pretty please help me choose.

Though a snowstorm may be headed for New England tomorrow, my brain is already longing for spring--especially in light of the new arrivals at J.Crew. I have a hard time choosing from their gorgeous array of colors for a few items on my wishlist. I don't know if I'll purchase all of the goodies below, but I just might need to budget for them...


Here's where I need your help...which would you choose??
To add to my 3" chino collection, I want to add one of these two to my repertoire.
I adore these crystal + cabochon necklaces! I may just need to layer these beauties...
Leave it to J.Crew to call for colorful Sperrys. I want the whole rainbow.
{psst: my favorite metallic Sperrys are on sale! GO NOW.}

Before I go today, I wanted to share a little facelift I gave to my polish services.
{If the color below isn't evidence enough, those shorts are definitely on my brain!}


I absolutely cannot wait to hear what you choose--and what you think of the new site :)
As always, thank you for helping make my decisions easier...my closet thanks you!
See you tomorrow for Friday's Fancies! xoxo {av}

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eyes on the prize.

Whenever I find myself a bit overwhelmed, I often tell myself to keep my eyes on the prize.
When that happens on a Tuesday morning, it is clear a crazy week is on tap...


When I get overwhelmed, I count my blessings for the things which keep me busy. Whether it is my job, this blog, or all the things I voluntarily put on my plate, I have the health and the will power to tackle my to-do list. Last month, I realized something very important: my "prize" is the happy life I'm building with {cv}--and beyond. The reality is that my eyes are always on the prize. I will joyfully wade through these nutty weeks so I can contribute to our long-term vision.

As the calendar turned to 2013, I resolved to get real. I'm sticking with it. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to step back to 4 posts a week--without leaving me in the dust. With one month into 2013, more balance is definitely in sight. If you're a blogger, I hope you will give yourself the same luxury this year. How are you continuing to get real in 2013? Keep your eyes on your prize! xoxo {av}

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giveaway: my favorite things in #redpluspink.

Happy Monday! It's been nearly six months since I last had a giveaway here on {long distance loving}. Why? I don't want to give away just anything. I want it to be goooood. This giveaway is all about a few of my favorite things. I may be biased, but this is a giveaway which absolutely cannot be missed. And don't be fooled--it is no coincidence that this  #redpluspink goodness comes just in time for Valentine's Day ;)

The winner will receive a pair of festive Hanky Panky's {the best underwear on the planet}, two bottles of Essie nail polish {in Ballet Slippers and She's Pampered}, a $25 gift card to Sephora {to jazz up your make-up routine}, a perfect little pink notebook from J.Crew, and last, but certainly not least, a red + pink-striped Heddy make-up case from Kate Spade {much like this one}.


Entries are welcome from all corners of the globe through 11:59pm on Monday, February 11th.
I will announce the winner on Tuesday, February 12th and ship out all of these goodies that day :)
I feel a little like Oprah today, but I like it--and I hope you do too! Any questions? Email me.
GOOD LUCK!!!! xoxo {av}

psst: If you enter on instagram, all you need to do is take a screenshot of my instagram and then "re-gram" it like you would if you took a photo with your phone, outside of instagram. Most importantly: don't forget to include the hashtag #redpluspink and my username, @amv529.

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friday's fancies #114.

Happy February! This week for Friday's Fancies, we're hitting the slopes. Though it's been quite a few years since I put on my skis, I can definitely still get down with the whole après-ski thing. As a lifelong klutz and running addict, I like my knees too much to fly down a mountain, thank you very much. On the bright side, getting cozy by a fire in a ski lodge is right up my alley--hence the theme ;) I decided to pair a pop of pink with some amazing fair isle leggings, which needed to find my closet yesterday...


find them here: J.Crew Collection Cashmere V-Neck Sweater + Black and Warm Grey Cashmere Knit Snood + Plush Fair Isle Leggings + Sorel Tofino Cate Black Boots + Anthropologie Monogrammed Mug + Labello Classic Lip Balm {shout-out to my bestie {ch} for starting my Labello addiction!}

If you love fashion, Friday's Fancies is the link-up for you. The themes are only a suggestion--any and every outfit is welcome! Click here to join the mailing list and be in the know each and every week :)

Whether you're hitting the slopes or staying cozy this weekend, I hope you have a marvelous one! Many thanks to each and every one of you linking up this week. The #FridaysFancies crew is the best around, hands down. See you next week!! xoxo {av}

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