Lighting

Again with the daily distraction from my baby Birdie who is not in recovery mode yet…

I got to thinking about lighting. Literally and metaphorically, light is integral to our lives. Sunlight, light conversation, candle light, light that enables us to see, lighting in our favorite rooms…which is what I’m focused on today. I’m enchanted by chandeliers. All kinds and in every room. My ultimate obsession right now is an artichoke chandelier, which I happened upon while perusing the new Elle Decor site (love!). Below it’s hanging in a gorgeous white Boston kitchen.

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This one is only $609! Artichoke Pendant Lamp Modern Pendant Light Artichoke Chandelier

Anyway, chandeliers don’t have to be fancy or even expensive. Overstock shows us gorgeous chandeliers for around $100.

This one could go anywhere

Crystal Base Pendant Chandelier

This one would be perfect over a vanity

Contemporary 3-light Crystal Chandelier

I like this one on either side of the bed in a modern bedroom?

Metal Leaf Pendant Light

I adore this one over a dining room table, second entrance or bed?

Hamilton 12-light Chandelier

How cool is this one? It could be in an office, kid’s bedroom or what about front porch?

Sputnic Chrome Chandelier Atom Light Fixture

I like this one over a claw-foot bathtub.

Brushed Nickel Marble Wash Glass 9-light Chandelier

This one is so interesting. I see it in a lounge or men’s bath.

Atomique Cognac Glass 6-light Chandelier

This one is probably my favorite. I can’t wait to find a house with the right room for this chandelier….probably a sun-room, don’t you think?

Sanibel 4-light Mini Chandelier

Swimsuits: To fret or not to fret? That is the question.

My friends, I am trying to take my mind off my sick puppy for the time being with something so utterly distracting such as swimsuits. While I’ve promised to go on a many a diet/health kick/work0ut in preparation for Spring, really…I’m the same. And..I still plan on plunging into almost any pool I see (as long as I haven’t washed/curled my hair that day).

Readers, I am compelled to send you to your local TJ Maxx. That is where I’ve found my one and only beloved swimsuit of the summer. I tried it on for my boyfriend last weekend (just to get reviews) and I think he almost salivated! That has not happened. In. Forever. I tell you, it was not me! It was the magical swim suit. It’s a one piece but it is practically backless and completely suctioned. It is practically a piece of machinery in that it makes my boobs hit my clavical, my waist shrink 3″ and my back look as though there were nary a roll. BUT…(how can it get better you ask?) it doesn’t push the fat down to my legs!!! So they look normal, pretty good even (with a wedge added). What I can tell you about this glorious suit is that it’s Nine West or Calvin Klein, $19 and at TJ Maxx. It looks a lot like this but this isn’t it.

UPDATE: I found the swimsuit! It’s Calvin Klein 2009. It was featured last year on refinery29. And this is it!

Calvin Klein Push Up swimsuitCalvin Klein Push Up swimsuit

It has changed my summer 2010 – ALREADY.

While we’re on the subject…I don’t think you will be able to pry me out of one-pieces this season. So, here are a few more I like.

From Victoria’s Secret:

From Newport News:

Tropical floral-print bandeauBandeau suitMetallic print bandeauBandeau swim suitShape fx® All-over control halter suit with drawstring neckShape fx® All-over control twist-front bandeau swimsuitShape fx® All-over control shirred one-piece suitShape fx® All-over control shirred one-shoulder suit

From Urban Outfitters:

Pins and Needles V-Neck One PiecePins and Needles Ruffle One PieceInsight Vogue One PieceKimchi Blue Crisscross Floral One PiecePins and Needles Polka Dot Shirred One Piece

From Asos:

Tavik Colour Black SuitFlamingo Sands Floral Looped One Piece SwimsuitASOS Draped Front SwimsuitMouillé Morroka Beaded Fringe SwimsuitMouillé Poiret Ruffle Front SwimsuitASOS Spot Tie Front SwimsuitCosabella Stripe Deep V-Neck One Piece Swimsuit

Also check out NY mag’s shop-o-matic here.

Fresh Accessories

As you can tell from this post, I love hair accessories. Hats, headbands, pins, wraps and especially flowers. I continue to wear them less than I intend to but I’ve vowed to change that this summer. Elements of Style posted yesterday about EmersonMade – They’re an adorable young couple that fled Manhattan for the most adorable farm, complete with geese. He helps her (Emerson) handcraft beautiful blossoms that can be pinned on labels, belts, in hair, placed in bouquets, arranged on the table or hung for a party. There is a wide variety of colors/sizes available and they are reasonably priced when you keep in mind they literally have each petal pieced together by hand. Here are some of their floral creations in their home.

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If you weren’t already wanting to trade your husband in for hers, you’ll die when you see that they both model their creations. And he still looks manly and adorable while doing so. I tend to think my bf would look just as romantic with a flower on his label…but we’ve still got to work on that.

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I have to interrupt because this is my favorite flower –The big poppy (I WANT IT)

paaarty

And this is so so so so adorable. It’s obvious that he supports her ambition…and looks good while doing it!

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Here are a few more of them. IMG_2176-8IMG_0671IMG_3051IMG_9839gardenman3

Check out emersonmade if for nothing else but to GUSH!.

I was so excited yesterday after reading about this gorgeous family and business and flowers I went out and bought these from Forever21. They were $6.80!

I instantly felt better and am planning to gently inspire Robert to rock a look like this

Jack Lapel Pins Collection of 6

Or this

Little Linen Dandy!

I’ll let you know how it goes.

Digital Magazines: Best Idea EVER!

I recently discovered Lonny Magazine, it’s an online-only home decor magazine with amazing finds and a keen eye for style. My favorite part is the instant click of images leading you directly to a site to where you can buy!

Vanity Fair did a piece on this lovely digi-mag in the December 2009 issue:

Here are some photos from the Oh Joy! Blog Lonny-magazine1Lonny-magazine2

One of my favorite articles comes from issue 3 and features a computer table fashioned into a lucite vanity. Sara Gilbane has her perfume/jewelry a top the clear table and her favorite shoes stored below. The whole thing is like a gorgeous work of art. What tops it off is the vintage-ish, oversize square mirror with personal photographs tucked in.

See what this simple (drab) computer table can turn into! The Lucite vanity is gorgeous but the magazine as a whole is SO worth a look :)

Literally… you can click on all the things you like and will be directed to where you can purchase them. SUCH AN AMAZING IDEA!

I also found this gorgeous mirror for $99  from novica.com that would be perfect atop the vanity, don’t you think?

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

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


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!

Dresses: Prints & Patterns Under $100

Inspired by my lovely friend Lydia’s excitement over the Liberty of London Collection at Target and by Refinery29’s article on 12 printed spring dresses…I decided to find 10 dresses in prints or patterns for under $100. Because you know I love dresses!

From Target: $34.99Product Image Liberty of London for Target® One Shoulder Ruffle Maxi Dress - Pink Garla Print

From Target $39.99Product Image Jean Paul Gaultier for Target® Rolled Collar Floral Dress - Pink

From Asos $51.28ASOS Pebble Printed Fitted Waist Dress

From Asos $64.96ASOS Abstract Feather Print One Shoulder Dress

From Asos $44.44ASOS Leopard Print Sundress

From Asos $51.28 ASOS Washed Rose Button-Through Dress

From Forever21 $24.80

From Forever21 $22.80

From Dillards $69

From Victoria’s Secret $98

For Music Lovers

If you’re like me, music gets you through the day and when you discover a new song you are into, you get excited. If you realize you can download that song for free and enjoy it as your very own, you get ecstatic. That happened to me today with some really interesting/entertaining music blogs. Here they are, go forth and listen.

Check those out if you know what’s good for you. Also found a site for blatantly free music…nice. Try-Music

I might as well tell you what I found for free that I’m obsessed with now.

What U want by Lupe Fiasco, Slippin by Quadron, Everything (Fleetwood Mac Cover) by Vampire Weekend, Life on Mars by Seu Jorge, Sexual Healing by Hot Chip, Sexual Healing by Hot 8 Brass Band, Where is my mind? by Emmy the great, Take me home country roads by Toots and the maytals, All at sea by Jamie Cullum, Band on the run by the Foo Fighters

Search for them or buy them. All amazing tunes and playing on repeat in my iPod.