Wednesday, December 28, 2011

New Years Eve Sparkle

Recently I have been in search of the perfect outfit for New Years Eve. Ringing in the New Year is the ideal occasion to dress to the nines. I've noticed that nearly every option seems to be covered in sequins, and I couldn't be happier with this trend. A little sparkle can make every girl look and feel like a princess, and what's better than that? Take a peek at my favorite sequined picks for New Years Eve.

New Years Eve Dresses


Oasis party dress
$95 - oasis-stores.com

Short evening dress
$64 - axparis.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins black sequin dress
$79 - dorothyperkins.com

Jane Norman silver sequin dress
£60 - janenorman.co.uk

Sequin cocktail dress
$64 - axparis.co.uk

TFNC sequin cocktail dress
£45 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Oasis sequin cocktail dress
$70 - oasis-stores.com

Sequin cocktail dress
$72 - romwe.com

French Connection wrap dress
$298 - usa.frenchconnection.com

Dorothy Perkins sequin dress
$79 - dorothyperkins.com

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Casual Holiday Outfit

The time of year when holiday parties seem to begin taking over my calender has officially arrived. I'm sure your upcoming schedule looks a lot like mine when it comes to holiday social events. I recently purchased a pair of oxford heels (see below!) that I thought would be perfect for the holiday parties that I'll be attending this season. My first instinct was to pair these new shoes with some "dressy" dark wash skinny jeans and a holiday-esque button down shirt. Since red is a staple holiday color, I'll finish off this outfit with an eye-catching red handbag. Hope this helps to inspire your holiday party outfits!

Casual Holiday Outfit


J Crew longsleeve shirt
$78 - jcrew.com

J Brand cigarette leg jeans
£190 - matchesfashion.com

Mango leather handbag
£140 - mango.com

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Stylish Stairs: Patterned

As I talked about in last week's post, stairs are a very visible element of many homes, and they should not be overlooked. Give your staircase a creative style update and it will instantly become a focal point in your home.

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous then simply painting your stairs, try using various stencils and paint to create a unique pattern on each "rise" (the vertical part of each stair). Paint the same pattern all the way up, or vary the pattern every couple of stairs. Use multiple colors for a richer look, or a single color to keep things a bit simpler. Not crafty enough for stenciling? Pick out one or more styles of wallpaper, cut them to the right size, and apply. This will give you a perfect detailed pattern each time.

Photo: Daisy Pink Cupcake
Photo: French By Design
Photo: Tumblr

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Stylish Stairs: Painted

In many homes a staircase can be a very visible element that offers a perfect opportunity for a bit of  creative style. Stained wood or carpeted stairs are a sure bet if you're going for a classic look, but if you're searching for a more unique way to style your stairs, you've come to the right place. Adding a splash of color to the "rise" (the vertical part of each stair) of your stairs is a fun and original way to create an instant focal point in your home. You can also decorate the "run" (the horizontal part of each stair) of your stairs, but this area may need a bit more maintenance being that it gets the most wear.

Select a paint color, or collection of colors, and paint each rise to add an eye-catching pop of color to your staircase. This will add interest while still maintaining a clean and simple look. If you're feeling adventurous, paint stripes all the way up your staircase (rise and run) for a continuous look with a very updated twist. Check out next week's post for even more stylish stair ideas.

Photo: Jonathan Adler

Photo: Country Living
Photo: HGTV

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Go to Outfit

You should always have at least one outfit style that you can put on at a moment's notice. I would say that my signature "go to" outfit always starts with a pair of dark jeans -- or as I usually refer to them, my "dressy" jeans. For me, jeans are a staple item in my wardrobe that I don't mind spending a little extra money on since I wear all the time. Top off your jeans with a crisp t-shirt and structured blazer for a comfortable yet polished look. Finish the outfit with classic leather flats, a carry-all tote, and some simple yet classic jewelry. An outfit like this is great for a lunch or dinner date, a meeting with clients (depending on your expected work attire), or just going out with friends. And don't forget, comfort is key.
Go to outfit


J Crew linen t shirt
$35 - net-a-porter.com

J Crew herringbone jacket
$200 - net-a-porter.com

Mid rise jeans
£140 - net-a-porter.com

Tory Burch leather flat
$195 - simplysoles.com

ChloƩ zippered tote bag
€1.550 - colette.fr

Michael kors jewelry
$250 - michaelkors.com

Jamie Wolf pave earrings
$2,250 - barneys.com

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Rustic Table Numbers

Weddings are all about the details. Unfortunately, table numbers are quite often a wedding detail that can easily get overlooked. With a little extra effort and a touch of creativity, a table number can instantly become a focal point. As with all event details, the style of your table numbers should compliment the rest of your decor.

The particular table numbers featured below have a uniquely rustic feel. Get this look by using wooden numbers -- these can be found at many home supply or craft stores. Leave them natural, or give them a fresh coat of paint or stain. Another fun option is to use paint and stencils on burlap to create table numbers with a rustic yet beachy feel. Frame the finished product in a simple, classic frame. Last but not least, try stamping your table numbers on oversized gift tags for a more crafty look.

Photo: Wedding Bee
Photo: Hey Gorgeous
Photo: Southern Weddings
Photo: Wedding Chicks

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Fall Floral Arrangements

If you ask me, fresh flowers are always a welcome addition in any home. 'Bringing the outside in' is a tried and true design technique that is a definite do. And with fall in full swing, it's time to get some seasonal floral arrangements into your space. Whether you're throwing a holiday party, or just want to give your home some fall style, these ideas are sure to please.

Start with a fall-inspired vase or container such as a pumpkin (real or fake), or a rustic bucket or basket. Select flowers in seasonal colors such as red, orange, yellow and cream -- don't be afraid to mix and match. If you're feeling adventurous, incorporate items such as leaves, moss, berries, and fruit for a more eclectic look. Or keep it simple with a flower-only or single-colored arrangement. Keep your finished arrangement in an easily visible place in your home, and I swear it'll brighten your day!

Photo: Eco-Beautiful Weddings
Photo: Southern Living
Photo: Stylelist Home
Photo: Style Me Pretty

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Save the Date

Save the dates are an important part of the oh-so-detailed wedding process. It's a way to share your great news with family and friends and to get your special day on their calendar. Your save the date should be a fun and creative interpretation of you and your significant other. Get the receiver excited about your special day, and give them a taste of what's to come. If you know that your wedding is going to have a certain feel, then express that through your save the date. For example, if you're planning on having a laid back outdoor wedding, then select natural colors or textures. Burlap, string, and wood are great materials that will give a classy yet natural look.

If you're having a destination wedding, choose a fun, graphic map for your save the date. Locate your wedding's location with a heart for an added personal touch.

Want to put your DIY skills to use? Create mini banners with the date of your wedding and include one as part of your save the date. Receivers will be likely to hang this cute little banner somewhere around their house -- which will keep your wedding fresh on their mind. And last but not least is surely the most unique idea yet... have your save the date information printed on a balloon. It may not last much longer than a week, but I guarantee that's long enough to make a great impression!

Photo: Oh So Beautiful Paper
Photo: Style Me Pretty
Photo: Hello Tenfold
Photo: Wedding Bee
Photo: O Wedding Days

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Pumpkins With Style

Typically I'm not usually a fan of anything with "bling" but I had to make an exception for this adorable fall decorating idea -- and just in time for Halloween! Undecorated pumpkins will always be a classically recognizable decor item for Halloween and fall, but could benefit from a bit of added personality. Carving a pumpkin is fun every once in a while, but if you ask me it's not worth the sticky mess. Instead of carving, gather a few fun crafting items to easily add a little extra style to your pumpkins. Use stick-on gems, glitter, buttons, or lace to create a custom design. Check out the inspiration below and get bling-ing!

Photo: Good Housekeeping
Photo: Gordon Gossip
Photo: Oopsey Daisy
Photo: Wild Ink Press

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Casual Weekend Outfit

Anyone who as ever gone shopping with me knows that I usually shop with one thing in mind... comfort. If something is not comfortable it'll end up sitting in my closet unworn until I reluctantly get rid of it. And by comfort I don't mean that you should be wearing sweatpants and a hoodie all the time (well sometimes, but not always!). In my opinion, for clothing to truly be comfortable, it should flatter your figure, contain as much natural material as possible, and never, ever be too tight. Your wardrobe should be something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Here's an example of my ideal, casual weekend outfit.

Casual weekend outfit


J Crew long sleeve shirt
£120 - net-a-porter.com

J Crew t shirt
$35 - net-a-porter.com

J Brand chino pants
£78 - theoutnet.com

Sperry boat shoes
$50 - sperrytopsider.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs leather tote
£470 - matchesfashion.com

Rag Bone straw fedora
$125 - net-a-porter.com