Designer Spotlight: Francesca Romana Diana

I adore Francesca Romana Diana's Ipanema Bangles

The design was inspired by the above mosaic pattern on the Ipanema Beachwalk in Rio de Janeiro (where Francesca currently resides). 

If your not afraid to make a statement then these bangles are for you. I first discovered Francesca Romana Diana in a boutique a few summers ago in Greenwhich, CT. I adored these bangles but after just hitting up a sale at Tory Burch I knew I could not buy anything else! 

Luckily, the bracelet made its way back to me when my brother and sister came up HUGE that Christmas. They gave me the design pictured above, except my bracelet is black and white. I find myself wearing it all the time (usually paying no heed to whether it matches my outfit or is appropriate for the season). I never pack a bag without it, and I wanted to share Francesca's amazing accessories.

To purchase visit here

Also call your local National Jean Company store. I know they carry the bangles in the CT store.

L.C.'s Look

LC's Look by chic geek featuring David Yurman jewelry

When I flew home for Thanksgiving my little sister picked me up from the aiport wearing the above look. Relaxed yet stylish she paired high end with low. The flannel she wore was actually an old shirt of my brothers. Her little Minnetonka moccasins look so comfy! If you see me rocking this look you know exactly where my inspiration came from.

Here are a few other Minnetonka booties I love!

Bamboozled!

Exposed at Work!

Before I started this blog I did not as readily admit my love for fashion and interior design. This is because I was totally embarrassed by it! Here's the back story. We have a new Head of Lower School this year. In an opening meeting he passed out a "get to know you" type sheet where you listed your interests etc. I took this at face value and put down "I played lacrosse in college and I love fashion and interior design". Totally safe right? Wrong. Little did I know the intention was to take this information and use it to create a morning trivia game (get to know your teacher type thing) to be displayed on the lobby TV to all the children. Now, had I known this I would have had a better game plan. I would have listed my interests to be more along the lines of "Reading historical novels inbetween my time spent at local soup kitchens and tutoring at-risk youth". But no, instead I come off looking shallow and materialistic. I might as well have said that I really like "shiny things". Brutal.

Gold Rush Candles

Add Sparkle to Your Holiday!

If you are like me, whenever you think of glitter you are bombarded with horrible visions of Mariah Carey and her painful attempts to act. But let's try to move past that for a moment. These natural handrolled beeswax glittered candles are one of my favorite holiday accessories. I always give my Mother Gold Rush candles for the season. They add a playful yet elegant look to your tablescape. The candles are by California Fleurish Inc. and come in 27 different colors! Many boutiques carry the line. I generally pick mine up at Maribou Gifts before I head back to Connecticut. They are advertised as having a slight honey wax fragrance, however, I can't smell it. I am allergic to most scents and find myself in awkward social situations all the time. I'm never sure if I should risk offending the host/hostess by asking them to remove the candle, or try to blow out the putrid scented candles when others are not looking? Generally my sneezing tips people off. These candles don't bother me at all. I highly recommend them.

Designer Spotlight: Rebecca Minkoff

Rebecca Minkoff Has Brought Her A Game to the World of Handbags

At 28 years of age Rebecca Minkoff has had serious impact on the world of fashion with her designer line of handbags. Her entree into the game came when she was asked by Jenna Elfman to create a bag for her next movie. Consequently, the Morning After bag was born and quickly became a cult favorite! I have lusted over the MAB forever, but for some reason it just does not look right on me. Not to worry, Rebecca has come out with oodles of amazing bags to choose from over the years. Her design style is so fresh and unique. I truly envy her creative talent. From classic to edgy she has the market cornered.

Now, Rebeccas's awesome and all, but let us not lose sight of what this blog is really about: me. I teach, make little to no money, rent an apartment, workout sporadically, and frequent dive bars in stellar ensembles. So seriously, watch out Rebecca. I'm hot on your trail and on my way to the top! Oh, I'm also a year younger than you.

Her photographs are always gorgeous! I could frame her adds!

Become a "Minkette". Follow Rebecca's Blog

I finally settled on the clutch (pictured above on the left with the strap attached).

I love that there is a removable strap, it provides so much versatility!

Prices can get a bit steep. Why not look for her bags on Ebay? Just be sure to ask the seller questions and only bid if you are comfortable that it is indeed a RMB!

Santa?

Courtney Barnes Chair

I have made a promise to myself that I will not buy anything until Christmas unless it is a gift for someone else.  Naturally, this makes me yearn even more for this print sold on Annechoivie.  I recently admitted my obsession with Imperial Trellis. I am sure it is no surprise that I am in LOVE with the above print. It is by Anne Harwell, and was formerly featured on the Domino website.  Check out the beautiful collection of prints and cards on Annechovie's Etsy Shop.

Aprons for Thanksgiving!

I am not the best cook in the world, but that doesn't mean I can't "look" like I know what I'm doing.  Anthroplogie is always a sure bet for fun, whimsical aprons.  

I am loving the vintage feel of these aprons! The full skirt looks so "Betty Draper". They are by Decorative Instincts and are handmade in Chicago. Decorative Instincts specializes in fashion-forward accessories and can be found on Etsy.com

     

*Note the Imperial Trellis walpaper in the background of the pics! More to come later on my obsession with Kelly Wearstler!

For a more traditional looking apron check out Williams-Sanoma

Not Exactly off the Registry...

I love giving the perfect gift and often try to come up with something thoughtful. One of my best friends asked me to be in her wedding last fall and I was ecstatic! I knew exactly what I wanted to do for her wedding present. My plan was to create a keepsake from the big day. I love to needlepoint and thought it would be exciting for her to have something with her new monogram on it. I made a needlepoint inset for a pillow that matched the color scheme of the wedding. Then, I took my bridesmaid dress and used the fabric to create a pillow. I chose a trim that matched, then I sent everything off to be finished. Insetting needlepoint into a pillow is very difficult. It is usually best left to the professionals. Any local needlepoint shop will have people they use for these types of projects.

I was so excited with the finished product and loved being able to present a tangible memory from the big day to my friend.

Seeing Orange!

I simply adore this rug! I randomly saw a picture of it in an MLS listing my friend forwarded to me. She knows I love design and this particular listing was exciting because it was the home of a local interior designer. I swooned when I saw this rug used in a nursery! I figured it was a major designer find and I would never see it again (let alone be able to afford it)! You can imagine my surprise when I stumbled across it at IKEA! Priced at $299 it is totally affordable. I love the round shape and can imagine it in a room paired with sky blue walls and crisp white furniture. Sadly, my apartment is a one bedroom and I have nowhere to put it. Would it be totally crazy to buy it and store it away until I have the space? Regardless, I love IKEA.
I try to mix high end pieces with affordable ones in my interior design efforts (the same principle holds true for my wardrobe). IKEA is a great place for well priced finds. Before my big move to Baltimore I was there all the time! My brother finally had enough and told me he was going to "IKEA himself" if he ever had to go back there again! He does have a point. The store is an absolute labyrinth. Once inside, you're committed. It's harder to find an exit in an IKEA than in a Casino! So ladies, perhaps leave the boys at home for your browsing trips.

P.S. This rug reminds me of my orange baroque salad plates from Poettery Barn! Don't they just scream autumn?!

Ribbons Please!

I love entertaining, especially when it is something simple like drinks with your girlfriends. One of my favorite things to do is tie ribbons to the stems of wine glasses. Not only does it girl up the occasion but it also serves a purpose! No one will misplace their wine or get confused as to which one is theirs when you have these cute bows! I love using different ribbons and guessing which glass my friends will choose. More often than not I am spot on! Some of my girls wouldn't be caught dead with a pink ribbon! They are sweet to indulge me. Thanks ladies, and I'm looking forward to Saturday ;)

P.S. I also love the idea of using ribbons to honor the season or tone of your party. I really want to use red and green polka dot and striped ribbons for the holiday season!

Instant Art!

Being single and living on a budget lends itself to appreciating fine art not buying it!  I wanted a pop of color on my kitchen wall and I needed it cheap so I took it upon myself to create the above painting.  I am not an artist so I kept it simple, going with clean lines and a geometric look.  I didn't exactly want the piece to look like an imitation (think Rothko) so I decided on a simple "box" pattern.  All of my materials were purchased at a local Michaels for a great price.  I used blue painters tape to measure out my rectangles, and selected colors that would complement the room. I had a happy accident when I decided to streak the brown paint with the brush I was using. It created a wood grain effect that I really like.  As you can see below, the process was pretty painless. I left the tape on for a bit then peeled it off before the paint was dry to reveal the clean, white lines. All that was left was to hang the "art" and enjoy. 

Obsessed!

I am dying over these amazing pillows by Fabricadabra. All of their pillows are gorgeous, but I am especially drawn to the ikat pillow covers. Each is priced at $40 but you also need to order your insert. Currently, kapok inserts are the only option. However, organic cotton inserts are on the way. I am allergic to feathers and love finding non-allergenic products.

As much as I ADORE these pilllows, I wanted to search for a bargain. I went to Etsy to see if I could find anything reminiscent. I ended up deciding on the pillows below. They totally fill my need for color and fun. Also the price was right! I purchased four amazing 12 inch pillows made from fabric by Michelle Engel Bencsko. All four together came to $55.00! What do you think? I can't wait for them to arrive!

To Blog or Not to Blog?

Image via decor pad

Hmm...blogging. Being technologically savvy has never really been "my thing". However, forced to learn how to navigate this new terrain by creating a blog at work, it seems it may be time for me to try this whole thing out for myself.

Having grown up in Connecticut I certainly have preppy roots. Nevertheless, I feel that my style has evolved and become more dynamic over the years. I no longer feel limited to seersucker, ribbon belts, damask and toile. Don't get me wrong I still love these things but there is just so much more out there!

I hope to use this blog as a bit of a creative release. Highlighting things I love and lust for, as well as the progression and evolution of my own design and style preferences.

xoxo

C