home inspiration

Due mostly to the fact that I've been spending a lot of time at home, I feel the need to do some updating/home improvement. The challenge is thinking of things to do without spending much (or any) money. Impossible, right? Well, sort of.
My focus has primarily been on the living room and dining room, which haven't changed much since we moved in 3 years ago, other than a new sofa. So, I spent all of Sunday going through my cabinets of accessories to see if I still like anything enough to use. I found a few treasures that I had forgotten about, which is just as good as buying something new. And, I found a few items that just need a little paint to give them an updated look. My painting adventures begin tomorrow.
For now, I found these photos from Domino Magazine for inspiration...

I love how great this small space looks. The colors and highlighting of the architectural detail are fantastic.

This space has a lot going on, but all of the elements are so interesting & there is so much sitting room in a very small space.

This one is my favorite, mainly because of the kitties & silhouettes. But, I also love the blue and green & the fresh feel of this space.

Black, white, and green - my ideal color combination for my bedroom. The kelly green sofa is a bold element that goes perfectly with the patterned wallcovering.

found...sunset sandals

While shopping (browsing) this weekend, I spied these splendid Sunset Hurache Sandals at Urban Outfitters. I absolutely love them & at $38.00 a pair, you can't go wrong, even if they only last you through the summer. I've added them to my list of necessities for my Peru trip in August.
Me gustan mucho!

must have.....gold watch

I NEED a gold watch & this Cartier is a dream! Although it isn't likely to become my reality, it's perfection & all I can think about.
Be still my heart!

dreams of gold

Gold appeared in massive amounts on the Fall 2008 rtw runways & I am loving it.

YSL

Nina Ricci

Givenchy

so, tell me a little bit about yourself....

Interviews are always interesting/nerve-wracking experiences, as mine was today. I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about how it went, etc. But, one thing I do know for certain is that I felt good in my outfit selection.

Here's what I wore.....

White Button-Down: Barney's
Grey Pinstripe Vest: F21
Grey Wideleg Trousers: Anthropologie
Black Patent Roundtoe Heels: Charles David

broach season

photo by chakkababy

Although I always consider Fall & Winter to be the ideal broach season, I am craving colorful flower pins to brighten up my Summer wardrobe & carry into Fall. The broach is a staple in my wardrobe that I picked-up many years ago & plan to maintain into my granny years. Most of my broaches are vintage, purchased on Ebay and flea markets because I love an accessory with a history. I have lots of cameos and big gold jeweled pieces, but I don't have many sunny Summer day options.

And, so the search begins for fun & flowery treasures to pin to my person.
Inspiration....

Agapanthus Corsage/Boutonnière by Ekaminsk
I adore the idea of wearing a corsage around during the day or for an evening out. Of course, fresh flowers are always best, but a tasteful silk arrangement like this one is simply stunning!

Camellia Pair of Fabric Flowers by Rumah Kampung
I think I'm going to buy these because they are fabulous! I love the colors & the fact that they are made from remnant fabrics - the green from taffeta and the indigo from silk. They are the perfect size & do not look cheesy like most silk flower pins.

photo by bliss24
I am always drawn to enameled broaches, but have yet to buy one of my own. They are perfect for summer & more casual occasions to add a little something to your ensemble. These daisies are adorable!

paradis & miu miu

The beautiful & so very French, Vanessa Paradis, will replace Kirsten Dunst as the new face of Miu Miu for their Fall 2008 ad campaign. Of the campaign, the company says, "At once a deconstruction and a pure visual composition, the campaign addresses the exploration of beauty in conjunction with intellect, imagination and divergence".
Now that's a campaign we can get behind.

reminder....reality bites

A film for our generation and another reminder that Reality Bites.

It was my favorite movie in high school & remains on my list of all-time greats. The characters are quirky, smart, and funny & the storyline is an authentic portrayal of life after college & the daunting realities of the "real world". Plus, Ethan Hawke is so dreamy as Troy Dyer!

The cassette tape of the soundtrack became the music of my adolescence. My favorite songs were "All I Want is You" by U2 and "My Sharona" by The Knack. My bestie & I had the gas station dance routine to "My Sharona" down pat & we performed it every time we were together. Blasting the song & singing at the top of our lungs. Those were the days, no?

I curled up with the kitties tonight & watched Reality Bites for the hundredth time, but somehow this time was different. I could relate in high school & right after college, but not as much as I can now (6 years after graduation). It reminded me of how much we struggle to make something of ourselves, the things we give-up, and the compromises we make.

I was that idealistic college student once, with a romanticized view of the world and how things "should be". And the idea that all I needed was a brain, a good work-ethic, and an education in order to obtain success. All of which were crushed the moment I graduated and got a "real" job. But, I did what I was supposed to do. I found a career path, worked hard, brought home a nice paycheck, and advanced in my career. My recent lay-off from said career has set me back some & it seems that, given the current economic status, it may take a while to find employment in my field. Which is why, this scene is pure PERFECTION (I laughed and laughed)......

Lailana: Mom, I need to talk to you about a loan.
Step-dad: Is it for drugs?
Lailana: No, no. It's not for drugs. I was f.....I lost my job.
Charlane McGregor: But, you shouldn't have any trouble finding another job, sugar bugger.
Lailana: No. See, I tried. I applied for every single opening in my field. But, there's just....there's nothing right now.
Charlane McGregor: Hmm....well, I hate to say it, but times are hard. You're just gonna have to swallow your pride. Why don't you get a job at Burgerama? They'll hire you. My lord, I saw on the TV...they had this little retarded boy working the cash register.
Lailana: Because I'm not retarded, Mom. I was valedictorian of my university.
Step-dad: Well, you don't have to put that down on your application.

Yes, reality bites.

make believe shopping

Since I can't exactly shop right now (as tears roll down my cheeks), I have resorted to 'pretending' to shop. It's a great exercise and is almost as good as actually buying. Well, not really......er, not even close. But, a girl has to get her fix somehow and racking up credit card debt isn't exactly the smartest option. So, I play the make believe game instead.

If I were to shop, this is what I would purchase....

Gee WaWa (awesome name) Playa in Black Luster
I am going to dream about these beauties for weeks. The heel is 3.25" high & with the platform I actually think they would be comfortable. I could run a marathon in these & look fabulous while doing so!

Marc Jacobs Basketweave Tweed Skirt
The perfect transition piece for Fall! I love the color and raised seams. Nice details with a vintage feel.

Marc Jacobs Printed Satin Dress
A beautifully cut dress with swans on it! Need I say more?

10K Gold Name Necklace
Oh, to have a 'Dianna' necklace!
I swear I have wanted one long before the 'Carrie' necklace on SATC, but never got around to buying myself such a treasure. Just thinking about it makes my heart go pitter-patter!

Tory Burch Myahh Cuff Linen Pants
The tab front waist & wide leg is so flattering and I love the color. Of course, the cuffs are the best part!

resort review....naeem khan

Naeem Khan's resort collection is fresh & new. With no shortage of bright colors & fabulous prints, the silhouettes are bold & inspiring!

nolan resort

As a big fan of Charles Nolan, I was excited to see what he had to offer with his Resort 2009 collection. Although the assortment didn't bring anything new to the table, I am still loving his nautical-inspired summer looks.

happy friday!

Jazz-Age Lawn Party on Governors Island, New York
The Sartorialist

must-have maxi

Noa Noa

In search of the perfect maxi....

The maxi dress is a must-have for summer, but I have yet to find the one for me. It's the ideal piece to throw on for day & easily dressed-up for night. I love all of the great prints and bold colors. A great choice for comfort and style. Plus, you can accessorize the hell out the maxi, which only adds to its fabulousness.
Where are you my maxi, where are you?

Patrizia Pepe Silk Owl Print Halter Maxi Dress

Patrizia Pepe Tie Dye Bandeau Maxi Dress

show-off

Missy Foo is such camera hog! She loves having her photo taken & poses for me until she gets bored & falls asleep. Here she is this afternoon lounging in the sun & being a ham...

Betty looks annoyed as she watches Missy show-off.

Mes amours!

the need to read

While on Holiday, I'm really enjoying the extra reading time. I finished Unaccustomed Earth, which was great, and next in the stack is The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. I haven't ever read Plath & am looking forward to diving in.

Know of a good book? Please share. I'd love to hear what your favorites are & add them to my Holiday reading list!

à l'amitié, avec l'amour

photo by issueless

Oh how I loved the Sex & the City movie! It was a pretty little package tied up with a bow - fabulous fashion, lots of laughter, lots of tears, and a happily ever after (predictable) ending. The clothes were to-die-for, but they came in second only to the reminder of the value of friendship.
Which is why I dedicate this post to friendship.
To my beautiful & cherished girlfriends (you know who you are), here's to you!

photo by joannamarieharris

photo by faceit

Thank you!
Merci pour votre belle amitie.

radical resort

The Resort 2009 collections contained some real jewels, bringing me back to spring & basking in the sunshine!

Pretty, pretty in Dior.
I'm loving the navy, lace, and orange jewels combo.

Dior
So very soft & feminine!

Zac Posen
Jumping for joy in all white!

Stella McCartney
Lovely nautical prints are carried on through to 2009. Good to know!

Valentino
Soft sophistication!

dreaming of....schoolboys

Because our minds are always focused on the next season & what our must-haves will be, I'm on to fall (my favoritist season) & dreaming, pinning, wishing for a Schoolboy Blazer.

I know, I know, the Schoolboy was big last year, but I still don't have one to call my own. So, come July (when the retailers start carrying the fall lines) I will be on a quest to find myself the perfect one. Well, maybe not the perfect one since perfect is the Balenciaga Schoolboy Blazer. But, I will be dreaming about a perfect Balenciaga while searching everywhere for a suitable substitute.

Balenciaga

Although it isn't as coveted as the Balenciaga, the L.A.M.B. Schoolboy is a good substitute & oh so cute.

The S.B. is a trend that fits right into my style & is a timeless piece. Even after the fashion world has moved on to the next big thing, I will still be walking hand & hand with a Schoolboy all year round.

i can't help myself....it's all about sjp

So, I'm finally going to see the Sex and the City movie tomorrow night & I can't hardly wait! I know we've all heard nonstop SATC gab leading up to the movie & now it's here & all of you fashionistas have probably already seen it by now.

So, I turn our attention away from the fashions of Carrie Bradshaw and the rest of the gals, to SJP in real life. We love her, right? Her style is impeccable and the risks she takes are splendid. Sure, her choices may not always be home runs, but that's what risks are all about.
Her choices are smart, confident, elegant, and bold, which gets her two gold stars in my book.