Not Without Heels

Tangerine Denim

2012-03-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

1. DELIAS Britt Low-Rise Skinny Jean 2. J BRAND 811 Ankle Skinny Jeans 3. MAISON SCOTCH Parisienne Skinny Jean 4. BLANKNYC Skinny Jeans 5. J.CREW Toothpick Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans 6. VINCE DENIM Skinny Ankle Jeans 7. TOPSHOP Moto Coral Baxter Jeans 8. J BRAND Mid Rise Skinny Jeans 9. JOE'S JEANS The Skinny

I love colored denim. My closet is full of denim in colors like bright green, cobalt blue, and a fabulous pair of practically neon pink jeans from Lilly Pulitzer. The next bright pair of denim I'm adding to my mix will definitely be in a tangerine hue. Although I really hate to put orange and blue together, a faded chambray shirt and pretty nude pumps do seem like a perfect pair to make a great outfit with orange denim.

Lilly Love: Maybell Dress

2012-02-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

Lilly Pulitzer Maybell Dress

How fabulous is this dress?! One of my favorite color combinations (it almost matches my blog!) and such cute details. The embroidery on the front is adorable and I love how it carries over onto the back. I'm not usually a huge fan of the peplum detail, but I think it's fun on this dress. I like that it doesn't go all the way around the waist in the front. Has anyone tried this dress on yet?

Color Crush: Mint Green

2012-02-24T06:58:00.000-08:00

1. GOLDSIGN Jenny cropped high-rise skinny jeans 2. TOPSHOP Enamel Kite Studs 3. MODCLOTH Mint for You Dress 4. TOPSHOP Quilted Leather Corner Purse 5. TOPSHOP Enamel Segment Ring 6. TOPSHOP Vibrant Mint Ballet Pumps 7. ESSIE Mint Candy Apple Polish 8. TOPSHOP Nep Stripe Roll Back Tee 9. RAG & BONE Clement Scarf 10. MODCLOTH Have We Met? Dress

I am usually drawn to bright, vibrant green hues, but for spring I am obsessed with mint green. I love pastels. The pretty, less saturated colors just seem perfect for this time of year. They don't always play nicely with my super pale skin (especially light pink), but I definitely think I could wear mint green! What do y'all think of all the mint green popping up this spring?

River Rock Earring DIY

2012-02-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

Earrings are one of my favorite things to DIY, but since I really only wear post earrings (or are they called studs?) I like to find unique items to use so they don't all look the same. For some reason last week I was hit with a sudden inspiration to use little rocks from the stream in our backyard. I love the organic shape of the rocks and it just struck me that now I will have a little piece of Virginia with me when we move to Brooklyn (it's cheesy, but I said it anyways).

These earrings were really simple to make. I collected several little rocks (so I could play around with them and see which ones I liked together) and then just to be on the safe side I boiled them for 5 or 10 minutes.

Once they were clean and dry I grabbed a couple scrap pieces of foam core to hold my earring backs in place. A drop of Bead Fix (or probably any superglue would work) on each post then I put my rocks and place and let the glue dry. You just set them on the glue - no need to press and hold them in place.

I also made a pair in gold! The only thing I did differently for these was to use a Krylon Gold Leaf Pen on the rocks before glueing them to the earring backs.

Case Art: Beautiful Iphone Cases from Society6

2012-02-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

top row: Electric Haze | Inner Circle | Fleur

middle row: Elegant White | Bellamey | Surprise

bottom row: January | Sketchy Ikat | Joy

I've managed to finally push my lovely Kate Spade iphone case to it's limit. It has done a great job keeping my phone in one piece, but unfortunately my case is now in four (two more than it should be). Needless to say I need to find another case, but there are too many options out there and I can't make a decision. Especially since I recently discovered that the stunning art on Society6 can also be purchased as an iphone case! I could spend hours (ok, I did spend hours) perusing all the beautiful art on this site.

I need decision making help - Which one is your favorite?

Jewelry Obsession: Lauren Wimmer

2012-02-09T07:11:00.001-08:00

I've recently been introduced to the jewelry designs of Lauren Wimmer and I've got to say I am obsessed! Seriously I had such a difficult time narrowing down my faves to just a few items to feature here that I was worried my image below would be too large. She has a background in fine arts and takes inspiration from different periods of art. Being equally in love with history, art, and jewelry I am head over heels for her designs!

1. Nerissa Necklace 2. Desdemona Bracelet 3. Sasha Necklace 4. Maureen Earrings 5. Mimi Wire Earrings 6. Gersemi Pendant 7. Ingrid Ring 8. Adele Bracelet 9. Daphne Bracelet 10. Mimi Post Earrings 11. Ingrid Ring 12. Jolie Post Earrings 13. Liana Bracelet 14. Odile Necklace 15. Vivian Necklace 16. Freya Ring 17. Mimi Post Earrings 18. Margo Necklace 19. Egg Drop Necklace 20. Dore Earrings 21. Frog Cuff 22. Calypso Necklace 23. Beatrice Earrings 24. Hedea Earrings 25. Anatola Bracelet

Lauren has three different collections: strung, wrapped, and cast. Her "Strung" collection of beaded jewelry features prominently with clusters of fresh water pearls and rock crystal clusters accented with semi precious stones, sterling silver, 14-karat gold, bone, wood, horn, and glass in unusual and variant colors and shapes. The "Wrapped" collection features hand-dyed silk ribbon wrapped around hollow tube rings to form bibs, chains, and convertible pieces. The "Cast" collection draws from the textures and palettes of overgrown gardens. (descriptions from her website)

Clutch

2012-02-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

Bright: Turquoise Suede Foldover Clutch | Milly Mina Ostrich Bag | ASOS Fliplock Envelope Clutch | Maje Nappa Leather Clutch
Girly: Emerald Green Silk Clutch | Lilly Pulitzer Opening Night Clutch | Nelle Silk Taffeta Bowtiful Bag | White Lace Clutch
Print + Pattern: Bagatelles & Co. Zigzag Lolie Envelope Clutch | ila Annie Clutch | Marni Printed Leather Clutch | Kate Spade Travel Edition Magazine Clutch

I love clutches. They are such a fun way to add a different color or texture to an outfit without being overwhelming. I hate changing purses and have a bad habit of carrying a bag large enough that I could probably sit in it, so I love being able to just transfer a couple things from my giant bag to a clutch if I'm dressing up or going somewhere that I don't need the various assortment of probably unnecessary things I usually carry with me.

I am completely OBSESSED with that lace covered green clutch! It would have been perfect for my wedding (I didn't have a bag for my wedding because it seemed like something useless to carry around, but if I had seen that one I could have been convinced it was necessary).

Rock Collection

2012-01-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

Druzy Wrap Bracelets | Black Silk Wrap Druzy Bracelet | Turquoise Silk Wrap Druzy Bracelet

Rock Candy Lamps: Tangerine Calcite | Swimming Pool

Chic Shop Finials: Stairway to Heaven | Raspberry Beret | Purple Haze | Sea of Love | Riders on the Storm

Amethyst Soap Rock | Malachite Soap Rock | Aquamarine Soap Rock | White Opal Soap Rock

Kiva Platters | Amethyst Salt and Pepper Shakers

Agate Trivets | Amethyst Bottle Stopper | Crystal Bottle Stopper

Lately I have found myself drawn to all sorts of pretty rocks and gemstones. I love their organic shapes and the variety of beautiful colors. Such a fun and unique addition to jewelry or home decor! And seriously - how cool are those rock soaps?!

Irresistible Illustrations

2012-01-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

One of my projects last semester was to redesign a book cover. Before deciding which direction I wanted to go with my own cover, I headed to the Book Cover Archive to get a little inspiration - and fell completely in love with Gabriele Wilson's designs. While there are lots of beautiful covers she has created, I am particularly enamored with her collection for the Poetry Society's Chapbook series. I'll be honest - I don't read poetry (I always wanted to like it but it's just not my thing) and I have no idea what a chapbook is but regardless I found myself wanting to buy all of them just for their lovely covers!

Tangerine + Butter

2012-01-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! Since I haven't yet done a post with Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango, I thought I would find some pretty heels in that red-orange hue for this week's pick. My post started out as the usual yay it's Friday, let's look at pretty shoes; however, while I was searching around I came across this yummy looking recipe for Tangerine Butter cookies and when I decided to use a couple pairs of Tangerine-colored shoes from Butter I was inspired to find more things with this combination! (Wow that is a seriously rambling run on sentence.)

Tangerine Butter Cookies | Butter Gordy Open-Toe Pump | Butter Sandbar Peep-Toe Pump | Butter London Jaffa Nail Lacquer | eos Medicated Tangerine Lip Balm | Tangerine Butter Soap from Twisted River Soap | SPAresource Sweet Tangerine Body Butter | Tangerine Cupcakes with Tangerine Buttercream Frosting from Petite Cupcakes

I am usually not much of an orange fan (and I admit to being less than thrilled when I first saw this year's color), but the more I look at Tangerine Tango the more I find myself loving it! What do y'all think of it?

Super Fabulous News and Celebration Time!!

2012-01-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

image via Alden Blair Events blog

I don’t often get too personal with my posts, but I know every now and then I make a comment or two about my husband and what’s currently happening in his life as a med student. I was so excited when he finally decided on his specialty, began applying for residency positions, and then started going on interviews. I haven’t talked about it much, however, because I am one of those people who doesn’t want to jinx anything by getting too excited before it is set in stone. Not that I had a single doubt about him matching into his specialty in a program he really loved (and in a place that we were both excited about moving). Anyways - I can now happily say that the specialty he has decided to go into is opthalmology and we found out on Thursday that he matched into one of his top choices for a residency program!! I am so proud of him!

We are moving to Brooklyn! Although I must admit I’m sad to be leaving the South (unnecessary drama queen moment because I know we will eventually end up back here), I am really excited for all the possibilities Brooklyn has to offer! Oh - and did I mention that my sister lives in Manhattan!?! I am thrilled to live near her again! And just when I was starting to get quite bored with my current decorating schemes - I now get to start dreaming up ideas for our next place!

Be Back Soon

2012-01-13T13:15:00.001-08:00

Jewelry Obsession: Elva Fields

2012-01-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

Top: Delightful Diversion
First Row (L to R): Metropolitan Magnificence, A Sparkle at Sea, Keeping Them Close
Middle Row (L to R): Best for Both, Winging it Wonderfully, Kindness is Customary
Bottom Row (L to R): Glamorous Intentions, Sparkle on Sister, Adventurous and Glittering

I am completely smitten with just about every Elva Fields necklace I see. Everything is beautifully unique and the vintage pieces used in the necklaces all feel like they have a story to tell (does that make any sense to anyone else?). I have kind of an obsession with using vintage brooches in my own jewelry so I was instantly drawn to these designs. Oh - and how cute/creative are the necklace names! I don't know about y'all but I have such a difficult time naming things (like artwork or even blog posts).

Not only is it worth checking out the beautiful necklaces (and earrings) on the Elva Fields website, but the about page is full of interesting info about the designer and her company. Even better - all the necklaces are 20% off right now (enter code HIPHIP at checkout) during their New Year's Sale!

Happy 2012 + Resolutions

2012-01-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012! I hadn't intended to abandon my blog for the past two weeks, but between hubs and I being in Florida for the holidays and celebrating our second wedding anniversary (on December 27th) there just wasn't any time. Now we're back in Virginia and still trying to make ourselves completely unpack and get settled in to 2012. This year has some serious changes coming up for us. Nicholas will be graduating from medical school this Spring and it's very likely that we will be packing up and leaving Charlottesville in about 6 months! I'm usually not big on New Year's resolutions (I prefer to just make resolutions as I decide it's time to make a change), but for some reason this year seemed like a good time to make some.

I'm sure I will come up with tons of other 'resolutions' throughout the year (like maybe having an organized move!), but for now these seem like good changes to work towards. Some of them are a little embarrassing - like actually washing my face before bed instead of just brushing my teeth and deciding it's too much work to wash my face too. This is a terrible habit of mine that I'm sure my skin is none too happy about. I'm sure I should have some sort of bedtime skincare routine, too. What is your nighttime face routine?

Another thing I've needed to work on for awhile now is responding to blog comments! I love getting and reading blog comments and always mean to respond to them but for whatever reason I end up not getting to it until it seems like too much time has gone by and then it would be stupid to respond! I am definitely going to remedy that one this year.

Do y'all make resolutions? What are yours?

Pick of the Week: Gold + Sparkles

2011-12-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

Seychelles Exclamation Point Pump, $95 (also on sale at Zappos for $75.99 in a few sizes!)

I love the festive feel of these heels. With their sparkly golden hue and pretty bow they would be great for a holiday party - or a cheerful addition to any outfit. Maybe a great way to dress up plaid!

Irresistible Illustrations

2011-12-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

Has anyone else noticed (and fallen in love with) the pretty illustrations accompanying the Q&A's in the Dear Lucky section of Lucky magazine? I've had those pages dog-eared in every issue for the past few months, and finally this month remembered to actually look for the name of the artist. They are from Lauren Friedman whose blog, My Closet in Sketches, I next discovered is a veritable feast for the eyes with all her fabulous illustrations.

Pick of the Week

2011-12-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

I have a ~~serious~~ slight obsession with lace. Combined with my high heel addiction these fabulous shoes are practically screaming to be added to my shoe closet - especially since they are on sale! The lace pattern is such a fun addition to a basic black pump.

Vince Camuto Sarika Black Lace Pumps

I found these beauties on sale for $79.99 at Dillards, or if they don't have your size (they are sold out of mine!) they are also on sale for $89.99 at Vince Camuto.

Golden Gifts

2011-12-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

I have been crazy busy this week trying to finish up end of semester projects and haven't had time for much else. However, when I woke up this morning and saw that the sun had finally decided to grace our part of Virginia with it's presence (after several unbearably dreary, rainy days) it seemed like the perfect day to put up the golden gifts post I started working on before finals. I have somewhat of a love-hate thing going on with gold, but lately gold and I have been in one of the love stages of our relationship and I am constantly finding myself drawn to items with it's shiny finish.

From top left: Kate Spade Le Pavillion iPhone Case, $40 | Kate Spade Gold Playing Cards, $18 | MANGO Touch Ring Ball, $34.90 | ASOS Metallic Super Skinny Belt, $10.91 | Essie Golden Nuggets, $8 | Kate Spade Sparkler Gia, $95 | Z Gallerie Acanthus Votive Holder, $4.89 | Rifle Paper Co. Gold Painted Stripes Thank You Cards, $18 set of 8 | Urban Outfitters Other Worlds Post Earrings, $18 | Anthropologie Looking Glass Decanter, $48 | Urban Outfitters Peacock Catch-All Dish, $16.99 | Low Luv by Erin Wasson Faceted Boulder Ring, $65 | C Wonder Medallion Notebook, $14 | Coralie Bickford-Smith's F. Scott Fitzgerald Collection; The Beautiful and Damned, $16.50, Flappers and Philosophers, $18.75, The Great Gatsby, $17.10 | Gift Boutique Fortune Cookie Box, $22

Pick of the Week: Holiday Party Heels

2011-12-02T06:14:00.000-08:00

Today's High Heeled Pick is actually several pairs of heels, all from BHLDN. I think BHLDN is mainly geared towards weddings, but holiday parties are another great reason to get dressed up this time of year. Any of these heels would be a perfect addition to a holiday party outfit.

These last two pairs don't really fit with the holiday party theme, but I fell in love with them and couldn't leave them out!

I don't know why I like these so much. Honestly, I initially clicked on these because I thought they were ridiculous, but the more I looked at them I decided they just stepped over that fine line from crazy to being fabulous.

I can't think of any occasion besides walking down the aisle to wear these booties, but I love them anyways. The satin ribbon in the back is beautiful. Too bad they weren't around in green a couple years ago or I could have worn them for my wedding!

Links: Polka-Dot D'Orsays | Moon's Realm Booties | Aquiline Pumps | Bombshell Booties | Dorchester Pumps | Tied-and-True Booties

Charmed

2011-11-29T08:24:00.000-08:00

I hadn't intended to take a blogging break last week, but it ended up being wonderfully busy! We had a fabulous Thanksgiving with tons of family at my grandmother's house and I celebrated my 26th birthday on Saturday (the 26th!). Among lots other great things on my birthday (like FSU beating the Gators) my sister and I did a little shopping. While in Anthropologie I noticed their cute little DIY charms. I'm not sure what makes them consider these DIY, but they are adorable nonetheless.

All charms can be found at Anthropologie

I love how they look like little souvenirs picked up in your travels, or little trinkets from around the house (like they mini lock and keys). The charm on the top right could totally be an earring that's lost it's pair. I am now completely obsessed with the idea of making my own charms out of leftover beads or little things I've collected.

What do y'all think of these? Has anyone ever made their own charms?

Residency Interview Craziness + Much Needed Shoe Eye Candy

2011-11-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

We are well and truly in the middle of residency interviews now and this week has been a little crazy (admittedly more so for Nicholas than me). Monday afternoon I drove him to Dulles (about 2 hours from home) so he could fly to NYC for an interview on Tuesday and another on Thursday. Then last night I drove to North Carolina to pick him up at the airport for his interview at Duke today. Some time this upcoming week he has his interview at UVA and I think he's headed back to New York for another interview again on Monday (or maybe Tuesday?). I can't keep up! All I know is he'll be back in time for me to pick up my sister from the airport on Wednesday and then we're driving to my grandmother's home for Thanksgiving (and my birthday on the 26th!). Between Thanksgiving and Christmas he has another interview (or maybe a couple more) in NYC, one in Texas, another in Virginia, and one in Florida. I have no idea when though!

Although I am absolutely thrilled for him to have so many interviews and I'm so proud of him - this next month and a half is going to be crazy!

I am definitely in need of some fabulous High-Heeled eye candy! (I would say that hubs is too, but somehow I just don't think looking at shoes will help rejuvenate him). Anyways, how stunning at these heels from Alexander McQueen?!

Alexander McQueen Laser-Cut Calf Hair Pump

Skulls aren't my usual choice for embellishment, but I love the contradiction between the lacy, almost delicate, look of the laser-cut shoe and the hard crystal skull adorning the toe. Oh, and of course the 5 inch heel!

Current Obsessions

2011-11-15T07:01:00.000-08:00

Faber-Castell Watercolor Pencils | Benefit They're Real Mascara | Bun Instructions - The Beauty Department | Fast, Fresh & Green Cookbook

What are your current obsessions?

Pick of the Week

2011-11-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Veteran's Day and 11-11-11! (Which, by the way, has to be the coolest date since November 11, 1111 - but I'd much rather be in 2011 so that's okay).

Anyways, I must be in the mood for nude shoes, because even though last week's heels were buff hued and I'm going with another pair this week. The glossy leather on these Elie Tahari pumps is beautiful and I love the four inch heel. The bow is of course fabulous and the cut-out near the toe is a fun addition. Such a perfect shoe!

Elie Tahari Roxie Platform Pumps

Abstract Beauty

2011-11-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

I love finding new (or at least new to me) artists. While perusing Pinterest the other day for abstract painting inspiration I realized that several of the pins I had clicked on were all from the same artist, Michelle Armas. Naturally I had to explore further and now I've become completely enamored with her work!

I love painting, but I've never tried doing something abstract because I have no idea how to go about it! Does anyone do abstract art? Where do you get your inspiration?

Chicago Bound + Pick of the Week

2011-11-04T07:07:00.000-07:00

Hubs and I are headed to Chicago this evening so he can attend his first residency interview tomorrow!! I cannot believe he is nearly finished with med school and unless he ends up here for residency we will be leaving Virginia this summer.

Red Valentino Frilly Patent Leather Colorblock Bow Pumps

For this week's High Heeled pick I chose these fabulous pink and nude pumps from Red Valentino. According to Net-a-Porter, Red stands for Romantic Eccentric Dress (which is fabulous), as well as being their trademark color. I would like to claim that I searched around for this to go with my pick, but in reality I just spend a lot of time perusing and lusting over various items on their site and randomly happened upon this fun fact.

I love all the little details on these shoes. The pink scalloped edges are fabulous and I am a sucker for heels with bows. The pink hue is wonderful, too. It looks like honeysuckle (Pantone's color of the year). I'm just so glad to finally see a pink out in the fall that isn't magenta. I hated that for the past couple years it seemed like that was the only option available.

An Enchanted Halloween

2011-10-31T05:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! I must admit this is not my favorite holiday. I don't like scary and/or gross things (aka food shaped like gory versions of body parts or bugs) and I'm not crazy about the usual orange and black hues. (Or maybe I just wish I wasn't way too old to trick-or-treat). I do however adore the idea of an enchanted Halloween celebration with a more gothic purple and black color scheme. I would love to have a Halloween masquerade party and decorate with this theme.

{1}Georgian Bracelets {2}Purple Baroque Charger {3}Phantom Candelabra {4}Swirly Leather Mask from Tom Banwell Designs {5}Metallic Skull {6}Round Pillar Candles {7}Angelique Mirror {8}Seductive Swan Cocktail {9}Juliska Cameron Black Decanter {10}Puccini Glassware Collection

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween!

High Heeled Pick of the Week

2011-10-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

With a blog name like Not Without Heels and my obvious addiction to shoes (case in point - my shoe closet) it really seems like a shame I don't feature more posts about heels. So - I'm adding a much needed dose of shoes to my blog with a new feature called the High Heeled Pick of the Week every Friday.

Dior Lace-Up Peep Toe Ankle Boots

These Dior ankle boots are fabulous and seemed perfect for my first pick! I love ankle boots for fall when the weather isn't quite cold enough that I'm hiding in my Uggs yet, but I still want to wear shoes that feel like cold weather is coming. I had such fun choosing this week's pick - I can't wait for next Friday!

On another shoe lover related note: Pour La Victoire's sample sale is up on their website right now.

Beautiful Baubles from The Met Store

2011-10-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

How fabulous are these jewelry pieces from The Met Store? They are inspired by treasures from the museum's collection and that's exactly what they remind me of - treasures! After looking through pages of pearls, crystal, gemstones, and enamel I had a difficult time narrowing down my favorite pieces.

{1}Chinese Layered Blossom Button Earrings {2}Art Nouveau Peacock Feather Bracelet {3}Lion's Head Bracelet Watch {4}Indian Golden-Bead Multi-Strand Bracelet {5}Pearl Flower Earrings {6}Russian Imperial Pansy Earrings {7}Tiffany Grapevine Stretch Bracelet {8}Tiffany Mosaic Stretch Bracelet {9}Tiffany Grapevine Bangle {10}Chinese Layered Blossom Necklace {11}Russian Imperial White Enamel Three-Strand Pearl Necklace {12}Russian Imperial Whistle Pendant {13}Russian Imperial Black Enamel Bracelet {14}French Neoclassical Button Earrings {15}Art Deco Crystal Button Earrings {16}Louis Sullivan Ornamental Ring {17}Egyptian Snake Bracelet {18}Russian Imperial Daisy Pin {19}Babylonian Graduated Lapis Bead Necklace {20}Egyptian Lotus Necklace

And Suddenly It Was Autumn

2011-10-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

After some rather dreary weather last week we had a stunning, sunny weekend here. On Saturday I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and do some art journaling outside on our back porch. When I walked out and caught a look at our beautiful backyard I was somewhat stunned to find myself surrounded by all the wonderful fall colors. I'm not sure if I've just been living under a rock or haven't taken notice because of the less than ideal weather of last week, but the arrival of autumn seemed to happen overnight!

Autumn has always been my favorite season and it's one of the best things about living in Virginia. It's so breathtakingly beautiful I just want to snuggle up in plaid and lay outside to take in the colors!

Tartan Slims, Anthropologie | Penfield Kuffman Plaid Flannel, Madewell | Favorite Plaid Shirt, American Eagle | Precisely Plaid-matic Skirt, ModCloth

Other images via Pinterest, last photo via firstlightphoto on Etsy

Anyone else so excited for fall that they feel like jumping up and down screaming like an overly excited kid in a candy store (or me in Dylan's candy bar)?

Lady in Red

2011-10-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

My latest color crush this fall is red. I'm usually much more of a pink girl, but lately I keep finding myself drawn to bright, rich red hues. It must have something to do with autumn because one of my favorite purchases from last fall (or two fall's ago?) was my bright red J. Crew lady day coat. This fall I'm definitely on the hunt for bright red pants!

{1}MANGO Suit Jacket {2}blanknyc skinny jeans {3}Kate Spade Walker Park Tate {4}Essie Really Red {5}Linea Pelle Collection Sliced Cuff with Sliders {6}Gap Suede Bow Pumps {7}Nine West Flashup Pumps {8}ModCloth Highs and Bows Ring {9}Elva Fields Stop For Style necklace {10}People Tree Ashley Shift Dress {11}all Vogue covers from the Conde Nast store

My only issue with my color obsession du jour is that I can't pair it with green (well, at least not without running the risk of looking like a Christmas tree). Any other pink lovers finding themselves drawn to red right now?

Fashion Week - Finally!

2011-10-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'm finally putting up a post about my fashion week adventures in NYC! Besides lots of fun shopping, eating, and spending time with my sister and her roommates here are some of the highlights. On Thursday night we went to Joe's Jeans in SoHo for Fashion's Night Out. The streets were so crowded with people it kind of reminded me of being on Burbon Street (I guess because it was so packed - oh and maybe the ridiculous amount of overly drunk people at 9pm). I usually tend to buy either Paige, J Brand, or Citizens, but after standing by the colored denim wall at Joe's Jeans I think I now want just about every color they have!

We went to see Vanity Fair's Fashion in Film presentation of X, Y, and Zee (with Michael Caine and Elizabeth Taylor) at the Museum of Arts and Design on Saturday. The movie was a little crazy, but Elizabeth Taylor's outfits were tons of fun! Has anyone else seen this movie?

The Lela Rose show was on Sunday morning. Seeing how we don't get too many fashion shows here in Virginia - this was my first one. It was amazing! While playing my sister's shadow before the show I got to look at all the outfits hanging backstage ready for the models to wear. It was great to meet all the people she works with too. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming - which I've got to say was pretty impressive since I imagine fashion week (especially the morning of their show) is not the calmest, low-stress time.

images via Cinema Style, Style Bistro, Imdb, Facebook, and Denim Blog

On a side note - I have got to get back on some sort of blogging schedule! Since I got out of the habit I'm having the hardest time getting regular posts up and I really miss blogging when I don't get a chance to do it. Does anyone have any good tips for a blogging schedule or keeping up with posting regularly?

NYC + Fashion Week!

2011-09-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but my sister lives in NYC and works for Lela Rose (which is seriously cool). Last night I flew in to visit her for fashion week! I'm so excited for a fashion-themed vacation and obviously to spend time with my sister. I'll post all about my adventures when I get back to Virginia.

Fashion Week illustrations by Gladys Perint Palmer

Happy Fashion Week!

Living Room Makeover

2011-09-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to taking a few pictures of our living room since I've been working on snazzing it up for awhile now. (Unfortunately my picture taking skills are seriously lacking, but at least you get the idea).

I still need to find a picture of Nicholas and me for this frame, but for now this one is working as a filler.

While I was at it I decided to make a little desk area at one of the tables in the living room. It's not really anything special, but so far it's been quite useful.

I had some green plastic desk accessories (the tape dispenser and paper clip holder) from college that I wanted to use, but they didn't match anything and were quite honestly pretty ugly. Since the table is below the painting with the beautiful golden frame I thought I would try painting the green desk stuff with gold leaf I had left over from some other project. It actually turned out really well! Such a quick and simple fix!

Glorious Green

2011-09-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Green has been my favorite color for as long as I can remember. (With the slight exception of a period in kindergarten when I would only color with the hot pink crayon - but really, who can blame me for that). Since I've been sick for the past week and pretty much laying in bed surrounded by the fabulously green walls of our bedroom I've had green on my mind even more than usual. Then yesterday when I realized the Suzannah dress below, which I've been crushing on since I first saw it in navy, now comes in green I knew I needed to do a green post!

{1}Chic Shop Medium Malachite Bowl {2}TOPSHOP Bracket Ring {3}Elva Fields A Tree Grows Necklace {4}Current/Elliott Skinny Jeans {5}Vivre Small Agate Plates {6}ASOS Suede Pump {7}Mulberry Taylor Oversized Leather Satchel {8}Aqsa Emerald Green Necklace {9}Vivre Green Onyx Hinged Cuff {10}Chic Shop Emerald Eyes Finial {11}Chic Shop Peace Frog Finial {12}Anthropologie Hard Candy Knob {13}Lilly Pulitzer Picture Frame {14}Suzannah Green Silk Bon Bon Dress {15}Furbish Malachite Jewelry Box {16}Anthropologie Envious Ring

Ok - one more (somewhat embarrassing) reason I've been feeling the need for some more green. The other day Nicholas and I were in Bed, Bath and Beyond looking for closet organization stuff and I found these baskets that would be perfect. They only came in green or purple and for some reason I really liked the purple better. Hubs noticed my hesitation and commented:

Nicholas: You feel like you're cheating on green by choosing the purple, don't you?
Me: Yes!
Nicholas: It's an ugly green and won't look good in our room. You should get the purple.

It was actually an okay green and we both knew it, but I love him for playing along with my craziness!

Blue Suede Shoes

2011-08-17T08:10:00.001-07:00

I have so many things on my to-blog list that I can't believe it's taken me until Wednesday to get up a post. I flew to Florida on Thursday to spend a long weekend in Orlando with my parents and sister (who flew in from NYC). It was so good to be back in Florida, but when I got back apparently I felt I had done enough relaxing and needed a project because Monday night I hatched a plan to move my shoe closet from our bedroom to the pink room. That plan quickly expanded to me not only moving my shoe closet, but also moving all my clothes into both closets in our bedroom and moving hubs stuff into the wardrobe that formerly housed my tops, sweaters, and dresses. Basically I decided to relocate every item in each of our three closets and wardrobe to another one. I think the result will actually be much better when it's finished, but right now things are a little crazy.

Anyways...
Spending time on flights and in the airport over the weekend gave me tons of time to look through all my favorite magazines and as I was browsing several pairs of blue suede heels caught my eye. I am completely OBSESSED with those Louboutins (#3). I'm not usually crazy about suede heels because I hate not being able to wear them when it rains/snows. (Yes, I realize snow usually means you should be in boots, but sometimes I just don't feel like wearing appropriate footwear). However, I think I may have to go against my normal suede feelings and purchase a pair of blue suede heels for fall.

{1}ASOS Pump It Pump Suede Platform Pump {2}Christian Louboutin Lisse 100 Suede Ankle Boots {3}Christian Louboutin Lavalliere Grosgrain-Trim Pump {4}Pour La Victoire Irina Platform Pump {5}Bruno Magli Dhalia Open-Toe Pump {6}Charles by Charles David Pompadour Pump {7}ALDO Hipp Pumps {8}Alexander McQueen Punk Skull Peep Toe Pump {9}Jessica Simpson Landy Platform Pump

On a side note - look at all the colors options you can choose from for those Pour La Victoire pumps (not all of them suede)!

Anyone else loving blue suede heels right now?

Current Obsession: Gallery Walls

2011-08-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

Y'all know I've been snazzing up our living room for awhile now. It's taking me forever to finish this little project because I started it with basically no planning or idea of what I wanted to do. I definitely knew I wanted to redo the art and as I was searching for inspirations I started noticing gallery walls. I am obsessed! (Side note - this coming across something I love and having it quickly become my obsession of the moment seems to be a recurring theme. Not sure what that says about me...except maybe that impulse control is not my strong suit). Luckily hubs is pretty much fine with anything I do to our home. I mean seriously - I have an entire room painted Princess Pink (granted he doesn't spend too much time in there).

Anyways...I'm thinking I might want to do a gallery wall in our living room. There are so many fabulous pictures I've found to inspire me I might just have to try it.

via pinterest

via escapade, via my inspiration lounge via elle apparel

via flickr

via pinterest, via danielle oakey interiors

via pinterest

via apartment #34, via habitually chic

via cardigan junkie

via gaita interiors, via absolutely beautiful things

What do y'all think of gallery walls? Does anyone have one in their home?

Fall in full COLOR

2011-08-01T05:31:00.000-07:00

I am crazy about J. Crew's new arrivals for fall! Finally some color! The past several fall seasons have seemed to be seriously lacking in the color department (thank goodness for Lilly Pulitzer and an abundance of hues no matter the season). While I do love to wear black on black outfit when the mood strikes, I usually need my outfits to be full of color. When I came across J. Crew's fall arrivals I felt like jumping up and down and screaming in delight (unfortunately I was at work at the time and imagine that would have been frowned upon).

Chevron Crazed

2011-07-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Since deciding that our coffee table needed some serious snazzing up (here) I came to the conclusion that maybe I should give the rest of the living room a mini facelift, too. I have a ~~huge~~ slight tendency to go overboard with tons of patterns and bright colors and since I had already painted a chevron pattern on our coffee table tray I decided to carry that into a few other places in the room. (My thought being that if I at least stuck with the same pattern and didn't overdo it I would satisfy my need for lots of color without making our living room look like a rainbow came in and vomited.) Well, then I started looking online at chevron striped interiors and it quickly became my obsession of the moment!

{1}Emilia Ceramics Blue Zig Zag Tibor {2}Plantation Ribbon Porcelain Box {3}Mmim Mondovi Ikat Frame {4}Joanna Goss {5}witandwhistle Technicolor Jotter {6}PlumStreetPrints Cursive Chevron Iphone Case {7}Furbish Chevron Frames {8}Beklina Virginia Johnson Sack Luggage {9}Jonathan Adler Crystal Coaster {10}Plantation Ribbon Porcelain Boxes {11}vidastyle Chevron Ikat Silk Cushion Cover {12}via the decorista {13}a03designs yellow bridesmaids clutch {14}Jill Rosenwald Buckley Chevron Lamp

I am still working on redoing the art in our living room, but I'll put up pictures when I'm finished!

Has anyone else used chevron to decorate their home?

Fun Friday

2011-07-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else remember having Fun Friday in Elementary school? I wish it was still okay for me to do no work and play games all day on Friday. I am so distracted today (ok, I've been distracted all week) because Nicholas is finally finished with his away rotation and is coming home from North Carolina tonight! I am willing the day to go by quickly, but so far it's decided to drag. Anyways, since I can't seem to focus on anything I decided to share some humor from my Sarcasm and Wit board on Pinterest and a funny conversation I had the other day with a little boy who lives on our street.

*Just a note because I feel a little weird about putting the word sh*t on my blog (is that uptight of me?). I hope no one is offended by the one that says 'rather than sh*t I've decided to get off the pot - as an engagement announcement I think it's hilarious

While walking Mason the other evening a little boy (he's maybe 6 or 7) stopped me to have this conversation.

little boy: Do you have kids?

me: No

little boy: Do you have grandkids? (Apparently he doesn't understand how the whole children, grandchildren thing works...)

me: Ha. Not yet.

little boy: So you don't have anything?

me: My husband and I have a dog (obviously) and a cat.

little boy: Hmmm... (I guess that wasn't a good enough answer...)

I love that kids have no filter!

Style Obsession of the Day

2011-07-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

I came across this dress a few weeks ago and immediately fell in love. The shape is gorgeous and the pattern gives it a vintage feel - but what totally does it for me is that stunning strip of bright blue!

Suzannah Chinoiserie Rose Luxury Tea Dress

Color Crush: Robin's Egg Blue

2011-07-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

It seems like just about every week I have an obsession with a new color. (Although my love affair with green is ever present) This week I have been crazy about anything I can find (or create) in Robin's Egg blue. I can't seem to get enough of it.

{1}Modcloth Royal Icing Dress {2}Milly Crystal Bangle {3}Kate Spade Fiorella Statement Earrings {4}Plantation Lacquered Boxes {5}Essie Turquoise and Caicos {6}Furbish Turquoise Capiz Lotus {7}Charlotte Bjorlin Delia Double Bullet Ring {8}Tiffany Reversible Tote {9}via 1st Dibs

While searching around for decorating ideas I came across those stunning lacquered boxes from Plantation Home and fell in love. I decided to use them as inspiration and make some of my own using a cheap little unfinished box from Michaels and another box I found hanging around our house that didn't match my style at all. After several coats of paint and two coats of glossy varnish I ended up with these. I have some triple-thick spray glaze that I'm going to finish them with eventually, but it takes forever to dry so I haven't gotten around to it yet.

Pink and Green Wishlist

2011-06-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

I realized last week that I haven't played along with Trish's Pink and Green Thursday in forever! My blog has definitely been missing it's weekly dose of extra pink and green.

{1}Lilly Pulitzer Picture Perfect Espadrille {2}Tarina Tarantino Large Beaded Lucite Bracelets {3}J. Crew Stripe Blouson Silk Crepe de Chine Dress {4}Christopher Kane Laser-cut Leather Clutches {5}Adam Embroidered Cotton Dress {6}K. Jacques Sandals {7}J Brand Skinny Jeans {8}Elva Fields Clarion and Carefree {9}Fevi Reyes Pink Enameled Sparkling Lotus Earrings

What's on your pink and green wishlist?

I Need Coffee Table Advice!

2011-06-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

I need opinions/advice! Lately I've been trying to add a bit more style to our living room (I like what I have going on in there, but it still feels a little unfinished). One place that glares at me and screams boring every time I look at the room is our coffee table. It's an empty canvas with absolutely nothing on it right now (except for a certain black cat). I want to give it some style, but don't want it to look cluttered.

images via {1}Lonny {2}Strikes our Fancy (Matchbook Mag on Tumblr) {3}Everything Fabulous {4}Lonny {5}Mackenzie Pages {6}blue hydrangea {7}IKEA Hackers {8}House Beautiful

I think using a decorative tray on the table seems like a good start. (Although then I have to come up with something to put on it). I have a white tray that I bought for some unknown reason at Target a couple years ago. So far I've painted yellow chevron stripes inside, but I'm thinking about painting the outside yellow. I can't decide if it still feels too boring with the outside white or if painting the outside yellow would look obnoxious. Or maybe I should find another (quieter) accent color for the outside. Thoughts?

I never really considered putting anything with too much height on it (tall vase, picture frame, etc.) but I've seen several pictures with these that I like.

I've got to come up with something, otherwise the Poe Cat will remain our only coffee table decoration...and although I happen to think he's pretty adorable - he doesn't add too much in the way of style or color to the room.

What do you keep on your coffee table?

Cobalt Confections

2011-06-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

Although green is definitely my all time favorite color (and occasionally I have to remind myself that I cannot wear it every day and I really shouldn't decorate every room in our home green)...cobalt is another of my favorite colors to wear and decorate with. It's bright and shocking enough to make a statement, but can totally be subdued depending on what you pair with it (although I can't really imagine why anyone would want to do the latter...)

{1}Asos Portfolio Envelope Clutch {2}via cococozy {3}Rag & Bone Cropped Skinny Jeans {4}Reiss Saffron Gathered Panelled Waist Dress {5}Fishs Eddy Cobalt Cake Stand {6}via swisslady {7}Coast Ellis Dress {8}driftwoodinteriors Ginger Jar Art Print {9}Kate Spade Ole Espadrille {10}Janna Conner Cobalt Jade Ring

I obviously love cobalt walls (picture above is from our living room), but it can be a little dark if the room doesn't get enough light. If that's the case I adore the idea of adding a piece of bright cobalt furniture.

images via {1}luphia loves {2}things we love {3}Best Home Gallery {4}Style at Home {5}HGTV {6}re-nest {7}The Glam Lamb

I'm particularly obsessed with that coffee table!

Seriously Simple Earring DIY + Blog Award

2011-06-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

I feel naked if I leave the house without earrings. I pretty much only wear post earrings and I love to have tons of colors so I can pick up different colors in my outfit. During my jewelry making frenzy this weekend I whipped up several pairs of these adorable (and brightly colored!) resin earrings.

They were super simple and quick to make.

I bought the resin flowers from snapcrafty and picked up several pairs of sterling plated earring backs and the adhesive at a bead store in town. A drop or two of the bead glue on the earring back was all it took to hold the flower in place. This stuff is pretty quick drying too - but I also discovered it also adheres to skin (I guess because it's pretty much just super glue).

images via snapcrafty

The fabulous Ivana from Style in the City gave me the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award earlier this week. To play along I'm sharing seven random facts about me.

Happy National Wear Your Lilly Day and Happy 8th Birthday to the Poe Cat! I thought about celebrating by making the Poe Cat wear some Lilly - but I just don't see that working out. I'll be wearing Lilly though!

Pretty and Pink

2011-06-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! I had an actual blog post planned for today, but I woke up with a horrible sinus headache that no amount of tylenol, advil, and sudafed will seem to cure. Needless to say, I haven't really had a chance to finish up my post. Instead I thought I would share this lovely Prabal Gurung for J. Crew top that I have been lusting over since I first saw it a few weeks ago.

Isn't it gorgeous?!

It's beautiful on her in this cream color too. That color doesn't play too nicely with my skin tone though, so I think I'll stick to lusting after the neon pink fabulousness above.

Beautiful Beads and Baubles

2011-06-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

I've been in a jewelry making frenzy over the last couple days and last night I realized all my new creations put me in the mood to reorganize my jewelry storage. Right now it's semi-organized, but definitely in need of some revamping. While I'm coming up with my plan I thought I'd share some of the fabulous inspirations I've found.

images via {1} Curbly {2}Lobster and Swan {3}Greige Design

images via {1}Bloom Baby {2}Rue

images via {1}Arianna Belle on flickr {2}Love and Lace {3}pinterest via Sarabeth Moore

images via {1}Made by Girl {2}DomestiKated Life

I love how all the jewelry in these pictures is organized, but still on display. One of the biggest problems I've run into is unless I can see it I forget about it and it's never worn. Besides, jewelry is so pretty - why not put it on display?

Does anyone have any pretty and practical jewelry storage ideas? How do you store your jewelry?

I Need a Shot of Color

2011-06-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been going through one of those times where I'm ~~thinking dark, ugly thoughts~~ frustrated with med school. The current rotation hubs is on has him gone before I get up in the morning and not getting home at night until around 9. Of course by the time he arrives home he's totally exhausted too. I was feeling especially irritated last night when I realized that although this is his last week on this rotation - his next one will have him in North Carolina for a month! Not cool! Anyways - enough wallowing. My mood needs some serious brightening and I've decided to do it with a shot of brightly colored lemon.

{1}via Maiga Dibbern prints board {2}Beaded Wrap Bracelet {3}silverliningdecor Vintage Bright Yellow Glass Jewel Earrings {4}Maxmara Pianoforte Silk Chiffon Sleeveless Dress {5}Topshop Lemon Skinny Patent Belt {6}Theory Lynie Short {7}Tory Burch Roslyn Satchel {8}MiCasaBella Ikat Pillow Cover Yellow Skirt {9}Gemma Milly Yellow Skirt {10}Madewell Striped Artisan Tee {11}Theory Nickela Cropped Pant Silk and Cotton-blend Dress {12}Adam Silk and Cotton-blend dress {13}Asos Boxy Flat Lock Clutch {14}Mystique Sandals {15}Pie Bird Press Print via Kate Spade {16}Jonathan Adler Batik Zebra Rocks Glass {17}David Downton illustration via Colour My World

via myvintagevogue on flickr, HGTV, and apartment therapy

via Sunday in bed, oh captain my captain, and love to know

via Matchbook and Lilly Pulitzer

Color is such a good pick-me-up! What helps brighten your mood?

Wonderful Watercolors

2011-05-31T04:51:00.000-07:00

As a Florida girl I really shouldn't be complaining about the heat in Virginia - but lately it has been HOT! Between the warm weather and June being just a day away it's really starting to feel like summer...and for some reason this has me completely inspired by watercolors. Not the dreamy pastels, but bright, beautiful hues in designs that stand out and demand attention. I think the bright colors combined with the light, airy feeling of watercolors (which is totally what you need to combat the sweltering summer heat) make these perfect inspirations for this time of year.

{1} via Matchbook Magazine's Art board on Pinterest {2} Devon Baer Designs Watercolor Necklace {3} Peter Pilotto Aks Dress {4} Bluebellgray Modernity Pillow {5} Jenny Bevlin Watercolor Flower Phone Case {6} ALDO Dhruva Wallet {7} Shirley Trevena Pink Flowers on the Terrace {8} Tibi Stained Glass Garden Dress {9} JumpingJackDesgins Note Cards {10} Bluebellgray Paint Pillow

It could also be that I'm taking a painting class in acrylics right now (which I LOVE) and it's making me take notice of anything painted around me. I would love to learn how to paint with watercolor (beyond the watercolor paintings of my elementary school days). I've worked with gouache (opaque watercolor) before, but only in design class so I have no idea how to get those beautiful watercolor strokes.

From left: via Pink Wallpaper Design; via Black Crow Studios

Love these Kate Spade watercolor design plates!

via Bloomingdales and Nordstrom

Do any of y'all paint with watercolors (or just love them right now like me)?

Current Obsession: Digital Magazines

2011-05-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with online magazines. While I'm still not completely convinced they can replace the delight of holding a printed magazine with it's beautifully glossy pages in my hand, I might be warming to the idea. Since I usually dog-ear magazine pages of websites to visit and things to buy online when I'm reading a magazine in print I love the ease of just clicking on the picture in a digital magazine and going directly to the website. Reading online also cuts down all the inspiration pages I tear out of magazines before recycling them!

These are some of the wonderful digital magazines I've come across so far:

{1}Trad Home {2} High Gloss {3} Rue {4} Lonny {5} House of Fifty {6} Ivy & Piper {7} Matchbook {8} Adore

Some of my favorite inspirations from the recent issues of High Gloss and Matchbook.

via High Gloss

via Matchbook

What magazines do y'all read online?

Orange Crush

2011-05-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been crushing on orange. It's not a color I really ever consider wearing or decorating with - in fact I probably haven't worn anything orange since my high school cheerleading uniform - but ever since the Kate Spade May color of the month email I've found myself taking notice of things in this warm, bright hue. Being an FSU alum I have a bit of an aversion to orange (as it is so often paired with blue) and I refuse to wear anything that could be considered Gator colors. Even still I am finding myself drawn to adding little pops of orange in decorating/accessorizing.

{1} Furbish Orange Capiz Lotus {2} Asos Oversized Floppy Straw Hat {3} Jonathan Adler Enamel Curve Frame {4} Furbish Zebra Bracelet {5} Tinley Road Coral Flower Stud Earrings {6} Isharya Bangles {7} Kate Spade Shady Side Magazine Tote {8} Oly Bubble Vases {9} Furbish Coral Bead Starfish Earrings {10} Jonathan Adler Lacquer Hexagon Tray

This dress makes me want to love orange. Those sleeves!!

Mason, Med School, and Art

2011-05-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

The past week has been a busy one in our house and I didn't have time to blog - so here's a quick recap. Sunday was Mason's first birthday!

Mason when we found him at the SPCA (only 7 weeks old!)

1 year old Mason

Last week I turned in my final projects and officially finished my first semester of graphic design classes! I could not be happier with my decision to part ways with accounting and pursue a more creative field. I'm starting summer classes next week and I can hardly wait. Here is one of my favorite projects I made this semester.

I'm not sure why I like it so much since the colors aren't really my faves (there's no green...), but it's just so bright and cheerful. It reminds me of Florida.

Nicholas started his fourth year of med school yesterday! I can't believe this is his last year and before we know it we'll be packing up and heading somewhere else for residency.

All of this commotion completely wore out the Poe Cat...

DIY Bedroom Makeoever

2011-05-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

Recently I decided I was bored to tears of our bedroom furniture. Our furniture is my bedroom set from college and when I originally bought it I had a completely different decorating theme in mind. Anyways, I decided to makeover our current furniture for a different look.

After

(Poe Cat refused to let me take the picture without him...)

Before

(This was taken in our old apartment and I just happened to have it around - I never remember to take before shots!)

My first thought was that the slats on our headboard had to go. Since they were kind of inset in the headboard I thought it wouldn't be too difficult to make something to just fit in there to cover them. I painted some designs that looked similar to our duvet cover on gray fabric, used foamcore to make the shape of the space I was filling, and then covered it with batting and my painted fabric. Before attaching it to the headboard I spray painted the headboard black.

Close-ups of my painting

For the nightstands I just sanded them down and used a brush to paint them black, then put a couple coats of clear glossy varnish over the black paint. I'm still looking for knobs and pulls I like for the nightstands, but in the meantime I painted the ones already there silver.

My next task was the lamps. I took everything off the lampshade frames and recovered them with turquoise fabric. I had NO idea what I was doing, but I decided to wing it and somehow it worked out...

Before and After

For a final touch on the bed I bought plain cream colored pillow shams and used fabric paint once again to paint our last initial on them. When I was finished with everything I still felt like it was missing something...art above the bed. I love cameos and thought that would be fun with the vintage feel of our doily printed duvet. I found some pictures with profile views of me and hubs, along with a couple pictures of the Furs and using the pen tool in illustrator traced around our profiles. Then I printed the outlines and used them as a guide to make the actual paintings.

I had a very specific idea in mind for picture frames and had a time trying to find what I was wanted. After a couple weeks of fruitless searching I decided the only option was to figure out a way to make them myself. I headed to Michaels and came up with my plan. I used sheets of black craft foam to cut out the frame and then painted them using a coat of black paint and several glossy coats of varnish to achieve the look I wanted.

They're not perfect, but I have to say I felt like tooting my own horn after finishing this one. I have such an obsession with diy/art projects that all I could think when I was done is...what should I makeover next?

Anyone else love diy? Where do you get inspirations?

Perfectly Pink

2011-05-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else think that Pantone's 2011 color of the year, Honeysuckle, is the perfect shade of pink? It's so bright and happy (like there could be an unhappy shade of pink...), but it's not in your face like magenta. It's a natural choice for summer and I can't wait to see it paired with fall color schemes.

{Kate Spade Double Bow Ring, Kate Spade Double Bow Hinged Bangle, Michael Kors Watch, Kate Spade Dot to Dot Studs, Kate Spade Gold Coast Bright Small Maryanne Purse, Marc by Marc Jacobs Anne Cotton Dress, Kate Spade Wish Wedge}

I want all three of these dresses with honeysuckle color schemes!

{Trina Turk Morro Creek Dress, Boden Smart Shift, Lilly Pulitzer Sully Dress}

Is anyone else enamored with Honeysuckle pink?

Bold and Bright Jewels

2011-04-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

TGIF! One of my favorite jewelry trends right now is bold, bright colors. Here are some pieces I'm currently crushing on...particularly that yellow cuff!

{Yellow Moonstone Colored Stone Cuff, Emerald Drop Earrings, Yellow Small Circle Earrings, Ethno Teknik Hand-painted Swarovski Crystal Earrings, Emerald Calcite and Diamond Oval Drop Earrings, Rhinestone and Gold Enamel Bangles}

Tom Binns has some stunning bright and colorful hand-painted crystal necklaces that I would love to wear.

{First Necklace, Second Necklace}

Since the price tag is quite steep I won't be buying either one of these anytime soon - but I did come across two great DIYs that copy this idea on other blogs. {here and here}

What do y'all think about bold, bright jewelry?

Sole Society

2011-04-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

It’s certainly no secret that I have a shoe (particularly high heel) obsession and recently I've discovered a new website to help fuel my addiction and add to my ever-increasing shoe closet...Sole Society. It's another members only type shopping site that I'm pretty sure was launched by Hautelook in March. You start by going through a little style quiz so they can put together your “Style Bio,” then each month a selection of shoes is put together for you to choose from based upon your style choices. You can either choose to buy a pair (or several), request alternative styles for the month, or select to skip buying that month (as long as you choose to skip by the 5th). Even better - each pair is just $49.95 and shipping is free! (I loathe paying for shipping)

I ordered my first pair of shoes from Sole Society last week and I absolutely love them!

I was a little worried that for the price they would only have faux leather, but several pairs in this month's closet (including these strappy delights) are actual leather.

If you haven't already checked out Sole Society I definitely recommend it!

Midday Fashion Love

2011-04-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

How adorable is this Betsey Johnson dress?! Where is a garden party when I need one?

{via Modcloth}

Preppy Plates at Joss & Main Today!

2011-04-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

Lately posts about Joss & Main (a new private sale site) have been popping up all over blogland and I've got to add my fuel to the fanfire. Joss & Main offers sales with fabulous home items from designers like Le Creuset, Trina Turk, and Lilly Pulitzer (coming April 18). I mean seriously - Trina Turk and Lilly Pulitzer for your home AND on sale...music to my ears! Their site is also a part of CSN stores, which is always on my list of places to check when I'm looking for something online because they seem to have just about everything.

One of today's fabulous sales at Joss & Main is Preppy Plates! Fun, bright colors and preppy patterns topped off with monograms!

How perfect would these be for a outdoor dinner party?

Their sales start at 11am est. If you need an invite to join click here.

Happy Shopping!

Beautiful Bedrooms

2011-04-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I have been working on a diy decorating overhaul of our bedroom. I've redone our headboard, painted our nightstands, recovered the lampshades, added a little spray paint to the actual lamps, and made some wall art to hang on the wall behind it all. This weekend I'm finally going to get it finished and take pictures to post on Monday! In the meantime, I thought I would share some of the fabulous bedroom inspirations I found around the web.

{via diy Network}

{via Life in a Venti Cup}

{via Living Etc}

{via Polly Eltes Photography}

{via The Design Files}

{via the Decorista}

Have a lovely weekend!

Garden Style

2011-04-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Spring in Virginia is absolutely stunning! There are beautiful flowers blooming everywhere you look - except in front of our house. Instead, we're beautifying our yard with a sad looking dead plant that I killed during my gardening attempt last summer. (Apparently planting something and then forgetting to ever water it again does not result in a beautiful garden...) I do have plans to give it another attempt this weekend (or at least just remove the dead plant), but I've decided that when it comes to having a beautiful flower garden the closest I'm going to get is wearing pretty floral patterns.

With the exception of all the Lilly Pulitzer in my closet, I don't really own many floral prints. I'm just not crazy about the small, symmetrical floral patterns that seemed to be all I came across (or noticed) until recently. Well - problem solved! While perusing the internet today I found (and subsequently fell in love with) these lush, garden-inspired floral prints/patterns.

{from left: Infinite Garden Tank, Anthropologie; Gladiolus Skirt, Anthropologie; Fog and Flowers Top, Modcloth}

{from left: Two Tickets to Paradise Dress, Modcloth; Picked Plaid Skirt, Anthropologie; Awash in Blooms Dress, Modcloth}

Of course, to satisfy my Lilly Pulitzer/bold and bright colors craving these two floral dresses are also amazing!

Completely unrelated note: I finished the Fever series last week (which was awesome) and now I'm back to my usual diet of romance novels (cheesy I know but I can't pass up a story where people fall in love and things end happily ever after). Anyways, this quote came from the third book in the series (Faefever) and I loved it too much not to share.

"It's just that in the Deep South, women learn at a young age that when the world is falling apart around you, it's time to take down the drapes and make a new dress."

A Fabulous Fever

2011-03-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

I had so many other things I planned to do with my time over the past week (like blog posts for one...), but last Wednesday I decided to start reading Karen Marie Moning's Fever Series. I haven't been able to put it down since! Although I still absolutely love my nook, my newest obsession is audio books. I love being able to listen to a book while I'm getting other things done. I've been carrying my macbook or iphone around the house/in the car with me nonstop since I began the first book. I am obsessed! Right now I'm about halfway through the last book, Shadowfever, (which I started yesterday) and I think the only time I'm not listening to it is when I'm at work, class, or sleeping.

{images via bn.com}

Has anyone else read these books?

Fashion for Nails

2011-03-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

While buying paint at the art supplies store the other day another customer asked me how I kept my nails so nice. My first reaction was to look and see if there was anyone else around - she couldn't possibly be talking about me. My nails are pretty much never painted and although I keep them filed I have a terrible habit of picking at my cuticles when they get dry (which in turn only makes them dryer and I mess with them even more...downward spiral type situation). I have always wanted to be one of those girls who consistently have pretty polished nails, but since I am constantly painting and creating any nail polish tends to get speckled with paint and/or chipped within hours of it's application and not too much later I have chipped nail polish on every finger and my hands look they should belong to an angsty teenager, rather than someone in their mid-twenties.

If I were able to maintain a manicure, I would love any of these:

Not Without Heels

Tangerine Denim

Lilly Love: Maybell Dress

Color Crush: Mint Green

River Rock Earring DIY

Case Art: Beautiful Iphone Cases from Society6

Jewelry Obsession: Lauren Wimmer

Clutch

Rock Collection

Irresistible Illustrations

Tangerine + Butter

Super Fabulous News and Celebration Time!!

Be Back Soon

Jewelry Obsession: Elva Fields

Happy 2012 + Resolutions

Pick of the Week: Gold + Sparkles

Irresistible Illustrations

Pick of the Week

Golden Gifts

Pick of the Week: Holiday Party Heels

Charmed

Residency Interview Craziness + Much Needed Shoe Eye Candy

Current Obsessions

Pick of the Week

Abstract Beauty

Chicago Bound + Pick of the Week

An Enchanted Halloween

High Heeled Pick of the Week

Beautiful Baubles from The Met Store

And Suddenly It Was Autumn

Lady in Red

Fashion Week - Finally!

NYC + Fashion Week!

Living Room Makeover

Glorious Green

Blue Suede Shoes

Current Obsession: Gallery Walls

Fall in full COLOR

Chevron Crazed

Fun Friday

Style Obsession of the Day

Color Crush: Robin's Egg Blue

Pink and Green Wishlist

I Need Coffee Table Advice!

Cobalt Confections

Seriously Simple Earring DIY + Blog Award

Pretty and Pink

Beautiful Beads and Baubles

I Need a Shot of Color

Wonderful Watercolors

Current Obsession: Digital Magazines

Orange Crush

Mason, Med School, and Art

DIY Bedroom Makeoever

Perfectly Pink

Bold and Bright Jewels

Sole Society

Midday Fashion Love

Preppy Plates at Joss & Main Today!

Beautiful Bedrooms

Garden Style

A Fabulous Fever

Fashion for Nails

Anthropologie Does Weddings

The Return

Be Back Soon!

Whimsical Wednesday

A Stylish Giveaway!

Mad For Plaid

Do You Impulse Shop?

Such Exciting News!

My First OOTD Post!

Five Fall Fashion Must-Haves

A Lilly-ified Nook...Now What To Read?

Opinions, Please! Jumping on the e-Reader Bandwagon?

Mac + Disney Villains = A Delightfully Dark Collection

Fun Friday: Tag!

Today Is A Big Day!

Cue The Confetti...Kate Spade Twirl!

Spectacular Shopping + A Little Puppy Drama