THEY CALL IT MELLOW YELLOW . . . FOR FASHION

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To continue with my love of spring colors, today I'm sharing the color yellow for you fashionistas! Yellow is such a bright and cheery color.  I instantly feel happy when I see or wear yellow; don't you?  It pairs nicely with cream, beige, grey, white, navy or black; make a bold or soft statement (depending on your look).

I own a few pieces of clothing in yellow and it compliments nicely with my olive skin.  I'm looking forward to adding to my wardrobe, some of the latest looks I've spotted.  Take a look at some of my favorite finds!

Image (left) via Prepfection.  1// 2// 3

xo,

ALL THINGS LAVENDER

Out of all the pretty pastel colors out there, lavender has the most meaning to its name and purpose.

Going back as far as 2,500 years; in ancient times, lavender was used for mummification. The latin root for lavare (to wash) was used as a perfume for bathing or scenting the air.  When you smell a piece of lavender, it has such a soft and soothing scent.  When you see the color, it has such a calming effect on our mood.  Just thinking about it, is making me feel relaxed (lol).  Now, I invite you to look at some of the beautiful lavender images I put together.

Images:  Ombre cake by Catherine's Wedding Cakes (Photo credit Gavin Wade Photographers); Table setting by Memorable Wedding and flower arrangement by Forget Me Not Dreams

Image in my backyard; lavender catmint

Image via Elle Décor

Image via House Beautiful

Design by Kate McIntyre featured in Traditional Home

Lovely Cate Blanchett (image).  The gorgeous and sexy Ian Somerhalder (image)

What are some of your favorite lavender looks?

xo,

EATING HEALTHY . . . DINNER RECIPE

 





I'm generally not a bigger lover of food.  I only say that because my stomach is sensitive to certain foods and it gets really annoying when my stomach starts to act up.  I always try to eat plain and simple; avoiding anything foreign to my taste buds. 

While browsing through the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens, I came across an article about foods to help with osterperosis.  While I'm not in the age bracket to start worry about my bones breaking, I did enjoy the simple and easy recipe.  And, if it's healthy for my body . . . GREAT!

The recipe is pretty simple:  Whole wheat fusilli, fresh kale (chopped up), a half a can of cannillini beans and parmesean cheese.  I cut up two cloves of garlic and sauted the beans and kale in two tablespoons of olive oil.  When the pasta was done boiling (about 11 minutes), I added that to my saute pan and mixed everything together.  I added the parmesean cheese on top and whala . . . a healthy and tasty dinner!

xo,


PATTERNED PANTS

 

 FRESH PRINTS

 

Lace Plaid Ombre Skinny Pant - Tibihttp://www.tibi.com/shop/pants/lace-plaid-ombre-skinny-pant

 

Graphic Stripe Ankle Pants - Ann Taylor

Max Mara Freccia Cotton Sateen - Nordstrom

Windowpane Slim Ankle Pants - Ann Taylor



This season is the perfect time to shop for patterned/print pants.  I love the more simple, patterned looks as opposed to flowers and bold graphics.  I highlighted some of my favorites picks.  What are some of your favorites?

 

Have a great weekend!

 

xo

 

 

 

 

 

MAXI SKIRTS . . . YES PLEASE!

I'm a happy lady today . . . Spring is officially today.  And, with that, warmer weather days ahead!  One thing to add to my new Spring wardrobe are definitely a couple of maxi skirts.  Specifically, a pleated maxi skirt is what I'm craving. 

 

I love versatility of a maxi skirt; whether your sporting a causal or dressed up look.  Pairing your maxi skirt with a button down blouse or chambray shirt and leather belt; adding a leather jacket, a tank top, cropped top or v-neck t-shirt.  What to wear on your feet?  How about wearing it with ankle boots, oxford shoes, sandals or flip flops. 

 

Here are some of my favorite looks and colors:

 

 

Miranda Kerr in a pleated black maxi (image unknown)

 

Zara Long Fine Pleat skirt

 

image via The Sartorialist

image via Style Pantry

 

ASOS pleated maxi

Halston Heritage Pleated Maxi

 

 

xo,

JEWELED APPAREL

(images from left to right:  Stripe Embellished Yoke Sweater - LOFT; Crystalle-embellished cotton-terry sweatshirt - Net-A-Porter; Pailette necklace top - J. Crew; Jeweled Color Chambray Softened Shirt- LOFT)

 

Accessorizing is the biggest craze these days.  When it comes to fashion, adding accessory pieces to your blouses, sweaters or shirts adds that bit of sparkle and color to complete your outfit. 

 

For those who don't want to spend money on buying jeweled accessories (i.e., necklaces), now you don't have to.  Just look at some of the jeweled apparel featured on today's blog.  From sweaters to button down shirts, adding that bit of pizazz completes any outfit you put together.

I purchased a button down, blue and white striped blouse from one of my favorite stores, Zara.  It's so pretty! The buttons are navy jeweled pieces. 

xo,

SWEET TREATS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY

 

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Happy Monday and Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Whether you celebrated early on the weekend, or planning something today, wishing you a safe and pleasant Irish day. 

 

Here are some inspirational treats to get you in the mood.

 

xo,

 

 

 

 

WRAP AROUND IN DONNI CHARM

 

image via donni charm

 

One fashion accessory that I love to wear and layer with are scarves.  I'm always on the hunt for a new scarf.  In my search I came across Donni Charm.  Besides their amazing styles, I love the story behind the line.  A daughter lost her father, who's name was Donny.  To channel her emotions, she created a unique line of scarves and attached to each scarf is a charm (the daughter was considered a good luck charm to her father).  You can read the rest of this beautiful story here.

I plan on ordering a Donni Charm scarf but I can't decide which one!  Thankfully, I was able to narrow some choices down because a lot of the ones I like are sold out.  Here are the ones I've narrowed down:








donni together touch double.  love the taupe and gray combo




donni basic.  loving this white scarf for spring/summer

donni luxe

donni swank

donni air.  love this color!

donni share

xo,

PAISLEY PATTERNS

Let's talk paisley.  It's an English term for a design using boteh or buta.  It's origin is Persia (sometimes called the Persian pickle) and has been around FOR-EV-ER; we're talking 3 AD!  It was popular in the West back in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

 

The paisley pattern resembles a twisted teardrop and a kidney shape and is still popular today.  You can see different paisley patterns in different color combos and these stylized designs are trending in all places for the home and fashion.  This old design is new again with each generation. 

 

Look at some of my favorite looks:

Look at this beautiful paisley fine china (Persia) from Prounausa

 

Loving this Paisley Brocade Blouse (Ann Taylor)

Blythe Paisley Organic Sateen Duvet Cover (Pottery Barn)

Ed Westwick (a/k/a Chuck Bass character, suited up nicely in his paisley tie (via GQ)

 

Key City Furniture "Joliet Paisley" Chair (Horchow)

What are some of your favorite paisley looks?

xo,

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Did you know . . . March 8, 2014 was International Women's Day?  The first International Women's Day was held back in 1911.  It is celebrated annually with thousands of events across the world; celebrating achievements in women's equality and emancipation worldwide.  It also brings attention to areas of continued inequality; raising awareness for future change.

In honor of this day, I wanted to share with you, some inspiring quotes from some amazing women (past and present), who have helped pave the way for women.

Susan B Anthony.  Teacher and activist; active in temperance.  Campaigned for abolition of slavery. 
(image via Wikipedia)

"I have encountered riotous mobs and have been hung in effigy, but my motto is: 
"Men's rights are nothing more.  Women's rights are nothing less.""
(quote via Brainy quote)
 

 

Bette Davis, Actress

"If you want a thing well done, get a couple of old broads to do it."
(quote and image via Bette Davis website)

 

Aung San Suu Kyi (image via Wikipedia)
Chairperson and General Secretary of the National League for Democracy Incumbent and Nobel Peace Prize winner

“In societies where men are truly confident of their own worth, women are not merely tolerated but valued"
(quote credit via here)

 

Nour El Refai (image via Wordpress).  Egyptian feminist writer, activist, physician and psychiatrist. 
Written many books, particularly focusing on female genital cutting.

“They said, “You are a savage and dangerous woman. I am speaking the truth. And the truth is savage and dangerous”

 

Hilary Clinton (Getty image)

"I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided to do
was to fulfill my profession, which I entered before my husband was in public life"
(quote credit)
 

Malala Yousafzai.  Activist for rights to education and for women
(image via Wikipedia)

“In Pakistan, when we were stopped from going to school, at that time I realized that education …
Is the power for women, and that’s why the terrorists are afraid of education”
(quote via here)

 

There are many more women to be recognized and acknowledged around the world.  Do you have any that come to mind?

xo,

GREAT FINDS FROM ANTHROPOLOGIE





It was nice spending my birthday with a day off yesterday; especially since I'm trying to fight this head cold.  I made an appointment for a massage and facial at a spa in my neighborhood and it was soooo relaxing.  I really need to make an effort to pamper myself more often. 

 

Another nice treat was from Anthropologie.  Every year they send me a birthday card with 15% off.  What a perfect excuse to do a little shopping and take advantage of the discount. 

 

Anthro is one store I love to shop!  They have the best of both looks for apparel and home décor.  I particularly adore their line of blouses; so feminine.

 

It's always a treat when I walk out of there with something.  I picked up an item for the home and a couple of blouses.

 

Lulu Candle. Scent is coconut and sea salt.  Smells so good!

 

Love the pale pink color and cream flowered top



Lacepane Blouse.  This top is darling but a little stiff to get on and off.

Osmanthus Mock Turtleneck

Love the flower detail

For more, check out Anthropologie here

xo,

AERIN HOME: MARCH + GREEN = SPRING

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To kick off the new month, I'm counting down the weeks till Spring.  Looking forward to warmer weather and a greener scenery than the snow covered views we have now.

Aerin Lauder's effortless style never seems to disappoint.  I'm currently green with envy over some of her home décor accents and furnishings.  Specifically, all things green!  These soft colored green hues make a perfect pairing with gold and cream.

 xo,

ENJOYING MY DAY

Just a quick note to say Happy Monday and Happy Birthday to me!

Feeling a little under the weather today (trying to fight a cold) but looking forward to spending my day at the spa . . . rest and relaxation. 

Bringing you some cheer with the lovely yellow roses I received from Mr. D.  Thank you hon!

 

 

xo,