No Monet…

No where to Gaugh

scratch that, we found somewhere to go and it was the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. My sister and I had the day off and thought there was no better cure for the winter blues than some Monet.

I’m not much of an ‘arty’ person, but here is something about Claude Monet’s pieces that make me swoon. The beautiful blend of pastel colors perfectly capture Monet’s tranquil French gardens and lily pad ponds. As we took a quick break to recharge on some coffee and chocolate croissants, I couldn’t wait to see what else the museum had in store with us.

Each exhibit we entered amazed us, and we were lost in a maze of aesthetically pleasing portraits and perfectly carved statues. It’s safe to say this first trip won’t be our last, and it is the perfect cure for those winter blues.

Monet, we’ll see you soon.

–Kristi 

Winter Treasures

 The one thing winter’s harsh winds and slippery ice can’t refrain us from: trips to the beach. My mom and I braved the cold blistering wind and slippery boardwalk to take in the salty air.

Minus the bulky scarf and knee length puffy coats, you could never tell looking at these pictures that it was a frigid 18 degrees out that morning.

Sea glass was found thanks to the sun sparkling on it, shells blended together with different hues of pink, and seagulls still floated in the water.

Yes my hands did freeze with every picture I took, but I think we still got a small glimpse of summer that day. I would say any trip to the beach is well worth it, sun or snow.

–Kristi 

Baby it’s Brrr Outside

As much as I dread the frigid winter weather along with shoveling endless snow until my hands are numb, I am excited for one thing. Well, make that a few. Winter clothes, piping hot lattes, and my winter savior- Sugar Lip Polish Scrub.

Don’t get me wrong, I would choose a white sandy beach over a white blanket of snow any day, but there is something about cuddling up to the fire with a warm cup of coffee that you just miss out on in the summer.

Another reason I love winter is because I am a sucker for coats. Long coats, fur coats, coats that pop with color, I am in awe. I recently purchased what I envision as the perfect winter coat from a local boutique called Grace. The top half is a warm white wool with smooth silk lining, and the bottom  is completely (faux) fur to make this the perfect statement winter coat.

I’m not sure if it is the sound of the wood crackling in the fire place, or because I am on my 3rd cup of coffee, but for now, I am completely falling for winter.

-Kristi

images via

Pop. Fizz. Clink.

Hello 2016

As cliche as this post already seems, I have decided to continue because I rang in the new year just as I wanted. Plans that fell into place, bargain deals on the perfect NYE outfit, and a countdown filled with confetti and free(!) champagne.

My friends and I put on our outfits that had just the right amount of sparkle, hopped in our cabs and headed to Coppersmiths in South Boston. The bar had a rustic feel with wood panels and even a food truck for the perfect midnight munchies. Our favorite pastime however was taking pictures in front of the gold streamers.

After the midnight countdown, I started to contemplate new years resolutions. Again, sorry for the cliches.

Rather than pick between the stereotypical’s (i.e. work out, be more organized,  yada yada yada) I wanted to really improve on myself and continue to be inspired each day. Still needs a little work, but here are some of the resolutions I thought would be perfect for 2016:

1. Blog more to document each day and find beauty in the little things
2. Dream big (and make it happen)
3. Read an article/part of book everyday
4. Cook more than pasta and omelette
5. Get outside more

–Kristi 

‘Tis The Season

Nothing makes me happier than the smell of Christmas cookies, the sounds of holiday medleys and the anticipation of good old Saint Nick. Ok, so maybe the last part was true back in the day but you get the point.

The Christmas season is my most favorite time of year and I hate to see it end so quickly. The twinkling lights on everyone’s houses are already being taken down, and it is officially over. Although I am dreading the snow and chilly weather that is upon us, I can not wait for the new year to begin.

I will try my best to not sound like a huge cliche but I think this year will be a good one full of new opportunities. For starters, I am starting a new chapter in my life working at Wayfair’s corporate office in Boston and I can not wait. I loved my time at Rue and feel as though this job is just the place I need to be to learn and grow as a person.

Of course I have a few resolutions I’d like to check off, but until my list is complete I can’t share any just yet!

Until then, it’s time to find an outfit to ring in the new year. Wish me luck!

–Kristi

I Woke Up Like This

Creative.

Not quite what Beyonce sang in her lyrics but hey, I thought I did a pretty flawless job. Since my job is on-call, there are days that I get to relax and lay low at my house. After a few cups of coffee and catching up on my Bravo shows, I start to feel antsy.

My tumblr is something that I have created to escape to and share with viewers the things I love, believe, and think. I could scroll for hours looking back on the pictures and quotes that made me think and smile. This lead me to think, why not create a ‘tumblr’ visual on my wall? Next thing I knew I had scissors in my hands snipping through last month’s Glamour.

Just like I organize my tumblr, I cut out quotes, images and people that caught my eye and arranged them to my liking. This season’s fashion tips, confident words, and of course a little bit of Chace Crawford made the final cut.

One collage down, many more to go.

–Kristi

“Be a Goal Digger”

15 applications

3 online portfolios

& 5 discouraging months later..

I landed my dream job!

I am officially a Rue. After applying to 3 different positions at this company, my life changed for the better just last week. After the endless struggle of applying and being denied from dozens of jobs, my prayers were finally answered.

I received a phone call on no other day than my 22nd birthday. Now, I wasn’t much of a believer of birthday candle wishes (especially when they were on a sugared donut at brunch) but I am now! All I wanted was to work at this company. It combines my love of both fashion and creativity into one-and there are some pretty sick perks 😉

I started my first week this past Monday and it was a whirlwind of excitement. Yes, I did feel like a lost puppy on my first day when I didn’t speak fluent excel and had to organize sheets on sheets of bedding and accessories, but it has already gotten easier! The environment and energy make the hours fly by at this office, not to mention full access to a Rue La La sample sale!

I can’t wait to see where this experience takes me and learn more about the fashion industry. I never thought I’d say this but…Cheers to the real world!

-Kristi 

images via

These Are a Few of my Favorite (Fall) Things

It’s time to trade in our bikinis for furry vests and flannel, and I couldn’t be more excited. Tumblr is one of my favorite outlets for fashion and beauty inspiration, and I am loving some of the products I have come across. Fall is all about embracing bold outfit statements with darker hues, all while staying cozy and chic. Aerie’s newest perfume cozy up perfectly bottles up the the feeling of snuggling up to a fire. One spritz of this perfume and you will want to grab a cup of cocoa and your coziest blanket.

Bold brows have been a huge trend for quite some time now, so what better way to enhance them than with Anatasia’s brow pencil? Brush and fill in your brows to standout this fall to make sure they are on ‘fleek’. Add some Bobbi Brown gold shimmer to your lids and you will shine day or night for the fall.

Although Fall approaching means booties and bundling up, it also calls for lip protection. Nothing saved me more from dry lips than Sugar lip polish. The sugar texture and honey taste perfectly exfoliate my lips and save me from any cold weather damage. Swipe on some pink or red lipstick and you are good to go!

So raise your pumpkin spice lattes and cherish autumn’s beauty while it’s here! Don’t be afraid to try new trends inspired by the runway or your favorite social media outlet. Inspiration is everywhere you look!

–Kristi

Images: http://ct-ma.tumblr.com/

When Boston Calls

you answer

 I have to admit, I did imagine living in the city like a fairytale. After all, Carrie Bradshaw did fail to give realistic expectations such as Manolo shopping sprees and enjoying bottomless cosmos every night. Besides the bills, traffic c0mute and cooking challenges, I think I can get used to this lifestyle quickly.

Strolls around Boston’s cobble stone streets and indulging in pastries from the North End are just some of the many perks I now have living here. A simple walk around Boston’s enchanted public garden will brighten your day. Willow trees swaying in the breeze and swan boats floating in the pond is just what I need after a long stressful week.

Needless to say, I am looking forward to many more adventures to come in this city. So until my next adventure…

–Kristi 

Portfolio

Here is some of my published work featured in Elite Daily, Her Campus, internships, and my school paper!

Her Campus:

How to Stock Your First Real Life Kitchen
The Best Ways to Save Your College Memories
10 Easy Meals that Look Gourmet

Elite Daily:

Books to Read After Graduating 

The Beacon:

Most Interesting Person

Patti Murphy Designs:

Fairfield Bread Company
55 RSVP Wording Ideas