BONOBOS

“Fit is the most important detail for a suit. Marry that with classic color options and quality fabric, and you have a great looking, versatile suit for every occasion,” says Dwight Fenton, Bonobos VP of Design.

We all have men in our life, be it our dad, best friend, boyfriend, brother, etc. Well for me, one of the most special guys in my life is also one of the most stylish. But seriously, my dad and his wardrobe just can not be beat. He's always wearing some new pastel color chino pant, with new Sperries or Jack Purcells, and a seersucker blazer, with a button down that has embroidered watermelons. No, I'm not joking. We get boxes delivered to my house daily either from Gilt or his personal favorite, Gant, and he gets home, opens them and says "It's like Christmas morning!". Yep, that's my dad for you. He takes preppy to a whole new level, and I have to say he does a great job. 

So, when the guys at Bonobos contacted me I was so intrigued! The first thing I did was run to my dad to ask him if he had anything from them, and then we perused their site for a good amount of time.  I think it's safe to say that I know where I'll be shopping for my dad from now, and that there will be plenty of boxes arriving to my doorstep that say Bonobos!

Most men continue working during the summer, or have plenty of weddings and other miscellaneous events to attend to, and so it can be very difficult to wear a suit and tie everyday in the hot weather. But with Bonobos' new summer line, they won't just look stylish but they'll also be feeling better in the lighter colors, seersucker prints, and lighter cotton fabric. I'm telling you these guys know their stuff. 

If you need proof, just look at their amazing looks!

Shop Bonobos here
and their summer suit collection here!

WEEKEND LINKS

source unkown

This week has been one to remember. I have literally experienced just abut every emotion there is on the spectrum. From crying, to confusion, to relief, to sheer happiness, I've literally felt it all. But of course, along the way I have learned so many things. I have learned that there is a point where you will have to start letting go, maybe I'm not fully there but I'm definitely closely approaching, I have also been reminded that your friends are your friends for a reason and throughout the good times and bad times they will be there 100% to support you, and lastly everything happens for a reason-and probably for the best. So, now that school is finally out, I can focus on myself, my friends, having fun at the beach next week, the SGG Conference and my super fun travel plans!

Cheers to the weekend :)

-The Always Broken Goddess (read it, it's inspiring)

-The ridiculous new app called "yo"

-A stairs slide? yes please!

-Society Social's 5 tips to starting your own business

-Recently getting back to tumblr!

-J.Crews super great sale

-If you still haven't bought your SGG Conference tickets do it here!

GETTING BACK TO IT

Today is the official last day of school. 

*Insert huge sigh of relief here*

No one ever really goes but I like to just to say goodbye to my teachers, and this year my teachers have been nothing short of wonderful so I owe it to them to have a proper goodbye and what not!

But, everything seems to be slowly falling back into place. Since Sunday I have noticed my self being more chipper and really just more me.  I can't thank my friends enough for just being so supportive and there for me through everything. It's just good to know that when times get rough, who will be there by your side. 

Now that school's out, I will have a lot of time on my hands and I have some very very exciting things to share with you guys soon! In between a 4th of july beach trip, the Smart Girls Group Summit, my road trip and extensive list of college travels, there will be plenty to share I'm sure!

So, heres to the last day of junior year, the last day of stress and worries, and the first day of a new beginning, and a very happy beginning at that :)

CRAVINGS

Lately, I just am always craving something. I think it's the hot weather getting to me!

Here are the things I've been dreaming of the past couple weeks ;)

Ice Cream

Starbucks Iced Tea

Sour Punch Straws

Sushi

I will love anyone who provides any or all of the above to me ;)

heartbreak

image via

"That pain in your stomach, that pain in your heart, it goes away. That voice in your head telling you there's no way out, it's wrong. It gets better"
Unfortunately heart break is a very common thing, and everyone just assumes it wont happen to them- but when it does it hits hard. I normally don't share very personal things on here, but I think this is worth sharing. After my own personal heartbreak, one of my good friends gave me a piece for advice that I can't just let up. He said to me, bad things may happen to you, but they aren't you.

And it's true, when someone walks out of your life all of a sudden, your world is shaken up- and everything is confusing and painful and it's nothing short of difficult to deal with. But, then it just needs to be recognized that obviously that person didn't care about you enough if they didn't want to stick around, but there are plenty of people who do love you unconditionally, and will always be there for you. People can surprise you, with their words and their actions, and may show you that they aren't really who you thought they were, and at the end of the day- it's important to really know that eventually, you will find someone who truly loves you for everything you are and accepts you just the way you are. And when that time comes, you won't have to worry about getting your heartbroken anymore. Until then, some other great advice from the greatest (Hunter), Chin up Buttercup :)

[OUTFIT] OUI MONCHERI

shirt- J.Crew // pants-BDG (similar) // 

sandals- Target // bag- Longchamp //

glasses- Warby Parker

SECRET DRINK MENUS

Starbucks

Mojito Refresher
-Cool lime refresher (hold lime wheels until post-blending)
-Add classic syrup (1 pump tall, 1.5 grande, 2 venti)
-Add peppermint syrup(1/2 pump tall, 1 grande, 1.5 venti)
-Add ice and blend

Fuzzy Peach Tea
-Passion Iced Tea made with half water and half orange mango puree with light ice
-Peach syrup instead of the classic syrup

Swedish Berry Iced Tea
-Iced Passion Tea
-Sub water for Berry Hibiscus Juice
-Add classic syrup (2 pumps tall, 3 pumps grande, 4 pumps venti)
-Add raspberry syrup (1 pump tall, 1.5 grande, 2 venti)
-Add scoop of berries (1/2 scoop for a tall)
-Add 1 lime wheel
-Shake!

Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino
- Double Chocolate Chip Frap
-Add Mocha Syrup( 2 pumps for a tall, 3 grande, 3.5 venti)
-Add Hazelnut Syrup (1 pump tall, 1.5 grande, 2 venti)
-Add hazelnut drizzle
-Top with Whipped Cream



Jamba

Pink Starburst Smoothie
-Lemonade
-Soymilk
-Raspberry Sherbert
-Frozen Yogurt
-Sorbet
-Fresh Strawberries

Red Gummy Bear Smoothie
-6 oz. raspberry juice
-4 oz. soymilk
- 1/2 c. pineapple sherbet
-1/4 c. raspberry sherbet
-1/4 c. orange sherbet
-1/2 c. frozen strawberries
-1/2 c. ice

Skittles Smoothie
-1 c. peach lemonade
-1 scoop lime sherbet
-2 scoops frozen yogurt
-2 scoops of frozen strawberries
-2 scoops of ice

Pacific-Passion
-1 c. passion fruit-mango juice blend
-1 c. pineapple sherbet
-1 c. strawberries
-1/2 c. peaches
-1/2 c. ice

JEEP LIBERTY SPORT

Okay, so when I woke up Saturday morning, the absolute last thing on my mind was "hey, I'm going to get a car today". Well guess what happened on Saturday? I got a car!!!!!

My parents were gone all morning (not unusual since they both go to the gym together every morning and then work), but when they came back and my dad pulled up in a navy blue jeep liberty I was extremely confused. And when I found out it was all mine, it was one of the happiest moments I have ever had. I can't thank my dad enough for doing this for me. I still don't even have my license (let alone my permit since i have been totally putting it off) but now I have a reason to get on it!

Yes, it's a used car- but just like my parents, I wouldn't trust myself with a brand new car as a teenager! I love the car so much, and I can't wait to get it spruced up a bit, and give it the Anna touch ;)

I'm going to definitely do a post in the next couple days with some ideas on how to decorate it (i.e new spare tire cover for the back, steering wheel cover, rearview decor, etc)

Any suggestions?

[Let's Talk] ASHLEY BROOKE

Hey everyone! Happy Monday!

I'd like to introduce a new series I am starting on my blog, called Let's Talk.

It's pretty simple, I feature a blogger, photographer, designer, and anyone in between, and ask them a few questions. The reason I am so excited, is because I have the perfect (and awesome) lady to kick it off. If you are someone who is on Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter, and reads blogs, you have definitely seen the sassy and cute mugs of Ashley Brooke Designs. Her products are adorable and practical, and I'm pretty much 100% sure I need everything in her store ;)

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What inspired you to start Ashley Brooke Designs?

Honestly, it was an idea that was birthed out of necessity. I was laid off from my fancy interior design job when the market crashed and just decided that I need to do something and do something fast. No one was hiring for ANYTHING, so I decided to do my best to take control of the situation and start something. I put all my skills together with the resources I had and Ashley Brooke Designs was born. It’s been pretty crazy.

I didn’t have a business plan or an outline, I just asked a bazillion questions to anyone who would listen to me, read every business book I could get my hands on and hustled. I worked really hard and made lots of mistakes but every once in a while I would have a success and that is what kept me going. I have a fairly persistent personality, so I focused all my energy on that.

What did you major in in college?

I attended UCF Business School from 2005 to 2008, and also attended Seminole State College of Florida during the same period. I graduated from Seminole State College with an Associate of Science in interior design.

Is this your dream job?

Um, I love my job… but, I’m pretty sure I would really love Kelly Ripa’s job. Seriously, I can drink coffee and chat at 9 a.m. any day of the week!!

When did you know you wanted to start your own business?

My family is amazing, and lucky for me I grew up with parents who were and are still today successful, creative entrepreneurs. My parents run a high-end photography company, so I pretty much grew up in their studio playing with old negatives and watercolors… so I guess you could say I was destined to be some sort of entrepreneur--I didn’t really know there was any other option.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?

My style is preppy, girly, and classic… I don’t like to be any one of those things… I like when all three come together! Like a tutu and an oxford… the perfect match!

How would you describe your personality in 3 words?

Oh gosh… I don’t know! Loyal, generous, & always ready for a party! (Consider that one word!!)

Where is your favorite place to shop?

Oh gosh--so many! But I really love J. Crew (obviously, who doesn’t!?), Nordstrom, Annie Griffin, Lilly Pulitzer, GAP, Nine West (why are their 4” heels so comfy?!?!??), and Ann Taylor.

Favorite phone app and website?

I love PhotoGene. I edit most of my photographs on that app!

And I really like http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com! I love to cook and entertain, and so far I haven’t met one of their recipes I didn’t like!!

Where do you get your inspiration?

Truly? My everyday life. My life in general is a bit crazy, and so the sassiness and the touch of girly-snark just comes out and I realize, “Gosh! That would be cute on a mug!” I have stopped designing for what I think my clients might like and I’ve started designing for myself and things that I need… like a Happy Thoughts notepad!

What do you see for the future of Ashley Brooke Designs?

Oh wow! Well, a lady does not spill her secrets! What I can tell you? The next few years are looking very bright and very sassy!!

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Shop her adorable products here!

And stay tuned for [Let's Talk] in the upcoming weeks :)

WEEKEND LINKS

For some reason, it just felt like this week would never end! But....it did, thank goodness. Next week my final exams start, so this weekend will be full of studying (preferably poolside), and with Jay's help I'm gonna ace my History exam! But studying aside, I have to spend the other part of my weekend working, hopefully fitting in some Starbucks runs and quality time with my fav (Jay of course). Stay tuned for some super exciting things coming upon the blog, like a new series I'm introducing on Monday! You won't wanna miss it :)

- this super inspiring post by Connie about her freshman year in college

- download Carly's (from TCP) app!

- I've really been working on growing my Twitter, just started it up last week!

-Stay tuned for the cutest workout clothes you'll ever find!

- Super jealous of Sloane for going to the Lanvin show!! read about it here

-Can I get this mug, please?!

- And I can't wait to get started as the new Collaboration Editor for The Smart Girls Group!

SUMMER TRAVELS

I'm super excited to do some traveling this summer. Although it won't be overseas, a good ol' fashioned road trip sounds just as fun as anything else ;)

My family will slowly make our way down to Florida from Jersey, so there will be many stops along the way, including some college visits for yours truly.

Here are a list of places I'm very excited on visiting, and let me know if you have any suggestions on where to eat/play/shop! Every week up until I go I will do a feature on each place with all the places I will be stopping in during my stay! It should be fun!

Philadelphia, PA

Washington D.C, MD

Richmond, VA

Raleigh, NC

Charlotte, NC

Wilmington, NC

Charleston, SC

Savannah, GA

Jacksonville, FL

Orlando, FL

MADEWELL LOVIN'

I recently popped into Madewell when I was at the mall, and I couldn't help but notice how many cute things they had in stock. Of course they never disappoint, but right now they are killing-it (if I do say so myself). Here are the things topping my wish list, take a look and let me know what you think! Which should I get?

SMART GIRLS GROUP

I have been writing for the Smart Girls Group for a few months now, and I have been enjoying every minute of it. I write for the Loop, which is their blog, and specifically in the High School Column. 

The articles I've written so far include one about blogging in high school, and how to get ready for senior year (not posted yet). I really hope you guys read/enjoy them!

The Smart Girls Group works to empower girls all over, and is such a great network of girls who are all amazing in their own way. The Group grows every day, and is introducing some new great things soon!

I'm proud to announce that I am the new Collaboration Editor for SGG, and I'm so excited to get to work :)

I encourage you all to join if you aren't a member already, and to read up on their mission. 

Also, even if you're not a member, hurry up and buy your ticket to the Smart Girls Summit in NYC this July!!!!

Magazine

Loop

INSTA RECAP

This past weekend was pretty great. Of course there was something missing (aka Jay), but Sunday was one of the best days I've had in a while. My mom and I took the day to spend time together, and I had so much fun! In the morning I had to film a spanish project with some friends, and then afterwards my mom met me in town and we went out for a sushi lunch, got our nails done, and had ice cream. 

Pretty much perfect!

I hope you all enjoy these instagrams from the past week or so, I've been putting more effort into my pictures and I really like how it is turning out! 

Follow along here