massmusings

I'll be honest with you, I've never really been a fan of mixing and matching similar patterns. Stripes and flowers? Sure. But never have I ever been drawn to same patterns with different colors. However, I believe that there is always an exception to every rule. Thus, I give you my early Fall look, inspired by polka dots.

I chose to focus this outfit around these amazing Dolce & Gabana pants. I think that they're fun and just whimsical enough to make people smile (without looking tacky). By pairing these pants with a solid black shirt, I was able to balance out the look while also making the outfit seems more seasonally appropriate. Now for the risk... I picked these Oscar de la Renta polka dot shoes because of two things: 1) The classic lines and neutral colors make them perfect for Fall, and 2) Because the colors tie in with the white of the pants and the black of the shirt, the matching polka dot pattern isn't overwhelming. The actual dots are also similar enough in size that they eye isn't confused but instead sees the outfit as a more streamlined look.

I finished this look off with minimal jewelry: a simple statement necklace and small earrings do the trick (added the diamond ring because we all know diamonds are a girl's best friend). Make sure you have a great tote bag for weekend shopping and you're good to go!

What do you think about mixing patterns like this? Is this something you would try or is it a little too bold? I would love to know what you think! xoxo

This season I'm falling for these great jackets - otherwise known as finishers because they have the ability to finish an outfit by pulling it all together. All of the jackets that I have picked bring their own special element to the table. For example, the J.Crew black blazer is classic and professional. However, it can also be dressed down with a pair of great fitting jeans and colorful shoes. In addition, the Vegan leather jacket makes a statement with its eye-catching red color. Don't be deterred from the level of bold that this jacket brings: it can easily be toned down if paired with the proper neutral tones to balance it. My advice to all of you shopping for a great finisher jacket? Don't be afraid to get creative if you want to, but this is one situation that choosing a versatile jacket is more practical than following a crazy trend. Try to pick a piece that you can grow with, not one that you will have to consign next season. Happy shopping! xoxo

I'll be honest with you all. I'm an absolute addict when it comes to interior design, mayyyybe even more than J.Crew and that's saying a lot. Currently, I'm in the middle of the arduous task of moving and let me tell you, the amount of trips I've already taken to Ikea and Home Goods is embarrassing. However, having a cohesive interior space that is not only comfortable and relaxing, but also aesthetically pleasing, is of the utmost importance to me. Too long have I settled for the smallest room in my shared apartment or college housing. Too long have I made do with the random assortment of furnishings that I have collected over the years. The time has come for me to really bite the bullet and invest in quality pieces that make me happy. Now don't get me wrong, I certainly can't afford to buy the entire Restoration Hardware store, but I'm definitely not going to run to Walmart and grab those white plastic drawers that every college student has had.

Above I have put together a quick set of interior design examples for a cute and cozy living space. Over the next two weeks or so I will be taking photos of my new apartment and the process of putting it all together so that you can see how everything was done. I'm so excited to share it all with you and I can't wait to hear your feedback! Wish me luck! xoxo

Maybe it's because I've been an insomniac for the past few weeks, but lately I've been all about cute but above all else comfy clothes. Luckily, Fall is coming so I don't need to worry that the slouchy silhouettes look out of place in 80◦ weather. 

For this outfit, I paired a slightly over-sized crewneck sweater with some faded boyfriend jeans. The two are super relaxed to give a casual feel, but structured enough so that you won't look sloppy.  I love to pair cuffed boyfriend jeans with an unexpected shoe- like these red Zara heels for example. The design and color spice up the outfit while also adding a touch of extra femininity. 

I finished off this look with minimal accessories and a neutral bag with simple lines. I feel that anything else would have made the outfit look to busy. Keeping it simple allows for simple and easy fashion. Hope you agree! xoxo

Working out has always been a huge part of my life. I started dancing at a young age and from there went on to play three sports in high school, followed by varsity swimming at the collegiate level. It has definitely been a bit of a struggle getting motivated now that I'm no longer part of a team, but I've found that signing up for 5k's and the like make it a lot easier to get to the gym.

One thing I must stress is proper footwear! I know that designer Nike shoes are all the rage but the reality of it is, they're terrible for your feet. If you're like me and don't have perfect arches (most people don't!) you need a shoe with better support and structure. Luckily, brands like Saucony and Asics now come in bright, stylish colors!

Now don't get me wrong, just because Nike shoes aren't the best doesn't mean I don't love me some Nike apparel. Their sports bras? Awesome. Shorts? You got it dude! I would recommend stocking up when they have a sale because, really, who doesn't need a ton of cute workout clothes? That's what I thought.

So get out there, sweat your butt off, and look cute while doing it! I'll see you all at the gym! xoxo

When I was younger, I had aspirations of being a makeup artist. It didn't matter if my clients were going to be celebrities or Cirque du Soleil, I was obsessed with the idea of enhancing and transforming the physical look of a face in an artistic manner. Now that I'm older, I have different goals but I would be lying if I said I wasn't still enamored with cosmetics.

Fast forward to the present and you'll find that I am constantly on the lookout for new products that will not only make me look better, but that will also cut time in my morning routine. From this quest for easy primping, I stumbled across Benefit cosmetics and let me tell you, they're great. Below are my reviews for my three newest products.

Watt's Up! Not only is the name an adorable play on words, but this highlighting product is one of the best I've used. I typically never buy a specific item if I know I can use something else to do the same thing (i.e. in this case you could just use a light colored eye shadow) but after obtaining this free sample at Sephora, I'm totally hooked. It glides on easily and can be used to highlight under the brow bone, as well as cheekbones and anywhere else you can think of. The light shimmer really makes it luminous, but not in an 8th grade school dance sort of way.

They're Real! Anyone who knows me is aware of my serious mascara addiction. I have way too many tubes and like to mix and match until every lash is completely coated in black. It's a borderline problem. This wand allows me to use less mascara while achieving the fullness that I want. Great coverage, super full lashes. I'll call it a win.

Most Essential Nudes These nude shades are absolutely perfect for creating a day time eye with perfect definition. There are even instructions on the top manual for flawless application. I also take it into night by pumping up the eyeliner and adding a little more of the darker shades for a smokey eye. All in all, super impressed with this product.

So there you have it: Benefit is absolutely killing it with their makeup. They're easy to apply, not too time consuming, and they look phenomenal. I'm in love and I hope you will all go try at least one of their products. Don't forget to tell me what you think! (massmusings@gmail.com)xoxo

Shirt: J.Crew; Skirt: J.Crew; Necklace: J.Crew Factory; Watch; Fossil; Shoes: Tory Burch

I am a firm believer that the perfect scarf can truly transform an outfit. Just think of a time when you were feeling a little lackluster on the creativity front, and you threw a great statement necklace on to instantly spruce it up. Same thing goes for scarves. They're multifunctional (keeping you warm, but not sweltering) and literally come in every color/ pattern imaginable.

Above are nine examples of scarves that would really take any casual outfit to the next level; A completer piece if you will. Also, don't be afraid to mix patterns! Wearing a horizontal striped shirt? Throw on a pretty paisley scarf to add some visual contrast. Your outfit feels too bland and neutral? Use a bright colored scarf to really make everything pop.

As we head into the cooler months, I can't wait to hear what you all use as transition pieces. I know I'm going to be wearing a lot of scarves, and I'm excited to hear about what you do too! xoxo

 Sunglasses are a must, especially at dusk. We both made the mistake of leaving ours at the apartment and my squinty eyes had definitely gotten a little tired by the time we arrived at the dock.
 We started off the meal with fresh tomatoes, spinach (great substitute for basil!) and Rachel Ray's balsamic drizzle. Typically I choose the normal balsamic vinaigrette because it's less calories and a little lighter. However, the drizzle was delicious and totally worth the splurge.
 Bruschetta and prosciutto (among other meats) were best on top of gourmet wheat bread and with cheese. I would recommend buying a loaf that you can slice yourself. It's easier, more fun, and you can control the portion size.

 Finally the sun went down and we continued to enjoy ourselves with Montebuena red wine. It was a nice compliment to our food and the twist off cap allowed us to forgo toting around a wine key.

 Mid-pour on the dock :) Look at that amazing spread of food we brought- still drooling thinking about it!
All in all, it was the perfect evening. I mean look at this sunset? Can you beat this? Summer in Boston really is fantastic. I'd love to hear your stories about your own picnics! Where did you go and what/who did you bring along? xoxo

(Outfit by J.Crew- Shirt, Shorts, Necklace)

Like it or not, Fall is upon us. The weather has been slightly colder, and August is flying by! In honor of the soon arrival of my favorite season, I have put together an outfit that is still light-weight enough to wear now (if you really want to jump the gun) or in the early months of autumn while it is still fairly warm.

A black top and jeans are a solid combination in any outfit but it also depends what you pair it with and the cut of the clothes. For example, a boxy t-shirt and flare jeans are not going to cut it. Instead, try a light wash skinny jean and a textured, peplum top to flatter your figure and look put together. Combining these pieces with a structured blazer of a different color (preferably patterned!) takes the look from so-so to awesome in about 10 seconds.

Finish off the look by choosing the perfect shoes and accessories. For this outfit, I chose a new take on the classic fall bootie that we've already seen. I think that the little embellishments and stiletto heel instead of chunky heel is a great update and refreshing take on an old favorite. Red lips to top it off and you're good to go!

Let me know what YOU think! Would you wear this as a transition into Fall?

Don't forget to follow "massmusings" on Instagram!! 

It's Thursday and you know what that means! It's the perfect night to kick off the weekend a day early with some drinks with friends! It's, unfortunately, starting to cool off a little hear in Boston. The upside? More options for outfits. The downside? Sundress Season is coming to an end.

A perfect way to transition into the cooler nights is by pairing a colorful slinky top with some unique pants. I love these Diesel Jeans because they add a little extra oomph to the outfit. Paired with a great heel and flashy accessories and this outfit is ready for a night out.

With the colder months approaching, how do you plan to transition your going out attire?

I realize that festival season is almost over, but I wanted to hold on to the fleeting idea of summer and that "hippie vibe" that makes me so happy. What I noticed about fashion at Electric Forest and Camp Bisco was that essentially anything goes. However, there are a few staples that I absolutely plan on cycling into my wardrobe.

The first of these is the long cotton skirt. I love the movement that comes with a piece like this. It is absolutely perfect for dancing your butt off or just wandering around the festival on a personal adventure. It also has a casual cool vibe that is bound to be noticed by the festival novice or a more seasoned vet.

I also noticed that lace was a huge trend, especially in the form of crop tops. It's a little reminiscent of Woodstock and the 60s but hey, who doesn't love a good tribute. I certainly do! And of course you can't forget about anything neon or bright and tight. Spandex is always a hit and you can never go wrong in a cool leotard with jean shorts (For example, the first day of EF I wore an American flag leotard with rolled jean shorts and it was the best thing ever).

All of these trends can be incorporated into your wardrobe easily! As long as you pair them with the right pieces and use your creativity, you'll be festie-chic in the real world in no time! xoxo

One thing that I often get asked about is how to really pull a look together using accessories. I also struggle with this so my advice is to just play around until you see what looks good and feels right. For example, for this outfit I knew that I really wanted to class it up with an amazing red leather bag. To compliment the featured piece, I chose more neutral tones and gold jewelry so as not to overpower what I really wanted to highlight. The casual draping of the skirt and shirt, juxtaposed with the clear structure of the bag makes for a visually satisfying outfit that will surely stand out.

Have fun and don't be afraid to mix and match! I would love to see what you come up with! xoxo

One of my goals in life is to move to California and get completely out of my comfort zone. So, in honor of my plans to move, I have created a few looks that would be perfect for California or a music festival (can you tell I'm obsessed?). I'm currently loving the crochet top and maxi skirt look so I chose a patterned one to add little more visual interest and complexity to the outfit. Paired with fairly simple jewelry and leather sandals, this look just feels beachy to me. Also, who doesn't love a colorful bag (with fringe too!)? If you were moving to California, would you wear this or would you stick with your current style? I'd love to know!