Le Monde Matériel

OMG…

2010-04-03T10:50:00.001-07:00

…I want this office! This might be the first time I have slightly wished to be a member of the Kardashian Clan.

via CasaSugar

Dear Easter Bunny

2010-03-31T10:30:00.001-07:00

…yes, please!

Thread Social Khaki Canvas Skirt with Melon Grosgrain Stripe

Kate Spade Jubilee Stripe Piper Skirt

Thread Social Grey Knit Dress with Grey Striped Cotton Ruffle

Lulu's Queen of Spades Skirt

Anthropologie Leading Role Dress

Only Gold

2010-02-16T12:52:00.001-08:00

I was just glancing over my current list of coveted items… and I noticed a common thread among the majority of them. GOLD.

A lot of people find gold really tacky, but I will forever be a fan. When done properly, gold takes glamour to a level where silver or platinum could never go.

Michael Kors ‘Jet Set’ Chronograph Watch

Horchow Hammered Flatware Service

Kate Spade Moon River Bow Ring

Anthropologie Bit-Of-Sun Bikini

What is your take on gold? Tacky or timeless?

Sunday Morning: Storytelling Shots

2010-01-17T06:51:00.001-08:00

This morning I was checking out Kate Harrison's photography on her website and noticed something different about a lot of her engagement photographs. They seem to actually tell a story, or reveal something about the couple, but still look like a really amazing portrait.

Check them out for yourself! …I especially love the last two.

Would you like pictures like this? Or go for more traditional portraits?

Le Chambre

2010-01-13T18:41:00.001-08:00

As my departure date for France is getting closer and closer, I am getting so curious about what where I’ll be living will look like! I already know that my apartment is in the historic area of town, close to (or right above) all the shops, restaurants, and bars. Rumor also has it that there’s a piano in my bedroom – sweet!

To quell the curiosity a bit, I’ve been looking at bedrooms on Marie Claire Maison. If you haven’t already been browsing this website, you should! It’s easy enough to navigate around even if you don’t speak French, and the pictures are so great to look at!

Which bedroom would you choose to live in? I don’t think I could decide!

Lookbook Love

2010-01-13T12:14:00.001-08:00

1, 2, 3

Up, Up, and Away

2010-01-13T07:23:00.001-08:00

It’s 32º here in North Carolina, and has been cold for wayyyy too long! As I’m sitting here in fuzzy sweatpants with a hat on my head, I can’t help but swoon over the pictures from Brazil posted on Garance Doré and the Satorialist.

So sunny and colorful, not to mention sexy… makes me wish I was there!

On that note, however, I should tell you that I’m about to set off on an adventure of my own. I’m headed to Montpellier, France on January 18th for the next few months. I’m sooo excited – and I think it’s going to be a great thing for my blogging, too! I’m still trying to figure out how I want to balance this blog, and my travel blog, ich bin blair. Until now, I used this blog for shopping and design, and my travel blog for, well – travel. But it seems to me like when you’re living in France, everything becomes tangled up. My travels will open doors to new worlds of fashion, design, and just beauty in general… so we’ll see how that affects my blogs!

Stay tuned! : )

Hot off the Press

2010-01-04T11:45:00.001-08:00

Wish this sunny apartment from the January Anthropologie catalog were mine!

It’s so casual, yet elegant at the same time. Definitely sophisticated.

What does January have you wishing for?

More Anna Spiro

2009-08-24T17:47:00.001-07:00

Like I said in an earlier post, after seeing the inside of Anna Spiro’s home on Coco+Kelly, I had to see more. Well, here it is… straight from Anna’s blog!

in Anna’s shop

I love the trellis design above. As you might see in the coming days, I went a little crazy with it in my own room before I even realized!

more of Anna’s home

a client’s home

Amazing Interior Style

2009-08-17T11:45:00.001-07:00

Here are picture’s from Vogue Living Australia of Anna Spiro's home via Coco+Kelly. This style is so right on with what I love that I had to share these pictures right away. My only complaint is that I want to see more!

What do you think?

As Summer Fades into Fall…

2009-08-16T10:46:00.001-07:00

I’ve been hiding out here:

While I’m somewhere where it seems like summer will never end, the fall catalogs and look books are not waiting for the leaves to change:

Hello, July

2009-07-03T12:28:00.001-07:00

Michael Kors Ads

$15 Skirt to Brighten Your Wardrobe

2009-06-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

Check out this skirt from Kmart! I love the color and design.... not to mention the price!

Attention Pencil Pocket Leaf Design Skirt, $15

Turquoise Room Inspirations

2009-06-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

The most recent post at Hidden in France almost made me squeal out loud here at my desk. The blog that Corine pointed out, House of Turqouise, is completely decorated to... you guessed it - the color turquoise! Here are a few images that I'm saving for my own personal inspiration as I piece together a room with a color scheme inspired by a dresser that I painted a beautiful color somewhere between turqoise and aqua.

After looking at these pictures and the rest in my folder of inspiration for the room, I've realized there are a few things that I gravitate towards:

turquoise
chandeliers
a light, airy feeling that isn't bare or sparse
gold accents
ornate details mixed with some modern elements
geometric patterns like greek key, lattice, stripes, and quatrefoils
travel inspired details like maps, globes, and souvenirs

Are there any certain things that immediately draw you to a room or picture?

Summer Steals

2009-06-23T19:22:00.001-07:00

If this Liz Claiborne dress didn't look so eerily similar to the ruffle-front Ann Taylor shirt-dress I'm wearing today, I would snap it up in a jiffy. Alas, I'm passing on this $20.99 treasure to you guys.

And for $20.99... you've got a little left over to pick up a few other steals from the sale! Like these bangles for $9.99, or the peony-print cardigan for $29.99.

And finally, if you're in need of cardigans (who can't use another cardigan?!), there are crewneck and belted ones in tons of different colors for just $14.99 and $19.99 a pop.

New Spring Dresses at Ruche

2009-04-06T10:24:00.001-07:00

I know I’ve been M.I.A. lately, and I probably will be until the end of the semester, but I had to share these three beautiful dresses that just appeared on the Ruche website! I especially love the Victorian Teapot dress.

victorian teapot dress, $38.99

mango lassi silk tank dress, $45.99

yellow canary flutter dress, $39.99

Colors and Ruffles and Bows, oh my! Spring Ruffle and Bow Dresses for Any Budget

2009-03-25T13:34:00.001-07:00

So, by now most of you probably know that I can’t resist anything with a bow or a ruffle. It’s a weakness. Today, I am honoring that weakness with 12 fun and (for the most part) affordable dresses. Enjoy!

flash cotton dress, $168.00 Mambo Sleeve Open Back Dress, $54.00 otto dress, $168.00

As U Wish Bow Back Dress, $78 Apostrophe Ruffle Wrap Dress, $34.99 As U Wish Strapless Taffeta Dress, $72

Ruby Rox Bow Front Tank Dress, $29.90 Kitten Two Tone Dress, $42.50 As U Wish Bow Dress, $68

Pleated Strapless Dress, $59.00 R&K Originals Crinkle Bubble Gold Bow, $29.99 Esley Debutante Dress, $47.00

Money Tree Monday

2009-03-23T11:42:00.001-07:00

Chloé top, Kassandra jeans, Pedro Garcia pumps, Kate Spade clutch, Roberto Coin bangle

Library Love

2009-03-22T08:35:00.001-07:00

Please excuse my recent silence… I’ve been spending most of my time in places like this (only not quite so beautiful)…

pictures from curious expeditions

SimplyVera for Kohl’s Spring 2009

2009-03-20T18:07:00.001-07:00

Here’s a look at Vera Wang’s spring line for Kohl’s! What do you think? I really love how Vera’s style is reflected in these more causal and definitely more affordable clothes!

What do you think? Like it or leave it?

Hello, H&M Spring!

2009-03-19T20:27:00.001-07:00

pictures from fabsugar

Carolina Blue

2009-03-19T11:04:00.001-07:00

Well, guess who I’ve slated as the NCAA tournament winner? …UNC, just like a certain President! Go Tarheels!

Not only are we the #1 team in the country, we have pretty darn beautiful school colors, if you ask me!

Coast Bubble dress,TopShop clutch, Maine Cottage chair,
mytheresa dress, Hayden-Harnett swimsuit, Cynthia Vincent sandals

If I were a bride…

2009-03-19T05:52:00.001-07:00

Somehow I just accidentally stumbled into the wedding section of J. Crew… and before I could turn my heel and get back to my friend, the Frenchie Slicker, I saw it. The one. MY DRESS!! Someone, somewhere, got my life stages mixed up and designed me a wedding dress. How funny!

What Started the Cupcake Craze

2009-03-18T15:45:00.001-07:00

This post is a response to Ana B.’s at on dressing up, which asked the question, “where did this cupcake obsession come from?”

Ana is right, desserts are subject to trends just like anything else. As a matter of fact, the New York Times ran an article today about the newest dessert trend, the whoopie pie, which the NYT describes as “a cake-like sandwich, or perhaps a sandwich-like cake.” Either way, the whoopie pie is rising up in the ranks of desserts, spreading out from its original home in Maine across the country.

So here’s the answer to the cupcake question:

Last fall, they [whoopies] even cracked the lineup at Magnolia Bakery in Manhattan, which helped turn cupcakes into a national craze thanks to the bakery’s exposure on “Sex and the City.”

Although whoopie pies look delicious… I just can’t see them being the next fashionable dessert like cupcakes are!

gold earrings, art print, Juicy Couture necklace, Tiffany & Co. charm

What do you think? Are whoopie pies the next cupcake?

Photos from the NYT, YouTube, flickr, and flickr.

Bed of Flowers

2009-03-18T11:01:00.001-07:00

Mrs. B at She’s Star Crossed posted a few days ago about this beautiful bed and breakfast in the Netherlands. What a find! I just had to share some of the pictures.

The Perfect Spring Dress [if I owned a money tree]

2009-03-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

See by Chloé dress, Halston clutch, Miu Miu sandals

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

2009-03-17T13:24:00.001-07:00

net-a-porter.com, my-wardrobe.com, swarovski.com, piperlime.com, heavenlyhostess.com, sephora.com, mainecottage.com, adorevintage.com, zappos.com, chanel.com

Ruche Spring Update!

2009-03-17T11:48:00.001-07:00

Ruche has finally put up their spring lookbook, and it’s beautiful!

Although it doesn’t really feature any new items, there are a few new beauties, like the sailing stripes button dress,

the blue baguio festival dress,

and, my personal favorite, the pink hostas empire tank top!

Bright and Sunny Spaces

2009-03-16T13:08:00.001-07:00

It has been cloudy and rainy here all weekend and shouldn’t let up until tomorrow afternoon. It’s making me wish I was somewhere like this…

Pictures from here, here, here and here.

Mall Report: Numerous Neutrals

2009-03-16T08:01:00.001-07:00

So, I spent 4 hours in the mall yesterday… I scored a few really great deals. I really hit the department stores hard, and didn’t spend much time in smaller stores. I’m thinking that’s the ticket if you can handle the scrounging.

I bought this Nine West bag for $30 from Macy’s, although I can’t find it on their website now. It’s filling the spot of the messenger bag that' I’ve been wanting and looking for forever now:

I got a pair of a.n.a. skinny jeans from JC Penny for $21. So far, so good! I really like the fit and the style.

I also saw an I ♥ Ronson terry-like blazer on sale for $30, but can’t find it anywhere online. It’s worth checking out in the store, as well as the Allen B Boyfriend jacket, which has a really nice fit and was on sale for $50. I’m not sure I’m really a fan of the plaid lining that shows when you roll up the sleeves, though. I think I’m still on a a quest for a perfect boyfriend blazer without any sort of lining on the inside.

I also bought this apostrophe top from Sear’s. I’m glad I tried it on, because they run a little small. The colors also look different from how they are displayed on the website. I got the fossil color, but it’s really a lot lighter and more brownish than it looks online. I love the way it fits and feels, though.

I also spotted these shoes from Aerosoles: Splurge and Gin Rummy. I don’t know about the rest of you guys, but if a shoe is even halfway cute, a heel, and COMFORTABLE, I’m sold. As the sales lady told me, and as I wholeheartedly agree after trying them on, you could stand in these shoes all day long! I hope Aerosoles continues to include even more cute shoes in their collections.

I think I squealed out loud when I saw the Apostrophe 3 in 1 topper mentioned in this post in the color pink. However, after I felt ridiculous fooling with all the voluminous fabric, buttons and bows in the store, I decided that it wasn’t the spring coat for me. I also realized that I could never get the bow to be as pretty as they have it in the picture. Someone could pull it off, but I think the smirk on the lady windexing the jewelry case answered the question for me.

Finally, although I didn’t see this skirt since we don’t have an Anthropologie (YET!), I am in love:

Fab Finds from JC Penny

2009-03-15T10:11:00.001-07:00

I’ve scoured the JC Penny website so you don’t have too! Here are my picks:

Jones Wear Sunflower Print Sundress, Original ~~$80.00~~; Now $59.99

Nicole Miller Mod Print Wrap Dress, Original ~~$80.00~~; Now $59.99

American Living Tiered Mock-Wrap Dress, From $82.50 To $84.00

Worthington Ruffle-Front Blouse, $30

Worthington Ruffle Blouse, Original ~~$30.00~~; Now $17.99

Worthington Ruffle Bib Blouse, From $17.99 To $19.99

Worthington Pleated Front Blouse, From $17.99 To $19.99

DonnKenny Two-Pocket Skirt, From $12.99 To $14.99 – I was iffy about this, and after I had already saved the picture I saw the second picture on Kansas Couture and thought I should definitely include it.

St. John's Bay Print Skirt, $21.99

a.n.a Trapunto Pocket Short, Original ~~$30.00~~; Now $19.99

a.n.a Boyfriend Jacket, From $29.99 To $39.99

Decree Messenger, Original ~~$52.00~~; Now $39.99 – this is one that I’d want to see in person before I buy, but I’ve been looking for the perfect brown messenger bag, and I really like the way this looks across the body

Hollie Tufted Headboards, From $249.00 To $299.00 – a tufted headboard for under $300… score!

Enter the code TULIP at checkout for free shipping on orders over $69 from now until Monday the 16th!

Happy Birthday, Barbie

2009-03-13T17:32:00.001-07:00

Jonathan Adler’s interior decoration in the Barbie Dream House for her 50th birthday party.

Pictures from HWM.

Cake Couture: Abigail Lorick’s Spring 2009 Collection

2009-03-13T10:41:00.001-07:00

Abigail Lorick’s clothes may be best known for their role in Gossip Girl as Eleanor Waldorf’s clothes line, but there is a lot more to Abigail Lorick than her Gossip Girl stint. Just check out the pictures from her Spring 2009 Fashion Presentation:

The lovely Abigail Lorick herself.

So rich and playful… and decadent! I love it. Photos from here.

And my favorite looks from her Spring 2009 collection online…

Heather Cameron’s Beautiful Greenhouse

2009-03-12T20:04:00.001-07:00

With spring drawing near, outdoor spaces have really been on my mind. Ever since I read Tom’s Midnight Garden in elementary school, I have dreamt of a garden of my own… Naturally, when I saw belle maison’s post about this article at Country Living, I had to check it out.

The article is about a greenhouse that the lucky Heather Cameron’s fiancé built for her as a wedding present. He turned an old potting shed into a space which she proceeded to decorate beautifully. It is AMAZING.

Can’t you just imagine having a retreat like this… to go to with a glass of iced tea and a good book? It would be perfect!

A little more investigation into this stylish and crafty lady led me to her website, where I found pictures of beautiful and inspirational interiors that she styled for Canadian Home & Country.

I ♥... Felix Rey, and Felix Rey coming to Target

2009-03-12T12:02:00.001-07:00

So, I am possibly behind on the news, but I got reeeeallly excited when I opened up the inside cover of the April Lucky and saw the Target ad for Felix Rey. Felix Rey has the best uniquely feminine designs! I love almost every bag, clutch, even key chain, in the collection, but it’s definitely out of my budget at this point in my life.Here are some of my faves from the shop:

However, Design for All has come to the rescue once again, and is bringing Felix Rey designs into Target stores at much lower prices. Although I love some of the designs for Target, I wish they were more like the satin-y bags and clutches from the collection! Here are a few sneak peeks:

Along the same design lines… here two shoes from the the Miss Trish of Capri line coming to Target on April 5th that I have my eye on…

What do you think? Beautiful? Too themed? Exciting? Disappointing?

All preview pictures from nitro:licious.

What I’ve been up to today…

2009-03-11T14:50:00.001-07:00

Today, when not painting an antique chest of drawers a beautiful turquoise color (pictures to come soon!), I’ve been updating my other blog, my neglected travel blog.

picture from Flickr

I posted an Ode to the Old Well, as well as a very belated account of my trip to the inauguration, replete with pictures and video taken by yours truly. Go check them both out!

Happy Wednesday!

The Impeccable Style of Deborah Lloyd

2009-03-10T16:32:00.001-07:00

I really enjoyed the Harper’s Bazar article about Deborah Lloyd, the new creative director for Kate Spade. I couldn’t find the article online, so I scanned the pictures of Deborah in her Brooklyn home to share!

I LOVE it all! I would love to see more pictures from inside her home. I can’t wait to see what she churns out at Kate Spade, especially in the apparel department. Here are my favorites from the current collection…

Stores Like Anthrpologie Series: Apostrophe

2009-03-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

The next store like Anthropologie is actually a line from a store I would have never expected. In late February, I took a shortcut into a mall that took me through Sears. Low and behold, this shirt caught my eye. It was on sale for $16!

So, the Apostrophe line at Sears has some very reasonably priced pieces with floral prints, bright colors, and great details. There are, however, quite a few pieces that could have been left out. The funny thing is, the Apostrophe logo even sort of looks like Anthropologie’s. Coincidence? …that’s up to you to decide.

Here are a few of my favorites... all of the newer stuff is on sale until March 14th, while the older stuff that’s marked down a little more is only priced until March 12th, so don’t waste any time! : )

Waveland Park Trench, $34.99 – I love the ruffled sleeves!

Floral Print Ruffle Blouse, $19.99 – this is the one that I bought in black. LOVE IT under a cardigan!

Solid Placket Shirt, $17.99 – a great basic to buy at such an affordable price!

Novelty Neckline Top, $14.99 – what great details! I really wish this came in more colors

Ruffle Collar Shirt, $8.99

Plaid Cape Topper, $8.99 – for $8.99, why not give it a try?

Ruffle Front Jacket, $39.99

3-in-1 topper, $60 – the only full price item, but this is TO DIE FOR!!!

Belted Tulip Skirt, $13.19

Ruffle Wrap Dress, $34.99 – it doesn’t get much more simple and sophisticated

What are your favorites?

I ♥...

2009-03-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

This sandal:

This mirror:

This dress:

These shoes:

This skirt:

Inexpensive Spring Skirts! ... from Walmart?

2009-03-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

So... I was in Walmart yesterday to pick up a few things before a family event, and this skirt caught my eye. I can't remember the last time I bought clothes at Walmart, but I think I'll be popping into the clothes section occasionally from now on! Now... I'm definitely not guaranteeing that these articles of clothing will last for season after season, but I will say that the ones that I saw in the store definitely didn't scream "Walmart purchase!", and for under $20 for everything, why not?

So... here is the skirt that I bought. It actually looks cuter in the store than in this picture. I bought the khaki-colored one, but I'm thinking of exchanging it for the navy....what do you think?

I also saw this dress, which I don't really think is amazing enough to just wear by itself, but could definitely look cute under a light jacket or sweater.

I only saw this skirt and this jacket online, but I think I might keep an eye out for them...

Have any of you ever found a gem at Walmart?

The Darjeeling Limited - Movie Inspiration #2

2009-03-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

So, I picked The Darjeeling Limited for today's movie. Unfortunately, I've discovered that there are not a whole lot of pictures online from the movie. This may be appropriate, though, because nothing could come close to actually seeing the the movie for yourself. It has a look and feel unlike any other movies. I would describe it as dusty couture with rich colors, patterns, and textures.

Did you know that Wes Anderson (the director) teamed up with Marc Jacobs to create the style for the movie? I thought that was pretty awesome. This article from the New York Observer says this:

In addition to creating courier sacks, trunks, suit bags and valises for the film, Mr. Jacobs outfitted the three Whitman brothers. Drawing from a palette of soft earth tones, pale pastels and a broad range of gray, he bedecked the trio in a more-or-less uniform fashion. In their oxford shirts, pajama tops and bespoke suits, they were dressed a lot like Mr. Anderson himself.

Here are some pictures that I was able to find, and a few screen shots I took from the trailer and YouTube clips. I definitely encourage you to watch the movie if you haven't already seen it... these pictures are nothing compared to what's to be found in the movie.

Here are some Darjeeling-esque pieces...

Orange Bindi
Purple Pearl Lotus Tealight Holder
Kenneth Jay Lane Tiger Cuff
Embroidered Shoes
Round Leather Suitcase
Elephant Tea Cup with Infuser
Flat Leather Sandal
Jeu d'esprit Teapot
Vintage Christian Dior Sunglasses
Coach messenger Bag

Stores like Anthropologie Series: Ruche

2009-03-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

Today's store, Ruche is an online-only boutique based out of California is described as "a modern women's boutique with a vintage touch." The best thing? "RUCHE believes that you don't have to empty out your pocketbooks to look good." Sounds good to me! Here are a few of my favorites:

plaid tuxedo tube dress, $38.99
beige chiffon sunday dress , $39.99
Pink Studio "Frances" wedge pump, $75.00
pepinnery bib denim shirtdress, $58.99
Pink Studio "Winnie" peep toe flats in red, $68.00
oversized long cream cardigan, $39.99
black cape mockneck coat, $27.99

silk sheer bow charcoal blouse, $44.99
spring picnic ruffle bib tank, $27.99
sky high organic cardigan, $44.99
red braided shoulder bag, $36.99
swaying magenta bird hoop earrings, $12.99
victorian green jewels, $7.99
black drawstring chain tote, $36.99
bubblegum weave turquoise shirt, $26.99
cadette gray high waist bow tie skirt, $32.99
aqua scoop neck cutout tunic, $12.99

Tracy Feith for Target

2009-03-05T10:38:00.001-08:00

There is a lot of buzz right now about the new Alexander McQueen line at Target. I have to admit, however, that I'm not the biggest fan. It's just not my style! Here's a picture of the line from CollegeFashion:

On the other hand, I'm reallly excited for the May 17th launch of Tracy Feith's line at Target. His "hippie-luxe" line looks promising... I really love the prints - if not necessarily the shapes - of that are in this Bust Magazine preview.

Here's Michelle Obama in a Tracy Feith dress at the prayer service the day after the Inauguration!

Speaking of First Lady Fashion... here's a post from Jenna's Ruffled Hem about Michelle's awesome clothes. I really love the second dress with the ruffles on the neckline:

Does anybody know who designed it?

Help... Camera Advice!

2009-03-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, I need some help on this one! I recently (and unwillingly) bid my most recent camera goodbye, so now I'm looking for the perfect one to carry me (with any luck) through the next few years. Thus, I'm looking for a camera that takes GREAT PICTURES and is TRAVEL FRIENDLY, since I like to keep my camera with me at almost all times and will be in Europe next spring.

So... I'm considering the Cannon PowerShot SD880 IS, mainly because of what I read on cnet. However, I'm totally open to suggestions. Has anyone used the SD880?

I've also considered the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50, but I'm wondering if it might be too bulky.

Basically, I'm looking to spend at or under $300, and I'd like not necessarily a "pocket" camera, but definitely a medium-large bag/tote camera.

Any advice? Opinions? Personal experience?

Let them Have Fashion! - Movie Inspiration #1

2009-03-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

Marie Antoinette. If you haven't seen it you should, and if you already have... you should watch it again, and this time just sit back take in the constant stream of rich visual inspiration! Everything is beautiful: the dresses, the hair, the food!, the backgrounds...The soundtrack isn't half bad, either! I just realized that the costume designer who won the Oscar for Marie Antoinette, Milena Canonero, also did the costumes for The Darjeeling Limited, which also happens to be on my list of visually rich movies.

And some inspired pieces...

Elizabeth Ring
Antoinette Cameo Ring
Pink Cameo Necklace
Gold Shoes with Black Bow Cameos
Floral Buckled Shoes
Jenny Han Ruffle Shirt Dress
Juicy Couture Puff Earrings
Louis XV & XVI Writing Desk
Tasse à café Marie-Antoinette
Antoinette Fan Earrings

What are your movie inspirations?

Good vs. Evil

2009-03-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of good vs. evil battles going on between these two shoes: white versus black, practical flat versus dangerously high heel, and night versus day. The prices of both, however, fall cleanly onto the good side of below $70.

Forever21 Floral Peep Toe Pumps $20.08
Chinese Laundry Sudoku Sandals $69.00

Which one is your favorite?

A dream is a wish your heart makes

2009-03-03T19:30:00.001-08:00

For some reason, when I should have been working on a paper about 1968 graffiti in Paris and Prague or studying for my French exam, I started looking up Disney songs on YouTube. It reminded me a) how catchy the songs are, b) what great messages they have, and c) that the movies like Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast are actually very visually rich. In fact, the dress right below would fit (almost) perfectly into my post about bows!

Here are some of my favorites...

A dream is a wish your heart makes - Cinderella
Be our guest - Beauty and the Beast
Never had a friend like me - Aladdin
Under the sea - The Little Mermaid
Hakuna Matata - The Lion King
The Bare Necessities - The Jungle Book

Rejoice! Anthropologie is coming to Durham!

2009-03-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Ikea in Charlotte... now Anthropologie soon to be in Durham... what's next, Bluefly in my backyard?! Lookin' good, North Carolina! And hey, to all you people from bigger cities out there... don't snicker! I grew up in a town where we drove TWO HOURS to come to Raleigh and go to stores like Macy's and Gap... so this is definitely making it big time!

Anway, although I had heard a while back that Anthropologie was coming to the triangle, and then to Durham, a friend of mine texted me today and said, "Anthropologie is coming to Southpoint!!" thus reigniting my excitement all over again. While I was reading up about Anthropolgie's plans to open up shop, I came across a reference to a store at Cameron Village in Raleigh called fab'rik. Heralded as the dream-come-true of "budget consious fashionistas" (I am definitely at least the former!), fab'rik was described as "a mix of Anthropologie and H&M -- an unassuming, comfortable shopping environment with trendy, affordable clothes."

A little snooping on their website reveals that fab'rik is based in Atlanta, with four stores in Georgia, one in Raleigh, one in Richmond, and one in Austin, TX. Hmm... I'm going to have to check it out for myself next time I have time to pop over to Raleigh for shopping purposes.

In the meantime... this has prompted me to want to start two new ongoing themes of posts. 1) Unique places to shop in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Raleigh, and Durham; and 2) stores and websites similar to Anthropologie with lower prices. So, be looking out for those in the future! And share your own finds... any Anthropologie-esque brands or stores out there? Awesome little shops in the Triangle? Let me know!

Madonna on the cover of March's W Magazine

2009-03-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

...nice, Madonna. One word for this woman: timeless.

Click here for pictures from the Blame it on Rio shoot.

I ♥...

2009-03-03T07:11:00.001-08:00

...Bella Foster's Art

Beaux Bows

2009-03-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

Bows are one of those things that makes me immediately give something in a store a second look. Here are some of my faves...

Banana Republic Cotton Tie Neck Blouse

Anthropologie Picturesque Racerback
WinkNYC Leather Wrap Belt
Refinery 29 In Got We Trust Bow Cuff Bracelet
Anthropologie Take A Bow Jacket
Zac Posen Oversized Bow Dress (if only!!)
Viv and Ingrid Bow Outline Posts
WinkNYC Leather Wrap Belt
J. Crew Silk Gala Clutch
MisselFridge Black Bow Platform Shoe
Silverlining11 Silk Brass Bow Necklace

Ruffles at coco+kelley

2009-03-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

Cassandra at coco+kelley happens to have blogged about one of my favorite things in the world today... ruffles.
Click here to see the post at coco+kelley.

Shopping the MoMA Sale

2009-02-28T14:08:00.001-08:00

I could spend hours and hours in the Museum of Modern Art, but I could spend DAYS in the store! Luckily, the sale is pretty stacked right now. Here are just a few finds:

Wood Frame - 3x5 $7.95
Cupcake Canisters - small $10.95 // large $26.95
Wheat Beer Glass - set of two $22.95 (For the true Bavarian.)
Matisse: The Red Studio Poster - $18.95
2d:3d Letter Holder - $14.95
Wooden Memo Board - $44.95
Berlin Bookmarks - $4.95
Tina Modotti Note Cards - 10 cards $5.99
Flower Pen - $3.95
Flip-Top Flower Brooch - $14.95
Chocolat De Rose Patisserie Ring - $37.95

Travel Accessories: affordable, essential, compact -- and cute!

2009-02-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

International Converter Adapter Kit
Essential!

Digital Luggage Scale
This would prevent last minute problems of pulling stuff out of your suitcase in the baggage check line.

Airborne - Lemon Lime
Traveling with a cold is definitely no fun.

Laundry Clothes Line
Air dry anywhere!

Travel Toilet Paper
Better safe than sorry!

Curling Iron Cover
This is extremely useful if your curling iron is a mandatory travel companion (like mine!).

Fanny Pack
just kidding!

Moleskine Citybook
Available for almost every major city. A really great way to get to know the city, and then keep track of your favorite places.
Otterbox
Totally worth it if you're traveling with expensive and valuable electronics.

Luggage Tag
This saves a lot of sillyness at baggage claim... plus, it's cute!

Toile Passport Cover
Preserve your passport!

Mini Padlock
Assures hands off... probably better for in hotels and hostels than actually going through the airport.

Voltage Converter
Another essential for high wattage appliances like hair dryers, curlers, and straighteners.

Nest

2009-02-27T16:31:00.001-08:00

"Nest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries. The mission of Nest is to support women artists and artisans in the developing world by helping them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses. To do this, Nest provides micro-credit loans to be used for the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to begin and/or maintain art or craft-based businesses."

Here are just a few of my favorite products from Nest...

Vintage Celluloid Coral Button Ring
Ribbon of Flowers Pillow
Black Velvet Bauble Bracelet
13th and W NW Art Print (DC!)
Merci notecard set of 6
Iznik Button
Tealights
Gold Round Locket Bracelet