Posts from — January 2012

I first encountered and then babbled about this stunning dining room here (the rainbow of pastels = divine.)  But on second look, I was struck at how perfect those egg-shaped, sleek modern chairs looked set against the heavy farm table.

Which leads me to my current design obsession: the farm table + eames chair pairing.  Request:  a second dining room, stat.

And, believe it or not, some of the sweetest eames chairs are available at Linens ‘n Things; check out the Space Living 1950′s Modern Shell Side Chair + the Space Living 1960′s Mid Century Rocking Chair.  As for the sturdy farm table, I prefer to hunt down my perfect table at flea markets and garage sales, then coat the entire piece in a glossy white or even matte chalkboard black paint (you know, if I had room for all of this design dreaming.)

Images: 1 // 2 // 3

Over the weekend I spotted Sam of Could I Have That in this perfect white lace maxi dress, and I thought – “Wow, I adore that dress!”  Also, I thought – please let me look as fabulous as Sam’s grandmother when I too, am 91 years old.

I love the vintage feel of a long lace dress and likely because we all conjure up images of the big day when picturing a floor-sweeping white dress, even the simplest of it’s kind evoke a romantic feel.  Particularly, with peasant tops, tunics, floaty dresses in chiffon and soft cotton, full skirts with pleats and lace details, these dresses also have a perfect 70s-inspired vibe – which I love.

Here are a few other sweet lace styles I adore ( … clearly I miss my wedding):

Sam’s sleeved-maxi is from the line, Of Two Minds {you can check out their dresses here.}

To get you started for Spring, a few of my favorite vintage-inspired white dress picks:  Free People Cutwork Dream Dress // BCBGmaxazria Keylene Dress // Rebecca Taylor Beaded Gown // Beyond Vintage Blouson Lace Dress // Mara Hoffman Embroidered Peasant Dress // ALICE by Temperley Long Esmeralda Dress

Images: 1 // 2 // 3

I heart Wes Anderson almost as much as I love Luke Wilson.  And Wes Anderson was the matchmaker.

And now I’m very very excited.

Is it May yet?

I have a soft spot for ballet flats – they’re both easy on the feet and I’d swear I was a ballerina (minus a few feet) when wearing them.  The cap toe just adds a punch of fashion — all the better.

And – a bit of history for you – cap toes began on men’s oxfords or brogues.  The cap-toed ballet flat is actually just a feminine nod to the classic men’s style.

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This little gold feather is everywhere – everywhere, I tell you!  And thanks to my trusted (obsessive) “research skills” (yehhh, law degree!) I’ve found it’s maker.  The gold Athena trays are available at Jayson Home and Vanilla Wood in three different sizes.

Images 1 // 2 // 3

I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Anne of The Satirical Stylist in the way most blogger friendships are formed – via Twitter.  Anne is is tenacious and fashion forward and when I read her blog, I feel like I’m having a conversation with her (which I absolutely love!)  She also liberally speaks in French soundbites and wears leopard print like a rockstar.  Is it any wonder I adore her?

We did a bit of a guest blog swap, so check out my interview here.

A bit about Anne …

It was actually my friend Holly who came up with it. I knew I wanted the word stylist but didn’t want to be mistaken for a serious platform only for those who stumble across to be disappointed, Holly came up with Satirical which felt perfect.

I started my first blog in 2009. I was learning to cope with the NY dating scene and my writing reflected this; it was quite scandalous. I began to feel guilty about my bitter/overly-open self and stopped typing. I missed blogging and began to write again March last year. Blogging is part time, I write every evening on average I would say I spend between 2 to 4 hours a day on my blog.

I got into this through my old roommate in NY, he had suggested I do some work for him at the time but I already had enough on. When I got back to the UK I was looking for work and asked if his offer still stood, which it did. My freelance lifestyle is perfect for the minute. I am trying to move out of my current city and am looking for an office based situation, being freelance ensures that I don’t end up getting tied to anything while I look. I also enjoy the freedom, I can travel around and take my laptop too.

However, I am always broke and find the self-motivation part really tricky. I am defs ready for some structure!

I am enjoying patterned jeans and am not into maxi dresses or skirts.

Hmmm I will have to have a think about this… I don’t think it takes me much longer than my usual getting ready, although this would depend if I’m washing my hair and if the weather is messing with what I want to wear. My makeup regime is so dull, I wear the same thing for day, dates or nights out… Except for less blotted out red lippy and more eyeliner (I want to change this.) I would say 30/40 mins if I concentrate and don’t get sidetracked.

I just finished The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I liked it, I think. It was all a bit odd, I couldn’t tell if i was being swept away or standing at the sidelines.

I suppose Topshop, it’s affordable and always a good fit.

8.    Heels or Flats?

Flats, I love boots. Especially ankle boots, I think heels and wedges look fab but I like to feel steady when I walk and in heels I don’t.

9.    What is your favorite Disney movie? (I swear you can tell a lot about a person based on which Disney Princess they grew up adoring!)

Dumbo was my fave, although I’m not sure what a male elephant says about me… As i got older Aerial and Jasmine were my fave princesses.

Automatically Kate Moss springs to mind. I have long admired Kate’s style I love her anti-trend looks, she wears what she wants and her clothes are almost always spot on.

A vintage chanel jacket would do nicely.

At the minute I am obsessed with Swedish label Acne, I want just about everything. However I think Chanel would be better for the long-haul. I like the idea of being a glam granny (or great aunt).

I am forever a fan of a full a-line skirt.  I love a slightly high waist – to accentuate my own waistline – and a bold flair hem.

If I’m going to wear a skirt, I want to be able to twirl in it — is that so much to ask?

Also, I’m all for the bandage or super-fitted skirt on everyone else, but I’m just not a tube-sock-worn-as-skirt kind of girl; plus, I like carbs.  The full skirt offers a skinny-day version and a fat-day version.  Multi-use clothing is my fave.  (That is, until I one day have a wardrobe to wear outfits only once, a la the Kardashian sisters.)

The “I woke up with a flat stomach and utter willpower” day:  full skirt paired with tucked in blouse, thin belt, and highest of heels

The “‘I feel like such a heifer. I had two bowls of Special K, 3 pieces of turkey bacon, a handful of popcorn, 5 peanut butter M&M’s and like 3 pieces of licorice.’”-channeling-Cher-of-Clueless” day:   full skirt, lace crop top, no belt, cardigan, snacks in your purse

Images: 1 // 2 (Kelly Wearstler Tie Dye Skirt here) // 3 (Corey Lynn Calter Skirt (Similar), Tory Burch Double Wrap Bracelet here, Neon Pink Cambridge Satchel here) // 4 (BB Dakota Dress here – worn as skirt)

Aren’t these images just lovely?  The shades of pastel remind me of a tray of jelly beans or box of colored chalk.  Can I rewind and go back to Kindergarten for a little while?

Images: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

These rings are the bomb-dot-com.  And yep, I just said that.  But I like them, I really, really like them.

Introducing the perfect set of rings by Maison Martin Margiela (silver and gold).  The set includes a bold ring for every finger, and each ring is fully expandable to ensure the perfect fit on each finger.

And if Maison Martin Margiela’s version is just a tad out of your price range … and mine (swallow sadness), check out these sweet alternatives at JewelMint.  And get $15 off your first JewelMint purchase with code: Miami96 - oh happy day!

It’s Friday!  And this weekend is all about organizing.  I may be a little late on my resolutions (get fit, i.e. with actual muscles – not just the ability to jazzercise in an uncoordinated fashion; organize my closet/kitchen/life; perfect my hosting skills, learn to park – you see, I can get there, but the parking part, not so much; buy fewer shoes, hahaha), but I’m not giving up yet.

Dangit, I just bought a planner, but these glittering numbers make me want a new one … already.  How can one organize without the style?  Utilitarian planners are so last year, anyway. {Barbara Wiggins 2012 Day Planner Diaries}

Can we talk about this dress?  The saddest moment of my week was finding out this dress was sold out at ASOS.  There are a few similar styles (Similar here, here, and here), but the original, it’s phenomenal.  {Image via Chriselle Inc.}

This just puts a smile on my face. {Kate Spade New York Eat Cake for Breakfast}

Over on Glitter Weddings, I gushed about these monogrammed pie pockets that double as great place cards/favors; but they’re also just an easy take on a miniature pie.  With pre-made pie dough and a pie filling (you can totally cheat and buy the stuff in a can – it’s bizarrely delicious), this is an incredibly easy dessert that will impress everyone!  Cue reslution #337 – hostess with the most-est.