Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas, Dear Friends!


It's been awfully quiet around here - and for that apologize.  But it's Christmas!  And I've been able to partake in lots of festive activities and really enjoy the season.  There are some years that Christmas comes and goes so quickly, it feels like there wasn't enough time to really embrace the holidays.  I'm happy to say that hasn't been the case this year - and between decorating, baking, and spending time with friends and family, my heart is full of Christmas cheer.  Here is hoping yours is too and that your holidays are wonderful!



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Friday, December 14, 2012

What Darling Books!

Being a bibliophile, and complete lover of all things whimsical, I nearly lost it when I discovered Olympia Le Tan's charming line of book inspired handbags.  They are just so sweet and quirky, they're the type of bag I'd expect Zooey Deschanel to be carrying.  Although far out of my price range, I can't help but lust - just a tad - over these sweet little clutches. 



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Monday, December 3, 2012

Princess Shoes

Back in college I had a pair of gold ballet flats.  They were lightweight, comfortable, and dainty in the way that makes ballet flats so appealing.

One day when I was wearing these particular shoes, the little boy I was babysitting came up to me with a very serious look on his face.  He leaned in close (probably so his older brother wouldn't hear) and asked me if I was a princess.   A bit confused and ultimately delighted, I surpressed my giggles and looked at him with equal sincerity and inquired, "Why do you ask that?"    He pointed to my shoes and said, "Those are golden princess shoes."

And he was right.  Ballet flats are pretty enough for a princess to wear, and the ones that truly resemble ballet slippers have this feminine quality that is so chic and easy.  I've recently fallen in love with Yosi Samra's ballet flats and am thinking it's time I get a new pair of golden shoes.









Shop the look here.


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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Hot Toddies

Last week I was sick.  The kind of sick where it's an effort to move from the bed to the couch, and several days were spent in a cocoon of blankets and pillows drifting in and out of sleep.  When my throat was sore and I couldn't stop coughing, I decided it was time for a hot toddy.  When I was little my parents would make them for me - and drinking them now leaves me feeling instantly comforted.  Of course, back then they were mostly lemon and honey (and just enough brandy to make it easy to fall asleep).   I've enjoyed several of these in the past week and have tweaked the recipe to a fine perfection.  I've substituted whiskey for the brandy, added a cinnamon stick and a few cloves and am certain this will be a drink I'll be enjoying all winter.

Here is how I make mine...

- 3/4 cup of green tea
- 1 shot brandy or whiskey
- Juice of a quarter to a half of a lemon (depending on size)
- Honey to sweeten (I use around a spoonful)
- A cinnamon stick to stir
- A few whole cloves

PS, how cute is this idea for a winter party? 

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Crazy Cat Lady

I'll admit it.  I have a thing for kitties.  There's something about their cuddliness and purrs that tugs right at my hear strings.  The problem with really liking cats?  The title of Crazy Cat Lady.  It's a term that conjures up images of a trailer filled with twenty cats and a lady who only wears fuzzy pink robes and eats frozen tv dinners while watching bad soap operas.

Eww.

I've recently decided to ignore that term and really put my love for kittens out there.  I'm starting small, in tiny details.  And this fair isle sweater from J. Crew has just enough feline appeal that I can't help but love it..





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Monday, November 19, 2012

My Crush on Ernest

"I didn't want to kiss you goodbye, that was the trouble; I wanted to kiss you goodnight.  And there's a lot of difference."  
Ernest Hemingway


I just finished reading Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck.  It was one of those novels that got me thinking.  Daydreaming.  It's been a while since a book has had that effect on me and I really did fall in love a little bit with Hemingway's character.  He was brash and arrogant - but in the way that women can't resist.  I'm now beyond eager to read "The Old Man and the Sea" so that I can get a better idea of who Hemingway actually was - he has been said to put a lot of himself and those he knew into his characters.   






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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Lana and her Manicure

I've been faithful to the slightly square/slightly rounded shape of nails for years now.  And I'm over it.   I'm loving the pointed manicure trend - a look that is slightly retro, very edgy and ultimately sexy.   Lana Del Rey rocks it best with funky tips, and extra length.   It might not be the most practical of styles, but I'm working on growing out my nails to try it.









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Thursday, November 8, 2012

A Glass of White

Last night I had the opportunity to meet up with many of Des Moines' fashion bloggers thanks to a wonderful event hosted by Samantha and Katelyn.  The event was held at Aimee, a darling little boutique in the East Village, and it was so fun talking fashion and sipping champagne with some fellow fashion lovers.  I'll be posting more on this tomorrow!

But to tie you over, I had to share this amazing campaign featured in Centrefold magazine starring Kate Moss.  Something about her lounging around with a glass of white is really speaking to me - nights in have been few and far between and I'm dying for an evening with nothing to do.  Have the early nights and cooler weather sent you into nesting mode?








Images via Fashion Gone Rogue.

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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

A Winter Dress

Maxi skirts and dresses are one of my favorite things to wear.  They add a touch of glamour and elegance to everyday outfits, and you can find me living in them in the summer months.  However, when winter rolls around, they generally go into hibernation.  But this year I'm determined to keep my favorite floor-grazing frocks in heavy rotation.  Below are some inspirational looks and some trends I'm dying to try.

Winterizing Your Maxi 

  • The most important thing is proportions!  Take a look at yourself in the mirror and make sure there isn't too much going on.  Define your waist so you don't look like you're swimming in a sea of fabric.
  • Layers are key.  Throw on a button down over your favorite maxi, then a leather jacket.  Play around with it!
  • Mix materials.  Pair a chunky wool knit with your airy, chiffon skirt and finish it off with tall riding boots.  The more contrast the better. 
  • Invest in a simple long sleeve maxi that can simply be worn with tights and booties.  Afterall, it's the ease of a maxi dress that makes it so great!  I really want this dress and know I would wear it all the time!








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