Bad Monkey Birthday

I have an Instagram addiction.

(And a similar preoccupation with taking selfies but that is a story for another day.) I can admit the truth on this one. It is a lifestyle that can have certain negative effects – sorry for the amped up data bill, Dad! But, it can also have many positive outcomes, including finding new stylish online destinations, such as Bad Monkey Boutique

Screen Shot 2013-09-10 at 6.01.26 PM

I was able to contact Jennifer, the owner of Bad Monkey Boutique, in order to discuss reviewing her merchandise on Styles I Like during my birthday weekend. I was intrigued by her store’s Instagram tagline, which proclaimed, “Bad Monkey Boutique is an online boutique serving young professionals looking for trendy and affordable clothing.” Trendy and affordable is always a winning combination.

According to to her website, Bad Monkey Boutique is a revolving collection of fashion-forward looks for those ladies who not only follow the trends but who don’t want to break the bank.” Jennifer graciously gifted me several items to style for my festivities over the course of the weekend.

On Wednesday, my actual, birthday, I was anxious to wear the White Minnie Top to my birthday dinner at Cuban Pete’s in Montclair, New Jersey. The shirt itself was a bright white color which complemented my (slightly) tanned skin. It had a flattering peplum top.

Screen Shot 2013-09-10 at 5.30.33 PM

 White Minnie TopNoelle Bandage Skirt. Dolce Vita Wedges.

My favorite part of the bright  White Minnie Top was the back detail, a deep v-neck which ended a sweetly feminine bow.

Screen Shot 2013-09-12 at 8.51.38 AM

As I wrote in my previous post, Shine Bright Like A Diamond, my family treated me to a dinner at Cuban Pete’s. It was a bubbly and festive atmosphere. My outfit was perfect for a birthday celebration in tropical decor as seen below.

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 3.47.28 PM

I ordered a glass of sangria and a  traditional shredded chicken dish served with rice, plantains, and beans. I used to be a little hesitant to try new foods, but I was so happy that I listened to a friend’s recommendation to go to Cuban Pete’s. The food was delicious!

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 3.53.31 PM

It wouldn’t be a birthday party without a little cake. After traveling with my lovely lady, Jessica, to a small Colombian restaurant in Boston this past winter, I have a new found appreciation for tres leches cake, which I ordered immediately when I saw it on the menu.

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 4.38.08 PM

The waiters sang Happy Birthday and played instruments in the most uproariously cheerful way. I would have blushed if I wasn’t having so much fun in my borrowed Cuban fedora!

Screen Shot 2013-10-15 at 3.12.24 PM

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 4.44.00 PM

Birthday wish made, I left an evening in Havana feeling loved by my family.

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 4.40.20 PM

{I am convinced the  White Minnie Top looks better from the back.}

I headed up to New England the next day, in order to continue the celebrations at Boston College. Several friends were hosting an off-campus America themed send off party for my Scotland-bound girl, Mary Kate, on Thursday night. Borrowing a dress from my Duch3ast friend and fellow birthday girl, Laura, the Bad Monkey Cream Floral Bib Necklace was as an unexpected accent.

Screen Shot 2013-09-10 at 5.29.27 PM

The Cream Floral Bib Necklace can be added to any outfit because it is a stand-out piece. The flowers look delicate, yet the material is sturdy enough for a night out singing, dancing, and loving life with your friends who you will miss while you are gone for a semester abroad.

On Friday, my best friend/cousin, Ryan, came to cheer on the BC Eagles at a nighttime football game with me. We headed out early the next morning to arrive at The Colonnade Hotel which my sister, Kerry, had booked as a birthday present for me. Because it was Ryan and I traveling together, it was impossible for us to NOT have an impromptu photo shoot in the middle of Boston. The Royal Blue Mara Top was perfect for this warm fall day. I love the shoulder cut-outs, bold zig zag design, and the lightweight fabric.

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 3.01.15 PM

 Royal Blue Mara Top. J.Crew Shorts. African Sandals from Portobello Road.

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 3.04.13 PM

Ryan was snapping away doing what she does best. All of a sudden, a man came up to us and asked if we would like to hold his dog in the photographs. We were caught a little off guard. However, the man assured us this dog had the best smile you had ever seen and handed over the leash. As you can see, the man was not lying.

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 3.04.59 PM

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 3.06.34 PM

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 3.07.42 PM

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 3.09.51 PM

(Ryan is obviously a talented photographer. Her skill and keen eye never cease to amaze.)

We finished shooting and headed towards our hotel, sad to leave behind the smiling dog/model. We arrived at the lovely The Colonnade Hotel and explored while deciding where to go to lunch.

Screen Shot 2013-10-14 at 5.26.01 PM

Screen Shot 2013-10-17 at 2.34.45 PM

Screen Shot 2013-10-17 at 2.35.37 PM

Screen Shot 2013-10-17 at 2.36.07 PM

Screen Shot 2013-10-17 at 2.36.33 PM

We ran across the road to eat after dropping our bags and admiring the beautiful room. Thanks again, Kerry!

Screen Shot 2013-10-17 at 2.41.53 PM

We highly recommend Five Napkin Burger for a quick bite to eat when you are in the Back Bay area. I should clarify that although I got buffalo wings and sweet potato fries, Ryan loved her burger. She and I also advise all patrons to split a cookies and cream milkshake. Trust us.

Screen Shot 2013-10-17 at 2.47.21 PM

 

Screen Shot 2013-10-17 at 2.52.31 PM

 Ryan may be a photographer with a sense of humor. Her caption on this Instragram upload? “The fact that our bags just match our personalities… #CousinLyf”

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 10.20.04 PM

I must also clarify, however, that Ryan is also a model. See below. WOW.

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 9.34.50 PM

Within the next hour, my sister, Mary Kate, arrived from Watertown and my sister, Kerry, arrived with her friend, Lily, who she had picked up on her way up from New Jersey. After relaxing for the afternoon, we prepared for dinner at Back Bay Social Club and a night on the town. Champagne was a must.

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 2.51.22 PM

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 2.55.34 PM

Pleather Ankle Zip LeggingsBlack Farrah Fringe Tank. Dolce Vita Wedges. 

We took a few pictures, drank our glass of pre-dinner champagne, watched FRIENDS (because it will forever be our television favorite show), and prepared to head out.

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 9.34.23 PM

My Black Farrah Fringe Tank was a simple backdrop for my Brian Gavin Diamond Pendant.The comfortable fringed top was paired with my Pleather Ankle Zip Leggings. Monochromatic, courtesy of Bad Monkey Boutiquewas definitely the look for the night.

Screen Shot 2013-09-10 at 5.20.36 PM

We enjoyed our dinner at the Back Bay Social Club. I happily ordered the rich Steak Frites. The atmosphere at this restaurant was a mix of fine dining with a casual social atmosphere, as many people were spending time chatting at the bar and watching the important sports games on the televisions.

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 9.33.37 PM

The night ended with drinks and dancing around Boston. I am so lucky to have a family who made sacrifices in different ways to make this weekend special.

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 3.10.26 PM

The weekend concluded with a mid-morning meal at The Cheesecke Factory, where Tom, Mary Kate’s boyfriend, happily joined our previously female only party.

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 9.15.19 PM

My final Bad Monkey Boutique look of the weekend was the Navy Maui Dress.
It is such a cheerful print I am convinced it can only be worn to an occasion like an outdoor brunch where the sun is shining and you are surrounded by people you love. Also, let it be known brunch is my favorite meal EVER, especially when its omelets with a side of french fries.

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 10.06.26 PM

I love that the Navy Maui Dress is capable of being worn on its own as a dress or could also be styled as a longer top with a pair of white skinny jeans.

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 9.16.59 PM

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 9.15.50 PM

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 9.16.41 PM

 In honor of my Bad Monkey Birthday Weekend, Jennifer would like to invite all of my Styles I Like readers to shop from Bad Monkey Boutique with a special discount for her store.

Simply enter the promotional code BLOGLOVE at check-out at anytime to receive 20% of all merchandise from Bad Monkey Boutique.

I may have an Instagram addiction, but I believe it won’t be long before everyone else has a serious case of Bad Monkey Boutique fever like I do. Fortunately, the main symptoms are an enviable wardrobe, increased confidence in how fabulous you look, and an overwhelming desire to make every day as special as your 21st (selfie-filled) birthday weekend.

Screen Shot 2013-10-22 at 9.28.12 PM

Stylishly Yours,

Erin ★

Looking to stay up-to-date on even more Styles I Like?

[Follow me on Twitter + Instagram & like my blog on Facebook!]

Please Note: I received all clothing complimentary from Bad Monkey Boutique. All opinions are my own, and experiences are genuine.

4 Responses to Bad Monkey Birthday

Comments are closed.