ROMANTIC IN LACE: FASHION INSPIRED LOOKS

I simply adore vintage inspired looks.  One of them being lace.  Lace is sexy, feminine and innocent. It all depends on how you wear it. 

Here are some of my favorite fashion apparel from ASOS and Anthropologie.

Images (left to right):

1//Skater Dress with Lace Inserts and Embroidery

2//Fit and Flare Dress in Daisy Lace

3//Whistles Crop Top in all over lace

4//Premium Lace Boxy Kimono t-shirt

Images left to right:

1// Fluttered Lace tank

2// Grass-Lace Midi Skirt

3// Ladder Lace tank

4// Tiered Lace Romper

5// Frame Lace Tank (on sale)

6// Magnolia Lace Dress (on sale)

7// Azure Lace Dress

8// Charred Lace Skirt (on sale)

xo,

ANIMAL INSPIRED TABLE SETTINGS

Over the weekend, while running errands, I stopped at Anthropologie.  I haven't been there in a few months and took advantage to see what was on sale and new items.  Plus, an Anthro member, received 15% off their purchase. 

While I love their fashion apparel, I also love their home section.  There are such unique pieces made by different designers; always with a feminine and romantic touch.  Take for example, these lovely animal inspired plates and accessory from Anthropologie.  I can see these plates added as a layer to your regular dinnerware.  How great would these look at your next outdoor soiree? 

Images of "Natural World Dessert" plates taken by Jo Ann but can be found on Anthropologie here
Ellie Creamer found here

 

If you're not in the market for purchasing animal inspired plates (as those above are $18 each), how about putting together some looks with a few items you may have in your home. 

 

Let's get inspired . . .

 

Stylish gold and pewter animals set the theme for this table.

 

Image via Style Me Pretty

Here's a modern look with gold and silver pelican figurine.  Pairs nicely with white and gold plates and pink and gold polka dot napkins.

 

Image via Lauren Peel Photography

 Or, how about this rustic look.

Image via Green Wedding Shoes

Playing it up a different way for the holidays, as seen here by Swoon Worthy and her Christmas table ware.

Image source:  Swoon Worthy

xo,

GATHERING MY THOUGHTS . . . WITH NOTEBOOKS/JOURNALS

 

Lately I've been feeling a little overwhelmed with my thoughts.  Okay, that statement sounds a little crazy (lol). I think I have too much going on at work and in my personal life.  I'm trying to remember everything, and I should be writing it down.  

I will say, with work, I'm pretty organized.  Since moving to my new floor, I did purchase a notebook and have been diligent about jotting things down.  I don't have to search through folders on my computer; I can quickly look in my notebook.  You can check out the snapshot of my desk area at work below:

I found this great notebook at a HomeGoods store in NJ. 
It pairs nicely with my new space and desk set up.

There's nothing like a good old fashioned, notebook.  Yes, I do jot appointments and reminders down on my iphone but I still like a hard copy of certain things.  And, my biggest fear is one day losing what's on my computer or phone. And, I don't feel 100% safe storing certain information on a computer.

Having a notebook or pad is still a useful tool; no matter how advanced we are in technology.  It's a great resource, especially for blogging.  I'm constantly writing down ideas and topics on little pieces of paper; which tend to get cluttered in my purse.  And, I hate clutter! I write down "to do" lists, shopping lists and project lists. Sometimes writing things down, is a constant reminder to get it done. And what a nice feeling to check it or cross it off in the end. 

How about those that keep journals?  It's nice to read back on what you wrote.  And, when I really think about it, it's a great form of therapy. 

On a side note:  Getting organized at home too.  If u ever came into my house, everything is in its place except my paper work and files.  I'm finally getting my home office done!  If you follow me, I've posted my plans for a home office months ago.  But, with a minor set back, I had to put it off for a bit.  I'm back on track and that ball is rolling; install is scheduled the end of this month.  Of course, I'll be sharing that post with you!  Having said that, I've been on the hunt for desk accessories and a notebook is on my list.

While searching, here are some great notebooks/journals I found online (and of course fashionable and fun):

Loving these Notebooks from Sparrow & Wolf (via Notonthehigheststreet.com) 
You can choose from silver or gold designs.

For an artsy look, Mara Hoffman Journal are sure to please.  Anthropologie

This is a lovely yearly planner, agenda, calendar and organizer from whitneyenglish via Etsy 

 

Classic Kate Spade's striped notebook (Beeyond Paper)

 

If you just want a notebook, how about this gold and white Cabana Striped Notebook
 via Sugar Paper Los, Angeles

 

How fun are these polka journals!  (via Sugar Paper, Los Angeles)

What a lovely set of journals from paperblanks (Ori collection). 
I have a couple of notebooks from paperblanks, purchased years ago from their Brocade collection. Such a luxury book with beautiful designs and parchment paper. 

What are some of your favorite notebooks?  Feel free to share.

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,

SPRING DREAMIN

1// 2// 3// 4// 5// 6

I have never felt so desperate for Spring to arrive.  I keep thinking how long it's going to take for all this snow to melt away.  While I wait . . . I dream. 

I'm inspired by all the lovely pastels and am definitely adding a few pieces to my home.  I don't have any bold colors in our home so, bringing in some other soft colors will compliment the look. Thinking about the something for the family room, definitely an Easter tablescape and thoughts of adding blush to my home office (so girly but I'm loving it!)

xo

BLUE HUES FOR THE HOME

Blue hues are showing their colors in stores for the home.  Blue is a classic color that has and will always be around.  The color "blue" for the home doesn't have to be a nautical look (blues and whites).  There are different shades of blue to accent your home from traditional, transitional, contemporary and country looks. 

Here are some looks I captured at Pottery Barn and Anthropologie stores that you might like for your home.

Display of blue baskets and denim wrapped wall art (Anthropologie store at Tice's Corner NJ location)

Shades of blue towels (Anthropologie store at Tice's Corner, NJ location)

Blue and white pottery displayed at Anthropologie store (Tice's Corner, NJ location)

Blue and white tableware display at Pottery Barn (Tice's Corner, NJ location)

Pretty blue pottery at Pottery Barn (Tice's Corner, NJ location)

New bedding and accent pillows on display at Pottery Barn (Tice's Corner, NJ location)

Have you seen this color trending at stores in your area?  What are some of your inspirational looks?

xo