Archive for August, 2011

i have zero willpower

August 31, 2011

Yes. It’s true. I have no will power. What is that, you say? You already knew about my shopping addiction. Fine. Here is the latest thing I MUST have. I love J.Crew capsule collections. They are so well edited and special. I am also an art deco fanatic (it’s even a major part of my wedding, here and here), so I am not sure why it has taken me so long to choose something from the Lulu Frost for J.Crew collection. I love how this collection combines art deco shapes and inspiration with fresh pops of color. If you love this collection as much as I do, get on over and make your purchase, as pieces are already selling out! Now…should I choose something, or just get one of each?

A little more art deco fun:

“Art Deco Poppy”

Bakelite Art Deco Box

“Moderne Headwrap” BHLDN

“Novella” wallpaper, by Graham and Brown

{top image via}

star power

August 30, 2011

I am loving the idea of stars for fall. Dolce & Gabbana has an amazing campaign followed by some gorgeous pieces. I love the dresses and I want need some star print skinnies.

Combining the star print with lace, fishnets, and layers is turning the bold and preppy star print into a sexier, sultrier look. Here are a few of my favorite star finds.

{ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 }
I really want to style myself with stars for fall. How do you feel about the stars? Like it? Would you try it?

wedding planning: cake

August 29, 2011

Oh, cakes….So gorgeous and then so yummy. This has to be one of the best parts of wedding planning. So, you can go here to see the venue if you haven’t already (the cake goes in that gorgeous blue room) and I would love for you to take a sneak peek at my dress, so that you can get the whole picture. I’m not posting it up here, because David “reads” the blog. In terms of cake I thought I had decided that I wanted something very art deco to fit the venue or something very blingy to take a little something from the dress. But after hours of looking at cakes by myself and then with my mom, I find myself a little scattered…There is too much to love. I am a girly girl, who loves history and flowers and graphics…and I am a computer geek who get’s excited around confetti! So, I am a little lost. This is where I NEED YOU! Check out all the different aspects that we know so far and PLEASE give me some advice! xoxo

{Header image via, confetti cake via, typography and laptop cakes via, tall flower cakes via The Goddess Sylvia Weinstock, traditional cakes from left to right}
{I can’t find a source for that bling cake! If you know please tell me! The peacock cake I found on pinterest and would also love to give credit where it is due!}

The Wedding Planning Series

As I continue to plan for my wedding, I want to personally invite you to read through my other wedding planning escapades:

lovely links: 8.26.11

August 26, 2011

AGH- I am a little frazzled today. We have a lot of family coming into town tomorrow for my cousin’s wedding, and since we just got home at 1am last night and the AC repair guy has been here the last hour I am scrambling to get my post up (late) and then clean, go grocery shopping, pick up a couple of prints we had framed, and of course, try to fit in a pedicure. Check out some of these links before you go off and have a fabulous weekend.

I am completely obsessed with all of these interiors with black making a bold statement. Head over to Breakfast at Toast to delight your eyes!
Neon stripes+polka dots+amazing sunglasses = a must see look!
I particularly love this photo of the ferris wheel at Navy Peer, by fellow BLOGSHOP-goer, Jennie…but she is putting her skills to use all over the blog, so take a good look.
Another genius project implemented by Dream Book Design. This is a simple little pillow solution, but if there is something these DIY fanatics can’t do it would be BIG news to me. Seriously amazing. Today they posted up their bedroom redesign. I’m endlessly impressed.
Emma features Naomi. Suddenly I want to own overalls again.
Oh, how I love stripes. This roundup at A Lovely Being of retro stripes is swoon worthy.

(Top image from Cheetah is the New Black, lovely striped images from A Lovely Being)

chicago: the drake hotel

August 25, 2011

This weekend we were lucky enough to stay at The Drake Hotel. We stayed in Wheeling/Deerfield during the week for David’s job, but headed into Chicago for the weekend. The hotel was gorgeous. Honestly, I get so tired of David’s traveling, but the miles and hotel points have their perks. I was so busy with BLOGSHOP I didn’t get the chance to take many picture, but David helped me and I edited (and I mean edited) some of the photos to show you! Ok, mostly the pictures are of gorgeous chandeliers and flowers, but stay tuned because there are some more great Chicago pics to come.

golden arm party

August 24, 2011

(from top to bottom 1, 2, 3)

boho chic: NEUTRALS

August 23, 2011

Today I am shamelessly showing off some new BLOGSHOP skills (thanks Bri and Angela) with this mood-board. I love boho-chic, but honestly, I used to just dress like a hippie…and not in the good way. Obviously, I have refined my taste over the years and understand how to be boho-fabulous. Though I still love a bright funky bohemian look, today is about neutrals. With the palette toned down, I give you permission to throw in as many feathers, sequins, and as much gold as you can!

I just drool every time I look at the Kate Spade Westward collection. This is the Westward Ingenue Clutch. I need it. You need it too.
These earrings are just so fabulous- These peacock feathers are by Annette Ferdinandsen and from Ylang23. Very versatile in my opinion.
I am basically obsessed with friendship bracelets, and these grown-up stunners are by Ettika.
Of course owning a feather headband is essential! Go to ASOS and look at it on her head- glorious!
These Cobra Society boots are amazing. I am really digging everything southwestern right now, and these just fall right into place.
I am pretty sure I am going to be splurging on these See by Chloe booties. They will work with everything right? Do you think the $360 is justifiable?

Feather clutch from ASOS, Fabulous “boho girl” from Hello Bombshell

inspiration

August 22, 2011

I have had these photos saved in my inspiration folder since I saw them on The Neo Traditionalist. This lovely table-scape was crafted by Eddie Ross, who said it was inspired by pink peonies and orange ranunculus. For more of my ongoing ikat obsession see these clutches and these pillows.

lovely links: 8.19.11

August 19, 2011

Oh, this week in Wheeling/Deerfield/Chicago has been amazing. In case I didn’t explain properly, David is a consultant and his current project is in Deerfield, IL. He travels there every week, Sunday/Monday- Thursday. No, it is not the dream. But he loves his job, we are figuring out how to make it all work, and building up miles is always nice. This week I popped up with him. It is so nice to be with my man on a daily basis and I can’t wait to show you lovelies all my Chicago pictures ( and let’s not forget all the new Photoshop skills as I am going to learn at Blogshop this weekend). For now, here are some of my favorite things from the blogosphere this week.

This isn’t a link to a specific post- just go to Kimia’s blog, Alkeemi, and scoop it up. She and her husband recently moved from San Fransisco to India as newlyweds, she is candid and funny, and takes great photos. And this gorgeous painting up top- well, she is an artist as well and I am seriously drooling over her work.
SF Girl by Bay did a blog redesign, and I LOVE it. Girly, boho perfection. This post just about sent me over the edge.
I love this Old Villa via Desire to Inspire. Dark hardwood flooring, light and airy, fabulous chandeliers, and an English garden to lust after.
Ginny Branch shares my love for Emma Stone, and these pictures are incredible. She has such a versatile look. Girl crush!
This Alice and Olivia dress is so charming. My hat is off to Heather for the perfectly appropriate yet glam dress and impeccable styling!
Over at Duchess Fare, Sarah posted up pics from architect Webster Wilson’s home, and it is so unique. I want to be sitting on one of those floor cushions gazing at the sunset. Gorgeous!
Naomi could not be possibly serve up better baby cuteness- her little Eleanor is giving me baby fever. Be sure to check them out at the beach too- this looks like a magazine shoot- I NEVER look this pulled together at the beach.
This is Glamorous completely lives up to it’s name delivering this behind the scenes from the look-book photoshoot for mih jeans. Predictably, I am head over heels for that bun! Add stripes and thick brows to the look and I couldn’t love it any more.

(Top photo via Alkeemi Shop, last photo via This is Glamorous)

coral & coral from doyle & doyle

August 18, 2011

You know, just browsing Doyle & Doyle. Here is the coral roundup (these pieces are perfect for these last summer days, and that rose/daisy pair will transition well into fall ):

loving lucite

August 17, 2011

I think my love of Lucite probably stemmed from Domino. I love Lucite chairs, Lucite coffee tables, Lucite purses…the list goes on and on. We now have a coffee table ( I know, you can’t wait to see my living room) but when we just had a giant ottoman I went on the search for a Lucite tray to top it. I adore the ones from iomoi, but they are a budget buster, ranging from $150 to nearly $1,000. Oh, when I make it big, I will fill my home with their trays and ice buckets; they are hand made and fabulous. So, I am going to give you some eye candy, but follow it up with some more budget friendly options.

iomoi Lucite Trays

Dabney Lee Lucite Tray

Dabney Lee has some great options ranging between $120-$130. Love the patterns and the monogramming:

Jonathan Adler Lucite Trays

These Jonathan Adler cuties are slightly friendlier to the wallet- coming in at $98:

Pretty Smitten Lucite Trays

Pretty Smitten has some lovely trays at only $70:

Top image here

secrets? a cute stylist? yes please!

August 16, 2011

Hello friends! Do you watch Secrets from a Stylist? I am digging this new season. David and I have a slight addiction to HGTV- as in, if we spent as much time doing projects as we do watching the channel, our house would be sure to wow. Anyways, Emily Henderson is a doll. She is super cute; I love all of her high-waisted jeans this season. She’s rockin’ a little 70′s flair. And- I think Emily might love a good sheepskin throw as much as I do. HGTV describes her style as boho-chic, which you know I love. Anyways, let’s just get to the real fun- her portfolio and my favorite room from the season thus far.

Emily Henderson’s Portfolio

So these are from her portfolio. I love the eclectic styling.

Favorite Room from the Show

Ok, this is my favorite room so far. Emily describes it as 70s Funky Elegance.

Gorgeous Sling Chair

And lastly…I am obsessed with these sling chairs I saw on the show. I want them. Now! I am on the hunt for something similar.

What I found…

Ok, I am still on the hunt for chairs that are identical to this AND affordable (is that demanding? Well, I’m a little bit of a princess). Here are a few that capture the spirit of the chair. Yes, the spirit.

David’s Selection

I know.

wedding planning: the venue

August 15, 2011

It might be taboo to document your wedding planning, especially with an audience, but I’m going for it. Here is my reasoning:

I spend a ridiculous amount of time perusing wedding blogs
I love searching for ideas, and just generally ogling pretty pictures; Among my favorites are Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, Brooklyn Bride, East Side Bride (please, tell me if you can read this without folding over with laughter), Once Wed, and Ruffled (where I once found zebra wedding inspiration). OK, I could go on and on.

The thing is, with inspiration abounding I would still like more details on the actual planning. And so, I am documenting my planning. Of course, the dress won’t be pictured, but you can see it here. I am taking you on a journey through the rest of the planning. Hopefully I’ll get some great suggestions from you guys along the way. So, let me know if you are interested in my wedding planning, or if you just want to see the finished product come March.

My Wedding Venue!

The Wedding Planning Series

As I continue to plan for my wedding, I want to personally invite you to read through my other wedding planning escapades:

a very special day

August 15, 2011

August 15 is a very special day in my world- birthday to three of my favorite people. Happy birthday to my dad and my lovely friends Lissy and Michelle. I wish I could be there with each of you…but I promise gifts and love and birthday champagne a plenty.

Dad- You have been amazing this year, so supportive and helpful. I love the time we got to spend together, even if the circumstances were sometimes odd. I love you so much. Thank you. Just, thank you.

Lissy- My little love! We are coming up on eleven years of friendship which includes singing Les Miserables and Shakira on road trips, frozen yogurt eating, and millions of hours of lounging on the couch watching movies and chatting. I love you to pieces and can’t wait for this to be a fabulous year for you.

Michelle- I am thinking back to one of those first times working together where we confessed our love for each other and asked each other out on girl dates. There was no turning back. I can never thank you enough for your support. Have a wonderful birthday and a great year.

lovely links: 8.12.11

August 12, 2011

Thanks to everyone for the Chicago suggestions, I’ll be there a while, so I’ll take as many of those as I can get. Oh, double thanks for showing me some comment love! It is exciting to see people starting to find their way over. I love getting feedback and finding new blogs to read! Here are some of this weeks fab inter-web finds.

Lena has me obsessed with these Louboutins. Not a good sign for the wedding budget, but I do see a wedding shoe roundup in the future. This wedding is full of sweet details and I completely agree with Lena about beach weddings.
Yes, please to these fabulous oxfords on Pine to the Pacific. If the shoes weren’t enough her lovely layout is adorable.
Tara shows us how to throw an amazing tea party/manicure party that is just too cute. You can catch it on her blog or at The Glitter Guide.
I am totally in agreement with Jacquelyn on this NYC apartment. Um, those bathroom tiles, killing me.
Ok, I know I am on a bit of a wedding kick, but I have gone back and looked at these photos from Once Wed at least a million times. I am re-posting a peek, but you have to head over and see the three part post.