Dress shop

On Saturday I accompanied my future sis-in-law to her first dress fitting. Since I was first to enter the shop, there was a moment of confusion when they thought I was the bride. I was entirely tempted to pretend I was also getting married so I could try on some of these gorgeous gowns for fun. Oh sometimes I miss planning my wedding and then I realize that I'm glad it's over and it's more fun to pretend.

For the record, her dress is ah-mazing. My brother is a lucky guy.

Coffee Talk

The inspiration for this project came while I was gathering my embarrassingly large collection of unwashed coffee cups. I noticed that each had a completely unique design. Like people read tea leaves, I wonder if my coffee remnants say anything about my future, mood or the type of person I am. This collection ranged from January to March.

We're getting there...

Backyard Update: I spent most of last Saturday picking out plants at Lowe's and potting them in the new patio area. It's really starting to come together, but slowly. We still have a couple of smaller trees to remove, weeds to pull and rocks to spread. Perhaps we'll make some more progress on that next weekend. For now I'm letting my sore achy body recover from all the lifting and crouching from this update.

Here's the breakdown:

The tall planters are from Target. I got them on sale at the end of last season and they've been sitting in the garage just waiting to be used. $60 for all three. Not bad considering they were originally $40 each. I like them because they add depth to the space. I filled the bottom half with rocks and the top half with soil.

The round "planters" are actually iron candle holders from Ikea. I'm planning on scattering these planters around the rock garden once we get it in place.

I converted the butterfly pebble shaped votives into mini succulent planters. See DIY here.

I found this side table at Target for $30. It matches the Crate & Barrel Alfresco chairs perfectly. For now it serves as a centerpiece and a guard for the gas valve below. I'm stuck on a finding suitable (stylish) natural gas fire pit/fire table. I mean seriously, we're not even close on this. My favorites are averaging $1,500-$2k and that's just not going to happen. Essentially, I want something like one of these for around $500. Is that so much to ask?

ModFire, ORE

WWBWD? / What would Blair Waldorf do?

While Gossip Girl is on its spring hiatus I'm enjoying an encore viewing of season one on Netflix streaming. I forgot once again that daylight savings starts today and that since it's already past noon, this Sunday is looking pretty lazy.

"Is there anything better than a lazy Sunday? We upper east siders don't do lazy. Breakfast is brunch and it comes with champagne, a dress code and a hundred of our closest friends."

- from episode two, The Wild Brunch

$10 well spent my friends. XOXO, - Stephanie 
 Custom engraved pencils; The Carbon Crusader

DIY silver + black manicure

Inspiration (via Pinterest)

My version:

Steps:

1. Paint two coats of black polish. I used Wet n' Wild in Black Creme. Let dry completely.

2. Apply the hole reinforcement stickers to each nail, creating a half moon shape along your nail bed.

Tip: I found the hole reinforcement stickers to be overly sticky, so I touched the adhesive side with my fingertips first to let the oils from my skin destickify (yeah, I just made up that word) them. 

3. Paint below each sticker with silver polish. I used Sonia Kashuk in Smoke and Mirrors (available at Target) Tip: Remove the stickers while the polish is still wet. It will keep a crisper line. 

4. Finish with your favorite topcoat. I like Essie's No Chips Ahead!

365 project: 12/18-12/31

 Twin Peaks marathons happen.

Enjoying a new discovery of white Lambrusco by the tree.

 Bokeh in my coffee.

 Fancy holiday lunch.

 Leotard-Optional.

 Jasmine's first time playing chess.

 

Setting up for Christmas Eve dinner.

Christmas Day with my family.

 

Seasonal coffee delights.

 

Self-portrait.

 Diamonds are a girl's best friend.

Spending the morning at Norm's.

 

 First attempt at chocolate covered strawberries.

Happy New Year, darling.

Three hundred sixty-five pictures.

Whew! Made it.

Glad it's over. Glad I did it.

Hello, March

Things to love this month...

The prospect of spring.

A damn fine, hot cup of coffee.

 A lovely new addition to my pencil collection.

I imagine these pencils could be found in Blair Waldorf's stationary desk.

Family gallery wall

I've been playing around with the arrangement of gallery wall & art ledges in the stairwell. I tried to group elements of commonality instead of the randomness that was present before. This is the family grouping - some photos of me & the mister, my mom's senior portrait, a photo of my parents and Buffy's memory box. I also relocated my wedding bouquet to the ledge and incorporated our vintage iron monogram from the guest bath.

The arrangement still feels a bit cluttered and unbalanced. I find that even though I'm in the mood change, it doesn't always translate well. Creative block I suppose. I blame the weather- It can't make up its damn mind if it's winter or spring.

Hiding easter eggs...

The bunny came early.

My secret stash of Cadbury chocolate eggs in milk glass.

Happy Monday.

Fedorable

Happy Friday Readers!

I know I don't post kid stuff on here too often, but today will be an exception. I mean, who doesn't like cute kids? Furthermore...who doesn't like kids in super cute hats? My friend Kara Noel is rolling out a new line of fedoras for kids, appropriately called Fedorables. Yours truly came up with the name. I'm so happy I was able to contribute.

Kara Noel established Eli's Lids in 2006 while she was pregnant with her first child, Eli. Since then she's branched out with many hat styles as well as graphic tees. Eli's Lids really is a family affair- her 4 adorable children are often spotted modeling them on family outings.

Pssst...Guess what? Fedorables is having an early secret sale.

And while you're at it, don't forget to check out their full selection of hats for babies & children.

All photos by Marisela Photography.

Personal Shopper

Lilly Pulitzer "Lottie Dress" $198 as featured in Matchbook Magazine
vs. Old Navy chiffon maxi dress; $40

I'm a big believer in frugal spending when it comes to trendy pieces and while the Lottie dress isn't totally unattainable, I'm always on the search for a more pocket friendly option. A-line silhouettes tend to be the most wearable but I love me a good maxi dress, especially for summer entertaining. Luxe or less, both are stunning, yes?

You are obsolete

After we got the new TV I started going through a large bin of entertainment media that's been wedged under my sewing machine since we moved. To my surprise I found a handful of VHS tapes...

These were things I purchased on my own in my teens/early 20s, with the exception of the Young Indiana Jones one. Pretty sure that was my brother's. We have a VHS player sitting in the garage, and I'm sure these will be joining it soon. It's crazy to think...even my DVD collect is obsolete. Why go through the trouble of digging out my Buffy the Vampire Slayer discs when I can just stream it on Netflix, right?

...Or why bother going to a store to buy a CD when you can just download it from Amazon? This was the last physical album I purchased...

I remember going to Blockbuster Music when they had the audio stations where you could listen to an album before you bought it. I also remember CDs costing $18-$20.

And now with things like the Kinect it won't be long until I say things like "When I was your age, I played video games with a controller!"

Isn't it fun to go through old stuff and reminisce about a world that doesn't exist anymore? What are some of the things you remember having that are now obsolete?

Personal Shopper

Lately I'm crushing on barely there blush pink, gold + noir. A classically chic combination that's effortlessly feminine. A flowing dress with a sexy deep-v is a nice contrast to a structured handbag. Glitzy gold accessories really add some luxe to this ensemble. Enjoy + Happy Weekend!

dress // Asos; $80

watch // Asos; $63

pillbox hat // Asos; $53

belt // Ted Baker; $70

earrings // Forever 21; $4

handbag // Asos; $26

asymmetrical heel // Zara; $90

Style Parade 2.14.12

I hope you all had a good Valentine's Day - whether it be romantic or just being around the ones you love.

The mister & I dined at our favorite Italian spot. I decided to "dress for dinner" like fancy folks and what better time to wear my Velvet Heart Dress from Alexandra Grecco. I tell you, I felt like the Queen of Hearts!

This dress was in my etsy favorites for some time so when it went on sale I had to snag it. It was a splurge for me, but the material is so nice. Real velvet and silk lining that feels so nice on my skin. I detest cheap polyester lining. And...one of my favorite details - pockets!

Dress: Alexandra Grecco; sale $120
Bow jacket: Erin Fetherston for Target
Heart tights: Tabio
Heart ring: Diament Designs; $10
Secret love earrings: Mon Cadeau; $15
Leopard bow heels: Candies for Kohl's