labor day weekend

Ruffled

Hope it's a great one, darlings.

summer/fall color: neutral home decor

I love starfish and sand-inspired neutrals for home decor- not just in summer but all year round!

West Elm wooden ombre vases

Gold-toned neutral walls make a great backdrop for a fresh living room with pops of green - this room would look great in a any season of the year with a few different accents.  From Better Homes and Gardens.

West Elm Ikat window panel (love the wall art in this staged room, too!)

summer/fall color: starfish and mushroom - the now neutrals

Summer's most popular neutral was starfish, a light khaki tan that goes with everything, but looks especially awesome paired with gold and white.  For fall, I'm noticing a lot of mushroom, somewhere between gray and brown, which looks surprisingly great with black.

1. LOFT short sleeved striped sweater  2. Old Navy boatneck striped sweater  

3. Forever 21 Metallic Scarf  4. Sally Hansen nail polish in Dune from Drugstore.com  

5. OPI nail polish in Samoan Sand from Amazon   

6. House of Harlow 1960 leather and gold sunburst necklace from The Trend Boutique 

7. Old Navy ballet-style wedges  8. GAP khaki flared pants  

9. GAP slim cropped pants  10. J. Crew patent leather skinny belt  

11. Butter London nail polish in Hen Party  12. Zoya nail polish in Cho

clicks of note: nobody ever told you...

get you week off to a colorful start...

LISTEN.

• When I saw Carrie Underwood perform "Nobody Ever Told You" on the Teachers Rock concert CBS aired a few weeks ago, I fell in love with the lyrics.  I want to play this song for the teenagers I work with every single morning.

SWOON.

Bridal Musings

• Bridal Musings features a colorful DIY wedding in France with photography that is straight out of a fairytale - and the bride's Claire Pettibone dress is a dream.
• Elizabeth Anne Designs features an elegant and feminine coutyard wedding - I love every single photograph.
• On Glamour and Grace, a romantic blush and gold wedding with a beautiful dress, parasols, peonies, and calligraphy on chalkboards.

SMILE.

• I'm probably really late to the party on this one, but since a coworker told me about "Hot Cheetos and Takis," from a group of Minneapolis kids in a YMCA afterschool program... pretty much the best rap song ever.

summer simplicity #85 - summer memories

Southern Weddings

Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer's year: it brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul. - Anonymous

Style Me Pretty

wedding style trend: forehead bands

One of the trends I'm seeing over and over on wedding blogs and in magazines this season can add a touch of boho or a touch of glam to a wedding wardrobe - the forehead headband.  Floral crowns abound, as to Art Deco-influenced bejeweled version.  

The Pretty Blog

Angel in the North

Myrakim on Etsy | Beauflutterby on Etsy

I love the vintage touch these delicate forehead bands lend to a bride's look - and their wavy hairstyles are perfect!

august blog loves.

I'm crushing on a handful of awesome blogs this month...

Ella Claire

• I recently discovered Ella Claire and I am so inspired by Kristen's creativity.  She has a shabby-vintage style that I adore.  In addition to cute DIY projects like this autumn hayrides sign and wooden crate luminary, she also plans beautiful parties!  Kristen's going to be contributing to a new blog, Reclaimed Bliss, starting September 5th with the bloggers from Simply Klassic Home and Salvage Dior.

Making It Lovely

• Nicole's blog Making it Lovely is about "living a stylish life and transforming the so-so."  The outfit above shows that she's got a great eye for style- it's totally something I'd wear but not something I'd come up with on my own.  She has awesome party throwing skills in common with Kristen!

Capitol Hill Style

• I think Belle's blog Capitol Hill Style is a must-read for working women who are looking for fashionable clothing appropriate for a professional environment.  Belle is a lobbyist in Washington, D.C., but I'm able to find a lot of teacher-wardrobe inspiration on her site.  Her fun regular features include Two Ways and Ask Belle.

Previously featured: The Swenglish Home, Geninne's Art Blog, The Daily Spark, Everyday Occasions, Bright Bazaar, Along the Lines of Style, Skinny Taste, A Beach Cottage, Bleubird, A Beautiful Mess, The Pioneer Woman, Centsational Girl, Dear Lillie, and Tiny Twig.

What blogs are you in love with right now?  Let me know in the comments!

steeper or cheaper: polka dot crops

I know I'm not the first blogger to feature similar on-trend items in higher-priced and more affordable versions.  For Chic's Sake calls it Crave vs. Save, and one of my favorite features in Capitol Hill Style is 10th Commandment, which features "Elected Official," "Hill Staffer," and "Unpaid Intern" versions of trends in keeping with the D.C. theme of Belle's blog; Belle also posts an occasional Splurge or Save entry.  I'm not a fashion blogger - I'm just a girl who likes to shop.  But when I noticed two very cute pairs of polka dot capris (similar to the Anthropologie pair featured in this morning's round up, which are now sold out) at two very different price points, I had to point it out!

 

Old Navy Printed Capris | Tory Burch Polka Dot Trousers from FarFetch

summer/fall color: sodalite and olympian blues

There was a solid chance of me going overboard with a post on ways to incorporate BLUE into the summer-into-fall wardrobe.  In high school, my mother actually put a moratorium on me buying any additional navy blue items of clothing because I had so many navy blue tops and dresses!  I love summery sodalite blue - a striking cobalt (I always get compliments when I wear the Target tee in the first board below!) as well as the olympian blue (a teal-tinged navy) we'll be seeing everywhere this fall.    Blue stripes or colorblocking add an instant nautical touch to an outfit, and blue with polka dots is fun and preppy without being over-the-top.

1. J. Crew sailor striped boatneck tee - find similar items with Polyvore  2. LOFT tiered ruffle tee 

3. Anthropologie polka dot crops - find similar items with Polyvore 4. Gap colorblock tote 

5. Nails Inc. "Baker Street" polish from Sephora 6. Old Navy sheer blouse 

7. Gap ikat shorts - find similar items with Polyvore 8. Mossimo v-neck tee from Target 

9. EldorTina Jewelry sodalite stud earrings from Etsy

Come back later today for designer and affordable versions of the polka dot crops, 

as well as how to style them for colder weather!

1. Modcloth bird print dress 2. Merona ruffle trim cardigan from Target 

3. A.N.A. back-zip skinny pants from J.C. Penney 4. Gap polka dot umbrella

5. J. Crew colorblock ballet flats 6. J. Crew polka dot scarf 

7. J. Crew satchel handbag 8. Mossimo polka dot anorak from Target

clicks of note: welcome back

get your week off to a colorful start.

• Today is the first day of school for my students.  I appreciate any positive thoughts and good vibes you'd like to send my way as I attempt to win another 50+ teenagers over for the sake of the written word.

LISTEN.

• My whole family loves the music of Mumford and Sons.  Their newest song, "I Will Wait" would be a great introduction to the band for the uninitiated.  Did you know that the lead singer is married to actress Carey Mulligan?

SWOON.

• Table assignments written on a mirror in lieu of escort cards - my absolute favorite new wedding idea.  You should also see the bridesmaids' dresses and beautiful rose-accented cake from this lovely Cape Cod wedding at Style Me Pretty.
• Elizabeth Anne Designs features a white and gray South Carolina wedding with great details including a darling flower girl in a baby's breath crown and a cake iced with white roses.
• Heart Love Weddings features a summer camp engagement session - which of course I love!  The couple met as campers.  A love story does not get much more precious in my world.
• A lovely seaside wedding at Our Love in October.
• Purple wedding of the week:  a rustic military wedding on a Texas ranch, featured on Southern Weddings.

SMILE.

• Wedding Chicks is now offering bow ties for babies and dogs... meaning pictures of babies and dogs in bow ties.
• A Holy Experience suggests 14 things to do with the rest of your summer.
• Endless summer in a box at You Are My Fave... so clever!
• Amy Atlas features the most adorable back-to-school themed dessert table from Deliciously Darling Events.
• Back to school breakfast cuteness from Giggles Galore
• 100 Days of Real Food has some helpful tips for prepping school lunches (or any packed lunches) in advance.

sunday simplicity #82 - kindred spirits

Heart Love Weddings

“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. 

It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” 

-  L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Green Wedding Shoes

travel light: packing inspired by kate middleton

For sources visit my Polyvore

Our packing list based on Kate's Olympic wardrobe includes 25 pieces ideal for business travel with your main squeeze combined with sightseeing:

Packing List:

- 1 solid and 1 colored tee

- 2 printed sleeveless blouses (1 polka dot, 1 striped)

- 2 blazers (1 colored, 1 neutral - Kate's neutral is navy)

- 1 cardigan

- 1 windbreaker jacket

- 2 business style dresses (for meetings, receptions, etc.)

- 1 nighttime dress and 1 daytime dress

- 2 pairs of pants (or shorts or capris)

- sneakers, casual shoes, and neutral dress shoes

- 1 belt

- 1 casual and 1 dressy clutch handbag

- 1 tote bag

- 1 colorful scarf

- dangly earrings, studs, and a bracelet to go with everything

Traveling & Business Reception outfits

I went for an open-front cardigan for this travel wardrobe rather than a fleece jacket like the one Kate wore.  I think a cardigan is more versatile because you can throw it on during a chilly plane ride (or car ride with the AC on!) or over one of your dresses later in the trip.

celebrate: kate middleton's olympic wardrobe

My love of and admiration for Kate Middleton is pretty well-documented here at Beyond the Aisle, and I have pretty much squealed and clapped every time NBC has shown her during the Olympics.  I love that even though she probably could have had an extensive wardrobe, she's been dressing very much like a traveler during the Olympics, repeating and rotating key pieces and using a palette of red, white, cobalt and navy blue, taupe and gray to ensure that everything can be mixed and matched.  Today, I'm looking at what Kate actually wore during the London Olympics.  Tomorrow, I'll share my ideas for how to pack like Kate for a trip, with more affordable pieces.

What Kate Wore

When the Olympic Torch arrived at Buckingham palace on Thursday, July 26, Kate was patriotic in a white Team GB polo, cobalt Zara "Satin Tourser" jeans with back zippers (available from Zara in black for $19.99 or in cobalt from Zara's German site for 39.95 Euro), and navy Stuart Weitzman "Corkswoon" wedges (available in black patent from Nordstrom for $179, Zappos for $190.99 in a wider range of sizes, or Stuart Weitzman for $375 in nude patent, white patent, or denim).

LDNfashion

Kate wore an ice-blue Christopher Kane coatdress, nude pumps, a grey suede clutch, and bespoke Kiki McDonough earrings to the afternoon reception at Buckingham Palace welcoming international Heads of State and to the Opening Ceremonies on July 27.

Both images via LDNfashion

Kate wore her white polo, navy wool Smythe blazer ($208 at Neiman Marcus, with Team GB lapel pin, skinny navy pants, her Stuart Weitzman wedges and pearl stud earrings for the Equestrian events on July 30th | For equestrian events and a visit to the Olympic Village on July 31, Kate wore a sleeveless striped top, her Smythe blazer, her skinny pants, her Stuart Weitzman wedges, and a Team GB scarf (£10 at Next)

summer/fall color: coral and peach in home decor

My obsession with peach and coral really knows no bounds.  There are ways to add these colors to every room of your house.  If you're completely attached to color, painting walls or investing in large upholstered pieces can make a huge statement.  If you're less certain that your love of peach and coral isn't just a fling, there are plenty of inexpensive, temporary and DIY ways to add these bright, happy colors to your home.

Midwest Living via Desire to Decorate

Liven up a white kitchen with stools painted a bright coral- this would be an ideal DIY project for a coral lover.  I love the pops of teal from the blue mason jars in the cabinet.

Heath Ceramics via Camille Styles

If coral kitchen furniture is too much of a commitment for you, these bud vases from Heath Ceramics would liven up a windowsill.

summer color: inspiration for an elegant citrus wedding

Possibly because Pantone has designated Tangerine Tango as the 2012 Color of the Year, citrus weddings have been a major trend this summer.  A citrus theme is a timeless way to celebrate color and sweetness in a summer or early fall wedding.  When I started looking for citrus wedding ideas for my readers who are planning citrus themed weddings, I couldn't stop.  Today, here is some inspiration for an elegant citrus wedding with a tangerine, lemon, and gray color palette - these ideas would look lovely in a ballroom or under a beautiful white tent.  Later this month I'll share citrus-themed ideas from around the wedding blogosphere for those planning bohemian, modern, or vintage-style citrus weddings.

Heavenly Blooms

Lemon drops are an adorable favor idea.

Style Me Pretty | J. Crew

Bridesmaids in bright citrus shades and classic ballerina buns... with dresses this fabulous, white bouquets using the same flowers as the bride's bouquet would be a good fit.

Heavenly Blooms

Roses make an appearance along with lemons and oranges in this stunning birdcage arrangement.

summer/fall color: coral and peach

Coral and peach have been my absolute favorite colors this summer.  Cheerful, feminine, and somehow almost neutral, a little pop of coral can really make an outfit.  I especially like to pair coral with its complementary color, teal - together they scream summer, but keep it under control to avoid looking like the Little Mermaid!  It's a little trickier working such a bright color into one's fall wardrobe, but this season it's going to be a lot more doable (and even affordable) thanks to some of our favorite designers and retailers.  I think the key to wearing summery colors into the fall is to pair them with neutrals to keep your outfit looking classic.

1. Old Navy perfect khaki shorts 2. Anthropologie neutral flutter blouse 

3. Scotch Naturals nail polish in Highland Fling 4. Butter London 3 free nail polish in Slapper 

5. Alexis K Jewels Gold clover earrings on Etsy 6. Inspiration - Lauren Conrad's pastel hair via Beautylish 

7. Land's End Canvas extra long skinny leather belt 8. Dooney and Bourke East/West Shopper tote 

9. GAP braided sandals 10. A*Thread set of five stacking rings

The Beauty Model

The perfect late summer makeup to show off a sunkissed face!  Dramatic lashes, taupe shadow at the browbone and a swipe of highlighter, and just a hint of peach lip color with tinted moisturizer.

Fashion Salade

I'm finally wrapping my brain around the concept of dressing up shorts, and this looks like the perfect way to do it - an open-weave sweater, large coral clutch, statement necklace, and Jackie O. style sunglasses.  Replace the shorts with a pleated skirt and you have a great outfit for work in early fall.

Maffasion via Denim Therapy

The perfect sightseeing outfit for your late summer adventures - pain a cool tee, jewelry and shoes with casual shorts, don a fedora to protect your skin from the sun, and throw on a peach blazer for cool evenings.

1. Old Navy polka dot scarf 2. Fossil rose gold watch 3. Anthropologie baubled hair tie 

4. ModCloth rose earrings 5. Golden Globes inspiration from Emma Stone via Zap2it 

6. Xhilaration ruffled trench coat from Target 7. Nars blush at Sephora 8. Old Navy cropped cardigan 

9. Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Girls Just Want to Have Fun at Blue Mercury 

10. J. Crew color block ballet flats 11. Banana Republic leather tote

Daily Makeover

In this look, the focus is on the cheeks and lips, with the same color being swept over the eyelids and browbones.

Joujou Villeroy via Lookbook.nu

I absolutely love the idea of pairing a colorblocked (or floral, or plain...) maxi skirt with a sweater to make it a useful piece for fall.  This look is made even better with a big, neutral leather hobo bag.

clicks of note: live every week like it's...

get your week off to a colorful start.

LISTEN.

• I absolutely adore The Beatles, but I'm not a purist - I love a lot of Beatles covers.  I even enjoyed Russel Brand's take on "I Am the Walrus" on the Closing Ceremonies of the London Olympics.  This version of "Here Comes the Sun" by Yuna is so lovely and peaceful, I could listen to it for days.

SWOON.

• This elegant bohemian wedding with purple details featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs reminds me of A Midsummer Night's Dream- it looks almost too lovely to be real!
• I love the artistic take on a library themed invitation from Quill and Fox.  The illustration has such a nostalgic quality.
• Style Me Pretty features a traditional Georgia wedding in a Greek Revival home with the prettiest peach-topped cake.

SMILE.

• Fuzzy green dianthus were last week's Friday flower at Elizabeth Anne Designs... I like learning the names of unfamiliar flowers!
• I'm a little in love with the concept of pop-up dinner parties, a la Oh Happy Day.
• Happy Shark Week!

sunday simplicity #81 - golden afternoon

Inspired by This

All in the golden afternoon

Full leisurely we glide;

For both our oars, with little skill,

By little arms are plied,

While little hands make vain pretense

Our wanderings to guide.

- Lewis Carroll

Inspired by This

the in-between season.

Centsational Girl

It's an in-between season, this one that's starting.

It starts off subtle.  Catalogues for new teaching materials start to come in the mail.  Friends alert me that our schedules are online and I relish the excitement of seeing new students' faces, via last year's school pictures, for the first time.  The whistles and shouts of football practice drift down the hill when I'm walking to the mailbox.  The school's marquee changes from "Have a great summer!  Read a lot of books!" to dates for business day and the first day of school.

An Oregon Cottage

Then it gets a little clearer.  An envelope from the school with a schedule of meetings for the first week back arrives.  Tax-free shopping weekend, which means its officially time to shop for new clothes and school supplies, comes and goes.  I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about reading journals and multiple intelligence inventories.

Back-to-school season is here.

A Subtle Revelry

Are you ready?

working on my fitness, and becoming more adventurous along the way

At the beginning of the month I shared a little teaser image of the bikes Mr. Q and I got each other for our first wedding anniversary.  We've both been trying to get into better shape this summer, primarily because both of our fathers have diabetes and we knot that becoming overweight could lead to really bad news for either of us, and the bikes are a nice way to see that goal made tangible.  "Real" bikes- his is a Giant hybrid bikes, meaning it is kind of a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike and ideal for life in a somewhat rural area, and mine is a Giant entry-level mountain bike- are certainly an investment.  The man who owns the amazing local specialty bicycle store compared it to buying a car because they have trade-in value.  I am by no means an experienced biker- I don't think I have even been on a bicycle since maybe seventh grade- but I'm excited about my new bike!

I'm not so excited about my safety equipment, but I love my brain.  Right now I'm rocking a basic white Bell helmet from Dick's Sporting Goods and saving up for a prettier Nutcase helmet.  I did invest in some fancy gloves because the fuchsia stitching made them a perfect match for my bike's fuchsia accents.  Nothing like special equipment to make one feel like an athlete!

My biggest tools in getting a little stronger and healthier this summer have both been delivered via a television screen- I feel like I'm getting better and better at Jillian Michaels' Extreme Shred and Shed video, and when I'm in a bit of a rut I turn to Just Dance 3 on Sweat or Medley mode.  My other go-to  workouts are Gin Miller's Power Abs with the medicine ball, and Michael Jackson Experience on the Wii.  I've also been trying to get outside early in the mornings when the heat index is not too high and either walk or run; hopefully my new bike will get me outside even more.

Keep reading to see me in Katniss mode!

celebrate: brazilian-themed london 2012 closing ceremonies party recipes

BRAZILIAN FLAIR.

Photo of Brazilian athletes entering the Opening Ceremonies by Laurence Griffiths via Zimbio.

Since London is passing the Summer Olympic Games to Rio de Janeiro for 2016, I think a Brazilian themed party is the greatest idea for this Sunday!  Party stores and even dollar stores should have tropical-themed decorations on sale right now since it's the end of summer- just remember to steer more toward tropical than luau.  A pretty bowl or cake stand piled with pineapples, mangoes and other tropical fruit would be a simple but eye-catching centerpiece.

More Brazilian Recipes for Your Closing Ceremonies Party:

One of the major elements of the ceremony will be handover from London to Rio de Janeiro, host of the 2016 Olympic Games.  I think it would be fun to serve some Brazilian food at a Closing Ceremonies get-together.  I've shared a few Brazilian recipes on the blog recently, but here are even more Brazilian and Brazil-inspired dishes to try on Sunday!

Appetizers:
Black-Eyed Pea Fritters from Emeril Lagasse
Chicken Croquettes (Coxinha) from About.com
Salt Cod Croquettes (Bolinhos) from Kitchen Daily
Cod Croquettes from Ingrid Hoffman
Brazilian Black Bean Soup from Cooks.com

Main Courses:
Brazilian BBQ Steak and Vinaigrette Sauce from Simple Recipes
Brazilian Pot Roast from Cooks.com
Feijoada (Pork and Black Bean Stew) from SimplyRecipes
Feijoada from Emeril Lagasse
Feijoada from Jamie Oliver
Feijoada from Everyday with Rachael Ray
Brazilian Black Beans and Chicken from Cooks.com
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Brazilian Vinaigrette Salsa from Emiril Lagasse
Duck with Orange from AllEasyRecipes
Seared Salmon on Rice with Brazilian Vinaigrette from Martha Stewart
Moqueca (Red Snapper) from Emeril Lagasse
Grilled Hearts of Palm and Crab Salad with Mango from Bobby Flay
Piri Piri Grilled Shrimp from Tanya Holland
Vinha d'Alho Shrimp from Serious Eats
Shrimp and Okra Gumbo from About.com
Brazilian Fish Stew from Martha Stewart
Brazilian Black Bean Stew from Everyday with Rachael Ray

Sides:
Brazilian Black Beans with Beets from Martha Stewart
Vegetable Curry with Spicy Tomato and Coconut Sauce from Food.com
Acocado-Citrus Salad from AllEasyRecipes
Oven Baked Sweet Plantains from Food.com

Breads:
Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread from Simply Recipes
Brazilian Honey-Spice Bread from Cooks.com

Cocktails:
Caipirinha from Emeril Lagasse
Mango Lime Caipirinha from Grill it! with Bobby Flay
Plum Caipirinha from Food Network Kitchens
Capirosca from Food.com
Brazilian Iced Coffee from Cooks.com
Brazilian Coffee Cocktail from Food Network Magazine

Desserts:
Simple Brazilian Flan from GroupRecipes
Orange Flan from Emeril Lagasse
Cuscuz Branco from SparkPeople
Brazilian Coconut Cookies from AllEasyRecipes
Coconut Cake from Serious Eats
Banana Sponge Cake from AllEasyRecipes
Cinnamon Raindrop Doughnuts from About.com
Brazilian Coffee Cookies from Cooks.com
Chocolate Bonbons from Food.com

Desserts with a Twist (not specifically Brazilian recipes, but incorporate flavors popular in Brazilian cuisine):
Avocado Ice Cream from Two Peas and Their Pod
Coconut Honey Ice Cream from Eat. Drink. Love.
Coconut Macaroons from Worldly Recipes
Coconut Chocolate Bonbons from Worldly Recipes
Coconut Wafers with Coconut Granita from Everyday with Rachael Ray
Chocolate-Coffee Meringues from SHAPE
Dulce de Leche Caramel Swirl Cupcakes from Whipped
Dulce de Leche Bars from Your Home Based Mom

Other Sources: London 2012, Digital Spy, The Mirror, BBC