I returned from my annual Nantucket trip last week! It's always the best weekend of the year with some of my favorite girlies. I love Nantucket so much and I feel so grateful every summer to get back to such a gorgeous, special, fabulous place.
I thought I'd do a quick round-up of my outfits here; it's always the easiest trip to pack for because Nantucket is exactly what my wardrobe is built for: casual, warm days, and cute, coastal evenings. Here we go!
in love with this home tour - image via
1. Happy Friday, hello November, hope everyone had a great Halloween, and happy holidays I guess?!? Haha, this week has been kind of crazy! I am personally a fan of Halloween and loved watching the parade here in NYC on Tuesday night. I really tried to soak up as much as I could of October before waking up to holiday gift guides and holiday party ideas all on social media Wednesday morning.
2. Now that we are moving into the holiday season, I've begun my annual gift guides! I personally haven't even started to think about gift-giving, but I know a lot of people are far more proactive than I am, so I wanted to get the gift guides going. I started yesterday with "my wishlist" to give inspiration to anyone trying to think of something to ask for when their mom, aunt, grandmother, etc. inevitably asks!
3. Of course, I also published the November mood board this week! If you're new, I make these free desktop & iPhone wallpapers every single month!
image via pinterest
It's been a few months since my last installment of "This Week's Top 10," which is a Friday series of blog posts that I created years ago to share weekly favorites and discoveries. This week I found myself just loving and sharing so many things that I had to bring it back!
1. I think the highlight of the week is undoubtedly that I published my first vlog of 2023! I hadn't vlogged since December, and I know many of you missed the vlog content, so I did a mini "week in my life" last week. If you haven't watched it yet, you can find it here! Hope you love it!
2. In the vlog, I talked about some of my favorite skincare products, including this Vitamin C Serum, Retinol serum, and moisturizer. I did not, however, show you my new *obsession:* this Summer Fridays lip balm. Oh my gosh, it's so fabulous. The color (I have the vanilla beige) is surprisingly stunning and the product is soo juicy, shiny, and hydrating. Love it.
3. I received both the moisturizer & the lip balm in my Fab Fit Fun box, which I have a discount code for: FRANCESCA20 for 20% off! The price of the box ends up coming out around the price of one of the items in the box, making everything else an added bonus. Such a great deal and so much fun!
1. Hello and happy Friday! What a week! I had two influencer events this week, tonight I have a joint birthday party for two of my fabulous friends, and tomorrow (drumroll please!) I am shooting my apartment with a fellow blogger. To say I've been a bit overwhelmed would be an understatement, but all good things!!!
2. The highlight of the week so far was undoubtedly the launch party on Tuesday night for the LAKE Pajamas X Atlantic Pacific collaboration. It was simply surreal to me that I was included in an event alongside so many of the bloggers I grew up following. Not to mention, the pajama collection could not be cuter!
I have this pair of PJ's and this robe from the collection and I can't stop wearing them. Also, love this set for the pool/beach!
I just... I'm really at a loss to describe how excited I am about this. I actually made three tik toks exclusively from Tuesday night, haha! Blair could not have been nicer, more beautiful, or more humble in person. I really do check her blog every single day (there are very few blogs I check anymore!), so it was overall such a pinch-me opportunity.
3. I was pretty proud of my outfit on Tuesday night; I linked everything here, including these perfectly pink slingbacks (fabulous for spring!), my favorite feather bag, and this striped top (on sale!) that I purposely wore to match the collection!
image via pinterest
Happy Friday from Dallas! I am here visiting Joe for the week and I'm so excited for today because we are taking the day off work to go get massages and tonight go to a wine bar he's been wanting to try!
1. This week I published quite a bit of content on the blog! In case you missed it, the gift guides have begun, and so far I've shared:
My personal wish list gift guide
Up next will be the in-laws/boyfriend's parents' gift guide! I will probably post it on Monday, followed by the Girl Who Has Everything gift guide, which is my annual favorite.
2. When I was in Kansas City a couple of months ago, I purchased this candle from a local boutique. It is the most incredible holiday scent, and the brand is equally wonderful; 5% of every purchase funds Anti-Trafficking efforts in the US. Would highly recommend the candle and supporting this small business!
You can also purchase the candle on Amazon here!
3. I finished reading The Paris Apartment this week and loved it!! Such a page-turner... it's a bit of a spooky thriller and I was so impressed with all of the twists & turns.
Up next I plan to read Nora Goes Off Script!
1. Hellooo! What a week it's been! This week was quite a fun one because one of my favorite internet friends, Emily, was in NYC and we got to spend a fabulous 48 hours together. We had two events to attend on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then last night I also was lucky enough to be treated to dinner at Quality Bistro. Go check out the content if you missed it!
Earlier this afternoon I had a fun photoshoot for an upcoming campaign, and overall it's just been a whirlwind week in the micro-influencer world, lol!
2. I purchased this Ganni Top this week and I'm so glad I did - it is soo fab and going to be a new elevated basic in my wardrobe. See how I styled it on Tuesday here!
3. My favorite makeup product of the week is the Armani Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer in shade 8; I apply my blush (this one in shade chilly - love this stuff) and then add the fluid sheer overtop to enhance the color and act as a highlighter. It's so magical, it makes me glow and makes my blush even prettier and more seamless with the rest of my face.
1. First things first, Rest in Peace to the Queen.
The past few weeks have been so busy for me and I feel like I have so much to catch up on here. I got back from Turkey two weeks ago, and last weekend I was in my hometown, Milwaukee, for one of my high school friend's weddings. This weekend Joe is in town in NYC for a concert, and then in two weeks I have my cousin's wedding!
2. Shoutout to my Delta Amex for getting me upgraded to first class last weekend! I've talked about this credit card before but I absolutely love it; the benefits have saved me hundreds of dollars on flights and luggage, and have made traveling so much easier and more comfortable (free flight changes, free first-class, and comfort+ upgrades...) I highly recommend it and wanted to share my link again because I got a few questions in my DM's about what credit card I use after I shared that I was sitting in first class. You can earn 40,000 bonus miles by using my link, which can be worth two domestic flights!!
3. I wore this dress to the wedding last weekend and absolutely loved it. It is now sold out but I love the mini version of it... probably one of the prettiest dresses I've ever worn, and the brand is so high quality.
Speaking of dresses - I bought this fun sequin dress yesterday (under $100); I have no occasion to wear it but I just love it. I got the black, and I will probably wear it around the holidays or on NYE, but I also love the white version for a bachelorette party if you're a bride-to-be!
Also under $100: this flattering printed satin mini (I love this style dress for dinners out or random events in the city) and this gorgeous midi dress that would be perfect for a wedding with the right accessories! + this ADORABLE tie-front top!
1. This week has flown by! I hung out with a few friends and enjoyed the warmer, sunny weather, and all of a sudden it's Friday! On Thursday I am flying to Chicago to celebrate my best friend Elizabeth's birthday, and from there it will be five back-to-back busy travel weekends for me (Mother's Day, a wedding, and more...), so I'm looking forward to a lowkey weekend this weekend.
2. Tonight I am going to pilates and then making dinner / having a virtual date with Joe (enchiladas!) and reading my new book, and then tomorrow all I have planned are a few errands and tennis with a friend. I am looking forward to relaxing since this is my only "free" weekend until mid-June (OMG) and the past two weekends were busy too (with Joe visiting and then Easter)
3. Before we jump into the details of my shopping spree this week, I need to share that I finally upgraded from my Revlon blowdry brush to the T3 Airebrush duo (on sale for 25% here) this week. I was beyond blown away (pun intended ;) by the results...
1. HAPPY FRIDAY!!!! I am *so* excited for this weekend. I am flying to Chicago tonight and doing a St. Patrick's Day bar crawl with my college friends (and joe!) tomorrow. I couldn't be more excited to finally do a true Chicago St. Patty's day celebration, and of course, to see my bestiessss. Will be staying in Madison with Joe next week too!
2. Found a million cute things online this week. First things first, we all need this pink and green rugby striped shirt.
3. I discovered the chicest online boutique this week and I want everything!!! Especially this blouse, these shorts, and this!! perfect!! top!!
1. Helloooo! Ok, I have so many updates for you... this week just flew by for me! Of course, Valentine's Day was on Monday, but after that, I had a few fun things planned, like a dinner for a new brand on Tuesday, book club on Wednesday, and pilates yesterday (which I'd missed since I hadn't been in so long!). Joe visisted me last weekend for Valetine's Day and left on Monday morning, so we celebrated Valentine's Day Saturday night! I am planning to write a full recap of our weekend because it was just so fun.
2. The brand dinner I went to was for Den XYZ, a new home brand with a highly curated selection of home decor, art, and more. The dinner was very small (just 6-7 of us) and I really enjoyed it! I don't get invited to that man influencer events, so I was so grateful and excited to be included. The dinner was at the founder's gorgeous apartment, she cooked for us, and it was such a cozy, unique way to be introduced to a new brand. It definitely had me inspired to finish up decorating my apartment after living here for almost a year!
1. This week was a pretty standard workweek for me. Not much to report, but the highlight, of course, was the February mood board going up! If you're looking for a new desktop or iPhone wallpaper, download the mood board here.
2. This week I went to two Mile High Run Club classes, which has quickly become my favorite workout in the city. While I still love pilates at Bodyrok, there's something that feels so "my truth" about being on a treadmill just running for 45 minutes and being pushed to improve. It might have to do with the fact that I just haven't run consistently in so long, but nonetheless, the workout and the vibes are fabulous. I sign up through ClassPass! If you want to try ClassPass, here's my link. I think it's just the best thing ever.
3. Yesterday on the blog I shared so many cute pink pieces, perfect for Valentine's Day! Check out the blog post here.
1. Happy Red day!!! I have been listening to the album alll day, which of course, includes the 10-minute version of All Too Well! Have you listened yet?! This song from the vault is my favorite so far.
2. OMG- I watched Cruella this week (on Disney plus) and it was seriously amazing. Like, might be one of my favorite movies of all time. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it.
3. I am actually freaking out over Anthro's sparkly holiday party collection.
This sparkly dress and this bow dress-- both incredible.
Two pairs of perfect pink shoes: these little heels and these beautiful (yet under $100?!) bow ballet falts
photo from my shoot with Paige Elizabeth in Central Park last weekend, wearing these tweed shorts and this navy blouse
1. Happy Halloween weekend!! I am so excited about this weekend; Joe is visiting me and we are going to the Nets game tonight, and then a Halloween party tomorrow night! Hopefully, we get a fun photo in our costumes. My costume arrived yesterday and did not look as I hoped it would on me, so I'm quite interested to find out myself what I'll end up wearing tomorrow...
2. This morning I shared my outfit on my IG story- I am wearing this super cute lilac and white check pullover today. I found it on RTR, I couldn't believe it! I got my usual size but I'd recommend sizing down, it's pretty roomy.
3. If you want to try Rent the Runway, you can get 40% off your first shipment if you click here! I have had a membership for years and while I don't use it every month, I always have a great experience when I do. Lately, I've been in a shopping mood, just wanting new things to wear, and so being able to pick out 4 high-end pieces of clothing for just $100 without commitment to them is an amazing deal in my mind. This time I order this coat (so cute), the pullover I mentioned above, this skirt that I might wear for Thanksgiving, and this cute black bag- been needing something like this!
1. The photo above is from Gray Malin's fabulous new Dogs of NYC collection. Read more about the collection here!
2. Last night I had a major "romanticize my life" moment. I went on a walk after work through the West Village to see all of the pretty homes and fall decor, and then I stopped at TJ's on my way home where I picked up a pumpkin, gourd, and a few pumpkin beers! I got home and lit my fall candle and read my book while listening to this fabulous fall jazz playlist. I was really living my fall truth. Everything and more!
3. Need to call out my new fall candle: it's AMAZING. I found it at Target on Sunday and it *sparks joy.* The scent sounds bad (pumpkin & cinnamon) but I promise it took me by very pleasant surprise when I sniffed it at the store! I find sweet-smelling/pumpkin spice/vanilla-type scents just gross in my opinion, and this isn't that- it's just fall and fabulous. And it's super cute! And only $15!
image via pinterest
1. After two weeks in Wisconsin, I am officially flying back to the city tomorrow!!! I'm looking forward to it, but I've truly loved being surrounded by nature and plenty of space over the past two weeks.
2. When I get back to my apartment I think I want to do a little decorating for fall! I love these velvet plush pumpkins, and I'm definitely going to pick up some fall candles- this one seems to be a seasonal favorite, but this one and this one look like great options at a lower price point!
3. Speaking of fall shopping, yesterday on the blog I shared 70+ pieces I'm loving this season, and most are under $100. Check out the blog post here!
1. Happy Friday and happy first day of October! I've been in Wisconsin all week staying with my boyfriend and it's been truly so lovely to enjoy nature and go for walks that feel so quiet and more peaceful than the city. It's also been such a treat to spend so much time together with Joe! I am supposed to leave on Tuesday but won't be surprised if I move my flight to stay a little bit longer :)
2. I know I say this every month but September just FLEW by. It's especially hard to believe because it's been in the 80s all week!
3. These have been my dream fall boots for years, and this almost identical pair is about half the price!
1. I finished The Alchemist this week and absolutely loved it. It's a pretty quick read so I would highly recommend it. If you don't know what The Alchemist is, it's a classic fable written by Paul Coehlo, and it's sort of a mystical, metaphorical story of a boy who goes out on a search to discover his personal treasure and learns many life lessons along the way. It's essentially just a metaphor for life and following your dreams. I found it peaceful, heartwarming, and honestly, really encouraging. I gave it five stars!
2. Up next I am reading The Most Fun We Ever Had, and The Idea of You. I started The Most Fun on the plane last weekend and I am loving it so far. It's the story of four sisters, all going through their own individual crises right now, while their parents are living blissfully in retirement, more or less completely unaware of what the daughters are going through. It is really light so far but I just know something juicy is going to happen!
3. After I finish that one, I picked up The Idea of You to read next!! I am SO excited to read this one because Grace Atwood (one of my favorite bloggers) has given it the highest praise and it's been on my list for sooo long. I don't even know what the premise is, I just know it's going to be great.
1. Did this week fly by for anyone else? I was supposed to head back to NYC on Tuesday but wasn't quite ready to leave Wisconsin, so I bought a new flight home... I can't believe I finally head back to my apartment tomorrow after being gone for two weeks!
2. Taylor Hill's log cabin home tour was revealed on Arch Digest this week, and her Nashville home is easily the dreamiest space I've seen in a while.
3. Did any of you watch the Gossip Girl reboot premiere?! I don't know why for some reason I can't find myself interested at all, even though I *loved* the original GG.
garden goals via mark d. sikes
1. Happy Friday! This weekend is Joe's birthday and I am very excited to be in Madison to celebrate with him! It has been such a lovely and relaxing week here so far, just cooking together, and going for runs along my favorite paths from college.
2. I shared the July mood board this week here! Check it out and download your new desktop and iPhone wallpaper if you haven't yet!
3. I recently got an Instagram Ad for this dress and I don't think a dress has ever been more me. I literally need it, except I don't, because I have nowhere to wear it :')
is it weird that this beautiful bathroom was one of my biggest sources of inspiration this week? source: AD greenwich village apt tour1. Happy Friday! The past couple of weeks have been so crazy with work, I am so happy it's Friday. I am also looking forward to heading back to New York this weekend and reuniting with my little apartment. I've been gathering quite a bit of inspiration since I've been gone and I am excited for my furniture to arrive next week!
2. Speaking of my apartment, decorating is, like, all I can think about, all the time. I am pinning nonstop to my Pinterest boards!