high school and she's always had a special place in my heart. I how she balances the simplicity of black and white with complex patterns and textures. Check out her website and shop.

xo, e.m.

things I like





1. Isn't this clock awesome? If I had it, I wouldn't be able to stop looking at it. (via Etsy)
2. I need a new bike and Public's are to die for! 
3. This photo makes me want to go back to Paris. Like... now. (via sergiok)
4, 5, 6. I'd love to wear this outfit for a day in the city with CJ. Maybe with some black tights and a pair or Lita's? I wish! (Wildfox, Louche, Blue Nova)
7. Nike's slogans get me every time!
8. I didn't think that I would like it, but Frank Ocean's Channel Orange is brilliant. 
9. Aloo Gobhi Matar is one of my favorite dishes of all time. I can't wait to try this recipe for it!
10. I love Doc Martens and I love floral so of course these were love at first sight! (via Solestruck)
11. As you all know, I am a sucker for rings. This one needs to find its way on to my finger somehow! (via Unexpected Expectancy)

I can't believe that it's Friday already! Do you guys have any fun plans for this weekend? Jenna and I might head up to the art museum in Philly on Sunday because the first Sunday of every month is "Pay What You Wish" day! Maybe pull a Rocky and run up the stairs? Get lunch in the city? We shall see. 

xo, e.m.


things i like: bloggers

One of my favorite things about being plugged in to the "blogopshere"is finding new blogs and making new friends along the way. There is definitely strength in numbers and here are some of the few brilliant minds that I surround myself with:

Blythe Ponytail Parades: Violet is the world's biggest sweetheart. I love reading her blog because it's splattered with her bubbly personality and her daily posts always bring a smile to my face. Check out her blog and her photography, they're both phenomenal!

Tiny Sea: Wendy is another sweetheart. I've been getting to know her over the past few months and her creativity is refreshing! She has quite an eye for color and is a brilliant designer. She also makes me want to take up knitting. Maybe this fall?

 Color Issue: Aarean is a beautiful girl and another talented user of color. Her blog continues to inspire me to find the beauty in everyday life. Also, aren't her maternity pictures precious?

Alley Cats & Rough Drafts: This is my best friend's blog. It's a new adventure for her and I can't wait to see what she has in store. She constantly keeps me on my toes in terms of fashion and music and all things cultural so I'm excited to see what she does with her blog!

Pretty Little Fawn: Courtney is so cute! I love all of her outfits, they're all bold yet still classy.

Petite Biet: As you guys know, I love New York City and hope to live there someday, so that means that I am living vicariously through Belle and her beautiful blog.

Just a Clare: I just love Clare. She has this beautiful transparency to her writing that challenges me to be more open on my blog as well as with my loved ones. I don't know her too well but she just seems to be a genuinely kind person. I look forward to her honest updates.

Dreams and Dresses: Laura is so adorable! Her daily fashions are as cute as they are functional. I find myself browsing her site when I'm looking for some clothing inspiration. 

xo, e.m.





things I like

 1. My Quoteskine book from Lee Crutchley came in the mail a little earlier this week and I am absolutely obsessed. If you're a fan of wittiness and art, I highly suggest picking up a copy.


2. Little known fact: I've had short hair for most of my life. I'm in love with Rachel's new haircut, so much in fact that I am tempted to chop off my long tresses. (CJ, if you're reading this, calm down, I won't actually do it...) 

3. This little Cam Caddy made my heart sing. I'm definitely going to have to invest in it for my upcoming trip to China.

4. Speaking of China, I can't stop thinking about it. These next 5 months are going to be an exciting time of planning and I couldn't be more stoked! (If you're confused, read this.)

 5. Anybody else super excited about this high low dress and skirt trend? This is going to sound incredibly vain (and a little strange) but does anybody else like how their legs look in the front but not in the back? Is this trend not the perfect solution to this odd problem? Or is that just me? Anywho, this dress is absolutely lovely.



6. It seems as if my life's purpose lately is to find new blogs that inspire me, which is why I was overjoyed when Allie introduced me to Petite Biet. She is a woman after my own heart!


7. Last night, my brother, his friend, and I went to see The Dark Knight Rises. (At midnight, all wired on coffee in true Ricchini fashion.) It was excellent. Another little known fact: I've always wanted to be in a film that's based on a comic. I don't have much going for me in my acting career right now, but it could happen someday, right?

8. If you follow me on Instagram (@owlrika if you don't, wink wink!) then you'll know that I've had a love for Peter Pan collars for quite some time. You'll also know that over the past few weeks, that love has grown into a full-on love affair and I don't think I've left this house without some sort of cute collar. I love this DIY, and I'm definitely going to be trying it some time in the near future. 

9. I feel like to a certain extent, these "Things I Like" have become "let's watch Erika plan her wedding in the third person." But seriously, these laser cut invitations are so adorable and perfect, how could I not share them with you?

10. I was doing such a good job of not going to Starbucks (part of my New Years Resolution) until I saw the bride at one of my weddings last week drinking one of the new Starbucks Refreshers. Temptation got the better of me and then all bets were off. Everybody keeps telling me to try the lime but I just can't stop drinking the Very Berry Hibiscus one. I think I might actually need help.

xo, e.m.