My first meal at The Meatball Shop: priceless.

One song on iTunes: 99 cents.

Being given a “leftover” $25 iTunes gift card: priceless.

A blouse and shorts from Necessary Clothing: about $50.

Already knowing exactly what I’ll be wearing this weekend: priceless.

I’ve never owned a white swimsuit. Truth be told – it seems like it’s a very high maintenance choice; making sure it doesn’t get dirty, I’m “tan enough” for it, and of course…the see-through factor. Ahem.

Regardless, I’ve still got [...]]]> It’s been a few months now that I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect white bikini.

I’ve never owned a white swimsuit. Truth be told – it seems like it’s a very high maintenance choice; making sure it doesn’t get dirty, I’m “tan enough” for it, and of course…the see-through factor. Ahem.

Regardless, I’ve still got my mind set on finding thee white bikini. White just seems like it’s so darn classy…or whatever. Right?

The thing is, though, I want a classic, almost old-fashioned looking one. But with summer right around the corner, the only luck I’ve had so far is on good old Pinterest.

So with just a few weeks left, my bikini mission is still a go. Wish me luck!
(…you know, since there is clearly nothing more important going on in the world than finding the perfect bikini.)

What’s on your summer wish list? Favorite style of swimsuit?

I need to start getting the smile memo.

Red Mango now offers flavors like Cake Batter, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla Cookie Cream. It’s about time they got with the program.

There are few things I love more in life than going to the movies. …and a good love story [...]]]> Sometimes, moving forward requires getting rid of some things.

I need to start getting the smile memo.

Red Mango now offers flavors like Cake Batter, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla Cookie Cream.
It’s about time they got with the program.

There are few things I love more in life than going to the movies.
…and a good love story definitely doesn’t hurt either.

Alright Pennsylvania, you do spring better than New York. We get it.

What was the highlight of your weekend? Learn anything?

brooklyn. Although I’ve made it over [...]]]> Oh 2012, you’ve been quite the quick one. The first four months of the year came and went like that, but this first full month of spring was arguably the best yet. Before welcoming in May, here’s a look back at some of my favorite things about the month of April 2012.

brooklyn.
Although I’ve made it over to Brooklyn a handful of times, this was the month that I truly started appreciating all things BK. From the vintage shops to Smorgasburg to the cute guys with beanies and glasses around every corner, I think I’m going to try to make it over there more often. Now I just need to learn how to do so without getting lost or taking the wrong train back, ahem…

mad men.
Mad Men is one of those shows that doesn’t need a crazy plot or storyline to get into it. To me, it’s all about the fascination with the characters and raw, realistic look at that era (I mean, not that I was there to actually know…). I’m still on season one but can’t wait to be all the way caught up.

cake batter fudge.
How can something be so simple yet so delicious? With just five ingredients and no cooking/baking, Cake Batter Fudge is definitely my new go-to crowd-pleasing treat.

white-washed denim.
Vests, shorts, jeans, rompers…I want it all.

the girl with the dragon tattoo.
…more specifically, the chemistry between Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. I just can’t get over how perfect and intriguing it was, and it’s the reason I’m starting the rest of the novel series soon.

draw something.
To be honest, there’s always been something about cell phone games that give me anxiety. Maybe it’s because I don’t like competition? Or view it as too much of a commitment? Whatever it may be, a little game called Draw Something has changed all of that. It’s the perfect, I’ll-get-to-it-when-I’m-bored game that can also be quite humorous.

st tropez sunless tanner.
With summer around the corner, my pale/freckly skin needs a bit of an upgrade. St. Tropez has been my favorite sunless tanner for a few years now because it’s hands down the most natural looking and barely ever leaves streaks. I like the mousse best, which you can buy online or find at most Sephora stores.

necessary clothing.
On that same summer-around-the-corner note, I’ve noticed myself needing to re-stock on certain clothes like shorts, tanks, and light dresses. Necessary is my favorite place to shop for these pieces because a) I don’t have to spend and arm and a leg and b) the quality is a lot better than other stores with the same price range. There are locations all across New York, or you can check out their new online store.

What were some of your favorite things about April? Agree with any of these?

That’s right – apps aren’t just for games and music anymore – they cover just about every interest and industry out there. As a typical girl who is constantly browsing for fashion and style ideas on Pinterest and the like, I was excited to learn that there are [...]]]> Welcome to 2012, where there’s an app for everything.

That’s right – apps aren’t just for games and music anymore – they cover just about every interest and industry out there. As a typical girl who is constantly browsing for fashion and style ideas on Pinterest and the like, I was excited to learn that there are actually useful fashion apps now as well.

So here’s a great guest post by Jane Johnson for my fellow iGeeks who also happen to have a thing for fashion.

six must-have tools for the fashion-forward.

Technology has revolutionized the way we shop, find the duds we love, find the best deals on designer brands, and it even influences the fashion that will be on the runways next season. Thanks to smart phone apps like the following six style-inspired beauties I’ve listed below, all you need is an iPhone, a BlackBerry, or an Android to get impeccable style inspiration while you’re on the go! It’s true; these apps offer something for runway fashionistas, accessory addicts, global fashion connoisseurs, shoe-o-holics, and even a closet organizer to keep your boudoir looking as fabulous as you do!

Check out my tops picks for the must-have, fashion-focused smart phone apps that every fashionista needs at her fingertips. However, I must warn you, if you choose to get caught up in any of these on the subway, you’ll probably miss your stop because they are just so incredibly addictive…

1. Snapette (Free – for Android and iPhone)

The perfect smart phone app for accessory addicts, Snapette is a cult-favorite app among fashion’s elite. Snapette features accessory shots—from Rome to Rodeo Drive—and allows users to upload a photo of their favorite shoe and handbag obsessions for other viewers to “like”. What’s better than a global consensus to convince you that you should buy those $800 Manolo Blahniks? It will sure make you feel better about a little shoe shopping spree every week or so!

2. The Cut on the Runway (Free – for iPhone)

A free app from New York Media LLC., The Cut on the Runway features the latest and hottest runway shows from Fashion Week, plus fashion archives that date back to 2002. Fashionistas can slink their through the latest designs from the hottest designers a la a model on a catwalk. And if you see something you just have to have (and can actually afford) you can bookmark it, save it to your “wish list”, or get opinions from your 250 closest Facebook friends before you pull out that credit card.

3. Stylebook ($3.99 – for iPhone)

Think of Stylebook as your really hip fashion accountant (with designer glasses of course)…one that you would kill for their sexy peep toe pumps. Anyhow, the Stylebook app will catalogue every single item of clothing in your closet and pair clothing items, shoes, purses, and accessories together to take the confusion over your morning dressing routine. Literally, this app put together items I never thought would work, and now I have a dozen fabulous, brand new looks in my fashion arsenal. All you need to do to get going with Stylebook is load images of your clothing items on to your smart phone. My girlfriend and I did it in under an hour using our Samsung cell phones. You never know what items you have tucked away in the back of your closet that might be the key piece to a new look or the next style trend.

4. Satorialist (Free – for iPhone)

Talk about fashion eye candy! I can’t get enough of the Satorialist, acclaimed fashion photo bug and blogger Scott Schuman began his popular fashion photo blog, The Sartorialist, in hopes of creating a two-way dialogue about the world of fashion and its relationship to real life. Follow the latest trends and styles of fashion from the busy streets of New York, the romantic area of Paris, and the fashion-forward runways of Milan to discover the trendsetting styles before all of your friends.

5. iShoes (Free – for iPhone)

The crowning piece to any outfit is obviously the shoes! iShoes is your fashion ally to tracking down that perfect pair from over 50,000 stunning styles. You can sort by color, style, or by lowest price.

6. Go Try It On (Free- for iPhone)

Have you ever thought it would be nice to have a second opinion when shopping by yourself? Especially before you bought that pair of electric blue jeggings last fall! Never fear, Go Try It On is your second opinion fashion app. Simply snap a shot of you wearing any item you wish you buy, upload it to the Go Try It On app, and let strangers or friends decide the fate of that bubble skirt vs. the strapless dress with the sweat heart neckline. You can also do your fair share of critiquing their fashion choices whenever the mood strikes.

Bio: Jane Johnson is a writer for GoingCellular, a popular site that provides cell phone related news, commentary, reviews on popular providers like T-Mobile.

Have you ever used a fashion app? What’s your favorite resource for style tips and ideas?

It’s officially sundress season.

Working all day on a Saturday can be enjoyable when it’s something you’re passionate about.

Delicatessen’s Cobb Salad gives Elmo’s a serious run for its money.

…and I’m kind of obsessed with their menu.

It comes in handy to have a model as a friend…especially when they get a free [...]]]> Mad Men. I totally get it now.

It’s officially sundress season.

Working all day on a Saturday can be enjoyable when it’s something you’re passionate about.

Delicatessen’s Cobb Salad gives Elmo’s a serious run for its money.

…and I’m kind of obsessed with their menu.

It comes in handy to have a model as a friend…especially when they get a free bag full of hair products from a promo event.

My girlfriends and I make a spectacular team.

What was the highlight of your weekend? Learn anything?

…you know – those things I have to talk about all the time so everyone knows they’re my favorite. Don’t pretend you’re not guilty of doing that too.

For example, there’s my love for list-making, which has gone to a whole new level now that Jessi got [...]]]> Like most girls, I go through my fair share of “obsessions.”

…you know – those things I have to talk about all the time so everyone knows they’re my favorite. Don’t pretend you’re not guilty of doing that too.

For example, there’s my love for list-making, which has gone to a whole new level now that Jessi got me this book/journal for my birthday.

Also slightly in the nerd-department is my newfound love for Roku – a birthday gift from my Daddy – which allows me to watch a ton of television series, movies, etc. As a TV-lover who has been cable-less for a year…this is big, people.

You know I can’t have a list of what I’m loving right now without including food. My newest obsession is coconut milk ice cream. It’s creamy, it’s coconutty, and it tastes especially good when eaten straight out of the pint whilewatchingthebachelor. Who said that?

I was never a huge fan of Adam Levine. In fact, I find his voice to be somewhat on the painful side. His style and those cute little tattoos of his, on the other hand…

yesplease&thankyou.

I’ve always been a dog lover, but lately I’ve become especially obsessed with boxers (this lady is partly to blame). I don’t know if it’s the onset of spring or just wanting something I can’t have (big dog + small apartment = not ideal), but a girl can dream…right?

Jewelry with a message. I’m a verbal processer so I’m pretty much always looking for a way to get my point across. Why not wear something cute to accomplish just that?

What are you loving right now?

Pancakes taste better when you cut them like this.

Saturday nights in NYC shouldn’t be counted out just yet.

If your friend who is a caterer invites you to “BBQ night,” you go without question.

I could quite possibly become the spokesperson for “shtuff Christian girls do.”

Despite my love [...]]]> I probably should have babysat at least once in my life.

Pancakes taste better when you cut them like this.

Saturday nights in NYC shouldn’t be counted out just yet.

If your friend who is a caterer invites you to “BBQ night,” you go without question.

I could quite possibly become the spokesperson for “shtuff Christian girls do.”

Despite my love for film, the Oscars never cease to bore me. Perez Hilton to the rescue for the important stuff, naturally.

What did you learn this weekend?
Best/worst dressed picks at the Oscars??

Rihanna’s performance was my favorite of the night. She never disappoints.

The boys of Foster The People are just the cutest little nuggets. I saw them live over the summer and was [...]]]> I’m not usually big on award shows, but for some reason I found myself glued to last night’s Grammys. So here’s the rundown a la Gracie.

Rihanna’s performance was my favorite of the night. She never disappoints.

The boys of Foster The People are just the cutest little nuggets. I saw them live over the summer and was so happy to see them performing on last night’s big show. Oh, and they clearly beat out Maroon 5 in the Beach Boys battle.

Is it just me or does LL Cool J never seem to age? Although, there’s got to be something shady going on under that newsboy cap of his…

Jennifer Hudson’s performance. Speechless.

I’m still not understanding the obsession with Adele. Why do people talk about and treat her like she’s saved humankind from depletion? She’s adorable – she really is – but I just don’t find her voice to be all that pleasant.

Even though she’s released one too many anthem songs, there’s just something I really like about Katy Perry. Props to her for publicly venting about her failed marriage to Russell Brand in front of millions of people…I guess…

YAY FOR BON IVER! However, since when does a band that’s been around for 5 years constitute as being a “new artist?”

I’m not Gaga’s biggest fan, but that wand she was carrying was pretty dope.

But my award for best-dressed at the Grammys goes to…

It’s a tie. I’m a sucker for close girlfriends, what can I say?

What are your thoughts on last night’s Grammys? Best dressed? Best performance?

If I continue with my aggressive pedestrian ways, odds are that I will in fact get hit by a car one day.

After watching two of his movies this weekend – there’s just something so adorable (and hilarious) about Jason Bateman.

Cell phone games these days [...]]]> Apparently I’ve formed a bad habit of losing important cards on the weekend.

If I continue with my aggressive pedestrian ways, odds are that I will in fact get hit by a car one day.

After watching two of his movies this weekend – there’s just something so adorable (and hilarious) about Jason Bateman.

Cell phone games these days give me anxiety. What ever happened to Snake??

Spring Street Natural is one of the reasons I’ll never say I don’t like healthy food.

I’m one of the few single people who actually loves and is excited for Valentines Day.

Wearing a beanie out ensures that at least 20 people will try to steal it and/or pull it down over your face.

Basic cable channels no longer offer a Grammy’s Red Carpet pre-show, which I think is ridiculous. We cheap-cableless people deserve to be able to judge celebrities based on their poor choices of attire too, okay?? (stay tuned for my full Grammys commentary later today. Ohyes.)

What did you learn this weekend? See any good movies?

Beanie baby with a boxer.

See? I’m a [...]]]> I guess I do sorta have a type.

Beanie baby with a boxer.

See? I’m a simple gal…