Mini State Necklace

Accentuality Mini State Necklace - $49

Living in a diverse city it's always interesting to find out where people came from. I love the idea of state representation and these necklaces are the most recent on my list. Catching up with a friend last week she mentioned that it took her 12 years to finally move to California. I'm thinking it would be pretty neat to own one of these pretties as a 'goal' piece...

P.S Check out another great state design here!

Happy Weekend! {Closet Envy Edition}

This weekend our big project is the seasonal closet swap. It's one part fun (like getting a new wardrobe all at once!), one part stressful (what if I need that tank top in the middle of winter?) Ugh. Actually, despite being a ton of work switching wardrobes for 2 people, it's a project I really don't dread because I like organizing and playing with clothes :) However, life would be a tad easier if I had an entire room to devote to it. I think my dream closet would include sections for each color family and space in the middle for a jewelry/accessories cabinet. Feast your eyes upon these fabulous closets/dressing rooms....

 J.Crew's creative director Jenna Lyons

 First image as featured in Domino

Second photo by Rebecca Greenfield via Elle Decor

Nicky Hilton's shoe collection is organized by designer. *sigh* 

 Photo by Paul Costello for InStyle

  Olive Wilde transformed a guest room and sitting room into a 

spacious walk-in. How gorgeous is that vanity??

 Photo by  William Waldron for InStyle

The dressing room of designer Laura Vinroot Poole as featured in Domino.

Where can I find a jewelry armoire like this?? 

Image via So Haute

No idea who these belong to but they sure are pretty...

Photo via Miss Gracious Living

If you could peek into/pull from any closet who would you choose??


Now snap back to reality and wipe the drool....
Happy Weekend!

(P.S. Thanks for all your wonderful feedback on the Men's Guide to Fall Fashion, I loved hearing your opinions!)

How to Set a Pretty Table

Real Simple featured this quick guide for setting a pretty table and it got me thinking about how when it comes setting the table (which is rare) I can never for the life of me remember which side the fork goes on. It's such a simple thing really but I've never been able to make it stick. Despite my poor memory, I do appreciate a pretty table setting...


Formal settings are about logical placement, positions are determined by order of use.

Casual settings can incorporate more fun with pattern and personality. Did you know that knife blades should face the plate?  According to Anna Post, it's impolite for blades to face other diners.

Sunday brunch setups should flow to avoid pileups. Placing silverware rolled in napkins at end of the line prevents the balancing act.

What type of table setter are you? Nightly, occasionally, never?? We're more of a grab your plate with fork in hand and head to the table, coffee table that is...oh the shame in admitting it!

Men's Guide to Fall 2010

The blogosphere is flooded with fall must-have lists for women so I thought I'd put together a little something for the guys...

Regardless of whether he cares about fashion or not, there are a few pieces a man needs to get him through the chilly temperatures. These will do the trick:

 

1. Army Jacket - vintage or 'brand-spanking-new-but-looks-old',  putting one on instantly enhances your cool factor.
Gap Utility Jacket - $98

2. Slim denim - Sure you might feel weird about it, that's why we're calling them slim instead of skinny. Clue - women are sooo over your fat jeans - something a little more tailored will actually make you look thinner! A dark rinse is super versatile.

Levi Slim Straight 514 - $79.50
If Slim is really too scary, give straight cut a try.  Just remember, carpenter jeans = no-no.

3. Flannel Shirt - beaten up is best (tip - 'washed' is the industry term - it basically means soft and cozy.)
AE Plaid Flannel Shirt - $39.50

  
4. Colorful Watch - between the greys, browns, and blacks of fall/winter a colorful watch will add some pop without being over the top. Think red, cobalt, or deep orange.
Locman Titanium Red Watch - $274
For a less expensive option just switch the band.

5. Layering Piece - whether a cardigan, vest, or structured hoodie these are essential for keeping out the wind before it's time for a real coat.  Pair with #3. (Northface jackets do not count.)
Old Navy Quilted Vest - $39.50

6. Great Boots - particulary in real leather that will last for eons. Works well with all of the above.
Steve Madden Jouste Boot - $100

7. Patterned Woven - combo's of red/navy, blue/brown, navy/green are foolproof. Roll the sleeves for added flair.
Lands' End Canvas Poplin Shirt - $39.50

  
8.  Adult Sweatshirt - Unless you're at the game pleeeease trade in that team hoodie for something a little more grown up. Comfy and good looking at the same time - score! (Oh, and these days it's called Fleece Crew.)
J.Crew Vintage Fleece Crewneck - $49.50

 9. Fancy Hat - don't underestimate the hottest male accessory right now. Hold off on the beanie until you really need it, go for one of these instead.
Goorin Bros. Downey Hat - $43

10. Man Bag - don't fight me on this. Seeing a well dressed guy carrying a 'free gift with purchase laptop case' is like eating chocolate chip cookies without milk - it's just icky. Look for a canvas body with leather details for lightweight daily use.
Fossil EW Messenger Bag - $168


Have questions? Comment below or email me!

Misery loves Company

For the past couple weeks I've been jamming to Maroon 5's new album nonstop. It's one of those rare ones that I never skip a track because all the songs are equally incredible. Now I'm savoring the video for Misery and these stills from the shoot. Totally digging how they're working the tough look...

Photos via MTV Style and Pure People 

From the long messy braid and red nails to smokey eyes and denim on denim - she's fabulously rocking every trend right now.  And it's pretty much a given that a guy wearing leather like that, well...yum. Watch the video to see it up close.



P.S. The model, Anne Vyalitsyna, and lead singer Adam Levine are dating in real life - anyone else kind of think it would be fun to pretend beat up your boyfriend??

Happy October

Happy October fall friends! I'm a little late on posting this month's desktop calendar but hopefully you'll agree that the color wheel of leaves was worth the wait :) Get it here.

Happy Weekend! (Dress Form Edition)

This weekend we're hitting up an Art Walk and hopefully browsing some thrift stores. I'm on the hunt for a dress form (aka French mannequin) to decorate with. From elegant to shabby chic, with modern polka dots or vintage linen - there are a gazillion different ways you can use them...

Layer it with necklaces. Display your favorite bags. Cover her in a gorgeous frock. Convert into a memo board. What would you do with it?

Photo by Paul Joseph Hopper via Apartment Therapy

Photo by Rossana

 Photo via Houzz

Photo via Country Living

Photo via Pottery Barn

More dress form roundups here:

Decor8

Apartment Therapy

Lavender & Lilies

Happy Weekend!