I'm afraid I jumped the gun on my loafer platform purchase after finding these beauties by Lela Rose for Payless today:
I am in love with these. Perhaps an extra pair won't hurt??
8.31.2011
Work It Wednesday: Platform Loafers
I'm back for my second link-up to Jill's Work It Wednesday, in which we pick one item and style it up three different ways. This week I picked a fun platform loafer, which I blogged about previously. I know there are mixed reviews about these, but I think if worn the right way they can be super cute. The pair I have chosen to highlight is from Boutique 9, and I just bought them in this nice olive color:
All around the web they are selling for $150, but on the Nine West website they are on sale for $60! Score! Can't wait to get them in the mail! Here are three ways I plan on styling them:
Funky Fresh:
I'm just loving this playful mix I created as a nice way to counter the masculine style of the shoes. This set features many items I've been coveting for awhile: a YSL Arty ring, and a Marc Jacobs bag with the sweet gold swallow motif. Any mix of a fun printed top and funky jewelry will do to recreate this look.
top
pants
purse
ring
earrings
bracelet
polish
Preppy McPrepperston:
Here I've played up the preppy Menswear aspect of the shoes by pairing them with boyfriend jeans and a blazer. I have to go check my local Forever 21 for this blazer, it is too cute! BTW, everything in this set except the shoes and bag are under $30!
Jeans
Blazer
Earrings
Purse
Watch
Sophisticated Momma:
I've been loving the layering trends I see for Fall 2011, especially a chambray button-up peeking out from underneath a chunky cable-knit sweater. Here I've teamed them up with a pair of trouser jeans to amp up the sophisticated vibe.
Jeans
Chambray Top
Sweater
Scarf
Clutch
Watch
Polish
Earrings
So what do you think? If you were on the fence about platform loafers, have I changed your mind? I'd love to hear your favorite look.
Make sure to check out my fave picks for the platform loafer trend, and also stop by Jill's blog to see how other ladies are working it this Wednesday!
Funky Fresh:
I'm just loving this playful mix I created as a nice way to counter the masculine style of the shoes. This set features many items I've been coveting for awhile: a YSL Arty ring, and a Marc Jacobs bag with the sweet gold swallow motif. Any mix of a fun printed top and funky jewelry will do to recreate this look.
top
pants
purse
ring
earrings
bracelet
polish
Preppy McPrepperston:
Here I've played up the preppy Menswear aspect of the shoes by pairing them with boyfriend jeans and a blazer. I have to go check my local Forever 21 for this blazer, it is too cute! BTW, everything in this set except the shoes and bag are under $30!
Jeans
Blazer
Earrings
Purse
Watch
Sophisticated Momma:
Jeans
Chambray Top
Sweater
Scarf
Clutch
Watch
Polish
Earrings
So what do you think? If you were on the fence about platform loafers, have I changed your mind? I'd love to hear your favorite look.
Make sure to check out my fave picks for the platform loafer trend, and also stop by Jill's blog to see how other ladies are working it this Wednesday!
8.30.2011
Interior Infatuation: Southern Living 2011 Idea House
Magazine "Idea Houses" never fail to please, and this year's Southern Living home is no different. Here are a few of my favorite rooms:
The Kitchen:
Of course this is just gorgeous, and has lots of my favorite components when it comes to kitchen design: no overhead cabinets, subway tile, open shelving, painted cabinets, etc. I love the eclectic look-not everything matches and that is okay.
Great little coffee station vignette. I have a similar area where I store my coffee beans, french press and splendas for my morning cuppa.
The "Laundry/Floral" Room:
You know you got it rough when your laundry room is so big it needs a dual purpose. What a great wall color though! I guess I forgive the rich b@stards who will end up living here. People do end up moving into these right?
Can you even imagine??
The Library:
This may actually be my favorite room in the house. Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves add instant coziness to a room. Throw in a leather club chair with ottoman, and a nice big round table to spread your books on and you are good to go.
Here is how you can achieve a similar look at home:
8.29.2011
Monday Morning {P}Inspirations
Happy Monday my sweets!
Loving the color scheme and textures of this living room.
I want every piece from this Shopstyle back to school fashion guide.
Such a great little kitchen vignette. Love the hanging basket holding garlic and onions.
Must try this prosciutto fig torte!!
Such a sweet way tp wrap a present-linen and yellow lace.
Word.
8.26.2011
The It List-August 26th
- as luck would have it gives you the inside scoop on her five favorite lipsticks... and tries each of them on for you! Check out her picks and how she wears each of them!
- gs lillian looks fabulous, as always, in polka dots and leopard! I love this combo... are you inspired to try it too!?! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
- a spot of whimsy has a new series called "she" that I am just LOVING! Check out the inspirational and aspirational words! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
- high heels and bubble gum is looking amazing in this lace and lavender number - I am loving lace for fall. Plus, see what special item she got back after it being gone for a while! (find high heels and bubble gum on twitter!)
- so much to smile about rounds up maxi dresses for fall... could it be that a maxi dress is more suited to fall than summer? I think so! (find so much to smile about on twitter!)
- the style dossier's little sister writes herself a to-do list for fall 2011... check it out and see why I wish I were in high school again. Even though I'm not... I think I'll still write one for myself! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
- fabulously average puts together a really great look inspired by her favorite new fashion book... check out her formula and what book it is! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
- sweetie pie style is loving navy and brown for fall. I love this combo and her inspiration! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
- mix and match fashion tries out trendy colored denim for fall - green to be exact! Hear her thoughts on the denim and the trend! (find mix and match fashion on twitter!)
- chic or treat gives her tips and tricks for an effortless fall makeup routine. I love her choices... check them out! (find chic or treat on twitter!)
- take me for a twirl rocks her adorable cowboy boots in three fabulous outfits. See how she wears them, but be forewarned... you'll want a pair of cowboy boots too! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
- good life for less gives advice on how to take your favorite summer items into fall. Check out how she makes the most of her wardrobe! (find good life for less on twitter!)
the IT list is produced by Jill of good life for less - for information on how you can be involved... click here!
8.25.2011
Interior Infatuation: Minty Fresh Living Room
When I see a room in a magazine and find myself thinking about it months later, I know that it must be something special. This is the case with this gorgeous living room featured in Southern Living mag:
It is pretty damn near perfect in my book. Pondering ways I can transform my space to look a little more like this. Our sofas are looking pretty tore back these days...hmmmmm.
Get the look:
8.24.2011
Work It Wednesday
I'm excited to be joining in on a new link-up party every Wednesday created by Jill of the good life titled "Work It Wednesday". The premise is simple: pick one item and style it up three different ways. Jill has been doing this on her blog for quite some time and now she has opened it up for others to participate and link up their posts! Fun!
For my first installment, I have chosen a piece that is high on my fall wish list: a pair of cropped pants in a beautiful rust color.
This particular pair is on sale at asos for only $27! Holy bargain Batman. I was on the fence about adding them to my cart and clicking "buy", but after this fun little exercise I am pretty convinced I need them!
Here is how I styled them for an afternoon lunch with your girls:
I am mad about plaid right now, so I paired the pants with this great JCrew shirt. To femme it up I added a lace tank for underneath, slingbacks and loads of gold baubles.
Plaid Shirt
Lace Tank
Gold Necklace
Watch
Satchel
Slingbacks
Bracelets
Next up, I have them styled for a cozy casual fall day of getting coffee (a Pumpkin Spice of course), browsing the book store and hitting up the farmer's market:
Cozy all the way with an oversize Grandpa cardi (my fave), a scarf that could double as a blankie and comfy riding boots. I actually just bought these boots at Target and am in love. They look so much better in person, and definitely look more luxe than their $36 price tag. Check them out next time you are in the store!
Cardigan
Scarf
Glasses
Purse
Ring
Stud Earrings
Riding Boots
Last up, I've sexed them up a bit for a night on the town with your beau:
Oh yeah, I'm bringing out the leopard! A loose blouse counters the slim pants, my favorite combo for a night out. And aren't those shoes killer??
Blouse
Clutch
Shoes
Nail Polish
Earrings
I hope you enjoyed my first post in this new Work It Wednesday series! Now head over to Jill's blog to see what others have created and to get in on the fun too.
8.23.2011
Fall Fashion Inspirations: Brown & Navy
Is it too early for Fall inspirations? I know the calendar says it is still summer, but my brain has already mentally shifted to that favorite season of mine. I just can't help it! Already planning ahead, I am inspired to incorporate the color palette of brown and navy into my fall wardrobe.
It's such a simple yet chic combination.
What color palettes are inspiring you for the upcoming season?
8.22.2011
Monday Morning {P}Inspirations-My Next Thirty Years
On Saturday I realized it was exactly one month until my 30th birthday. *Gulp* It used to give me anxiety thinking about turning thirty, but now I really don't mind. I've accepted it. Mainly thanks to Tim McGraw's "My Nexy Thirty Years" which ironically I keep hearing on the radio. I've been tuning into the country station a lot lately, thanks to my husband who has a rekindled love for the genre. They have some pretty funny songs that can't help but make me smile like "Country Girl Shake it For Me" and "Am I the Only One". Give them a listen, I swear they will be stuck in your head for days. I'm actually thinking of pulling a quote from the last song and using it on my bday invitations: "Come on, come on, get your good time on"...at Jackie's 30th Birthday Extravaganza!! Has a nice ring to it, no? So in this theme, I thought I would share with you some of the inspirations I have been saving for the big par-tay. My friend Erin is throwing it for me at her beautiful home, and it will be an indoor/outdoor shindig. Her husband is building her a pergola in the backyard and we will probably set up some long tables underneath for communal dining:
Love this simple table setting:
I want lots of candles to illuminate the night, and I love this easy DIY to spruce up glass jars:
Since the nights may be getting a bit chilly by then, this idea to have a pile of warm blankets for guests to use is perfect:
I'd love to have a bonfire going once it gets dark, so a s'mores bar is a must:
And I can't get over the chic and simple color palette of white, mint and wood:
Overall I'm going for a simple, country-chic theme where my friends and family can come, relax, eat great food, drink great wine and just have fun! Nothing too stuffy or overly-fancy about it. It's really a reflection of who I am becoming and where I want to go in my next thirty years.
Any ideas on fun activities or ways to commemorate turning 30 during the party? I would love to hear your thoughts. And of course, you are all invited!
"I think I'll take a moment, to celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page.
Now it's time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord have mercy on my next thirty years."
P.S.-You can view the rest of my party ideas right here.
8.19.2011
the IT list... August 19, 2011!
- the style dossier has five rules for fall dressing... my favorite? Wearing a fall jacket over a summer dress... so cute! Check out their other tips as well! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
- fabulously average is looking super chic in this swingy skirt... she's also discussing living in a season-less climate. Can you relate? (find fabulously average on twitter!)
- a spot of whimsy finds retro prints that prove that "lazy chic" is totally a style! I'm a believer! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
- as luck would have it makes "new years resolutions" each year on her birthday. I love this idea! Check out her resolutions... including getting fit (with cute workout clothes, of course!).
- mix and match fashion is looking teacher-chic in this ensemble! Whoa I love this look on her! Can I be a teacher and wear a fab outfit like this? (find mix and match fashion on twitter!)
- high heels and bubble gum found a fabulous (and empty) house to take her pictures at - brilliant! Plus, she's looking amazing - check out these earrings! (find high heels and bubblegum on twitter!)
- lex and learn dishes up this yummy looking Moroccan Shrimp with Polenta... I have been wanting to try more recipes with shrimp and this looks really good! (find lex and learn on twitter!)
- so much to smile about compiles her fall wish list... pretty much I will take one of each of what she has chosen, I'm in love! The tops take the cake! (find so much to smile about on twitter!)
- chic or treat asks the question: do you shop end of season sales? If you do - or even if you don't, check out her picks! (find chic or treat on twitter!)
- sweetie pie style continues her kitchen update posts... I love these inspirational pantries she featured! It makes me want to restyle my own pantry! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
- gs lillian's outfits are always swoon worthy... you won't want to miss this color block ensemble with stripes. It's just perfect for these last days of summer! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
- take me for a twirl channels her inner Sandra D with this Grease-worthy, but still very modern, look! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
- good life for less released her 2011 fall looks:book - check out her top picks for fall fashion. All the styles are super practical and wearable... and the inspiration is endless! (find good life for less on twitter!)
the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less, for information on how you can be involved - click here!
8.17.2011
Kitchen Open Shelving & Pendant Over Sink!
We're making progress in the kitchen folks! We tore down the wall of cabinetry, which was surprisingly easy, and I ordered a 5 foot cafe shelf from Ballard. I searched high and low for open shelving, pondered on making our own, but in the end went ahead with the Ballard version. I am very happy with the quality and aesthetic. As a refresher, here is how things were looking before:
Here is where we are at now:
What do you think? In this shot you can see a bit of my refinished dining table, the new pendant over the table, our new open shelving and the new pendant above the sink. I just love the way the room looks so much more open and bright now with those cabinets gone.
I've been fooling around with the arrangement on the shelving for days now, and am sure it will look different again soon. I plan to add some sort of artwork above the shelving, as well as a lamp sitting below it on the counter. Going for a nice homey feel.
I'm loving the pendant over the sink, also from Ballard. It was so easy to just screw it right into where the recessed light had been.
So there you have where our kitchen is at as of today. Actually, I didn't share with you my one other aquisition-a new refrigerator! My husband agreed to buy me a new one as my 30th Birthday gift, which is such a sign of my age, no? I seriously have never been happier about a gift before. Will share pics of her soon.
Next project:
Pantry organization, new window treatment
Then:
Paint cabinets, island and install hardware (which I am dreading the work involved with that)
To view all my plans and progress in the kitchen up to today, click here.
8.16.2011
Updates & Pantry Organization Inspirations
Sorry about the lack of post yesterday, I've been crazy busy lately with the start of school and my husband has been working six days a week, leaving me with the bulk of the responsibilities around here. Posting may be spotty while I try and work out a new routine. In the meantime, don't forget I always post Mondays on the celebrity fashion blog One Hundred Inspirations and Tuesdays on the parenting blog Good Tots. I also recently guest posted on Maggie Rose about how to decorate with vintage collections, so be sure to check that out!
Last bit of business, for those of you who entered the Teleflora giveaway, I contacted the winner, but didn't get a chance to post it here. Lucky Anne was the winner. Thank you to all who entered, I truly wish I could send you all a big bouquet to thank you for being my readers!
My next big project in the kitchen re-do is my pantry overhaul, and I have been collecting ideas all over the web. Wanted to share a few of my favorites with you.
I love the fun color of the shelves in this pantry. It really perks up what is otherwise a pretty boring space. You can go a lot bolder than you would other spaces since it is behind closed doors most of the day. I also love that they used tinted chalkboard paint for the door-see the little grocery list written on the door?
This pantry is organized for the meal planner by using wire mesh baskets to organize the ingredients for weekly meals. For example, in one basket you have a pack of pasta, jar of sauce, baguette, etc. for the night you are going to make spaghetti. So you just pull that basket out and you have all the pantry items you need for your recipe ready to go. This is so genius!
Here Martha uses a baking tin to corral supplies that are frequently used such as syrups, oils and spices, making it easy to pull out and retrieve what you need to use without having to dig around in the pantry. An added bonus is the tin catches drips, making it easy to clean up.
Love these little galvanized tins used to hold packets like oatmeal and drink mixes. Removing items like these from their boxes saves lots of room.
Labeling your jars is a must, and I love the subtle look of these etched glass labels.
One more pretty one for inspiration.
I certainly have my work cut-out for me!
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