I heart S/S 2010

Maybe it's because I've seen a 25-year record snow in Kansas this winter.  Maybe it's because for the first time in my life I've experienced highs of 0 degrees.  Or, maybe it's because I'm ready for a change of wardrobe.  Regardless of the reason I can't seem to keep my mind off wearing some of the new Spring trends.  I love the Silk Bow Sandal (pictured above) from Vionnet.  It incorporates one of the season's hottest trends - prints - and I get to show off my painted toe nails again!

Currently Browsing: Layered Necklaces

Erickson Beamon White Lies Necklace

Long, layered chain necklaces (or at least the look of) were all over the place this past fall.  And, despite getting all geared up for S/S 2010 (cuffs and bangles are gonna be huge!), I must admit that I am still in love.  The look is an uber chic and easy way to dress up an outfit, whether you're going to the office or running errands in jeans and a tee over the weekend.  Here are a few goodies that I've been eyeing. 

Simply Vera Vera Wang Tone Pearl Multistrand Necklace at Kohl's

Banana Republic Lorenz Necklace

Simply Vera Vera Wang Jet-Tone Crystal Floral Necklace at Kohl's

Banana Republic Fiesta Necklace

Tuleste Market Layered Ball and Chain

DIY: Painted Furniture

Image: Pottery Barn

Every now and then, I get a project on the brain and I just can't seem to shake it loose.  So, I do the only thing I know how to do: I Google said project, study up on the best recommended process and then, I go do it!  This week, my project is going to involve painting furniture.  You see, I have noticed that most of the rooms in our house tend to be a little lop-sided.  We have one side table in our living room, one side table in our bedroom, one filing cabinet in our office to the right of our computer desk, and one side table in our guest bedroom (notice the trend yet?).  Well, the lop-sidedness in at least one room of this house will cease to exist after this week.  I found an old side table in our basement the other day that I had resisted putting upstairs because of its visible wear and tear.  However, with just a few coats of paint, I'm sure this side table will join the rest of our living space quite nicely.  I'll post the end results after I'm done, but for now here's a little of my Googling inspiration.

I love this media stand!

Paint pens... what a great idea!

Image: Pottery Barn

I'm from the South... I will always be a fan of monogramming

Image: Pottery Barn

I love the combination of the light blue color of

this chest with the slightly darker color lining the edges

I'm pretty sure lampshades are considered accents, not furniture,

but I still like the look of these painted lampshades. 

I think I feel a new project coming on...

And, while I'm at it...

Yes! I'll take this closet please! I'm sure you can easily spot what I love most about this room :)

Success!

hat, Payless sample; coat, Kohl's $18 (originally $180); skirt, Old Navy $6;

cardigan and t-shirt, Old Navy $15 & $5; tights, Target $7; Boots, Dolce Vita from Nordstrom's $90 

Lately, I haven't felt like I had much success in the shopping department.  But, I can successfully say that my drought ended today.  Although not what I thought I was going out to find, I am very satisfied with the end result (and, gasp - no shoes were purchased!).  You see, originally I thought I would spend the day vintaging (a term coined by my BFF and I in reference to "thrifting"), but after our usual Saturday afternoon lunch his parting words with me were, "wait, don't go today and we'll go together later!"  So in order to honor his request I decided to forgoe a day vintaging and instead hit up some other favs - TJ Maxx and Kohl's.  The jacket I'm wearing in the picture is probably the purchase I'm most proud of.  Remember me browsing these wools coats?  Well, my browsing days are over as I found exactly what I was looking for and at an excellent price!  I call that success, indeed!

Currently Browsing: Vintage

I have never considered myself a brand-infatuated person.  Instead I like to shop styles that attract my attention and flatter my shape.  If the item just happens to be made by a designer that is fine, too - I certainly don't discriminate. However, one thing I have found is that brand name does not necessarily equal quality.  Vintage items (designer or otherwise) are often times just as good a quality if not better that some current day name brands.  Plus, let's face it, styles come and go, so you can rest assured that every fashion (even circa 1984) will rear its head again.  Here are a few of the styles I'm browsing this weekend, but they will be vintage (of course!).

Brown Oxford Shoes

Steve Madden Tuxxedo $49.95 (plus free shipping with this code)

These vintage oxfords are awesome!  Finding these cuties

(darn not having a smaller foot!) last month has left me wanting a pair so bad!

These are going to have to go on my wish list because they are simply

way out of my price range.  I will say that while the price is steep,

the quality truly is magnificent.  I've recently been introduced to Ferragamo (thanks Glenda!)

and when I can afford it, I will be purchasing some shoes from this Italian designer. 

More on this later...

High-waisted Tulip Skirt

The price of this skirt from Forever 21 is unbelieveable!

It's only $9.99 and the pleating is exactly what I'm looking for!

Prints are huge for this spring.  I love the colors on this one from Urban Outfitters

You really can't beat Forever 21 when it comes to prices.

This skirt is also a good image of what I'm looking for and even at the

higher end of their price range, $19.80, it's still within my budget!

Again with florals!  I'd feel a little bit closer

to spring in this skirt from UO.  On sale: $29.99

Tapered Pants

These are great, and an oustanding price - $14.99!

Forever 21 never dissappoints.

Urban Outfitters made this great pair that would be perfect for work.

Okay, that is enough for this evening.  I'm off to bed so that I can get up early and scout out some treasures.  Have a happy Saturday!

I love you more.... than shoes

Maybe it has to do with Valentine's Day being right around the corner, but I've had love on the mind lately. While we all know that I love shoes, my love goes way deeper than that.


As I mentioned yesterday, the hubbie and I took a trip over the weekend and I returned home to a less than pleasant surprise. Without being too graphic, I will just say that my favorite pair of Uggs were used as a temporary pit stop by our cat, Tiger. Now this is something I don't mention much on the blog, but I love animals. Three of them - 2 dogs and 1 cat - keep our household more than slightly entertained. However, upon arriving home I was not amused to find one of my favorite pairs of shoes ruined. But, let's face it, shit happens (literally) and the people (or animals) that you love will still be around to love you back. Second, how can you be mad at this face for more than two seconds...? I mean, really?

So, I'm over the Ugg incident. Tiger still loves me and I love him right back.

Speaking of unconditional love, the hubbie and I have been happily (um... most of the time), married for 4 months as of yesterday. And contrary to what he might believe, my love for him goes far deeper than any Manolo Blahnik I might find. So, here's to 4 months + many more, babe!

Winter Blues... & Pinks... & Yellows...

I am in love with these leather wrap bracelets from Nordstroms. They make me think of Spring…

 

::sigh:: Oh, how I long for you, Spring.

Unfortunately, Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow today, so it looks like I get to enjoy another 6 weeks of winter. I guess that means that in order to make it through, I should buy this bracelet in every color :)

"The Hostest with the Mostest"

Wow! What a week we've had!  My apologies, dear readers, for leaving you in the dark on why my absence of posts.  Cory and I made an escape last Wednesday evening for the Baltimore/DC area.  We spent three wonderful nights and two days with Cory's aunt and uncle.  I will try to get a few pictures posted before too long.  Unfortunately, I did not take many as it was very cold, so the time that we did spend sightseeing my hands were planted firmly in the pockets of my fleece coat.  Nonetheless, it was a wonderful trip and we couldn't have enjoyed it more. 

Thank you, Ron and Glenda, for having us and for being such great hosts!