operation cardigan complete is my fave

February 28, 2011 // 0 Comments

I told Ryan his whole finishing law school and taking the bar thing pales in comparison to the fact that I wore a different cardigan for 28 days straight. I mean come on, that takes work.

I always thought it was a little ridiculous when celebrities (or maybe just Lauren Conrad) said that they took photos of themselves before they went out because they didn’t trust mirrors. I don’t think that’s so silly anymore. I learned a lot from looking at the photos everyday, mostly what really works and what doesn’t. I felt a bit like I was on the Devil Wears Prada and I was Meryl Streep telling Anne Hatheway that she has no style. Except I was both of them.

Here’s what I learned:
- I dress super boring.
- Accessorizing always helps, unless it’s a hemp necklace with a peace sign.
- I need a better full length mirror.
- I may be the sole reason the Old Navy near me stays open.
- Be careful with horizontal stripes. The wider the stripe and further apart they are, the more dangerous.
- When in doubt, belt it.
- Dressing for your shape is the #1 rule.

The next steps in the great closet overhaul of 2011:
- Keep. Toss. Donate.
- Be more aware of what works and what doesn’t on my shape. Three quarter sleeves and scoop necks are my best friends. Crew necks and cap sleeves are not.
- Dress up more. Don’t save the best items for the rare occasions. It’s like never using the nice silverware.
- Shop with the mentality of a French woman.
- Play with opposites: “When women look at other women who are stylish, what they always notice is the play of opposites: It’s the trenchcoat over the sequined shift. What’s so appealing is dressing like you didn’t stress over it.” – Michael Kors

the king’s speech is my fave

February 25, 2011 // 0 Comments

We went and saw The King’s Speech yesterday afternoon because we could (weekday afternoon matinees are the best). I was struck by the visuals of the entire movie. I especially loved Lionel’s office with the massive fireplace and the wall with years of paint and wallpaper showing through. It looked like pretty marble paper.

I also liked the use of paper decorations during one of his speeches.

I should mention that it just wasn’t visually appealing, the entire movie is well worth a viewing for the story is very well told. And there is a little scene that will satisfy the Pride and Prejudice fans out there.

getting my husband back is my fave

February 24, 2011 // 0 Comments

Ryan was greeted with this wall of balloons when he returned home from finishing the bar yesterday. It was my way of saying, “Good job honey. You’ve spent the last 3 1/2 years earning a JD and a masters while working at the same time. You’ve been studying for eight hours a day for the last two months – then you took a grueling two day test all so you can support our family. No big deal. Can you do the dishes? ” Thanks champ – you did it!

a handcrafted party book is my fave

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This prettiest of handmade books dedicated to the party tugs at my heartstrings. Stripes, confetti, mini envelopes – simply perfect.

Book created by Lucie Everett spotted on Design is Mine

spotted and hearted

February 23, 2011 // 0 Comments

My fave word in Italian also looks like the cutest restaurant in existence spotted on A Happy Day

Danni and Nick got married, it was awesome, they had a picnic reception that looks like something worthy of a dream sequence spotted on Oh Hello Friend

Liz, you need to own every single one of these bow clutches spotted on The Ritzy Bee

Genius confetti storage and toss spotted on Snippet and Ink

I wish I scored awesome floral paintings from the thrift store (all I ever come across is framed motivational prints) spotted on An Apple a Day

Both Anna and Helena spotlighted me on their blogs this week so do me a solid (do people say that?) and check it out. Thanks ladies!

smoothies are my fave

February 22, 2011 // 0 Comments

photos by Grant Cornett for Real Simple

We’ve been on a major smoothie kick and have been blending and drinking one for breakfast every morning. I usually do not choose to drink my calories (who would rather have a can of soda over a cookie?) but smoothies are the exception. I find that they’re a good way to get several servings of fruits and sometimes veggies. The usual is about a cup of frozen strawberries (I buy them fresh, when they’re on sale and stick them in the freezer), half a banana, 1/2 cup blueberries, a handful of spinach (you can’t taste it but it adds nutrients), 1/2 cup plain yogurt (less sugar), 1 cup milk. Sometimes I add in a little dab of orange juice concentrate for a zing.

The reason for this post? I’m wondering if you have any smart suggestions for different combos I can try or smart additions. Plus I’m loving the color combo inspiration. Shoot, am I getting boring?

a spring color palette is my fave

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Loving the sorbet brights in the spring collection at Mango – which I was pleasantly surprised to learn carries several dresses with longer hems and sleeves. I like a little more coverage then the dresses that need further inspection to decide if it’s a long shirt or not. I have my eye on this simple printed one and this floral frock.

a perpetual calendar is my fave

February 21, 2011 // 0 Comments

Since I started working from home, days have started to muddle together. I ask Ryan what day it is at least a few times a day. To remedy this, I made a perpetual calendar to sit atop my desk. Super simple, but exactly what I needed. Want one too? All you need is card stock and pretty handwriting – Cathie helped me out on that detail. You could or course use your computer if you’re cool like that. Then just get it spiral bound at an office supply store/print center/your workplace (just deduct a few dollars from your next paycheck – insert winking emoticon here).

Hey, did you know it’s the 21st today? I did.

black and white stripes are my fave

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Bold black and white stripes (in just the right dose) will always remain a classic. Think Kate Spade, not creepy circus.

images: Caitlin Wilson Design, Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge sneak peek, RTIF, Domino Magazine

the handsome is my fave

February 17, 2011 // 0 Comments

The always great Danni just started a series on her blog called The Handsome where she interviews the men behind the women who blog. Ryan is the first guy featured today. He is pretty happy about that, let me tell you. He’s finally getting a word in and has been cheering about it in between his studying (he takes the bar next week!). I like that kid.