Five on Friday

Wow! This week has been chaos, I guess the week before spring break always is. I'm glad to say that, as of 2:18pm today, spring break is finally here! I have been looking forward to blogging all week, as I didn't get the chance to type a post all week! I'm glad I got to share some of my favorite Blogs & Websites with you, I had typed that post over the weekend, and thought it would be a perfect post since I wouldn't be posting much this week.

5 things from this week

1. Usher's Climax: My school's talent show was this week, and as VP of STUCO for my grade, I was at the talent show. It was so much fun! So many students came out, and it was so much fun! A junior sang Usher's Climax, and he was amazing! It was my first time hearing the song, and I fell in love with the boy's voice and the song. So naturally, when I came home, I listened to the song for 17 times. On repeat. It's such a good song, even though I'm 2 years late to this song! (For more on the talent show, read this post!)
2. Traveling: I love traveling, and I dream about traveling every day. However, with spring break here, I will be green with envy as my friends post photos of their trips. My friend and the president of STUCO is going to England, I'm so excited for J! I know he will have a blast. He came to school today just so he could take his stat test, and then left for the airport, haha! I'm so excited to hear all about his stories and see the artsy Insta photos. My other friend JBS tweeted about how he just found out he was going to Paris for break. What?! I'm so jealous. JBS & his twin take the coolest Instagrams, so I'm excited to see the photos. I've dreamed about going to Europe for the longest time, so... to say I'm jealous is the understatement of the century. Oh and my bff H is going to NYC, and is going on the Gossip Girl tour. I wish I could go with her, so we could eat yogurt on the Met, meet our Chuck Basses by the Empire, and dress like Serena and Blair! One day... ;) I will be traveling somewhere too, (not as cool as England, Paris or NYC, but still pretty cool) but it will be a surprise! There will definitely be a post about it though, so be on the lookout for that.
3. Crewcuts jewelry: My favorite little secret. J.Crew style jewelry for the price of Crewcuts. (If you didn't know, Crewcuts is the kids section of J.Crew) While I can't fit into the adorable Crewcuts clothes, I can wear their jewels! I got this necklace during an additional 40% off sale for $12! Everytime I wear it, I get millions of complements. Those who know it's J.Crew don't realize it's from Crewcuts, so they are all super impressed. ;) Hey, it can be our little secret now! I have only bought one necklace from Crewcuts which has a ribbon for the necklace part, so I'm not sure if the ones with a chain will fit around my neck nicely. I will have to find out! ;) Check out this one that I've been eyeing. 
   
   

   

   The necklace I got from Crewcuts. I love it! Image via J.Crew

   

   What I wore on Thursday.
   View this week's Outfits of the Week article for more details!

   

   I want this Crewcuts necklace! Image via J.Crew

4. Drop Dead Diva: This show actually didn't make it to onto my Netflix recommendations, but it made my Honorable Mentions. (see more here!) However, this show added new episodes to Netflix recently, so my family & I got back into it. This show is so interesting. Gorgeous, shallow model Deb Dobkins becomes reincarnated into a smart, plus size lawyer named Jane Bingum. Deb must now use her brain and previous knowledge to help her with her job. This show is sooo good; the cases are interesting, and the characters are fresh and fun. Ah! Now I'm hooked onto it again, my parents already finished the latest season... I have 3 more episodes! 

   

   Image via Air Force Wife Life's blog

5. Flipboard App: I love reading the news. I am currently taking a social studies class, (AP Human Geography) where we talk about current events and the news often. My teacher, Ms. B is the best! She's young, sarcastic, hilarious, and very straightforward. She believes that students should keep up with the news, and I couldn't agree more! Of course, I don't always have time to read the New York Times (one of my favorites, my favorite section is lifestyle) while eating breakfast in the morning. Wait, I don't even have time to eat breakfast in the morning! (more on that later...) I wish I could sit down, drink a cup of orange juice, coffee, milk, a smoothie, (I really like breakfast beverages!) and eat a big breakfast, while reading the newspaper... but I don't! However, whenever I'm sitting in a car or something, I may not always have my New York Times with me, but I always have my phone! The Flipboard app is great, because you can pick what topics you're interested in, and get articles related to those! I flip through each "magazine," a collection of articles from all over the world of news, and add the ones that seem interesting to my own "magazine," which is like your own Pinterest board for Flipboard. You can also subscribe to certain newspapers and magazines, if you have a preference. I love Flipboard, and totally recommend it for news on to go. Categories I'm subscribe to include "Traveling", "Home", "Graphic & Web Design", "Politics", "Photography". I'm also subscribed to "36 Hours | Europe" from the New York Times, (surprise? no) which gives you an itinerary for about 3 days in a particular city in Europe. The articles from "36 Hours | Europe" are my favorite to read on Flipboard. You can also connect your Twitter or Instagram, so Flipboard can get a feel for your interests, but I personally don't have them connected.

PS: The New York Times 36 Hours: 125 Weekends in Europe is a book, which would make a perfect coffee table book for my future apartment. Future birthday present? ;)

Sorry this "Five on Friday" post was posted on Saturday! I fell asleep because of the exhausting week, and didn't wake up until 11pm. I will try to post my "Five on Friday" on Friday next time. ;)

Outfits of the Week

Some outfits from this week!

Thursday & Talent Show:

Ralph Lauren Sport long sleeved tee and a J.Crew Crewcuts necklace

Close up of the necklace. 

Blue J.Crew Factory Minnie pants for the daytime
This pair is old. Similar pair here.

Yay for J.Crew!

And for the talent show...
Same top and necklace with a pair of J.Crew hot pink silk shorts!
(shorts were talked about in my A Few of My Favorite Things: J.Crew post)
Target ballet flats. (similar pair here)
With my superstar, JBS, who sang & played the piano to Clarity
He wore: Polo Ralph Lauren button down
Khakis & Polo Ralph Lauren shoes

Friday:

Boy's Nike shirt (my brother's)
Women's tempo track shorts 3.5" (similar pair here)

Those are the only outfits I took photos of this week, but I will be posting pictures from spring break and from this week later on. :)

A Few of My Favorite Things... Blogs & Websites

I love reading blogs. Getting a peek into someone's life is so interesting! What could be cooler? Here are some of my favorite blogs.

College Prepster: Obviously. I have already referred to her, but I read Carly's blog everyday. She posts often, and is living the dream in New York City. Carly's Alma mater is the school I want to go to, Georgetown University. Carly blogs about a little bit of everything: fashion, traveling, personal life... mainly fashion. She has the cutest preppy style; I want all of her clothes!

Love Taza: Naomi has the coolest life. Also living in New York City with her two littles, Eleanor, Samson and her husband, Josh; they live such an exciting life, and I love reading about her adventures. Her kids are the cutest, and the entire family has the cutest clothes! She went to Julliard, Josh went to Columbia. (another school I'd love to go to!) And they're from DC. I have read her blog for the longest time; it just makes me so happy. 

Humans of New York: HONY is the main reason I still go on Facebook. Brandon goes around New York City, photographing strangers, and learning about them. HONY shows how everyone has a story, and the stories he encounters are amazing, sad, and life changing. 

The Everygirl: The perfect website for girls everywhere. Fashion, culture, travel, living... all of it in one! I love the sections: Home Tours and Career Profiles, but honestly I love every section. I discovered this website recently, so I still have a lot to read on here. Check it out!

York Avenue: This is the blog I actually found The Everygirl through. Jackie is so cute, and also lives in New York City. (Do all the cool bloggers live in the city?!) She has a great eye for photography, and interior design. Her apartment is featured in The Everygirl's Home Tours! Her apartment is absolutely gorgeous.

Matchbook Magazine: Every girl dreams for a life like Matchbook Magazine. This online magazine is so pretty, and there's a new issue every month! Gorgeous, and filled with great articles. It's a must read!

Amy Stone: Amy's blog shows her eye for photography, and typography. She works for Gap's marketing team, and she knows how to take stunning photos... even if it's just silverware at a cafe. ;) 

Design Darling: Another preppy blog, Mackenzie has the cutest style! Her outfit posts make me green with envy. And... she's BFFs with College Prepster.

Sugar & Cloth: Gorgeous blog with lots of entertaining ideas! Who doesn't love ideas for parties? From recipes to DIYs, Sugar & Cloth is a great spot for celebration inspiration.

The Neo-Traditionalist: Katie is one of the founders of Matchbook Magazine, and this is her personal blog. Posts and photos are traditional with a twist, as the blog's name states. Modern and classic at the same time.

Kate Spade: Kate Spade is one of my all time favorite brands. The personality of the brand is me in a nutshell. It's self explanatory why I love their blog. Can I just live like a Kate Spade girl? This year, Kate Spade's theme is "travel colorfully," and I thought last year's theme couldn't be beat! (things we love) eWell Kate Spade proved me wrong. Each month, Kate Spade focuses on a different place, and has blog posts inspired by that place. As if I couldn't love Kate Spade any more.

These are just a few of my favorite blogs! What are your favorite blogs? Do you blog? What type of blog posts are your favorite? I love posts about traveling, and travel guides, what to do when you're somewhere.

A Few of My Favorite Things... Pinterest

Pinterest is one of my favorite social media websites. The idea is genius! "Pinning" pictures and videos from websites, that link back to the website. You can follow others' accounts, and see all of their "pins." I love the fact that you can find the website that a cute dress is from, or the link to the recipe of that delicious cake.

Here's my Pinterest, feel free to follow me! I pin often. Is it considered an obsession if I have over 15,000 pins?! My favorite board of mine is printspiration, which has a ton of really cool prints. I love seeing the different prints, and art. It really inspires me! I'd love to have all these prints hanging in my future apartment as part of a gallery wall.

My Pinterest home page, as of right now
Love the bathroom I just pinned from Katie Armour

A part of my fashionnn board.

One of my most varied boards, I don't even know what I will do with my future apartment
I love all styles of interior design. Check out my home is where the heart is board!

If you're ever looking to get me a gift, or anyone for the matter...
((My wish list board))

My favorite board, such pretty art!

Words of wisdom. Found in my words to live by board!

Those aren't all of my boards... check out my Pinterest here!

My favorite Pinteresters:

• Jacqueline | York Avenue
• Anthology
• Sweet Lemon Magazine
• Katie Armour
• College Prepster
• Matchbook Magazine
• Lemon Stripes
• Sarah Belle
• J.Crew
• For Chic Sake
• Henri Bendel
• Tory Burch
• Bloomingdale's
• LaurenConrad.Com

I love Pinterest! Do you have a Pinterest? What's your account? Who are your favorite Pinteresters?

A Few of My Favorite Things... Netflix TV Shows

My guilty pleasure is... Netflix. Surprise, surprise? Probably not a surprise! Who doesn't love Netflix? My friends and I are always tweeting "Netflix recommendations?" My friend SS and I had a time when we were at the same episode in Grey's Anatomy, so all we did was text each other our reactions to the episode! It was so much fun.

Although I feel very guilty when my Friday nights are now consumed by Netflix marathons, and relaxation was just turning on the television, instead of reading books. I would love to read more, and reading more is a personal goal I have for myself, especially over break. There are many books I want to read... we'll get to that in another post. ;)

I had to share my favorite Netflix picks of TV shows with you. Please let me know what you like, and any recommendations you have! I'm making a separate post about Netflix movies... if that says anything about my love for Netflix.

Gossip Girl: Started the show through Netflix, and thankfully finished in time to watch the final season live! It's my all time favorite show. I'm obsessed with Blair Waldorf's style, attitude and personality. I'd love to be Blair in another world. Don't even get me started on my love for Chuck Bass. Another reason why I'd love to be Queen B. Chuck Bass is the love of my life. Gossip Girl has a little bit of everything: drama, suspense, romance, scandal, and funny moments. And it's set in New York City, with real sites there. Romanticizing New York City in a TV show is an A+ in my book. AND the fashion, swoon. Gossip Girl is the perfect combination of everything I love the most. No wonder it's my favorite show.
The complete series of Gossip Girl is currently on Netflix. (Seasons 1-6)

The fashion in Gossip Girl is so beautiful; it makes me sad that I'm not a wealthy Upper East Sider with millions of dollars to spend. 

Image via fashionista.com

Chuck and Blair: the dream couple.  It's embarrassing how many times I've cried over Chuck and Blair scenes... especially the scenes I've seen hundreds of times... and still bawl at.

Image via Pinterest

New Girl: Another favorite show. Jessica Day is me. The show is cute, quirky, upbeat, light, and always makes me laugh hysterically. Jess is awkward, cute, and almost every girl can relate to her in some way or another. The actress for Jess, Zooey Deschanel is gorgeous and adorable, and is the writer of the scripts for New Girl- so impressive! Jess is an elementary school teacher, who's cute, quirky, and different. She ends up moving in with 3 guys she met on the Internet, and it is the cutest show ever. Must watch!

Seasons 1 & 2 of New Girl are on Netflix. New Girl is currently on its 3rd season.

Image via TV Rage

Who can't relate to this? Oh, and in this episode, Winston gets his man period. Intrigued yet?

Image via Pinterest

White Collar: If Matt Bomer isn't a good enough excuse to watch White Collar, the intriguing storyline is. Matt Bomer plays Neal Caffrey, the suave, handsome con-man who has many talents. Neal helps a FBI agent catch other white-collar thieves by using the skills he would've used to commit the crime. In addition to helping out the FBI agent, Neal has an ulterior motive. The show is witty, fresh, exciting, and while each case is different, there is a story line throughout the season, that keeps you hooked. If the show's story line isn't enough... there's always the chance to watch Matt Bomer.

Seasons 1, 2 & 3 of White Collar are on Netflix. White Collar is currently on its 4th season.

How cute is he?!

Image via White Collar Wiki

Arrow: Every time I was texting my friend A, (which is quite often) she was watching Arrow. We have similar taste in TV shows, and Arrow looked really interesting. I started it, and instantly became hooked! If you like superhero and action & adventure movies, this show is made for you. If not, you'll still like it. Arrow has revenge, adventure, mystery, drama, suspense and plot twists all throughout the show. Who is good? Who is bad? You find out more about Arrow's mysterious past, his secret identity, and those associated with his past. Warning... season 1 ends on a total cliffhanger! And I am dying to know what happens next. I'm really hoping Netflix adds season 2 as soon as possible. (Oh, and did I mention the main character is not too bad to look at??)

Season 1 of Arrow is on Netflix. Arrow is currently on its 2nd season.

Image via Arrow Wiki

Psych: Hilarious and focused on a mystery. Psych is one of the funniest, wittiest shows out there. While there isn't much of a story line, the hilarious episodes keep you wanting more! Shawn Spencer, the son of a police detective, grew up learning about observation skills. Shawn pretends that he is psychic and gets hired by the Santa Barbara police department, however he is just observant and pays attention to details people miss. A hilarious show with the best episodes.
Seasons 1-6 of Psych are currently on Netflix. Psych is currently on its final season, its 8th.

Image via Psych Wiki

How I Met Your Mother: Light, funny and cute. As Ted  Mosby tells the story of how he meets his wife to his kids; there are many crazy adventures that lead up to meeting the mother, with his friends Marshall, Lily, Robin, and Barney. Like Gossip Girl, How I Met Your Mother is set in New York City. With creative episodes, like racing via different transportation modes, and finding the best hamburger in NYC... How I Met Your Mother is perfect for any time.

Seasons 1-8 of How I Met Your Mother are currently on Netflix. How I Met Your Mother is currently on its last season, its 9th.

Image via Idolol

Image via Rebloggy

Sherlock: British TV show. Shall I say more? So witty, creative, and who doesn't love a good mystery? Episodes are 90 minutes long, and keep you hooked til the very last minute. Sherlock and his friend Watson make quite the duo, and Sherlock himself is quite the character; mysterious, observant, intelligent and arrogant. It's hard not to fall under his spell. The story line is so crazy; the end of season 2 will have you begging for season 3. One of the best shows ever written. The storyline and episodes are phenomenal. 

Seasons 1 & 2 of Sherlock are currently on Netflix. Sherlock is currently on its 3rd season.

Image via BBC

Dexter: I haven't finished this show yet, but it's so different and so good! Dexter is different than everyone else, he enjoys killing. However, he is forced to act normal as much as he can, so people don't suspect him. He works for the police department along, and while the police department isn't the brightest- Dexter is. Dexter has an ulterior motive to take down the criminals, (not your typical stole money type, hurting innocent people, etc.) and make them suffer. Dexter shares his point of view in the show, and the storyline gets really interesting starting in the first episode with a man who knows about Dexter's secret... who is he? What does he want with Dexter? Well Dexter accepts this man wants to play a game with him, and Dexter is ready to play. Pretty morbid, highly addicting.

The entire series of Dexter is on Netflix. (Seasons 1-8)

His nickname? The avenging angel.

Image via Vostfr-Stream

Mad Men: This show is a time machine back to the 1960's. Also set in New York City, the glamour of the advertising agency is shown. Don Draper is quite the man, and all the characters definitely have a bit more to them, than the normal ad man. The cultural differences are shown: wives as housewives, female employees as secretaries, and the sexism shown. Such an elegant show which really brings back the glamour of living in the 60s with the advertisement world. My love for marketing is definitely a reason I love the elegance and glamour of this show.
Seasons 1-5 of Mad Men are currently on Netflix. Season 7 of Mad Men (its last season) premieres this Spring.

Image from Capitalism Magazine

One Tree Hill: While the first episode didn't hook me, after hearing everyone talk about their love for One Tree Hill; I decided to give it another shot. I'm so glad I did, this is the show I'm currently watching. And. It. Is. Good. Half brothers and basketball superstars Nathan and Lucas Scott rival on the basketball court, and off. Over time, you'll be shocked by how much the characters' personality have changed. Some of these personalities are enough to keep you hooked. And so much drama! I don't want to spoil it, but AH. You'll want to try this show out. 

The complete series of One Tree Hill is on Netflix. (Seasons 1-9)

Image via Wikipedia

Honorable Mentions: Ugly Betty, Drop Dead Diva, Chuck, Leverage, DC Cupcakes, Ted Talks: Life Hacks, Doctor Who, Melissa & Joey, Last Man Standing, Tanked, Grey's Anatomy, Alias, Best Food Ever

Is there any show I missed? What are your favorite Netflix shows? What do you think about my favorite shows? Netflix movies will be another post soon!

A Few of My Favorite Things... J.Crew

J.Crew - my all time favorite shop. I practically live in J.Crew clothes, and one of my most visited pages is the J.Crew sale page. J.Crew has some amazing sales, which is something my wallet really appreciates.

I love the 3 inch chino shorts. (because I'm really short! Most people prefer the 4 inch chino shorts.) Over half of my shorts are the 3 inch chino shorts. 

I just want a pair in every. single. color.

Image via J.Crew

I also love their painter tees; it's a classic, cute tee that I can wear with jeans, chinos... just about anything! 

This is my favorite painter tee (of the ones that I own!).

Image via Pinterest

This shirt goes with me everywhere... it's always in my suitcase!

Image via Lyst

Also, last summer, I got a pair of lobster seersucker shorts from J.Crew Factory, (I fell in love with these shorts over Pinterest, so when I saw them at the factory store, I knew I had to get them)

Image via J.Crew Factory

and a pair of these pink silk shorts from J.Crew. When I found out that Carly from College Prepster and I had the same pair of shorts; I freaked out! Carly's style is the cutest. Check out her blog!

Image via Lyst

The seersucker pair and silk pair are two of my favorite pairs of shorts. Then again, all my shorts from J.Crew are my favorite! I'm pretty biased towards J.Crew. My love for that shop is probably not normal. 

I'm hoping my next purchase from J.Crew is a pair of Pixie pants. I have read great reviews from College Prepster about the Pixie. Does anyone have a pair? For $98, I sure hope they're perfect! This pair with the zippers is calling my name!

Love at first sight.

Image via J.Crew

What do you think about J.Crew? Obsessed like me, or prefer another store? Any favorite clothing items from J.Crew or anywhere? What are you hoping your next purchase will be?

Primero.

Hi! I'm Samantha, and this is my blog, Traveling & Buttondowns. I love fashion, traveling, interior design, cooking, reading the news, and art. 

My dream is to travel around the world: visiting museums, people watching in cafes, talking to the locals, eating at the local restaurants, exploring the country, and volunteering. 

I will just be discussing my life on my blog; I hope you enjoy! Thanks for visiting.