Sunday, June 3, 2012

apartment inspiration.

Since my boyfriend & I will be signing a lease on the apartment we found next week, I thought I'd share some of my apartment design inspiration. Lately, I've been obsessed with how I'm going to decorate. I'm so excited about having my own space where I can determine what I want it to look like.
So, here are some images I've been collecting for inspiration.






If you want to see more of my interior inspiration, here's my Pinterest board.


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Saturday, June 2, 2012

blush & roses.

An outfit post on a Saturday, gasp! I've been meaning to post this outfit because it's one of my favorites. This is what I wore for my graduation, and unfortunately this lovely dress did not get as much exposure as I wanted. Both the sweater and the dress were actually a birthday present from my mom, which was great timing because this dress ended up being perfect for graduation.

Photos by my boyfriend.
Dress: ModCloth, gift
Sweater: Ann Taylor, gift
Shoes: Born Concept, gift
Necklace: gift
Bracelet: Tiffany's, gift
Purse: vintage Coach
Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

I've just noticed that the majority of this outfit was gifted to me—I will admit, the fact that my birthday was so close to graduation this year was a nice perk! How gorgeous is the print of this dress? I somehow missed it in my usual perusings of the ModCloth site, but my mom somehow found it. The cut is also very flattering, which is nice. The Tiffany's bracelet was a graduation gift from my dad and stepmom—gorgeous, and the perfect size for my tiny wrists. And I could go on and on about these shoes, they're soooo comfortable, a great color, and I love the details.

Also, I'll totally be wearing this outfit to work. 

My fellow 2012 graduates, what did you wear for your graduation?

Have a great weekend!


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Friday, June 1, 2012

Photo Friday: the Outer Banks

I'm baaaack! Well, I've been back, I just haven't had time to post because things have been rather busy this week. I've been busy unpacking, transferring my files onto my shiny new laptop (a graduation/birthday present), and seeing as many friends as I can before I have to enter the "real world." I start my new full time job next week! It's so weird that I don't have to do homework or worry about my thesis anymore. I'm so excited to start being a graphic designer full time!

Here are some of my favorite photos from the Outer Banks, which was so much fun.



(This one was actually taken on the way back, somewhere in North Carolina.)


The Bodie Island lighthouse.

The view from Bodie Island.


The Dunes at Jockey Ridge.

Have a great Friday!


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Friday, May 25, 2012

Guest post from Hannah of She Could Be A Pharmer

Thanks to my blogger BFF Hannah for guest posting! Go check out her blog!


Hello lovelies! I'm Hannah and I write the blog she could be a pharmer in those clothes. Since G is taking a much deserved vacay on the beach, I thought it's be nice to share my favorite things about summer.

I grew up in Colorado, so going to the beach was never really in my summer repertoire. None of my friends growing up had pools (what jerks), so even going to the local community pool was a big deal. I spent most of my summers lounging in the back yard, drinking diet coke, and reading a good book. To me, nothing says summer like reading. When I was younger, I obviously read a lot during the school year for class. But reading in the summer was always different - I could read whatever I want! The summer before my freshman year of high school I read thirteen books (yes, I am still oddly proud of this) - they ranged from Stephen King's The Dark Half to Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo to frivolous romance novels.

Sadly, as I've grown up I've lost diversity in my reading. As a graduate student, I can't help feeling obliged to read papers for school (lame). When I do pick up a book, 90% of the time it is science non-fiction. Don't get me wrong, I love science books! The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is one of the best books I have read in a long time. But I miss the indulgent, summer read. Somehow I have become horrible at picking books! I go to the bookstore, get completely overwhelmed by tons of options, and end up buying the book with the coolest cover. Yep, I'm that person.

Stephen King fan girl for life!
If any of you have a recommendation for a good book I would be so grateful! I'm heading on a little vacation of my own soon (Vegas for a friend's bachelorette party), and I need to pick up a few novels before I go. Since I'm not much for clubs or gambling, I'm most looking forward to quality pool time with a good book. Add on a cute swimsuit, floppy hat, over-the-top sunnies, and a margarita and I'm in heaven!

Summer time
Don't forget the sunscreen!
Thanks for reading my guest post! And everyone make sure to congratulate G for graduating college and scoring a kick-ass job!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Guest post from Lara of the Glossarie

Thanks to beauty blogger & guru Lara (one of the first DC bloggers I met!) for doing a post on summer beauty!

Hi Tulle & Combat Boots friends! I'm Lara from The Glossarie and as the darling Gina celebrates her graduation in the Outer Banks of NC, I'm thrilled to be here with you chatting about one of my favorite subjects this time of year - poolside pretty. Memorial Day is creeping up on us and my neighborhood pool is looking just a little bit more inviting each day. My favorite poolside clutch from Stephanie Johnson is all packed and ready to go with my favorite summertime makeup essentials. Take a peek inside!




1. Stephanie Johnson Farrah Tassel Clutch, $48: Natural raffia trimmed in leafy lime green is lightweight and carefree - the perfect place to stash my beauty basics and so fun for taking out on the town after a day in the waves.

2. Tarte LipSurgence in Spirited, $24: This plumping stain gives enough polish to still be poolside appropriate and the natural flush it leaves behind stays all day.

3. Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30, $31: There is no price too high for an oil-free sunblock that won't block my pores or break me out. Murad has blended the perfect amount of sun care and protection and hit true beauty gold with this featherweight, hydrating, and super effective SPF.

4. Bumble and Bumble Color Minded UV Protective Styling Balm, $28: After a good cooling and chlorine-saturated head dunk, my baby fine hair is aching for some moisture. This hair cream de-tangles and gives subtle shine while nourishing and minimizing fading effects.

5. Sonia Kashuk Fairy Princess, $4.79: Sweet mint-colored nails are going to be my summer uniform. Sonia Kashuk does the shade justice with her high shine, chip resistant formula at a bargain price.

6. Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara, $20: I love a lot of lash and fun in the sun is no exception to the rule. This ultimate in splash-proof mascaras is gel-based making it lightweight (ie you won't feel it like you do with other waterproof mascaras) and super natural looking. 

7. Marc by Marc Jacobs Round Tortoise Sunglasses, $110: Sunglasses do double duty by the pool, protecting your precious peepers from sun damage and the deepening lines you get from squinting while also keeping you looking very stylish.