Ohhhh Stella...

Vogue.com

Remember the Stella McCartney botanical print from my previous post?

Well look what the Anthro dragged in...

Infinite Garden Tank via Anthropologie

Stella McCartney top via Matches Fashion

Les Colliers

Horn and Plenty Necklace

If you're looking for some fab, intricate bijoux on the cheap, look no further than old artisan standby Anthropologie. Their jewelry selection seems endless right now and their necklaces are especially interesting.

These posted items represent some of my favorites under $75. Believe me, if you want to spend a little extra, you have even more amazing options.

Halyard Necklace

Tyrian Timber Necklace

Sweet Drops Necklace

Providence Necklace

Playing Favorites Necklace

I think my favorites either the Horn and Plenty or the Halyard Necklace...in case you were wondering.

What's yours?

Welcome to My House...

Come on in...

Have a seat...

via Jeneration Interiors

While I get you something to drink...

(I LOVE the white marble and lucite barstools in this open kitchen.)

via Elements of Style

But this galley kitchen is a bit closer to my reality. Who knew you could love a backsplash so much??

The pops of color in the dining room help add a casual elegance.

via Veranda

There isn't tons of room for an office but a hallway or tucked-away space with a desk will still work.

via Lonny Magazine

But wouldn't we all like to wake up in a beautiful, serene surrounding with a nod to Hollywood regency.

I've decided that this is my somewhat tangible dream home. Of course, I'd have to dog proof that white furniture in the living room but the rest of it might just be doable. Turns out, I love clean lines, white walls and pale greys with small pops of pattern and color. Of course, there are a few bits of glamour here and there as well. (Hellooooo metallic linen fabric!)

It's funny how you don't realize your decorating style until you really start to do a little research. In real life, I am so drawn to bright colors and fun patterns. But when I put these types of brights in my house, it begins to feel chaotic and stresses me out. Simplicity rules my abode...but it took me a few cooky years to figure that out.

Reality Style

Mustaparta in J Brand Jeans, Stella McCartney top, Whyred boots, Miu Miu feathered bag

I don't know if I've ever made this statement out loud, but I am so completely inspired by street style these days. (Who isn't, right?) Ever since I received a copy of The Sartorialist a few years back, I've had consistent flashbacks to images of stylish women hailing cabs in brightly colored day dresses paired with classic trench coats or striding down the sidewalk in wide brim hats and slouchy pants. It just proves that you can invoke a little bit of glamour into your life every day.

My new favorite reality style site is Vogue.com's "5 Days, 5 Looks, 1 Girl." The photo driven feature follows a fashionista of their choice as she muscles her way through day to day activities, oh so stylishly of course. It makes me want to dress up for even the most mundane of errands...suddenly going to get coffee is a thrilling excuse to put on my new pair of wide leg jeans! This week features Vogue contributing photographer Hanneli Mustaparta and her fun, effortless style. I love that she doesn't take any part of fashion too seriously and adds a bit of whimsy to every look.

Mustaparta's Rag & Bone boots...a personal favorite of mine

Yigal Azrouel pencil skirt, Mulberry satchel, Stella McCartney pumps

Close-up on bag and pumps

Stella McCartney coat, H&M shorts, Tory Burch handbag, Miu Miu keychain

Mustaparta's wardrobe has me drooling. Anyone with a selection of Stella McCartney and Miu Miu makes me envious. It's also nice to see her wear some more accessible brands, such as H&M, J Brand and Rag & Bone.

What makes all street style stories so fantastic is that they grant an approachability to fashion. You don't have to be a Vogue editor to have amazing style. You can mix in less expensive items and vintage pieces to create one sensational look. Of course, I wouldn't mind a little Stella in my shots when Vogue decides to feature me...

all images via Vogue.com

Girly & Bright

via Kate Spade

via Lauren Moffatt

via Lauren Moffatt

SPRING IS HERE!!

This season is filled with neutrals and classics but sometimes a girl's just gotta have her ruffles and frills.

Nanette Lepore via Style.com

Twenty 8 Twelve via Shopbop

Rebecca Taylor via Shopbop

RED Valentino via Shopbop

RED Valentino via Shopbop

Happy first Friday of Spring!

New Old Favorite

via Style.com

Have I mentioned that I love wide leg pants?

Unknown

via Splash News

via Shop Talk

Unknown

No matter who you are or where you're going, wide leg pants effortlessly refer to the gorgeous glamour of the 1970s. Wear them with a white or grey tee for chill downtime or pair them with a patterned button down blouse for the office or dinner with friends.

If you need suggestions on thoroughly modern takes, I highly recommend these Seven Dojos. I have had a pair for about five years and adore them. They look great with wedges or chunky wooden platforms but also do just fine with clunky boots in cold weather.

Seven for All Mankind via Shopbop

However, a girl can never have too many pairs of (wide leg) jeans, right? I'll take these next...how about you?

MiH jeans via Shopbop

And while we're at it, let's throw in a coral pair. High waisted and wide leg, of course. Because you can't wear jeans ALLLLL the time...

via Neiman Marcus

A Tribute

Today we have lost a true icon and screen goddess. With Elizabeth Taylor's passing, the world becomes a less glamorous place.

Admittedly, I'm not perfectly versed on Taylor's many movie roles. It's tough to keep up with a legend. But when I think of her, I think of her jewelry- specifically, those emerald Bulgari earring (pictured above).

Another one of Taylor's iconic jewelry pieces was the 33.19 carat Krupp diamond. It had previously been a gift from German war criminal Alfried Krupp to his wife Vera. In 1959, two men broke into Krupp's Las Vegas estate, stealing the diamond off of Vera's hand. When the criminals attempted to sell it later that year, the FBI was promptly notified and the jewel was returned to its rightful owner. Richard Burton later bought the ring for Taylor in 1968 when Krupp's estate was auctioned off at Sotheby's and it quickly became part of her glittering image.

No one wore jewels better than Elizabeth Taylor, whether onscreen or off. Her pieces are treasures that she enjoyed throughout her life. Obviously her main concerns did not revolve around her possessions but I love that she thought enough of herself to be glamorous every day.

Taylor also once said, "I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them."

May we all take a piece of her bravery and curiosity with us.

To see more photos of Elizabeth Taylor's style, check out the Telegraph.

Savvy Skincare Obsession

If you live in the Wilmington area, or even if you don't and you have time to visit, you have to check out the expansive day spa menu and vast array of high quality products available at The Harbour Day Spa and Salon. I had the pleasure of visiting a few weeks ago for a much-needed facial. It was upon this recent visit that I learned of the most amazing skin care line Yon-Ka.

But am I way behind the curve here? Did you all already know about it?

For YEARS I've been using strong cleansers and facial treatments prescribed to me by dermatologists. I have sensitive skin and I thought that my face could only function with the use of said products.

Imagine my delight when my HC esthetician taught me about the therapeutic powers of Yon-Ka. Yon-Ka uses a holistic and natural approach to skincare, which, in turn, has saved my skin. Each product contains natural herbs and fruit extracts. They not only do your skin good but everything smells AH-MAZING.

Because of that fateful trip, the Yon-Ka Gel Nettoyant has become my daily cleanser. I look forward to inhaling the iris and lavender scents every morning and night. (Which, quite frankly, is one more incentive to wash my face when I've already fallen asleep on the couch after a hard day's work.)

Now maybe you have been using toner your whole life, but I found that toners really dried my face out, making it feel tight and turn red...until I started using the Yon-Ka lotion. Don't let the word "lotion" fool you- this goodness is definitely a toner but it lacks alcohol and is infused with lavender, rosemary, geranium and thyme. This product has become a gentle way to balance the pH levels of my skin.

The HC esthetician also applied a very natural sunless tanner to my face. That is something I had NEVER tried for fear of turning orange. But the Yon-Ka self tanning lotion gave me a healthy glow that I just could not get over- it was so natural and made me look refreshed. I highly recommend it, even for skeptics of the facial tanners like me.

Finally, for those of us who suffer from under-eye dryness and are in need of firming, this Phyto-Contour cream is a miracle worker. With rosemary, vitamin E and aloe, applying a dab of this product packs a punch of moisture.

I have yet to purchase every single one of these products- only currently own the cleanser and toner- but I sure have dreamed about them and their amazing benefits. If you haven't tested out Yon-Ka before, I highly recommend it. HC made me a convert and I'm so grateful they did!

PS- Did I mention these products are never tested on animals??!

Loving the Look...for Less

If you haven't had the enjoyable opportunity to cruise through the latest issue of Elle Magazine, get to a grocery store/mailbox near you immediately! It is chock full of goodness and inspiration, which led me to put a few fashionable yet more frugal pieces of the puzzle together.

Disclaimer: I do not proclaim that any of these items are cheap. They are just LESS EXPENSIVE than their high end counterparts.

On we go...

Prada's Spring bananas skirt is freakin adorable. Playful, fruity prints are so bright and sunny for spring and summer. But perhaps paying upwards of $700 for a novelty print skirt isn't for you...

Prada via Style.com

Feast your eyes on this playful Milly skirt, featured in Elle's "Accessories Guide." While it's not exactly Prada bananas, it's still ba-na-nas, right? It plays up the same color scheme for a whole lot less money- $235 to be exact. Add a striped top to get the mixed patterns look...key for spring.

via Milly

And if you're digging spring's mixed prints, then you're really loving Proenza Schouler's Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Elle's "Fashion Workbook" featured Maryse Thomas in a PS top and skirt (far right). She has the appearance of effortless yet polished and chic professionalism. But the skirt alone costs $1350...

via Elle Magazine

Behold this lovely little frock by Edun. Is it not a dead ringer for a little PS? And at a fraction of the cost- $478. Again, this dress ain't cheap but it's a lot cheaper.

via Shopbop

If mixed prints are too bold and busy for you, then the neutrals of the safari trend might be more your style. Elle featured this Salvatore Ferragamo tunic in an article titled "Primary Season." If you love it, you can either save up $730 or...

via Elle Magazine

...you can try on this Jenni Kayne version for size. At $245, that's more money to put in your savings...right??

via Shopbop

Finally, not featured in Elle but along these same saving lines, I have been loving this 3.1 Phillip Lim necklace from afar. But the one thing that has stopped me from buying is its $225 price tag.

via Shopbop

Today I spotted this Madewell version. It's so similar and only $48. Not bad!

via Shopbop

So maybe these options aren't the cheapest of the cheap but they can at least inspire us all to do a little extra digging when we're stocking up this season. There are lots of goodies to be had! Decide which ones are worth the splurge to you...