All Time Fabulous

Maxi-mize the summer!

2011-07-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

I'm back, I'm 30 and I'm ready to rock this year! It's been explained that this year will be like fireworks ("Firework" by Katy Perry blaring in the background 24/7). So, I thought I would start sharing some of my favorite things this summer. Part 1: the MAXI dress! I love how comfortable and flowy the maxi is and this year has brought so many styles. Enjoy!

Andrew Gn gown - I'm obsessed with coral!

Leaves of Grass silk maxi - reminds me of the SA Mexican market (but better!)

Unknown - looks like a fabulous vintage find Mom found for me

Bodyamr - This is for Iris and her obsession with cobalt blue

Ebay find - I love the color and would work with gold!

And the most outrageous (but fun!) maxi/kaftan I found is this one from Asos! I would love it without the sleeves - they are a little much!

Cross Your Heart

2011-03-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

I’ve never really considered a cross body bag until this season. In the past, I’ve only used this type of bag for traveling or events like the State Fair and concerts. So, I’m really excited to see that they are appearing on Spring 2011 trend reports. A bright bag could add a pop or color or a chain strap could add texture to any outfit. Here are some of my favorites – Enjoy!

Melie Bianco

Kate Spade Gold Coast Lily

Cole Haan

Rebecca Minkoff

Tory Burch Saffiano Classic

Pillow Talk

2011-03-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

I love looking for fun, bright throw pillows to decorate with during the spring and summer. My latest finds are from Peking Handicraft (http://www.pkhc.com/) and they are fantastic. Peking Handicraft has so many offerings of colorful pillows, bedding and linens. Too bad I'm not in San Fran or else I would visit their sample sale on April 30th. Enjoy!

Green with Envy

2011-03-15T09:51:00.001-07:00

Green with Envy by hannie13_99 featuring floral shoes

Floral strapless dress
$185 - modcloth.com

Long sleeve tunic
$68 - 25park.com

Miu Miu pleated skirt
$640 - net-a-porter.com

Butter peep toe pumps
$286 - endless.com

Yves Saint Laurent floral shoes
520 GBP - matchesfashion.com

Balenciaga handbag
$1,945 - barneys.com

FRANCES FLAKES bow handbag
$335 - yoox.com

Andara green ring
$110 - maxandchloe.com

Cocktail ring
$115 - maxandchloe.com

Kate spade earring
$55 - nordstrom.com

Kate Spade enamel bracelet
$78 - nordstrom.com

Green chandelier earring
$35 - fantasyjewelrybox.com

Golden Goose polka dot scarve
$120 - thecorner.com

All Time Love: Coral!

2011-03-14T13:40:00.001-07:00

Platforms by Topshop
Necklaces by Kenneth Jay Lane

Oscar Favorite Picks

2011-02-27T18:13:00.000-08:00

The 83rd Academy Awards are in full swing and the dresses were absolutely stunning. There were so many beautiful gold/silver shimmering works of art. But, as always, I enjoyed seeing the simple yet bold colors. My all time favorite has to be Anne Hathaway's red vintage Valentino. Enjoy!

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein

Michelle Williams in Chanel

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

Jennifer Hudson in Versace

Anne Hathaway in vintage Valentino

Roberto Capucci Exhibit at Philadelphia Museum of Art

2011-02-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

If you are in the Philadelphia area anytime between March and June, you must go visit the Roberto Capucci exhibit: Art into Fashion. The PMA does an amazing job of displaying beautiful fashion works of art. Last year, we viewed Fashion Through The Decades and it was breathtaking!

Roberto Capucci, an italian designer, was known for his exquisite designs full of geometric shapes and sculptures. Most of pieces were inspired by floral shapes and fluted structures. Volume was his friend and he expressed his creativity by using bright colors and delicate fabrics. I admire his work and wish I could see his exhibit in person.

Luxury does not necessarily mean money. One can, perhaps, say that luxury is an art, like painting or sculpture, with its own scheme. To be inspired by art does not mean to imitate it, nor to establish a recognizable connection with it, but almost to fall in love with it. - Roberto Capucci

Tickets to exhibit: http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/411.html

PinkMemo Trend Event!

2011-02-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

PinkMemo Dallas hosted a fun-filled event focusing on all of Neiman's Spring 2011 trends: coral, stripes, florals, flats, across the body bags, etc. Here are a couple of fun photos for their event contest. We had a blast - thank you, PinkMemo! www.pinkmemo.com/dallas

Who Knew?!

2011-02-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited to say that TIGI/Bedhead now makes makeup. What?! I know, I was shocked and skeptical at the same time. But, after trying it out, I'm very happy to say it's fabulous makeup! Plus, they have a great deal: the makeup artist will do your makeup for $45 and in return, you can use that $45 towards the purchase of makeup. I bought blush, eyeshadow and lipstick. I am definitely now a fan and will go back to get my makeup done again at my next appointment. http://www.tigihaircare.com/consumer/en-Us/cosmetics/default.asp

This Week's Favorites!

2011-02-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

I am back and loving so many things right now! My obsessions are always so random and usually found browsing stores or magazines. After all the snow days we have had, I am looking forward to the fun times of spring! Here are some items that have been on my mind...

Dolce Vita for Target
I have blogged several times about the wonderful designer collaborations with Target. Just when I thought things couldn't get better at Target, they go ahead and surprise me with selling a line of Dolce Vita shoes. I have been a fan of DV shoes for several years now and absolutely love their sandals. In 2005, I bought a pair of turquoise platform sandals and they are STILL in great condition after many summers of tough use! These offerings at Target are great neutrals that can be worn with practically any color (including all of the bright spring colors coming out this year).

Essie's Ballet Slippers
Speaking of neutrals, I have FINALLY settled on a great neutral colored nail polish. Essie's Ballet Slippers is now my favorite pick for the upcoming spring weather. It was a tough change to go from OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark (dark berry color) to the light, airy pink color. It is a definite must this year!

Labyrinth Dinnerware
It is no surprise to anyone that knows me, that I am obessed with anything black and white. I absolutely love Z Gallerie and could probably spend a couple hours just looking at every item in the store. My latest trip lead me to the black and white Labyrinth dinnerware. Whether it is a geometric or scroll design, I'm always in love. This particular design reminds me of Hermes china with a twist. Enjoy! http://www.zgallerie.com/

Dallas Market - Jan 2011

2011-01-23T17:58:00.000-08:00

Going to market is one of my top ten favorite things to do. Market has the latest home trends, amazing displays and always offers new ideas! This year's eye-catching colors are ORANGE (my favorite), grey and citron. Bonus, not only are you seeing some of the top home decor and gift showrooms, but you end up walking four miles after seeing it all! Unfortunately, I didn't take very many photos...

Two's Company showroom

One of my favorite showrooms has to be Two's Company. They had several vignettes around their showroom including the butterfly room, a Moroccan market, and a polo awards room with blue ribbons everywhere. Two's Company has the best giftables - their jewelry and frames (can be found at any boutique or even Bed Bath & Beyond) are always right on target with trends.

A new favorite line I found is called Tepper Jackson. Philip Andre created a line of lounge wear, luggage, etc. all made of fantastic prints. I'm in love with the pj's and cotton robes, which are lined in white terrycloth. You can order online at http://www.tepperjacksononline.com/

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

I'm about to head home for Christmas and I couldn't be happier right now. It's not often that we get a chance to all get together and enjoy each other's company. So cheers to celebrating Christmas, obsessing over new year's resolutions and taking lots of naps!

A Bishop Arts Christmas

2010-12-13T19:14:00.000-08:00

I am officially in the holiday spirit after seeing all of the beautiful Christmas trees throughout Bishop Arts. I loved how some of the stores took the non-traditional approach and decorated with bright colors and even used their product as ornaments and decoration. If you get a chance, go visit this great artistic area!

Added purses and clutches for decoration

Decorated with headbands and earrings

Loved these fish ornaments!

Dallas Vintage Finds

2010-12-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

It was "Vintage Saturday" for me a couple of weekends ago. The first stop was the Dallas Flea were all things handmade, vintage and organic could be found. Amongst all the jewelry and artistic stationary, I found a fabulous vendor, Peace Traveler, who sells on Etsy. This mother-daughter team shops the best estate sales to find some of the greatest finds. Their latest estate sale brought original Vera sheets and towels, vintage ornaments and hats. Turns out the house was owned by a french woman who worked for Marshall Fields for thirty years. So, everything was in original packaging and in tip-top shape. I love stories like this! Here are my purchases...

Boat neck sequin top

Grey suede clutch

Next stop was The Rose Garden near the Bishop Arts district. It's a random location, but quite the diamond in the rough. I found a plush fur shrug for $20!! Plus, I loved the dress in the window display - looks very Mondo from this season's Project Runway. I will definitely be returning to persue their racks.

The Rose Garden window display

Fur shrug (excuse the bad photo - the brown spots are shadows)

Another neat place to shop handmade and vintage picks is called Indie Genius. It's set up like an antique mall with separate stalls for vendors to rent out and display product. I became obsessed with House of Joie's fabulous pieces. Over the past several years, I've had a secret yearning to refurbish old chairs. I have yet to follow through with this, but if I could, I would make them exactly like these by House of Joie. Enjoy!
http://www.houseofjoie.com/

House of Joie shop

Seeing Red & White!

2010-12-09T14:03:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. Dallas now has H&M (well, technically it's a pop-up shop) and the entire city is thrilled! I stopped by during the first day and it was quite a zoo. But, for once, the crowds and long checkout lines didn't bother me. I was in H&M heaven.

I got a chance to chat with the head of H&M's visual design and he was very excited to share in this experience. He pointed out that all of the pop-up store's inventory was pulled from other locations for this special occasion. Though the store is rather small, he knows that the impact will be incredible. Also, since H&M didn't have time to hire workers, all of the attendees are from locations around the US. He was hesitate to share with me, but I got him to let me know when shipments arrive (Tuesdays & Fridays). Also, he couldn't disclose the permanent location opening in October 2011, but he pointed to a certain direction - I guess we'll just have to wait and see! Stop by the pop-up store at Northpark near Henri Bendel.

Today's Fabulous Finds

2010-12-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

I love coming across random, but fabulous finds. The holidays are coming up and these are great gift ideas! The first find is a Sunbeam donut maker - how hilarious! The picture makes it look so easy, but don't be deceived like I was last year with the Big Top Cupcake. These baking projects aren't always what they seem. I don't eat donuts (used to be a huge fan), but these would be great to buy for a family member. http://www.sunbeam.com/

My next find are these beautiful SURevolution metallic serving pieces. The "nature" theme is still going strong in the home decor world, so these would be excellent gifts for a friend who is into decor with birds and leaves. http://www.surevolution.com/

Royal Palm Leaf Bowl

Jade Spiral Platter

I saved my favorite find for last. I've always admired Janis Savitt's jewelry and her layering of chains. She is a beautiful native New Yorker born into art and fashion. Her creations are sold at Neiman's, BG, Shopstyle.com and many other places. Enjoy!

Gold Rush 2010

2010-12-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

I’ve always loved anything gold, but during the holiday season, my fondness grows stronger. To me, gold means so many things: cheerful, luxurious, and festive. Below are some great gold pieces for the holidays. Enjoy!

Vince top

Banana Republic bracelet

Tory Burch Leather Dean Hobo

Nine West heels

Miriam Haskell cuff for J. Crew

Roberta Freymann clutch

Toms gilded herringbone shoes

Limited Editions of Coca-Cola Light

2010-11-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

I always love when fashion designers collaborate with unexpected companies to produce really cool and creative items. Over the years, Coca-Cola Light (Diet Coke in America) has collaborated with several fabulous and prominent designers to create out of this world limited edition bottles. What a great way to promote both brands! Too bad they are only sold in Europe.

Karl Lagerfeld

Roberto Cavalli

Gianfranco Ferre

Nathalie Rykiel - daughter of the famous Sonia Rykiel

Birds of a Feather

2010-11-24T18:29:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of feathers as an accent piece to a simple outfit. Whether used as trim on a blazer or made into a hair piece, it's a great alternative to sequins. Here are some of my favorite finds.

Elizabeth and James blazer

J. Crew capelet

Forever 21 earrings

J. Crew belt

Holiday Reads!

2010-11-24T18:05:00.000-08:00

With holiday vacation time around the corner, I've picked the latest books to persue while lounging around in my pj's. The first choice is The Secret of Chanel No. 5: The Intimate History of the World's Most Famous Perfume by Tilar J. Mazzeo. The infamous perfume was created in the early 1900's and made from synthetic rose and jasmine oils in Grasse, France (the perfume capital of the world and on my list of places to revisit). But, as times have changed, so have the prices of synthetic oils - so, perfumers have had to be very keen on staying true to the original while meeting the price point. I love Coco Chanel's quote about perfume: "A woman should smell like a woman and not like a flower." If only she could see how her perfume has risen to be the most recognizable perfume available.

My second choice is Encyclopedia of the Exquisite: An Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights by Jessica Kerwin Jenkins. I'm really looking forward to diving into this one to learn all about extravagant things and how they were created. She showcases fashion, travel, food and lifestyle over the years. What a delight!

I am always looking for great coffee table books and I think I have found the jackpot, Emilio Pucci by Vanessa Friedman and Alessandra Arezzi Boza. It's no surprise that I am in love with vintage Pucci (it's still taking me time to get to know the new Pucci line by Peter Dundas), so what a fabulous book to display on my table. I'm obsessed with the colors and patterns of Pucci and will forever be drawn to them. This book highlights Pucci's achievements and features drawings, photographs and photos from the family archive. So colorful!

Favorites this week!

2010-11-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

Right now I am loving the women's clothing brand, Pink Tartan. It was the fun colors and textures of the pieces that first caught my eye at Neimans. The founder and lead designer, Kimberly Newport-Mimran, is married to the original founder of Club Monaco. What a great duo they make! Here are some pieces from Fall 2010 and Spring 2011. http://www.pinktartan.com/

Pink Tartan F/W 2010

Pink Tartan S/S 2011

How cute are these holiday cards from Mr. Boddington's Studio? I love the antique looking drawings with the fun envelope liners. They also offer unique wedding and baby announcements as well as personalized stationery. http://www.mrboddington.com/

Seasons Greetings

Sending you bright wishes for the New Year!

Personalized stationery

And lastly, I am reading (for the second time) one of my favorite books. Basic Black by Cathleen Black discusses her career starting from the bottom of the publishing world and ending up currently as the President of Hearst magazines. She made tremendous strides to get where she is today and has been called "The First Lady of magazines". She is inspiring and shows that you can reach your goals by working hard! Dream big!

Bowheads - Part 2

2010-10-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love anything with a bow, so my latest collage is all about bows. Check out http://www.shopstyle.com/

Enjoy!

Coats by Mackage
Pins by White House

Magenta's Passon for Color

2010-10-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

While I was on One Kings Lane today, I discovered the following beautiful ceramicware. Magenta, Inc. was started in 2002 by several women designers who wanted a creative name for the company that expressed their passion for color. Since magenta is the hardest color to achieve when firing ceramics, they felt magenta represented "their committment to overcoming creative challenges". I absolutely love that! The design team is incredibly talented and creative! http://www.magenta-inc.com/

Designer Spotlight #1: Amanda Nisbet

2010-10-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Interior Designer Amanda Nisbet is the epitome of all things fabulous, bright and beautifully coordinated. She is best known for being comfortable and classy while mixing Classicism and Modernism. I love how she isn't afraid to blend colors and patterns. Amanda has been featured in several popular design publications (Elle Decor, House Beautiful) and also speaks at many design events. I'd love to meet her! http://www.amandanisbetdesigns.com/

This week's finds: Vivre belts!

2010-09-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

Five years ago, I became obsessed with belts. Decorative, plain, thick or thin - I've worn them all. Belts can make any slouchy outfit look slim and brighten any boring frock. But, lately all I have been able to find are "rocker chic" studded belts. Until now. Vivre restored my faith that there are fabulous belts out there! Enter Nicole Whisenhunt with her beautiful crystal beaded Belle sash belt. Or how about Raven Kauffman's Harlow belt with the sunburst crystal design? Or better yet, pick up one of Christopher Ross' belts with the stunning gold cast iron buckles?! I've admired Christopher's belts for some time now - they are quite the collector's items. So, since bows are a sure thing this year, the Christopher Ross bow belt is a perfect fit. Or the lion head belt would be great for those days you feel tough. Enjoy! http://www.vivre.com/

Nicole Whisenhunt's Belle belt

Raven Kauffman's Harlow belt

Christopher Ross' gold bow belt

Christopher Ross' gold lion belt

Ruffles galore!

2010-09-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

Today, Daily Candy featured an adorable clothing line called Dolly Pearl. The designer, Vi Hoang, is from Houston and moved to NYC to pursue her dream. Her clothing is so graceful, elegant and full of architectural pieces. I love, love anything with a ruffle and found the below pieces to be my favorites! Also, She also has a cute inspirational blog with different sayings. See below and enjoy! http://www.dollypearl.com/

Emiko top

Brandy dress

Emily top

Tiffany tunic

Oh Rosanna!

2010-09-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

I found these super cute tableware pieces by Rosanna, Inc. while on trolling through One Kings Lane's website. I absolutely love the different collections of floral, damask and other novelities. There is a collection for every type of person: the pastels for the Lilly Pulitzer fan, the numbers for the Pottery Barn enthusiasts, and the red/white scroll for the Hermes china lovers. Not only do the collections include plates, but also trays, pitchers and cake plates. Of course, black and white damask print collection is my favorite. Check out her website: http://www.rosannainc.com/

Milly Love

2010-09-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

I am head over heels for the Milly Spring RTW 2011! Michelle Smith has completely taken this line to the next level. Right now, consumers are looking for fun yet structured pieces to lift their spirits. I adore how she has combined florals with stripes and tied the entire look together with fabulous babbles. Plus, there is something for every type of woman. I'm so excited for these items to hit stores - I have a feeling this is a sign that Spring 2011 is going to be great! Cheers!

Milly Floral

Milly Stripes

Milly Mix-Match

Milly Chevron Pattern

Milly Lace

And my favorite of all time...

Milly Red Jacket with Chevron Print Shirt

Round Two - Spring Ready-to-Wear 2011 NYC Fashion Week

2010-09-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Here are my top picks out of all the Spring RTW 2011 shows. I am loving the feminine eloquence that was very present as well as structured jackets and pants. As usual, white was one of the underlying colors in all shows, but I noticed that many designers presented more natural colors rather than bright, bold hues. I was hoping for more eye-popping pieces. Enjoy!

Adam

Carmen Marc Valvo

Carolina Herrera

Isaac Mizrahi

Cynthia Rowley

Here are my TOP 2 Most Exciting Spring RTW 2011. Loving DVF's prints and Oscar de la Renta's extravagance!

DVF

Oscar de la Renta

Spring 2011 NYC Fashion Week - Round One

2010-09-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

Fashion Week just started and there are already some great pieces appearing. We will have to wait a day for the rest of the shows to finish, but here are my picks so far. Enjoy!

Christian Siriano

Christian Siriano is always amazing with his designs. I love the belted pieces, however, I am not inspired by his fabric prints. I'm loving the camel leather dress and the red python v-neck dress above. http://www.christianvsiriano.com/

Bensoni

I adore the flowing skirts from Bensoni, but I will pass on the pigtail braids for fear of looking like Pippi Longstocking. Bensoni is a fairly new label made up of Benjamin Channing and Sonia Yoon. They won the Parsons' "Designer of the Year" award and apprenticed for Brioni and Armani. http://www.bensoni.com/

Peter Som

Peter Som's colorful prints have to be my favorite for this year. He is an incredible designer who worked under Michael Kors and Calvin Klein before debuting his own line in Fall 1999. I'm loving the flower detail on the bright turquoise summer coat. So cheerful! http://www.petersom.com/

Ruffian

Well, I guess I can now say that belted Spring jackets are the ticket. I love how Ruffian used military influence, but didn't include it in every piece of the collection. The blue Moroccan print is beautiful! The Ruffian line was created by Brian Wolk and Claude Morais and have been featured in Vogue and WWD. http://www.ruffian.com/

September Bliss

2010-08-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

The September issues of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and InStyle arrived today. Pure Bliss!

A Sip of Vintage Martini

2010-08-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

The latest vintage store to pop up on the radar in Dallas is a jewel of a place called Vintage Martini. Though their website is a little difficult to navigate, their offerings are outstanding. Their merchandise is catagorized by decade in which it was created. Not only do they offer vintage clothing and accessories, but they also have clothing patterns, magazines and vintage photographs. Very cool! Here are some of my favorite finds that inspired me!
http://www.vintagemartini.com/

Label unknown

Oscar de la Renta

Label unknown

And my all time favorite - most obsure find...

Scaasi for Neiman Marcus

New Designers for Target!

2010-08-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

I always love to see who's the next designer to collaborate with Target. I can say that my all time favorite designer's line so far was Cynthia Rowley. Her home decor offerings were full of bright colors and whimsical designs. Any designer that is looking to take their business to a national level will always look to Target first and foremost. Times have changed and the public are now looking to "big box retailers" for special, energetic pieces rather than the high-end industry. Cheers to Target!

The latest designs to hit the red bullseye are from John Derian (with his unique artwork on home decor pieces), Tucker (an eclectic women's line) and Mulberry (who is known best for their purses). Enjoy!

John Derian

Tucker

Mulberry

Max and Chloe!

2010-08-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying websites like Shop Style and Piperlime that showcase tons of brands all in one place. My favorite website so far is Max and Chloe - they have a HUGE variety of jewelry designers and display all of their wonderful product beautifully. I could spend hours looking at every line, but unfortunately, I don't have that kind of time. So, here are my favorites of what I have shopped so far. Enjoy! (http://www.maxandchloe.com/)

Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings

Vita Fede Canti Bracelet

Janna Connor Aeron Bracelet

Ben-Amun Coin Necklace

But my all time favorite that I have been obsessing over is the West Avenue Jewelry's monogram necklace. There is something about the gold and scrollwork that makes it feel comfortable and fitting. I love it and look forward to layering it with other gold necklaces!

Double Vision

2010-08-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

Blu Bijoux

I came across this beautiful Blu Bijoux cuff bracelet (above) and thought it looked very similar to the Chanel Maltese cuff that usually sells for $1600. The Maltese cuff was originally created for Coco back in the 1930's by her head textile designer, Fulco di Verdura, who went on to create her hugely successful line of costume jewelry. I love this Marie Claire articule that featured Chanel's bracelets. I absolutely adore. My buddy, Kenneth Jay Lane, was inspired by this particular piece and created his own version for on $165. I heart him!

Kenneth Jay Lane

Bright Sunshiny Day!

2010-07-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

I'm dedicating this post to all things bright colored and beautiful. I'm in a great mood today and I am guessing it's because I'm wearing a bright orange dress. Or maybe it could be that the sun is out today even though we are suppose to be under a flash flood warning - silly weatherman. The fact is that bright colors will lift anyone's spirits and refresh the soul.

I have been a fond admirer of Trina Turk for a couple of years now. Her exotic (and bright) fabrics and impeccable cut clothing are pure perfection. So, you can imagine how excited I was to see that she expanded her brand to indoor/outdoor prints for Schumacher. Beautiful!
http://www.fschumacher.com/collections/trinaturk.aspx

Much like Trina Turk, Milly dresses make me equally happy. Michelle Smith is a master at creating dresses that flatter any girl's figure and has turned her brand into sleek, sophiscated and FUN to wear. These are two of my favorites!
http://www.millyny.com/

Viva Vintage

2010-06-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

I love finding cool vintage clothing, but hate having to dig through racks upon racks of moth-smelling clothes. That's why I love the website "Chic & You Shall Find" because each item is individually photographed and details are listed. I especially love their dresses (see below for my favorites). However, I don't think I can buy used shoes - I just can't go there. Enjoy! http://www.chicandyoushallfind.com/default.asp

Crazy Crayolas!

2010-06-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across Herb Williams art in a magazine and was completely speechless. AMAZING! He creates masterpieces entirely of crayons and probably one of Crayola's best customers. He is on such great terms with Crayola, that he just calls them up and orders cases of them. I always LOVED a new pack of crayons - I bet if I opened one today it would remind me of my first day in Mrs. Segrato's 1st grade class. I would always get so excited the week before school because Mom would take us to Winn's to get our supplies. It's the little things in life, you know?!

Bravo to Herb Williams! You are so creative! http://www.herbwilliamsart.com/

G-man turns 2!

2010-06-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my precious nephew, Grayson James! He truly is a joy to everyone in the family. He is turning out to be quite a character like his mom and aunt. I love him to pieces and can't wait to squeeze him!

Great quote

2010-04-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God." - Nelson Mandela

This week's favorites!

2010-04-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, we are approaching the busy season full of fun events. I am loving the following finds and wish I had time to list out my other hundred favorite finds. Maybe tomorrow?

As I have listed in previous posts, I am drawn to anything that is either turquoise or lucite. If I could, I would wear a turquoise tunic and all lucite jewelry every day, but that would get old quickly. So, I’ll stick to home décor. How fabulous are these ceramic Z Gallerie accessories and the Vivre lucite Adirondack chair?
www.zgallerie.com
www.vivre.com

Vintage clothing and jewelry are always intriguing. So, I love perusing the Archive Vintage website and seeing all of the fun items they have for sale. Check out their website. www.archivevintage.com

And I can thank my friend, Michael Anne, for passing along this treasure of a book to me. Steve Harvey is hilarious in his book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man”. It amazing how differently men and women think – I love hearing Steve’s interpretation of it all.

Green Chic

2010-04-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

I didn’t realize that eco-chic home décor looked this good until I stumbled upon two websites: www.greenwithglamour.com and www.modgreenpod.com. With all the material regulations and compliances that the state of California has put in place, I think it’s great to find décor that is made from recycled items and organic cotton fabrics – plus they meet all rules. I’m loving the fabrics and wallpaper from Mod Green Pod. Plus, they are Texas girls who are based out of Austin. Green With Glamour has some amazing items for home and to wear – I adore the geometric stool, artichoke lamp and swirl table. The red and white bohemian print throw is my favorite because it made entirely from fabric scraps! Enjoy!

Mod Green Pod:

Green With Glamour:

Adorable!

2010-04-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

I found these adorable stationary note cards and fell in love. R. Nichols credits his 6th grade teacher for his love for art (how cute!). His work has appeared in several national ad campaigns and he was the illustrator for the book, French Women Don’t Get Fat. Here are some of my favorites.
(cards can be bought at Neimans or Gump’s)
www.r-nichols.com

Spring Time!

2010-04-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

It's officially spring and I couldn't be happier. I love seeing bright floral prints appearing everywhere! But, we only have a short amount of time to enjoy the fabulous weather before the heat wave rides in and becomes unbearable.

1. Once again Vera Neumann's artwork is popping up in a collection for Anthropologie. The late artist was known for our whimsical eye-catching art and most famous for her beautiful scarves. I am dying to pick up a copy of her book in Anthro that details all of our work. What a creative woman! Loving the ladybug logo and blue Pucci-like sofa at Anthropologie
www.anthropologie.com

2. I must say that I was very impressed to see Target collaborate with Liberty of London. A brand that was started back in 1875, Liberty & Co. is known worldwide for their luxury accessories, clothing and especially their fabrics. I absolutely love the prints - they are a vibrant approach to shabby chic. So, how exciting that Target is offering everything from houseware items to a decorative ten speed bike. Go check it out! http://www.liberty.co.uk/ and www.target.com
(photo with plates from Marie Claire Ideas)

Art and Makeup

2010-02-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

We are all familiar with the comic book style pop art that made Roy Lichtenstein famous. He created art by enlarging and exaggerated "Ben-Day" dots to give the look like it was right out of a comic book. A MAC makeup artist decided to honor his work by creating a real-life Lichtenstein character for Halloween by using only makeup. How cool is that?! Enjoy!

Wild about Waylande

2010-02-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

I came across the fabulous work of Waylande Gregory while checking out Vivre.com. Not only has he created unique art deco ceramic pieces, but it turns out he is one of the most influential ceramic sculptors of the twentieth century (famous sculptures include Fountain of the Atoms and Light Dispelling Darkness). Though I am not a huge fan of his sculptures, I'm in love with his checkerboard black and gold plates and vases. Of course I would love the gold pieces - they are covered in 22k gold glaze. Enjoy! www.vivre.com

This week's favorite things!

2010-02-14T18:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my favorite finds for the week of 2/15/10. With record breaking winter weather conditions last week, I am craving anything that reminds me of springtime/patio weather. Nothing like fun, bright colors to trigger the fond memories of the sun (can you tell I am freezing as I write this?! brrrrr). Enjoy and have a wonderful week!

1. Iris and I spotted several vintage Fiesta ware pitchers at a recent trip to the antique shop and I fell in love. Of course, there was every color imaginable there for sale and ranging from $45-350. Shocking, I know.

2. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't love Z Gallerie. Though they filed bankruptcy last fall, they are still going strong and turning out some really fabulous and affordable finds. I love this flower pillow and turquoise canisters. Both add texture that is always needed. http://www.zgallerie.com/

3. The besties and I absolutely love Henri Bendel. I adore his bangle bracelets the most. He is known for his pop of color and signature brown & cream stripes. I'm loving that his store is open at Northpark. http://www.henribendel.com/

4. I'm looking forward to picking up a copy of Kelly Cutrone's book, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside...And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You. Yes, she is a brash and icy owner of a top fashion pr firm and no, I do not idolize her. I am interested in reading about her experiences and rise to the top of a cut throat industry. I am woman, here me roar.

5. Okay, this is a tough one to post because I am currently eating my words for previously making fun of anyone who listened to Michael Buble. I am sorry and can now say that I am a fan. I love Michael Buble's newest cd; he is such a great twist old and new. Cheers! (Looking forward to seeing him in concert this July!) http://www.michaelbuble.com/

TURQUOISE!

2010-02-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

It’s official! Pantone has named Turquoise as the color for 2010. I couldn’t be more excited about the color choice. This year marks a new year filled with hope and excitement for many people. Turquoise represents several things: emotional healing, refreshing, calming, protection and to some: sophistication. We are all looking for a sense of relief after a tough 2009 year and turquoise gives us that belief that everything is going to get better. Look all around and you’ll start noticing pops of turquoise in many types of industries. Happy 2010 to you! (www.pantone.com )

Measure your life!

2010-01-29T14:46:00.000-08:00

I have been listening to my Glee Cast station on Pandora non-stop these days and one of my favorite songs is always played: Seasons of Love. I am so delighted by this song - not because it's from Rent, but because of the lyrics. How do you measure a year in the life? How about love? I have realized that these past couple of years have flown by and I didn't take time to really concentrate on why they were so special. I need to be thankful for all the loving relationships I have in my life - family, friends, etc. The song goes on to say It's time now to sing out, though the story never ends, lets celebrate, remember a year in the life of friends. I just love that. Everyday, I need to celebrate the great people and things I have in my life. I couldn't be more blessed for the laughs, jokes, smiles and happy tears over this year. Thank you to those fabulous people in my life and I look forward to many more fun times! Love you!

Excited!

2010-01-29T14:35:00.001-08:00

I was so excited to see Michael Tori's work featured in the Dallas Morning News. He has put together items for the DIFFA 2010 Silent Auction Soiree on February 3rd. Michael is a fabulous balance of creativity, spontaneity and a sincere heart. I am very lucky to get to work with him. Here is the article:

DIFFA brings new format to annual fundraiser News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Life/Travel: FDLuxe

Ahoy Mate!

2010-01-25T19:02:00.001-08:00

My latest love is for all things nautical. It seems like you can't walk into a mall or surf a fashion website without seeing something that belongs on the high sea. Anchors, stripes, flags, red, white, blue, etc. Yes, this theme makes its rounds every couple of years, but I feel like this one always remains the same and stays true to its roots. I love the sailor button-front plants, the striped boat neck shirts, a scarf and flats. I'm already craving springtime and it's only January. I guess it will have to wait. (here is the latest nautical finds from the Two's Company showroom)

Dallas Market - Jan 2010

2010-01-25T18:09:00.001-08:00

January is market month at the Dallas Market Center. I had a wonderful time cruising up and down the floors of the World Trade Center and loved seeing all the new design ideas. Besides enjoying all of the color everywhere, I also loved seeing tons of people there. The entire place was buzzing with vendors and buyers - which means one thing: the economy is looking up! Here are some great photos from several of my favorite showroom displays (18 Karat, Global Views and Two's Company). How much do you love the Cheeto puffs as filler? Loves it!

Decoupage this!

2010-01-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

I came across this company and found it to be quite fabulous. I know I tend to lean more toward the modern, minimal designs, but deep down I have a love for all things dainty and feminine. I absolutely adore the John Derian’s decoupage plates and cache pots (see below). The plates are perfect for serving appetizers or desserts (I’m onto this baking kick – I need to become more domestic!). Besides the decoupage collections, John Derian also sells really cool framed artwork by Hugo Guinness that would look fabulous as a collection in an entry hallway. Enjoy! http://www.johnderian.com/index.html

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T14:46:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

I'm excited for the new year because it marks new beginnings - out with the old, in with the new. 2010 is already off to a great start: I've found 3 lucky pennies so far, mastered my ginormous cupcake recipe (see photo) and the weather has been cold enough to wear my favorite jacket. I'm so looking forward to what 2010 brings - Cheers!

A Thriftique Find

2009-12-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

Thriftique - definition: a fabulous find at a thrift store/antique store

My latest thriftique find: this art deco collar necklace. As everyone knows, I’m obsessed with big jewelry and any gold-black combo. So, this find was a perfect fit for only $30!

Paging Mr. Adler

2009-12-09T13:05:00.000-08:00

I had the fabulous pleasure of meeting designer/interior decorator, Jonathan Adler, on December 2nd. Jonathan is known for being a judge on Bravo’s Top Design show, decorating Barbie’s life-size house for her 50th celebration and his incredible line of ceramic décor. I have been a huge fan of his for a couple of years now and love his obsession with color. See below for his book, My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living – in it he shows that he isn’t at all scared of combining color with pattern. Plus, he is married to his partner of 15 years, the eccentric Simon Doonan (creative director of Barney’s), who is equally talented. I look forward to seeing what Jonathan (and Simon) creates in the future!

DL: I'm in love!

2009-12-02T15:26:00.001-08:00

Fabulous alert: Douglas Little (of D.L. & Co. candles) has designed several amazingly cool laptops for Dell computers. So, what’s the best way to promote and launch your latest hit? Of course, he turned to Bergdorf Goodman where he designed several store windows to match the different laptop looks for the launch of the line. He’s so dramatic with his dark colors, velvet draped everywhere and a 1920’s feel. If you may recall, D.L. & Co. designed an area at the fashion show we attended last year (see older posting) and it was one of the highlights of the night. See below for photos of his laptops, BG store window displays and D.L. & Co. candle.

Introducing DJ Jazzy Jen!

2009-11-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

It was a great day on November 18th, 2009 - my bestie, Jen, got to meet one of her idols at the Tiffany's event. A little back story about Jen: she loves music and is a master mix cd maker (hence the nickname DJ Jazzy Jen). So, when we realized that DJ Lucy Wrubel was playing, Jen's palms went a little sweaty. Lucy is famous for being the top DJ in Dallas and wears only the funkiest, coolest attire. Congrats Jen!
(check out Lucy's awesome website: www.lucywrubel.com)

For Your Home...

2009-11-29T17:40:00.000-08:00

The latest and greatest in the home fragrance category is this fabulous new fragrance diffuser from Editons de Parfums/Fredric Malle (www.editionsdeparfums.com). The small mod-looking box dispenses your choosen fragrance instead using the original reed diffuser or room spray. How cool!! I would definitely choose the "Lipstick Rose" fragrance since I'm a floral type. I love the look, but not the price: $150.

Tribal times

2009-11-29T17:20:00.000-08:00

Well, there is a strong showing of tribal trends for Spring 2010. I personally am not a big fan of these looks, but felt it's important to show some of looks that will eventually trickle down to national retailers. I do enjoy the bright colors and intricate detail and craftsmanship. Cheers!

(Below: boot by Tory Burch, purse by Trussardi 1911, boot by Christian Louboutin, sandal by Balmain)

What a joy!

2009-11-26T16:09:00.000-08:00

How precious is my sweet nephew?! He is at the fun age where entertaining guests is his favorite. He hams it up for the camera and anyone who looks his way. He is such a joy in our lives! Love you, sweet Grayson!

I heart Kenneth!

2009-11-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

“I can resist anything except temptation” – Kenneth Jay Lane

I’ve often wondered where places like Forever 21 and H&M get their inspiration for jewelry and how they are always so on target with trends. Well, I just realized they turn to Kenneth Jay Lane most of the time. I finally made the connection when I was scrolling through photos of his jewelry and realized that I had some of the same pieces, but unfortunately, mine aren’t real. I’m loving everything thing about Kenneth Jay Lane – he studied design at Rhode Island School of Design, created shoes for Christian Dior and dabbled in jewelry design during his free time. He has gone on to sell his jewelry to Saks, Bergdorf, and many online luxury sites. He has written a book called “Faking It” and I intend to pick up a copy this weekend to enjoy over the holiday break. The only downside I can see from this uber-creative brand is his not-so-fortunate line for QVC. The line is called KJL and none of the pieces even carry the fabulous spark that his “real” brand carries. As we have seen before (many times), when brands start to mass produce collections, they lose the uniqueness and quality. Without a doubt, I give KJL an “E” for effort. Although he doesn’t have a website, he does have a flagship store in the Plaza Hotel and I look forward to visiting it next time I’m in NYC. Cheers!

Fabulous Freymann!

2009-11-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

My latest obsession is with Roberta Freymann's line of necklaces. Big, bold, and absolutely stunning - I am loving these statement pieces. Roberta's necklaces are inspired by her travels and experiences, but I imagine even if this woman didn't travel, she would still have a fabulous eye for creating cool necklaces. I spotted the purple gem necklace (below) in the Fall 2009 trends last year and just about fell out of my chair. Some would say my signature color is either red or black, but the colors in this necklace make me want to buy everything purple and fuchsia.

http://www.robertafreymann.com/

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Who doesn’t love Halloween?! I’m not sure I have ever encountered a person that doesn’t get some kind of joy out of this holiday. Even if you aren’t the type who dresses up, just seeing the decorations and costumes brings back memories of your childhood. I love that skulls and crossbones have become so popular in more of a whimsical way. Gone are the days of bloody bones and skulls. Now, everywhere you look there is a bedazzled set of them – on dishware, jewelry and clothes. So in the spirit of this spooktacular Halloween season, I’ve shown below some of my ATF finds. (cuffs from Vivre, shaker set from Pottery Barn and coasters from Z Gallerie)

Devastation on the Dallas front

2009-10-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

I am really upset today. Not because the weather is ridiculously cloudy and humid, but because there will not be a FASHION IN THE PARK this year. Pure devastation. We had such a great time last year seeing Marc Bouwer’s show on the final night. The bright colored dresses were so refreshing amongst a sea of black clothes. I absolutely adored the huge bangles and sparkles. Besides having to sit next to kooky male twins over the age of 40 (and kooky is an understatement – I’ve met many characters in my life and none compare to these clowns), the show was great and meeting Marc B was just fabulous.

Since there will not be a Fashion in the Park week this year in Dallas, see below for my tribute to what was a wonderful night.

P.S. - I can't go without mentioning the uber-fabulous D.L.&Co. tent. Very sophiscated with a gothic twist.

Housecoats

2009-10-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

Two of my co-workers were discussing how women used to wear housecoats. We decided to google images of housecoats and these fabulous photos came up. Part of me thinks I was supposed to be born in the 50’s where women wore everything A-lined and cinched in at the waist. I would have loved to wear a housecoat during the day while preparing dinner for my family. HA, not really. But I do love the sophistication of it all. I think I may go search for a fun housecoat this weekend, but then I may need to also find my AARP card and a cane. Enjoy these old patterns and photos I found. A few even look like DVF wrap dresses. I love the last one - I would definitely wear it if it was black with gold buttons (shocking, I know).

Johnny Cupcakes

2009-09-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across a really fabulous website today while searching 2010 trend sites. The name of the brand is Johnny Cupcakes. The logo is adorable with a cupcake on crossbones. I love the earrings and t-shirts with the cute designs (although I can't really see myself wearing the earrings). But the best part of this company is the story behind it. Check out how cute his website and product is: http://www.johnnycupcakes.com/

Knot's Landing

2009-09-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

I recently spotted a spread in a magazine about the latest “knot” jewelry. I have seen the knot in earrings, necklaces, cuffs, belts, etc. Though it’s not a new thing, I feel it’s a great twist on the classic Celtic knot meaning eternity and interconnectedness. Of course, I am bias to the gold as I am a gold lover, so I decided to include a silver version for comparison. I loved finding these 1960s vintage Tiffany knot earrings. Their version today is more of a mesh metal – but I adore both. I also love DVF’s knot earrings where she has inscribed “love” and “life” on each of the earrings. (Pictured below: Tiffany & Co. Knot stud earrings, DVF earrings, random find necklance)

The Veronicas...I heart you!

2009-09-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

This isn’t a new find, but I felt the need to share a hidden treasure. Jen turned me onto the fabulous twin sister duo, The Veronicas, and I’ve felt a friendship with them ever since. Not only do they rock the stringy hair and leather pants like every rock star should, but their pop music is extremely contagious. Their music is an obsession of mine, but not a full blown Brad Pitt type of obsession that women get...just a minor obsession.

Jen and I saw them in concert last year and luckily got a chance to meet them (briefly). We waited anxiously like little school girls and walked up and said hello. And I may or may not have told them that Jen and I were The Veronicas in another life. Yep, I went there. I felt I had nothing to lose. It’s always good to shake things up and not always go with the typical “Oh I love you guys so much” greeting. I guarantee it was a success and they went back to Hotel ZaZa thinking about the nutty redhead they encountered. HA http://www.theveronicas.com/

Wedding Bells!

2009-09-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

September 12, 2009 was a great day because my best friend got married! It was one of those days you dream about for your friend. It was a beautiful evening filled with family, friends and lots of dancing! I was so happy that the Bebbris could make it – they impressed everyone with their dancing skills! Between Iris and myself, we ended up taking over 300 pictures! I am so happy for the new Mr. & Mrs. Kirksey and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!!

Wall Decor

2009-09-08T18:35:00.001-07:00

Check out another Domistyle item available at JCP under their private brand, Artesia. This Moroccan mirror ranks in my top five favorite decorative pieces at Domistyle. I'm so excited to hang it in my place. I heart the black, but would love to paint it a fun color like orange for a pop of color. Enjoy! (http://www.jcpenney.com/)

Prrrrrrrrrrr

2009-09-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

I'm loving these fur vests I found in InStyle. They are of course faux, but who doesn't remember the days when we used to parade around in our mom's real furs?! I used to feel so chic back in the 90's whenever I would wear my black rabbit fur jacket. I'm sure deep down I wanted to add gold buttons or a pin to jazz it up. That was then and this is now. Faux fur is the rage whether on a vest, collar, or pair of boots. I personally will stay with the vest or collar. I've spotted some great ones at Zara and BCBG. Prrrrr!

Serious about headbands!

2009-09-08T18:01:00.001-07:00

Yet another obsession has come into my life. It isn't a new one, but it hasn't had me obsessed since 1989. Yes, headbands have taken over my life. It's an article of flair that is as important in fashion as it is in holding my hair back. The 1980's introduced florescent bow headbands, but this time around, my obsession is more refined. To go along with my love for black (but not in the Gothic way), these new headbands compliment and show off an edgier side. InStyle and Vogue both showcased their love for headbands this month - ranging from bows and feathers to anything blingy. I don't really agree with their ideas to make your own headbands - I've worked with a hot glue gun and it isn't pretty. Since we don't know the length of this trend, I would lean towards buying the cheap and fun headbands in places like H&M, Arden B, etc. Enjoy!!

Summer reading

2009-07-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Summer reading is always fun. However, my reading time doesn’t consist anymore of laying by the pool with a cold cocktail in one hand and a fabulous chick lit book in the other. Rather, it only happens when I am winding down in the late evenings. For me, a truly good summer read is one that steers me away from my addiction to reality TV. Yes, I admit my downfall – I have a issue that I can’t stop watching these ridiculous shows. I am not partial to one channel or the other, which means I could tell you everything about renovating a money pit of a home to the fashion mishaps that so many Americans face.

So, I found a book that was so great, I spent the past two nights staying up past midnight trying to finish it. Based on the rich society in Dallas, Good Christian Bitches shows what it’s like to move back to the place where you grew up and what the repercussions are. From what I understand, this could very well be a true story with only the names changed to protect the innocent (or not so innocent).

Ah yes, nothing like being in high school again. Some things never change and some people never change. It’s amazing (and sad) to me to think that some people hit their “plateau” in high school. As for the character in the book, I feel for her because she is an amazing woman who is dealing with the wrath of people who used to be her best friends. I love that she remains strong, sets a good example for her kids and never confronts the rumor mill. Oh how everyone loves the rumor mill in a home town. How about that fabulous rumor that went around about me five years ago that I just moved to Dallas and became anorexic. HAHAHA – I never laughed so hard! Me anorexic??! Now that’s hilarious. Bless their hearts that that’s all they have to talk about. Much like in the book, we all move on and take our own roads. Luckily for some of us, that road is called I-35 north.

(Disclaimer: I know I sound rough and rigid about SA town, but I love it and all of the people. I am very excited to go to the 10 year reunion and see everyone. I honestly have no hard feelings and tons of great memories. I just thought it was funny how the book parallels many societies. I guess it’s the same anywhere you go.)

New find!

2009-07-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

So happy to find my latest favorite item. Place: Barney's Outlet. Price: Originally $365, paid $75. I was thrilled to find a cool bib necklace with fun colors (check out older posts about bib necklaces). To me, a true accessory is one that can stand on it's own and doesn't need another piece to compliment it. I come from a long line of big jewelry-wearing women and I'll admit I'm proud of it. We are as loud as our accessories can scream, but our hearts and intentions are just as big.

Ridiculous fact #1

2009-07-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

How ridiculous are people who put stuffed animals on their dashboards? Could someone please explain this to me?! Does someone say, "I want to seem cuddly, cute & sensitive, so I'll put beanie babies on my dash"? Obviously they don't care too much about their precious plush pieces if they are going to cram them against a burning hot window during these 103 degree summers. So, if you are thinking about showing off your favorite stuffed friends, just know that you won't be coming off as the "sweet & loving" kind, but rather as the "creepy - I bet she owns 30 cats" type. Hey, it's up to you.

One year!

2009-07-07T20:26:00.001-07:00

I just realized that I have been blogging (not nearly as many posts as I wanted) for a year now. Not only does July mark the anniversary, but it always marks my birthday month. I know I should be excited about another year under my belt, but 28 just doesn't seem like a fabulous number to me. So, instead of worrying about whether or not 28 is cool, this year I'm going to celebrate the important people in my life that have made it so wonderful! Cheers to my family and friends (new and old) - I love you all! xoxo

Over the Top

2009-06-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

I knew I loved Matthew Williamson. Besides his over the top bright prints, turns out he once designed for Pucci in 2006 (which I loooove). The resemblances are there: bold colors, 70's style prints, silky fabrics - everything a girl could ask for! And to top it all off, Matthew Williamson recently designed several lines for H&M. Cool, chic, cheap clothing. It's truly sad for us Texans that there are no H&Ms anywhere near us. I would love to get my hands on his wild printed tunics and accessories. I guess it will have to wait till my next trip out of Texas in August. Tears.

Coastal Living

2009-06-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

One of the trends appearing for Spring 2010 is seaside feel meets plantation home living. Everything from whitewashed furniture, rattan, blue & white hues, dramatic drapes to blue willow candle holders. The mixture of casual comfort from the ocean life and sophisticated structure of the plantation living ties it all together beautifully. Even if we don't have an oceanfront view outside our windows, we can at least make our home feel that way.

(photos from http://www.housebeautiful.com/)

Sew cool

2009-06-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

I must say I am very impressed with the craftsmanship and "sew"manship of the pieces I found below. The detail is impeccable - I can't imagine the amount of time and effort put into every line. Believe me, after taking a sewing class back in '88, I know how difficult it is to make QUALITY items. I never realized all of the great activities Bebbris (my parents Bebb and Iris) had Sarita and I do during our childhood until recently. Iris signed us and several friends up for sewing classes one summer- imagine 8 or 9 girls lugging in borrowed Singer sewing machines at 9am in morning (of course, dressed in bright colored dresses and BOWS). I can only imagine what our teacher thought of us - much like a scene out of Troop Beverly Hills. Long story short, we had a great time, learned how to sew and never once have I tried it again (I have not even attempted to sew a button back on). So thank you Bebbris for all of the time, money and energy you spent driving us to all of our fun summer activities. And there is a reason why I am in sales and not a fabulous seamstress working for a fashion house. They are masters at their craft and I admire the tremendous work they do!
(listed below: Fall 2008 Versace, Spring 2007 Sophia Kokosalaki, Spring 2007 Zac Posen)

Attention Bowheads

2009-06-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

Much like every little girl, I owned tons of bows and never went a day without one. Sarita and I had a bathroom cabinet so full of bows that when you tried shutting it, you could see grosgrain ribbon seeping out the sides. My parents will never forget the day I came home crying from school. An older, more gothic type of girl was mean to me at the water fountain and on her binder read "I EAT BOWHEADS". I about died when I read that and was so scared that she would do something to me. I can guarantee I've never worn a bow again (but, I'm still a bowhead at heart).

So, fast forward to Diane Von Furstenberg's Resort 2010 line and you'll see the runway full of BOWS! We can always count on DVF for great shows and more importantly, amazing prints. Inspired by Brazil and neighboring lands, DVF's resort line is bright, bold and does not disappoint. Not only are we thankful for her great fabrics, but we owe it all to her for creating the wrap dress in the 70's. Yes, THE wrap dress that accentuates and hides all at the same time. So cheers to you DVF and thank you for continuing to pump out some unique and fabulous pieces. (so fabulous that there is actually a knockoff of her print at JCP by Allen B. Schwartz -- shame shame)

P.S. - I just had to include two snapshots from Carolina Herrera's resort 2010 line. I am in love with orange (I know - who would have thought a redhead would adore orange?). But, CH takes it to the next level by combining orange with silver. I love it! I have always been a gold & orange gal, but I must try the silver/orange combo. Bravo CH!

Totally Tunic

2009-06-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

I came across these great beach coverups on Elle.com and loved them! I adore the bold fabrics that you can wear with anything. Enjoy!

Baby G turns 1!!

2009-06-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

I just have to wish my sweet nephew a very HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY! Not only is he the most handsome 1 year old, but he is the sweetest little fella as well! We have been so blessed this past year and I am so excited to see what the future holds for him! Love you, G-man!

Love,

Nannah

Shoe-holic

2009-06-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

Since work has been quite hectic lately, I decided to take some down time and post some fabulous finds. The latest one is Bruce Gray's sculptures of shoes. Of course, I thought they were incredible and well worth sharing. What girl doesn't love a huge sculpture of a stiletto?! Although the shoe sculptures are my favorite, Bruce Gray has other amazing works of art and has done work for an endless list of galleries and museums. Enjoy! (http://www.brucegray.com/)

Oh Louie

2009-05-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

I am in love with Louis XV chairs and have developed a strong urge to find four for my dining room table and reupholster them in a funky style. As you can tell from an older posting about Ghost chairs, I'm pretty much obsessed with these guys. Here are several examples of fun colors and prints. The questions now are: where am I going to find them and what fabulous fabric shall I use??! (Shown below: Dransfield & Ross chair, random great find, chairs from Gorococo.co.uk, a drawing of a Louis XV chair and fabric swatches)

Printed Textiles

2009-05-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

I came across a fabulous site today: http://www.janmilne.co.uk/mod_1/index.jsp . It's full of cool printed textiles (tables, chairs, et cetera). Turns out Jan Milne's work has brightened some hot spots in NYC and Miami as well as used by many interior designers. I absolutely love the damask print on the lucite chairs and table. I'm wondering if the chairs would be too much with my silver nickel & frosted glass table? But, when have I not been over the top?! :)

Cookie Time!

2009-05-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

I needed a little pick me up this afternoon, so what did I turn to?! Oh yes, Troop Beverly Hills videos. Ever since 1989, I have been in love with this movie. Ironically, this movie somewhat parallels my life (not really though) - my name is Hannah just like the daughter, my mom was our troop leader and we never participated in any girl scout activities and my parents split up & got back together. I'm only kidding...I've never known any dictators. But, turns out my friend's co-worker's cousin plays the dictator's wife in the movie. Luckily for me, my best friend recently located a DVD copy for me (a rather hard item to find), so I am no longer forced to view on VHS. Thank goodness! And if you are wondering, yes I can recite the entire movie in my sleep - much like other people can repeat every line from Cool Runnings or Adventures in Babysitting. So to brighten your day, here is one of my favorite clips...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJhchLeR1X0

My picks

2009-05-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

I always look forward to seeing the dresses that are worn to the Met Gala each year. Outrageous...definitely. Fabulous...most definitely.
The hottest item seemed to be the mini dress - I loved seeing all the different variations. Here are my choices for best and worst dressed. Plus, I've included best accessory. Can't wait for next year!

BEST DRESSED:

1. Anne Hathaway in Marc Jacobs - she looks so glam (if only my hair would do that - ha)

2. Claire Danes in Armani Prive - I'm glad to see the one shoulder is still going strong

3. Thalia in Christian Siriano - How exciting for the Project Runway winner?! Great color!

4. Kate Beckinsale in Marchesa - Fabulous flowing organza.

5. Jessica Biel in Versace - I know, I know. I love the bodice, but not her orange tan.

WORST DRESSED:

1. Madonna in Louis Vuitton - Pretty much speechless, except that her scrunchie looks like one Sarita has had since high school (she doesn't wear it out of the house - thank goodness)

2. Leighton Meester in Louis Vuitton - Mork & Mindy called...they want their outfit back.

3. Helena Christensen in Zac Posen - Can I buy a vowel?

BEST ACCESSORY:
1. Eva Longoria's necklace - I love, love huge chain link necklaces.

Loveyourface.com

2009-04-29T15:19:00.001-07:00

Here are two photos of Sarita and me when we were little. In the first one, we had just woken up and were enjoying our favorite breakfast: donuts. Check out the Strawberry Shortcake nightgown. Oh how I loved Strawberry Shortcake - she was the only redhead character I knew of and I became somewhat obsessed with her for a short period of time. The second photo took place at Grandmother & Granddaddy's house. I am guessing we were playing dressup - yet again - in Grandmother's aprons. We always had such a great time at the farm - running wild, playing with the puppies and trying to stay up late enough to watch SNL with Grandmother - very rarely did we make it past 10pm.

Housewife Decor

2009-04-29T15:14:00.001-07:00

I was so very thrilled to see a sculpture in Jill Zarin's (from Real Housewives of NYC on Bravo) apartment that our lead designer, Steven Yarbrough, created. The piece (against the window) is called, "Reaching for Center" and is part of a line of famous sculptures. Before his current position, he was lead designer at Global Views and designed the majority of their decorative accessories and wall decor. How fabulous is he?! Stay tuned for more photos of his work.

Faux Pas

2009-04-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

After reading "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost It's Luster" (I'll have to do another post just to discuss how amazing this book is), I finally realized what a negative effect counterfeit items are to the US. Over millions of dollars are spent every year on fake items and I had never known where this money went until now. This large amount of money contributes to drug trafficking, child labor, manufactuaring of illegal weapons and even terriorism. You would think that the most popular brands would feel flattered, but since the counterfeit industry has exploded into a billion dollar business, luxury brands have been forced to bring on legal help full time. For example, Louis Vuitton has a full staff of attorneys and private investigators who spend over $15 million a year alone fighting this battle. I found this to be very interesting and such an eye-opener.

Don't think I haven't been guilty of this - let's not forget my oh so fabulous Kate Spade (or shall we say Kate Spode) purse in 1999. That's when I learned to not go Faux!

I found this interesting website that explains and blogs about this issue: http://fakesareneverinfashion.com/default.asp

That's Bazaar!

2009-04-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

I picked up a copy of the April issue of Harper's Bazaar yesterday and I'm in love. Where I have I been that I have never really noticed the importance of HB? Not only is Harper's Bazaar run by the Hearst Magazine divison (headed by Catherine Black, who I think is an incredible woman), but it's layout and stories are one of a kind. The "What's Hot/Not" and "Fashion Ideas" sections are great inspiration boards for anyone that is looking for a certain look. One down fall is they rarely show any "lower" priced items on their fashionable pages. Are you kidding me? We are in a recession. I'm not sure I can think of anyone who would up and buy a pair of $2000 Lanvin heels (of course, the girls in Hollywood will be wearing them because they received them for free - what great advertising on Lanvin's part). Anyone interested in learning about what trends will be trickling down into department stores soon, I strongly suggest picking up this publication.

P.S. - Their website is quite impressive, too! http://www.harpersbazaar.com/

Very Vera!

2009-04-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

I just discovered the fabulous work of Vera Neumann. Where have I been?! She has been known for her art and decorative scarves and linens since 1947. I absolutely love her 60's flair and use of color. Anthropologie is doing a tribute line of clothing and decor to celebrate Vera's work(http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/category.jsp?fromDisplayPage=fromDisplayPage&cmElemTag=top&navAction=jump&itemCount=-1&id=VERA&cm_mmc=Email-_-Anthro_09-_-033109VeraR-_-Vera ).

How exciting! It's very Pucci-like with the bright colors and the signature in the corner. Loves it!

Anthropologie dresses

From "Confessions of a Shopaholic"

Classic Cabbage

2009-04-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

I loved this photo of Cloris Leachman for PETA. What a classic look made out of cabbage!

Pink!

2009-03-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

Pink. It's my new obsession. Pink. It's not even a queston. - Aerosmith

Obviously, what girl doesn't love pink?! So I have dedicated this post to all things pink!! My favorite picture: Betsey Johnson and her living space. I love, love how she has incorporated pink into her touches of Hollywood regency. Her vivacious personality is definitely represented.

Right on Target

2009-03-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

It was a year and a half ago when I fell in love with the Hermes "Balcons Du Guadalquivir" china. The Bebbris and I were strolling through Neimans and our eyes were immediately drawn to this collection. I adore the elegant scroll design, but also drawn to the modern twist. I'd love to have a dining room table covered in a starch white appliqued tablecloth, with the entire table setting and a huge chandelier. Is that asking for too much? But, the most important part of the experience would be the family and friends sharing it with me - one day.

So, the reason why I am bringing attention to this fine china is because of my latest trip to Target. I was strolling through the home section as I do every time (I am always doing a competitive analysis for work to see what is selling and definitely what is not) and I came across a very similar china pattern. Yes, I was so struck by it that I took a picture. I ALWAYS carry my camera for reasons like this. I really have to say "Hats off" to the product development team at Target for bringing the stylish trends to the national chain stores. Well done and I hope to meet you one day!

Entertaining delight!

2009-03-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

One of my dearest besties is getting MARRIED! So, I've been researching fabulous table decorations for her - there are so many things you have to think about...flowers or candles or both, not too tall and not too big that you can't see over them, etc. Way too many decisions! Even though the these pictures don't have ANYTHING to do with weddings, I fell in love with them. I love the rich colors, the different themes and how everything coordinates. Loves it!

Wall dilemma no mas!

2009-03-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have always had some sort of OCD when it comes to wall decor. I start to get panicky (this is no lie) just thinking about how to decorate a blank wall. How many pictures is enough? Should I mix the sizes? Will they be symmetrical? I could go on. I came across these great examples from http://www.dominomag.com/ (so terribly sad they are getting rid of the site and mag) and realized that I needed to take a pill and just have fun with it. I love the different levels and angles, the color contrasts and all around how fun they look. I'm jelly!

http://www.absolutelybeautifulthings.com/

New loves of the week!

2009-03-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

The latest two blogs to become my favorite to frequent are: Bag Snob (http://www.bagsnob.com/ ) and Couture Snob (http://www.couturesnob.com/ ). Not only are both blogs in the know with the latest trends, but they also give their honest opinion on whether or not they agree with the trends. There's nothing like brutal honesty - no dancing around with your opinion or worrying if you are going to hurt feelings. They give it to you straight.

So my favorite find of the moment (catch it quick because they go fast) is the Chloe Sally bag. Although I am a HUGE fan of big, slouchy bags, I can't help but love the structure of this piece. Iris picked up a vintage find that looks just like this except it had a top handle instead of the chain strap. I love it! So feminine yet a little masculine with the hardware touches.

Random fabulous finds!

2009-03-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures that I loved and decided they were definitely worth sharing!

http://www.brocadehome.com/

Mary McDonald: http://www.marymcdonaldinc.com/

http://www.cb2.com/

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/