A Very Royal Day

Ladies and Gents,

I have a very light heart today after witnessing history in the making EARLY this morning.  Kate Middleton was glamorous, demure and poised as she walked the LONG aisle of Westminster Abby in her ravishing McQueen gown.  It was perfect even though the cynics said it should have been MORE (whatever that means) – I thought it was true to tradition, the occasion and most of all - herself.  If she had come out in a costume, everyone would have been confused…

I have a sneaking suspicion that this wedding is going to have a large impact on the evolution of fashion over the next couple years.  I sort of see fashion and styling taking an understated and ladylike turn.  What do you think?  Also – can we say HATS, HATS and more HATS!?  I think I will be adding a couple into my wardrobe this year.  How about you?

In other news: Please check out my guest post on Camillestyles.com this morning.  I have created a juicy palette inspired by Palm Springs. 

Have a very stylish weekend!

PS - how much do you love the little flower girl covering her ears overlooking the balcony?  Too funny!

Finally, Affordable Art!

{Mara Caffarone Print 2 by Lara Caffarone}

Do you ever feel like its impossible to fine cool, affordable art these days?  I've seen so many spectacular paintings around town in galleries done by local artists - all at about $2,000 and up!  My lovely sister (who is always in the know) sent me two really great websites yesterday that offer art for sale at really amazing prices!  I am super stoked to snatch up some gorgeous prints for the new pad.  What do you think of these??  Here are the websites: 

1.  www.shop.artwelove.com 

2.  http://www.littlepaperplanes.com/group/63-artwork

{Night Lights Print by Raven & Lamb}

{Times Square Pour by Molly Dilworth}

 

Hat Head

Lately I've been having a serious hat obsession!  I think it may be an item that I need to start collecting.  There are so many different types and for so many various occasions.  Aside from them being fashionable, I also appreciate that they protect my face from the sun - added bonus!  My fav style is the classic fedora.  I love Eugina Kim's designs, but they tend to be pretty pricey.  May have to splurge one of these days!

Hats: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (top image c/o we heart it)

The Royal Wedding

{Wearing a Miu Miu fascinator in Florence}

With all the buzz surrounding the Royal Wedding, I couldn't help but compose a post dedicated to the exciting mark in history.  One accessory no doubt will be adorning many heads at the wedding: the fascinator.  Gorgeous, elaborate headpieces made of feathers, the finest fabrics and jewels.  Oh how I would love to see them all in person!  At least we can watch it on the Today Show, right?  My sister is having a Royal Wedding viewing party at her house next Friday.  Guests are encouraged to wear formal attire and of course - a fascinator!  I would wear the one above.  This is a pic of me at the Miu Miu store in Florence.  No, I didn't buy it, but toootally wanted to!  I'm really bummed that I'm unable attend my sister's soiree (since I will be in Atlanta and she is in Ohio), but I will be there in spirit.

1, 2, 3, 4,

Would you wear a fascinator for a fancy event or wedding?  Cheerio!

Knot - y

A fun necklace I made over the weekend.  This was suuuuper easaaay.  I kind of like how it is imperfect and slightly non-symmetrical. I'm going to make a black one that is a bit larger and chunkier.  Would you care to see a tutorial?

I am still trying to figure out a way to finish/fasten the back.  Does anyone know of a supplier that carries nice cord end caps?

Birthday Treasures

Its safe to say I had a fabulous 27th b-day!  I was able to take the day off of work and spend it with JP sleeping in, eating a nice lunch alfresco and getting into a little late afternoon shopping.  Perfect.  I received a some really fun things this year from loved ones.  Pictured above are a few of the goodies :)

Allegra Hicks: An Eye For Design book (from my sis), Undecorate: The No Rules Approach to Design book (also from my sis), Shadows and lights silk shorts - Madewell, Marble-carved peep-toes - Anthropologie, Agate earrings - Anthropologie.

Perhaps the most surprising gift I received on Friday was from JP.  I'd been lusting over this great brass, vintage bar cart for a couple weeks.  I contacted the seller to find out the price, etc and she said she would hold it for me.  I got a message from her the next day telling me it had sold.  I was heartbroken until I found out who she had sold it to!   Can't wait to put it in the new casa :)  Now all I need to do is find some cool decanters for my favorite spirits!

Birthday Girl

It's my Birthday today!  Yay!  I plan to spend the day with JP bee-boppin around town and visiting some of my favorite Atlanta hot spots.  Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend, I know I will!

{image c/o 1, 2}

PS: I have a fun post over at Camille Styles today - Check it out!



Wedding Season: Part I

Wouldn't these dresses be perfect for a court house wedding?  I am big on nontraditional wedding dresses.  These are so sweet and retro.  I can picture these with a simple headpiece such as the one below.  Love :)

{Top dress via, Two middle dresses: 1 (vintage), 2, Headpiece via}

DIY time~

Aren't each of these necklaces ridiculously cool?!  I'm feeling a DIY project coming on and want to use one of these as inspiration.  Which would you most like to own?  I love the top ones.  I would either use leather cord or some type of satin rope to make a mass of knots. Hmmmm.  Stay tuned...

third image from top via

other images unknown.

Top Summer Reads

It's hard to admit it to people, but I am what you would call a "bad reader".  I buy a book, read a few chapters and then loose interest waaay too quickly.  I don't know if its due to my horrible attention span, or that I am just choosing the wrong books.  Regardless, I feel it's time for me to be better at reading every night for an hour or so instead of watching TV.  Recently my sister sent me a list of books that are her top summer must reads.  I'm going to pick up a couple of these and give them a whirl!

1.  Kate Middleton: Princess In Waiting - with all the buzz over the Royal Wedding, I want to get to know the princess-to-be better.
2.  Undecorate: The No-Rules Approach to Interior Design - Founder and creative director for Dwell Studio teaches you how to go against the traditional rules of decorating and instead incorporate your own personality into your projects.  This is perfect for me to read NOW since we just bought a home!
3.  Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother - Author and mother of two, Amy Chua, shares her experiences in mothering her two children in a very unconventional way.  Lots of controversy over this book.  I saw her on the today show a couple of times and am super curious about whats inside the book!
4.  Bossypants - Tina Fey shares stories and experiences in her personal and professional life - supposedly hilarious!.  This has to be a good one, the woman is genius!
5.  Anthropology of an American Girl: A Novel - a fiction novel about a young artist in the 70's.  Described as - disturbing and passionate.  From publishers Weekly: "If publishers could figure out a way to turn crack into a book, it'd read a lot like this".


Have you read any of these?  Any other recommendations?

Shady Lady

Those who know me are familiar with my sunglasses obsession.  Not sure where it started, but I have always been drawn to them.  Maybe because they have the ability to really spice up a look or give one a certain attitude.  According to my husband I have way too many pairs, but I can't seem to stop buying them!  Lately I've been lusting over shades in a crystal, pink hue.  They look great on all skin tones and sort of give off a flirty, cheeky vibe.  Which pair is your fav?  The last one is a great deal!  Hmmm....



Shades: Tom Ford Sunglasses, Prada Postcard Sunglasses, Celine Sunglasses, Cateye Sunglasses-Topshop

top image c/o Vogue Italia

Some Say Blah, Some Say - Ahh

I've always been a devotee to the "draped in accessories from head to toe look" or the pile on a million layers to create that perfect dimensional look (think J.Crew styling), but there is something to be said about an ensemble that has the ability to speak for itself.  Modern minimalism: the look is no fuss, clean and sharp.  It feels very NOW.  The styling is all in the small details - sleeky slick hair and a clean, bright face.  Stay tuned for a minimalistic (made up word) look of my own later this week!

{images c/o: Zara, here, here, and here}

Happy Feet

I'm dying to own a pair of wedges in a powdery nude hue.  They go with everything and emanate a fresh, modern vibe.  Perfect worn with a floor grazing maxi skirt or a pair of tailored, tapered white trousers.  So springy and refreshing!  I think I'm particularly drawn to the  Zara pair with the peach buckle around the ankle.

What is your go to shoe of the season?

{Shoes: Buttoned wedge shoe-Zara,  Skate bootie-Jeffery Campbell, Sidewalk wedge-Madewell, Vivan lace up wedge-Loeffler Randall, Vinty wedge pump-Marc by Marc Jacobs, Kasia wedge-Alexander Wang, Messeca Colbee wedge}

Home Sweet Home

{image c/o Think Decor}

Its official!  We've found the home of our dreams!  Its super charming, full of natural light and has tons of character.  Of course there are a few more hurdles to jump through before it's a done deal, but for now - we are in!  The house is totally move in ready, but of course my creative eye cannot help but see the areas that I can't wait to attack!  I plan to use a lot of furniture that we currently own and make it all feel new with accessories, paint and re-purpose.  I've also started archiving a a collection of tears from mags, books and fabrics for inspiration.  I'm super excited to share this journey with you!  

 Love this dramatic becroom

{Image c/o Domino mag.}

Love the clean hues and bright natural light.

Let the decorating begin!

 

PS - Went to the Jonathan Adler Atlanta store opening last night and was blown away by all the new product.  Especially obsessed with this coffee table...

AND have to have this "G" pillow for our bed :)

Have a very stylish weekend!