Why I Couldn’t Be Happier to be Turning 30

30th birthday Aspiring Socialite J.Crew Dress

What’s even better than a 30th birthday party? A 30th birthday photo shoot of course! This Labor Day weekend (September 4th to be exact) I’ll be celebrating my 30th birthday. While many of us lament the loss of our 20s as the end of our youth, I personally couldn’t be more excited to be leaving my 20s behind. While I learned a lot from my mistakes and had some great accomplishments like graduating from college, starting this blog, moving to New York, meeting my amazing boyfriend and getting my first real job, the truth is it was a sad decade filled with uncertainty and the struggles of being broke. It was basically like being 13 again only you have to pay your own bills. The further I got into my 20s, the more Britney Spears’ 2007 breakdown made perfect sense. That basically sums it up, but everything good or bad must always come to an end.

Today at 30 I feel younger, happier and more vibrant than I ever did in my early 20s (mush of that is because I’ve replaced drinking with fitness and feeling sorry for myself with taking action). As I look toward the adventures to come I often wish to be richer, skinnier, prettier or smarter, but I don’t wish to be younger. It took me almost 30 years to get it together. So in many ways my adult life has just begun and I look forward to embracing the coming years as a smarter, happier and humbler person. For once in my life I truly love who I am because I’ve fought, failed and failed again to be her. While I don’t know what the future will bring, I know that I’ll continue to fight for the person I am and want to be.
Aspiring Socialite 30th Birthday

At the end of my aerial fitness classes they often share a quote from Antigravity Founder Christopher Harrison. It goes, “Hidden in the forces that bring us down, is the energy to lift us up.” If anything my 20s gave me that. In the spirit of feeling and looking great, I decided to pose in front of the Goddess Wall in Soho. I recently discovered this work of street art and it really speaks to me. Many thanks to artists @jeremypenn and  @lambrosart for creating such an inspiring mural.

If you’re a struggling 20 something, I know exactly how you feel because not so long ago I was you. We all have our own paths in life, so the only real advice I can give you is that it doesn’t matter where you’re going or how you get there as long as you continue to move and look forward. The path is almost never straight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep moving forward. And when you turn 30, celebrate the amazingness of being 3 decades old with a 30th birthday photo shoot! If you’re in the New York area, Zarif Taufiq would be happy to do yours too.

Party City Balloons J.Crew Dress

Speaking of 30th birthday shoots, I know you’re dying to know how I got this amazing look. The dress is a J.Crew Spaghetti-Strap Dress in Colorful Brushstroke Print. I paired this happy birthday dress with Swedish Hasbeens Ornament Clogs in Black (my fav summer shoes) and my Mighty Purse Gold Stud Wristlet that has a built in phone charger.

30th birthday party

Many thanks to Valerie Star from Caravan Stylist Studio for doing such a beautiful job on my hair, makeup and nails. I really felt like a movie star! If you’re looking to recreate this look or just get your hands on some fab beauty products, I’ll tell you what she used. She styled these beautifully modern curls using OGX Anti-Gravity + Hydration O2 Weightless Oil & Lift Tonic, OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Elevated Finish Spray and OGX Weightless Hydration Coconut Water Weightless Hydration Oil. For my makeup she made my eyes really pop with Pixi Mesmerizing Mineral PalettePixi Endless Silky Eye Pen, POP Beauty Pow Wow Powder, Pixi Mattelustre Lipstick and POP Beauty Brow Shape & Shade. Manuka Secrets was used on my skin and I wore Color Club’s It’s a Sauna Out Here Nail Polish.

Photos by: Zarif Taufiq

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Sunset at the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park

Midi Dress Lucky Brand Aspiring Socialite

You’d never guess that I was still in New York City or any city for that matter. You’d probably think I was across the pond in some Celtic countryside castle. However, I am very much in downtown Manhattan at the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park just steps away from Wall Street.

The Irish Hunger Memorial is a super interesting landmark that you should consider visiting next time you’re in New York. It represents the rural Irish landscape and abandoned stone cottages that many Irish left behind during the Great Irish Famine. It also stands as a reminder of the hunger that remains today. Being half Irish, the memorial really means a lot to me.

Inspired by the natural elements of the memorial, I put together a boho chic look centered around my favorite Lucky Brand Midi Dress (this one is similar). Lucky Brand has some great summer dresses that are sure to make anyone feel like a chic modern hippie. For accessories I complemented the dress with a Daniel Wellington ‘Classy Sheffield’ Crystal Index Leather Strap Watch, Kendra Scott 
Naomi Double Ring in Gunmetal and Mighty Purse Black and Gold Wristlet which has a built in pack to recharge your phone inside the purse (it’s a pretty awesome feature). I also wore (of course) my fav summer shoes ever my Swedish Hasbeens cross strap ‘Debutant’ sandals. Their clogs have not left my feet all summer. They’re super comfortable, super stylish and go with pretty much everything in my wardrobe. I will be stocking up on tons more Hasbeens come next summer. You seriously will not find a better summer shoe. If you can’t find your size Zappos, 6pm and Amazon also carry them.

My hair was inspired by Sansa’s latest hair styles on Game of Thrones.  I kept my makeup natural with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Soft BrownMaybelline New York Eyestudio Colortattoo Concentrated Crayon Eye Color, Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara and the Maybelline Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette.

Photos by: Zarif Taufiq


Irish Hunger Memorial Lucky Brand Midi Dress

Boho Chic Lucky Brand Midi Dress Aspiring Socialite

Battery Park Lucky Brand Midi Dress Boho Chic

Sunset at the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park

Sunset Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park

Sunset Irish Hunger Memorial

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Baltimore Love!

Baltimore Mural Street Art LOFT Lou & Grey

A few weeks ago (okay a month ago! I’m still getting caught up on blogging) I visited my sister in Baltimore. She moved there a couple years ago and loves it. I must say that I like Charm City a lot too. My sister’s neighborhood of Canton is filled with beautiful murals, art galleries and creative street art like the colorful milk carton lanterns (pictured below). Above I’m wearing my summer signature LOFT Lou & Grey Slinky Racerback Midi Dress. It’s really one of my favorite dresses from this summer. It’s so comfortable and stylish.

I’m a huge fan of Baltimore’s artsy side and unlike New York, the art for sale in the galleries is actually pretty affordable. The huge detailed murals and nearby Patterson Park make it a blogger’s and photographer’s paradise. I’m pretty excited to go back.

Baltimore Creative Alliance

Roof Garden Baltimore

Baltimore Patterson Park

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Steal vs. Splurge: Scallop Bandeau Bikini

I can’t believe it’s already August! While summer is flying by faster than a two week vacation, it’s not too late to stock up on some sexy swimwear. This Scallop Bandeau Bikini look is everywhere this summer and I’m loving it. Luckily, this beachside look is available at every price under the sun. So dive in and get your end of summer shopping on. A new bathing suit is the perfect excuse to book another vacation or crash someone’s pool party (not that you needed one).

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Splurge: Marysia Swim Antibes Scallop Bikini Top ($138) and Marysia Swim Antibes Scallop Bikini Bottoms ($138) from Shopbop

Old Navy Jacquard Bandeau Bikini Swimwear

Steal: Jacquard Bandeau Bikini Top ($24) and Scalloped Jacquard Bikini Bottoms ($22) from Old Navy

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Summertime in Long Island City

Banana Republic Maxi Dress Long Island City

When you can’t make it to the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore, the next best thing is Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. This boardwalk style park resembles The High Line and has some of the most amazing views of Manhattan. I like to stop by at least once every summer.

I always say that you don’t know if you really love an outfit until you’ve done an entire photo shoot with it. So now I can officially say that I love this Banana Republic Mixed Floral V Neck Maxi Dress. I need to plan a fancy brunch or tea party just as an excuse to wear it again. I paired it with my fav Longchamp ‘Small Le Pliage’ Shoulder Bag and felt like a true summer socialite. The shoes are from Joe Fresh.

For my makeup I used the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye LinerMaybelline New York Eyestudio Colortattoo Concentrated Crayon Eye Color in Bronze Truffle, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Soft Brown to fill in my brows, Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara and The Blushed Nudes Maybelline Eyeshadow Palette to blend it all together.

Photos by: Zarif Taufiq

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Longchamp Bag Maxi Dress

Long Island City Gantry Plaza State Park

Long Island City Sunset Maxi Dress

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