Today is the last day of August, which means October is only 1 month away! I can't wait!

-kisses, Stephanie

Personal Shopper

Here's a cheap & chic weekend look with a touch of nautical. I can imagine strolling along in a New England seaside town in this freshly picked ensemble. Enjoy!

links// dress Target; $25 // anchor cameo necklace by Black Persimmons; $16 // fedora; $25 suede satchel; $60 Gap // floral wedges Target; $35

DIY watermelon drink umbrellas + sparkling watermelon cocktail

 

I'm all about beating the summer heat this season. I've been sipping on these subtly sweet and deliciously decadent watermelon cocktails so I thought I'd make some cute garnishes to go with it.

 

Download the instructions and free template from Google Drive here. Enjoy!

 

 

Take me to Beverly Hills!

The Cointreau event at the Beverly Hills Hotel. I can't help but think of Troop Beverly Hills...

"You call this roughing it?"

"One bathroom for nine people? Yes."

 

See more pics of the event on LA Weekly. Yours truly is on page 10.

Style Parade 8.15.12

You know those days when you're super busy and don't have much time in between work and an evening out? Yeah, this was one of those days. Luckily I had the perfect dress for such an occasion. This matchstick print dress from London Times is so versatile that I was able to wear it as a blouse for the office. The blouson waistline worked perfectly paired with my pencil skirt and the slim stretchy fabric keeps it from bunching up. I simply adore the modern graphic print in chic black & white.

And for my next trick I'll change this into a fun evening look.

Presto-changeo!

Ta-da!
A little switcheroo on the handbag and I'm ready for dinner & drinks with friends!

Matchstick Print Blouson Dress c/o London Times 

Currently on sale - get it while it's hot!

Heels, necklace: Forever 21

Bangle: Target

Typography tote: Isaac Mizrahi

Leather bag: Guess

Thanks for listening Martha

I pinned this unattainable Kate Spade bag about a year ago. My plan was to some how create an illustrated template then use fabric transfer paper on a standard canvas tote. The good people at Martha Stewart Living heard my cry for DIY because look what popped up in this month's issue...

...along with a handful of other Trompe L'oeil projects with printable templates! This just makes my motivation to actually do this that much stronger. Check them out here.

Halloween costume inspiration board

I know, I know. It's freaking August. But here's the deal...October is a busy time for me, both socially & professionally. I've got to plan & craft early. Besides, Halloween is the best holiday ever!

I don't want to spend a lot dough on my costume and I've been having a lot of luck using wardrobe pieces for my costumes in the past so I'm doing that again this year. I'm not 100% sure what you'd call this costume but it's grand, romantic and positively ghoulish. I have this amazing gray ballgown skirt and a coordinating strapless top that I plan on embellishing to look like the gorgeous dress above. Wish me luck!

links: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Rubbish & Recycle

In order to help curb the confusion from guests over which trash can is which, I spruced them up with a couple of decals from Tasty Suite. This is the same shop where I found the awesome decals for our master bathroom. I think they add a nice modernist touch to our kitchen.

Style Parade 8.10.12

This summer is heating up I tell you! But it's okay because it gives me an excuse to wear beyond fabulous maxi dresses to poolside summer soirees in Beverly Hills. London Times was awesome enough to send me this Brazilian Border maxi dress. I have to say, I was a little hesitant that I could pull off such a bold graphic print dress- but when I put it on it was surprisingly easy to wear. As far as the fit goes, the gathering at the waist keeps the dress flouncy without feeling overwhelming.

What I also love about this dress is the range of colors in it. I can see an endless pairing of accessories. For this go-around I opted for my favorite statement necklace and these tassel sandals I got on sale from H&M.

We stopped by the Greystone Mansion on our way to the Cointreau event held at The Beverly Hills Hotel. Here's my friend Melinda & I with one of the fabulous Aqualillies. If you haven't heard- synchronized swimming has made a comeback.

Brazilian Border maxi dress c/o London Times
Tassel sandals: H&M; $15
Cat eye sunglasses: Nicole Miller
Necklace: H&M
Clutch: Ann Taylor LOFT

Vegas Bachelorette invitation

I designed this invitation for my friend Gina's bachelorette party in Las Vegas. I was inspired by vintage Vegas, incorporating elements from the famous "Welcome to the fabulous Las Vegas" sign as well as bold colors and pattern mixing. And of course, a bit of glitter. Bitches love glitter.

The honeycomb patterned outer envelope is from Sweet Estelle's Baking Supply on etsy. I crafted the glitter band from wrapping paper I found at Michael's.

I'm also putting together some awesome gift bags for the attending ladies, which I'll be sharing with you all next month. Planning is a lot of work but so much fun! I'm beyond excited to watch my friend walk down the aisle this fall.

Mrs. Lilien's Swatchbook Party

I almost forgot to share the details of the Mrs. Lilien Cocktail Swatchbook party held at Trina Turk. My friend Alicia came with. I first met the fabulous Mrs. Lilien at the Summer Social last year. She was behind the bar slinging boozlicious Mrs. Lemonade. We had a nice chat and sampled some of the yummy recipes from the book. Among them, the Bermuda Bowl - a rum and ginger concoction garnished with candied ginger.

We had a few of these decadent desserts from the Sweet and Saucy Shop. 

"Bottoms up Buttercup" might be my new favorite phrase.

I believe the next cocktail from the book on my list to try is the Mrs. Julius. Warning: If you just now got this song out of your head from the last season of Mad Men, you'll surely have it stuck in your head again after watching this.

Personal Shopper

Old Navy is really scoring with prints these days. I'm simply over the moon for these ikat cropped trousers. Paired with some nice brights - it's no secret that I fancy pink + orange together - bold baubles and hints of gold makes this look luxuriously lovely. Enjoy!

cropped trousers; $28, sleeveless blouse; $17 Old Navy

bright bauble necklace; $39 A-Thread

divine and dandy flat; $40, wiener takes all wallet; $58 ModCloth