Mad Men Party

I'm excited for the return of AMC's Mad Men this weekend. Like, seriously excited.

Then last weekend I somehow got the mister to agree to a Mad Men themed party. I hurried with an invite to a few of our nearest & dearest friends before the mister had a chance to change his mind. Naturally, I was inspired to do another video invite. I tell you, I enjoy making these so much.

We're throwing it next weekend after the premiere since it's on a Sunday and we're "old" and don't want to party on a work night. AMC's site has a great online party planner. It's a good starting off point, but I'm currently plotting some ways to put my own spin on it. Follow along with the party planning progress on my Pinterest Mad Men board.

Style Parade 3.22.12

I've never been one to attempt color blocking and really it wasn't even my intention with this ensemble. But sometimes you find yourself shopping for jeans and sometimes you leave the store with magenta colored pants. And then you think, yeah I'm going to pair these with a green cardigan because it worked really well for The Joker. 

But why stop there - how about a little pattern mixing?

Floral print trimmed fedora yes

Leopard print sandals heck yes

Name bracelet: (Vintage old stock) available at Diament on Etsy and Urban Outfitters.

Cardigan: Isaac Mizrahi for Target

Colored denim: Bisou Bisou for JC Penny; $20

Cutout blouse: Old Navy

Sandals: Target; $20

Personal Shopper

I know we're barely out of the winter season and surely far away from summer...but look at all the chicness that's happening over at Old Navy. I'm seriously in love with their swimwear collection this season. The nautical vibe and bright colors have me dreaming of days relaxing in the sun. Here's my top picks...Enjoy!

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

***EDIT: Apparently this post was so popular that The Carbon Crusader now sells these pencils as a set. Get yours here. 

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.