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!