iPad Mini Case

This post is going to be a little different than a lot of my other clothing specific posts, so if that's what you're here for then keep on scrolling (no hard feelings, I swear). 

I LOVE reading. I can read and enjoy pretty much anything (except Aristotle-- puts me to sleep every time). Another thing to know about me is that my family vacations a lot. Whenever we traveled I would pack between 8-10 huge books for the trip. Not an exaggeration-- my backpack weighed around 30 pounds. Needless to say I was excited when electronic readers were created (I think I was about one vacation away from scoliosis). I have always had a Kindle, but when my most recent one broke I decided I'd try out an iPad mini. Thanks Mom and Dad for the early Christmas present!

Of course, the prospect of getting an iPad was made even better by the thought of the cute case that I would get for it. So many brands make cute iPad cases, so finding one for an iPad mini should be easy, right? Yeah...no. Turns out that most designers don't make iPad mini cases even if they make iPad cases. I searched for weeks but finally found the perfect case. 

The Kate Spade "le Pavillion" folio was exactly what I was looking for I really wanted something that would protect both the back and the screen, and without folds that would leave marks on the screen. My mom volunteered to take a trip to the local Kate Spade to see if they had my dream case. No luck. Resigning myself to ordering from the website and paying for shipping, I log onto Kate Spade and...it's not there. Nordstrom says it's backordered until September. There was no way that I was going to leave the iPad unprotected for that long.

Shopbop

So, I discover this case on Shopbop. I excitedly tracked the order. Finally it came, and it was a really beautiful, high quality case. A very beautiful, high quality case that did not fit my iPad at all. It was part leather, so maybe it would have stretched, but it was an expensive case and I didn't want to take the risk of it not fitting. That one got returned.
At this point, I was getting pretty frustrated. I was also getting nervous because my iPad had been without a case for about three weeks, and I felt like I was tempting fate by leaving it unprotected any longer. Eventually I decided I was going to have to just go to the Apple Store and settle for a less attractive case. Not the end of the world, but slightly disappointing.
I fell in love with this sleeve when I walked into the accessories section of the Apple Store. A sleeve wasn't what I originally wanted, because the iPad would only be protected when it's on, so I kept looking. The store didn't have any folio options, so I decided to combine some strategies.
I'm actually very happy with how this mini-ordeal (lol pun) turned out. The sleeve is really high quality and similar to what I had originally wanted, and the rubber case is lightweight. I also got a clear screen protector.

Does anyone else have an iPad mini (this is a serious question; the lack of cases available for it made me wonder how many people actually have one)? How did you choose to protect it?

Sorry for the long post, I had a lot of case-related venting to do. Thanks for reading!

PS: For those of you thinking that I'm OCD, yes, I am, but this is an expensive piece of technology and I don't want anything too happen to it!
PPS: After I got home I realized that the sleeve looked surprisingly similar to a case I already had. What can I say, Kate Spade does polka dots well.

Lunchtime Discoveries

It's days like today that I'm extra happy that I'm a girl. It's around 100 degrees outside right now (not an exaggeration), and I'm so thankful that I can wear a breezy shift dress instead of having to wear a hot suit. Today my fellow intern and I had to carry a bunch of gift bags to the conference that our company was having at a hotel about seven blocks away. Not that far under normal circumstances, but in this heat and with our extra baggage it felt very long. On the way back I quickly stopped into a giant Hallmark store to try to take advantage of their air conditioning. Probably my first time in a Hallmark store in two or three years.  

While I was pretending to browse, I noticed this notepad and quickly snatched it up. How cute!! I love the patterns and the pink and green combination. Its hard to see in this picture, but the back of the pad on the inside is green with aqua polka dots. And it was only $3! I looked for this online when I got back to the office, but couldn't find it. 

On the second leg of my journey back to the office, I walked by this amazing sandcastle. It's seriously huge and so intricate. I wish that I had walked this route more so that I could have seen it being built. 

Overall, it was a lunch break of fun discoveries. Enjoy the rest of the day and stay cool!

Wishlist Wednesday

Wow it's Wednesday already?! I feel like all of a sudden the summer is flying by...Anyways happy Wishlist Wednesday! Enjoy and be sure to tell me what you're wishing for this week!

1) Tory Burch umbrella

I've been using an umbrella with my company's logo on it this summer, which is unfortunately not as attractive as it is functional. This umbrella would be much better looking for when I go back to school.

2) Jonathan Adler sticky notes

I have a little obsession with sticky notes. My desk is always covered with them because I'm constantly writing down my random thoughts on them. I wouldn't mind having a desk covered in these adorable owl ones though!

3) Tory Burch cardigan
Can you tell I've been pursuing Tory Burch online? I have the "shrunken" version of this sweater, which I love for its warmth and style. I also like this longer version as well as this oatmeal color.

4) Frye boots

Fun fact about me: I am a cowgirl. No, for real. I've competed in rodeos and been trained in roping, bareback, gymkhana, you name it. Frye makes THE BEST cowboy boots. I've had mine for 6 years now (wow I'm old). In addition to wearing them on horseback, I like wearing Frye boots in the fall, and these have caught my eye. 

5) Kate Spade watch

I blogged about this watch the other day...and now I'm thinking about getting it. This is how blogging can be dangerous, folks.

6) Spray water bottle/fan

This is only a half serious item on my wishlist. When I was in elementary school, everyone had these spray bottles that misted you while fanning you at the same time, perfect for humid New York summers. I could seriously use one of these right now as it's going to be ONE HUNDRED degrees in NYC tomorrow (and probably about 29 degrees in my office). 

Stay cool, everyone!

Spotlight On: Watches

A great watch is such a worthwhile investment. I wear a watch almost every day, especially at work. It's so much classier to check the time on your watch instead of your phone, and watches can instantly make any outfit look more put together. 

At the moment, my favorite watch is the Parker Two-Toned watch from Michael Kors. The combination of silver and gold makes it wearable with so many different outfits. It was also my first eBay purchase (eBay is a great option for buying watches...post on that coming soon!). I also have this watch with a brown leather band, a bit more casual. 

1/2

Here are some other watches to add to your wardrobe!

Splurge:

                                 

1/2/3

Save:

                                                         

1/2/3 

Friday Favorites

Hey everyone! I'm excited to show you some of my favorite items from the past few weeks.

(Last use of alliteration for a while I swear).

The first thing on my favorites list are the monogram decals that I ordered from Etsy a few weeks ago from the seller pinkydotgifts. These vinyl stickers are really high quality and come in a ton of colors and fonts. I also got one for my computer, and I'm absolutely loving them!

When I went to France, Lilly's Callahan shorts were the only kind that I brought with me. The fit of these shorts are even better than the cult favorite J.Crew 3" chinos, and they come in way more prints. 

Lilly Pulitzer

I read this book on the plane and found it really amusing. Obviously its not meant to be taken entirely seriously (the illustrations are particularly satirical) but it was fun to point out some similarities between the descriptions in the book and my own family. It also includes some funny anecdotes about famous preppies. 

Amazon

Like pretty much every girl, I love the J.Crew rose necklace. What I definitely do not love is the price tag. I know there are lots of places you can get necklaces by this one, I decided to go with a classic standby, Pink Pineapple Shop. Their jewelry is always high quality and the prices are awesome. I wore this necklace to work the other day and got so many compliments (and its only $28)! I would highly recommend PPS for accessories.

Get it here! By the way, no idea how my arms ended up two different colors, I'm not striped I swear. 

Enjoy your weekend! Don't forget to check out the Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale through Sunday!

Thirsty Thursday

Continuing the alliteration of Wishlist Wednesday, here's a post on Thirsty Thursday! Don't worry, it's not what you're thinking. No matter the season, I always have a water bottle with me, a habit that I developed during long dance rehearsals. Obviously its super important to stay hydrated, especially during the summer. Drinking lots of water helps with weight loss, your skin, etc etc (just call me Dr. Sydney). Luckily, some of my favorite brands make tumblers and reusable bottles that help make your water bottle its own fashion statement. 

PS: This post is obviously not going by without some monograms.

         

 Left to right from top: Tervis, Lifeguard Press, Tervis, Etsy, Vineyard Vines,  Marley Lilly

Wishlist Wednesday

Hey everyone! Welcome back to Wishlist Wednesday (or as my boyfriend calls it, the easiest way to find me presents). 

1) Lilly Pulitzer bikini 

Great fit and pattern combos!

2) Red Dress Boutique dress

 I love this bright and versatile dress that's perfect for showing off a tan. (Note to self: get a tan)

3) David Yurman cable bracelet

If only. Santa if you're reading this I was a very good girl this year!

4) PB Teen wall decals
My roommate had these last year and everyone who came into our room commented in how great they looked. I think they're a perfect way to make our cinder block walls more homey. 

5) Kate Spade popsicle coin purse 

So summery and cute!

What are you wishing for this Wednesday?