Monday, July 30, 2012

Carven Obsession

Do these two pictures make your heart go pitter patter? They did mine. As it turns out, both looks are by Carven, which has now become my latest designer obsession.

via Vermillion and InStyle

Solange Knowles (right) appeared in this Carven number back in their February issue. I remember that article vividly as it literally was one of the first signs of Spring. Then and there, the Carven collection cast its spell on me and I'm sure a few others. Then, two weeks ago, Vermillion owner Ashley Harris texted me the photo on the left, saying it was calling my name. She was right and little did she know I was already a sucker for the label.

At face value, the French brand's use of vibrant colors and interesting patterns would reel anyone right in. But what I love most about Carven is how easy the pieces are to wear. Throw a safari inspired jacket over the jacquard dress below when the weather cools down. Pair the peplum knit and patterned skirt with a cute pair of flats for a quick jaunt during the day. You can dress these looks up or down as much as you need and their transitional fabrics make them wearable no matter the weather.

While I never did find Solange's exact dress at a reasonable price, this fabulous tribal inspired dress below did go on super sale...sooo...we all have to have it. 


And while the pieces below are newer and not on sale racks, you had better get 'em while the gettin's good!



Have I made a Carven concubine out of you? Okay, yikes, maybe concubine is the wrong word but you know what I mean!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Wednesday's Look For Less: Turquoise Drop Earrings

No matter where you live or how old you are, turquoise earrings are hands-down one of the most coveted and wearable summer staple items. My beau's sister's family sweetly gave me a beautiful pair of silver and turquoise drop earrings for my birthday in April and I get complimented on them every time I wear them...and I wear them a lot! Usually, we see turquoise set in gold, which is gorgeous no doubt, but there is something fresh about turquoise paired with silver. Today, it's time for me to repay the gift by showing you two gorgeous options at two very different prices! Which is the splurge and which is the save?



If you guessed the affordable pair is on the right, then you are WRONG. Kohl's sells the pair on the left for only $50. The pair on the right are stunners by Ippolita and ring up for more than $300. Investing in a pair of turquoise earrings certainly wouldn't be a mistake but if you are looking to spend elsewhere, go for the Kohl's option. You'll look just as chic at way less than half the price.
I happen to love turquoise in any shape or style but a cute little pair of drops are wearable and easy to throw on for day or night. So now that you've picked the jewelry, what to wear for the rest of your outfit...

Monday, July 23, 2012

Great Debate: Leather Shorts

Lucky Magazine recently posted an article about why leather shorts are "dumb" and no one should ever wear them. Being a fan of year-round leather, I couldn't believe that THE magazine about shopping would publish an article that dogged out an article of clothing beloved by most women in the fashion world. The article went on to say that women's legs looked shiny in leather shorts because of sweat running down their legs. Personally, I find that claim 100% ridiculous. From experience, I own a pair of leather shorts that I find versatile, comfortable and never once given me a twinge of swamp ass. By the way, I live in the South...at the beach...in 100% humidity 180 days out of the year. 

Today, I'd like to defend leather shorts' honor. As our summer clothes gradually become less exciting and more of a burden in this heat, transitional pieces, like leather shorts, become the key to keeping one's wardrobe fresh and resilient. Now, you can add a white cotton shell (bonus points for a peplum) and your favorite strappy sandals to make this centerpiece warm weather appropriate.

House of Harlow Earring/Zara Peplum Top/Bangle/Jules Smith Skull Bangle/Bangle/Leather Shorts/Madison Harding Sandals


In the fall and winter, your leather shorts investment continues to deliver by adding a blazer, black tights and ankle boots. The look comes off as an updated classic, perfect for any evening out on the town.


Stella & Dot Tassel Necklace/Boundary & Co. Blazer/Leather Shorts/SPANX tights/Rag & Bone Newbury Boot


Hopefully today those who read the Lucky article can read this post and decide for their selves. As for me, I might be wearing leather shorts today...and the rest of the week in protest. 

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Wednesday's Look for Less: Contrast Button Downs

Is anyone else loving these contrasting collar and trim blouses? (Does anyone say "blouse" anymore?) They look so French girl chic to me and you all know that I think Paris est magnifique. 

Traditionally, the contrast button down has come in black and white. This fall, color is ruling the roost and we're seeing this style reinterpreted in technicolor. So which of these two beauties do you think is the most expensive?


If you guessed the top of your left, then you're right! The 10 Crosby topper rings in at nearly $400. The top on the right is a Free People version for under $100! Can you believe how similar the two are? Mint green has certainly been huge  this year but emerald green will always be a beaut. You can't go wrong by opting for savings here. 

Next topic: How do we feel about those printed jeans in the photo on the right? Hmmm...

Until next time!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Style Summit

Some of you sweet readers may already know that my li'l sis and her hubby have been in Tanzania since June. Last week, the two of them led a group of 15 teenagers to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro! This feat is unbelievable to me and I'm thrilled that the two of them got to share this experience not only with the kids on their trip but also with each other.

Their long hike got me thinking about a little safari-inspired style...for us and for our homes...


Can't wait for my sis and her husband's return to the States soon. For now, those of us in the Northern Hemisphere can live vicariously with a little leopard accent here or zebra wallcovering there.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Reno Inspo

Good morning, everyone! My apologies to you for such a delay since the last post. I've had some major house news break, which has completely distracted me from the blogosphere. My plumber paid me a visit last weekend and told me it's time for my 60-year-old pipes to be replaced...so it's been on to the research and development phase of a brand new bathroom. Admittedly, I'm a little freaked out about this project but am trying to be excited about the prospect of designing a room from scratch and having a (hopefully) beautiful new bath in the end. 

Thank Gawd for Pinterest. It's helped me discover the queen of bathrooms, Bailey Quin McCarthey. I love her powder room style. All of these rooms have a little vintage appeal- basket-weave floors, classic fixtures, beautiful tiles- with a sense of humor and personality too. (HELLOOOOO pom pom shower curtain!)






all images via DesignSponge

My bathroom certainly has that vintage appeal thing going now with black and white hex tiles and a pedestal sink. But what's definitely lacking is the fun factor. Maybe a little vintage flooring, tile and fixtures combined with some classic, fabulous wallpaper is just the ticket...

This...

 via Houzz

Plus this...

via Dolce Vita

Or maybe this (if I'm dreaming)...


Or maybe...

via Shelter

What do you think? Have you been through this type of renovation before? I'd love to know your tips!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Cool, Cool Summer

When the weatherman predicts 98% humidity, it's gonna be a bad hair day...to say the least. All we can do right now is think cool thoughts. Aren't these bits and pieces refreshing?


Lela Rose put that gorgeous dress on her Instagram yesterday. I regret to inform you that I'm not sure which collection it's for but you can be sure that I aim to find out. In the meantime, the new Diorshow Iconic mascara is the bee's knees! This stuff lasts all day and coats every single lash. Try it. You might like it. 

Until next week, think cool thoughts!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Southern Accent

Happy Monday! Oh wait...it's not Monday. Who else is totally thrown off from a mid-week holiday? Not that I'm complaining...

How did you spend your holiday? We had a great, relaxing day around town. But about 6 p.m. last night, I decided to start painting my third bedroom. Yep, waited allll dag-on day to START yet another house project. My selling point to my doubting beau- and anyone else calling me crazy- was that I was only painting an accent wall. I think that has now become true though, as one wall has one coat on it and it's looking better already. 

How do you feel about an accent wall? Are they so 2,000 and late? A few eye-catchers to give you a minute to mull it over...

via Houzz

 via DecorPad

 Shirley Miesels via Houzz

via Tumblr


 Jenna Lyons' nursery via Elle Decor

via Style At Home

Whether you like an accent wall in your home or not, you'll find updates here as I get closer to finishing this new project. Maybe I can make a believer out of you...or make my room look totally ridiculous. Fingers crossed for the former!!

Monday, July 2, 2012

Star Spangled

Jasper Johns' Flag via Artnet

You're a grand old flag. That's why Neo-Dadaist Jasper Johns must have painted you, only to further your infamy. 

Johns' Flag is one of my favorite pieces of all time. And, apparently, I'm not the only one who enjoys his work. I'd love to have a piece in my home but I suppose a print would do. Flag sold last year at Christie's for more than $28,000,000. (see here) Yes, a framed poster is okay for now...

Flags I via Elle Decor 

 Moratorium via Elle Decor

 Jasper Johns visits Leo Castelli and his second wife, Toiny, with his own Flag over the fireplace via 

Wouldn't a framed Johns print up the cool factor in a boy's room? 


Johns print/ Texas star/ Bunk Beds/ Tommy Hilfiger Comforter/ Ralph Lauren Gingham Fabric/ Chevron Rug/ Rocking Horse

A star-spangled bedroom might just inspire the next Commander in Chief! But for now, we'll just appreciate Mr. Johns and his nod to Americana. 


Wishing you a fun and safe Independence Day!