Year of the Horse

When I was growing up, I have very fond memories of shopping with my mom in Las Colinas (Spanish for "the hills"- which you know wasn't much for flat Irving, Texas!).  I also spent many a childhood July 4ths on Williams Square in Las Colinas, where our local fireworks show would ring in the celebration of our nation's birth.  As I head home for the holidays and a new year (2014 here we come!), I started to think about how this will be the Year of the Horse (according to the Chinese Zodiac).  As a city girl, I never spent much time with real horses, but the one association I do have with the animals is with the Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture.

The Mustangs of Las Colinas

If you've ever ventured to my hometown, you are bound to discover this breathtaking bronze sculpture of nine wild mustangs, galloping through the water.  As a child, I remember being in awe of them- their size, their stature, their magnificence.  So as we ring in a new year, maybe it's time I invite that same spirit of the horse- wild, free and strong!  This lovely charm from Texas jeweler, James Avery also could be a good reminder!

Running Horse $47

Happy New Year, friends.  May 2014 bring you much joy.

12 Days (before) Christmas

I am obsessed with all things 12 Days of Christmas themed.  It's a recent obsession, so when I received an email from one of my favorite merchants (CUSP) who had themed it 12 Days of Christmas, I was hooked (and inspired!)  So here's my shopping idea post, 12 Days themed...

12 drummers drumming

Listen to "The Little Drummer Boy" track- It makes me cry EVERY time!

11 pipers piping

Love the piping accent on this dress! $54.97

10 lords a-leaping

Such a great color and easy to wear with jeans $65

9 ladies dancing

Obsessed with this dress! $128

8 maids a-milking

Nothing cozier than a white puffer vest $49

7 swans a-swimming

Or fish...I'm ready for a tropical paradise! $98

6 geese a-laying

This color is radiant as a clip $22

5 golden rings!

Stunning and practical $78

4 calling birds

Sold out for now...but it's one of my favs!

3 french hens

for your littlest gal- paris style! $38

2 turtle doves

these vintage dove plates are lovely! $40

1 partridge in a pear tree

copper & cast iron wall hanging (or trivet!) $11.50

Happy shopping, friends!
May these next 12 days (before) Christmas be merry and bright!

2014 Radiant Orchid

So they released the Pantone Color of the Year for 2014 (and I swear that I saw it was going to be blue, so what do I really know)...and drumroll....Radiant Orchid it is!

I'm a little on the fence about this color.  As a redhead, I don't wear a lot of "soft purple" in my life.  But I do love the deeper tone of this, which I shall declare is also allowed!  My nails are presently sporting Sally Hansen's Cherry Cherry Bang Bang:

So start small if you're on the fence like me :)
Or if you're all in, then I say, go big, or go home with this!

Old Navy Long Sleeve Crepe Blouse $25.00

A Shimmer in Your Eye

When I was enjoying my turkey feast with my dear friend, B, I noticed her shimmery eye shadow...subtle, but definitely added something special to her makeup.  She shared the secret of Laura Mercier's eye cream in rose gold.  It's this lovely shade of pinky-gold that goes on like a dream and adds just a bit of shine to your holiday look.  I ordered one straight away!

Metallic Cream Eye Color in Rose Gold $23.00

I am also a huge fan of her tinted moisturizer (with SPF)-  goes on like a light foundation and always leaves my skin feeling smooth and even.  I also love that it comes in a million colors to allow for a better match with your skin tone.  Totally recommend her line- so worth the money.

Tinted Moisturizer w/ SPF 20 for $43.00

May all things be shimmery and bright for you!

Turkey Trottin'

Trot Trot Trot.  That's the only way to get ready for the feast ahead!  I'm grateful this year to join my friend S again for a little 5K on Thanksgiving morning.  It may be freezing (low in the 20s- yikes!), but I am determined to cross the line.  Somehow makes eating all the deliciousness to come more worth it?

So in preparation, I needed a new long sleeve, dry wick layer.  I hate when they aren't long enough or ride up.  I most especially love the thumb hole feature to keep part of your hand warm while you run.  And I refuse to pay ridiculous amounts of money for something I sweat and get nasty in!  For the past 3 days at GAP (if you're a cardholder), they had 50% off anything...so off I went to shop.

After consulting a few fellow runner friends and asking far too many questions of the sales associate, I decided on this one, which fits the bill perfectly!

GapFit motion crewneck T $31.46 (on sale now)

I'm ready to race and ready to eat my fair share of stuffing and cranberry sauce.  My favs!

Picture It Fabulous

God I love Kate Spade.  Almost anything she creates just makes me happy...purses, shoes, clothes, china, perfume (her first scent was my FAVORITE), and now so many great home items.  I noticed this cool frame at my beloved Pine Straw this past weekend (so snag them up on Small Business Saturday maybe??).  It's such a classy piece with style and flare that holds a 4x6 photo behind the thick plastic frame.  The backside showcases this fabulous glossy black and white stripe.  I am in love!

Kate Spade $30

Brrrrr-ing on the Brocade

While the season for holiday shopping is upon us (did I hear this right, 8 weekends until Christmas??), I have been thinking about holiday wear.  Now don't get fussy at me for posting before Halloween even arrives, but I figured we all need a little time to consider what to buy to look fabulously dashing. And I am noticing every merchant out there is already putting their holiday clothing on pre-sale...25% to 40% off, so you'd be foolish not to keep your eye out now!

So, one trend that's hot this holiday is brocade- that lovely fabric that somehow makes us feel less like wearing our grandma's outfit and more like royalty. I'm noticing some really special brocade pieces out there that are decently priced and give you that little bit of shimmer and shine without going overboard. 

Niki Taylor is a great face for Talbots-
and this dress makes her look like a million bucks!

Golden Brocade Dress $189

I adore polka dot, and this is near perfection!

Anthropologie's Josseline $198

Such fun with a classic white button down and heels!

Nordstrom's Hue Foil Brocade Leggings $44

These have just the right amount of shine and style.

Nordstrom's Ivanka Trump "Laura" flat $129.95

Maybe I just want to make this holiday season feel a little special.

Brrrrrr-ing on the Brocade!

Smokin' Smoking Loafers

I wondered whether I'd be a fan of the smoking loafer this season, as I've seen them all over the place.  It took me trying on a few pairs with skinny jeans and a cozy sweater to be sold!  What I like the most is the comfort factor- yes, they could look "old lady" like if you don't make sure they have some kind of interesting feature, fabric or flare.  Here's a few of my favorites (and definitely worth trying a pair!):

A total steal in an everyday, wearable color with gold studs.

Old Navy $24.94

I am a sucker for this cool tribal print.

Adam Tucker Me-Too $89.95

The classic look in deep maroon velvet. 

Splendid $77.95

The best of both worlds: leopard and smoking loafer!

Britton $59.95

I think they are a perfect compliment to my shoe collection!  Give them a try!

Nostalgic of Nantucket

I had a wonderful September full of travel and visits from people I love.  Mom and I ventured to Nantucket for the first time, and we got swept away in the wonderful world of whaling and coastal scenery.  Upon one of our many little shopping excursions, I came upon a sweet store that sold the best Italian leather handbags (another post about that) and also the coolest seersucker striped towels by 8knots-ShelterIsland.com all tied up in a bin like so...

Seersucker Stripe Towel

What really caught my eye was the presentation (I do love a good jute ribbon) and the stripes- my house is a variety of all of these colors...dove grey, brown, orange, lime green...so when I saw one opened up, I fell in love.  They are so soft and light- yet, I wanted to use it as a throw, rather than a towel...come to find out they can be used for so many purposes!  Towel, blanket, throw, pareo- incredibly absorbent and fast drying, I know this will be a staple in my home year round.  (I picked the one pictured above!)

And each one comes with this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson stitched on the edge: "live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air's salubrity."

Right on, RWE, Right on.

"live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air's salubrity - See more at: http://8knots-shelterisland.com/products.html#sthash.32IG6tgc.dpuf

live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air's salubrity - See more at: http://8knots-shelterisland.com/products.html#sthash.32IG6tgc.dpuf

live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air's salubrity - See more at: http://8knots-shelterisland.com/products.html#sthash.32IG6tgc.dpuf

live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air's salubrity - See more at: http://8knots-shelterisland.com/products.html#sthash.32IG6tgc.dpuf

Bargain Boots

Those who know me best often comment on my boot collection.  I happen to see it as a perk of living in the northeast where it's cold 9 months of the year :)    In fact, when my friend B's son came by with her over the summer, and he happened to catch a glimpse into my storage closet off my bedroom.  His first comment..."You have a lot of boots." :)  The boy is right indeed!  But I am also all for practicality- they are warm and look great with tights and dresses.

I'm enjoying the short boot trend this Fall though- not necessarily practical for warmth, but super stylish and fun for a new season.  Here's a few great steals (under $50) that definitely could spark up an outfit:

 Just picked these up over the weekend- love the olive green!

Target: Merona $34.99

I very much enjoy the ruching at the top.

Target- Sam & Libby $39.99

Navy suede is adorable for the season!

Crown Vintage Wendy: $49.95

These look great with skinny jeans slightly rolled up above the boot

or a cropped pant that falls one to two inches above the boot!  Have fun!

Green with Envy: Part 3

Did you forget that emerald is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2013??

Well, now's the time to really kick things into high gear- that color reigns for Fall!  As a redhead, I am partial to all things green, but I so love how rich, elegant, and comforting emerald FEELS on.  It's as if you're wrapping yourself in luxury.  So go ahead, find your signature piece and wear it proudly until 2014.  And in case you're already wondering what color is next...get your dazzling blue ready!

Who wouldn't just scream with delight over a malachite Chan Luu bracelet?

Chan Luu $195

Or why not green leather flats!

Tory Burch $225

Or a classic piece: the pea coat.

JCrew $298

So treat yourself to something stand-out fabulous and green.
  I'm definitely debating those flats :)

Animal Graphics: Part 2

The world of graphic t's is not new, but is very trendy these days.  Now, we aren't just seeing jersey t-shirts, but sweaters (even cashmere) are bearing the face of some adorable creature.  I've been surprised how fun some of these designs turned out, especially given that I don't normally wear animals on my chest (unless a good leopard print is in store!).

Here's a selection from across the web that you may like:

For the horse lover

Target $22.99

JCrew $65.00

Foxy Lady

Old Navy $32.94

Whooooo is so cute?

Old Navy $32.94

Dog lovers fear not, here's one for you, too!

JCP $32.99

Touch of Leather: Part 1

Fall Fall Fall.  It's my second favorite time of the year (next to winter).  I love the anticipation of cooler weather...warm days and crisp nights, not wearing a coat yet (for us New Englanders), and layering!  So much more fun to be had with fashion when you can wear multiple pieces at once!

  So what's on the docket for your fashion 101 lesson? 
Here's number 1 in a 3 part series :)

1.  (Faux or Real) Leather details on clothing

While I am only a proponent of these if your legs are long and lean, they look spectacular on!

Ponte leggings

Garnet Hill $140

Believe it or not, this is actually navy. AMAZING in person.

JCrew $148

 Rocker chic sleeves

Target $16.99

 Two words: HOT DRESS

Sanctuary- sold now at Pine Straw in Wellesley, MA

What pieces will you find to complete your wardrobe?

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target!

I do love these designer collaborations with Target.  They may be one of the smartest marketing strategies the company has done in a long time.  I still miss Isaac Mizrahi for anyone who cares or remembers.

So, who's up next?  3.1 Phillip Lim comes September 15th!  And I must say, some of the full priced line can be a bit quirky, but I do enjoy the classic fabrics (especially the use of leather- that is EVERYWHERE this fall) and rich, supple colors.  So here's a few highlights of what's to come!

Amazing Trapeze Bags

(Real) leather sleeve detail is perfect!

Orange and blue leopard- heck yeah!

Ready to put away my summer gear and pull out fall...Here's to post-Labor Day fun!