FFF - Barney's Warehouse sale, ASOS 15% off and a healthy dose ofculture

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Online Discounts
For the first time ever, get a peek into the Barney's Warehouse sale!  I'm definitely going to see if there are any cute flats (and this is so much better than digging through the piles at the brick and mortar sale!)

I've been thinking about getting a bright colored cross body (red, yellow, or blue please!) for a while now.  I'm on the fence about Cambridge Satchel purses (hmm do I love the shape?) but the color is definitely pretty, like a bright blue sky!

 

Cambridge Satchel Company 11" bright blue leather bag, ASOS, $140.85

If you are tempted by this bag or anything else at ASOS, get 15% off until Saturday with code 321GO. I need to check out dresses too!

Save!

- Go to Ebates first and get cashback off your entire purchase!  Here is my invite if you'd like it.

Otherwise this weekend...

...I am going to try to get to an exhibit or two.  I have been meaning to get to the museums and I really haven't had the chance to do that.  As much as I complain about the lack of museums, I should at least also really explore them.  I'll let you know how my quest for culture goes!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF/Fun Finds {Decor} - Duffy London shadow chair and Life phases

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Fun Finds
Were you ever good at making shadow puppets?  I will admit that I was pretty terrible, but can still throw out the eagle or yapping dog!  Now I never thought I would think about shadows in decor, but came across these shadow chairs by Duffy London and was smitten.  There is such a fun twist on perspective - doesn't it looks like the chairs are almost floating?  I bet people would love the last chair with the wolf shadow silhouette!

Otherwise this weekend I am...
...seeing a friend I haven't seen all year!  The little lady is now 5 months pregnant!  It is funny how life changes so suddenly (ok I know it has been a few months!) but my friend's life will be completely different very soon.  Most of my friends are having babies or have had babies so I guess we are wrapping up the wedding phase (with first and second weddings, it keeps happening!) and entering the baby phase.  The husband and I are still content in our phase (just married and enjoying it!), but it would be interesting to be in that next life phase whenever that happens!
What phase are you and your friends in?

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF - National Ice Cream month and Reliving spicy memories

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Fun Fact
Did you know that it is National Ice Cream month (in the US - seriously who makes this stuff up)?   So now it is your obligation to have some delicious ice cream!  I am definitely a vanilla (with vanilla bean please) lover, but Bailey's Irish Cream is also up there among my favorite ice creams.  I also love to have ice cream with fresh berries - cold, sweet, and refreshing indeed!

{Source}

Otherwise this weekend I am...
...lunching at Nando's per my husband's request and having lots of their spicy peri peri sauce.  We first had Nando's when my husband was a poor grad student living in London.  There were quite a few Nando's around and I remember a group of us once having a veritable feast at Nando's complete with their signature grilled chicken, baskets of fries, orzo, and garlic bread.  It wasn't fine dining, but it was a tasty way to end the week with a few friends!  I can't eat there again without thinking of London and the very different lifestyle we led there.

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!    

FFF - Gap and West Elm Weekend Discounts and Returning to the cold via Melbourne

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Online Discounts
Summer (although it is summer most of the year where I am!) signals a more casual, laid back time of year.  It is a time for cookouts and dining al fresco.  I also start to pair my t-shirts with skirts a bit more now for that casual chic look.  I've been looking to add a few more basic shirts to my wardrobe (a perfect white t-shirt is a wardrobe must!) and have been looking for some cute plates for entertaining (how perfect are the schooner plates below?!)

Good 'ol Gap had some great t-shirts when I was in the store a few weeks ago ranging from jersey fabrics to super soft washed cottons.  Here is a great option and get 25% off Friday and 20% off Saturday with code GAPBOOM.

Mason crew t-shirt, Gap, $11.24-$17.21 (from $22.95 - depends on the color)

West Elm has a range of beautiful patterns for decor, dinnerware, and the bedroom.  I'm eyeing a new duvet set as well as smaller, casual plates for a casual cookout.  These plates are a good start and are an extra 15% off with code SUMMER15 through July 10.

Schooner Melamine plates, West Elm, $1.69 (from $4.50)

Otherwise this weekend I am...
...flying to Melbourne!  This will be my first time in Australia and it is unfortunate that I am visiting during the winter.  Seriously I don't remember what cold weather is like anymore and am not sure I'm even prepared (ok I do have one coat here so I guess I should be ok). But I am very excited to be traveling down under (for work so this will be the first of many times!)  Have you been to Melbourne?  Where should I eat and shop (always the first priorities for any new city!)

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF - Fun Finds/Fashion Icon Illustrations and Farewells

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Fun Finds
There are such bold personalities in the fashion world that one may be instantly recognized by her style.   These fashion icon illustrations made me smile - when I think of Anna Dello Russo, funky fab headwear definitely comes to mind and Andre Leon Talley simply seems natural with a regal cape.  They could be characters in some type of fashion comic!  See the rest here.

Otherwise this weekend I am...
...bidding adieu to a good friend who is moving back to London.  We met during our studies in France and reconnected when Mr. Spend and Chomp and I moved here.  She has always been a sweet, sarcastic friend and we will be sad to see her go.  All of my friends all come from other countries and I suppose we are all so comfortable in our little bubble that we forget that this isn't a permanent home for all of us.  My husband did think about stealing her passport temporarily but she is moving back to be with her new husband so I suppose that is a good excuse.  It is still a little sad to have friends move away.  But we will toast her goodbye with a last meal of pizza and wish her well.

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF/Fun Finds: Cloud house and going to the movies

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Fun Finds

It's a good thing to be on cloud nine, but what if you could live inside it?  I love whimsical designs brought to life, like this cloud house built by McBride Charles Ryan in Melbourne, Australia (hmm could I take a detour here on my business trip next month?).  If I lived here, I think I'd always come home and smile because my house would just be so fun!

{Source}

Otherwise this weekend I am...
...finally catching a movie at the movie theater.  My husband has been itching to see "Snow White and the Huntsman" (he's all about an action packed fairy tale) so we will likely see that this weekend.  I think the last movie I saw at the theater I saw was "Avatar" so it has been a while!  I usually can't be bothered to try to get to the movie theaters at a certain time, but this should be a fun Sunday afternoon activity.

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF/Fun Finds: Dubai Underwater hotel and Wild Things

Happy Fun, Free Friday!

Fun Finds:
Under the sea - don't you wish you could be part of that world (yep I just quoted a Disney movie, well sorta)?

 

{Source}

I will never cease to be fascinated by a hotel that offers something a bit different from the norm (after traveling so much, I have to say a room is just a room!) So I am definitely interested when a hotel offers something starkly different, like a full underwater view! This underwater hotel in Dubai is still a concept, but I bet these views would be simply amazing.

I've met a few people who have lived in Dubai now and this only adds to the allure of the place (ok maybe the cheesy "Sex and the City" movie contributed as well!)  Either way, this is still a fun find for a unique hotel!

Otherwise this weekend I am...
...relaxing with my husband and catching a movie!  Ahh and it's not just any movie, but I saw that there was a screening of "Where the Wild Things Are" at a local museum and I just have to see it.  It just brings me back to my favorite books during my childhood (who else was obsessed with Scholastic and Troll Book Club?)

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous week!

FFF - Bare Escentuals 20% off Friends & Family Sale and NYC visits

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Online Discounts

Do you use mineral foundation?  Well I do and my go to mineral powder foundation is Bare Minerals from Bare Escentuals (I really need to write a review about them considering how much I've mentioned them and use them!)  Well if you've wanted to try a lightweight powder that you can wear all day, consider trying Bare Minerals original or matte formula foundation.  Now is an especially good time to try it because everything on their site is 20% off all weekend with code sharelove.  Who doesn't like sharing the love right?

Save!

- Go to Big Crumbs first and get cash back your entire purchase!  Here is my invite if you would like it!

Otherwise this weekend I am...

...back to NYC and off to a wedding!  My travel schedule has been crazy lately but I knew I wanted to come back and attend one of my best friend's weddings.  What isn't there to love about celebrating love right?  I'm just bummed that the husband is back in Asia because of a big project and can't get away from work.  I guess I'll have to console myself with shopping (NYC ladies, Saturday is the last day for the DVF sample sale at 260 5th Ave!) and cleaning.  The shrine that is my room at my parent's house really needs to be cleaned out and I'm in the process of packing things off for charity/giving away to family/selling off.  Ahh it feels good to purge! 

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF - Imperfections are beauty and Exploring Shanghai

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Inspiration

We spend most of our lives trying to fit in.  But what are your quirks that make you special?  I know that I am a spontaneous singer (luckily I can sing on pitch so it's not too painful).  I was with my husband at the gym once and got strange looks from him when we were on side by side ellipticals.
"Are you really singing right now?" he exclaimed when I took my earphones off.
What can I say - singing along to a catchy song gets me going sometimes.  It may not be common, but I hope it can bring a smile to someone that isn't obligated to say "that sounds nice" to me.
What are your beautiful imperfections?

Otherwise this weekend I am...
...exploring Shanghai! It has been a really busy week and  I hope to take a few pictures along the Bund and of course go shopping!  I would welcome any suggestions if you have been to Shanghai.  Where should I eat and shop?  Of course I'll also post about the fun places to explore here!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF - Memorial Day Sales via J.Crew, Intermix, Nordstroms and China bound

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!
It is a great time to shop (or at least browse) if you can shop in the US!

Online Discounts
J. Crew
I usually head straight for the jewelry section during J. Crew's sales (use code loveit to get an extra 30% off sale!).  While there isn't much of a selection this time, there are a few cute dresses and jackets.
The Evie dress is really pretty - the color and wonderful silk chiffon material make it so light and lovely!  It is still on the border of what you may want to pay at $126, but worth it for silk chiffon.  Here is another great wardrobe staple:

Contrast boatneck sweater, J. Crew, $34.99 (Retail: $98)

Intermix
I am always on the hunt for more maxi skirts and dresses and Intermix usually has a good selection on sale.  This navy one is both basic and looks comfortable!
Summer also means more gold tones for me and I am looking to get more gold chains and earrings.  This necklace is a good start!

Splendid Exclusive foldover maxi skirt, Intermix, $49 (Retail: $125)

Marie Laure Chamorel Mult Color Crustal gold necklace, Intermix, $129 (Retail: $325)

Nordstrom's
I already have a favorite sales associate at Nordstrom's (who checks e-mail regularly!) and have experienced superior customer service at the store.  I am also curious about their other offerings and will be checking out shoes and apparel this weekend.  I haven't found enough good brands for affordable shoes, but this is a start and I do love bows.

Enzo Angiolini Mistle pump, Nordstrom's, $59.90 (Retail: $89.95)

Save!
- Go to Ebates first and get cash back your entire purchase at J. Crew and Nordstrom's!  Here is my invite if you'd like it!


Otherwise this weekend I am...
...cleaning up and packing for a business trip to China!  It is actually going to be a long trip (over a week) and I will be staying through next weekend.  I'm actually pretty exhausted because I just got back from a business trip to Jakarta a few hours ago.  But I can't complain - I wanted more travel in my job and am getting it!  I am excited to explore Shanghai, but am not even sure how I will access anything behind the "Great Firewall" including my own blog!  Hmm, I'll let you know and let you know if I can reach your blogs too!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF - Kate Spade Tahitian Florals and Farm visits

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Pattern Highlight
This year is the year of print for Kate Spade (and for so many other designers too, it seems!)  This month's print is the Tahitian floral print.  I like how it seems like an interplay between two patterns - a black and white, more sedate pattern marries with a colorful, tropical one.  It makes for a pattern that is both classic and unexpected!  I definitely see it working well in Sidney tote for trips to the beach or the Eliana dress for a tropical touch at a weekend brunch.

Otherwise this weekend I am...
...going to a farm!  I know, it is quite a random weekend trip.  But my friend found an operating farm on the far side of town and it seemed like a cool thing to visit (hmm are we really that bored during the weekends now?)  I suppose the city girl in me wants to take a little break from this little concrete jungle.  I hope they sell some good vegetables!  Otherwise, I can still say I made the trek and saw the farm!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend (and happy Mother's Day to dear friends that are moms!)

FFF - Ann Taylor Friends & Family and Craigslist shopping

Happy Fun Free Friday lovelies!

Online Discounts
I have a soft spot for pink and also think Kate Hudson is adorable.  I saw this dress and was smitten - it is such a summery shade and a fun look on an office staple (for me at least!)  This is at the top of my shopping list now (though sold out in my size online, arch!) and everything at Ann Taylor is 40% off with code FRIENDS during its Friends & Family discount.  Yes Ann Taylor, I will be your friend!

Deconstructed sheath dress, Ann Taylor, $88.80 after discount

I'm also thinking of picking up this lace t-shirt and this silk and cotton caftan.  How perfect for spring/summer nights (also I do have a slight obsession with lace I can actually wear to the office too!)

Save!
- Go to Mr. Rebates first and get cash back your entire purchase!  Here is my invite if you need it!

Otherwise, this weekend...

...I am doing a little furniture shopping via Craigslist.  I just bought an IKEA voucher at a slight discount (we need shelves anyway!) and I'm looking at someone's kitchen cart tomorrow.  I haven't bought that much off of Craigslist but am fascinated by all the cool things people sell.  It helps that people are constantly moving in and out of the city, so there are some goodies to be found!  Have you found anything good via this uber popular personal sales site?

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF - Share the Love with Zoya - new accounts get a free nail polish and moving days

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Online Discounts
You've heard me talk about Zoya before (especially during their annual free nail polish promotion!)  If you still haven't tried them and want to try a nail polish brand that is free of lots of "I don't need this on my body" chemicals like formaldehyde, now is a great time to spread the word!  Existing Zoya customers are part of the "Share the Love" program and can share products with their friends and get points for discounts.  New devotees that sign up with a shared link will automatically get a coupon for 1 free bottle of nail polish.  I love a win-win situation and it's even better when it involves fabulous color!
I've been thinking about a few new colors for my collection and these beautiful, bright shades are on the top of my list.  I especially love the blue and green shimmer of Charla!  The links below are Share the Love links so you get a free bottle of nail polish if you register with the link!

Wednesday

Paz

Charla 

Pippa 

Maya

Otherwise this weekend, I am...
...moving!  Luckily we are moving from one building to another building within our complex.  But there is still lots of final cleaning and packing to be done (groan).  We get the keys for the new place this weekend and the movers are coming Sunday (as much as I'd like to pretend, I can't possibly move the couch, table and TV!) My husband is actually more excited than I am!   I'm sure the unpacking will take a while as well, but it will still be pretty fun to have more than 400 extra feet and a new room!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF/Fun {Art} Finds - Smile (Word as Art) and houseboat trips in Kerala

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies and happy Easter to those who celebrate (mmm Cadbury eggs!)

Fun Finds
Art can be created from the most simple objects and mediums.  I love how words and quotes are becoming pieces of art themselves.  I came across Ji Lee's work - Word as Image - and loved the clever manipulation of letters becoming the images they represent.
Here are a few favorite pieces:

{Source}

Otherwise this weekend...
...I am going to attend a wedding in Kerala in South India.  Back to back weekends of travel is a little crazy  (especially when I have to pack all next weekend!)  I am getting a little exhausted by it too.  But of course we travel for good reasons.  I'm also looking forward to seeing a few friends from school and relax on a houseboat and not have to worry about anything for a few days!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF - Tablet Travel Magazine and Unexpected Trips

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Travel Guide
You already know that I take a lot of trips - I just can't seem to stay in one place!  Well I remember signing up for Tablet hotels emails a while ago and liked their selection of unique, but still reasonably priced hotels.  It is cool that they have gone further and created a carefully curated online magazine as well.  Oh how the New Orleans article makes me miss the city (mmm beignets and poh boys!)

Image via Rodney Smith

This weekend I am...

...off to Taiwan!  My family is visiting the area so we decided to meet up there.  I am looking forward to street markets with fried chicken, cool bubble tea with mini tapioca pearls, and simple, but satisfying sesame noodles (seriously they are so addictive!)  I really needed a break so jetted off earlier this week.  It is a good time for reflection too because I'm having a mini quarter life (ok slightly above quarter life) crisis as I contemplate next moves in my professional life.  I'm just thankful that my savings allow me to travel the world and take time off when needed.  I'll be back soon!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a lovely week!

FFF/Fun Finds: Peeps Vases from CB2 (for under $2!) and Moving Prep

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Fun Finds
I'm endlessly fascinated by all the fun possibilities in decor.  While crystal vases are still timeless and elegant, there is a great range of options for a casual, modern display of beautiful, fresh flowers.  I also love how the knobs on the sides are like little arms reaching out for a nice hug!  Sigh, too cute!

Peeps Vases, CB2, $1.95 (on sale!)

Otherwise this weekend, I am...
...starting to clean up our apartment and prepare for our move next month.  We are moving to a bigger apartment in the same complex next month!  It is really exciting to go to a new and larger space (yay for more storage space!) but we will miss our cozy apartment.  It was the first home that we built together as a married couple (we aren't counting graduate school housing because we didn't decorate and were only there for a few months).  Of course we have fond memories here and it signified not just a home, but a start of a new life for us in Asia. It looks like we will be here for a bit and we are excited about the move to a larger place - it also means we are preparing for bigger things in life too!  But in the meantime, it is time to start packing!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Fun Finds/FFF - La Vie Est Belle print and being part of the in (pizza) crowd

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!


Fun Finds
I love having inspiration around me and this art print - La Vie Est Belle - reminds me to appreciate the beautiful things in my life.  Life isn't always what we expect it to be, but there are certain parts of it that are undeniably lovely.  So yes, this would be great inspiration to have by me every day!

Otherwise this weekend I am...
...going to Mozza pizzeria with a few friends.  I ♥ pizza and I especially love the pizza at Mozza - the crust is perfect and the sausage and leek pizza is a savory, splendid bite of hearty flavor and crunchy goodness.  Apparently everyone else loves the restaurant too so it is perpetually packed and hard to get a table.  A friend happened to call this week and snagged a table for us so of course we are happy to 


What are you doing this weekend?


Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF - L'Odyssée de Cartier and Reinstating Weekend Rituals

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Fun Campaigns
Cartier is an undeniably iconic jewelry brand.  Ahh yes to have a Love bracelet some day would be pretty lovely!  They released this film showing some of their most famous pieces in a journey through China, Russia, and France.  It is pretty amazing how some companies create mini movies now!  I also love to see jewelry in action.  Check it out with this link via Martha Stewart Weddings - L'Odyssée de Cartier.

Otherwise this weekend I am...

...doing a few things we used to do most weekends.  I am still trying to teach the husband how to swim (his freestyle is much better now!) and we have missed going to our favorite fishmonger so we will see him again this weekend.  We will of course catch up with a few friends for a few meals.  But I'm mainly happy to be getting back to a little bit of a routine until the next set of travels in a few weeks!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Fun Finds/FFF: Exclamation Vase and Baby visits

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Fun Finds
Make a statement (hmm figuratively and literally!) with the Exclamation vase from CB2.  Isn't it just too fun?  I can definitely see some bright colored tulips peeking out of this vase in the spring.

Exclamation Vase, CB2, $2.95

Otherwise this weekend, I am...
...visiting a few friends that have recently given birth in the last few weeks.  My friends are definitely entering the era of babies.  Hmm and what kind of gift does one bring for a new baby if the new baby may already have lots of toys and such?

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

FFF - NYFW Autumn/Winter 2012 and Spontaneous Trips

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

NYFW Autumn/Winter 2012
Who else loves to check out runway photos this time of year?  Oh to be back home in NYC at this time would be lovely!  But the internet and the increasing digital broadcasts of catwalks has really made fashion so much more accessible.  I'll only post about a few shows, but I love that I have the ability to very quickly view all of the looks in a designer's collection within a day and without having attended the show (though I'd love to some day!)  It is about living the fashion fantasy.
What designer epitomizes fantasy and luxury more than Marchesa?  The fabrics and styles are always boldly beautiful.  It was of course pure loveliness to see all the lace and tulle (two favorites of course!)

{Source}

Check out photos from Marchesa and other shows here.

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...going to Chiang Mai on a spontaneous trip!  I am not spontaneous at all.  But a few friends told us they were going to Chiang Mai and my husband turned to me and said, "We should go too - why not?"  So I have to hurriedly pack and research what to do/where to go.  But it should be fun!  How many times will I be able to pick up and go on a random trip right?  Of course I will take as many pictures as I can!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!