Showing posts with label patterns: stripes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label patterns: stripes. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 4
pinspiration: a stars and stripes hostess...
Happy Independence Day to all of my fellow American readers. I hope that whatever you're up to today, you have a lot of fun. Here are my best bets for the hostess - what to serve, what to wear, and the ultimate July 4th Americana playlist.
Wednesday, June 28
Tuesday, August 30
Pinspiration: Labor Day Weekend Style
Labor Day is next Monday, and I'm already thinking about what to do with my Monday off work - I'm hoping for an invitation to the lake, but staying home, turning on the grill, and watching Norma Rae again also seems like a good option. We've been in school for three weeks already and this teacher is exhausted.
What are your plans for Labor Day?
Monday, September 21
Style: 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards
It's become something of a tradition for me to completely geek out about award show fashion here on the blog, so I couldn't let this past Sunday's Emmys go unnoticed, despite the fact that I found this year's red carpet looks a bit strange and lackluster. Despite kooky chain mail, appliques, add-ons, and ruffles, unflattering bodices, a few dresses that were just boringly predictable on the stars who wore them, and way too many tummy cutouts, a few ladies stood out to me as being perfectly on point.
Please note: If you are planning on adding any of these images to your Pinterest boards, please click on the link below the picture and pin from the source. Thank you!
First of all, can we just talk about how Ariel Winter plays the nerdy daughter on Modern Family yet consistently slays on the red carpet. If you're one of the stars of one of television's most successful shows, you have every right to dress like a straight-up classic Hollywood star for the Emmy's, and I absolutely loved Winter's bright red Romona Keveza gown with its asymmetrical neckline and train, especially paired with vintage-style waves. Then she changed into another perfect dress for an afterparty. Ariel wins the Emmys in my book.
Two blonde actresses, two vintage-inspired looks. Zoe Kazan's peppermint-striped halter gown might have seemed a little strange to some, but the Emmys are a place to have fun with fashion and I loved the red clutch and lipstick she paired with the dress. Emma Roberts looked absolutely gorgeous in a vintage-inspired champagne gown with a plunging neckline and hair styled in sideswept waves.
Maggie Gyllenhaal's dress probably would have been my favorite of the night if the wrinkles hadn't been so visible on the television screen and in photos. I love the colorblock, but never wear that fabric again - what is that, taffeta? Meanwhile, The Daily Show's Kristin Schaal looked adorable in her shimmery navy blue dress and hair styled in a long bob.
Finally, the ladies of Orange is the New Black totally brought it on the red carpet. Laverne Cox's dress is one of Pantone's color picks for fall, Biscay Blue, and the cutouts weren't overpowering on her athletic frame - the shape reminded me of the Calvin Klein dress Jennifer Lawrence wore to the 2011 Oscars. While I didn't love the neckline of Taylor Schilling's dress, I thought the color was fun and her hair and makeup was probably my favorite beauty of the night - the wavy bob is really flattering on her, her makeup looks fresh but not overdone, and that lipstick is amazing (Glamour has tracked it down - it's from Charlotte Tilbury).
Who had your favorite style at this year's Emmy Awards?
Wednesday, August 19
travelogue: charleston, south carolina - part 4 - sullivan's island
My #1 criteria for our vacation spot this summer was that it had to have a beach. I needed the ocean. One of the reasons Charleston was so appealing was because it was surrounded by beaches - there's Seabrook Island (private and serene), Kiawah Island (pristine and luxurious), Folly Beach (young and eclectic), Isle of Palms (family friendly), and Sullivan's Island. Since we stayed in Mount Pleasant, we were right between Charleston's historic downtown and Sullivan's Island, and we visited the beach almost every night of our stay in the Lowcountry. From our first drive through the pastel houses Mount Pleasant's historic district and out to the island, we were in love.
My travel outfit: Ann Taylor tank, handmade necklace with
charms from Michael's, and olive shorts. Love this color combo!
This beautiful coastline was our first taste of Sullivan's Island after arriving in Charleston - quiet, serene perfection. The island is just 3.3 square miles with more homes and rentals than businesses - Middle Street just a few blocks, is home to quirky restaurants like Taco Mamacita (which we loved) and the famous Poe's Tavern (Edgar Allan Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie during his time in the Army).
Sullivan's Island has a vibe that reminds me of the Outer Banks - laid-back. One of the most interesting things we saw on one of our visits there was a group of volunteers working in shifts to monitor a sea turtle's nest.
Sullivan's Island offers a great view of the Charleston skyline and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge, which connects downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
Most of the beach houses on Sullivan's are quaint and unassuming - I think this one is my dream house! I love the tin roof and double porch but I'm pretty sure the string lights were what really did it for me.
A newer Sullivan's Island beach house - I loved the teal color and the construction is a modern take on traditional Charleston style, including the great plantation-style staircase.
A casual night out: T.J. Maxx lace tank, handmade tassel
and Old Navy flip flops to survive the sand!
On our last night in Charleston, we had dinner at Shem Creek Bar and Grill, which was highly recommended by friends. It's a local favorite and the seafood did not disappoint. Afterward, we headed over to Sullivan's for one last beach walk before saying goodbye to the Lowcountry.
Sunday, August 9
sunday simplicity.
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not
what ships are built for." - John A. Shedd
Tuesday, April 28
style: top 10 remix challenge
Jen from Librarian for Life and Style recently posted about the Top 10 Remix Challenge, hosted by Sarah's Real Life. I've been a little obsessed with closet downsizing this year and intrigued by the idea of a capsule wardrobe, but I don't like the idea of leaving perfectly good clothes in a closet or drawer because they aren't part of my "capsule." That's what makes the Top 10 Remix perfect - instead of limiting the total number of items in a wardrobe, Sarah's challenging remixers to choose ten items that are the epitome of their style, then work at least one of those ten items into each outfit worn in a month. I took a weekend to think about my items - if I'd be wearing them so regularly, they needed to be versatile and classic. I think of my personal style as preppy meets bohemian, and I've been shopping within a navy, coral, and teal accent color palette since my vacation to Williamsburg. Here are the ten items I chose to remix this month:
1. Old Navy floral scarf 2. Old Navy coral cardigan (similar) 3. Lia Sophia pearl bracelets (similar) 4. TOMS for Target tee 5. LOFT striped boatneck tank 6. Sam and Libby for Target flats 7. Target lace-front sweater 8. Teal Old Navy sweater (similar) 9. Old Navy swiss dot blouse 10. LOFT jeans
Here are the first four outfits I put together for the challenge... it was fun to have something like this to do over Spring Break.
Saturday, April 4 - day trip to Raleigh with Mr. Q and B - #1 Old Navy scarf, pink Target tee, #10 LOFT jeans, Old Navy bucket purse (similar) and Bare Traps sandals
Sunday, April 5 - Easter morning service at Elevation church - Lia Sophia pearl earrings (similar), Old Navy gray sweatshirt dress (similar), # 1 Old Navy scarf, Old Navy cardigan, #3 Lia Sophia pearl bracelets and Target boots
Monday, April 6 - shopping with mom - #2 coral Old Navy cardigan, #4 TOMS for Target arrow tee, #10 LOFT jeans, Bare Traps sandals
Tuesday, April 7 - #7 Target lace sweater, Target navy tank, Lia Sophia flower necklace, #10 LOFT jeans, #6 Sam and Libby for Target flats
Linking Up:
Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express
Sunday, February 15
sunday simplicity: love is...
“Love is that condition in which the happiness
of another person is essential to your own.”
― Robert A. Heinlein, Stranger in a Strange Land
Thursday, August 28
home envy: colonial interiors
Last month, when we got back from our vacation in Williamsburg, I shared some of my favorite features of Colonial homes' exteriors. Today, I've rounded up a few features I noticed inside Williamsburg's homes, government buildings, and shops that look just as beautiful in modern home interiors.
Robert Webb via Homes of the Rich | Elizabeth Roberts Design via Remodelista
I was so impressed by the beautiful black and white marble flooring in the entry of the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg. Classic black and white patterns look great in stately homes as well as in smaller doses in urban spaces.
House Beautiful via Attic Mag
Butler's pantry from Southern Living
Another Governor's Palace feature I loved was the butler's pantry just off the entry. The open shelves inside held an assortment of antique bottles and pitchers. I love open shelving in modern kitchens, and though it's a touch often associated with farmhouse decor, it's just as appropriate in a Colonial home.
via Liz Marie Blog | Tobi Fairley
Columbia Cabinet Works | Sara Gilbane via Attic Mag
Throughout the Governor's Palace, Delft tile and pottery were integrated into the decor. These classic Dutch earthenware designs are charming, and Delft pottery is still manufactured today.
Margot Austin via Decor Happy | Country Living
Windsor chairs were introduced in America in the 1720's, and the classic style is easy to find.
Chinoiserie reading nook by Simplified Bee | Annsley Interiors via Decor Pad
A style known as "Chinese Chippendale" became popular in America in the late 18th century, and I fell in love with two emerald-green chairs I spotted upstairs in the Governor's Palace. I love the idea of painting this style in a bright neon color for a fun, modern look in an office or on a patio.
The Governor's Palace also boasted some beautiful wall paneling. This is an interior feature that looks very luxe but can be DIYed as well to match any decor.
Todhunter Earle Design via Boxwood Cottage
Let's talk plaid... done with too heavy a hand, a solid-color plaid or checked fabric can look like a bad 80's flashback. Done in small doses on a few coordinating pieces, the design is so cozy and welcoming.
David Mitchell via Alicia B. Designs
Yvonne McFadden LLC via Houzz
No Colonial home tour is complete without a master canopy bed. Like plaid furniture, canopies can sometimes cause '80's deja vu, but today's versions are much less frilly princess and much more modern escape.
Cynthia Palampore duvet cover from Pottery Barn
Finally, palampore prints are a simple and easy way to bring some Colonial style into your home. In the 1700s these designs were exported from India and were very expensive. The most popular designs represent plants and flowers. Today, palampore patterns are a staple at some of my favorite home goods stores, from Pottery Barn to Pier1, on everything from throw pillows to shower curtains.
Do you have any Colonial or historical touches in your home? What is your favorite decorating style?
Thanks to Wikipedia for helping me learn about Colonial designs!
Tuesday, August 19
Style: End Of Summer?
Last week was my students' first week of school - definitely a sign that summer is coming to a close here in the U.S. I also kept seeing references to the approach of fall on blogs and in magazines, not to mention pumpkin-shaped planters full of chrysanthemums and bags of candy corn on display at the grocery store and bottles of Oktoberfest in the cooler at a weekend cookout. It was all getting me a little verklempt - how can fall be coming when I haven't done everything on my summer bucket list? While it may feel like trick-or-treaters are coming, like, tomorrow, the first official day of fall isn't until September 23. We still have more than a month of summer! The best way to extend that relaxed, carefree summer feeling? Pretty, light neutrals and metallics that will get you through Labor Day and into September.
1. Old Navy sequin tank 2. J. Crew ceramic jewelry tray 3. Toni and Guy metallic bobby pins from Target 4. LOFT gold pave link necklace
5. GAP rugby stripe dress 6. Essie "Urban Jungle" nail polish from Target 7. Old Navy pointed ballet flats 8. American Eagle shorts (Similar) 9. Old Navy flip-flops
Linking Up:
Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express
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