After the snow melts

Beggin by Madcon
I feel like I have been beggin’ (hence the song)  mother nature for Spring and just when I thought it arrived, we got a foot and a 1/2 of snow. It didn’t last for long though as the weather has been mild and the snow has all but melted. We were sledding on Sunday and sipping cocktails on the backporch by Tuesday. You can’t really complain about that. When I say a ton of snow…I mean a ton of snow. Take a look at my weiner after my bf tossed him in the yard.

Anyway, once the snow melted and there was green grass underneath I was even more affected by Spring FEVER! I think it might actually be here to stay now and I am consumed by the thought of flowers, sun-dresses, cocktails, brunch, falling asleep out of doors, walks in the park and lazy sunny days spent with friends. (But mostly flowers as you can see…)

Flower images from the gorgeous blog concrete & honey

Dress from Anthropologie

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces white tequila
  • 12 ounces fresh pineapple juice
  • 12 ounces lemon-lime soda
  • Crushed ice
  • 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

Directions

Combine tequila, pineapple juice, soda, pineapple and mint in a pitcher. Serve over crushed ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Enjoy xx

Classic Fashion Photos

As we all know, fashion trends live in a circular world. From Life.com I discovered a few of Tim Gunn’s favorite fashion photos. They are AMAZING.

Tim Gunn says: “If we were to take Diana Rigg as Emma Peel and marry her off to a European prince, then this is who she’d be. This image looks like a still from Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief: High-born, lacquered, bejeweled, in a strapless one-piece bathing suit in a rich textile, this society dame exudes pensive ambivalence over a champagne cocktail versus rum punch. Darling, which would you prefer?” via LIFE

This whole get-up is the embodiment of glamour to me, because she’s so put together.  I love her make-up, jewelry and turban for a day the beach. Girls just don’t do that anymore!

Tim Gunn says: “Silhouette, proportion, fit: This is my mantra for how to get your fashion right. This photograph could be my style barometer! The diverse shapes, proportions, and scales all demonstrate that fashion presents many options, so there’s surely one for you. And this image is so timely, because checks are back in fashion and in full force for fall!” via LIFE

The photo above tacked to my cubicle wall. While the clothes themselves are fabulous, I die over the usage of accessories. Note the gloves, hats and even the cane looks chic!

Tim Gunn says: “I laughed out loud at this image! This is a classic example of my mantra about the semiotics of clothes; that is, the clothes we wear send a message about how we’re perceived. Consider the context of this photograph: It’s 1959 and more and more women are entering the workforce. We need no words to explain what’s going on: The football-uniform size of the bolero and the ‘crown’ hat tell us that this woman is powerful; the stack of gold bracelets and the oversized pearl earrings tell us that she’s rich; and the rest of the details underscore her leadership — she sits alone at one end of the table (presumably the head) and speaks while men write. I’m rapt!” via LIFE

This picture speaks volumes to me. As a woman in the corporate world, I’m enraptured by the mere photo of a woman leading a conference in the ’50s. The essences is in the details: her hat, her long nails, her wedding ring, the men writing…the ash trays! What would Betty Draper say?

Enjoy & head over to LIFE to check out the full gallery.

The brightest

The Spring Snow outside makes me want nothing but this.

{image: scan by this is glamorous, photography by polly wreford for at home with white by atlanta bartlett}

9-10 mos

In the past few years, I’ve noticed that just because you’re pregnant (disclaimer: I am not, nor do I want to be) doesn’t mean you have to let yourself or your style go. Empire waisted tops and frocks are always in and they are perfect for the earliest stages of mommyhood. My own mom said she loved being prego with me because she was at her largest in the summer (I’m an August baby) and she wore mumus, flats and a primo tan the entire time.

Inspired by beautiful mommies everywhere, I wanted to point a few friends in the right direction for spring/summer dresses that translate into chic maternity-wear. I’m dying for all of these dresses and none of them are actually “maternity” so everyone can enjoy them!

Casual Knot Back Dress

The sleeveless gray sheath above is perfect for belting wherever you like. $65 topshop

Abstract Floral Smock Dress

The floral dress above  is so fun and girly, you could wear it as is or with the below belt.

Dress $90, from here, belt $8 from here.

Backless Dress By Boutique

The above LBD is backless and the waist is perfect for my fave look: modest/sexy $160. Check the back out here.

ASOS Workwear Linen Tulip Dress

The above LWD (Little White Dress) would be perfect for a certain petite friend of mine! $51 here.

ASOS Cap Sleeve Jersey Empire Dress

The back to the above dress can be tied and in various colors! $37 here.

I love the shade of green and dresses in solids give you so many options. You could wear it alone or with the belt – immediately below or the jacket – below belt.

Above: Dress $29 from here, belt $7 from here, jacket $24 from here

Egyptian Betsy Dress by Motel**

An update to the classic LBD – funky, fun, flattering- this dress $70 from here. I love it paired with the below jacket, $27 from here.

Mango Embroidered Smock

Loving white dresses and I love the detailing at the neck of the above, $102 here. It would be stunning alone or with the belt below $5 here.

Flute One Shoulder DressFlattering one shoulder dress $90 from here.

Pretty Wrap Dress Feminine dress $90 from here.

Broderie Cup SundressTangerine sundress $70 from here.

Spot Bubble Sleeve Tea DressVintage looking dress $90 from here.

Look your best and feel your best at all times. xx

Dream Dress & all that goes with it.

I found the perfect dress. I want this dress and I want it now. Found here.

Now we just have to find the perfect shoes. Maybe these? Found here.

Christian Louboutin Prive Peep Toe shoes Gold

Or these? From here.

Christian Louboutin Hidden-Platform Pump pink

ooh perhaps these. Found here.

Christian Louboutin Terracotta Suede Very Prive Platforms

These might be the winners. Hypothetically. Found here.

Christian Louboutin Apricot Peep Toe Shoes

After I’ve spent $1000 on my outfit, let’s find some affordable jewelry.

Earrings from here. Ring from here.

Happy Friday, I hope you find your perfect outfit this weekend.

Animal Instincts

I have to brag. I have good taste in shoes. Today I rediscovered some gems that I bought for $10 -on sale- at Shoe Nami in New Orleans. They were purchased as a last minute addition to my cavewoman halloween costume. I haven’t worn them since…until today. I was ecstatic when I put them on and realized how delicious they are! I’m going to have to try not to wear them weekly this summer because not only are they gorgeous, tall and so fun, they are (dare I say it?) actually pretty comfortable!

Don’t be jealous…

Aside from my terrible photography… they’re pretty cool, no?

Frosting

I <3 Charm & Chain.

They have so many beautiful things…all price ranges…featuring established designers and up & coming. Plus, everything is in limited supply so you’re much less likely to see someone else with it on. See for yourself:

Earrings

Black & Crystal Mohawk EarringsBlack and Crystal Mohawk Earrings$238 by Elizabeth Cole Jewelry

Navette EarringsNavette Earrings $55 by Elizabeth Cole Jewelry

Aztec EarringsAztec Earrings $40 by Chameleon Jewelry

Ballerina EarringsBallerina Earrings $430 by Eric Beamon

May Day Earrings$188 by Lulu Frost

Segmented EarringsSegmented Earrings$98 by Tuleste Market

My precious boyfriend got me these beauties for Christmas

Emerald Drop Earrings$125 by Kenneth Jay Lane

Quadrille Earrings $192 by Dori Csengeri

Hexagon Studs in black, gold or bronze $80 by Tuleste Market

Cleo Snake Earrings $100 by Fallon

Necklaces

Lucite ChokerLucite Choker with Cords, White/Gold$185 by Tuleste Market

Fish NecklaceSALE $95 by Tuleste Market (I have this one too, it’s a locket!)

Color Form Necklace$935 by Erikson Beamon

Sue Ellen Necklace$300 by Fallon

Isis Necklace$225 by Fallon

Tonal Single Layer SeedbeadSALE $149 by Lee Angel

Enamel & Crystal Lipstick NecklaceSALE $78 by Kenneth Jay Lane

Ignacia Necklace, Green OnyxSALE $140 by Kendra Scott

This necklace is my dream Blue Beaded Bib$395 by Tuleste Market

Starfish Necklace$88 by Sequin

Pearl Wishbone Necklace $237 by Pade Vavra

Bracelets

Chain Ribbon Crystal Bangle$75 by Rachel Leigh

Crystal Snake Cuff$300 by Kenneth Jay Lane

Gold Klimpt Cuff$195 Alexis Bittar

Enamel Zebra Cuff$100 Kenneth Jay Lane

Rhinestone Button Stretch Cuff$90 by Marilyn Schiff

Crystal Snake Chain Bracelet $150 Rachel Leigh

Rings

Peacock Cocktail Ring Peacock Cocktail Ring $45 by House of Harlow

Explosion Ring Explosion Ring $104 by Frangos

Sundance Ring $157 by Dori Csenger

Gold Sunburst Ring Gold Sunburst Ring $80 by Rachel Leigh

North Star Ring $140 by Amanda Rudey

Enjoy! Free ground shipping through March with the code “marchmadness


Outfit: St. Patty’s

I will use any occasion to dress for a theme. I like a little bit of structure with infinite possibilities. That is why I typically dress up for St. Patrick’s day. Yes this is a bathroom shot…

Green Riding jacket: vintage, Floral Dress: ABS, Cream Belt: Old Navy, Nude pumps: Forever21

Hopefully, my photography skills will improve.

Things we can thank Ireland for

I’m borrowing a little bit from my favorite and my best but I have a few to add.

Green Food, esp cupcakes, they’re not exactly “Irish” but whatevs

Cute cuddly dogs like the Irish Setter

Irish Setter Dog Breed

Eye Candy

Beautiful, tucked-away cottages that beckon you to build a love nest and maybe garden

The Irish Coast

Fairies, Leprechauns, Nymphs

Four Leaf Clovers – DUH

Irish Whiskey

Have fun & Be safe! xx

Guide to Spring Shoes

I love Refinery29, earlier this month they published the Ultimate Guide to Spring Shoes. I’d like to take what they said and find shoes I could find in my area (or online) for less than $100. Click the link to go to their article, then see where you can find these trends for less.

1. Printed Florals— “If your style borders on classic and simple, a pair of Liberty-inspired oxfords or an abstract floral pump could be just the thing to bring your look into this new season.”

From Refinery29:

printed-floral-shoes-summer-2010.jpg

Above, clockwise from top left: Lanvin T-Strap Sandals, $980, available at BarneysRobert Clergerie Floral Demisos Platforms, $685, available at Joan SheppASOS Magnolia Lace-Up Shoes, $48, available at ASOSTopshop Wilma Floral Wedges, $145, available atTopshop.

From me:

From Victoria’s Secret $99 and Piperlime $79

2. Shades of Ecru— “There really is nothing sexier than the season’s dreamy-soft nude palette…it’s no doubt our neutral of the season.”

From Refinery29:

nude-shoes-spring-2010.jpg

Above, clockwise from left: Coach Stephanie Heels, $188, available at CoachJean-Michael Cazabat Mignona Oxford, $345, available at Bloomingdale’sJeffrey Campbell Dominate Wrap Heel, $128, available at Urban OutfittersChloé Wood and Canvas Wedges, $650, available at Net-A-Porter.

From Me:

MAIDEN

All from Forever21.com $19, $24 and Bakers $89, Piperlime $65

3. Men’s Shoes— “Oxfords, wingtips, jazz shoes…this spring, we’re loving them all.”

From Refinery29:

oxfords-mens-shoes-shopping.jpg

Above, clockwise from top left: Rag & Bone Cap Toe Oxfords, $325, available at Shopbop; Deena & Ozzy Suede Oxfords, $58, available at Urban OutfittersASOS Mister Two-Toned Lace-Up Brogues, $51.28, available at ASOSJ Crew Camden Brogues, $250, available at J. CrewJil Sander Leather Slip-On Brogues, $570, available at Net-A-Porter.

From Me:

ORLANDBERMUDA

From Bakers.com Left: Orland $49, Right: Bermuda $39

4. Mesh Details—”Somehow after all the studs and tough-girl accents, a little basic mesh feels so much lighter and cooler.”

From Refinery29:

mesh-details-spring-shoes.jpg

Above, clockwise from top left: Anthropologie Transom Wedges, $145, available atAnthropologieMaison Martin Margiela Net Classic Heels, $735, available at La GarçonneTopshop Raver Mesh Sandals, $100, available at TopshopJil Sander Mesh Oxfords, $545, available at Barneys.

From Me:

From Forever21 $25 and Dillards$79

5. Classic Clogs—”The clog (and all its variations) has been in heavy rotation for a few years now, but this spring’s version pays homage to the ultimate ’70s Dazed & Confused classic.”

From Refinery29:

clogs-mules-spring-2010-shoes2.jpg

Above, clockwise from top left: Jeffrey Campbell Karl Clogs, $135, available at Jildor;Swedish Hasbeens Lace-Up Clogs, $398, available at Free PeopleFree People Charli Platform Clog, $179, available at Free PeopleTwelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Tamara Embroidered Wooden Clogs, $350, available at Shopbop.

From Me:

From Dillards $38, $95

6. Peep-Toe Booties—”Booties have become a seasonless staple, and this new batch of peep-toe styles will be on point right through next fall.”

From Refinery29:

open-toe-booties-peep-toe.jpg

Above, clockwise from top left: Acne Raya Boots, $529, available at AcneFree People Cut Out Eyelet Bootie, $68, available at Free PeopleASOS Tate Lace-Up Booties, $68.38, available at ASOS.

From Me:

From Forever21 $29 and $24

7. The New Espadrille—”There’s no mistaking that comfy, woven vacation bottom, but this season’s espadrilles have a decidedly more glamorous vibe.”

From Refinery29:

espadrilles-spring-2010-fashion.jpg

Above, clockwise from top left: Robert Clergerie Naya Raffia Platforms, $355, available atBarneys New YorkDolce Vita Ulma Espadrilles, $150, available at Martin + OsaPierre Hardy Espadrille Wedges, $565, available at Barneys New York.

From Me:

DESIREZELDA

From Bakers.com $69 and $89

8. Red—”We’re not sure why, but nothing really feels as chic for spring and summer as a pair of lipstick-red pumps or cut-out oxfords.”

From Refinery29:

red-shoes-spring-2010-shopping.jpg

Above, clockwise from top left: Aldo Mintken Oxfords, $54.98, available at Aldo; Diane Von Furstenberg Suede Platform Sandals, $280, available at ShopbopOpening CeremonyAnkle Clog Boot, $520, available at Opening CeremonyLoeffler Randall Maggie Flats, $395, available at Ten Over Six.

From Me:

BANDIT

From Forever21 $14 and Bakers.com $89

Product Image Women's Xhilaration® Tabitha T-Strap Peep-Toe Pumps - Red

From Target.com $19 and Forever21 $24

9. Sneaker-Inspired—”These aren’t the kind of kicks you’re generally used to, but we’re kind of into all the athletic details and sporty-sophisticated undertones.”

From Refinery29:

athletic-sports-shoes-fashion-2010.jpg

Above, clockwise from left: Alexander Mcqueen Puma Elevate Wedges, $248, available atOakTopshop Unique Skater Boots, $310, available at TopshopAlexander Wang Mirte Boots, $550, available at Opening Ceremony.

From Me:

From Forever21 $22 and Dillards $59

10. Wovens—”We can’t help but think of an old-school Miu Miu, Marni, and Missoni when we see all the vibrant wovens that have popped up for spring (how could designers not be inspired by the Italians?).”

From Refinery29:

woven-shoes-spring-2010-shopping.jpg

Above, clockwise from top left: Coach Simona Heels, $198, available at CoachProenza Schouler Woven Lace-Up Heels, $1,055, available at Opening CeremonyLoeffler Randall Carlie Mignon Twist Sandals, $325, available at Shopbop.

From Me:

BREANNA

From Bakers.com $59 and  Dillards $89

Enjoy!