Ronald Mcdonald

I have a confession to make. I'm addicted...to RED JEANS

Send me to Colored Denim Anonymous, please!?

The other day over dinner i told my stepmom about my new obsession. Her response: "oh wow..."

*sigh* exactly what I expect. 

But enough is enough with caring what other people think! Isn't that what fashion is all about? So I took my butt down to the nearest mall and purchased a gorgeous pair of J Brand "Shockingly Pink" jeans!

I'm in love. <3 <3 <3 <3 

The only problem is, what do you wear with shocking red pants!?

Any suggestions? What do you think of red jeans? Love it or leave it?

Girl Crush of the Week

Every girl, whether you are into fashion or not, has a girl crush. Don't deny it...we all know its true. That one girl (model, actress, singer, or even some girl in your morning lecture) whose style and attitude is just enviable. 

Mine seems to change every week...

This week it is the always gorgeous Anne Hathaway!

Love love love her

"I look my best after an entire hair and makeup team has spent hours perfecting me. When do I feel my best? When I haven't looked in a mirror for days, and I'm doing things that make me happy." -Anne Hathaway

I have always loved Anne. Growing up movies like The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada were some of my favorites. In both movies she showed that you could be beautiful and smart! I think she is one of few actresses in our time that has it all, brains, beauty and talent! (I can't wait to see her in One Day!)


Yesterday being stuck inside because of Irene I couldn't turn away from the marathon of The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo (I officially have to meet her someday). In one episode they had lunch with Anne and she was as adorable as you would imagine. So personable and fun and GORGEOUS!!


So today I grace you with some of my favorite pictures of Ms. Hathaway!

Everyday Anne even looks amazing

Might be my favorite picture of her ever

I think she is truly flawless and always classy. So for this week I obsess over Anne and all of her gorgeous, talented glory! Who knows who next weeks girl crush will be...

Whose your girl crush for the week (life/month/day)? Do you like Ms. Hathaway?

Spring Flowers in the Fall?

Another fad Friday is upon us! That also means another weekend! Although with Irene rearing her ugly head up the coast I don't know how much of a weekend I will be having...

Now in order to off-set this gray weather we are going to be having this week's trend is...Floral Print!

 These days you can't flip through a fashion or gossip magazine without seeing some sort of floral print on display. Whether it be a random model gracing the pages or a reality TV socialite (who somehow is considered "famous"), no matter their personality, it seems everyone is wearing floral this summer.

 Now I have never considered myself a girly girl, however I can't shake this recent obsession with all things floral print! I love it and I know this is going to be one trend I will never get sick of. It all started with this skirt (below) that I bought at forever 21 before jetting off to Italy

I wore it constantly with many different tops. From jet black American Apparel leotards to ruffled white tank tops. It might be my favorite item I bought this summer...

I love the thought of pairing some of my more intense clothing (leather jackets, combat boots...) with a soft floral print to offset it. Its a perfect mix of my different personalities!

Now onto some floral items I have found recently and can't help but drool over. 


1) Forever 21 Leatherette Ankle Boots- $24.80

Could these be anymore perfect!? Leather + Floral Print = a very happy Carly

2) Urban Outfitters Ricky Business Sunglasses-$10.00

Different color floral print then the one's on the website...urban outfitters doesn't let you save photos

3) Marc By Marc Jacobs Lou Lou Floral Dress- $398

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think I just died and went to Marc heaven <3

I personally believe that the fall weather calls for bright floral prints to keep everyone in a good mood!
So what do you think? Floral print done after the hot summer nights end or can I bring these beautiful pieces into the New England fall?

Red Hot

Red Hot by cfeldman featuring stud earrings

Boredom has gotten the best of me on this rainy day. I have discovered the wonder that is Polyvore.

Highly suggest everyone make an account on there and start creating their own "sets". I haven't been this fascinated by a website since the day I got a facebook...I could spend days on this site. It allows you to create sets of your dream outfits and tells you where you can buy the pieces...its so dangerous and so wonderful at the same time.

I NEED this outfit. I love red bottoms, shorts, skirts, pants, you name them I love them! My favorite part of the outfit however is the top which i Have now ordered for myself from Dressrail.com :) Although I have to admit after looking at it for a while I'm not sure I love the blazer with the outfit anymore...thoughts?


Heres to hoping the sun comes out so I can actually wear a cute outfit out the door today!

Not the Bride but Still Blushing

Today I have my stepsister's bridal shower at a restaurant downtown. Usually I am the queen of procrastination except for when it comes to picking out outfits.

I love going through my closet days in advance and finding items I forgot I had. It makes wearing them even more exciting! 


However, after being in New Jersey for the past couple of days I completely lost track of time and didn't pick out an outfit for Ashley's bridal shower till (horror) the day before!!!!


Luckily, after a mild panic attack (very mild) my sister and stepmom came in and choose the perfect outfit, that I completely forgot I owned! 

Sorry for using photobooth...I'm new at this.

Dress: Urban Outfitters. Cardigan: Target ("borrowed" from mom). Wedges: DSW. Bag: Melie Bianco. Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs wish bone, Fendi id tag, and Keychain from Florence (all bought in Italy). Watch: Michael Kors. Bracelet: Marc by Marc Jacobs (birthday gift from best friends)


Very happy to report that I love this outfit! Always so exciting when you go from panic and hating everything to loving everything!

Have you ever had an outfit panic attack? What about? What would you wear to a bridal shower?  

First Fad Friday!

Fridays equal Fad day at Kiss to Send Us Off. 

This means that every Friday I will be discussing a new clothing, accessory, etc trend! Yay trends!!

So for the very first Fad Friday lets talk about Jumpsuits

Lovely, fun new trend or gas station attendant?

Now when I think of jumpsuits (and I mean pants with a top attached..not rompers) I usually picture the old man with a beer belly named Bob working at the local Exon station...

Although he does look absolutely adorable. It isn't exactly the look I'm going for on a night out on the town. While in Italy this summer I noticed a lot of women rocking the denim jumpsuits around town. Although I couldn't help but think they looked ridiculous these women had a confidence about them that made me think twice. They not only looked trendy and cute but comfortable! What a concept!

Lately, jumpsuits have been popping up everywhere. Especially on celebrities out on the town in the heat of summer. Even though the summer is ending I am fully prepared to buy my first jumpsuit and bring this trend into the New England fall.

So here we go....splurge or save? These are the jumpsuits I can see myself rocking to the bars this fall.

1. Young, Fabulous and Broke Strapless Denim Jumpsuit- $163.99

or

2. Forever 21 Halter Jumpsuit - $24.80

I like them both a lot but I can't make up my mind! I don't want anything too in your face. I believe if your going to wear so much fabric it should be a solid color that you can play up with a lot of fun accessories.

So here I go...which one do you think I should pick? Be honest! 

Also, what do you think of the jumpsuit trend? Do you think you could rock one or not for you?

The Garden State

Well I'm off to New Jersey in the morning to hang with some of my favorite people ever! Couldn't be more excited!

Freshmen year <3 Love them

I think everyone has a different idea of what is most important staples to have when traveling. After spending a month in Italy followed by 10 days of traveling around with my madre, I have learned that a sacrificing packing less might actually be a better idea. My arm might as well have fallen off from pulling that suitcase around the European train stations. So I have decided to pick some travel essential pieces.

Oh if only I could be like the flawless girls at Wildfox and pack these beautiful clothes!

<3

1.  A good pair of jean shorts- obviously in warm weather preferably...but one good pair can go a very long way with almost any kind of top.

2.  Night to daytime tops- when traveling you never know where the day could take you so it is always important to have tops that can be appropriate for daytime and night time. That way if you don't have time to run back to your room you can go from exploring the town all day to a long dinner that night without feeling inappropriately dressed.

3. Comfortable shoes- this could mean comfy heels (wedges are the best), sandals that you know won't give you blisters, or even some cool sneakers (like these awesome nikes!)

 4. One high-waisted skirt- even if you don't love the look of a high waisted skirt, they can still be an important staple piece. You can wear them with a tank top, v neck, blouse etc tucked in or not! Doesn't matter! These skirts work with everything. Perfect for traveling/busy days!

and finally...

5. One stylish sweater-as we all know you can never get a perfect weather prediction when traveling. Therefore, a good sweater is a very important travel staple. Make sure its something not too big so you can carry it in your bag for when it gets suddenly cold or overcast whereever you are and throw it on. Also something that will go with almost any outfit. A neutral colored comfy sweater is a very important piece of clothing every girl should own! 

And there you have it! The 5 most important pieces to travel with! Hope this helps anyone who struggles with over packing. Trust me, coming from someone who openly admits to being a very bad over packer....just call me Kimora Lee Simmons with her 15 Louis Vuitton suitcases...

that giant green monster and that blue stripped bag aren't even enough for me...

Curves in all the right places

In my free time since Italy I have discovered some very interesting tv shows. One (fortunately only watched it once and won't be watching it again) is a show on Style called Big Rich Texas. 

One of the lovely ladies on the show wanted to go back to being a model like she was when she was 18-26. She was now in her 40s. She met with an agent who proccedded to tell her that at a size 4 (4!!!) she was considered a plus size model. 

In case your as shocked as I am let me say it again, size 4 = PLUS SIZE MODEL!

Whitney Cycle ten winner of America's Next Top Model and PLUS SIZE MODEL?

 
Now as a girl who has struggled with her weight her entire life this did not make me happy...to say the least. I have spent the last two years working my a** off to be a better me. Let me tell you I feel great! Working out and eating better really does help out with confidence etc. However, I am doing it for me. Not for what the general public says is the right size.

I am naturally very curvy. I have big boobs, big hips, a curvy stomach and long legs. For the first time in my life I am not afraid of my curves. 

So I am dedicating today's post to my favorite curvy women!

1) Christina Hendricks- who doesn't look at this women and think beautiful?? 

2) Sofia Vergara- I absolutely love her, especially now that I've started watching Modern Family. On top of her amazing curves and confidence she has a great sense of humor!

  3) Beyonce- I'm not a huge fan of her music but her confidence and "women can do anything" attitude is pretty awesome. Not to mention her curves kick all those size 0 girls butts!

4) finally I want to praise Italian and Australian Vogue for recently putting "plus size" models in their magazines! These women look gorgeous and curvy!

Basically, I am sick of seeing these stick skinny girls representing the clothes being sold to me. I am not a stick by any means and I will never be a size 2...but I'm ok with that. 
I'm waiting for the day I can flip through a magazine and see girls of average size representing the fashion I admire so much. 

Here's to hoping....

A good book on your shelf is a friend that turns its back on you and remains a friend. ~Author Unknown

In hopes that I actually keep this blog up to date the way I want to I've decided to dedicate one quote that I like to each post. I do not necessarily follow/believe what every quotes says. Some I might just think are funny but either way I'm going to do it. Onto my post for the day!

This past weekend the entire family (and I mean all 10 of us...) ventured to our house in Dewey Beach to celebrate my dad's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!).

With a family as big as mine it is really overwhelming to have weekend trips such as this one. As much as sometimes I dread them because of the inevitable disagreements and moments of tension I am so happy to be here with them. They really know how to bring me down to earth and remind me whats most important in life.

my sister Amanda, me and My dad at my homecoming senior year

For my beach reading this year I'm trying to be a more "mature" reader. Take that whatever way you want but in my eyes that means books where the characters are not still in high school and the plot revolves around whether or not they get asked to prom....

At 21 years old I figure its time to educate myself and read books that will actually make me think, not melt my brain cells.
So I got a kindle! :)



My book list so far consists of:

1) Dork Whore by Iris Bahr

2) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner

3) Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

4) If you have to cry go outside by Kelly Cutrone

5) Bossypants by Tina Fey

6) The Help by Kathryn Stockett

...so far so good I think! I finished up Dork Whore and Certain Girls within the week (what happens when you have too much time on your hands) and I have now moved onto If you have to cry go outside by Kelly Cutrone. Any girl who isn't sure what she wants to do or how to get there I highly suggest this book. For those of you who didn't spend high school viewing Ms. Cutrone kicking butt on The Hills then you should know...shes tough...

This book is like getting a kick in the rear end from your future boss who loves you and wants whats best for you but isn't afraid to tell you you're stupid and get out of her office. I LOVEEE her!


I think there is nothing better then a book that makes you think. This book has the wheels turning for me. Everytime I pick it up I know I'm going to learn something new and I'm actually excited about it! Once again, highly suggested!

Are there any books that really make you think? Any books you would suggest for my more "mature" reading?

Might have taken that vacation a bit too seriously

As a newbie in the blogger world, I really shouldn't be taking breaks as long as 10 days...but I was on vacation and spending 9 euros (!) on internet seemed a little bit ridiculous.

But I'm BACK and ready to get this thing kicking again!

The last 10 days were spent actually discovering Italy for what most people know it for. Me, Kristina, my mom, her boyfriend Tim and my sister Amanda traveled to Positano, Florence, Milan and CinqueTerre.



All of them absolutely gorgeous but very different from one another.
I am forever grateful to my mom for giving me the amazing opportunity to see other parts of Italy after already being there for a month. This study abroad trip would have been a complete bust without her.

What did the last 10 days consist of? Let me sum it up for you? (otherwise this blog would be the longest in history)

train strike, private cars, curvy cliffs, amazing sea bass, stray dogs that my mom feeds one too many biscuits, gelato, gelato, gelato, gloomy weather, tourist zip-ups even though we swore we wouldn't be caught dead in them, lemons everywhere, hiking, creepy guys trying to sell leather jackets, buying leather jackets, buying one-to-many string bracelets, searching for the perfect rings and finding them, not getting stared at everywhere we go, Italian train stations, scary homeless men, I <3 milano/firenze/ positano shirts, hotel busboys, heated towel racks that you don't know are heated till you burn yourself on it, amazing views, of lifeguards at the pool..., some tense moments with the fam (one too many days together can do that) and finally plenty of laughs with my best friend, who most definitely kept me sane this vacation (thank you a million Kristina, I couldn't have done it without you)




Although Kristina and I loved every minute of our 10-day vacation with my mom, we were definitely ready to come home.
Some things we missed desperately:
1) dunkin donuts iced coffee with actual ice cubes in it
2) beds that aren't twin beds
3) real laundry machines, not buckets in our friends sink and a basin...
4) english speaking waiters and waitresses
5) breakfast that doesn't involve every pastry ever created
and finally 6) restaurants that serve food other than Italian food

This may me sound ungrateful but I promise you I couldn't be happier that I got to experience such an amazing month in Italy. I will never forget any of the people I met or the places I went.



Now onto transitioning back into life at home.

I am still feeling pretty jetlagged...hence why it took me 4 days to actually sit down and blog this. Kristina and I spent our first 48 hours back in the U.S. doing/eatng (mostly eating) everything we had truly missed while overseas.
This includes:



1) Dunkin donuts breakfast sandwiches and iced coffee (felt like every morning at URI)
2) watching all the episodes of Pretty Little Liars we had missed
3) CALIFORNIA TORTILLA BURRITOS! (I, proudly, introduced Kristina to the bbq chicken ranch burrito at Cal-tor. May not be the best thing to eat after feeling like a thousands lbs of pasta are just chilling in your stomach but when your craving mexican for a month..you get it!)
4) Real housewives of New Jersey (not ashamed of my love of this crazy jersey women)
5) visited my sister Jodi with her puppy Teddy (isn't actually a puppy at all considering he could take me down if he wanted to)
6) fish dinner with my stepmom and dad (homemade meal!)
7) more dunkin the next morning (helps with jetlag, I swear)
8) bagels with flavored cream cheese (YUM YUM YUMMMM)
9) sweetgreen salads (finally having salads that have all the toppings we want)
then Kristina and I had to part for the first time in over a month :( but don't you fret its only for about 12 days then I head to Jersey to go to Seaside with her and some other biddies from URI :)

I love being home but the part of summer I'm really excited for is getting ready to go back to school and move into our house in Bonnet! I need to be back in the land of Charlie O's, Tidal waves, Iggys clam chowder, and my wonderful beautiful Rampack girls <3


well that was a lot of listing for one blog post...can you tell I'm too tired to function?
time for me to go back to sleep....