College grad necessities

College grad necessities by lauriekayhenry featuring a feather bracelet

Congratulations to all the college grads and soon to be grads! If you have a grad that is headed into the "real world," prepare them for the workplace with some awesome Kate Spade must-haves for a stylish, classy and confident lady. After all, now is the time to really become a grown up. If you invest in classic pieces, the will take you far into the future. A strong watch that incorporates gold and silver can always be worn with anything. Beautiful bangles in mixed metals also go with anything and can become your signature style, as well as a sophisticated nail color and perfume. I love dark blue-it's sophisticated and edgy. Kate Spade's new scent is so fun and flirty, it just reminds me of sunshine and summer. Having a pair of studs to go with anything is an awesome staple. I wear mine constantly. Going in to the work place, you'll probably be toting work stuff, workout gear, lunch and maybe even a change of clothes to grab dinner out with friends sometimes. A big stylish tote is a must. It's so great to have something you don't want to use as a purse but as a catch-all. With Kate Spade, you can easily find coordinating patterns or colors to match your everyday purse to. Having a clutch for special occasions is a must too because in this time in your life, you're meeting friends or co-workers for drinks, going to a party or even weddings. A metallic clutch in a nice shape is versatile and will match or punch up any outfit for any occasion that calls for a clutch. 

Happy Trails, graduates! -Laurie

NYC Street Fashion

Chic Women's NYC street fashion by lauriekayhenry featuring a celine boston bag

It is the post you have all been waiting for!! What are people in NYC wearing? Answer. Everything. I haven't gotten brave enough to start photographing stylish New Yorkers so here are a few boards of inspiration. Above is the more polished look I have seen on women. I have seen more ankle boots in NYC than ever before. And I haven't seen many people wearing them in a bad way. Lots of leggings too. Sometimes those are bad but not too often. Boots, jackets and scarfs are still being worn during the cool spring days. I'm sure the temperatures are much warmer down south...

Polished NYC Lad by lauriekayhenry on Polyvore

With a larger urban environment comes a more chic man. I am seeing lots of slim fit suit pants, high hems and bold socks. The pink polka-dot item above is an example of socks destine to peep out from under the high hems. Super fun. Lots of long sleek shoes as well as a few pocket squares here and there. And don't forget the man-purse. Necessary for the man about town.

Casual NYC Lady by lauriekayhenry featuring round frame sunglasses

Finally, the casual girl. Again, leggings and ankle boots. I'm telling you, all over town I see this. And quirky sunglasses are also all over the place. I have some myself. Makes me feel pretty hip. No big deal.

As the temperatures rise and the rain subsides I'm sure attire will adapt. I will share again when changes occur. Until then, be bold like these city folk and introduce some eclectic, unique items into your wardrobe.

-Alison

Tasty Tuesday: Sweet Vinaigrette

I bring you a salad dressing that will amp up your spring and summer salads. My mom and husband have said they would like to drink it and I have to agree. If you like vinaigrettes, you'll love this. It has a Moroccan flavoring with the curry and turmeric, making it a little exotic and delicious with a myriad of veggies and even some fruit. I recommend using a mix of lettuces with some in-season fresh veggies. I tossed in pineapple and grapes along with some bell pepper and asparagus. Fresh corn would be nice, or strawberries. Play around with whatever you like in a salad. 

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup white wine vinegar

1/2 cup grape seed oil

1/3 cup local honey

1 Tablespoon spicy mustard

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon garlic salt

salt and pepper to taste

Start with the oil, vinegar and honey and add in spices. You can change to your taste preference as you go. Shake vigorously and enjoy! -Laurie

Lion Birthday

This past weekend was my mom's birthday. So she and my dad came to visit along with some friends. We had a blast having a girls' morning by going to a healing, relaxing salt cave down the road from my house. The experience was so cool even though the men were skeptic. We relaxed for 45 minutes in zero gravity chairs in a cave filled with Himalayan pink salt. We both fell asleep, were breathing better, and felt like we had just come out of a massage. We went from the salt cave to a blowout bar and got pampered there as well. Blowout bars are such a great idea when you just want a little something different than a mani/pedi.

I made dinner that night for everyone and we were off to see The Lion King here at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. It had been a while since I had seen it and was mesmerized by the beauty and artfulness of the show once again. 

Happy Birthday, Mom!

-Laurie

Dorm Home

Dorm Home by lauriekayhenry on Polyvore

As pomp and circumstance rings out across the country for new graduates, those of us who have already moved our tassel to the left think of what to get the grads that will be perfect for their new adventures. It is a time to start over with some fresh decor for the tiny dorm room you want to feel spacious and cozy. While you may be drawn to crazy color combos or sea life, think about making your dorm classy, homey and something you can transition easily with after college. Chances are, you will not love that hot pink comforter after a little while. Invest in a neutral plushy comforter that you can switch up with pillows in the years to come. If you pick neutral, classy pieces now you will thank yourself later. I promise! Find pieces from Target to maximize your storage space. I love the fabric bins that fit into most of their systems. I have several in my closet and they are so handy. Vinyl decals are easy removable additions you can add to make your place feel more like home and just a little funky at the same time!

Congratulations, graduates! Coming soon, we will have a gift guide for college grads transitioning into the "real world." -Laurie