cupcakes and cashmere x club monaco holiday party

Last week, just before all of the holiday madness officially set in, we attended a party hosted by Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere at Club Monaco. In celebration of Club Monaco's new flagship store opening in NYC, we enjoyed hot chocolate and treats from their all pink candy bar while shopping. We couldn't get enough of the beautiful space; the 5th Avenue store is also home to Toby's Estate Coffee and a small Strand bookshop. Here were some of our favorite holiday picks and a few photos from the evening!

from left to right: julie stripe turtle - shayla printed dress - shae faux fur topper - 

lourdes printed silk tank - abby angora gloves - adriana angora sweater

matilda faux fur vest - micala contrast sleeve dress - sienna split back jacquard top -

theresa textured top - ana embellished hat - susanna jacquard skirt

shopping sample sales

We've always been fans of perusing sample sales; it's definitely one of the perks of living & working in NYC. Racked NY keeps a great running list of sales, which you can take a look at here. Below are some of our tips for shopping these often-chaotic sales!

Do Your Homework
Familiarize yourself with the brand and its past season of clothing. The last thing you want is to pay more for an item that you could get for a better discount online or in store.

At the past few J.Crew sample sales we realized that many of the pieces could have been purchased in store at a cheaper price. J.Crew retail offers extra discounts on their sale merchandise so usually you can get a pretty good deal. 

On the other hand, sometimes you can find unique pieces at samples sales. My biggest regret was passing up on a lilac peplum top from the J.Crew sample sale that never went into production (gasp! a real sample).

Decide what is more appealing to you, access to the best pieces for a higher price, or less stock but at a discounted cost? Sometimes it pays to wait to shop the last few days of a sale when items are marked down and sometimes it definitely doesn't.
 
Read Up On Past Sales
It's important to know what to expect. Will you have to fight for the most coveted pieces? Or is this particular designer known for re-stocking their sale? It's always good to know you'll be walking into a complete mess before you do.

Bring a Friend
Bring a friend to hold your wallet while you try on clothes or have them act as your mirror when there just isn't one around. In an environment where you need to make a quick decision, it's great to have a friend to convince you to purchase a one-of-a-kind piece or talk you out of buying something that you definitely don't need.

If you missed it, check out our review of the club monaco sample sale for more info on shopping sample sales. Stay tuned for a post on our best sample sale finds!

kate spade x elle holiday shopping party

This past week we attended a glittery holiday evening hosted by Kate Spade New York x ELLE. In celebration of Kate Spade's 20th Anniversary we enjoyed pink bubbly while shopping at their Bleeker Street store. Here were some of our favorite holiday picks and a few snaps from the evening!

from left to right: glitter bug stacy wallet - niesha flat - things we love coffee table book - haley top - west valley valentine shoulder bag (on sale!) - long studded gloves

from left to right: idiom pencils - seanna glasses - all that glitters emanuelle clutch - fairmount park uptown/downtown salt & pepper shakers - owl coin purse - festive bubbles resin iphone 5 case

scout: free people new arrivals

I was in the 10th grade when I first discovered Free People. In fact, I still own (and wear!), one of the first FP pieces I (my mom) bought. Almost 10 years later and I am still obsessing over almost everything the brand puts out. I’m not gonna lie, there was a time a few years ago where the clothing was TOO hippie for me, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve finessed my ability to mix a funky FP piece with something more work appropriate, like black slacks or a blazer.

Lately, Free People’s emails have been off the charts with pretty.things.I.must.have. Not a day goes by that I haven’t forwarded Holly an email from them. Below, some Free People picks perfect for the holiday season, and beyond!

from left to right: bow & arrow henley dress - jaquard print pom pom beanie - 

tea length knit tutu slip - lurex romper - printed cat tipi - on the go mini - 

shimmy shimmy party dress - tattered paisley loop scarf - shala swit pant

review: martha stewart american made

A few weeks ago I stopped by Martha Stewart's American Made Market in Grand Central Terminal. Countless vendors had set up small pop-up displays in Vanderbilt Hall; there were so many beautiful products to look at, purchase, and even sample. I wish that I had blocked out more time to shop around, as so many artisinal and homemade items caught my eye.

I browsed a few of the many booths and even spotted 

Florian Bellanger, famous pastry chef and judge of 

Food Network's Cupcake Wars. 

My favorite vendor was Chez Sucre Chez. Even though she was tucked away in a corner (probably not the best spot), her display of adorable needlepoint projects caught my eye from across the room. I purchased this adorable squirrel cross-stitch project, which I just finished!

I found the perfect spot for my cross-stitch project.

Shopping this small pop-up made me wish that Martha Stewart hosted this closer to the holiday's, as I could imagine purchasing all of my gifts for friends and relatives easily. Sadly I'm not a shopper who purchases all of my holiday gifts early in the season, but I made sure to pick up a few business cards so that I could shop online.

For a full list of Martha's American Made nominees and those 

involved in the pop-up at Grand Central, visit the site here.

scout: asos neutrals

from left to right: slouch coatigan - full midi skirt - sweat skater dress in color block - midi dress in animal print - shell top with dramatic ruffle - sweater dress with heart elbow patches - midi skirt in soft touch - sweater in angora with foil print - knit dress in leopard with leather look pockets

scout: terrain

Lately Terrain has been hitting it out of the park with so many different and inspiring fall decorating ideas. Between the photos in their emails and The Bulletin, Terrain's blog, I've bookmarked (and pinned) more items than I can count. It's really no surprise that I've fallen in love with this retailer, considering Terrain's sister companies include Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and BHLDN - all of our favorites!

fall entertaining email & fall succulent centerpiece

These two succulent centerpieces are perfect for dressing up any fall table. They're much more sophisticated than your average orange pumpkin table-scape. And the succulents can be used to decorate your home year round.

campfire on a chilly evening

Wouldn't you just love cozy-ing up to this outdoor fire? Homemade s'mores are kind of my weakness and I could imagine making so many over this fire. Check out Terrain's post for a few nontraditional s'mores recipes.

autumn pumpkins & enchanted lighting

White pumpkins have already been on my mind since Molly decorated her apartment with these adorable minis. A path row of white pumpkins would be perfect lining a driveway for a fall party or even incorporated into wedding decor. A simple but very impactful decorating idea. You could also easily substitute lanterns for pumpkins and create a very similar feel.

These are just a few of my many favorites from Terrain. I'm dying to check out either of their two locations, one in Glen Mills, PA and the other in Westport, CT. Each location hosts private events and even has its own restaurant. The restaurant spaces and their menus each look amazing. I wish they would open one closer to NYC!

review: club monaco sample sale 2013

Holly: Normally I'm not a huge fan of the Clothingline Sample Sales but this time Molly and I both had some good luck! We showed up a little bit before six and walked out with our bags a half hour later. The line was about sixty people long but it moved at a pretty decent pace; I was kind of surprised it was so short considering that items were further marked down on Wednesday.

When we got inside I immediately noticed the abundance of size 12s, which is something that I also spotted at this same sale during the spring. Usually Clothingline provides makeshift dressing rooms but this time there were absolutely no try-ons, which explained why there were so many pairs of pants still up for grabs. I was pretty overwhelmed as there wasn't any consistent organization at this sale; in one section there was a grouping of all of the same dresses and on another there were miscellaneous samples and all different pieces hanging on the same rack. According to Racked, the sale will be restocked all week with the exception of the jewelry and accessories (Note: skip that section anyway since most items are very outdated or broken).

I purchased this awesome white jacket that will be
perfect for layering in the spring. I'd wear it layered
over a dress or with ankle length pants.
-kassandra jacket-

Molly: This was actually my first time at a Clothingline Sample Sale, and though the space was much larger and it was easier to sort through racks, I much prefer the more intimate sales, such as those held at 260 Sample Sale. Like Holly mentioned, the biggest problem at this sale was the lack of fitting rooms, and the strict rules against trying items on in front of mirrors. There were some pants in interesting materials and fabrics, but without being able to try on, Holly and I immediately skipped them. 

 This pair caught our attention but we had to 

leave it on the rack since there were no fitting rooms.

-ali cropped pant-

Most of the items were on the summery side of the color and pattern scale - pastels, neons, tropical prints - so if you're looking to stock up for Spring/Summer 2014 it might be worth checking out. A good piece of advice for this sale is to keep your eyes peeled. Like Holly noted some of the racks were less organized than others, so its easy to miss unique pieces. One of the items I bought was spotted in someone else's arms at the pay counter in front of me. I kept my eye on her and as soon as I noticed she didn't take it, I snagged it. Sequins and feathers are also a good indication of a unique item. 

-tamia jacket-

Despite not being that impressed with the sale, I walked away with a knit peplum top that I can't wait to layer over a turtleneck, a bold black and white striped jacket perfect for work, and a cute journal that I plan on using for tracking my 25th year, all for $60.

-jane peplum top-

The Club Monaco sample sale runs through Friday November 1. Wed-Friday 11am-7pm. Clothingline, 261 W. 36th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves. For a more detailed rundown of stock & pricing check out Racked.

sent & received - october 25th

  

Catbird's Anatomy of a Stack - fall collection of assorted succulents from The Sill - mini fashion icons costumes via Oh Happy Day! - Natalie Portman for Rouge Dior Lipcolor - CB2 Goldie the Wall Hanging Ram $69.95 - Kate Spade Saturday Roll-Up Flats $90

scout: maeve at anthropologie

It's no secret that over here at scout.send.receive. we love Anthropologie. It is impossible to walk into an Anthro store and not feel inspired by the amazing windows, ingenious product displays and the clever styling of the clothing. I almost certainly purchase at least one item every time I walk into the store, whether it be a quirky-yet-practical skirt, or a calendar with images so beautiful they are begging to be framed.

Because it is a multi-brand store, my collection of clothing from Anthropologie consists of a variety of brands, from the more mainstream like Tracy Reese, to independent brands like Anthro-exclusive Edme & Esyllte (I'm wearing this dress as I write this post!)

But on one of my most recent shopping trips, I purchased two dresses by the brand Maeve and found myself obsessing over almost every other item in their collection (taryn crepe shift $118 & galina dress $128).

 

How could you not be obsessed with this dress? Sequined zebras are okay in my book! I think that this skirt would be surprisingly versatile in a wardrobe.

   

I think that this skirt would be surprisingly versatile in a wardrobe, and this shift dress is perfect for work when accessorized with a statement necklace.

  

sent & received - october 4th

Better late than never. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

photo by @molly_gwen, Rachel Parcell of Pink Peonies, The Estee Lauder BCA Campaign - Domino Mag Online, Domino Magazine - GiGi New York All In One Bag in Embossed Python - Isabel Marant for H&M - Saks' New Girl City - photo by @molly_gwen

sent & received - september 27th

Today we're debuting a new series on our blog called 'sent & received.' Each week we'll try to post a little digest highlighting some of the links or ideas that we're sent through GChat. Enjoy!

 

stylist Caroline Sieber - Handbags: Michael Kors Selma Top-Zip Satchel $358 - Loeffler Randall Work Tote $695 - Madewell Camden Tote $218 - J. Crew Leather and Suede Satchel $298 - BaubleBar Jewelry: Tortoise Deco Bracelet $34 - Mini Tortoise Brick Studs $32 - Tortoise Byzantine Crystal Pendant $38 - Tortoise Texture Links $36 - Zara Flats: Pointed Flat Shoe $35.90 - Pointed Moccasin With Tassel $49.90 - Pointed Leather Ballerina With Straps $99.90 - Erika Bearman's Southampton Home via Elle Decor - DVF Haircalf Clutch $265 (image via Lucky)

review: 3.1 phillip lim for target

Molly and I have both shopped other Target collabs before; last winter we ventured to our local (very suburban) target and snatched up a few great pieces from the Prabal Gurung x Target collection. Since we had such great success, I thought I'd go slo to shop 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target, especially considering the "Limsanity" that ensued at the NYFW launch party. I was also interested to see the quality and fit in person, since we ad a few issues with the Prabal sizing and fabrics.

As expected, Target was virtually empty when I arrived at 10am, so I perused the small display at my leisure. The men's section was virtually non-existent but I only spotted one male shopper anyway.



I snatched up the French Terry Sweatshirt in Boom Print, which will look great with my J.Crew flirty skirt. I tried on a few other items but overall didn't like the fit or cut of most of the clothing. The hardware and closureson the printed dress I had my eye on were disappointing and sadly there were no bags in sight, which led me to believe that my Target just didn't receive a shipment at all.



I was a little disappointed that the Target I visited didn't have any of the bags, but I was pretty happy about my purchase. Not having to deal with any in-store chaos was an added bonus. Overall this quick trip was a win for me!

review: vogue's runway retreat

Molly: Vogue's Runway Retreat was the perfect way to end a hectic week. After leaving my office a little later than anticipated, I hopped in the first available cab (how lucky was I to find an available one at 5:35 on a Friday during NYFW?), and headed across the park to meet Holly at Bar Boulud.

The event was held in the basement, which gave it a frenzied yet intimate feel. Chicly dressed interns checked my name off the guest list and ushered me in to the three separate rooms loaded with freebies, exclusive material, snacks and access to phone chargers!



After having my hair refreshed with some Pantene products, Holly and I headed over to the Jane Iredale display to check out the goods. Having only heard of the company before, I was excited to see it in person. Since I'm obsessed with skincare, a mineral makeup brand with skincare benefits was right up my alley. I was even more excited when some products were included in the generous gift bags and I have since fallen in love with my PureMoist Lipstick in 'Kaylee'. It glides on effortlessly, and depending on how much you apply, it can go from a sheer hint of color to a full on dark lip. Love!



Holly: While enjoying a specialty cocktail from Herradura Silver Tequila, Molly and I got a sneak peek of the new Eva Mendes Collection from New York & Company. I was super impressed with the Leopard Belt and amazing Allegra Signature Necklace. Both have already sold out online and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if both sell out instore as well! Either piece is the perfect addition to any fall wardrobe.



Brahmin's latest collection also caught my eye and featured a wide variety of colors, prints and new mixed materials. I even spotted a few cool new tech accessories. At the end of the night, Molly and I headed over to Lincoln Center for a little people watching. Could not have been a more pefect start to the weekend! Thanks Vogue for such a fun night!

madewell fall '13

I’ve always thought of Madewell as J.Crew’s kid sister. The cuts and patterns always felt a little too “twee,” especially since I’m constantly looking for pieces that can transition between my job and after-hours/weekends. I’m also not one for online shopping (I know, I know), so without easy access to a Madewell store, I honestly just wasn’t that interested.

But now I live about a 10-minute walk from a Madwell (5th Ave. between 18th & 19th), and find myself constantly popping in and as of late liking more of what I was seeing. So I was especially excited when it was announced that Madewell had a new designer, Somsack Sikhounmuong, who, according to this interview on Fashionista, plans to “clean things up” and make the brand more “classic-based.”

If the Fall lookbook, filled with classic pieces with a bit of edge, and the brand’s revamped denim collection is any indication, Madewell will be finding itself a more prominent space in my closet.

This lace top is so versatile. It can be girly when worn 

with a pair of heels, or tough-chic when paired 

with the skinny skinny coated jeans and a military jacket.
-lacebloom top $118-

Like your favorite black skinnies but a little bit cooler.
-skinny skinny coated jeans $135-

A statement coat. A must for fall.
-all weather plaid coat $198-

How perfect are these boots? They would look 

awesome with skinny pants or a dress and tights.
-the biker boot $238-

I have wanted this bag for about a year.

I can’t wait for my gold foil initials to be added!
-the transport tote $168-

review: the nest maker mixer

We recently got the chance to attend The Nest Maker Mixer, hosted by the editors of The Nest and blogger/interior stylist Hannah Kate Flora in the incredible headquarters of The Nest & XO Group. Attendees had the chance to sample sweet treats and create their very own DIY projects with the pros. Although we didn't get a chance to meet Hannah Kate, we did get to chat with Heather Morgan Shott, site director of The Nest.

The views from the office were amazing.



Holly:
First off, I loved the "make it! 'gram it! tweet it!" flyers that encouraged all the crafters to tag @TheNest and #TNCrafts in their social media posts. We walked in to find 3 unique DIY stations that featured coasters, lampshade & glass centerpiece crafts.

Molly and I arrived a bit late so I'm not entirely sure if each of the projects was explained. It kind of seemed like everyone was just getting their craft on in their own way. We each made a set of cute cork coasters. What I learned later on (thanks to Google!) was that each of the crafts corresponded with a different video tutorial on The Nest. I wish they would have show these at the event - would have been so cute if they played these tutorials at each of the craft stations.

For those of you who missed the event, you can still check out these great and simple DIY projects here (coasters, lampshade, glass centerpiece).

Molly:
I was most excited about getting a chance to see inside the XO Group headquarters; the voeur in me was estatic at the chance to see where the "magic happens" for The Knot and The Nest (their other branches, not so much at this point in my life!) The offices did not disappoint - I loved the inspiration tear shees osted on the walls, and that I spied some of my favorite brands, like Confetti System, sprinkled throughout the space.

The kitchen/reception area where the event was held was fantastic! Sweeping views of lower Manhattan into Brooklyn, and cabinets that were an organized person's dream.

As a cupcake lover, I was immediately drawn to the darling cupcakes of Butter & Scotch. I had heard of these confections before, but never had the chance to taste them, and boy had I been missing out! There were two flavors - strawberry & lemon-lavender. Both were incredible; sweet enough to satisfy but so subtle in their flavors that they weren't overwhelming. I spoke with "Scotch" who explained to me that instead of flavored syrups or extracts, they use as many real ingredients as possible, hence the deliciously subtle flavors of the lemon-lavender cupcake (my favorite). I can't wait to visit them at Smorgasburg soon to try more of their tasty creations!

Buenos Angie's had the most adorable set up ever, which I stupidly did not take a picture of. I could not resist the adorably petite Argentine alfajores de maizena, aka a cookie sandwich filled with dulce de leche and garnished with coconut flakes. I'm not a big fan of coconut, but these were yummy!

Can't wait to see what the XO Group has in store for us this fall! We'll definitely be attending their future events and you should too!

scout: back to school

Traditionally the start of September means that it's time to go back to school. There's really nothing better than falling leaves, cool weather, fresh school supplies, new clothes and pumpkin spice lattes. Sadly our school-going days are over, but in the spirit of all things back to school, we're sharing our favorite picks that we must have for fall. Shop our picks below by clicking on each product or by clicking on the text following the image below.  

molly's picks - Zara Check Print Skirt - Bath & Body Works Mason Jar Candle - Sam Edelman Pointed Toe Pumps - Michelle Dwight Designs Pillow Cover - Paper Source Stationery - May Designs Custom May Books - J. Crew Camo Tee - Anthropologie Ponte Bell Skirt

holly's picks - J. Crew Fluted Skirt - Le Pen - Herschel Settlement Backpack - Zara Funnel Neck Dress - Steve Madden Run Wild Flat - Design Darling Monogrammed Acrylic Pencil Cup - Michael Kors Vivi Leather Boots - Poppin Tape Dispenser 

Welcome to scout.send.receive, our little corner of the internet for sharing all things that inspire us. After countless hours of G-chatting, wandering the city, browsing through clothing racks and scouring the aisles of Home Goods for the best finds, we thought someone else might like to see what we have come across! We hope you enjoy reading!