Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Blessed are those who let go of the past to embrace the joy of their future”

–Sweet Magnolias

Happy Friday!! I’ve been a busy bee this past week. It was a week of luxury, future endeavors, and pampering.

I didn’t do much last weekend because I was still recovering from having a cold. Luckily I feel so much better! I spent most of the weekend resting and reading my book. However, I still managed to get out and about to shop for home decor and paint colors. I think I took home the entire blue section of Home Depot’s paint samples– I am repainting my console.

With bravery I stepped into the lion’s den of sample sales this past week. I went to Oscar de la Renta’s VIP 260 Sample Sale. If you have never been to a sample sale before, it can be pretty overwhelming and chaotic. For this particular sample sale we were only allotted an hour to shop. It seems like enough time, but it goes by pretty quickly. It’s in this big room filled with racks upon racks of clothing. The best course of action to take is by grabbing whatever you can. I do check sizes but sometimes not everything is labeled. I grabbed 3 dresses, 1 skirt, 1 pair of paints, and a blazer. Once you grab what you want you wait in line to try things on. They send you into this closed curtain (opened) area to try on your selections. We were only given 10 minutes, so it was a race for time. Most of the items I tried on were too small or I didn’t like. One dress I will be thinking about for years to come and wish I had bought is the sunflower-embroidered shift dress. It’s a pink mini dress with a large beaded sunflower. I loved it but unfortunately it was a tad too big. Yes I could have gotten it altered, but I really did not want to spend that much. I thought I was going to leave empty handed and sad, but then I looked at the jewelry. I bought the most classic pair of square shaped pearl stud earrings. It’s something I will wear for the rest of my life and can hand down to my daughters or grandchildren. I couldn’t find the exact pair online but found it with crystals.

I got my nails done again at Glosslab. I went with a shade of pink, not ready to transition to darker hues quite yet. Glosslab is different from your typical nail salon. They are waterless and use sterilized tools. Being waterless is better for your nails, your hygiene, and of course, better for the planet. You can get unlimited monthly packages as well. Take 20% off your next mani/pedi, first time unlimited package, and their products with code: MAGGIE20.

Thursday morning I had a photoshoot with one of my photographer Lauren’s assistants Marth. We shot in the West Village right by the famous Friends apartment (corner of Bedford and Grove). Grove St. is this cute little street with picturesque fall vibes; vines going up the buildings, a secret garden. I always shoot here in the fall for these reasons alone. The photoshoot went well and I am excited to share my transitional fall outfits with you all. I shared one yesterday – a Reel– of this beautiful blue shirtdress.

What I am watching: Virgin Rivers is back and I am loving the new season. I am only a few episodes in, maybe 2 or 3, but it’s already exciting. A LOT happened in the first episode! Virgin Rivers, for those of you who do not know, is about a woman in her mid-30s who leaves LA for a fresh start in Virgin Rivers. It has a Hallmark feel to it with small town vibes, but there is also crime, violence, kidnapping, etc. Hallmark’s evil twin, haha! It’s a great show.

Last weekend I watched the new romcom on Netflix Love at First Sight. It’s a cute movie about love, life, and destiny. How each decision we make leads us to where we are meant to be and who we are meant to be with. Things may not always turn out like we planned but the journey is worth taking. It’s about taking risks, getting over your fears, and going after what you want. My favorite line is “fate can only be fate, if we decide that we want it to be.”

What I bought: Each year I buy desk calendar’s from Inslee Fariss. I love looking over at the beautiful designs each month– and also share it at the top of the month on IG stories. Inslee recently launched her 2024 calendar so I jumped to buy it before it sells out. Next I bought this black slip skirt-– currently on sale! I love slip skirts and realized I didn’t have one in black. It’s perfect for the holiday season. The only other thing I bought this past week were the Oscar de la Renta earrings.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

Fall Home Decor

LTK Spotlight: Sweaters under $40

Top Seller: Ruffle neck sweater— on sale and under $100

This weekend I have dinner plans with friends. I am not sure what we plan on doing after dinner, but most likely grab a drink somewhere. Other than my dinner plans I will do my usual weekend activities.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Hallmark released the 2023 holiday schedule!

2. A pretty maxi dress

3. A cute top for the fall

4. Love this color handbag

5. The best looks from Milan Fashion Week

6. Allie gives a tour of her amazing NYC apartment with Homeworthy

7. Talk shop: Abby Ward

8. Fall mantel decor ideas

9. Yummy pumpkin desserts to make this fall

10. 32 romcom books to read this year

Weekend Sales