Monthly Archives: March 2013

SPRING IN WITH JOIE

joie blouse

JOIE Blouse (gifted) // DL1961 Denim // VINCE Heels // CELINÉ Bag // Vintage Necklace

At the beginning of each new season, I try to go through my closet and figure out what five to seven things that will be my essentials – those items that I can wear over and over again, in lots of different ways. Other requirements: comfortable and effortless. It’s important to have those go-to things in your wardrobe that you can count on to pull your look together. This Joie blouse meets all of those requirements. It’s so comfy (no surprise there as Joie’s pieces are almost always the most comfortable), and it’s easy. No effort needed. I’ll be able to pair this top with lots of different shorts (this pair is pretty perfect), and, of course, white denim is no brainer here.

Happy weekend! I hope it’s a good one!

joie top

joie

vince shoes

joie(Photo Credit: Molly Miller)

This post was sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue. Check out more of the Joie S/S 13 collection at saksfifthavenue.com

 

VOWS: ON THE BOOKS

wedding books

Clockwise from top left: VOGUE: WEDDINGS // PRESTON BAILEY FLOWERS // STYLE ME PRETTY: WEDDINGS // WEDDINGS OF STYLE // VERA WANG ON WEDDINGS // THE WEDDING DRESS: 300 YEARS OF BRIDAL FASHION

While I’ve definitely perused my fair share of wedding mags (Martha Stewart, Brides, The Knot) over the past eight months, it’s the books that I loved peeking through the most. You know me, any excuse to add to my book collection, right? I had no idea there were so many coffee table tomes dedicated to the subject. I received an early copy of the Vogue: Weddings book from an editor friend last fall, and it was a slippery slope from there. From books that focused on wedding dress fashion to the ones dedicated just to the floral arrangements (Preston Bailey is ah-mazing), I’ve managed to acquire my own little collection. These are just a few of my favorites here. I’ve flipped through every single page at least twice (some more than that) of these books. They definitely served as inspiration for me throughout the process. After all, a wedding that manages to make its way to a glossy page-tuner has got to be pretty amazing (flip to Caroline Trentini’s wedding in the Vogue book and you’ll see what I mean). Whether you’re engaged or not, these books are ones to add to your wish list. Or – even better – one of these would make a perfect gift for a bride-to-be.

A (PINK) SPRING COAT

pink coat

RHIÉ Coat // COMME DES GARÇONS Striped Tee // DL1961 Jeans // STUBBS & WOOTEN Shoes // CELINÉ Bag // 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Sunglasses

Last week’s warm weather had me believing that spring really had arrived – and that it was here to stay. So much so that I even stored my winter coats.This past weekend, however, proved me wrong. It’s been very chilly here (spring – where are you already?). I really didn’t want to have to pull back out my heavy wool coat, so I opted for this one instead. It’s a good remidner of the importance of a spring coat – one that provides warmth, but is light enough that you can wear it during this transition period. While you could go for something for neutral like this one, I’m all about embracing spring’s true colors. I picked this one up at Barneys a couple of weeks ago. It’s by a new-to-me line called Rhié (heard of it?). The weight is a perfect medium and the color is right up my alley.

pink coat and stripes

stubbs & wooten shoes

phillip lim sunglasses(Photo Credit: Molly Miller)

STYLE STEAL: SOL SANA SANDALS

sol sana sandalsWhile I love a fun, strappy heel and a colorful pair of wedges for spring/summer, it’s my flat sandals that I live in all season long. My sandals are usually on their last wear by the time August rolls around.  The key is to find a cute (and comfy!) sandal that’s budget-friendly so you won’t feel guilty when they’re worn out by the end of summer. I think I might have found the perfect solution. Check out Sol Sana sandals. I don’t know how I’m just now finding out about these, but I’m certainly glad I am. Produced in India, the sandals are made of leather and all feature fun, colorful details (loving the red/metallic combo of this pair.) The best part? Each sandal rings in at under $100. That’s what I call a style steal. Time to stock up!

HAPPY WEEKEND + LINKS

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TGIF. I hope you’ve had a good week. This one seemed longer than usual (anyone else?). For the first time in a long time, I’ve actually been partly dreading the weekend. I have to seriously start moving out today and tomorrow and it’s going to take me forever. There are piles of stuff all.over.my.apartment. I thought I was being organized by starting to group things, but now there are so many different piles that I have no idea where to begin. I hate moving. I’ll just say it. I know the end result is going to be amazing and totally worth it, but the process of getting there (all these piles!) is so annoying. Needless to say, that’s how I’ll be spending my weekend. I wish I had something more exciting to report. Tell me what you’re doing! It’s bound to be more fun that mine. Happy weekend!

For your weekend perusal:

  • Stella! Stella! Stella!: On The Outnet, that is. So many good markdowns. I’m kind of loving these pants.
  • Listen along: I love the blog Note to Self. It’s one of my favorites. I especially love checking out Sarah’s monthly playlists. She always introduces me to new bands and songs. The girl’s got good taste when it comes to music – and design, too.
  • Sale alert: Tory Burch just kicked off her Private Sale. Don’t miss it. From tunics (like this one) to fun jewelry (like this), you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
  • Egg inspiration: Easter is right around the corner. If you’re into doing some DIY projects for your table decor than check out these calligraphed eggs. So adorable, right? I like how simple they are (just black and white, no pastels involved). As usual, Jordan provides step-by-step instructions along with an easy-to-follow template so you can achieve these on your own.

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MY NEW CHAIR: THE BEFORE AND AFTER

quadrille chair 1

She’s a beauty, isn’t she?  She’s not all by herself either. I have a pair of them of these lovelies in my new living room  As you all know, I’m in the process of moving (the wedding is less than two months away!), and even though I haven’t officially moved in to the new place yet, I’ve already started the a few decorating tasks. These chairs were my first project – and project is a perfect term for it. These chairs weren’t lookin’ so good when I first saw them at Again & Again. (Check out the before image and you’ll see what I mean.) The fabric was hid-e-ous and there were several stains on the arms. However, I really loved the shape. The clean lines were exactly what I was looking for. Plus, the depth is right on – plenty of room so that you can curl up in one, you know?  I knew they had potential. I had been swooning over this Quadrille “Island Ikat” fabric after seeing it at a friend’s house and knew that these chairs would be the perfect place to use it. With the help of Alex (she’s.the.best.), the fabric arrived at my door within days and then I dropped it off at Again & Again so they could work their magic.And voilá!

I’ve never done a before-and-after post, but I figured that this makeover definitely warranted one, don’t you think?

BEFORE:

chair before picture

chair in progress

 

AFTER:

quadrille chairs

SALE ALERT: OTTE

otte sale

Happy Tuesday! Otte’s Spring Fling sale begins on Thursday, but guess what? They’re giving us early access to the sale now. All you have to do is enter the code SpringFlingEA at checkout and you’ll receive 20% off your purchase! I’ve perused the offerings and come up with a list of my favorites:

  • The point-perfect flat? Right here.
  • A wear-all-the-time shirt dress will get you far in the warm-weather months.
  • Now would be the perfect time to stock up on my favorite tees from Alexander Wang. The dusty pink version is the perfect update.
  • Remember my Ancient Greek sandals from yesterday? They’ve got ‘em.

A WEEKEND IN TORY’S TUNIC

ray ban sunglasses

 TORY BURCH Tunic (Gifted) // AG Jeans // ANCIENT GREEK Sandals // RAY-BAN Sunglasses // VINTAGE Earrings from Harbour Island

With temperatures in the 80s (!), this past weekend officially felt like spring. I couldn’t help but spend the majority of the two days outside (if you’re checking my Instagram, then you know that one evening included a Mexican fiesta and a tequila donkey, too!). The spring temps had me eager to pull out all of my warm-weather wear – including this Tory Burch tunic and my new favorite sandals from Ancient Greek. This was good prep for my honeymoon. The tunic will be ideal as a coverup or paired with white jeans when we go out to dinner. Not to mention, this pair of sandals will be one of the first things that goes in my suitcase (I’m also obsessed with the gold pair). They’re my first try with Ancient Greek, and I’m already a big fan. I still love K. Jacques, but the Ancient Greeks have a similar look with a better price. The question is how long will this weather stick around? Is it too ambitious to move all my coat to the very back of my closet? Crossing my fingers that spring is here to stay.

tory tunic detail

tory burch tunic

ancient greek sandals

tory burch tunic detail(Photo Credit: Molly Miller)