Ciao Bella! My Italian Photo Diary

OMG...how MIA have I been? It's almost embarrassing...I haven't written or called or sent any smoke signals for a while. Here are my excuses: I have been working my big girl job A LOT. Being a grown up is terrible. I have been hosting some friends and family on the weekends which I love but keeps me busy. Andddd I have been traveling. I went to Italia for my first time which was a bucket list trip of mine. It was A-MAZ-ING. The food, the wine, the sites, and the people are unlike anywhere else. It's like living in a Roman dream. I wanted to share with you all this little photo diary of my trip. Enjoy!

Bojan and I at The Colosseo

The Colosseo

Architecture of The Colosseo

Um, I really loved The Colosseo

Arch of Constantine

Yum!

Going to visit Pope Francis!

Eek!

Vatican City

Spanish Steps

Sup Fellas?

Duomo

Pantheon

Some more, please.

Bojan at San Siro Stadium.

Doesn't the sky look even more blue in Italy? And the carbs...they could probably name a carbohydrate group after me after all the pizza, pasta, prosciutto paninis, and cannolis I ate but it was so worth it. I would do it all over again. Hope to see you again soon, Italia! Ciao!

Stay Flossy!

xxA

Currently Crushing | 09.19.2014

Happy Friday, lovies! Did everyone have a good week? It's been a little bit eventful, eh? Here's what I am obsessing over this week.

1 | Lauren Conrad's wedding on Saturday. I can't wait to buy US Weekly today and see all of the pics. Wasn't she so classic?

2 | The entire series of Gilmore Girls is coming to Netflix! Ahh! See you never again, world!

3 | I went to Target at 9AM on Sunday morning for the Altuzarra release. By the time I got there, everything was gone. I was eyeing the crane sweater - gone. Fur jacket - gone. No Altuzarra for me but I did find the sweetest little tassled loafers. 

4 | I ordered wheatgrass seeds online to make my own wheatgrass shots in my effort to be healthier. I'll keep you posted. 

5 | How insane are these Jonathan Adler throw pillows for fall? So glam! Don't they look like they belong in Rachel Zoe's house?...or mine. 

Any big plans this weekend? Enjoy the last official days of Summer before they're gone! 

Until next time...stay flossy!

xxA

#WCW

I never, ever indulge in these types of social media frivolities but today I am making an exception. Please pay no mind to my occasional Throwback Thursday Instagram posts. I must think they're pretty cool if I am putting them on display for all the world to see. Who wouldn't want to see my soccer picture from age 5? I was so adorable. 

Now where was I? Ahh yes, my #WCW. I never had one before AKA I never hashtagged "#WCW" on a picture but here I am professing before you all the ever-so-popular "girl crush." I did some research (if that's even possible) on #WCW and went to my best source - not you, Wikipedia - Urban Dictionary! 

Please be my BFF, Fergie?

I guess you could say I have always been pretty fond of Fergie. Once upon a time, my best friend Annmarie and I took jobs as VIP cater waiters just because we heard we would get the chance to wait on Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas. We did get to meet them and they were the coolest people on earth. Fergie is so much shorter and tinier in person! This was when their song "I Got a Feeling" just came out and was huge. It was one of the most energetic performances I had ever seen. I couldn't stop dancing. Former Cater Waiter Boss - if you're reading this: was my Taylor Swift-esque dancing the reason I was never hired for another catering gig again?

Alright, rewind to September 13, 2006 AKA 8 years ago this week! Fergie's album The Dutchess was released!! If it wasn't for that album, The Flossy would be nonexistent! Come to think of it, I should probably start building a Fergie shrine or something in my closet Helga Pataki-style. In my eyes, Fergie did no wrong. She was a little hood but still feminine - am I allowed to use those two words in the same sentence? It's a toss up for my favorite Fergie song between Glamorous (duh) and Big Girls Don't Cry (wasn't that everyone's favorite?). Rumors are swirling that she is planning a follow up album. If she uses the word "flossy" somewhere in it, I'm game. 

So, cheers to The Dutchess, to Fergie, the next eight years and, to the flossy flossy. 

Until next time...

xxA

Currently Crushing | 09.12.14

Unless you were at NYFW, unlike me, this week has been dragging like no other. So to end this week on a high note, I am introducing a new series to The Flossy I like to call "Currently Crushing." 

You can think of Currently Crushing as your casual Friday here at The Flossy. Why not take it easy and wind down from the madness? You can use this post as a chance relax for a few and check out a some things I am currently craving. On Fridays, I'll share with you my favorite links, photos, baubles, and finds for the week. I am excited to kick off the very first Currently Crushing post. 

1. I had my first Pumpkin Spice Latte from SBUX this week since they've been back. It didn't taste as good as I remember. *WHAT* No worries, I'll give 'em another chance.

2. Everyone uses New Year's to try and make resolutions or life changes. I like to use the end of the summer. More on this next week but have you seen the Tory Burch x FitBit pieces? I want!

3. Check out this typography art by MotivationalType. They have the dopest prints. Also, super inspirational and they don't break the bank. SHOP HERE

4. On my recent kick to eat a little lighter, I made this extremely easy recipe I found on Pinterest. You must try! Its delish!

5. How glamorous does the Altuzarra for Target line look? I swoon over that black, fur jacket! I can't wait until 09.14.

Other than guys, what are you crushing on this week? Dying to hear. 
If you're not already, follow me on Instagram @theflossy_com and on Twitter @theflossycom.

Until next time...stay flossy!

xxA

So Long Sweet Summer

It's always sad to see the summer months go, isn't it? We have to leave behind a season of sun, relaxation and easy-living behind. But sometimes the grass is greener on the other side á la Fall! My favorite season of all! Now we can welcome in the crisp air, football and pumpkin-flavored everything. 

One of my favorite shopping finds this summer was a shirtdress and I loved it so much because it was effortless and light to wear. Now that summer is over, that doesn't mean I can't carry my favorite summer find into the next season and turn it into an autumnal wardrobe staple.

The Flossy's Fall Must-Haves by theflossy featuring Kate Spade

Your options are limitless when styling a shirtdress. Definitely ditch the dainty sandals for a bold pair of booties or printed flats. Don't be afraid to throw on thick knit sweaters and let the collar spill out. Plaid scarves and trouser belts can really pull the look together. Include dimension with colorful tights. Add chunky, gilded accessories. When you combine a few of these accents, the piece really transforms into a coziness via what was once a warm-weather throw on. 

The Flossy's Fall Must-Haves | dos by theflossy featuring a blue dress

What is something you will be taking with you from Summer to Fall? I'm dying to hear! 

Until next time...stay flossy!

xxA

P.S. Are you following me on Polyvore? If not, you should be! @TheFlossy 

Flossy Reviews: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

Guys, my (imaginary) BFF wrote a book! It actually came out a couple years ago but I just now got around to reading it. I was given a pretty cool opportunity thanks to BirchBox to review it for you all. 

Not at the risk of sounding creepy but ever since I discovered Mindy Kaling, I knew I wanted to be BFFs with her. First off, she's hilarious - like spit your wine out of your mouth, have to hold on to your seat hilarious. She has awesome style. Evidence of that is her Kenzo dress from the Emmy's recently. Bangin'. She's amazingly successful. Every great friend wants a hardworking BFF and not because she wants to ride on her coattails but because she truly believes in all that she does and wants the best for her. Mindy was an actress and a writer for The Office, she has her OWN show, The Mindy Project, she's been in movies, and now her own book. 

Mindy Kaling at the 2014 Emmy Awards in Kenzo

BFFs are usually brought together because of something they have in common. For me and Mindy, I would say if we were to ever meet we would chat about our eventual hope to friend Beyonce, our great gift of memorizing credit card numbers because we shop online too much, gaining the freshman 15 back in the day, and our love of food. But those are just some jumping off points. 

My girl wasn't born wildly successful though. She talks you through a fun collection of stories from her life since her chubby, adolescent phase up until she becomes famous. All of her flaws and embarrassing stories make her that more charming. 

This book was an easy, light-hearted beach read. I highly recommend if you're looking for something to help you embrace little flaws. I often caught myself blatantly LOLing.

Have any of you read Mindy's book? Do you plan on digging in? I'd love to know!

Until next time...stay flossy!
xxA 

Muchas gracias to BirchBox for sending me a copy of Mindy's book! 

The Working Girl

So, I have been a little MIA the past week or so. My excuse is that I started a new, grown-up job. It's daunting starting at a new place. I still don't have a badge with a terrible picture of myself on it yet so I have to wear one of those tacky visitor ones. I just got a desk this past Wednesday and on Friday they gave me a laptop. Do you want to know the first thought that popped into my head when they gave it to me? "I HAVE to buy a new bag to carry this around in." 

I never felt more like Isla Fisher in Confessions of a Shopaholic. Ya know, the scene where she goes to the sample sale and promises herself she won't buy anything unless she needs it? She proceeds to pick up a pair of gloves and justifies only buying them because she has fingers. Fun fact: That is one of my favorite movies. I haven't read the book though. 

I have been on the hunt the past couple days searching for a bag that says "I'm fabulous but still take my work seriously." I'm sure my new co-workers don't read that far into the work bag a young girl is carrying but you never know. I was looking for a bag that was large enough to hold my work belongings but still had structure and defined shape. I can't just throw my things into a potato sack and call it a day. 

Here is where my research lead me.

one | Jetsetter Backpack, Henri Bendel. Navy blue with gold hardware. Great for travel or work. Almost has a bit of a nautical feel to it. Just imagine that your office is now a yacht and work won't seem so bad, eh? $278

two | Reptile Embossed Work Tote, Daily Look. Ivory color with gold details. Simple and chic. Could I carry a white bag on the daily? Heck no but props to those of you that do! $75

three | London Leather, Francine Collection. Cognac color. This is great color for Fall but it's also a timeless piece. I can see something like this lasting years if you take good care of it. $200

four | Croc Textured Work Tote, Merona Collection. Taupe color. This is a flashy metallic piece with good structure at an even better price point. $35

five | Paris Pebbled Leather Shopper, Knomo. Black with gold hardware. This bag has a casual, sporty look. Great for everyday + weekend. $295

six | Heather Top Handle Briefcase, Ivanka Trump. Stone color. I love this bag. The outside is very pristine and sweet and the inside says "let's get down to business." So many compartments and pockets. I think I am leaning towards this one as my fave! $175

Do any of you working ladies carry briefcases or bags to work? Have any advice for me? Fill me in! 

Until next time, stay flossy!

xx, A