My Favorite Coffee Table Books

Kaixo everyone,

Once again, my 5-minute determination to blog consistently faded into oblivion. Life got in the middle for the umpteenth time. As a 27-year-old grad student, it is nothing new. However, as I get closer to the end of my PhD program (say what??), I start thinking about my future more and more (and more and oh my goodness Jesus take the wheel I'm hyperventilating). As much as I wanted to when I got to the US for the first time, I have come to terms with the fact that there is no place like home, and I want to move back to the Basque Country as soon as possible.

One of my future projects is to buy an apartment in my hometown, and start a life. It has been low-key terrifying to see how I have gone from exclusively browsing fashion stores to *gasp* decor shops...!? Exactly. Now, I know that there are more important things to an apartment than decor (like, erm, a bed? A toilet?), but right now, in a moment of my life where I have 0 capital to buy an apartment and I'm still paying rent in the US, all I can think of is how to spruce up my temporary home.

One of my favorite things to make myself at home is books. Lots of them. Most books serve the purpose of well, entertaining me to no end, but are not considered "decor" per se. Enter coffee table books. I had never paid attention to these books until my mom got me a coffee table book about Barbie's history (if I ever post consistently, I will talk about my love of Barbie), and I got hooked. Ever since, I have slowly started collecting coffee table books that I hope to take to the apartment of my dreams. Here are my favorites:

- All in Good Taste: Kate Spade's darling coffee table book was an impulse buy because a) it was pink and b) it was the least expensive thing in store. It is the perfect book to be the hostess with the mostest, and while I kind of forgot about it (I bought it in the US, brought it to Spain and left it there), now that I live alone and have entertained guests I would say, successfully, this book is a great reference. Bonus: It has recipes and literary references. This former English literature major approves.

All in Good Taste by kate spade new york (25-30$)

- Style: Raise your hand if Lauren Conrad was (or still is) your first fashion crush. I read all her L.A. Candy books (I still have them!), loved how she was the normal one in Laguna Beach, the fact that she interned at Teen Vogue, and of course, all her cute outfits! I gotta admit that when I got this book I was a little disappointed. What was with all the text and few images? Why is she talking about make-up? Mind you, I was 18 and had virtually 0.5% of the idea about make-up that I have now, and it's not a lot, believe me. However, revisiting it throughout the years has proved me wrong. It is honestly one of the most useful books when I'm thinking of my own style and what fits and suits me.

Style by Lauren Conrad (4-15$)

- Tory Burch In Color: It is no secret that Tory Burch is one of my favorite brands. I love my Millers, I have a beautiful bright orange camera bag that I couldn't live without, and I swear by their fragrances. Apart from that, the decoration in their stores is probably my favorite. Touches of orange, dark green, gold... It evokes LUXE. I like to go to the store by the Magnificent Mile in Chicago and have an explosion of style and decoration ideas in my mind. However, when I leave, I always forget, and I go back to Pinterest like everyone else. Well, this book is the fixed continuation of that explosion that never goes away. The pictures that inspire her, the brand's history, and how each chapter is organized by color is A+ worthy.

Tory Burch In Color by Tory Burch (50$, 100$ for the special edition)

- Whiskey in a Teacup: Boy, did this book deliver. Elle Woods, Melanie Smoother, Madeline Martha Mackenzie are some names that she has taken as an actress, but let's not forget fashion designer, and my favorite, executive producer of movies for women with women and about women. Reese Witherspoon is the GOAT. So when she published this book, I ordered without blinking. As an avid reader, I loved the stories about her family. As a hungry person, I loved her recipes. As a LINGUIST, I loooooved the chapter on Southern pronunciation. I don't have much time for recipes, but I definitely wanna try making biscuits with her recipe!

Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon (20-30$)

- Lilly Pulitzer x ASSOULINE: When Lilly announced they were releasing a 60th anniversary coffee table book, I gasped. Some fans in Lilly Facebook groups were like "not worth it", and I was like "wha...?". Considering they shill thousands on clothes with super similar prints with decreasing quality, they would not get it? Their loss. Assouline is a fantastic brand for art and design books amongst others, and when I got my Lilly book, I stopped everything and went through all the pages. While this book is more picture-heavy, I loved seeing pics throughout the years of the brand! While I go through times when I love Lilly and times when I hate it, this book is fabulous.

Lilly Pulitzer x ASSOULINE by Lilly Pulitzer (85$,  195$ for the special edition)

- Louis Vuitton City Guides: Last but not least, I have been loving Louis Vuitton City Guides! When I travel, I usually go low-key and budget-friendly, but whenever I feel boujee, I wanna know where to head to! This is where these books come into play. There are tons of city guides in English, French and Chinese of different cities around the world, and each of them is written or edited by a local figure/celebrity/it girl. So far, I've got the Chicago, London, Madrid and Sydney ones. I'm going to Australia in August, so I can't wait to get there and go to all the cool spots! :)

Louis Vuitton City Guide by Louis Vuitton (37$)

So there you have it! I'm a coffee table book hoarder and I need help and I'm proud of it! In fact, I've also recently gotten Classic Style by Kate Schelter, so I will give it a read and let you all know. Which are your favorite coffee table books? Sound off in the barren land known as the comments section!
Love,

- Ane

Feel-good pinks

Kaixo everyone,

Long time no see! I have obviously been MIA. I am currently in my 4th year of the PhD program, and last semester I passed my dissertation proposal defense, making me ABD (All But Dissertation). While I would love to be wearing my pretty pink outfits out, it's mostly been a black sea in the midst of snow and ice, which is, truth to be told, hella depressing. I have been in a funk recently, and today, when I got home, I started to think about the things that would make me feel better by wearing them. Pink, preppy and pretty are my three feel-good Ps. Here are my picks:

Clockwise from left to right:

- J. Crew Long Sleeve Dress in Peony: I am not one to be a big fan of J. Crew dresses, because for some reason they are all so... shapeless. This one however, caught my eye in a way that I would love to have it and be a functioning adult with it.

- BaubleBar Bow Drop Earrings: Let me preface this for these earrings (and for the rest of the post) that I am not the biggest fan of gold. I love gold accents in my home, but not on my skin. However, could these be the long-awaited exception to the norm? Bows give a delicate and feminine touch to any outfit, and right now, that touch makes me happy.

- Lilly Pulitzer Elanie Dress: I am happy to report that after a while not feeling Lilly Pulitzer, it seems to have come back. Not for prints, but their solid dresses are well, damn solid. This dress would be incredible for a wedding.

- Gucci Mini GG Marmont Shoulder Bag: LMAO for affordability, but damn I would rock this baby if I could.

- Lilly Pulitzer Allyson Dress: This is my favorite item on this list hands down. No need to be partial, it is. Reasons why: a) It's fit and flare (like 4/5 dresses on the list), the dress type that fits me best, b) it is not too short for my 5'8ft body, which is something Lilly should work on pronto, c) THE COLOR. The Elanie dress is stunning, but the color on the Allyson is out of this world. I seriously considered buying it, but at the price point, I decided not to. Like my friend Anna said, Alexa, play Pretty Hurts by Beyoncé.

- Yves Saint Laurent Heart and Arrow Rouge Volupte Shine Collector Lipstick: Well damn that's a mouthful. I have a never-ending collection of lipstick, but this would be perfect for a gift or to reverse-Marie Kondo my bathroom.

- Gal Meets Glam Collection Edith Dress: I think a lot of Julia Engel's dresses are too old-time for me, but this dress could be lightened up with some fun accessories, my white Converse, a denim jacket and a smile. I dig it.

- Lilly Pulitzer Cascading Petals Earrings: When I saw this on the web, I fell in love. When I saw them on a model though, they were bigger than I thought. I will probably have to see them in person, but the idea is very cute and they would complement my extra persona really well.

- Gal Meets Glam Collection Zelda Dress: Another Julia Engel piece that puts me in a romantic mood and makes me wonder about Jane Austen's novels. Although Jane Austen did not write about love, she wrote about finding a husband. One of my favorite literature professors from my undergrad who sadly passed away on Christmas Eve said it, and I will never forget that.

- Kate Spade New York Glitter Heart Phone Case for iPhone X, XS and XR: I recently got an iPhone XR, so this cute case would be a nice addition. Kinda cheesy, but it goes well with all the other options on this list.

There is no particular reason that I compiled these things other than the fact that it made me feel good to look at this aesthetically pleasing image. I probably will not buy any of these things (the Allyson dress though... ugh so hard), but I just sat down to write this, did it in one sitting, and I feel good and less funky after it. That should be the point of blogging, after all.

Love,

- Ane

Bucket List Wishlist: Luxury Everyday Classics

Kaixo everyone,

I hope y'all are doing great. I am currently super stressed out with my qualifying papers, but it is grad school and I signed up for it. #yagirlsgotknowledgecauseshegotintocollege

As most of you know, I am an avid shopper. I live for day-long shopping trips and online sales (only when they have free shipping). However, something has gotten into me recently. A couple of weeks ago, I was overwhelmed with how cluttered my closet was. So many t-shirts, dresses, pants, etc. that I did not wear. I put them all in a bag, and I decided to go sell them. As some are pretty old, I did not sell them all, but it made me start to think about the changes I am making (and hope to make) to my style.

During Christmas break, I chopped my hair off. Easily 8 inches. I haven't had my hair this short since I was 7 years-old. Let me tell you, I LOVE IT. I feel more mature, self-assured, serious and classy. I feel older. With that, a lot of the things I have in my closet right now remind me of a younger, less confident version of myself. At times, I started buying things because they were in, but I did not feel 100% comfortable in them. That super fitted short Forever 21 floral dress? LOL never been worn. 

Recently, I came to terms with the fact that classy silhouettes, easy white tops and regular jeans are what works best for me. However, there is always a little crazy, young, free spirit in myself, and that is reflected on the fact that having that right make it or break it piece is a must. That piece that compliments the rest of my outfit, but makes me (and the people around me) say whoa.

I have tried to look for that kind of piece for years, but I eventually always buy something impulsively and get tired of what I thought was "the best purchase ever." A couple of Teen Vogue issues ago, there was an edit called something like "The Classics", and talked about those pieces that have been around forever and NEVER go out of style. Some of them are just not gonna happen with me (like those Adidas tracksuits, sorry not sorry), but it clicked that some of them could be that extra *POP* that I've been looking for. 

There are some iconic pieces by some designers that I've been wanting for SO LONG (I don't mean months, I mean years), I know they would get used over and over. Also, they are hella expensive and if you are not gonna wear it until its demise, why buy it? The list I've compiled below are some of the things I would like to own one day, but that I am also sure that I will be able to wear in my everyday (and night) life. So uncomfortable, unwearable stuff will not be included. Example: The Pigalle Louboutin pumps are really cute, but everybody swears they are the most uncomfortable shoes on earth. Not worth the investment. 

Adding to all of this, I have started a month-long shopping fast. I started on Valentine's Day, and I plan not to buy anything online or in store (food not included, my belly needs Chipotle) until March 14th. Not buying random stuff I don't need will make a splurge on one of the items below more rewarding. With that, I will also include the prices below, so that I get ready to save up (and cry in despair!). Here are the pieces that are in my wishlist:

Clockwise from left to right:
- Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Handbag: (1260$) This is the kind of bag I want for when I get my first big girl job, or graduation itself. I can imagine myself going to teach, to have coffee with friends, to meetings, to go shopping with this bad boy. I would definitely choose the Monogram material with the beige lining. I am not a big fan of large logos, but the LV one is an exception. A huge plus is the pochette inside it. Don't want to go out with the full bag? Take the pochette out and be the baddest bitch you've ever wanted to be.
- Burberry Check Wool Cashmere Scarf: (435$) I am proud to say that my scarf collection is one of my best style assets, and that I use all of them all the time. Considering this, I am ready to take the plunge in the most iconic scarf of all time. Did you know that this scarf is so popular because in 1967, the store manager of the Paris store styled the trench coats at the display show the interior lining, and everyone went nuts about it? Now you know!
- Gucci Double G Buckle Belt: (550$) Gucci is the most disco designer brand for me, and this belt would make my bougie self the most bougie gal in town. I would not wear this to formal meetings, but it would be the ideal piece for when I go out with friends. I know that the gold metal one is more iconic, but I am faithful to silver (and gold makes me look cheap, let's be honest).
- Cartier Love Bracelet: (6300$) The most expensive item on this list, and kinda luckily, the last I would buy anyway. If I had all the disposable income in the world, I would get this. But I do not plan to save for it like for the other items in this list. Pretty, understated, and forever.
- Barbour Beadnell Waxed Jacket: (399$) This is the preppy staple par excellence, the kind of coat you'd wear to reach that KJP Instagram aesthetic. As the Basque Prep, I approve. You can get inside lining too for the colder months (#winning).
- Chanel 2.55 Handbag: (5300$) The item that's been in my wishlist for longer. Probably since I was 15. The quilting, the color, the silver... It's the perfect bag for me. I will probably not be able to afford it in years, but I plan to save up for it. When I have the money, I will go to 31, Rue Cambon (which I visited this Christmas, it was dreamy. Shout out to Danielle, vous êtes la meilleure!) in Paris and cry happy tears when I leave the store with it.
- Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Pumps: (995$) Carrie Bradshaw. Enough said.
- POLO Ralph Lauren American Flag Sweater: (145$) The cheapest item of the list, and probably the one I'll buy first. Although this is not a top tier designer label (Ralph Lauren Collection would be that), it is still an American powerhouse that we all love. I am not very happy with the current political climate in this country (disclaimer, it's my blog, and if I want to talk politics, I will, so before you cut me off, know that I won't budge on this), but I have lived in this country for very long, and this sweater is a very classy way of showing the US some love without being tacky.
- Chanel Ballet Flats: (750$) I am still not sure if I'd go for the two tone or the black flats, but as a sucker for ballet flats, these are the ones. The epitome. The elongated shape is that of what ballet flats should look like, and they can make any outfit 200% classier. If I don't get the Louis Vuitton bag, these will be my graduation present to myself.

So all this designer glam comes with the hefty price tag of 16,134$. My salary. Excuse me, I have something in my eye. The good thing is, apart from the Cartier bracelet and the Chanel handbag, it's 4534$. Little by little, I could start my luxury collection.

So now it's your turn! Which are your wishlist items? Would you like to start a collection of designer items? Let me know!
Love,

- Ane