apearlofwisdom

[apearlofwisdom]

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I spent this past week decorating my bookshelf and my favorite piece that I want to draw attention to is the wooden ampersand (&) on the left. The ampersand is clearly a beautiful, versatile character, however, more than that, it reminds me that there is always more to come. It gives us hope that there is not an end and there is always an addition. This particular piece from HomeGoods serves a simple, decorative purpose, but also doubles up as a book end!

I read a quote recently about wanting to touch people non-physically -- potentially with your heart as opposed to with your hands. Writing is one way to bring that concept to life -- whether it be in the form of a song, a love note, a book... I've been spending more time paying attention to the non-physical things that touch me and make me fall in love. #sundaythoughts

A Pearl of Wisdom: Compile all the random decor pieces that don’t “fit” elsewhere in your home and arrange them onto a bookshelf. The random colors and pieces will come together and look better than you could have imagined. 

[apearlofwisdom]

With love, from the Motherland

My journey through previously unvisited parts of India resulted in a collection of items I’ve grown to love. Shopping in India is always a treat not only because of the conversion rates, but also because the colors, patterns and designs are so attractive that they are impossible to resist. Being that I was traveling with a constricted amount of luggage space, I limited myself to only buying small goodies (or at least tried to.) Out of the many small and sweet items I purchased, I have a few favorites:

Incense: One of my Spring 2017 changes is going to be to use less candles and use more incense. Not only are they cheaper, but they are also more effective in diffusing a strong scent. There are an endless array of scents, so you can choose a scent geared towards a specific emotion reaction, whether it be joy, energy, or even just a sense of tranquility. The scents feel less artificial compared to candles and you can easily find an aroma that resonates with you. They also are more customizable in the sense that you can choose what type of incense holder you want to use. You’re able to pair an incense aroma of your choosing with a holder of your choosing, whereas most candles don’t give you that option. Also, seeing the smoke from the incense makes me feel like they are “working,” and consequently has a mental calming effect. These specific incense are from Bombay and have the most delicate French lavender smell. The lotus flower holder is a gentle reminder of prosperity, spirituality, and eternity.

Harem Pants: Sweatpants are always a great option, but what I love about Indian harem pants is the light and loose fabric. You can essentially do anything and complete any task with these pants because they are not constricting or limiting in any way. The airy fabric also makes you feel more free and mobile. These specific pants have a gold foil teardrop print on them and got a ton of compliments and “where’d you get those from?” throughout the trip. The four girls I was traveling with and I ended up getting a pair for ourselves + our friends/family back home. You can say it’s like the Sisterhood of the Traveling (Harem) Pants, but since we each have our own, these babies won’t have to travel far :-P

Handmade Journal: When traveling through Rajasthan, I came across this beautiful medium-sized journal with a cover that was painted with water color. The colors are soft and realistic, and the artwork is of an elephant entering Amer Fort, a famous fort in Jaipur. This image was even more relevant and meaningful after my girlfriends and I took a camel ride up to the top of the fort -- a rare (and somewhat scary) experience! I’ll use this journal for travel adventures in the future, but right now it is looking pretty on my bookshelf.

Bangles: As an Indian female, I have a ton of bangles stacked up in my closet, but what makes these specific bangles different is that they are handmade in Jaipur from lac. Lac is made from crimson red, plant sucking, tiny insects colonizing the branches of certain trees and secreting a natural scarlet resin. This is then mixed with wax to make Lac bangles, a trademark of Jaipur. The color combination is beautiful, and even though they are distinct colors, I plan on wearing them with a variety of different outfits because they are dull enough to not clash.

A Pearl of Wisdom: When you’re on vacation, if you’re debating whether to purchase it or not, and if it’s a reasonable price, always take it! You’ll thank yourself later when you have a collection of items that all have stories behind them. 

[apearlofwisdom]

Happiness is...

...shopping for stationery :) Every time I think my collection of stationery is complete, I visit a new country, discover a local stationery artist, and react like a kid in a candy store. My recent journey throughout India introduced me to Anand Prakash (https://www.anandprakash.com/), a local designer and entrepreneur from New Delhi that creates journals, bookmarks, stationery, and office/home goods out of materials, including gold-plated metal, printed raw silk, Indigo-dyed cotton, etc.

Stationery is my favorite way to keep in touch with friends and family -- whether it’s a holiday greeting card, a vacation postcard, or a pretty piece of paper that I use for a quick note. Taking a few minutes out to write down a thought or two and send it to someone you’re thinking about is the simplest way to make someone smile. At the Anand Prakash airport store, I splurged on a few gold-plated metal bookmarks (they are beautiful and personal), a Indigo-dyed journal, and a set of raw silk notecards. I gifted my mom a gold-plated Gayatri Mantra bookmark and she was ecstatic. These pieces are wonderful to give as gifts for the spirituals and creatives in your life -- they have an Indian charm and are unique. You can purchase these items online, and I’d highly recommend it! Quality is top notch as well.

A Pearl of Wisdom: Letters are better (and more appreciated) than emails. Always.

[apearlofwisdom]

Paris is always a good idea

Once all of the main sights have been checked off your list, the true Paris charm can be explored. Aimlessly spend hours strolling down through the numerous “Rues” & guiltlessly indulge in warm baguettes and hot cappuccinos at the corner cafes. Each of my previous Paris experiences has it’s unique beauty, and my recent 12-hour layover in the City of Lights was just as charming. 

Paris in January is chilly, so it’s necessary to wear a warm trench coat + scarf. I find it easiest to travel with a small cross-body that can be zipped away under your jacket to avoid any stress of pick-pocketers. Unfortunately, we came from India and 90 degree weather, so we had a bit of a struggle adjusting to the cool temperatures and rain... 

Nonetheless, our day had it’s warming moments: 

Croissant, baguettes and cappuccinos at a corner cafe we stumbled upon while wandering the cobblestone streets. We were originally navigating the streets to locate Le Wood, but came across this sweet cafe, Le Voltiguer, and decided to give it a go. Both cafes are located in the area Le Marais, which is the Bohemian part of the city. It’s filled with trendy restaurants, cafes, and lounges.

Pierre Herme macarons on Champs Elysees. There are no macarons like these macarons, and stopping by the Pierre Herme counter within the larger bookstore is an absolute must. Try the Ginger-Banana macaron; the taste will surprise & delight you :) If only they opened one in America...

Unnecessary, but entirely justified, Longchamp purchases... #WhenInParis

The magnificent Eiffel Tower view from Trocadedo Square. I prefer this view of the tower over the view from the direct grounds as your able to capture the full tower within one frame. You can even have some fun with the picture poses! 

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."

- Earnest Hemingway

A Pearl of Wisdom: Embrace your inner Madeline and carry a bold umbrella while in Paris -- for the obvious purpose of staying dry, and for a splash of color during an impromptu photo opp!

[apearlofwisdom]

You never know who you’ll meet in your dreams...

...so what’s a cute, effortless way to fall asleep? OLD NAVY PAJAMAS (or nightdress, as I was raised to say :-P)  I love buying pajama sets, however, I feel so guilty spending tons of money on them. Old Navy is now my go-to for this (and for lots of other things lately) They have the softest cotton that lasts a lifetime, charming prints, and best of all, they are greatly affordable!

These Old Navy sets are also the perfect thing to throw in your bag for a weekend trip or a vacation or when you’re sharing sleeping space with a few girlfriends or family. You’re cozy, but a “put-together” type cozy.

I prefer to wear shorts to sleep to avoid the pants bunching up throughout the night (yes, I roll around a lot), but I also like wearing long sleeve tops to bed because I get cold easily. It’s an odd combo, but Old Navy gets me!

Old Navy switches their sleep set stock pretty often (which is both the best & the worst), so it seems the latest style is similar to this. $15 for the full set - go check it out! Another great place for PJs: Target.

A Pearl of Wisdom: Make sure you look cute going to sleep, because you never know who you’ll meet in your dreams :)

[apearlofwisdom]

Jewelry ALWAYS Fits!

My seven jewelry dish staples:

1. Monogram necklace: My best friends bought me this gold-plated monogram necklace for my 24th birthday. Not only is it sentimental, but it is also the perfect addition to any outfit when you don't want to accessorize TOO much. It's classy, but also fun and girly. Even though my last name initial is supposed to go in the middle, they know me too well and did my initials in order instead - I swear it flows nicer and looks better :)

2. My gold band ring: My favorite piece of costume jewelry. I wear this piece the least out of the other 6 items I keep in my trinket tray, however, I love keeping it out as an option. When I’m in the mood for something a bit more sassy and bold, I throw on this ring to spruce up my outfit! 

3. Diamond ring: This was the best present I've ever received and it was from my darling mother (a.k.a Pearl). I wear this ring practically every day, and I've received endless comments on it! It mimics the Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger ring, but means a lot more since it was custom made just for me! 

4. BCBG gold cuff: I can wear this cuff everywhere with every outfit! It is extremely versatile and simple enough to throw on daily. It has stonework at the ends, but the color is subtle enough to match with everything.

5. Kate Spade turquoise necklace: I certainly don't wear this necklace everyday, but it's a fun pop of energy when my outfit is a lacking in color.

6. Raw stone necklace: I bought this necklace from a market in Boston. It is hand made and extremely delicate. It shines & shimmers in the sun and makes you feel like a princess! 

7. Kate Spade studs: These are the best earrings I have ever owned! I wear them every single day because they are the perfect mix between gold & crystal, and they are the perfect little round circles! This is easily my most complimented piece of jewelry (after the beautiful ring my mother got me) and I have gotten numerous people in my family to purchase them! You can buy them here. They are appropriately called the New York studs ;)

[apearlofwisdom]

Barista Parlor in Nashville, TN

[apearlofwisdom]

A Little Goes a Long Way

Aaaaand we're back. Back to that not-your-typical-Winter-weather, yet not-quite-Spring, phase once again. It's 55 degrees, the sun is shining and it's too nice outside to continue dressing in your winter gear, yet too cold to whip out that new, super cute swing dress you bought for the first official day of Spring. What I've noticed more and more of (and beginning to love more and more) is the long-sleeve romper. It gives you the ideal amount of warmth against any cold winds, but also exposes just enough skin to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D. This romper style is easy to find and is also perfect for a day-to-night transition. Match it up with your favorite pair of flats or loafers for your day time adventures and then switch into your suede booties for your evening catch-ups. You can even style these rompers with a loose scarf to hold in a little extra warmth. 

My favorite long-sleeve romper out there right now is this Zara skort romper -- it looks like a little chic dress from the front, but is actually the most comfortable, versatile romper in disguise. The print does all the talking for you! Wear this to your Sunday gal pal brunch or your Friday night family dinner - it works in so many different settings!

The Details: ZARA Romper | COLE HAAN Loafers

A Pearl of Wisdom: A little more sleeve goes a loooong way (literally)! A short-sleeve romper may be a bit on the aggressive side with this transition weather, but add on some more inches to that sleeve and you'll be good to go :)

[apearlofwisdom]

When two good things come together...

Here’s my way of merging two passions into a quick little “how-to” guide. Let's explore a few ways to "market" yourself through your clothes taking a few simple rules from the world of content marketing:

1) Build your identity

One vital concept in the world of marketing is building content to support your brand identity. Similar to brand identity, your fashion identity is key. You want to always make sure you have a sense of uniqueness that draws people to your style and inspires people to create their own. This doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to one way of dress, it simply means to incorporate a differentiating aspect into your style. This will make you stand out, keep you top of mind and will also inspire others to build their own “x-factor.” No one can do what you do better than yourself!

2) Match and mix, mix and match

Nowadays, the concept of matching is nonexistent. In marketing, it's important to add a degree of abstractness into your content to make it more engaging and interesting. Uniform and standard content is less eye-catching. Use a unique combination of clothing pieces, whether it’s mixing patterns or textures, to stand out and catch someone's attention.

3) The answer is always in the details 

Paying attention to details in content marketing, such as the headline, body copy, call-to-action, etc., is key. Similarly, paying attention to each accessory you choose to adorn your outfit with is important. Accessories speak louder than clothing and give you a hint of charm. Put a little extra time into the jewelry, clothing and shoes you choose to wear! 

4) Recycle the hits

The taboo associated with rocking a "stellar" outfit twice is unwarranted. When you have something that works, treasure it and re-use it, but with some subtle changes. Whether your pairing it with a different set of shoes, or maybe adding a necklace the next time around, recycling successful outfits is the best way to show your versatility. A black t-shirt dress is great with a blowout + pair of stilettos, but it's also great with a messy ponytail + white high-tops. Figure out a way to re-express yourself with a re-use!

[apearlofwisdom]

Pattern Play

People generally shy away from mixing various patterns and prints to avoid looking like a clown. There is a fine line between chic and clownish when it comes to patterns, so I've outlined my “pattern play checklist” below. As long as you fall within one of the below categories, you're golden: 

1) A neutral colored print (the whites, blushes, beiges + a deep colored print (the dark blues, burgundies, wines, forest greens, dark grays) It’s important to match colors, not prints.

2) Leave sufficient room between your prints. Balance out the printed peices with a few solids. 

3) Mix patterns from the same color family! This is one of my favorites. 

4) Don't be too “matchy matchy.” Be comfortable with being bold. Always remember: matching is not in.

A Pearl of Wisdom: As long as you take some care in selecting the pattern/print mix and don’t look like you got dressed in the dark, you’ll be setting trends! As a double check, make sure you can check off one boxes next to the of the above “rules of thumb,” and you’ll be good to go ;)

[apearlofwisdom]

It’s a Wrap!

My recent outfit of choice involves minimal brain power and maximum comfort. As my work mornings become earlier and earlier, I’ve been looking for any way to cut down my “getting pretty” time. With that being said, I’ve fallen in love with the concept of neutral colored clothing + a BAM scarf. Scarves to a GREAT job of diverting attention away from a basic outfit and towards the in-your-face bundle of material around your neck. I’ve noticed that when I’m in social settings, the first stylistic compliment I’ll receive is always about the scarf. An easy go-to when you’re in a rush (or in need of an extra 20 minutes of sleep!)

A Pearl of Wisdom: Don’t get tied down (no pun intended :)) by just one scarf style - mix it up! The variations are endless: silk, cashmere, crochet, linen etc. Also, a good scarf can always double-up as a sarong in the summer time, so a small investment in quality a scarf can go a long way! 

The Details: ZARA Scarf | ZARA Blouse | ZARA Jeans | FRANCESCA’S Bag

[apearlofwisdom]

White Out

Whites, whites and more whites, please! This summer it's all about the clean slate - starting with your clothing. J.Crew is always on top of their game when it comes to lightweight and comfortable white clothing. My recent J.Crew favorite is my pair of cropped linen pants. With a drawstring waist, ankle-length cut and breathable material, these linen pants make it easy to decide on weekend outfits. Pair them with a neutral colored crochet sweater and you have a solid outfit for beach-filled evenings and strolls down the pier. 

A Pearl of Wisdom: Wearing white makes you feel fresh and clean, and this feeling will naturally reflect through your social interactions. You’ll radiate! 

The Details: OLD NAVY Sweater | JCREW Linen Pants | JCREW Gold Ring | ALEX+ANI Bracelet | VINCE CAMUTO Loafers

[apearlofwisdom]

The Little Blue Dress

Uniqlo is your one-stop shop when searching for essentials in all colors. I tend to stop by every now and then to explore the promotional item of the week or to scope out the new colors they've brought into the store. My recent Uniqlo pop-in turned into more than just window shopping; I blame it on their amazing sales! The newly-stocked rayon dress is the perfect go-to dress for all seasons. It has a round neckline and drawstring waist for a delicate, flattering look. The buttons and rollable sleeves are the perfect touch for varied looks: buttoned to the top with full sleeves for a professional, classy look, or unbuttoned halfway and rolled-up sleeves for a casual, day-time outfit. 

A Pearl of Wisdom: Uniqlo sells clothes that serve as the best bases for all outfits. The solid colors and classic styles are ideal canvases ready to be painted with accessories. This little long-sleeve dress is a must have!

The Details: VINCE CAMUTO Shoes | UNIQLO Dress

[apearlofwisdom]

Swim in Style

Now that vacation season is in full swing, each suitcase and beach bag will have at least one swimsuit. As of late, my eye has been drawn to colorful, exotic one-piece swimsuits. Not all one pieces need to be fully-covered, grandma-style swimsuits. Designers are now pushing their best designs onto one piece bathing suits since they have more material, cuts and angles to play with. One pieces are a perfect mix of sexy and classy - they certainly stand out against simple bikinis, and give you a sense of edge. 

A Pearl of Wisdom: Since bathing suits can get quite expensive, scope out the swimsuit selection on an affordable site like ASOS. They have an extensive line of swimwear, reasonably priced, and this could be used for a trial-run when purchasing your first (or second or third) monokini! My favorite ASOS one-piece featured below:

[apearlofwisdom]

Throw it in the Bag

I don't believe in not wearing white between Labor Day and Memorial Day, but I do believe in not repeating an everyday purse season after season. Every season has a different aura, and, therefore, a different color. Since the seasonal vibe varies from perspective to perspective, the handbag color of choice will vary from person to person. The concern about a handbag "not matching with everything" shouldn't limit you to a black bag. The plethora of neutral, yet memorable, colors will set you apart and still put your matching worries to rest. (And, besides, who matches anymore? :))  One thing I've learned about myself over the years is that I'd rather have a memorable style than a safe one. A Pearl of Wisdom: Black is fashion's idea of "classic," but distinct colors are catchy and eventually become your personal "classic." When I think of someone that owns a black Chanel bag, the list of individuals is endless. On the other hand, when I think of someone that owns a pink or beige Chanel bag, only one or two people come to mind - that's one of their token items that makes them stand out. The color doesn't necessarily need to be "loud" in order to spark a memory, it can be subtly different and it will still be unforgettable.

A few of my favorite, and unique, bags are photographed below! If you don’t feel comfortable choosing a not-so-typical color, you can always choose a safe color with a distinct style. What’s your bag of choice this season?

The Details: Tory Burch Fleming Mini Satchel in Deep Berry

The Details: Coach Leather Medium Backpack in Cognac-Brown

The Details: French Connection @ Nordstrom Rack

[apearlofwisdom]

A Case of the Monday (Black and) Blues

My two recent purchases from Nordstrom Rack, a multi-blue, textured French Connection clutch and feather gray Enzo Angiolini pumps, are already my Spring staples - my recent go-to accessories. The color combination of blue and gray seems subtle, yet it still adds just enough “pop” to any solid-colored outfit, and is surprisingly extremely versatile. I’ve already paired these gems with a yellow romper, with a white leather dress, and even with textured denim and a white button down. Dress simple and make your accessories and jewelry your exclamation point! 

A Pearl of Wisdom: Add some excitement to a neutral colored canvas with a splash of colored accessories. A sure fire way to pull off a clean and fun summer look.

The Details: FRENCH CONNECTION Clutch | ENZIO ANGIOLINI Pumps | MOVADO Watch | BCBGGENERATION Bracelet

[apearlofwisdom]

Tuesday, Food-Day

I'm a week late, but last week's restaurant adventure was all about the brunch, 'bout the brunch, no dinner. Hotel Chantelle, one of my top 5 favorite brunch spots in New York City, is the perfect mix of classic and modern. Classic is found in the jazz beats played by the weekly-rotating band every Sunday, and modern is found in the trendy NYC'ites that chow down at this LES rooftop spot.

Suggested Occasions: Birthday brunch! An ideal place to celebrate your birthday, in true NYC style.

Drink of Choice: $0.92 cocktails all. the. way.

Dish of Choice: Breakfast Pizza: scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, spicy ketchup and chives, served (NYC) pizza style.